White Christmas?

Last Tuesday we woke up to our first snow. School was delayed so we took advantage of the extra couple hours playing in the snow. I managed to get one photo before the camera's battery died.

Now, a week later, the sun is shining and the snow is all but gone. I'm sure the rain the last few days contributed to the lack of Christmas ambiance. With a forecast of 40 degrees today, it's sure not shaping up to be a white Christmas.

A Cameraless Holiday Weekend

We had a weekend filled with Holiday cheer and I forgot the camera.

We did a trolley ride with Santa (same one as last year), which was very cold. Bro enjoyed it but Sis had to pee the whole time and was relieved when the ride was done. We may have to see Santa again since I forgot my camera, though neither kid is real excited about that!

Then I took Sis to see The Nutcracker. She LOVED it. We had read the book twice in the week preceding the performance and I was amazed at how well she remembered every little detail. She whispered throughout the show, telling what part was next and what had been done incorrectly. She even recalled all the names. It was so fun to see the show through her eyes. How I wish we could have gone to the one her cousin is performing in!

Oh, I forgot to mention that Sis got nursemaid's elbow again Saturday morning as a result to Bro trying to pick her up by the arm. He felt terrible about the incident. I took her to the Saturday clinic where they wrenched on it and thought it might be back in but she was still complaining about it after The Nutcracker so it was another trip to the ER. That's three trips in 2009 for her! We've got our fingers crossed that it's the last!

Sneak Peak

We did our annual photos for Christmas cards this weekend.

I thought it would be fun to post the photos we won't be using.

Cheeseballs!

WHOA!
Wazzup!

All Done

It's beginning...

to look a lot like Christmas!

The tree is up. The outside lights are hung. The shopping is almost done. The baking has begun.
I don't know what it is about this year but I am sure in the Christmas spirit!

Grandpa cut Sis a tree of her own this year (spoiled!) and she decorated it with very little assistance from me while dad and Bro hung the lights outside.

Turkey Day 2009

Again, I'm late posting. It's not all my fault this time though as the computer is acting up. UGH - technology, don't you just love it?

Anyway, we were able to spend Thanksgiving this year with the VanTassell side of the family. It was a really good time. I think Bro explained the trip best when he told us what his favorite part of the trip was..."eating turkey and watching movies and cutting a Christmas tree and shooting guns and playing with cousins." Need I say more?

Despite all the fun we had I only captured one photo. At least it's a super cute one!

Thanks Grandma and Grandpa for the great memories!

The Lion King

I am so behind in posting. Sorry Mom. This one is for you!
On the 14th, we joined Papa and Granny for a weekend trip to see the broadway production of The Lion King. It was phenomenal! It completely exceeded all our expectations and managed to keep the kids enthralled even though the show didn't begin until after 8 pm.

What a fabulous trip! The only downside is that I didn't take enough photos to capture all the fun we managed to jam into those couple days. But here's what I did manage to get.

Thanks mom and dad for an unforgettable weekend.

It's Cold

We woke up to our first hard frost this morning. And my son refused to wear his heavy coat to school today.

Why?

He said (and I must emphasize that this is a direct quote) "I don't like it. It makes me look fat!"

Where did he get that? Not from me as I care way more about staying warm than I do about looking fat.

Looks like it's going to be a long winter.

Can we keep it?

During our walk Sis found this little caterpillar on the path. It was so cute and fuzzy, but in the end we decided that he would be happiest in his natural home. Actually I just didn't think he would survive our hike back to the car. I'm keeping a look out now though and walking prepared. It would be amazing to watch the caterpillar - cocoon - butterfly transformation with the kids.

Toward the end of the walk Sis came across this "cute cute cute worm". Since we we close to the car, we did keep this one. He's living in the garden.

Fall Photos

Here's photos of out annual fall leaf fun. They are from a couple weeks ago as most of the leaves now have fallen.
We were actually just going for a family walk that day and came across all these leaves. The kids were having a great time and I couldn't resist pulling the camera out.

Halloween 2009

Here's photos of Cinderella and the Pirate.

We had a busy Halloween. Friday night was the Harvest Festival at Bro's school. The kids had a great time playing games with friends. Then last night we went out with some more friends we know from Bro's school and visited all their usual stops (their relatives and close friends). So while we didn't get much door-to-door trick or treating in, we did get to visit with quite a few new friends.

The kids then sold back all the candy they don't eat to the dentist office. It was about 4 pounds and that's just half of their loot! It was a very nice Halloween.

Carving Time

Pumpkin carving is usually a task I leave for daddy but he ended up working this year so the kids and I took a stab at it alone.

The two pumpkins the kids carved were grown in our garden, making the event extra special this year. And I learned that pumpkins can turn orange and look "done" in August, yet still be in perfect condition at Halloween.

Sis wanted all circles and named her pumpkin "Happy".

For those of you not familiar with Transformers, Bro can fill you in. This is an autobot, the symbol for the good guy transforms.

I attempted a cannibal theme this year, which the kids found hilarious. I was pleased with the end result.

And here's the ghost that Bro whittled himself. Pretty impressive!

Now off to roast all those pumpkin seeds!

Happy Halloween!

Pumpkin Patch

This year's trip to the pumpkin patch started out with laughter...

But quickly turned to tears.


Sis slipped around the back of the hay slide where four lab puppies were playing. They were probably about 6 months old so Sis was just their size. Hubbie went around to fetch her after she had been out of sight just over a minute and found her pinned by the pups who were playing with her puppy style. They were yanking at her hair and jumping all over her. She ended up with this wound and had a good black eye the next day. We left immediately after this happened, without pumpkins, to get the wound properly washed.

Sis later said she was disappointed that she didn't get to pet the puppies more. I was afraid she would be fearful of dogs after the attack, but it seems no long term damage was done.

Pointless Arguing

While having lunch out with Sis I noticed a baby looking and talking to her.

"Look at the baby, Sis. I think she likes you."

To which she replied, "That baby is a boy, mama."

"Look at her pink shoes. I think she's a girl," I attempted.

"Well, I guess that BOY likes pink," was her reply.

Watch Us Dance

The Monster Mash performed VanTassell style!

Click Here

A Really Good Scream

I finally took Sis in for her 4 year old check up. Yes, I do realize her birthday was in MAY but I had to find a new doctor and when it comes to that I'm a complete slacker.

The good news is that she is still on the chart for weight. She hit about 5% last year and this year at 32 pounds she is up to 14% (fully clothed in many layers but on the chart nonetheless). Her height is 39 1/2 inches, still around 24%. And, of course, she is very bright and above average in every other area (those may not be the doctor's exact words but I know how to translate all that doctor lingo!)

The bad news...5 SHOTS!!! I made the mistake of not giving her a heads up that these were in store and when she saw the nurse come in with all those needles she screamed louder than I have ever heard a child scream. It started pre-poke and continued for many moments after the process was over. The nurse kept saying, "Wow she has a really good scream." All the way out of the office she kept shouting "I am NEVER coming back here." Though her attitude lightened some when she heard me schedule Bro's appointment for his flu shot!

By the time we got to the car all these little red marks had appeared around her eyes. Almost like little bruised from screaming so hard. Unfortunately the camera didn't capture them well.

New Look for Bro

Bro has been testing out some new hair styles.

We followed the hairspray fumes to the bathroom and found him doing a little dance in the mirror and singing "Cool hair, cool hair". What's a mother to do?

Later that night he discovered what happens when you stick a suction cup on your forehead and leave it there a while.

He sported this battle wound all week long!

The Big Time Consumer

This project was thrown on me last minute when the gal in charge fell and broke her wrist. I have been totally consumed with this for the last week and have spent everyday since Thursday at the school working on one aspect or another. Luckily I rounded up lots of volunteers so the actual painting went very quickly.


We painted the U.S. map on the little kids side of the playground and the world map on the bigger kids' side. The delight in their faces this morning made it worth it.

On the downside, the world map was tagged the first night before the sealant went on. We were able to touch it up but I worry that it won't be long before it happens again. Anyone up for an all night security guard position?

*As a result of this project and other PTA commitments I have tons of back posting to do, so I have scheduled one for everyday this week!

Parade Star

The kids and I walked with MOMS club in a parade this weekend. To be more precise, I walked the kids rode their bikes. When I signed up I didn't realize that the parade was 5 miles long and would last more than 2 hours. I'm just used to those small town parades that cover a few blocks and are over under and hour.

The kids did great. I was amazed that Sis rode her bike the entire way and Bro probably ended up riding more than double as he circled around us slowpokes! It was fun though and I'd do it again in a heartbeat. We got to see a lot of people we knew, if fact this photo of Sis is from one talented friend (thanks Eric).Hey, I said she rode the entire way. I never said she was happy about it!
-plus this was taken close to the end.

Riding the Bus without Seatbelts

Sis had a very exciting day at preschool yesterday...just not exactly in a good way.

As I dropped her off the preschool was put into a lockdown. A bank down the street had been held at gun point moments earlier and the robber was running. A couple policemen came in the school to let the staff know to keep all windows and doors locked and keep the children inside.

As I left I noticed that the school was surrounded by several officers and the streets were closed off. I called hubbie concerned. He assured me that she was safe there. So I came home to stay updated on the happenings. It turned out that the gunman was thought to be hidding in the orchard which butts up to the back of the church Sis attends preschool at.

About 2 hours later I got a call that they were evaucating all the kids and moving them via city bus to another church. Frazzled, I rushed to the church to pick up my child who greeted me with a smile and exclaimed, "Mommy, I rode on a bus and we didn't even wear seat belts!" (That's exactly what Bro said on his first bus ride also.)

I found out later that five SWAT team members had arrived at the preschool to escort the kids out. One even rode over with them on the bus. We have a friend who's husband is a cop and I saw his photo on the internet related to this story later that afternoon. When I asked sis if her friend's daddy was one of the "cool army men" that had helped them on the bus she replied "No, mommy, that army man was really nice."!!!

That Time Again

It's fundraising time for Bro's school. There's tons of fun products to check out.

The website is:
www.gafundraising.com

Enter the school pin 978890 & put in Bro's name and you're all set!

THANKS FOR YOUR HELP!!

One Last Night "Camping"

The kids got in one last night of sleeping under the stars for this summer. Actually they slept with daddy on the trampoline last night (I happily slept inside by myself). They had a perfect night for it- nice, clear and warm with no wind. We had a great time star gazing and chatting before the kids went to sleep. The makings of fun memories!

The downside is that they were awake EARLY this morning...thus they are asleep for the night and it's not even 7:30. Unheard of for my kids!

First Day of Preschool

Little Sis had her first day of preschool today. Well, it was more of a trial run as it was only an hour long and the parents were scheduled to stay today. But she did great and can't wait to go back.
The first few minutes she played by herself but felt very comfortable in the room as she had already visited it twice. Then she wanted me to play with her for a bit and was slightly clingy. I was just beginning to worry when long behold she discovered the DRESS UP CLOTHES!!! There is nothing better for little sis then a good game of dress up. Needless to say she spent the remainder of the hour changing clothes and running to the full length mirror to admire herself. She even found another little girl willing to play.

When it was time to leave we were the last ones in the room. Sis went up to tell her teachers goodbye and just couldn't stop talking. "On Friday I'm going to roll the dough into a big ball, and make a cat, and dress up and roll little balls, and..."

Love Books?

There's a very cool giveaway going on a Reading for Sanity.

Take a moment to check it out. Who knows maybe you'll be the proud owner of a new book!

First Day

Bro's first day of second grade was today. SECOND GRADE!! How fast time flies!

I once read a quote that said something about a day of mothering sometimes seems so long, yet the years fly by in a heartbeat. How true this seems today. It feels like only yesterday I was watching this little guy learn how to walk, a blink of an eye and he is 4 with his tool vest on playing in the front yard, another blink and it's his first day of Kindergarten and now today I'm leaving him in second grade. Wow.

Despite a poor start to the day, (we all over slept and I awoke with only 20 minutes to get ready. Luckily Bro was already up and almost dressed. "Why didn't you wake me?," I asked. "Because I was going to get dressed and surprise you," he replied. What a sweet kid.), Bro's first day of school went well. His favorite part...the teacher reads a little to them after each recess. His least favorite part...he claims there wasn't one. "Actually it was all good, mom," he tells me.

I, however, had a terrible time with it this year. Second grade is so much more serious than first. The kids went right to work, no wandering the classroom, no photo opts with mom. It was so hard to leave. Having to do a little work at the school myself, I found myself walking by his classroom several times to peak at him. He was doing great each time. Maybe, just maybe, I will survive second grade! Home sure seems quite without him.

More Smiles

Big Bro was attempting to fool his dad tonight over a game of checkers.

Daddy asked him to do "Cabbage, Cabbage, Cabbage".

(I'm sure that those of you outside of my loopy family have no idea what this means but it's a little trick we use to tell if one is being honest. The accused is supposed to hold out his thumb and say cabbage three times without smiling.)

To this request Bro replied, "Hold on. I have to cool off my smile first."

As the story was relayed later that evening Bro started giggling.

Sis stated seriously, "There goes his laughing temper again."

Dinner Table Tidbits

Giggle, Giggle, Giggle

"Bro, what's so funny?"

More uncontrollable laughter.

Finally, a deep breathe.

Followed by a smiling boy saying, "I'm sorry. Sometimes I just can't control my giggle temper."

That didn't hurt

I had the night planned out. After gymnastics we were headed to the grocery store where we were to buy a few dinner items as well as some ice cream bars for the kids. The plan was that after a quick dinner we would run back up to the school where mommy would finish some work and the kids would get to eat their ice cream bars on the playground.

It never goes as planned.

The kids started acting up in the grocery store, running around and actually trying to climb things. Sis pulled the final straw when she refused to move. I promptly made my way to the checkout stand without the ice cream. Bro is in tears when we get to the car. As we drive away I explain that if they can not behave we can not follow our original plan.

Bro is sobbing.

Sis looks at him and replies "That's okay. Ms. W (Bro's teacher from last year) gave us candy in her classroom today so I don't need ice cream anyway. It would have just gave me a tummy-ache."

Here's the moment I do a double take as I believe I have just seen my little sister sitting in the pink car seat in the back of my Jeep.

I'm sure I received the wrong child. This one was meant as a pay back to my sister!

A Wild Saturday Night

The kids left the sliding door wide open tonight. Almost 20 minutes had passed before we caught this error. By then our house was covered with fruit flies, which are rampant around here this time of year. We have had them in the past and they are very hard to get rid of, especially since they take up residence in the kitchen where we most definitely do not want to use pesticides.

But we found a new solution, and I must admit it is a good time (that is as much fun as you can have exterminating the house!). Our secret.... my old blow dryer.

So we chased the fruit flies around the house pointing the back end of the hair dryer at the tiny insects. They are then sucked into the dryer and promptly fried up by the hot element inside. I couldn't help giggling a little as I took my revenge on these pests, regardless of the gross fried flies stuck to the screen of the dryer. That's okay as this dryer is officially no longer a beauty aid. It has now been designated as a weapon.

Feeling sorry for the little guys? Well take a look at how gross they are, (granted this is a greatly magnified photo. I myself had no idea these creatures were so hideous before this post.)


So what did you do on Saturday night?

We went fruit fly hunting. Beat that!

This week's sob story

It has been a sad few days in our home. Our dryer died late Saturday night. It will still turns on and heats but the drum no longer tumbles. The fact the dryer was purchased brand new only two years ago has me fuming. It is that M****G brand that advertises it's repair men never have anything to do as their appliances work so well. Yet we have had multiple problems with both the dryer and washer. Maybe I should sue for false advertising!

I have been hanging our clothes outside all week. Bro is terribly embarrassed to have his undies fluttering around on the line in the breeze. I feel like I should be donning a long prairie dress, bonnet and apron. I keep thinking I am really glad that I was born in this century as I don't think I would last long without modern day appliances.

I was sure that I could fix it so I did a little research on the Internet and pulled the dryer all apart. I went to the appliance store and picked up a new belt which I installed all by myself. I was feeling a little smug as I plugged our reassembled dryer back in. Then I opened the door and realized the interior light wasn't turning on. I rearranged some wires and now the light turns on...when you close the door. Oh and the dryer will also start only with the door wide open. To make matters worse, it still does not tumble.

So much for the home-based appliance repair business I had dreams of opening.

Did she know I was listening?

I was doing the dishes when I heard Little Sis talking to her brother.

"I think mama is the bestest mom in the whole wide world," she said.

Aahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

Suddenly my extremely trying day with my hardheaded little girl seems a lot better now!

Mammoth Zucchini

We picked this from the garden this week, along with two more of about equal size that I have given away. And there's more ready to be plucked. Anyone have a need for a mammoth-sized zucchini or two?

Mammoth Bones

About five years ago a mammoth leg bone (photo below) was discovered nearby. Every summer since archeologists have been out digging for additional remains. So yesterday I took the kids to see the little tour that had set up.

I found the information fascinating and Bro was extremely interested as well, asking question after question.

Sis, however, found the whole experience to be a bit dusty and hot for her tastes. However she was quite amazed at the toes bones that were uncovered this summer, probably just because they were almost as big as her head!