1st day of school!

She's been waiting for this day for oh, so long! An hour and a half of painting, coloring, playing, laughing, singing, learning, & reading...what more could a {almost} 5 year old ask for?

This is her second year attending this preschool since she misses the deadline for kindergarten by just two weeks. But I guess that just gives me one more year of keeping her my baby. It's probably a good thing since I get teary eyed reading other moms blogs about sending their babies off to kindergarten. Why is it that as moms it is so hard to let go and see our babies grow up?

So for now she will still be my little day time buddy. I just need to remember to take advantage of every precious moment I have with her. Like Moms that have older kids always say, you blink and they are all grown up. (Let's just hope it doesn't happen quite that fast)

Tag I'm it...

Growing up as a child I was well experienced in the ways of tag. But for me it was more along the lines of kissing tag. Although this is definitely no kissing tag, it shall be just as fun none the less. Just think of the excitement...me, filling your heads with loads of useless & mind numbing information about my exciting life. I will see what I can do about crazy-ing it up for you. I can tell you are filled with anticipation. So without further adou I give you a small glimpse into my life; (maybe through reading it you'll find out why I turned out the way I am. If you figure this out please let me know)

4 Jobs I've had:
1. Payless Shoe source
*hey, I'm not too proud to admit I worked there. I made some great memories. Like once I got hit on by a 35 year old man and I was only 18...yep, those were the days of being hit on by pedifiles... {{{{sigh}}}}
2. Famous Footwear
*This would be considered an upgrade in the shoe industry. Again, lots of good memories. Like being hit on the first day at work by my boss who was 10 years older for me (how else do you think I got the job?). And heading off for St. George with my friend Jeri and calling in to tell them I couldn't go to work that day cause I was 300 miles a way. AHH, those were the days.
3. Nanny
*The little girl I nannied was crazy. We were driving once and she just started yelling, "stop hitting me...you're hitting me!". Ya...I know, weird. Then her head started to spin and she had projectile vomit...crazy, I know, but true story. (Teri if you're reading this I just want you to know what a sweet child you have. That whole exorcist thing...that's just a joke. Thanks for placing your trust in me to care for your angelic child. It was the best year of my life)
4. The Little Gym
*You never knew how multi-talented I was. Not only can I sell shoes and take care of possessed children, but I can also teach kids to do cartwheels and somersaults.
5. Dance
*I know this was only supposed to be 4 but since I've only had 5 jobs my whole life I couldn't leave this one out. I taught dance through all my other job experiences. My sister and I had a little singing and dancing company....awww how sweet.

4 Movies I Could Watch Over and Over:
I must first state that I do not like to watch movies more than once. I get way too bored. Maybe it's ADD, I'm not quite sure. I have managed however to think of a few.
1. First Knight
2. Notebook
*there's a few good scenes worth watching over and over...and over. (wink, wink, nudge, nudge)
3. Finding Nemo
*I have watched this movie at least a hundred times (give or take 1 or 2). You know it's bad when the movies on in the other room and you're doing the dishes and you start quoting the whole movie word for word (...swimming, swimming, just keep swimming...)
4. Transformers
*there's more than meets the eye. Seriously guys, I have no idea what I would watch again. I kind of pulled this one out of no where.

4 of My Favorite Movies:
I don't know if I can do another movie one. I'm going to change this one one. How about...

4 of my favorite catch phrases (I can tell...you're excited for this one)
1. "...Any hooters"
*This phrase is usually used to change a subject or end a conversation. It's very effective..., any hooters... (see how nice the transition was?)
2. "A whole lotta nothin'"
*again, another great phrase. This one is used when asked, "hey ginnie, what have you been up to?" my response, "a whole lotta nothin'..." it flows quite nicely, wouldn't you agree.
3. "...uh, uh, no you di'int"
*you need to read it with a little bit more attitude. This phrase is used in association with people or myself telling stories of how others have wronged them. Example; this is me telling a story to another person about the days happenings (based on a true story): "I was at Wal-mart standing in line and a lady cut in front of me and I was like (here it goes, are you ready)...uh, uh, no you di'int!". To get the full effect one hand must be placed on your hip while the other hand has one finger waving in the air and your head must be cocked to one side and then quickly moved to the other. It's great, you should try it some time.
4. "...for rizzo" interpretation (for real)
*this phrase was introduced to me from a former dental student wife. I have tried cutting back on the usage of this word since it annoys even me...for rizzo.

4 Favorite TV Shows:
We only get the local networks. I know...I'm so deprived. I will be setting up a fund where you can donate to the "6 channels just isn't enough fund". With your donations you can give some one in need (me) cable like most normal people. I accept all major credit cards and checks can be written directly to me. Now on with the list...
1. Grey's Anatomy
2. Lost
3. House
4. The Office

4 Favorite Reality TV Shows:
1. So You Think You Can Dance (dance, dance..)
2. American Idol
3. America's next top model
*Hey don't knock it. Modeling is really hard stuff.
4. Extreme make-over home edition

4 of My Favorite Places I Have Been:
There are sooo many more than 4, but if I have to choose...
1. Israel
2. Peru (machu-picchu and the amazon...all of it AMAZING)
*You don't know what humidity it is until you've been there..hot stuff!
3. Egypt
4. Utah
*I miss the mountains. It's "the place" after all.

4 Favorite Foods:
1. French toast
2. Cafe rio'
*I've said it once, I'll say it again. Pork burrito enchilada style, black beans, mild sauce, hold the peco and add diced tomatoes. Oh ya, and throw in a diet coke
3. I real Philly Cheese steak
4. Shrimp and chicken bang bang from Cheese Cake Factory....mmmmm!

4 Websites I Check Daily:
I'm rarely on the computer. But in that rare occasion that I do get on (I hope you can sense the sarcasm), here is what I check...
1. blogger
2. hotmail
3. My family
4. Craigslist
Sorry, I have to add a 5th
5. Two peas in a bucket

4 Hobbies:
1. Photography
*We have already covered this in my last post
2. Scrap booking
*Except I haven't done it for like year...I guess that means I better stop taking pictures.
3. Working out
*I know I'm a little odd, but I love it.
4. Hanging out with my friends in the courtyard (I can't think of anything else)
*Let me tell you, it can get pretty crazy when you've been sitting outside doing completely nothing and talking with friends all day...good times to be had by all.

4 Friends I Would Like to Tag:
1. Jenny
*you rock!
2. Allison
*you rock as well!
3. Janae
*And of course you rock...you're related to me!
4. Amy
*Same goes for you sweetheart. If you're related to me...well, you know the rest.

As if one blog wasn't enough...

Well, I have found a new hobby besides blogging and watching TV...It's photography and I absolutely love it! So I've started another blog just for my pictures. To get to my photog-blog CLICK HERE. I'd love to hear what you think! Merilee, one of my good friends, has also started a photo-blog with me. If you want to check hers out CLICK HERE.

I was just playing around with the kids and took this picture. I love looking at their little knocked knees and toesies...It makes me smile :)

You look a little constipated...

So we took Kaleb to the doctor yesterday. What was her diagnosis? Constipation. Yep,...nothing a good BM can't fix. If only all of our problems could be fixed that easy (with a good BM). Some of you would be problem free at the same time every day, while others of who aren't so regular wouldn't be quite as fortunate.

A while back Kaleb had this same problem, the doctor had us go get an abdominal X-ray. It showed that Kaleb was really backed up, so this isn't an uncommon problem for him. Apparently, living on chicken nuggets, grilled cheese sandwiches, and pancakes won't keep you regular. The boy needs some roughage. But the only way he would eat a green vegetable would be dipped in chocolate, sprinkled with sugar, and deep fried and even then I doubt he would eat it.

So what ends up happening is Kaleb gets constipated which starts a chain reaction. It backs up his whole system causing his acid reflux to act up and be more severe. (poor kid)

Like I said before... it's nothing a good BM (and a laxative) can't fix.

*And any idea's out there to get the boy to eat his veggies?

Hows the day? (edited to add)

*for the brownie recipe click on "these killer, to die for, better than lovin' brownies" it will take you to the link. Click with care

Well, I'm glad you asked. I'm feeling very blah-ish today. Why?... Well it might have something to do with my total lack of last nights sleep. Kaleb complained all day yesterday that his tummy hurt. In fact it hurt so bad he was doubled up in pain. It breaks my little mommy heart to see him like that. Especially when he tells me that it hurts in his chest (which means his acid reflux is bothering him which is a whole other story in itself). He'll say to me, "mommy, my stomach is coming up". Oh, what can I do? Nothing, so I feel slightly helpless. So I was up with him every hour or so last night because he wasn't feeling the best.

To say the least, this has been a very unproductive day full of...well...nothing. So what do I plan to do with my rest of my evening?...again, nothing. Except I do plan on eating rocky road ice cream out of the carton with a fork (not spoon. Not sure why. Ice cream just taste better out of the carton with a fork) and I have the best of intentions of making THESE KILLER, TO DIE FOR, BETTER THAN LOVIN' BROWNIES!!! Seriously, I kid you not. My friend Emily gave me this recipe and I am forever in her debt. These are the best brownies you will ever taste in your life. I offer this kind warning only as a friend. Once you get a taste of this brownie goodness you will crave it at least 3-5 times a week. So make sure you keep all ingredients on hand in case of emergency.

*these brownies are even better if you put them in the fridge

No hair today...still no hair tomorrow

Contrary to what you may think, here is photographic evidence that Macie does in fact have hair. It is true that in her poor little year and a half existence she has not been blessed with a lot of hair. But, what she lacks in hair growth, she makes up for in looks and personality. And no, I'm not to blame for her hair-do...that would be her Dad's doing. Let's just say it's a good thing that Nate doesn't do the kids hair.

Our family room (formerly known as my bedroom)

I was thinking the other day (I know...this could get dangerous). Nate and I have been married for 6 1/2 blissful years. And in those 6 1/2 blissful years Nate and I have only slept together in a kid free room for only about 1 year and a 1/2 of our married life. WHAT! I know that's crazy, but that is the sad truth. I'm not sure who to feel worse for, me and Nate or the kid who has to sleep in our room.

We pretty much have only had a two room apartment since we've had kids. Abrie slept in our room until she was 1 year (I know that's kind of old) and then Kaleb was born. Abrie then graduated from our bedroom to her own and then Kaleb (the poor child) got stuck with us. And then came along Macie, and so the cycle goes.

Why, you ask, don't we put all the kids together? Partly for convenience and partly for my sanity. I can picture it now. Me, sound asleep in bed dreaming of a 5 bedroom house with 3 bathrooms, a dishwasher and a working washer and Dryer. Only to be awakened at 6:00 in the morning to loud screaming and chaos. I would run into the bedroom where the 3 kids were supposed to be sleeping but instead find that Kaleb has climbed into Macie's crib and has decided to launch a full on attack against Abrie who was peacefully sleeping. Abrie starts throwing any object in arms reach at Kaleb, while Kaleb uses Macie as a human body shield to protect him from the wrath of Abrie. That scenario is very probable, in fact...that was probably sugar coating it. Yes, my dear friends, I'm am afraid that could very well be the outcome of moving the 3 kids into a bedroom together.

So for now, Nate and I will not be having any more kids and we will just have to enjoy the time we get to spend with our kids in our bedroom for at least another 9 months. (lets just hope it's a fast 9 months)

Bugs, slugs & other creepy crawlies

I took the kids on a walk yesterday just to get out of the house.

Well, it turned into a bug hunt instead.

Whatever keeps them entertained is fine by me.

Aren't girls supposed to be afraid of bugs?The kids even named their bugs. Meet sluggy...
and wormy.

The kids promised they would take good care of their new found pets if they could bring them home. "Mom, we will feed them and give them water and give them a good home". I pulled the old, "but kids, how do you think their family would feel if you took them away from their home?"...worked like a charm.

It's going to take more than a village...

NOTE TO READERS:This post is rated PG-13 for usage of the word hell. If this offends you please stop reading now. (I guess Nate won't be reading this one)

You would think with as much as I talk about Kaleb that he is an only child. Well...here we go again.

So lately I have been venturing out of my house with the three kids to go to the grocery store, which is a huge feat for me. Before now I would avoid going with the kids at ALL costs, even if that meant going at 11:00 at night (or just letting Nate go in my stead. I know...that was a sacrifice I was willing to make because I do love grocery shopping more life itself). Before going, I give myself a little pep talk, "Who's the mom?...I'm the mom! Who's in charge?...I'm in charge!...What's that? I can't hear you...I'M IN CHARGE at least I think I am", you know the usual. Doesn't everybody do that?

And we're off to the grocery store. We grab our cart, you know the ones with the massive car attached to the front where the kids can sit and they are so ridiculously big that when you back up there should be a beeper signaling people to get out of the way or else. And they're so clunky that there should be a "Caution: wide load coming through" sign on it. Yep that's the one we get....every time. This time my kids picked out a winner, I got the cart with the one wheel that seemed to have a mind of it's own. No matter which way you try to turn the cart this "one wheel" would go in the opposite direction (kind of like a certain child of mine). Not only did it have a mind of it's own but it made the loudest rattling noise announcing our presence to everyone in the store (as if I needed something else thing to draw attention to myself).

The list is small so I'm thinking we can totally make it in and out of the store with no casualties...Sadly today, this was not the case.

We started out great. Aisle 1-4 went as smooth as can be with the kids playing nicely with each other, while pleasant laughter filled our cart. Aisle 5-8 started getting a little shaky. The kids started to playfully tease each other and when people would walk by they would pretend to make unpleasant bodily function noises as they would pass. Aisle 9-10 the playful teasing had turned into a full on brawl complete with hair pulling and punching. We never made to aisle 11- 13 because by that time Kaleb had entered into complete melt down phase, where life itself seemed to be over...Oh, the pain, the agony of having to sit in in a cart for a half hour. If there was a hell, this had to be it.

You know the mothers that you pass in the store that have child throwing a massive tantrum and you look at them thinking either, I'm glad that's not me or learn to control your child. Well, I had become that mother that you see all too often in the store with the out of control child.

I quickly made my way to the register where I patiently waited my turn in line not knowing whether or not I should
A. Pretend to not hear my screaming child
B. Lash out in anger and make a scene
C. Perform and exorcism..."demons be gone!"
or
D. Make an announcement over the speaker apologizing for my child's behavior
I chose A, the less aggressive route.

While standing in line, both the cashier and the bagger were commenting, "boy some one's not happy"..."I think some one needs a nap", I quietly said to myself, "someone needs more then a nap...and he's going to get it!". Then from behind me a hear a booming voice, "YOUNG MAN...YOUNG MAN...don't you talk like that to you mother. You need to stop it!"Usually, I think I would be bothered by someone else trying to discipline my child, but this time, this old man's attempts were welcomed. In fact, I thought to myself, who else wants a shot at it. Apparently what I was doing didn't seem to be very effective. And believe it or not, Kaleb actually calmed down a little bit...at least to point where I could hear what the cashier was saying.

Well, not even a week later we made a quick run to Wal-mart (you would think I've learned my lesson by now) and again, a very similar situation occurred. Kaleb got in trouble for trying steal. So I put him in the cart for a little time out. He began screaming and jumping making a huge scene, when again, I hear another voice. This one not so loud but a little bit more stern, "NO, YOU DON'T DO THAT! you need to sit down right now." She repeated herself over and over until Kaleb stopped. I turn around to see a sweet old lady getting after Kaleb. Again, I welcomed her attempts with open arms. After Kaleb settled down I smiled at her and thanked her for her help. She smiled and patted me on the back, comfortly saying, "no problem sweetie...I use to be where you are".

It really does take a village to raise a child, unfortunately in my case, I think it might take an army.

The joys of motherhood {or the lack there of}

Oh, the joys of boys and all the mischief that comes along with it!

Today the kids were playing outside (not a very smart decision on part since it had just barely stopped raining). I gave them the usual lecture about no playing in the mud or else...

No more then 10 min. pass that I see Abrie carrying around buckets of mud. So in the house she goes for a quick wash down in the tub. After I finished up with her I went back to check on Kaleb only to find him flinging massive amounts of mud balls at our apartment building. He was having the time of his life...a boy in his true element. Well, that was until I came outside. His instincts kicked in and he quickly covered his bum and said, "mommy, mommy it was an accident!"...Yes, I've heard that one before, but on this occasion that wasn't going to work. So it was back up the stairs for kid #2's bath.

As there are with all actions there are consequences that follow. There's nothing like hard labor to teach the kid a lesson...right?

(Kaleb and some of his partners in crime)

WRONG! The idea I had to make him clean up his mess backfired. The combination of mud+water+bubbles+more mud= HEAVEN. Now he'll be throwing mud just so he can clean it up. At least he's got a good arm! The mud managed to make it to the second floor, Nate should be proud.
The aftermath of the days chaos. I needed some motivation to clean it any way, oh, and don't you just love the blue bathtub? it goes great with my blue toilet.
Now I couldn't leave out Macie in all this chaos, now could I? No...she must of been feeling left out. She managed to climb up on to the table and practice her creative art.

Some time's I wonder why I even try.

Here's is Macie caught red handed...or should I say blue handed?

At least she managed to pick out the right shade for her lips... it really brings out the color of her eyes don't you think?