2 + 3 = chaos

Turning over a new leaf!

2012-01-09T10:45:00.000-08:00

Birthday Donut

Nick is not escaping Candace!

Sweet Girls

Or I thought I was turning over a new leaf...day 9 of the new year and I am just getting started! Anyway here is how we have started our new year: NYE with the Rose family and Candace and a birthday. I didn't get a picture of Debbie and I eating our birthday lunch at Chef's this year. There was no basketball involved so it wasn't as exciting as years past!

Gabe was up to no good

2011-06-27T08:27:00.001-07:00

Gabe got into Ella's 100 days of school costume...and would always give us the thumbs up.

At some point

2011-06-27T08:25:00.000-07:00

Jude learned to hula hoop...maybe my favorite video ever!

Dr. Seuss Week

2011-06-27T08:04:00.001-07:00

Not that anyone is even reading anymore because I've been busy with other things...but I'm going to try to catch up before I get so far behind that I will never catch up!

The kids had a great Dr. Seuss week - hat day, crazy hair day, favorite character day. I read to Ella's class one day and brought "green eggs" for the kids. We also made some Thing 1 and 2 cupcakes. I think I had more fun than they did...maybe!

100 Days of School

2011-03-28T11:56:00.000-07:00

Ella had to dress like she was 100 years old. She was the crazy cat lady. She also carried some dentures with her. She assured her friends at school that they were clean. Her mom had "brushed them...like twice".

Gabe needs to get out of the house

2011-02-11T08:56:00.000-08:00

He did enjoy this, it was not torture.

All his "friends" are not real

Gabe is pulling teeth

and learning to drill n' fill

Student of the Month

2011-02-11T08:45:00.000-08:00

A little posing in the lobby

Ella got Student of the Month for December. She got to draw the name from the basket for the teacher to win a gift certificate. She drew her own teacher! and says she didn't peek.

Trash Bag Pants

2011-02-11T08:37:00.000-08:00

The kids got to go out one day and sled in their trash bag pants...they worked! Jude wasn't sure that it was that cool to wear trash bag pants until his jeans didn't get wet then they were fine.

Hula Hooping

2011-02-11T08:28:00.000-08:00

nice tights, Debbie

We didn't just get Captain Ds for our birthday...That weekend we went to the Gulch for dinner and then back to Debbie's house for some hula hooping lessons. I had to talk Debbie into the last part but I think it was a great success. I now know how to hula hoop and even have my own - I'm so proud. The added bonus was that it was a great work out!

Happy Birthday to me!

2011-02-11T08:05:00.000-08:00

Birthday time! Debbie and I share the same birthday...I would love to say we are the same age but that would be lying. Anyway, I called Debbie to see where they were celebrating this year and Captain Ds was the restaurant of choice. Jonathan said - are we going there? I have to admit that the fried fish was really good and it is about the company and not the food! We hit Sweet CeCe's afterward for some frozen yogurt. That was the best part!

Christmas Day

2011-02-11T07:01:00.000-08:00

Ella made a bridge for the car...that was racing through the house.

too much turkey?

Angry bird Christmas

Yoda pancakes for breakfast - well if they turned out looking like Yoda

Gabe woke up feeling okay and happy to open his gifts! He looks a little ill in this picture but he usually does in pictures. The stomach bug hit Jude after we were all back home from our Christmas festivities and everyone was in bed. He was feeling better the next day though.

Kentucky Christmas

2011-02-11T06:47:00.000-08:00

Don't you just want to eat one, two or maybe even three?

nice work Gabe, when we figure out you have a stomach bug, we won't eat your cookies.

The second part of our trip brought us to Kentucky. We arrived on Christmas Eve and got some cookies cranked out and reindeer food placed and all the children tucked into bed until...the second round of the pukes hit...Gabe this time. He and Jonathan had to stay home the next day while we all went to Uncle Kim and Aunt Brenda's house. Jonathan had almost all of his CE to finish from the past two years though so he had something to do while Gabe slept Christmas day away.

Missouri Christmas

2011-02-11T06:39:00.001-08:00

Gabe is putting the milk back
Camden is getting the milk out

chilly ride

Merry Christmas...and stay warm :)

The little boys watching something? on dvd

The first part of our Christmas journey took us to West Plains to visit Mimi and Pops. Aunt Kathy and Lori were there again this year - as well as Aunt Jamie, Uncle Chris, Kingston and Camden. We played cards, opened gifts and indulged in some delicious snacks. We also brought along the stomach virus. Luckily, Ella was the only man down on this leg of the trip.

Thanksgiving 2010

2011-02-11T06:28:00.001-08:00

The younger kids (minus Gabe - he was in a stroller) at the "Upside down house"
Again, Gabe is thrilled with getting a picture!

The gang

Let's see, that was 4 stomach viruses, 4 bouts with the flu and one pneumonia ago...but seems like just yesterday. That was just my excuse for posting Thanksgiving of 2010 in 2011. This year we went to Gatlinburg with Jonathan's family and spent the weekend eating good food and enjoying good company.

Letter FROM Santa

2010-12-21T09:30:00.000-08:00

Ella's class wrote letters to Santa and then got letters back from Santa - Here is hers.

Tacky Office Party

2010-12-13T18:16:00.000-08:00

Our office celebrated Christmas in style with holiday sweaters, festive jewelry and decorative headwear! We also played dirty Santa....and I ended up with my gift - which is a big waste, by the way!

and who knew that Barbie could cook?!

2010-12-13T18:14:00.000-08:00

The "trap" has been set.

2010-12-06T19:34:00.000-08:00

Ella devised this little set up for Nick Rock -n- Roll - our Elf on the Shelf. She thinks that if Nick (hanging in the upper left corner of the picture) is sitting in this chair when she gets up in the morning that he "likes" Barbie...ahhhh, she's good - real good!

Christmas Card Aftermath....

2010-12-06T14:44:00.000-08:00

and here's what happened next

2010-12-04T19:47:00.000-08:00

If NASA calls, I am ready. I can put anything together now. Jonathan made Ella cry by telling her now that we (and by WE I really mean ME) got it put together she can play with it for 2 weeks then turn around and sell it - assembled - for twice that to some crazy parent for their kid as a Christmas present. Ella was not happy about that, at all.

Happy Birthday, Ella!

2010-12-04T18:49:00.000-08:00

Jude cleaning up the trash with his new R2D2 trashcan from Pops and Mimi.

I am pretty sure she liked it

This is the "best" one we took :)

Gabe, just happy to be there.

That is ALOT of candles

M&M pancakes...yummy

Gabe found the best eating utensil...a spatula...and he was good at it

Making pancakes at the Pfunky Griddle

Even though there is NO way I am old enough to have an 8 year old! Somehow, she managed to turn 8 anyway. Ten things about my 8 year old Ella:

1.) She loves good company. I also think she likes bad company too. It doesn't matter...she likes people.

2.) She is a wonderful student. She's never been a discipline issue at school. I hope her brothers follow her lead.

3.) As well as being a great student for her teachers, she is also a great learner. She loves to learn, has all As and is quite concerned at even the idea of making bad grades.

4.) She loves her brothers. I know that is sort of a given and she can be mean to them as all siblings can BUT, at the end of the day she is inseparable with Jude. The other night they had not been together all day and while she was showering, Jude sat on the toilet (lid closed) so they could talk about their days.

5.) She is a great friend. We are learning more and more about what it means to be a great friend. Every day is a new challenge but she gets it...she's a good friend to her friends and also to her classmates. I hope it stays that way!

6.) She loves taking her gymnastics class. There is improvement every week and she looks forward to going.

7.) She loves babies. The new baby on the block, Levi (or Eye-vi as Gabe calls him) doesn't stand a chance of ever walking with her around!

8) She loves clothes. I think that she could get that honestly so I really consider it an attribute :). She is starting to pick stuff out on her own and always looks so cute.

9) Phinneus and Ferb was one of her favorite shows this summer. From this show, she has learned the art of saying "Peace, Ella's Out". Now, she doesn't do it as much as she did but this Summer it was a most popular saying.

10.) She loves art. Drawing, coloring and just creating - She is actually pretty good and will sit at her desk in her room working away.

One thing I loved about today was that Ella woke up and we sang to her and all wished her a happy birthday and she never asked where her gift was! Nana and Pepaw were here and she didn't even ask them. I was so proud...she opened up her Barbie Dream House when she got home around noon and was so excited. It makes you more excited about giving gifts when they are not asking for them. She is really great about that!

Jude's first math test

2010-12-02T09:22:00.000-08:00

given by Ella....apparently she is going to take after a grandparent - on either side and be a teacher. She devised this test for Jude and was THRILLED that he passed. Jude didn't really care either way. He's a good brother though and does what she says - most of the time.

Merry Christmas!

2010-11-30T09:15:00.000-08:00

So, I could be jumping the gun...considering it is not yet December but it's now or never! Santa has been informed of what we all want. Gabe was happy to sit on Santa's lap this year - after we told him that he is a nice guy, like Epaw. Jude then said "yeah, he sort of looks like Pepaw." (sorry Dad) Anyway, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and May the FORCE be With You through the next few weeks!

It's Scooby Dooby Dooooo

2010-11-02T17:26:00.003-07:00

Scooby didn't like his costume, for the most part. Shaggy didn't like his wig or his facial hair....ever. Fred thought he was going to get a "cool new work shirt" out of his costume AND that he was going to "bring the ascot back"...NEITHER of which are going to happen. Velma "Ellafied" her outfit with argyle leg warmers and sparkly Mary Janes....as for Daphne, well, she just wanted to survive the evening with enough candy for all - which only happened because I resorted to making the kids give out all of their candy, old Easter candy and sadly the remaining candy from Valentine's Day...I know, I vow to do better next year. Happy Halloween!

Half Marathon - 13.1 WE DID IT!

2010-11-02T17:26:00.001-07:00

giving high five to Jude!

It's FALL!!

2010-11-01T07:20:00.000-07:00

Darth Vader and his Darth Vader pumpkin

He worked hard...so did I :)

Monster Dash 5K - we were spiders...Debbie was a cat!

They worked so hard!

Ella's cat with peace signs

gutting the pumpkins

5K pumpkin run in White House

Here's one way to keep someone out of your room...

2010-11-01T07:18:00.001-07:00

Jude cried when he read it.

I hired a housekeeper

2010-11-01T07:09:00.000-07:00

and he wears heels!

Gabe's party

2010-11-01T07:08:00.001-07:00

Gabe's construction party pics...I've waited so long to post I can't remember much :)

First days of school

2010-11-01T07:01:00.001-07:00

Gabe's birthday

2010-11-01T06:44:00.001-07:00

We ordered some Elmo cookies from Etsy...poor Elmo!

playing with "Eyevi"

It is a pillow pet....that Jude and Ella LOVE

and an Elmo book

Happy Birthday Gabe!

2010-09-10T08:27:00.000-07:00

The things you love:

Saying "NO!"

Saying "MINE!"

just kidding...the things you really love:

Ella

Bude - as in Jude

Elmo (probably #1 but I will give Ella and Bude some credit)

dogs - as in Woof (which you call all dogs)

trucks - all trucks - it sounds like duck when you say it but I know what you are talking about!

The things you do:

give kisses

give hugs

carry your own "backpack" - or lunchbox - to school (and you LOVE school)

your sister has taught you several dog tricks - sit, stay, lay down, roll over, shake - and you are very good at them

you can destroy the playroom in 2 seconds flat - just like a tazmanian devil!

you love RICE and love to say rice

You have grown up too fast! It does not seem like 2 years have gone by. What joy, and pure chaos you have brought us - in a good way, of course! We love you Gabey Manatee, Happy Birthday!

Happy (belated) Birthday, Jude!

2010-08-26T08:13:00.001-07:00

He was actually really embarrassed about all the attention with the cake in the face...

Jude had over a month of birthday celebrations! It started in May with a trip to Pops and Mimi's house where he had a Spiderman birthday. We moved on to celebrate with Nana and Pepaw with another Spiderman cake and a trip to eat Mexican food. Jude's "real" birthday was at the beach. Puh made pancakes then later we had some cupcakes. The celebration ended on July 3rd when we celebrated the 4th - and had cake for Jude! It got to be funny in that Jude was given special "privileges" because - Hey, he's the Birthday Boy!

On Jude's "real" birthday we hid had a scavenger hunt in the house for gifts and later rode go carts....I think he had a wonderful birthday month!

We all need a good supervisor!

2010-08-25T09:19:00.000-07:00

He did get Pepaw to pull him around.

And Gabe was the man for the job! He consumed around 20 Popsicles that day!

I don't know where the Summer went?!

2010-08-25T09:06:00.000-07:00

Gabe ate popsicles
and dressed up - or is that down?

We celebrated Puh's birthday

but didn't get the "cake" out fast enough for the little hungry ones...

We ATE

LOADS

and LOADS of ice cream!

We also did some swimming

and sliding!

I think Ella held the VBS record with attending 4 this summer. Jude hit 3.

Gabe enjoyed the watermelon/Oreo combo.

and apparently Reagan drank something red.

It started with my computer being fried and has ended with me not being able to catch up on my blog! We did have some fun between those two things.

Crawfish Boil

2010-08-25T09:02:00.000-07:00

SO, what seems like years ago - but was really only May - we had a crawfish boil. It was weird to see dinner escaping and running down the driveway. The truth is, I never actually ate any and I am pretty sure I stuck to only non-meat items that day all together. I am sure the food was fabulous but the company was pretty good too.

It was the last day of 1st grade!

2010-07-22T09:52:00.000-07:00

Ella did great until she ate then she promptly threw up her pizza and juice box - in the floor - on the last day of school! She ended up eating a popsicle that came back up - in the car - on the way to Mimi and Pop's house. Oh well, we will remember the last day of FIRST GRADE! Her teacher, Ms. Sherrod, was gracious enough to stand next to her for a picture - even after the vomiting! She had a great year. I hope 2nd grade is just as successful!

Jude's graduation

2010-07-22T09:39:00.000-07:00

big buddies that have been in class together since they were 2

One of Jude's teachers

brother/sisterly love

buddies since birth

Nana and Pepaw made it!

Jude rock and rolled through his graduation program. I know he didn't miss a beat and I am pretty sure he didn't miss a word either. They sang a song of the 50 states as well as the Old and New Testaments. We will do it all over again next year since he's not going to Kindergarten. I am sure it will be just as good the second time around!!

Soccer Star

2010-07-22T09:31:00.001-07:00

Her buddy on the other team...that beat them - twice!
The gang is all here!

maybe he was getting bored?

He can kick and eat at the same time.

or just a girl that liked to play soccer. I feel so far removed from when soccer even was that details are hard for me to remember! I do know she was a hard worker but also that she never scored. As usual, the snacks made the game worth while and the boys liked going to cheer her on.

I have not abandoned my blog!

2010-07-12T07:41:00.000-07:00

My computer has crashed and so I can't get any pictures off of my card to put on here...and what fun are posts with no pictures. So, stay tuned for Ella's soccer (no good reason I hadn't posted about that but I was just being lazy and now can't get to the pics), crawfish boil, beach trip, Jude's birthday, beach trip, Gabe's supervision techniques and just the lazy hazy crazy days of Summer! This was more of a list for myself than for anyone interested in reading.

Graduation update....

2010-05-20T19:54:00.000-07:00

After graduation (while going to bed), Jude said "I want to be a daddy when I grow up...I know I will have to get a job...I will probably play football for money." Does he remember just a few months ago when he didn't want to play soccer because it was 'too much work'? Sweet boy, I guess it beats sitting in an office or working on teeth?!

Jude's Graduation - Take 1

2010-05-20T09:43:00.000-07:00

There will be a Take 2 next year but he will have his graduation program tonight. I don't really think we will make a big deal out of it because he is now aware that he *could* go to Kindergarten...and some days he says that he wants to....THEN the realization that he would have to attend school 5 days a week kicks in and he decides that going the next year would be better! They had professional pictures taken this year - Brittany Burkey did a great job.

Water logged road trip

2010-05-02T18:50:00.000-07:00

I 65 North at Long Hollow - K Mart - the employees were rescued.

Millersville exit...check out the car on the left
40

We went to Memphis this weekend for Kingston's birthday. We started home last night only to find out that 40 was closed with no detours....well, we decided to grab some pizza and take it back to Kingston's house for dinner. Jamie and I hit a movie then we got up and hit the road at 6:30 this morning. Well, apparently we should have checked the weather first. We didn't get home until 11:30...we had 8 detours and went through some water that was, well stupid to go through. Anyway, we made it home safely with only these pictures from my phone.

At the soccer fields

2010-04-20T18:03:00.000-07:00

in the women's restroom...is how this starts out. Jude had to go to the bathroom. When we got in there it was more of a problem than he had even thought. There was a big explosion (I won't go into detail but that alone was pretty funny - even for someone who tries really hard not to laugh at 'potty humor' now that I have 3 children that do). Then Jude says in his most sincere voice "I am really sorry Mom, I know the ladies didn't want to hear that". It was a good thing I was in the bathroom because I almost lost bladder control.

Jude's new school picture

2010-04-16T07:52:00.000-07:00

See, this is why I didn't buy the other...because there is more! I am not sure why his hair looks so dark though?

More pictures

2010-04-15T14:54:00.000-07:00

Gabe would rather ride than hunt

searching for the golden egg

and they are off!

happy Gabe with his lunch

We brought Easter chicks (chocolate covered vanilla Oreos with tic tac noses)

On Easter, we were ready on time for Sunday School and had our Bible verses memorized BUT, taking pictures took a little too long and we were oh about 10 mins late...anyway, it was all great after that. We went to the McConnell's for Easter dinner - lamb and chicken - the kids thought the lamb was steak (mainly because we told them it was) so they gobbled it right up. Then we had an egg hunt where Puh hid a golden egg and a few sports themed eggs for each child.

Actual Easter

2010-04-15T14:50:00.000-07:00

This is how they started out...with Gabe unwilling to even stand!

Finally, some Easter pictures!

2010-04-15T14:43:00.001-07:00

Jude's party
Buddy Bryce

LOADS of peeps 42 bags actually

Our buckets and carrots outside waiting for the giant bunny

eggs

lots of eggs

Gabe preferred walking around in boots...he loves rain boots -mine, Ella's, Judes and his own.

before the counters were a rainbow of colors

Well, the start of Easter pictures...every holiday is beginning to be like Christmas! Crafts,

gifts, pictures, parties...wheww!

Happy Easter

2010-04-08T12:38:00.001-07:00

A big W

2010-04-08T12:02:00.000-07:00

During the NCAA tournament I was trying to teach Ella to cheer on KY. I said Kentucky pulled out a big W last night - Ella's response: "a wedgie"?...I guess that did make more sense.

Big Jude

2010-04-08T11:58:00.000-07:00

Every year they take these pictures at Jude's preschool. We usually buy them but this year I didn't. When Jude found out that he was going to have to return "Big Jude" (they are 10x16 pictures) he was sad...SO, I scanned it in for him to look at...don't worry, I won't copy or reproduce it.

Gabe's favorite indoor activity

2010-03-27T13:22:00.000-07:00

Let's go fly a kite (or two, or three)

2010-03-27T13:17:00.001-07:00

the one we lost - then found again in a neighbor's yard
round 2 with Dora...still not happy Barbie was gone

Happy times with Barbie

I guess it depends on how many get hung up in power lines. Barbie was the only one today but much longer and there would have been more. Ella was devastated when she let go - I mean when the wind pulled Barbie out of her hands! I had forgotten how much fun flying a kite was.

Welcome to the 80s

2010-03-27T13:09:00.001-07:00

from left to right (if you need it) - Sweet Breath (and it had some in it - we sprayed it in the sink and it smelled just like 7th grade), a REAL Transformer, a cassette (yeah, we don't know what is on it because we don't have a cassette player), foldable Ferrari sunglasses, as well as glow in the dark Tom Cruise glasses, He man (and all alot of the characters), Rubix cube and Knight Rider
just a few Star Wars figures (these are not the old 70's ones - the kids already have gotten into those, these are the ones from when the movies came out the second time...in the 90's)

Mimi and Pops came this weekend and I had asked for some more Star Wars stuff of Jonathan's for the boys room. They brought very fun things for us...the good ole toys are nothing like the toys today :)

What we did on Spring Break....

2010-03-20T18:45:00.000-07:00

bowling

The boys sleeping

zoo

zoo

It started on Monday with "girl day"...only I was soooo tired (I guess I was excited about Spring Break and stayed up too late) that we had lunch together and picked up the boys comforter then headed home for a nap. Then Ella decided she would rather play with the boys - Lofton, Landon and Jude - than get a manicure, so that is what she did. On Tuesday, I worked in the morning then the boys furniture was delivered and Ella went home with our old neighbors - Emma, Clark, Gwen and Owen - for a few hours while I set the beds up (and ate lunch). Afterwards, we had manicures. Wednesday (St. Pattie's Day) was supposed to be bowling and ice skating. The bowling was fun. Lofton, Carmen and Landon met us there but the ice skating was ditched due to "synthetic ice"...the lady said it was hard to skate on and we needed no casualties. Thursday was another partial work day and then home for a picnic and off the the Melting Pot for dinner (Ella also had a birthday party that afternoon). They had fun there - Ella read the Hooter's sign as we were leaving and they both thought it was funny but had no idea why...Jude also befriended a homeless man. Friday was the prettiest day of all and we hit the zoo. I think everyone had the same idea...it was crowded (and has caused major allergy havoc on our house). After the zoo, we went to pick up tile (not really exciting for Spring Break but we did) and then to the McConnell's for Puh's dinner - chicken, baked potatoes, green beans, corn, brownies and some really good spinach dip that I ate so much of before dinner that I was not as hungry as I should have been. Friday night Lofton slept over - Jude's first sleepover guest. They all had fun, woke up and Wiied it around 1:00 (they said that it "looked" like a 7) but they did make it back to bed!

Spring Break

2010-03-20T18:41:00.000-07:00

It all began with Gabe heading off to Nana and Pepaw's for the week. (A side note here I need to add is that my husband so graciously gave up his ticket for the SEC championship game on Sunday so that I could go see UK with my dad, brother, aunt and uncle...what a great game!) Anyway, back to Gabe leaving. Jude asked that we take his picture so he could remember his face.

Student of the Month

2010-03-20T18:30:00.000-07:00

in front of her classroom

Gabe didn't want Jude in the picture.

banana burrito

The Monday before Spring Break Ella had a note in her backpack to "the parents of Ella Griffin". The note said that there would be a PTO meeting on Thursday and that Ella would be honored as Student of the Month for December 2009. I laughed and showed Jonathan that they forgot to change the date on the letter. I said that they must have meant March. When I picked Ella up from school that Tuesday I said "we had a very exciting letter in your backpack that I just read this morning, do you know what it was about?" She said " uh, yeah - I was Student of the Month in December." Now, I am wondering how in the world she could have forgotten to tell us that. I mean I know how many times she has been hit in the head with a dodge ball, how many paper cuts she has had and what most of her friends wear...Student of the Month - not a big deal! Anyway, when she realized my mom was going to be here it turned into a much bigger occasion. We went to dinner, complete with dessert and Ella wore "celebration clothes".

Gabe is so big...

2010-03-09T18:02:00.000-08:00

or he thinks so. His highchair was left outside on that nice day only to get rained on then freeze...so, while it thawed in the garage Gabe ate at the table. OR Gabe would periodically sit at the table and then get up and then sit back down and then get up all while eating.

At least he does clean the floor.

Mohawks, Sunshine and Flag Football

2010-03-09T17:56:00.001-08:00

Fallen Mohawk

the ringers

learning the rules (the hardest part)

HUT~

He had an ok Mohawks...Jude's hair was too long.

This is where it warmed up for a weekend and we spent all of it outside - much to Jude's dismay. I pretty much forbid anyone to step foot in the house! Luckily, the McConnell's came over to play too.

Cold but we have to get outside...

2010-03-09T17:53:00.000-08:00

See, so long since I took these that I can't really remember much - I guess that is why I blog :)! Anyway, it has obviously been cold, their noses are red but we are all outside anyway!

Inside exercise

2010-03-09T17:51:00.001-08:00

Since it has been too cold to play outside (or was). Ella and Jude took to the yoga mats for some exercise. They sort of look like they were sleeping.

Before(s)

2010-03-09T17:47:00.001-08:00

Boys room

I called in the painter after missing the opening ceremonies and painting all the next day on Ella's room.

starting to paint

WHAT A MESS!

We are still - due to major furniture delays - redoing the kid's rooms. These are the before pictures (as the title suggests). I will get to the afters when the rooms are done (hopefully). Also, I will try and do better than a once a month blogger!

Valentine's Day is alot of work.

2010-02-11T15:35:00.000-08:00

I remember it was last year too...this year we went a little easier and just cranked out 50 or so heart shaped marshmallow treats. I will admit that I have eaten some of the scraps and they are just as good at 34 as they were when I was 6! Also challenging, is 2 children writing their own valentines...somehow, Ella "helped" Jude with his when I wasn't looking.

Happy Birthday Pepaw!

2010-02-11T15:29:00.000-08:00

Ella is wafting the "smoke" after he blew out the candles!

Gabey liked it!

Pepaw and Nana came to aid in the care of all things children when Gabe had his tubes put in and adenoids out. We had to be there at 6 so Nana and Pepaw were to disperse children as necessary that morning...but there was no school...anyway, Pepaw's birthday was Tuesday. We enjoyed a birthday dinner that night. Pepaw even got to use the "My Special Day" plate! We had lasagna and a Pepaw favorite - banana pudding. Happy Birthday Pepaw and thanks for the assistance!

Ice Ice Baby! (all pictures in reverse)

2010-02-11T15:16:00.000-08:00

The last one in - crying the whole way!

Jada pulling Ella

BIG kids

swinging was a bad idea

Landon was well protected

boys turn

The start of the trip

yep, before we even left...I have NO idea what he did but he was NOT happy!

who turned out the lights~

Gabe fell right after this and was sad.

Actually it was really SNOW SNOW baby! We ventured out for a nice afternoon of sledding...which was actually about 30 minutes - we spent far more time preparing than actually playing! The best part, was probably the hot chocolate and that the kiddos played (inside)while Carmen, Puh, Jonathan and I sat around all day watching movies and talking...nice! The vegetable soup and cornbread was not too bad either.

At Home...

2010-02-11T15:11:00.000-08:00

brushing his teeth
Ella's "Say Yes To The Dress" marathon

going to the movie...lots of layers

counting and sorting

The cold weather has put a screeching halt on my painting projects. I have resorted to buying paint for the actual walls in order to feel productive...in the meantime we have been hanging at home (all of us) and hanging at work. We were all sad when Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow!

What a Handy Dandy Helper!

2010-01-26T11:37:00.000-08:00

I was sitting on the couch looking for some tax receipts as Gabe was playing in the floor. He went away for a second and when I turned around he had gotten some paper towels under the kitchen sink to clean up where his sippy cup had leaked in the floor! I guess he really does pay attention. Joni, I will have to teach him to used a real towel instead of the paper towels!

Projects

2010-01-22T16:42:00.000-08:00

My swiffer and mop on the side there NEVER leave that spot!

Finished!How much can I eat?

What we started with - plus some major glue gunning!

We have been working on several things this week. Jude had a project to turn in that required us to make a snowman out of two paper plates. We bounced several ideas back and forth but eventually came up with the "Sweet Snowman"...you can see why.

Also, house projects - I finished my "what if I" Modge Podge a poster sized picture on a painted canvas project. In the picture it looks like you can see where the Modge Podge ended...in "real" life you cannot (well mostly cannot). I also made Gabe a cover for his high chair. I forgot to take a picture of it but it turned out better than Jonathan had thought it would. - ok, better than I thought it would too. Ella's new bed is half sanded and primed. I will post some before and after pictures when there is an after to post...also her desk is now primed. All of her bedding came in but I think I am getting in over my head with what is manageable to do in her room and what I want to do!

oh and we did this

2010-01-16T17:49:00.000-08:00

there she goes

peeking out

crazy hair on the trampoline

We broke out Ella's Christmas present from Aunt Kathy and Lori. They had fun rolling around the yard in the Gigi ball.

What we have been doing....

2010-01-16T17:38:00.000-08:00

Apparently Gabe is not happy about My Special Day....
Barnyard instead of cake.

How yummy....and they came with a bow - I didn't really wear it out.

besides being sick. I think I lost a week of my life....or two. The first was dedicated to the stomach virus then somewhere along the way Gabe never got over his and ended up with an ear infection and bronchitis as well as being dehydrated. He went for his "well" visit on Monday - which I moved up a day because he was still throwing up. His weight was 20 pounds which left him in the 3rd percentile. They didn't give him his shots because he won the "sickest kid of they day award" and so I had to take him to Vanderbilt for a chest xray...cost yet to be determined but I am not looking forward to that! Anyway, 3 days of visiting Dr. Keith and Gabe is on the mend...he played outside today so we may be back this week. He actually does have an appointment with an ENT on Friday.

So, back to turning 34...that is what else we have been doing - or I have been doing. I am so blessed to have such wonderful friends and family that make me actually think birthdays (without the wrinkles) are fun! Thanks everyone for the phone calls, cards, chocolate covered strawberries, gifts and barnyards...all appreciated!

Also, we have recently started quite a few projects around the house. We have finally gotten to the kids rooms...Jessica has graciously helped me with that - again, appreciated...but I have a long road with painting furniture and walls (neither which I am good at). I started this afternoon with the priming after Jonathan did the sanding...pictures to come.

"real" snow!

2010-01-09T20:31:00.001-08:00

After the first tease of snow, we finally got the real deal. I am sure it would have been a blast to play in. I have seen some great pictures of sledding (I actually bought one last year that we have never used). However, any thought we had of playing in the snow was crushed by the stomach bug that came crashing down on us Thursday night. Jude started the trend around midnight with me then Ella following about 30 minutes later. It was a bad, bad scene from a movie. I have been sick before but I cannot remember the last time I felt this bad. I won't go into any more detail but be thankful there are no pictures. Jonathan was the only one "spared" and I say that only because he did run a fever and felt "bad" for about an hour..."bad" does not describe the rest of us. When I got up this morning - from 13 hours of sleep - he said "why were you wearing a robe - backwards - over your pjs last night"....it was my attempt to stay warm - a pitiful homemade Snuggie, I guess.

Hello New Year

2010-01-06T15:39:00.000-08:00

making Frosty...but he won't eat his buddy!

finished product!

So proud!

Welcoming 2010 in style

Thanks to Carmen for the little visual aids (pictures -as I forgot my camera) to go along with the New Years post! We celebrated at the McConnell's house and although nobody actually stayed up until midnight, it was a fun evening!

Gabe likes to help with laundry

2010-01-06T15:34:00.000-08:00

or just put stuff in the washer...like cups of milk, car keys and telephones.

I was going through some things and have a question...

2010-01-06T15:33:00.000-08:00

What a sweet face!

What do you do with 11 year old dog teeth...yep, that is what is in the bag!

We got a little snow

2010-01-06T15:32:00.001-08:00

but only enjoyed it from the inside!

When we got home....

2010-01-06T15:30:00.000-08:00

Jude discovered he loved his Soccer trophy...again - All those toys and he has been carrying around his trophy?
Gabe helped me get things cleaned up from being gone.

All I want for Chrismas is 5 dollars...

2010-01-06T15:26:00.000-08:00

Ella and Jude came to me as I was getting ready for work one morning before we left with an envelope. When I opened it I found 2 colored pictures and $5. The conversation then went like this:

Me: Oh you guys, thank you for the pictures and I appreciate the $5 but I can't take your money, that is for you!

Ella: Well Mom, we knew Daddy wouldn't get you anything so go ahead and take the $5 and buy whatever you want

Jude: Yeah Mom, keep the money...Ella took it from her bank.

I hung the pictures in my closet but gave the $5 back.

The End...of Christmas

2010-01-06T15:23:00.000-08:00

A week on the road - smelly
A Griswald for the car - $200
Not sleeping in your own bed - tiring
Spending time with friends and family - priceless

KY Christmas

2010-01-06T15:10:00.000-08:00

I am just figuring out this whole Smilebox thing and am trying to cross off adding to my blog from my list...it seems like the pictures are hard to see and sometimes I can't add captions.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Branson Pics

2010-01-06T15:08:00.000-08:00

The "peace out" picture

Missouri Christmas

2010-01-06T15:05:00.001-08:00

Round one of Christmas travels - We went from TN to KY to Branson to West Plains in 4 days!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

We're Baaaack!

2010-01-06T14:39:00.000-08:00

I'm behind but at least I am back....Here are some pictures from Jude's school Christmas party/performance.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Reindeer Games

2009-12-16T19:46:00.000-08:00

I saw on the news where there was a local reindeer farm that would have their reindeer on display at The Streets of Indian Lake every evening until Christmas. We took off down there on Monday night to see what it was all about. Two of the three kids loved them...I won't name names...I forgot my camera after I went home just to pick it up so these pictures are from my phone.

Here's what happens when....

2009-12-16T18:50:00.001-08:00

you stand on a pillow to reach the tv so you can turn it on and off while your older brother and sister are playing the Wii...I made him a shirt last night that says "N is for naughty"...yep, sure is. (But don't you just want to squeeze him?)

Christmas Craftiness

2009-12-16T18:35:00.000-08:00

Gabe (Santa Baby) running off with the bag...his favorite part
yes, A CLIPBOARD?! now what do I do with it?

look out, Jude is dangerous with the whip

waiting ever so patiently to turn around...except Gabe, he doesn't follow the rules (and yes, the bag says Happy Birthday...I didn't have one big enough)

finished pillow

stuffing the snake

more stuffing the snake

the final whip

making the whip

I had the idea to have each child make the other two something for Christmas. It seemed great - like they would see how much time goes into making things and they might each appreciate it more or they would be more excited to give their homemade gifts or it would get us in the Christmas Spirit OR it ultimately would beat me standing in the toy aisle - which I hate - while they picked out toys...THREE TIMES. Actually, it ended up being more work for me - finding the craft, getting the supplies and then helping (which meant I did it and they helped) with the execution. In reality, I enjoyed spending time with each of them even though Jude cried over the thought thinking he "would not have the supplies" - I guess Jude is easily stressed out! Anyway, it turned out cute - although I have created a monster with Ella's clipboard. I had to keep Jude's "to do list" today and check things off as they were done while she was in school because I was "in charge" of him today. They have already opened their gifts as we already did our family Christmas since we will be traveling over the next week and a half.

All I want for Christmas...close up!

2009-12-16T18:15:00.000-08:00

She reminds me of an elderly lady who has removed her flipper...I just laugh all the time...I try not too but it keeps me from crying that my little girl is getting BIG!!

Chicago - Camera 2 (final)

2009-12-16T18:03:00.000-08:00

yep, I am wearing leg warmers...and they are WARM!

Dessert...after breakfast? I ate it too though!

YUUUUMY!

having some "tea"

In this installment of Ella's Birthday - Chicago, we see pictures of our brunch experience as well as ice skating and the hotel photo shoot where Ella and Reesi were practicing their "Barbie toes"...moves Reesi learned by watching America's Next Top Model!

Yes, Virginia, they can be sweet....

2009-12-11T19:58:00.000-08:00

At the party Ella went to tonight they rode the carousel. Jude wanted to ride the spinner with the big girls but there was not enough room. He was tired so he started crying. Ella tried to get him to go ahead and get on with them but he would not saying it was too crowded and he wouldn't fit (I don't think the other girls really wanted him on their anyway). She got so upset that she got off and said "fine, if he's not riding then I'm not riding"...I gasped for air... Were these really my children? I could not even step in at this point. I had to just sit back and watch this glorious moment of a big sister actually caring for her younger brother. It was beautiful, I tell you...a true Christmas miracle I will remember forever.

Santa

2009-12-11T19:49:00.000-08:00

mailing off letters - Jude's was lengthy, Ella's was not.

the best of three pictures...with a paci - it is red though

cranky Gabe doesn't want anyone touching him

turtle pratice...Pops would be so proud

Well, when I was typing this post I inadvertently typed in "Satan" oops. It would have been all the same to Gabe though. He did not cry like I thought he would but he was not too happy. Sadly, the boys did not don their Christmas shirts this year (so I did my best in green "happy camper" and a red AC/DC shirt) - mainly because Jude only has one from last year that is really too small and I could not find Gabe one. I don't know what the deal with boys shirts this year has been but I sure have not seen them. Ella was going to a birthday party so she was full on Christmas spirit. We went to Bass Pro this year for the free pictures and they also had games and coloring pages as well as Santa List sheets and mailboxes. The kids played, had their pictures made and mailed off their letters and the best part...FREE! Granted, the pictures were not as good as Opryland Hotel and the Santa wasn't really either but the job is done!

All I want for Christmas are my two front teeth!

2009-12-11T19:37:00.000-08:00

after
there she is!

She needed a hand holder and I was about to pass out so Daddy did it.

there are no words....

All I want for Christmas....yep, he did it...now she can sing it. For anyone thinking he may actually like taking her teeth out this is not the case, he promises. They were loose, the others were on their way in and she didn't want to do it so here we go again, the gas, the pliers and $10. She got mad at me today because I laughed when she smiled. I don't think me saying "you look like an old lady with her teeth out" made her happy!

Jude's 'Professional' Soccer Pics

2009-12-09T08:39:00.000-08:00

School Pictures 2009

2009-12-09T08:33:00.001-08:00

I don't think I put Ella's on here yet and I just got Jude's so here they are....

Ella's Birthday - Camera 1

2009-12-07T18:17:00.000-08:00

Ella had a big treat - me too - and we went to Chicago on her birthday weekend to pick out an American Girl doll. We were so lucky that my friend Joni who has a daughter - Ella's friend, Reesi - went with us. We had a great girl's weekend!

Day #1: It was quite eventful starting with the accessories our Elf on a Shelf left Ella for her birthday and to share with Reesi. The plane trip was fun - Ella sat between "two big men" and I had to sit behind her. The limo ride from the airport to the hotel was also a highlight as was the fact that the hotel was very "fancy". Our first day we (I) decided we would walk to get pizza. What I thought was a 1.5 mile walk was really a 2 mile walk in the freezing cold wind with two little people that did not appreciate it so much. As we were approaching our destination, Reesi fell off a curb. She survived but we were not too thrilled with our 1 hour pizza wait at 2:00 in the afternoon. Onto bigger and much better things, we took the girls to AGP (now I will abbreviate American Girl Place because it will come up - alot) where they picked out their AGD (you get it now). Ella picked Julie from 1970s and Reesi picked Felicity from 1770s (Reesi could not remember her name until the trip home - she kept saying "what's my doll's name again"). Then Joni and I proceeded to pick out accessories for afore mentioned AGD. I think this is the part where we enjoyed it more than they did. Afterward was dessert time and what a better way to celebrate freezing than with ICE CREAM! Yeah and then we decided to cab it back to the hotel for an evening of AGD play.

Day #2: We woke up and caught a cab to AGP just in time for the doors to open. We headed with our AGD up for brunch. I think I may have liked this part more than the girls too. The place was really cute and the food was not bad either! After this, we did a very (and I mean very) minor amount of "grown up" shopping and as that may sound weird, it was just the Gap, Apple store (I left my charger) and H&M. We then cabbed it back and played....yep, AGD. We went for an early dinner and ice skating afterward. There was an incident at dinner that left Reesi wet so we strayed over to Old Navy only to discover by the time we got there that Reesi was dry...but we did get a look around, a little. Then off to ice skate...where we waited for quite sometime then decided to hit the rink "around the corner" with no waiting. It was a bit farther than around the corner but worth it because it was not crowded at all. The girls LOVED ice skating. The big girls were frozen but we endured for close to an hour. Then guess what...yep - CAB. Reesi and Ella were able to hail their own cabs by the time we left! We hit the room where there was more AGD play and finally to bed.

Day #3: Not really much - Apparently the Chicago Bears players stay at the hotel where we stayed before a game because the lobby/restaurant was a buzz with Bear fans grabbing autographs. Joni and I were just hungry. Well, we the packed up and grabbed a cab and hit the airport. We made it back to TN safe and sound sporting 2 extra girls - Felicity and Julie!

ICE! then ice cream...

2009-12-03T20:50:00.001-08:00

it was messy

they got to slide as many times as they wanted

don't put your tongue on that...

ice skating!

Tuesday we went to Ice with the "big" kids. Of course, cold is one word to describe it...but we had a good time. The place was pretty empty so we were able to slide over and over (all of us). Afterward we went to Chilli's for Ella's birthday celebration since the boys will be gone on her birthday. They enjoyed molten lava cake (I did too). A big thank you to Pops and Mimi who kept Gabe!

Hermitage Field Trip...

2009-12-03T20:45:00.001-08:00

Andrew Jackson's tomb

the class (or kids that were there) - posing with the Ginko tree

our "group"

on the big cheese

take 2. The first one was cancelled (day of) due to rain and the fact that it was under construction. The second one was a go...pretty boring, but the kids enjoyed not being in school. Not much to it: house, movie, lunch. We were out of there by 11:30. I was glad that I was able to go, Ella would have been sad if one of us wasn't there.

Still not caught up...

2009-12-03T20:39:00.000-08:00

Visit to KY for Nana and Aunt Brenda's birthdays (August).

the tea party

The deer siblings whose mom got hit by a car and they would run in a pair all over White House

tonsils - 7/15/09 (pre removal)

These pictures are oooold but I feel the need to go back and blog them anyway. They were on my small camera and I even found some from Easter but I will not post those since I have some others.

Nick Rock-n-Roll

2009-12-02T18:51:00.000-08:00

Ella wrote Nick and Jude wrote Rock - n - Roll

Our Elf arrived on our doorstep out of nowhere! Of course, today Ella and I went to Trendy Trunk where she saw them and realized that someone had probably bought it and sent it to us...ok, so much for the "magic" of his arrival....Anyway, we named him - Ella picked Nick for St. Nick (not Nick Rose) and Jude picked Rock-n-Roll. So, we decided that He would be Mr. Nick Rock-n-Roll. In the matter of only a couple of days Mr. Nick Rock-n-Roll has turned over our Christmas candy, played in our tree and is currently dangling from the chandelier in the kitchen! Who knows what else he has in store for us.

Thanksgiving - the program and the feast

2009-12-02T18:39:00.000-08:00

Hanging at Nana and Pepaws
It was loud, but fun.

The parade has started.

Elmer Fudd

being really patient waiting for the parade

The hostess (both of them) with the mostess

The dudes at Ella's tea party.

The turkey

eating the turkeys

assembling the turkeys

Jude's program

The Butterflies! - and I am pretty sure I cut some off...

You would think that by now I would get the hang of how to load these pictures but I haven't and everything is backwards! Basically, Jude had a program on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving was Thursday then the Christmas parade (complete with mobile home) was on Friday.

November....in a nutshell

2009-12-02T18:22:00.001-08:00

Puh, Lofton, Jonathan and Jude went hunting at Pops and Mimi's house

Ella laughed at Jude's gum in the hair trick then karma showed her and she got her hamster wheels stuck in her hair...ha ha.

He thinks he could take that little girl...

but really, he would rather sit on the bench....

with Daddy - at his last game (and with green hair).

Our pumpkin still sits in November - only 1/4 (if even) carved.

Impossible for everyone to look at the same time!

Well, Gabe was not really a fan.

We hit Wal-Mart after Halloween and don't you know, everyone needs a couple of good wigs (or bad wigs, you choose).

So, I did REALLY bad at blogging in November ~ these are basically the highlights. Thanksgiving will deserve its own post!

Halloween 2009

2009-11-04T05:28:00.001-08:00

The week of Halloween was filled with craziness; Dr. appt, 3 soccer games, meeting at church, Trunk or Treat, supposed to be a field trip - however, the week ended in fun on Saturday night. The chaos of kids juiced up on cupcakes and excited about the candy was actually really fun. A big thank you to Mimi and Pops who supplied the pinata and some of the decor. Also, to Nana and Pepaw who brought me all their serving pieces. There was good food (as always), great friends (as always) as well as a Guess the Goo contest, Skittle toss and as I mentioned before a pinata. Thanks for everyone who came and brought their little Goblins to celebrate with us!

also, apparently there were no pictures or evidence that Ghostbusters were there...with Slimer -sorry Harringtons (you will have to send me a picture so I can add it on here)

2 + 3 = chaos

Turning over a new leaf!

Gabe was up to no good

At some point

Dr. Seuss Week

100 Days of School

Gabe needs to get out of the house

Student of the Month

Trash Bag Pants

Hula Hooping

Happy Birthday to me!

Christmas Day

Kentucky Christmas

Missouri Christmas

Thanksgiving 2010

Letter FROM Santa

Tacky Office Party

and who knew that Barbie could cook?!

The "trap" has been set.

Christmas Card Aftermath....

and here's what happened next

Happy Birthday, Ella!

Jude's *first* math test

Merry Christmas!

It's Scooby Dooby Dooooo

Half Marathon - 13.1 WE DID IT!

It's FALL!!

Here's one way to keep someone out of your room...

I hired a housekeeper

Gabe's party

First days of school

Gabe's birthday

Happy Birthday Gabe!

Happy (belated) Birthday, Jude!

We all need a good supervisor!

I don't know where the Summer went?!

Crawfish Boil

It was the last day of 1st grade!

Jude's graduation

Soccer Star

I have not abandoned my blog!

Graduation update....

Jude's Graduation - Take 1

Water logged road trip

At the soccer fields

Jude's new school picture

More pictures

Actual Easter

Finally, some Easter pictures!

Happy Easter

A big W

Big Jude

Gabe's favorite indoor activity

Let's go fly a kite (or two, or three)

Welcome to the 80s

What we did on Spring Break....

Spring Break

Student of the Month

Gabe is so big...

Mohawks, Sunshine and Flag Football

Cold but we have to get outside...

Inside exercise

Before(s)

Valentine's Day is alot of work.

Happy Birthday Pepaw!

Ice Ice Baby! (all pictures in reverse)

At Home...

What a Handy Dandy Helper!

Projects

oh and we did this

What we have been doing....

"real" snow!

Hello New Year

Gabe likes to help with laundry

I was going through some things and have a question...

We got a little snow

When we got home....

All I want for Chrismas is 5 dollars...

The End...of Christmas

KY Christmas

Jude's first math test