Easter Necklaces

The kiddos enjoyed the first 3 minutes of the project. We made necklaces out of marshmallow bunnies, Junior Mints, and fruit loops. Since they worked up quick, we [I] made some for the cousins too.

Public Service Announcement

I interrupt the scheduled programming to bring you this warning.

Nylons and kid's velcro shoes don't mix.

By the end of church I was sporting several run and holes and limped out the door. Thank goodness for warmer weather- I'll be ditching the nylons soon.

Final Moab Installment

We enjoyed a scenic ride to Hurrah Pass and Chicken Corner.
Our last ride was rigorous and challenging on Kane Creek. Brent took the Unimog, rest of us followed behind. We stopped near the creek to roast hot dogs and the kids love throwing rocks. We wouldn't have made it if it weren't for Ty's coaching over obstacles and Tameka carrying children during difficult parts.
And just because. She was a real trooper.

Moab Part I

We headed out bright and early Monday morning, caravaning with Brent's parents. Somehow these green doughnuts made the seven hour drive with three little ones bearable. Once in Moab, we settled into our rented house and then had some time for a ride. We left Ruby with Grandma and headed out on our first adventure to Fins 'N' Things. It's like a giant sandstone roller coaster.

Moab Birthday

Hudson was so excited to turn 5 that he could hardly sleep, by 6:00 he was already stirring.We forgot our leprechaun traps at home, so those pesky guys found us in Moab. They left a trail of footprints up the cupboards to the Lucky Charms. They also took one of Brother's birthday presents and hid it in the backyard. He had to find it under the rock marked with an X.We spent the afternoon in Arches National Park, hiking and using those birthday binoculars.
We had dinner at Pizza Hut and green ice cream and cupcakes back at the house.

Girl Power

When questioned, Dalanie's name is "Girl."

She ate "girl" ice cream last night (raspberry truffle blizzard) and wouldn't touch the boys.

When simple chores turn into a contest, it's always girls vs boys- her against brother.
She's becoming quite competitive and quite a feminist.

Excitement Trap

There has been a lot of excitement coming from Brother, who in case you haven't heard, has a birthday next week. And if that weren't enough, he celebrates his birthday on St. Patricks. Last year we had a little visitor. In the event that leprechauns visit again, we spent the girls' naptime making traps.I can't count the times we've read The Night Before St. Patricks Day. We got most of our trap inspirations from the book. Hudson loved building them. Actually he just loves to build. We hope our design are solid and that a little leprechaun is waiting in one St. Patricks morning.

No Use Crying Over Spilt Milk

Because if I did, I'd be crying quite regularly.

. . . I guess it's what you get when your 2 1/2 year old thinks she can pour her own milk, her dad's, and her brother's while I'm dishing out a little milk of my own to the littlest one. Thank goodness she only attempts with a little left in the jug, when it's not "heaby." Otherwise we would be swimming.

. . . It also happens when the kids haphazardly pick up their cup with the stylish one handed clutch. More often than not the amazing cup jumps out of their hand, spilling milk all over. It's taken some time, but instead of getting upset, I throw them a dishcloth and ask "What are you going to do about it?"

Work In Progress

Combining a little girl and boy in one bedroom can present it's challenges. I wanted something unisex and juvenile, fun and functional. I chose a bright and cheery color scheme and this is what we came up with.
I re-purposed several items and gave thrifted finds a new coat of paint. The frames are mini-chalkboards and now all the church/preschool handouts have a place on the bulletin board. My oak chest now doubles as a toy box and reading seat.

I swapped out a dresser with these cubicles my husband helped me build. There's lots of storage space and a big coat rack keeps all the coats and backpacks off the floor.

A super cheap king sized quilt got chopped in half to make two twin size quilts. I bound them with coordinating fabric for throw blankets. I pieced together these quilt tops, now I just need to get them quilted and the room will be complete.quilt top for her

quilt top for him

Tough

Brother had to get 4 immunizations. He was so brave. There was one that really stung and he thought about crying. . . for one second and then he was over it. Because he's tough and grown up all ready to be a big kindergartner next year. He'll get to ride the school bus, meet new friends, and keep getting smarter.

And then I panic. My first born is going to leave the nest and venture out into the big world for a few hours every day. That stings a bit too, but I bite my lip and hold back the tears. Because I've got to be tough.

Imaginations

I came downstairs after vacuuming to find my oldest two giddy with excitement. They had spent previous hours in the basement dressing up in old costumes and had now reinvented their own wardrobes. "Look! Mom!" they ordered.I had a hard time stifling my laughter as I evaluated their git-up. They were either some fast moving cattle rustlers, living high on their stolen wealth or the fast talking auctioneers who wear their Sunday's best in the livestock ring.

Either way, they were having an absolute blast giggling and playing together. Who knew entertainment could come so easily some times?

And then there are days when we can't drive 3 minutes without my older one begging to watch a movie in the car. I explained that we never had tv's in the car when I was growing up and I turned out alright. See, I'm an old fashioned mom I told him to look out the window. See what he could see. Figure out how to get home if I forgot the way.

As a mom, I take responsibility for cultivating the innate imaginations that kids are blessed with. How do you do it?

Three Months

So here are the two girls at three months. Even though Dalanie had a lot of hair, Ruby's makes it look a little sparse in comparison. Ruby's hair is getting so long, but I still can't bring myself to start with the ponytails already.

Uniform

My son has a self imposed dress code. One that includes button up shirts, gloves, boots, and a baseball cap. Here he is pictured with all of his favorites. Let me draw some attention to the footwear.
These well-loved and well-worn John Deere cowboys boots. They were the best thing I ever brought home from a garage sale- for free. (Some other boy had shown them a lot of love, broke them in, and wore holes in the toes already.)

Hudson insists on wearing them everywhere. He's gotten pretty good at sneaking them on right before we head out the door, so I don't notice in all of the commotion. I've tried to put my foot down and explain that they are inappropriate and that they reflect poorly on us as parents, but he continues to wear them. Let's see, he's worn them to preschool, out to eat, and even to my sister's wedding reception.

It'll be a sad day when he out grows them.

Faces

Queen of scrunched up noses, lopsided smiles, and crazy outfits

She still refers to herself as "me."
"Dat" is her favorite word. "Who dat? What dat?"
Her language skills are improving and providing us with lots of entertainment.