Maddie's tooth

At 8:38p.m., Maddie lost tooth #3. She had to hurry and call her Grandpa Kim because he had told her that top teeth were worth $2. We told him to pay up; the tooth fairy has a flat rate of $1 per tooth down here. (Prices and participation do NOT vary). This all happened right before bed.



At 8:45 p.m., Maddie lost her tooth. We all accused Lindsay right off the bat because she was upset about the "Tooth Monster" anyway. She kept pleading her innocence, but Jeramy kept pushing to the point that she really started to think she was guilty and she was looking everywhere for it. Poor girl. The tooth was safely found right after the note was written and the sad crying tooth picture was drawn. Crisis averted. Still not sure who put the tooth downstairs by the fish tank. Might have been me... probably Lindsay.

I'm what?

You Are Mashed Potatoes

Ordinary, comforting, and more than a little predictable You're the glue that holds everyone together.

What Part of Thanksgiving Are You?

Huh. Didn't see that one coming...maybe it was because I hestitated on the "if someone was bothering you in the kitchen, which weapon of choice would you use?" quesiton. I'd probably just leave the kitchen. Oh well. The mashed potatoes are all my kids ate today, so I guess it's good they like...me.

Proud Mamma

A few months back, Maddie did a little modeling (before she decided she hated getting her pictures taken). The site just went up, click here to see the site. Enter the site and Maddie's page is the 'calendar' link. The creator is also doing a free giveaway if you leave a comment on her blog, you are entered to win an apron. These are seriously the cutest aprons ever! (FYI:Loads better in Exlporer, not Firefox)

Side story, retakes at school. Sigh. I lay out 10 of Maddie's cutest shirts on her bed. She chooses to wear a plain white T that was to go under a shirt. Whatever. She wants curlers. I do curlers. She wakes up and we take out the curlers to find that half of them didn't curl, so I tell her we have to pull her hair up. She freaks out. I decide it's not worth the battle and we'll just keep the ugly clashing blue pictures and I send her off to school. She comes home with a smirk on her face.
"I got my pictures taken."
"I told you not to do it."
"Well, you left the old ones in my backpack, so I gave them to the picture guy."
AHHHHHH!
But, they came back today and they weren't all that bad. At least her smile in natural and her shirt doesn't clash with the background. She just has nasty hair.

Amy's Wedding

What a week! I have a ton of pictures, so I just collaged them to simplify viewing for all. My niece Amy got married on Friday. We spent most of the week setting up at the Lodge (her neighbors beautiful cabin/gathering place). The girls had so much fun up there. My sister Cindy came from Florida and the girls LOVED having her here.

The blessed day arrived. We had to be out the door at 6:45 a.m. to get to the temple in time. That is early for this family, but we did it - by 7. We did get there all right, but somehow, we forgot Maddie's good attitude at home. She was awful at the temple and I was so embarrassed! It's worth pulling up these pictures to see her expression in EVERY picture. She finally just stood by herself with her arms folded and her back to us and pouted until we were done. I was really hoping to get a good family picture for our Christmas cards. Maybe I should just use them anyway. Can't wait until she's 16.

The reception was fun! People just kept coming and coming. I was working in the kitchen and we stayed super busy. Jeramy was a good sport and entertained Macie all night. Maddie once again thew a fit, then disappeared. I found her down stairs at the door. She gave herself the job of opening the door for everyone when they left and said, "Thank you for coming." She was happy and leaving me alone, so we just let her do it.

What I learned from this day:

#1 Family is so important. I loved seeing my nieces and nephews pull together and help each other out. I loved to see my parent's siblings come all the way to Alpine to support their family. I loved having my sisters there, and found myself thinking often, "I wish Robin and Russ were here." I'd be lost without my family.

#2 I am NOT looking forward to planning for 3 girls' weddings in the future, but I'm glad I'll have my family to help me out!

2 funny moments from the wedding for me.

#1. We went to my sister's house on Thursday to frost cupcakes and Lindsay was so excited. They gave her a knife and she said, "But I don't know how to floss."

#2. I went before the reception started to help out and had Jeramy come later with the girls. I thought I had left pretty good instructions on preparing them, but Macie showed up with no tights or shoes. I said, "Where are her tights and shoes?" "She spilled on her tights and I couldn't find her shoes." Sigh. No big deal that I had gone out late the night before to buy the stupid shoes for her and done a last minute load of laundry so she would have pink tights. Life goes on. It could have been worse. Remember this one?

Anyone interested??

A few weeks ago when I was at Target, they had a Wii Fit, so I picked it up. (We already have it). I thought one of Jer's co-workers was going to buy it off me, but he changed his mind. So, if anyone is looking for one, or knows someone who is, please let me know. I'm just charging the cost ($95 ). It is NOT the bundle pack shown, just the Wii Fit.

I recently cleaned out our 72 hour kits and I have an unopened can on Enfamil Lipil (12.9 oz size) that expires in January. If anyone wants this, please let me know! I also have a Target coupon for 5$ off a 12.9 can. AND last weeks newspaper had a 2.00 off a 25.7 can and a 10$ mail in rebate when you buy 3 25.7 or larger.

My crown

I broke my crown last week. I bet most of you didn't even know I was royalty, did you? Back in 2003 I was awarded "The most expensive and painful root canal in history" crown. And since then I have thought, "I am so lucky. One less tooth to have to worry about getting a cavity in." and I wore my crown with pride. No one told me that fake teeth can fall apart.

I finally got into the dentist today and he was able to sand it down and told me to start saving my money for a new crown. Anyone want to donate to the fund? I really should pull it out of Maddie's savings account since SHE is the reason I had to have the root canal in the first place. Dang kid. When I was pregnant with her, all I wanted was bubble gum and jolly ranchers. 9 months of that and my teeth were horrible.

My funny dentist says to me on my way out "Stop chewing on rocks and you should be fine." Silence. "It was a popcorn kernel." He laughs, "That'll do it, too."

So, if you want to see my crown sometime, just ask. I keep it with me all the time. I really think that Cyd and Amannda should carry theirs around, too. I wonder how many of us are royalty out there...

nap time...

 

This is a true story.

Yesterday the girls and I went to see new baby Levi up in Murray. (What a cutie, I might add). On the ride home I was TIRED. You know when you kind of jerk-like you were thinking about sleep and so your body jumps a little? Keep in mind it really is only a 20 minute drive. How dumb of me, I know. But, I was tired. Lindsay was totally out and Macie's little eyes kept drooping. So I started to plan my arrival at home. Put Macie to bed, lay down with Lindsay and take a nap. This is going to work. I am going to take a nap. Yeah!!

We get home and I successfully get Macie down. Lindsay is waiting for me in my bed. I get in and cuddle up with her. YES! A nap is coming...
"Mom?"
"What Maddie?"
"What can I do?"
"Watch TV"
"I don't want to"
"Go play on the computer."
"I don't want to."
"Color."
"Mom, those things aren't fun. Can I have a treat?"
"Yes, just go."
She leaves. I hear her slide the chair over to the pantry. Then I hear her coming up the stairs again.
"Mom, I can't get it down."
Sigh. Fine. I get up to go get her candy. Then Lindsay realizes she's totally getting ripped off.
"I want candy, too."
"after your nap." Her mean mom tells her.
I get Maddie situated with candy. Back to bed I go. 2 mintues later, the phone rings. I don't answer.
Another 2 minutes pass. The doorbell rings. "Don't move!" I inform Lindsay. We stay in bed. Then the follow up knock comes, so I get up. No one is there when I get down. Sigh.
Back to bed. 2 minutes later, another knock. "Don't move!" I tell Linday again. No follow up knock. Sweet. I close my eyes...
"Mom, I need to go potty."
I take Lindsay to the potty. At this point, I probably should just give up, right? It's almost 5. I need to start dinner. Maybe just 5 minutes. I snuggle back in. Would you believe it? Another knock at the door. The end. No nap.

Magic Eraser anyone??

 

Disclaimer: I DID get the email about not using the Magic Eraser on skin, but it was the first thing I thought of when I saw her face.

We were having a joy-filled Monday afternoon. I had just called and made a picture appointment for the girls for tomorrow afternoon and was sitting at the kitchen table reading the ads. All 3 girls were nicely watching TV in the family room - right by me. Blessed silence. Sweet silence.

"Mom, what is Macie doing?"
"I don't know, Lindsay." I say without looking up.

"Mom. Why is Macie doing that?"
"I don't know, sweetheart, she's fine."

More blessed silence. Silence. Should it really be this quiet over there?? What did Lindsay mean by that? I'd better go...oh my heck!

"Maddie, did you see your baby?"
"No."
Lindsay pipes up, "I saw her Mommy, and you said she's fine."

I put her in the tub and start to scrub and scrub. It's not coming off. Dang it, I knew something would happen if I called to set up a picture appointment! THUD. "Owwww!!!" I head some serious Maddie tears downstairs. I can't leave Macie alone, so I yell for her to come to me. She comes up with a fat lip and bloody teeth. "I fell off the couch!" How on earth does a 5 year old fall off the couch and land on her face, you might wonder? I wonder too, so if you figure it out, let me know. I have a feeling tooth #2 is coming out soon and NOT in the "good way" (as we refer to it at our house. It isn't 'the good way' if your teeth fall out from too much candy).

Macie is still blue. Maddie's gums are all red and bloody still. I can hardly wait for our pictures tomorrow!
And one more thing, it's 9:36 and my husband is still at work. The new site isn't up yet.

The price of my children's forgiveness

 

Jeramy worked over 80 hours last week. It was a HARD week for all of us. When I would complain to friends, they would say, "Well, think of the paycheck." But no. He is salaried. Then I would get even more bitter about it. Saturday he said, "I should only be gone a few hours." 12 hours later he came home with 6 candy bars and a note from his boss thanking me for my patience through the week. Nice gesture, but I said (jokingly) "where's the check? A candy bar isn't going to make this better." Jer says, "Well, he knew that, so there are 2 candy bars for you." We had a good little laugh. Sunday morning Jer showed the girls their candy bars and they were sooo happy! All long nights without a dad were forgotten.

We have a gratitude tree for the month of November (thanks for the idea Marie). Each night the person who's turn it is to pray gets to think of something they are thankful for that day and writes it on a leaf and we put it on our tree. Friday was my turn. Sigh. "I'm thankful for Dad's job." As hard as this week has been, I'm thankful he has a job and that he LIKES his job. When I went Visiting teaching yesterday, I was complaining about Jer's long week. The girl we were visiting said, "At least he has a job." Then she proceeds to tell us her husband was laid off 2 months ago and we didn't know. Ouch. I have thought a lot about this since then. I truly am grateful for his job! We've gone through the whole 'lay off' thing before and it wasn't fun.

I've learned a lot this past week. As much as I complain about Jeramy's lack of 'enthusiasim' around the house, he does a lot for my kids when he is home. Having him gone made me appreciate that more. I will admit that I didn't read scriptures to the kids at night and Linsday was super upset about it, but I was too tired to care. I didn't fix grand dinners - we had Mac and cheese a few nights and Lucky Charms the other nights. YUCK. So let's hope the new site works and he can actually come home tonight at a normal hour.

www.4life.com

YouTube

I've been trying for the past HOUR to upload video to my blog and I officially give up. I even created a YouTube account and started to download/upload - I don't know which is more fitting - my 30 SECOND clip. That was 32 minutes ago. Is my internet really THAT slow?? It shouldn't be for what we pay each month. Anyone out there want to help me out?? No. I'm done. No one needs to see my darling baby girl. I'll just have to keep it to myself.

Ta Dah! Once again, I'm blaming this one on our crazy internet that chooses when and how fast it works. This is Macie painting her toenails last night. It cracked me up. It is a pretend bottle of fingernail polish, but she knew what to do with it, when she finished her toes, she moved on to my fingernails.

Election Day Humor

For those of you who don't frequent Adhis' blog, you ALL need to go check out her Election Day Humor post, I promise you'll laugh!

I voted

I am almost 30 years old. I didn't have a cool excuse like Adhis. I just never cared to vote. But this year, Jeramy got all excited about politics, so that means I did too. I voted for the first time in my life last week. I really hate politics. So I'm going to leave it at that. I don't want to discuss who I voted for and why, I just wanted to share that I am proud of myself for finally voting after 12 years of being 'of age.'

The voting story:

We thought it wouldn't be that bad going in early, so we took all 3 kids. We waited in line for an hour and 10 minutes. Not very fun. (During that hour, we had 2 potty breaks, time on the toys outside, and we lost Lindsay's purse. Luckily we had cool people around us who kept letting me back in line). BUT when it was all said and done, I was glad that we took them. Maddie has talked a lot about voting. When they reminded us to vote in Sacrament meeting on Sunday, she turned and nudged me, "Mom, we did that!"

And the pancake is for Jen and Jesse. Jesse can make motorcycles, but I can make pigs. Now let's see what Kim can make for us next time we're in Malad!

Blogging Tragedy has struck

Doncha just hate those people who leave their holiday stuff up WAY past the holiday. Seriously! I had to take my Halloween blog off tonight. I was trying to put a new cute one on, but it kept giving me a little warning that I was about to lose all my widgets, etc. So I called IT in (Jer) and he says, "You won't lose everything, just do it!" So I do. There goes all my links, widgets and everything that makes a blog a blog. Then it was MY fault for not backing stuff up. Who knew?

So, if you are no longer on my list on links and would like to be, please let me know. Or, if you are on there and don't want to be, let me know. I just uploaded from Google Reader for now. Sigh.

Enjoy the festive snowflakes with this crazy 70 degree weather.

Halloween

 

It seems like Halloween just kept going and going and going at our house this year. I am glad it is finally DONE. Ward Trunk or treat Monday. Short and sweet - the best kind. Thursday after school we went up to my Mom's and went to Gardner Village - a yearly tradition. Then we had a little neighbor party. I made the kids wear their "back up" costumes so they wouldn't get food on their real ones. I found it very fitting to have the good witch (Lindsay) and the bad witch (Maddie). We discovered that night that I am the quickest donut-off-a-string eater and that one of our neighbors (who wishes to remain anonnymous) has a hidden balloon making talent.

Friday we started off the day at the school for a 30 second parade of kindergarteners. Still hard to believe that Maddie is in school. Then I took them all up to the mall trick-or-treating. (I have an extra kid on Fridays). That is seriously the BEST way to trick or treat! I used to love those days when I worked at the mall. Then we went home for dinner, and then Jeramy took the 2 big girls out - in the crazy, unplanned rain for a while. Lindsay didn't last long, but Maddie was still going strong, so Jer brought Lindsay home and the 2 of them went out AGAIN.

Did anyone else ever do this with their loot?? I was so excited to line up all the candy! (Yes me, not Maddie). We had them all just combine candy and on one complained - this year. And of course, the night finally ended with teeth scrubbing for all those dang sugar bugs!

Happy Halloween!