BusyBusyMommy

Random Acts of Kindness

2011-12-17T01:27:00.001-08:00

We had so much fun doing our "Random Acts of Kindness" we will definitely do it every Christmas but also planning a Summer version...maybe even a Christmas in July kind of thing. We picked up our partners in kindness and headed off. We had made notes before hand saying: IT’S FOR YOU!
This is not a joke we placed this here for you!
We believe in giving not just receiving!
We just want to spread joy and kindness this holiday season!
Hope you enjoy this small random act of love and kindness!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!

My friend and I sat in the car and the kids did everything they went in and talked to who they needed to presented the items. The only time I even got out during the day was to snap a pic with the fire truck.

The kids took some pics but of course didn't get a pic of all. This is what we did:
Candy Canes on ATM's
Randomly passed out candy canes to patients at the Cancer Center
Randomly passed out candy canes in town
Paid for order behind us at McDonalds and Starbucks
Chew Toys to Humane Society
Wreaths to Nursing Home
Quarters on vending machines all over town
wreath to an elderly lady
Laundry soap and quarters at laundrymat
donuts to fire station and police station
general stuff like kids held doors open at the mall for a long time just wishing people a Merry Christmas

Dropping off dog chew toys at humane society

We bought some laundry detergent and attached a bag of quarters, note and bow and dropped off at laundrymat

The kids putting coins on vending machines. They hit the entire mall putting on soda machines and kids toy machines

Posing with fire fighters after dropping off donuts

Taking wreaths into nursing home

We placed these on several ATM's thru town

Brittney taping a candy cane onto an ATM

Married!

2011-11-26T19:46:00.000-08:00

My baby brother is now married...of course he is 32! Thought he would probably not marry but now he is and I have a great new sister and niece to love as well.
Here is a quick snapshot of Bride and Groom with Britt and Braden

This and That

2011-11-02T04:57:00.001-07:00

Pic of the kids from Halloween. Britt is such a good big sister not a lot of 13...eek now she is 14 would dress up as a power ranger with their brother but she did.

Very busy around here. I have went back to work just 15 hours a week but amazing how much that 15 hours affected our schedule. It is 3 afternoons a week which works well so we can do our school time in the morning.

Brittney turned 14! I still can't believe it...also can't believe I didn't do a birthday post will have to go back and do a belated one. She is growing up into such a great young woman. We have had a really rough time the last few weeks with a family we have been good friends with for years and the adult stuff leaked over to the kids it has been hard watching her have to deal with it but she continues to impress me.

We are getting ready for holidays and my brothers wedding that will be happening soon! Sure to be busy busy but as long as we are all together busy can be fun!

Brittney's concert turn!

2011-09-22T07:42:00.000-07:00

Well I am a party animal! 2 concerts 2 different states in a 3 day period!

Last night was Taylor Swift with Brittney her two best friends Brinnlee and Emilee.

Having trouble putting pics on blogger but I am dumping lots on flickr and facebook.

Concert was awesome!

Braden's first concert!

2011-09-19T14:56:00.001-07:00

Well I give up trying to load pics so I will just dump them all in flickr in a minute!

Over the years Brittney has been to several concerts. I never thought much about it Braden never asked and never got that into bands. That changed when Big Time Rush (a band/TV Show) he loves the show and started asking about concerts. Brittney has been to several so I really wanted to do this for him. I found the closest they would be to us would be Kansas State Fair (about 6 hours away) we decided to go for it.

I am so glad we did. He had the opportunity to bring a friend but he just wanted him and I. Which made me happy. We headed down Sunday morning early stopping for breakfast with my brother. After checking into our hotel we headed to the fair. We didn't know who was opening for them and even after hearing Hot Chelle Rae's name we still didn't know. Until they started performing Braden was thrilled we knew 3 of their songs and had listed to them on radio disney on the way.

Then it was time for Big Time Rush! I had more fun watching Braden who is not usually that into things. He clapped, waved his hands, jumped and yelled. It was great. We crashed at a hotel for the night before driving back early Monday morning.

On the way home radio disney was having a contest he asked if he could call in. I said sure but I have seen Britt call for hours at a time and never win so I wasn't expecting much. All of a sudden he was the 23rd caller winning a halloween pack with a new dvd movie and a chance at a grand prize. He was so excited. One call and he won! I used memo on my phone and recorded the radio when he was on it. He said it topped off his already perfect trip!

Back to school!

2011-08-04T15:08:00.000-07:00

We started back on August 1. The one thing about home school you can make the schedule work for you. I wanted to start early so we can take an extra long Fall/Christmas break with my brothers wedding the weekend after Thanksgiving, then a slew of stuff before Christmas and then actual Christmas I wanted to have some leeway for time off.

I now have a 6th grader and 8th grader...eeekkk.

Harry Potter Party!

2011-07-21T05:16:00.000-07:00

To celebrate the last movie of Harry Potter we decided to have a party. I know my kiddos are getting older and before long wont want these theme filled parties so I enjoy it we had a big party for presidents day, ground hogs day...lol give me a hint of a holiday and I can turn it into a party! This was also the first Harry Potter movie Braden had seen in theaters he had been too skittish before and would watch them at home later. Well I finally got him to read Harry Potter (a miracle indeed!) and then we watched all the movies and listened to the last book on cd. He was pumped for Harry Potter so I wanted to celebrate that too! I didn't get many pics of the games we did a creature hunt, muggle quiditch, we had fortune teller drinks, pin sock on dobby qoute and spell contests.

Lots of fun foods

The entry way was the platform 9 3/4 train station wall you have to walk thru to get the hogwarts express

After the party we went to see the movie which was AWESOME of course not as good as the books but still awesome in it's own right!

Fun Fathers Day Dessert

2011-06-18T18:11:00.000-07:00

Super easy I just made brownie mix and cooked them in muffin tins after cool crumbled up butter fingers (coals) then black icing piped (grill) then carmels (steaks), hot tamales (hotdogs), gummy life savers on toothpick (kabobs) dab of black icing for grill marks

Wrapping up vacation

2011-06-05T06:24:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow we head for home! Been a wonderful vacation. I just don't think you can beat a Disney Cruise for value and service. I have went on Carnival and twice on Disney and Disney is just far and above. Even if it was just Matt and I with no kids I think we would still do a Disney cruise. Very good.

The trip started rough with Braden getting stung by a jelly fish while we were at Beach but thankfully he recovered quickly and we boarded the ship as planned the next day.

I will post more pics they are all on flickr (on side bar) here is a fav of us 4 from Pirate night

Catching Up/Keeping Up

2011-05-19T13:45:00.000-07:00

Update blog has now been on the to do list for 3 weeks figured I needed to do that.

I use to be so good at blogging I have just gotten out of the habit but I intend to get back into it.

Right now getting ready for our big family vacation going to go with our good friends the Sweets on a 5 day Disney cruise. This will be our second cruise but new ship (The Dream) and with our friends we are looking so forward to it! I plan on posting some of my cost saving tips and planning tips (after we get back to crazy before!).

All in all things are well here hubby is traveling SO much right now with work but thankful that he has a good job so I am okay with that (or I try to be okay with it). Working on what curriculum I am going to use for home school next year I know the summer will fly by so want to be somewhat ready.

Well that is my catch up post for now...vacation pics will probably be the next update and then hopefully back into blogging more regularly.

April Fools Day Food!

2011-04-01T18:10:00.000-07:00

GRILLED CHEESE FOR DESSERT (Yummy cake)

CAKE FOR DINNER! (Yes when it's meatloaf and mashed potatoes)

SPAGHETTI FOR DESSERT (yummy when it's cake!)

simplifying!

2011-03-16T17:33:00.000-07:00

Working on my word of the year "Simplify"!

Having a yard sale this Friday. Really trying to simplify lots of areas in our lives. I quit one of my attorneys that I work for it was a tough decision but SO MUCH less stress definetly a simplifying step.

Working on clearing out stuff we don't really use and need.

Trying to be home more with the kids. Do more family activities.

I like having a word that I am trying to incooperate in to my life in lots of areas rather than making a list of resolutions that I never follow thru with.

B

2011-02-23T16:18:00.000-08:00

B

That's the type of flu Brae tested positive for yesterday! We are keeping him down and trying our best to keep from being admitted to the hospital. So thankful because 2 years ago we would already have been admitted. It shows how much stronger he has gotten.

Praying we all don't get it. I am flatly denying that I have a sore throat because if I deny it then it will go away. We are all on Tamiflu.

Changes

2011-02-04T01:54:00.000-08:00

Big changes at our house.

The word of the year is Simplify! I chose to try to add this word to our life instead of new years resolution.

One of the largest changes is I am no longer doing freelance paralegal work. I have been working for a very demanding lawyer for about 7 years it got to the point that the stress and pressure was no longer worth the financial rewards. So after an extremely stressful event and talking to hubby I quit. The relief is beyond imagination so great not to be dreading the phone ringing all weekend, etc.
One of the other attorneys I do work for is retiring in April so I will then officially be homeschool mom and homemaker!

Hubbys job pays our bills but my work brought in the vacations and extra so may be finding ways to supplment and definetly going to be watching the budget.

I think it will all be worth it. Already I feel better. I know home schooling will be easier without the stress and workload.

Currently working on simplifying the house. We even rented a storage building for a few months so we could take boxes and boxes of stuff for yard sales to it and keep cleaning without me looking at the pile of boxes in the garage and freaking out over it and deciding to have a yard sale before I am ready. So as of now yard sale date is Apr 1st lots of SIMPLIFYING to do before then!

Looking forward to being home more being able to give the kids my full attention! Changes...I think this one will be beneficial for us all.

Ice ice baby!

2011-02-02T17:34:00.000-08:00

I have been so wore out that I was wishing for a day to stay home.

Be careful what you wish for....day 3 stuck in the house because of ice!

I don't care if I have to have ice skates I am leaving this house tomorrow.

Santa Pics

2010-12-10T08:36:00.001-08:00

Kids are growing up so I know they won't want to take santa pics much longer but I loved this year. Found out at the construction company my aunt works at they had pics with Santa on a forklift...thought it would be fun and different. I love it.

Costume contest winners!

2010-10-30T20:02:00.000-07:00

We won the costume contest at Great Wolf Lodge. I was so excited. The 4 adults dressed up as the Flintstones. Kids dressed up too but the Flintstones were the hit so all 8 of us get to come back for FREE!

the celebrating continues

2010-10-28T19:04:00.000-07:00

The official birthday was Friday (22nd) but the celebrating goes on!

Heading to Great Wolf Lodge for the weekend to celebrate Britt and her best friends 13th birthday.

I will have pics from the Halloween party posted sometime. We are all dressing up.

Happy Birthday Britt!

2010-10-22T06:09:00.000-07:00

She has went from my princess to a diva! She is 13!
13 Things about Brittney:
1. She would do anything to help out anyone.
2. She is very good with those younger than her.
3. She is smart!
4. She is pretty!
5. She loves animals.
6. She is protective of her brother.
7. She has a sweet spirit.
8. She can talk your ears off:)
9. She loves to read.
10. She is soft hearted.
11. She loves spending time with her family and we love that!
12. She never wants to hurt anyones feelings.
13. She is the only one who will talk politics with her dad!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY GIRL!

Planning for the teenager

2010-10-18T07:36:00.000-07:00

My baby girl will turn 13 in just a few days...planning the big 13 birthday.

Friday will be low key it is her actual birthday. Matt took off of work that day and Brittney chose her dad making her choc chip pancakes, and then off to shop at stores we don't normally go to and then lunch at Olive Garden with a friend. The big celebration will be a week later than her birthday her and her best friend will combine their 13th's and we will spend a weekend at Great Wolf Lodge in Dallas.

I have bought them a tiara with 13 on it to wear out to dinner that night at Great Wolf Lodge. Should be lots of fun.

I am still having trouble believing she will be turning 13 on Friday!

easy breakfast

2010-08-17T07:22:00.000-07:00

Tortillas make such fast easy breakfasts:

We use rice tortillas for Braden since he has to have gluten free. I also keep regular ones.

One tortilla breakfast we make is spread peanut butter on the tortilla and then sprinkle granola over it and roll up sometimes I drizzle honey before I roll them up.

Sometimes I use peanut butter and bananas or just peanut butter and honey or jelly

You can do cheese.

Sometimes I will use veggie cream cheese and some grated carrots and cucumbers.

So versitile and easy to eat on the go!

Practicing Spelling Words

2010-08-10T05:59:00.000-07:00

I have posted some of these ideas before but I have added more too.

My kids love to practic their spelling words! Love it! We try to make fun and have a list of activities and things that we change around each week to practice that weeks words:

* Write them, but not just on paper we use Brittney's doodle bear and Braden has a doodle monster that are often covered in new words (just throw them in the washer for the next weeks words).
* Use washable markers on a white pillow case just changing up where they write their words helps.
* Write them using window markers by crayola and they can write on the glass door front or back (it just takes a windex wipe to clean it off quickly). They can write them on their bedroom windows.
* Write the words with a marker on 3 x 5 cards then cut them apart, let the kids put them back together.
* Pour salt on a cookie sheet and spell out the words in the salt.
* Use magnets to spell words on the washer, refrigerator, etc.
* Make a cheer spelling out your words
* Make a word find puzzle
* Print each spelling word then draw around each word. Study the shape of each word.
* Type the words on the computer and print them out.
* Use shaving cream on a cookie sheet to write words in.
* Shuffle word cards. Write each word on a 3 x 5 cut each card in half or into syllables. Shuffle the pieces then match each half.
* Write words on the sidewalk with chalk.
* Write silly sentences using spelling words.
* Play super kid. Use 3 x 5 cards with the letters for Super Kid have child take a turn spelling word if gets it right gets a letter to spell out Super Kid
* Make a graffiti poster using lots of colors markers, construction paper spelling out the words
* Tape yourself saying your words and spelling them. Then play the tape back.
* Use paint to paint words, or dot paint.
* Use letter beads to string letters on a string to spell each word.
* Finger paint words.
* Make the words out of playdough.
* Glitter words - write each of your study words with a glue stick or glue pen then sprinkle glitter on the glue.
* Mark the vowels in the words. Mark short vowels and long vowels and cross out any silent letters.
* Write a story using your words.
* Play hangman on a big white board.
* Play Mother May I spelling. I stand at one end of the hall they start at the other. They only get to take a step forward if they spell the word I give them correctly.
* Spelling baseball, set up bases in the living room and to get to each base they have to spell their word correctly.

We do write them on paper but I always try to put a fun activitiy with it. They may write their words 4 times and then we play baseball. Sometimes they will write their words on the front door or doodle bear then sit and do a word search.

Repetitiveness helps them learn but adding in the fun helps them enjoy the learning.

Electricity!

2010-08-09T08:46:00.001-07:00

This year we are learning all about electricity. A fun thing I have found is a called a Brain Box. I tried finding them online but couldn't find exactly the same thing. We got ours at Hobby Lobby for $20. You can do over 150 experiments. Learning how circuits work, magnets, etc.

First Day of School - 2010

2010-08-02T05:25:00.000-07:00

We are starting school today. Mostly because we quit very early because of vacation. So time to get back to it. Few pics of the school room and the kids first day. I have found some fun extras that I will share later that would work for home school or just adding fun learning in with school.

30 second skirt

2010-07-22T17:57:00.001-07:00

Brittney and I are going to try this on Saturday. It looks super fun and easy.

http://www.cutecircuit.com/30secondskirt/

Cooking day...all day

2010-07-19T04:30:00.000-07:00

Doing the once a month cooking again today. This is my second month to try it. Sure is nice to have a lot of go to things in the freezer but ugh getting the enthusiasium to get into the kitchen for ALL day is hard.

Helps that my friend does it with me and we just split everything the food costs and the prepared food. Works out nice that way.

Trying a few new things this month. There were two things last month we didn't like the texture of one was an Enchilada casserole and the other was a sweet and sour chicken. So not repeating those but have new things in the line up including beef stroganoff, and Alfredo Lasagna! Yum.

Time to get started last time we went till 8pm hopefully today won't be quite that long!

15 years ago

2010-07-14T13:45:00.000-07:00

We look like babies. 15 years ago. Wow at times it feels like we have been together forever others time seems to have flown. I would marry him again in a heartbeat! I have been teasing that Brittney is just a little over 7 years away from being the same age I was when we said I do! Needless to say he doesn't like that idea at all!

Easy Alfredo Sauce

2010-07-08T13:49:00.000-07:00

I have tried many times to make Alfredo Sauce but usually mine turns out no better than the jar so I just buy the jar. But no more. Yummy sauce and very easy.

Alfredo
8 ounces cream cheese - cut in bits
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1/2 cup milk
In large saucepan combine cream cheese, parmesan, butter and milk stirring constantly until smooth. Toss with cooked pasta.

Making ahead breakfast

2010-07-07T05:42:00.001-07:00

I am attempting to do once a month cooking. But with everything I do I don't do it exactly like they say:) I am easing into it.

One thing I love and I think is a life saver on busy school mornings is grabbing breakfast out of the freezer. It takes me about two hours to make a TON of breakfasts for the upcoming. I make all or some of the following and all of them freeze well.

Pancakes - I cook them up as normal put them on a cookie sheet to flash freeze about 30 minutes I take them out put a piece of wax paper between them and freeze them in a larger freezer bag. As I need them I grab them out and microwave them. This is especially helpful because I can do gluten free and non gluten free ahead of time and get both kids quick breakfasts.

Breakfast Burritos - By far my childrens favorite. I make them up and wrap them in wax paper then I put them in foil or in a large freezer bag. Just zap them in the wax paper and a quick breakfast on the go. I make variations of egg, cheese, ham, bacon and sausage.

Hashbrown Muffins - My measurements are non existent on this recipe as I just kinda add...but I basically use a small bag of shredded hashbrowns, about 6-8 scrambled eggs with about 1/2 cup milk added, sausage or other meat, 2 cups cheddar cheese and salt and pepper to taste mix all together in a bowl if it is too thick add a touch of milk then spoon into muffin cups. After they are cooked, cooled put them in freezer bags they reheat in under a minute in the microwave and kids love them.

Muffins - I just make several batches and freeze and grab out as I need.

Waffles - I have a waffle maker and I make about 20 waffles and freeze same way I do pancakes.

Sausage Patties - I will fry up sausage patties and have them ready in the freezer as well.

Omelets - They really freeze well. Same cook as you normally would, flash freeze, wrap in wax paper and freeze in large bag.

About 2 hours to make all of the above and then I have lots of easy mornings!

Random

2010-07-05T17:10:00.000-07:00

I mean to keep up my blog I really do but it just seems to be the thing that falls thru the cracks.

I plan to start the kids back to school early on August 2. Since we stopped earlier because of vacation. So trying to get things figured out for school year. Brittney will be 7th and Braden 5th...time is going fast.

Trying to prepare for a yard sale and I want to go thru everything. Took me all day just to go thru the desk and file cabinet so I see many more days of cleaning thru things.

My new love is my Amazon Kindle it is the best! I love it so nice to just throw it in my bag and if something takes longer than I thought, etc I have a book on hand.

I have seen the Twilight Eclipse movie twice already! Also finished the new short book that came out in June. I was late starting on Twilight series but now I am so addicted! I am actually going to use Twilight for literature with Brittney this coming school year.

My goal is to update at least twice a week! Hopefully more and hopefully not just random stuff. I want to get back to posting recipes, tips, etc.

Home from vacation!

2010-05-30T17:52:00.001-07:00

We had a wonderful vacation!
Glad to be home.
We saw so many wonderful things in Washington D.C., New York City, and Niagara Falls Canada...as well as lots of things in between. I have put tons of pics in my flickr that you can clik on thru the box on the right.

Here is a pic of us in front of the horseshoe falls in Canada at Niagara Falls.

THis is the view from our hotel room it was gorgeous.

In front of the capital building. It was COLD. We bought Brittney a sweatshirt first but Braden and I ended up getting one too.

On the ferry going to Statue of Liberty.

Capital Building

2010-05-15T16:27:00.001-07:00

The capital tour was a hit. I highly recommend if you have the opportunity to come then request thru your senator for a tour instead of doing the public tour. It was great! We got a private tour just us 4 and the senator's aide. She even took us underground using the senator subway under the buildings. YOu don't get to do that with the public tours. It was a very interesting tour she also gave us passes to see the senate gallery because senate was in session. All in all a great time.

Day 1 in Washington DC

2010-05-13T16:58:00.000-07:00

Our first day in Washington D.C. Walking, walking and more walking. So much to see. We did 3 of the Smithsonian buildings today (the castle, Natural History and Air and Space). Got the lay of the land so we could plan more for tomorrow!

Mothers Day

2010-05-09T07:48:00.000-07:00

Me and the kids....who will soon be taller than me...and I am 5'9.

Kids and Matt have been spoiling me today. I feel like I should give them the presents on Mothers Day because I am so blessed to be their mother.

My baby is 11!

2010-05-05T04:55:00.000-07:00

He turns 11 today....he has been thru so much in his 11 years and he is SO WONDERFUL!

Vinyl Record Craft

2010-04-27T07:06:00.000-07:00

The kids and I were watching Trading Spaces Boys vs. Girls the other day and they did the neatest thing with vinyl records. So of course the next day when we were at a yard sale and saw records 5 for $1 we had to buy some. We made fun bowls. Easy easy and kids loved it. Heat the oven to 400 make sure your oven is heated before you start because that way it happens quickly and my kids just set at the oven door and watched it happen. You can use any kind of oven safe bakeware we used bowls, casserole dishes and whatever we could find. Just place the record on top of the bowl as shown in the pic below and stick it in the oven. When it is melted around the bowl you just take it out. Now is when you can make the shape different using a hot pad if you hold the bottom tight around the bowl as the vinyl hardens (it does it very quickly) you will get a tighter bowl, take the record right off and you get a floppy flower design. The kids are going to spray paint a couple of them below are some pics including the last one in use already in the school room.

Brae Funny

2010-04-15T08:09:00.000-07:00

I have been really working with Braden on getting a good attitude about school and how important it is. We have a tax place locally where there is always someone dressed like Uncle Sam or Statue of Liberty out dancing in the front. The other day we passed it I told Braden see that is why it is important to stay in school and take school serious because look how hot and miserable he is out there. Now I wasn't meaning anything personal about the person working I was just making a generalization to put into place the importance of higher education anyway that evening we come home.

I hear mom mom come here. I go into the living room and Brae is standing there with 1 arm in the air. I am like what are you doing...his response....practicing...yep he was practicing his statue of liberty pose...so much for that making him want to take school more serious.

One Room Schoolhouse - 1905

2010-04-13T20:01:00.001-07:00

Here are just a few pics from our day at the One Room Schoolhouse that was just a few hours from us. It was so interesting and fun. The kids dressed in theme when we got into the classroom it said April 1905 on the board and the fun began! They did spelling, reading, etc just like they did back then with all the grades K-6th in one room. They played old fashioned toys at recess and ate their lunches out of baskets and pails. I don't know why the font was underlined and now it isn't and I don't know why it wouldn't let me put all my pics on here. But I put lots on flickr that you can see by clicking the box on the right.

Spring Pic

2010-03-30T17:48:00.001-07:00

Bradford Pear Trees are so pretty with their blooms. Had to snap a few pics of the kids today.

When they grow up...

2010-03-22T05:29:00.000-07:00

Yesterday kids and I traveled to Texas. Along the way we were just talking about this and that and we got on the subject of what they were going to be when they grow up.

Brittney: Mom, I want to be a teacher for special education or a therapist for education so I can help kids with issues like bubba.

Braden: I want to be a demolition expert so I can blow things up. (He stops then says:) that is the first step in my plan (pauses with his evil grin when I ask what is the next step) taking over the world and turning sister and her friend into his minyons.

Hmmm.....I want my kids to succeed but the whole world and minyon thing makes me pause..LOL. That is so my boy.

Seriously?

2010-03-20T18:06:00.000-07:00

Snow...flippin snow here on the first day of Spring!

It was 74 degrees and wonderful up till Friday bright sun. Now suppose to have 3 inches of snow by tomorrow. Of course I leave to drive to Austin in the morning. It better all melt quick.

I have never seen snow especially this much in March!

I have good intentions...

2010-03-13T06:22:00.000-08:00

I mean to keep up with my blog I really do it just slips by.

The last five weeks have been me recovering from knee surgery. My ACL ruptured and I had to have a graph done and a meniscus tear fixed. I ended up with an infection and they had to drain it two different times and my 1-2 week recovery is now into week 5. Once they got the infection cleared up it has been much easier but I am still not one to sit around so I overdue it and then have a day I can't do anything...very frustrating.

My dad had total knee replacement surgery a week ago....a glimpse into my future that I did not want...ouch. He is doing good. I know eventually I will have to have that but hopefully years and years down the road. Bad bones and bad knees...I told dad thanks a lot. Poor Brittney seems to be having the same issues she has grown so tall so fast that it is causing issues with her knees.

We finished our home school coop. I only missed one coop even during all the knee drama so that was good. I was in a wheelchair for 3 weeks because I couldn't do any weight bearing.

Other than all the knee drama things are going good. I looked at a calendar the other day and realized that our vacation is 60 days away. I have Washington D.C part planned, New York started, and after is still up in the air on what we are going to do.

Yeah! Yippee! Woohoo and all those other excitment words!

2010-02-20T01:45:00.000-08:00

After 8 years of driving to speech therapy a minimum of 2 times a week, sometimes it was 3. Braden is done!

Now he does still have a slight issue but thankfully it is something we can continue to work on and that will work itself out with age.

He is so proud of himself. I am so proud of him. 8 years and I don't even want to count up the money but all so so worth it he is so proud that store clerks understand him now. He still has to think and slow himself down but wow oh wow he is doing so good and passed the tests to be done with flying colors!

longest time ever at home

2010-02-16T07:45:00.000-08:00

I have not left the house in 6 days! At all not once. I think it is a record. Of course it is a forced stay at home. I had knee surgery last Wednesday and it is kicking me harder than I thought it would. I start physical therapy this Friday and I am hoping improvement shows quicker after that.

So my base is the recliner in the living room. Fun at times but for the most part going stir crazy.

Today the kids each had a friend over and we had a fun home school project. If you count poop as fun...LOL. I had bought (yes paid money for which is astounding) owl pellets! Today the kids dissected them. They had a good time. I was just glad I have a sinus cold and can't smell.

They set up at the living room coffee table and I directed and took pics from the recliner. For some reason I can't get my pics to show up in blogger but lots of them in flickr. You know you want to see what owl poop looks like and what you find inside it!

Funny enough the one that was grossed out and didn't like it was Braden who would have been the last one I thought would be bothered by it. Brittney did well with it and she was who I thought would be hating it. Never know.

Snow Much Fun!

2010-01-30T15:21:00.000-08:00

Snow is rare here so to get a six inch snow fall was fun. Well it wasn't fun when it started because hubby was at DFW airport waiting to get home he got one of the last flights in before they closed the airport for the night. Once he was home we enjoyed the beautiful snow fall. Today was out in the back yard for lots of snow fights and sitting around inside nice and warm. Soup to warm us up and Snow Ice Cream to keep it fun!

It is such a Monday!

2010-01-25T07:36:00.000-08:00

My blog has been suffering...to much facebook.

Today is a vent day though....it is 9:30 and so far:

Taking hubby to airport for a week in PA on business.
Brae climbed up to the top bunk with the ceiling fan on (still don't know for sure how it happened) anyway knocked his head with the blades which knocked the globe off and down onto Britt who was sitting on his bottom bunk. Of course it shattered everywhere and I wonder if the glass will ever be all gone. Brae has an ice pack on his head trying to prevent a bump.
Both had problems with their computers for school this morning and I am ready to toss them and buy new ones.
It isn't even 10 yet....and then my dad calls and wants to come over and talk about my brother...I am thinking this day is just continuing down the hill.

Basketball

2010-01-09T18:14:00.000-08:00

I have no time until April because of this.... Britt and her best friend before the game.

Britt catching a pass

Blocking a shot....she is actually one of the younger 12 year olds on the team she just has some height on her!

Happy New Year

2010-01-01T07:37:00.001-08:00

We made it to midnight. We had our friends over the kids were thrilled to get to stay and play until midnight and the adults just had fun visiting.

Christmas Wrap Up!

2009-12-26T16:29:00.001-08:00

The house is still a mess, toys still everywherre today we just took it easy and enjoyed our new toys. I have lost my husband to the xbox, the kids to their many games and toys, but that is okay it gives me time to play with my new camera, on the computer or playing with my new Kindle..FUN.

THIS FACE MAKES ALL THE SHOPPING WRAPPING ETC WORTH IT!

We had a white Christmas first one in our area since 1975 so Braden proclaimed it a Christmas miracle.

Braden examining his new toys.

Family snapshot

Hubby and I

The Great Wolf Lodge, Grapevine

2009-12-20T14:38:00.001-08:00

We made our first trip to The Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine, Texas this weekend. It definetly won't be our last trip. It was so much fun. A grat family get away to just enjoy each other. We got there on Friday and we didn't leave till Sunday. It was so nice being in one place not having to drive. We were never bored. They had a game that was called Magiquest that went all thru eight floors of the hotel kids and Matt loved it. The waterpark was really good and had two family waterslides that we all went on together. The kids and I will never get on one of them again...even Braden who is my dare devil said it was super scary. Food was good, fun was wonderful, service was above and beyond, family time was beyond great!

Christmas Fun

2009-12-08T17:59:00.000-08:00

Got together for a Christmas party today. I will be posting some fun Christmas foods soon. Had to share the pic of the kids in their hats. More pics in my flickr including some of the fun "santa suit game" which the kids all took turns being santa and getting their suit stuffed with balloons.

I can't even blame anyone else

2009-12-07T04:10:00.000-08:00

When Braden was younger he hated loud noises, loud toys because of his sensory issues so we didn't get them often. He has gotten over that but for the most part we just don't have a lot of annoying toys, etc. Well this weekend while Britt and I were in Branson we found a penguin it plays Chistmas Carols, waddles and says Merry Christmas. Braden loves penguins (hence the pajamas he is wearing). We brought it home and oh is it annoying so so annoying and he loves loves loves it. No sensory issues showing here as we heard it again and again and again last night. Just when it is about on my last nerve and I am 2 seconds from telling him to quit playing it he smiles like he did in this picture and I just down my tylenol an let the fun continue. My husband has also pointed out that I am the one that bought it...several times.

Let the countdown begin!

2009-11-30T18:05:00.000-08:00

My kids are super excited about December 1st. The reason being they get to start their calendars!
We love advent calendars. The top two have a bible verse and chocolate each day. Braden's has a playmobil pirate calendar each day opens a new toy or accessory for his pirate scene, Brittney has the new littlest pet calendar.
Makes counting down to Christmas lots and lots of fun. We also have one with candy canes in the kitchen, and one with numbers in the living room....Christmas won't get by us we are counting down day by day!

Early early early morning shopping

2009-11-27T19:10:00.000-08:00

Up at 1:30 this morning did some online shopping, then headed to WalMart. This was the first year I let Britt go. Really didn't have that much to go after. It was one of the easiest Black Friday's ever for us. But it is a tradition so out we went. People are nuts, I know I am nuts for just going but the real nuts are the ones who were fighting over the $2.00 towels. All in all we got what we went for and it was fun.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T05:10:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

Just a few of the things I am thankful for: my family (especially wonderful husband and kids), good friends, my church, my faith, my home, home schooling, good doctors and therapists that care about Braden, so many more people and things that are in my life and last and not lease Black Friday Sales...Yeah....3am tomorrow!

Easy sewing craft for Christmas gift

2009-11-19T08:16:00.000-08:00

Brittney is just getting into sewing. With that she wants to make everyone something. That can get time consuming and expensive so we came up with fun project that shows everyone that she is thinking of them at Christmas but can be done quickly and not too expensive.

Supplies: Heat protecting quilting pad (I bought a roll of it at Hobby Lobby for$10 and it made approximately 12 potholders this is with using it doubled for more protection and stronger potholders)
Fabric I either purchased 1/4 yard or 1/2 yards of fabric she liked for certain people, or she was able to find some great deals with scraps and remnants on the clearance racks.

First you cut squares out. They can be whatever size you want just remember you are going to sew around them and turn them inside out so it will be smaller than what you originally cut.

You will have 4 squares the sme size (2 of quiltin pad and 2 of fabric)
you place them in order like the picture below quilting pad, fabric, fabric (make sure your good sides are facing each other) and another layer of quilting.

Then sew around the edges going in enough to make sure you capture all 4 layers. Leave about 2 inch gap. Turn it inside out and close up the gap you left. Basically it is done. However Brittney went thru with embrodery floss in the middle, and sides just tieing little nots to add more to hers.

Here is one she made for my cousin who is known in the family for bringing cupcakes to every gathering. She has made 12 of these for Christmas presents and it is easy to put couples names on them as well.

Thanksgiving Fun Food

2009-11-17T04:20:00.000-08:00

I have posted this before, but I figured I would post it again.

I make a centerpiece with my food for Thanksgiving.

Cornicopia ---- THis is really simplier than it looks and is always a talked about item. Instead of a boring veggie plate...take aluminum foil and shape it to a cornicopia, fill it with balled up aluminum foil so it will keep it's shape. Then spray it with cooking spray and using breadsticks wrap around the foil, bake in the oven on 400 till lightly browned. Let cool fill with fresh veggies and put some dip on the side.

Bread Bowl with dip --- Take a round loaf of bread and hollow out place for dip bowl. Then take a small roll attach with toothpick at front for head. Slice a roll for wings (attach with toothpicks) the feathers are zuchini and yellow squash anf carrots cut in feather shapes, for the waddle I cut a piece of red bell pepper, and raisin eyes.

Turkey Cheese Ball - Make my cheese ball as normal, pretzels for the feet, on the back I used pretzel sticks and put on cheese cube, tomato and olive but it might be easier to use long tooth picks or cut down kabob sticks. For the feather appearance half almonds stuck in all over cheeseball, The head is a little trickier you have to cut the craker down and the cut a shape of red bell pepper. I just used black decorating icing for eyes because no one eats that cracker anyway.

Turkey Cookies - I use choc almond bark to attach pieces. I used a almond drop candy for the body (easily found around holidays) attach candy corns to feathers and head.

Happy Halloween

2009-10-31T20:12:00.001-07:00

Home from camping

2009-10-25T09:40:00.000-07:00

We cut camping short by one night....2 nights was enough! It was cold...brrrr. All in all a good time. The kids had taken scooters and on day 2 we had a scooter accident with Brittney so she was in a sling some of the trip. I don't think it is broken but we will be taking her in tomorrow just to check because she is really favoring the wrist. But we really did have fun. She had her birthday cake Thursday night. She got her hat for her birthday and the next day I got all the kids one of them. So they all had their warm slightly goofy hats on!

This is the view from my chair...LOL...hey at least I had cool rain boots for the trip.

Lots more pics on flickr.

Happy 12th Birthday!!

2009-10-21T18:10:00.000-07:00

My girl is 12!

Growing up so fast. I know she loves these birthday posts so even though I have been slacking on the blogging I had to give a post to my girl!

I am loving this age, I hate it because she is growing up so fast but I love going to lunch with her and FINALLY she is into shopping! She loves crafts and she can talk your ear off. Caring does not even begin to describe her and watch out if you make fun of her brother's speech problem or something...ohhhh it is bad...which I love that she stands up for him.

12 WONDERFUL THINGS ABOUT BRITT!
1. She is the best big sister anybody could ever have.
2. She is the best daughter.
3. She willingly helps me around the house without being asked.
4. She is very studious.
5. She wants to learn.
6. Very pretty.
7. Sensitive and caring.
8. Great artist very creative.
9. Doesn't care that other girls her age may not like American Girl anymore she does and that is what she says counts! And yeah for that!
10. Very polite.
11. Not shy...I don't like asking people in the store questions...not her she just goes and does it for me!
12. Learns all about pokemon and bakugan, super heroes etc just so she can play whatever her brother is into.

Of course she chose to go camping for 3 days for her birthday so I told her I wanted a dna test because I wasn't sure she was mine...but if you see us side by side I can't deny it...LOL. So just for her I will go camping for 3 days and freeze my tail off...no one else would I do that for as I detest camping but for Britt I will.

Happy Birthday Sweetie!

I think I may wait

2009-10-03T08:21:00.001-07:00

Received my electric bill in the mail today. I just glanced and had to glance again because it says:
Total Amount Due by 01/02/2090
Hmmmm think they would let me wait till it is due in 80 plus years to pay it...LOL.

Taylor Swift!

2009-09-27T22:36:00.003-07:00

I still can't get pictures on blogger but I put lots on flickr.

What a great mom daughter outing.

Taylor Swift concert was wonderful we had great seats, then they started putting a rope up and I thought she is going to walk by us we were at an end of an aisle. She did and Brittney got to touch her hand. She has said she is never washing her hand again!

Not cooperating

2009-09-26T17:38:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to add pictures but blogger is not being cooperative.

We had a fun outing with friends on Friday to an apple orchard. Pics are in flickr if you click on the flickr box to the right.

Tomorrow morning Britt and I leave for girl fun! Taylor Swift concert tomorrow night. She is so excited and so am I. We are leaving in the morning going to have lunch at Cheesecake Factory and a little shopping before the concert. We are staying the night in Tulsa and will head back some time on Monday. Hopefully blogger will let me post pics tomorrow night. I am looking more forward to this concert than the previous Cheetah Girls, and Hannah Montana concerts that we have went to.

Drama King

2009-09-21T08:42:00.000-07:00

I don't really have a drama queen Britt has her moments but she is not NEAR as dramatic as her brother.

This morning we are studying monks in history and we were making a traditional lentil soup from that time.

Braden all of a sudden drops to his knees and hands raised goes "Why Why Why"
I am like what are you doing?
He looks at me and says "I was asking God why I am allergic to so many things but I can't be allergic to this soup!".

I am making him eat the soup or at least 4 bites of it as that is the rule around here but he is just so amusing!

Trying to do less

2009-09-15T07:14:00.000-07:00

I have been missing in action.

It has been on my mental to do list to throw a post up but the mental list has been a swirl of things.

I had a crying meltdown over just having too much this past weekend. I actually felt better after it. I have given up girl scout leader position. After talking to Brittney she didn't really care about it either, talked to her best friend she didn't care either so why was I killing myself. So that is off the list now. That helps.

I have also cut down a little on the free lance paralegal work I have one attorney that pays very well and I get the most work for him but then I have another attorney who doesn't pay as well but he was one of the ones to start my free lance work and has always been there so I felt obligation to him. However it was just becoming to overwhelming so I went into talk to him. Of course started crying and he was like why didn't you say something sooner no problem. So we worked out a compromise he wants me to do certain tasks because he has known me 15 years and trusts me but other tasks are being delegated out. Which leaves the other attorney who pays well but is harder to work for. I am just going to have to put boundaries with that work.

I have lots of upcoming appointments for Brae I have bypassed some doctors and am just doing what I feel needs to be done. I know I will step on some toes but have decided it has to be done. So hopefully will have some answers soon. If you follow me on facebook you know about the weird episodes he has been having here and there with his heart rate dropping. It has now been 7 days since he had an episode so who knows.

Our home school coop has started and I do enjoy being director of that and I think I have it organized enough that the next 5 weeks should go smoothly so I don't get too overwhelmed. Home school is going good. I have started a new program with Brae working with his auditory and visual disorders I will let you know further into it how it goes. So far so good. We are actually seeing a vision therapist tomorrow interested to see what she has to say.

I have lots of recipes and crafts to share just have to have time to get them typed out and put up. Also going to share some of our favorite new books this school year. We are loving our art book and I need to share pics and more about some of the latest painters we have tried.

So basically I hope to get things into general order soon leaving mroe time to do things I enjoy like posting. Learning to say no to some things it is either that or really lose my mind.

Crock Pot Kinda week

2009-09-02T01:00:00.000-07:00

I have 4 days this week I am using the crock pot for dinner.

I am loving layered dinners in the crock pot. Yum. Last night we had steak, baked potatoes, and corn on the cob all in the crockpot done at the same time and the steak was so tender. Tonight is a summer soup.

I get tons of recipes from crockpot365

She goes into details on the layered cooking as a bonus her recipes are gluten free, and if you don't have to eat gluten free then you just substitute your regular pasta, etc.

I do still take the lazy way out and buy the crock pot liners from Reynolds not cost efficient but makes clean up SO easy.

studying michelangelo

2009-09-01T07:00:00.000-07:00

We started our book "Discovering Great Artists" today. We read about Michelangelo and his painting of the chapel ceiling, etc.

After reading about it I used masking tape and taped large paper under a table in the garage and let the kids lay on their backs and paint. They had fun and I think will remember more about Michelangelo than they would have just by reading it.

Ignore the messy garage in the background of the pics community yard sales are this weekend so trying to get ready for that.

Too much juggling

2009-08-31T07:05:00.001-07:00

I have had several balls in the air lately. My freelance paralegal work is booming which money wise that is great time wise not so great since I end up doing most of my work at 4 am and then running it by the offices after the kids are done with school.

Adding to that Brae's appointments, Britt's basketball, horseback lessons, girl scouts, Brae's soccer, being co-op director, and school for both I was dropping balls left and right.

I had asked Britt about girl scouts and she was like I don't mind if we do it or not yet I still kept being the leader. Finally as I was in tears last week I knew something had to go. Girl Scout meetings themselves weren't too time consuming but prep for them, and organization of all the paperwork the organization requires was just too much. I realized I was keeping it up because I felt I needed to and yet my own child didn't even care about it. I asked other moms to step up and everyone was to busy and I understand that but I also realize I am too busy to. So no more girl scouts. That frees up some time and stress. Maybe that will help somewhat.

I know work won't stay this busy I just have to get the case load manageable again. Co-op director is a big job for the home school group but I really enjoy it and my kids benefit greatly so that is staying. Trying to find horseback riding closer to eliminate that taking 3 hours at a chunk. Basketball will just stay crazy but she loves it and it is good for her. Same with soccer. Of course school stays even though Braden tried to convince me that they could take a break from school "for a year or two"...his words. Obviously not going to happen but he is cute when he is trying to get out of school...which means he is cute all the time!

A pic from this weekends first soccer game. I didn't get any pics of Braden being goalie...oops.

New week..

2009-08-24T04:01:00.000-07:00

Here is hoping this week isn't as crazy as last week.

Eeek Brittney and I spent every afternoon at basketball camp last week. We left our house at 2 and camp was from 3-7 so it was 8 before we got home. Made for a long week and a sore girl. She loved it though. It is going to be a tough competitive team and she is going to have to up her game even more but she loves the sport so much and her height gives her a good starting point and then she pushes herself so I think she will do fine. She is the young one on the team though but as she likes to point out she may be youngest but she isn't the shortest...LOL. She measured at 5'7 the other day...remember she is only 11.

I started school with the kids last week. Which may not have been my smartest decision but maybe it got us eased into it a little bit. I am already unhappy with the English I had picked out and I am not even going to continue it I ordered a new program last night. I said I know I don't like it and it wasn't cheap but we will all be miserable if I try to make it work so out with Switched on Schoolhouse Language and in with Easy Grammar.

Brae started soccer up. Hubby is coaching. He went to a coaches clinic Saturday and came home realizing how out of shape he was. So we will all be using the gym membership and we will both be working with the kids on their sports so maybe we can all get healthier.

First Day of School!

2009-08-19T05:37:00.000-07:00

Starting school today. School room is not exactly how I want it, things aren't as planned as I wanted but much to Braden's chargin we are starting today!

Pics of the kiddos the first day...none of the teacher because she was still in her pajamas...LOL

My 6th Grader and my 4th Grader!

Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods

2009-08-13T19:12:00.001-07:00

Vacation is coming to an end. It has been so much fun. Tomorrow we leave Colorado Springs heading to Amarillo TX to visit family and then on home on Saturday.

Today we road the Cog Railway to the top of Pikes Peak, and went horseback riding in the Garden of the Gods. The kids got to see Big Horn Sheep going up Pikes Peak I think that was the highlight. Braden has had a rougher time last night and today but I think he is doing better. Time to get back home and on schedule with him.

I have put LOTS of pics on my flickr.

having fun!

2009-08-10T15:43:00.000-07:00

Vacation is going great. We are loving it.

South Dakota is beautiful.

I have been loading lots of pics on flickr.

We are on the go and we are having lots of fun!

On the road again....

2009-08-07T05:26:00.000-07:00

Road Trip!

Family Vacation!

Yeah!

We started out yesterday.

If you want your laugh of the day this is what happened to yours truly.

We were rushing getting around yesterday morning kids were loaded I was last one out the door, getting everything ready for MIL who is housesitting for us, we got on the road. About 3 hours later we stopped for gas and a break. I start looking under the seat everywhere.....I had not worn shoes...I had left my house walked to the car barefoot and had no shoes. So now hubby is calling me hillbilly!

The bright side new shoes!! I did have a pair of tennis shoes in the suitcase for horseback riding later on in the trip but I couldn't wear them the whole time.

Yesterday we went to Fort Riley, KS the military base I group up at. What a fun trip down memory lane. I took pics of my old house, the kids got to look at lots of tanks. It has grown so much...I guess that is expected after 20 plus years but still it was so neat to see. Security much tighter than it was over 20 years ago too!

We are going to do a few things here in Topeka this morning then onto Omaha, NE. The hotel there has an indoor waterpark. FUN!

Here is a pic from Fort Riley

Smart Alleck Response #4368

2009-07-30T13:32:00.000-07:00

I have about lost count LOL...on my Brae's smartalleck but still cute comebacks.

This afternoon:

Me: I am so tired.

Brae: Mom why don't you take a nap, I will play quiet.

Me: Brae that is so sweet thinking of me like that.

Brae: Well Mom I was actually thinking of myself because you have been getting kinda cranky this afternoon.

Kids rooms

2009-07-23T04:17:00.001-07:00

Britt is away at summer camp (first time ever and she is loving it, thankful that my friends are counselors and her best friend is in her bunk).

While she was away I wanted to do a few things to her room. Well I had a very stressful Monday and I needed to burn off the stress so the few things turned into repainting and more...LOL. Her room fits her personality so well. Brae gave me the puppy dog face so he got a few new things in his room too not as exciting as sissy's but he is thrilled because I let him have Bakugan stuff we just threw up a quick border using a handbook. Brae was most thrilled with the curtains I guess he has just always had mini blinds but he was fascinated with the curtains..LOL.

Great book for art and kids

2009-07-19T12:39:00.000-07:00

Working on lesson plans for the Fall. I am so impressed with a book I picked up for fun. We are going to do art each Friday (or that is the plan anyway we shall see how it goes). It would be fun for homeschooling or just an add in. Anyway I love this book:

This book is hands on art. Each page gives you a brief biography of the artist and time period. Then it gives you a practical way to recreate the painting style. I highly recommend it and we are looking so forward to using this book.

14 years ago!

2009-07-15T02:58:00.000-07:00

14 years ago today I truly found and married my other half. We have laughed, cried, went through things that we didn't understand, we have fought, made up and loved so much. Happy Anniversary Matt!

We look so young! I am sure I will be thinking the same thing down the road (hopefully a long long long way down) when Britt or Brae gets married.
(I promise I know the date of my anniversary the camera date was set wrong but I still love this pic)

Helpful hint

2009-07-09T05:17:00.001-07:00

My kids especially Britt want to take everything they own when we go to someone's house. Grandparents, friends, it doesn't matter everything must go. Well instead of arguing I have a new rule. We have to make a list to make sure everything comes home. The list must be neat handwriting Britt's case it must be cursive. Having to write it out really makes her think about what she really wants to take and with checking the list before she comes home she remembers all her stuff. The extra handwriting practice is great too!

Busy busy...

2009-07-07T17:26:00.000-07:00

Life is at high speed right now. I keep thinking if I can make it the next 5 weeks I will be okay. Just so much going on. Trying to get organized for things too that are happening in August, then try to plan school. We finally just gave up on the school and took the summer off. We are doing some things on line at Time for Learning so I don't feel too bad. But not keeping a set lesson plan over the Summer.

We have vacation coming up in about 5 weeks. Just so much to do before we leave. Because as soon as we return school will start. Then about 10 other things begin too...LOL.

My new obsession is my Iphone...oh it is so fun. First I wasn't sure if I would like it or not but now I love it and the apps are so much fun.

Both kids lounged around today in their pajamas Braden said "this is how I need to dress everyday and do nothing too".....he would if I let him.

Insmonia and catching up

2009-06-29T02:03:00.001-07:00

I have been up since 2. Oh well it allows me to get a few things marked off the to do list. I will be dragging this afternoon.

I celebrated my 35th birthday in Texas. Wow 35, I remember thinking that was SO old. Of course here lately my body is reminding me it is getting old. I did something I had wanted to do forever. I got a tattoo. We went with my aunt and uncle to the big expo that Texas had. If you could have taken a pic of me there it would have been what here does not belong. I had never seen some of those things in my life wow different. I got my simple very special to me 3 hearts on my ankle.
Most are surprised I got one but I wanted one way back in college but then it was just a butterfly now this is something that is a special thing to me. I have caught some flak for it already and I am sure I will catch some more but on this issue it is for me and let those that want to judge do so but I am not going to regret this.

We were in Texas two weeks so the next two weeks will be spent catching up and by that point Britt will be on her way to camp for the first time...eek...my baby. Then she will be back a few days and the kids and I will be off to Texas again.

Before we leave again I plan to do a yard sale (yes I may be crazy)...LOL...but I know that after we get back from Texas we are home a day and then leave for a two week trip, then come back from that and I want to start school so I need to have the house clean before Texas trip. Busy busy.

My little smart alleck

2009-06-21T18:11:00.000-07:00

We went out with my cousin and her family to a thai resteraunt. Hubby has eaten thai before but not the kids or I. Britt being my picky eater we had talked about trying new foods the whole way.

We get there start looking at the menus before my cousins family gets there. Britt is starting to snarl about the foods. I say "Brittney I don't want any attitude from you on this". Without missing a beat Brae looks up and says "Oh is attitude on the menu"...Oh he is so quick and such a smart alleck but so cute about it..lol.

For the record I didn't like thai food, neither did the kids. Hubby loved it.

Kids boredom

2009-06-10T03:50:00.000-07:00

I am recycling an old post. Crazy around here right now. I have things to blog about but not enough time to sort them out in my mind and put them down. So here is a tip I have for kids being bored.

We have a box of 3 x 5 cards. Probably 100 cards in the box. This is the "I'm bored" box or the "I'm done with my school and my sibling isn't" box.
Each card has something writing on it. Examples: Play board game, play Lego's, make a matchbox city, do a craft with pipe cleaners and Popsicle sticks, read a book, make up a silly code and write a message, put together a puzzle....ideas are endless.
It makes it easier to have them written down. I give them out different ways, sometimes pick 6 and put them face down on the table for them to choose one (this way I know what activities I want to take place as some are messy, some are not, etc.) Sometimes I just say grab the first one, other times they look through and pick out of all of them. I am constantly adding ideas to the box, and little things add up to big fun on the cards as well.
Somehow having it come from the cards, and not just me saying go do this or that makes all the difference!

Easy Fun Summer Cake

2009-06-01T19:26:00.000-07:00

We had a pool party to attend this evening. I knew I would be gone all day but that the kids would expect a fun cake. This was so easy SUPER EASY and the kids all loved it.

Pretty self explanatory. Round cake, I mixed a drop of red and yellow to make the peach icing, I used white lifesaver mints for the eyes and just put a blue candy on top of the round hole, I bought the scuba set at the Dollar General store and just took the strap off the mask (so it is still usable), icing for the mouth, and black licorice hair.

Catching Up

2009-06-01T05:44:00.000-07:00

I blink and it has been over a week since I have posted.

Staying busy and I know Summer won't be any different. Those that keep up with Brae's blog know how frazzled life has been.

I do have my curriculum for the next school year so I do feel better about that. Of course I have not done anything past purchasing it, no lesson plans or adding to it so far. I plan on keeping some stuff going thru the summer but I have not yet decided when will be the official start of the new school year. Probably when I finally get around to looking thru the new curriculum. I got to go to two different home school conferences this year. I have new stuff and I am excited about it. I will work on posting what I will be using for next year soon. I also got to go to a Scholastic Book warehouse sale...oh boy...me the book lover in a kids book warehouse at 50% off...needless to say the kids have lots of books!

I need to find my pics from the rodeo. Britt got her a western belt. She had got boots for Christmas and jeans soon after that when she began horseback riding lessons, now she the belt so she is pretty much a real cowgirl now!

Trying to get the summer planned out. Next week our friends from Fort Worth will be in so that will be a fun and busy week.

I always intend to try to keep up with my blog more but you know how it goes!

Boring

2009-05-25T16:54:00.000-07:00

A boring weekend....yeah just the way I liked it.

We didn't do a whole lot. We loved it. Today everyone got to pick something for us all to do together. Britt picked playing Monopoly...ugh game went forever she won so she was happy. Brae picked watching a pokemon movie. Just nice and laid back. I even took time to read a book this weekend.

So boring weekends makes for a boring blog but for a happy me!

Fun family time

2009-05-18T16:48:00.000-07:00

After a week of doctors appointments and travel we needed some fun time before heading home so to Sea World we went. We always enjoy going and are blessed to get free year long passes each year. It also gave me a chance to play with the waterproof digital camera I had gotten for Christmas. It was nice having the convenience of digital and not having to worry about it getting wet and I love the underwater shots.

I love these pics of Brae crawling across the lily pads and hippos because they float as you touch them and you get knocked off. Britt couldn't make it past the first one Brae shimmied all the way across. Good self esteem booster for him to do something that she couldn't easily. He gave me the thumbs up pic when he was done.

In the wave pool

Lazy River (you can see the storm clouds starting to build in the background)

Next time she will use waterproof markers

2009-05-11T19:40:00.000-07:00

We got up to go to Texas this morning and well I had to blink several times before I figured out what I was looking at in the bathroom mirror.

See I had a perfect flower on my cheek, blue hair, blue arm. My darling daughter had made me a beautiful pillowcase for mothers day. She wrote #1 Mom on it, flowers and used lots of her favorite color blue! It didn't dawn on me that she wouldn't have used the permenant fabric markers. But no she didn't so when I went to bed with my hair wet I woke up to a mess. It was actually funny and I didn't want Britt to feel bad. She is making me a new pillowcase with the right markers. Of course the markers that came off so easy during the night sure didn't want to come off this morning.

Birthday Party Fun

2009-05-05T16:55:00.000-07:00

Pirates took over our house today for the big 10 party!

First my little pirate...

We had two cakes...
This one was a last minute decision because I was worried about the ship cake not being enough.

Blowing out the candles

The pirate gang...

He's 10!

2009-05-05T00:01:00.000-07:00

My boy! 10 years ago I thought I still had about 12 weeks before you arrived. You decided to make your appearance early. You are a momma's boy thru and thru and that is just fine with me.

Today 10! I still can't wrap my head around it. I no longer have a baby in single digits.

You are a gift, you are wonderful, you make me laugh, you make me want to pull my hair out above all you make me thankful.

Build an ark

2009-05-04T06:00:00.000-07:00

I think we need to be building an ark with the amount of rain we are getting. Rain rain and more rain. Instead of an ark we are building a cardboard pirate ship...I don't think it will get us far in the rain but I know the kids will have lots of fun playing in it tomorrow for Braden's birthday.

My time away for the home school conference was great. Of course it was great having friends to travel with and talk with the whole way there, into the night and back home again. I am so blessed with them. We also got to see a movie and have dinner at somewhere different all in all fun time.

Today will be spent planning for tomorrow since Brae will turn 10...eek. I am suppose to be making a pirate ship cake...I should at least go get a plan together for that since I am behind. Oh well it will all fall together...i hope.

Cross fingers, toes, pray, happy thoughts...anything else you think of...

2009-04-30T05:27:00.000-07:00

I am leaving town this evening, without hubby or kids. I will be back Saturday. Praying, fingers crossed everything I can think of that it is uneventful until I return.

Just in the two weeks getting ready Brae has broken his nose and had strep throat. He is on his antibiotics for strep he hasn't had a fever in several days. Seizures have been well controlled. So here is hoping everything goes smooth.

I will be with 3 friends in Oklahoma City at the homeschool conference. Yeah. Also planning on seeing a movie, and going out to dinner. I am really looking forward to the break. I love planning the next school year and seeing all the new stuff.

We don't leave till this evening so I have it arranged to just spend time with the kids until then. Brae has been a little clingier than normal knowing I would be gone. I think it will all go well and I know they will have great daddy time with way more video games than they should!

This and that

2009-04-28T03:39:00.001-07:00

I am getting ready to leave the kids for 2 days with hubby. So of course Brae had to get sick. Actually I am glad to do it a few days before I leave instead of the day before or while I am gone. Hubby is wonderful but dealing with Brae's medical issues is not an area he really steps up in, as he has never administered his seizure medicine. Brae has severe fever induced seizures so things like strep throat, etc not so good around here. Of course that is what we have is strep throat! I took him in as soon as he started a low grade fever and complaining so we are on antibiotics and hopefully by the time I leave Thursday he will at least be done with any fevers which will significantly lower seizure probability.

Brae is also not so sure about this whole Mom leaving thing. I will be gone about 48 hours and he has been super clingy since he found out. I know he will have fun with Britt and dad once I am gone. They are planning a video game competition marathon.

Britt is growing up so much and while part of me hates it another part is really loving this girl who wants to run errands, and shop with me, and eat lunch with and have talks.

I am going to a home school conference in Oklahoma City with 3 friends. So excited. We leave Thursday evening and will be back Saturday evening. Plan to do lots of home school shopping which is so fun to us, and catch the movie "All My Past Girlfriends".

Next week will be a busy one as my baby turns 10! How did it happen that I no longer have one in single digits. I am planning a pirate party, complete with cardboard pirate ship to play in and a cake with cannons! Then two days later a huge end of the year sleepover for girl scouts, luckily doing that at a hotel but still planning it.

I am ready for the break to Oklahoma City, I know I will miss the kids, but I will also enjoy myself and love bringing surprises back home to them. Brae has reminded me that school books are not acceptable surprises...LOL.

Sharks and Rabbits

2009-04-22T08:21:00.001-07:00

Well Sharks and Rabbits don't go together but I am behind on posting pics so I guess for the purpose of catching up on posting they will.

Yesterday we went to the aquarium for homeschool day as always we had fun. Love this pic of Britt looking up at the shark in the tunnel.

Outside the aquarium there is a alligator statue so of course my son had to stick his head in it.

Britt said I had to show some of the baby rabbits. The kids now have 21 baby rabbits in addition to their three adult rabbits. Thankfully they are all kept at Nana and Papa's.

Soccer

2009-04-18T13:20:00.000-07:00

We had to divide up today, Hubby going one way and me the other with Brae to the soccer field. Brae said "Soccer is my life" pause "oh and my family and video games".

They won their game but I don't like shut out games won by that much. I start rooting for the other team.

Looking Back Again

2009-04-16T16:23:00.000-07:00

I am actually gaining on my to do list so this evening I have been just sitting in the living room watching the kids play a game and going thru the archives of my blog. Trying to put labels on everything so it will be easier. Of course would have been easier to do before I let it get to over 900 posts without labels. Oh well I am enjoying going through them since it goes back to 2004 I am finding lots of things I had forgotten or am laughing about again.

Speaking of laughing about again. I found this post from Braden he would have been about 7 at the time.

********************
06/29/06
Braden was so tired. Getting up and around. He goes into the bathroom and I am getting Britt's hair stuff. He sits down and says "This morning mom I am just going to sit and pee like a girl because I am just too tired for boy peeing".

Park pics

2009-04-12T13:40:00.000-07:00

Saturday was beautiful and so we took the kids to Woodward Park in Tulsa, it was so pretty all in bloom, we saw brides getting their wedding photos done, graduates, and lots of babies. We just snapped some with our camera. Britt was a little more cooperative than her brother but that is normal.

a fun day at home

2009-04-07T18:14:00.000-07:00

We did school, we baked, we decorated eggs, we STAYED HOME...no errands no running. Nice nice day!

I had looked at the calendar this week and knew we better get eggs decorated so got that off the ever growing list of things to do.

The rest of the Love Dare days

2009-04-05T13:36:00.000-07:00

Day 30 - LOVE BRINGS UNITY
Isolate one area of division in your marriage, and look on today as a fresh opportunity to pray about it. Ask the Lord to reveal anything in your own heart that is threatening oneness with your spouse. Pray that he would do the same for them. And if appropriate, discuss this matter openly, seeking God for unity.

DAY 31 - LOVE AND MARRIAGE
Is there a "leaving" issue you haven't been brave enough to conquer yet? Confess it to your spouse today, and resolve to make it right. The oneness of your marriage is dependent upon it. Follow this with a commitment to your spouse and to God to make your marriage the top priority over every other human relationship.

DAY 32 - LOVE MEETS SEXUAL NEEDS
If at all possible, try to initiate sex with your husband or wife today. Do this in a way that honors what your spouse has told you (or implied to you) about what they need from you sexually. Ask God to make this enjoyable for both of you as well as a path to greater intimacy.

DAY 33 - LOVE COMPLETES EACH OTHER
Recognize that your spouse is integral to your future success. Let them know today that you desire to include them in your upcoming decisions, and that you need their perspective and counsel. If you have ignored their input in the past, admit your oversight and ask them forgive you.

DAY 34 - LOVE CELEBRATES GODLINESS
Find a specific, recent example when your spouse demonstrated Christian character in a noticeable way. Verbally commend them for this at some point today.

DAY 35 - LOVE IS ACCOUNTABLE
Find a marriage mentor - someone who is a strong Christian and who will be honest and loving with you. If you feel that counseling is needed, then take the first step to set up an appointment. During this process, ask God to direct your decisions and discernment. (We decided not to do this but to instead pledge to do or go to two marriage enrichment activities).

DAY 36 - LOVE IS GOD'S WORD
Commit to reading the Bible everyday. Find a devotional book or other resource that will give you some guidance. If your spouse is open to it, see if they will commit to daily Bible reading with you. Begin submitting each area of your life to its guidance and start building on the rock.

DAY 37 - LOVE AGREES IN PRAYER
Ask your spouse if you can begin praying together. Talk about the best time to do this, whether it's in the morning, your lunch hour, or before bedtime. Use this time to commit your concerns, disagreements, and needs before the Lord. Don't forget to thank Him for His provision and blessing. Even if your spouse refuses to do this, resolve to spend this daily time in prayer yourself.

DAY 38 - LOVE FULFILLS DREAMS
Ask yourself what your mate would want if it was obtainable. Commit this to prayer, and start mapping out a plan for meeting some (if not all) of their desires, to whatever level you possibly can.

DAY 39 - LOVE ENDURES
Spend time in personal prayer, then write a letter of commitment and resolve to your spouse. Include why you are committing to this marriage until death, and that you have purposed to love them no matter what. Leave it in a place that your mate will find it.

DAY 40 - LOVE IS A COVENANT
Write out a renewal of your vows and place them in your home. Perhaps, if appropriate, you could make arrangements to formally renew your wedding vows before a minister and with family present. Make it a living testament to the value of marriage in God's eyes and the high honor of being one with your mate.

Resurrection Eggs

2009-04-05T12:21:00.000-07:00

We have a store bought set of Resurrection Eggs that we use every Easter but these homemade ones look fun to put together so I wanted to share it.

Resurrection Eggs illustrate the story of Easter in a fun and inviting way for
children. These are simple to make and will quickly become a favorite family
tradition.

Materials
12 plastic eggs
Egg carton
Permanent marker
Piece of a palm leaf or similar leaf
Small piece of cloth with perfume on it
Small piece of bread or cereal
A couple of dimes or nickels
Small cross (you can even make one from pieces of Popsicle sticks)
Thorn or small thorny branch
Piece of burlap
2 nails
Small piece of sponge
A couple of cloves or other whole spice
Small rock
Small piece of linen
Little slips of paper to write Scripture references on

Use a permanent marker to write the numbers 1 through 12 on the eggs, and
then put the eggs in the egg carton. Inside each egg, place the item and Scripture
reference written on a small piece of paper.
Egg #1
Message - Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. The people waved palm
branches.
Passage - Matthew 21:1-11
Item - Piece of palm branch or similar leaf.
Egg #2
Message - Mary poured expensive perfume on Jesus' feet.
Passage - John 12:2-8
Item - Small cloth with perfume on it.
Egg #3
Message - Jesus shared the Last Supper with His disciples.
Passage - Matthew 26:17-30
Item - A small piece of bread or cereal.
Egg #4
Message - Judas betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver.
Passage - Matthew 27:3
Item - 2 dimes or nickels
Egg #5
Message - Jesus carried His own cross.
Passage - John 19:17
Item - A small plastic cross, or make your own cross.
Egg #6
Message - Soldiers placed a crown of thorns on Jesus' head.
Passage - John 19:2
Item - A thorn or a piece of a thorny branch.
Egg #7
Message - Soldiers parted Jesus' garments and cast lots for His coat.
Passage - John 19:23
Item - A scrap of burlap and one of the nails.
Egg #8
Message - Jesus was nailed to a cross and pierced in His side.
Passage - John 19:18,37 & John 20:25-29
Item - The other nail.
Egg #9
Message – Jesus was given vinegar mixed with gall on a sponge to drink.
Passage - Matthew 27:34
Item - A small sponge.
Egg #10
Message - Spices were used to prepare Jesus for burial.
Passage - John 19:40
Item – The cloves or spices.
Egg #11
Message - The stone covering Jesus' tomb was rolled away.
Passage - John 20:1
Item - A small rock.
Egg #12
Message - All that was found was Jesus’ burial linens. He was not there. He has
risen!
Passage - John 20:6-7
Item - A scrap of linen-type fabric.

Easter Foods

2009-04-04T05:38:00.000-07:00

I plan on posting more fun foods. These two were the only pics I came across on this computer. So I need to do some digging and come up with my others.

First....Chick Deviled Eggs

Instead of laying the egg long ways and cutting it you will hold it upright and cut it. Then you can make it look more jagged (like the shell cracking) make your deviled egg mix as you normally would. Fill the larger side with egg mix (you may want to cut the bottom so that they will stand up well) then use a piece of chopped carrot for the beak and sliced olives for the eyes (I have used both black and green olives before) and place the other "shell" on top.

Next....Spring Bonnets

The kids love doing these. I use large sugar cookies and mini muffins lots of icing and whatever decorations I want. Put the mini muffin upside down on the cookie using a dab of icing. Then frost the entire cookie and muffin so that it looks like a bonnet. We usually use several bowls with different colors and then use fruit roll ups, sprinkles, mini m&m's etc to decorate.