pet peeves...

1. cleaning bathrooms

2. mispronounced words..supposubly, flustrated, etc.

3. "family style" restaraunts...I like to order my own meal without having to share

4. bad aim (see #1)

5. shoveling snow 2 times a day for 3 days straight (I need to clarify that I choose to shovel, my husband does not make me, or expect me to)

6. alarm clocks set for 5:40am

7. a messy house (MY messy house)

8. and a toddler who WILL NOT STOP climbing...

...after a couple of near fatal episodes this week (I'm not lying or exaggerating), this little one still has not been humbled. We call her "extreme Lizzie". She has no fear. HELP!

It cost me $6...

I told the boys today that I would pay them $1 each to babysit their little sis while I shoveled snow (after the nasty blizzard...). This was what I found when I came inside...

Yes, I have their permission to post these pics...hence the extra $3.00

*NOTE* the little sis was the only one NOT dressed like a princess!!!

My adoring fans...

Zach wanted to take a picture of me and the other three kids just kind of fell into place... where they usually are...right on top of me.

It's nice to be loved!

Happy Birthday Mal...

Hope your 21st is the BOMB! Remember, there is an honor code...

sooooo exciting...

What could possibly be more exciting than a skiing field trip? NOTHING, if you asked these two. They were so excited to hit the slopes!!!! If you know these boys, you know it doesn't take much to make them happy...so this was HUGE! They are willing to try anything, and do try anything and everything that comes their way (there's a lesson to be learned there...by their mom). I am constantly amazed at their perserverance, and their laughter is contagious and always (ok, usually) makes me smile!

The best part was that we didn't have ski goggles, so they cruised down the slopes wearing the safety glasses from their Nerf dart tag!! hee! hee!

Happy Birthday sweet girl...

I can't believe she's two and I'm not so sure I like it, it's happening way too fast. I'm dying inside that my baby is growing up...I was telling a friend recently that if I could have "hand picked" everything about Lizzie (her personality, her bravery, her shape, her hair ;), her sweetness, etc.) I woud have "made" her exactly the way she is. I cried a couple of months ago when I read my friend's post about her daughter turning two..she said it perfectly.

What is it about us moms that makes us say "Grow up!", "Please stop growing up!"?

I just need to enjoy each moment because I am all too aware of what lies ahead...for both of us!

My life is a sit-com...

So I entered my bedroom this afternoon to find my 4-year-old and my (almost) 2-year-old in a GIANT pile of styrofoam that they had found in a large packing box..leftover from Christmas. "Not such a big deal" you say? Well, this junk was EVERYWHERE...

Remember the episode of "The Brady Bunch" where Bobby decides to take matters into his own hands and wash his Safety Patrol uniform using WAY too much laundry soap and the family returns home to waist- high suds all over the place??? This was what I was reminded of when I saw my two kids, happily playing in the "snow" they had created.

Styrofoam sticks to everything...the walls, your hair, your clothes, any and all surrounding bedding, carpet, ceiling, diapers, etc. As I was not so calmly trying to figure out where to even begin cleaning, Lizzie was crying "Nowy, nowy (snowy)" as I am removing her from the pile. At least the Brady's had Alice to clean up their soapy mess...

...and you can scratch my last post...HE'S BACK!!!

Pigs must be flying...

What do ya know...we've had a bit of a turn around. The 4-year-old fireball at my house is mellowing out (a little) I'm seeing more smiles and less yelling, he will stay clothed for atleast 3/4 of the day, he is being so nice to his little sister (he got her out of her crib on Saturday morning and made her some chocolate milk and played with her for a few..(while the parents stayed in bed..), less potty-mouth (I will admit that makes him a little less entertaining), he's playing nice with friends, etc, etc. Is the terrible stuff fading out? I'm not going to hold my breath, but I am hopeful.

Things that make me happy...

A house full of boys..

(my basement smelled like a men's locker room, but they had a blast!)

My family gathered in one place..(this is just a portion of a packed room!)

An Auntie willing to play kitchen with a stressed out toddler so I can make dinner!

Being inside my warm house with my little family while this is going on outside.

A fully dressed 4 year old (a rare thing!)

It's time to put the "fun"...

...back in funeral(?!?!?) Did I just say that? Please do not find this comment disrespectful or irreverant...if you had ever met my brother, Scott, you know that he was all about fun. After a very unexpected passing, we were all grateful that his life and memory left us with a lot to smile and laugh about. Don't get me wrong, this was an extremely hard day for my family, but something about togetherness and the knowledge of the hereafter, helped us to find our smiles a few times!

Cousins...Evan, Mason, Zach & Matt

More cousins...Brynn, Zach & Matt (love the teary eyes..)

A first-time meeting for a Great Grandma (my mom) and her brand new Great Grandson (baby Kash)!

Cousins..Kalen & Chris..goofing off!

A sibling pic..Diane, Adriene, Eric & me...remembering Scott by posing with (and serving for dessert) his favorite candy bar (Nut Goody)..brought from the Mid-West especially for the occasion.

My family is AMAZING and even though it was a sad event that brought us from all over the U.S. to be together, we were together and we were loving it. I love you guys and love our big brother for all that he has contributed to our lives.

"In all living, have much fun and laughter. Life is to be enjoyed, not just endured."

-Gordon B. Hinckley