Field Trip

Last week I went on a field trip with Justin's class to AC Gilbert House Discovery Village in Salem. We had a great time, and the kids were really well behaved! I haven't ridden on a school bus in awhile, and now I remember why! Controlled chaos is a good way to put it! We only had one little one get carsick...in fact it is the little boy in this picture...I felt so bad for him, but he recovered quickly and had a good time. This place is a favorite of my boys, and they are always excited to go...lots of science related stuff and a killer playground!

The boys loved the craft room, and used ALOT of tape. But, the bubble room is probably by far the most favorite!

Lots of wet, gooey bubbles and a rubber floor...what more could you want. Glad I got to go and enjoy Justin's company. Tomorrow he turns 8. Wow, where has the time gone. My kids are slipping through my fingers way to fast and try as I may, I can't stop it. I am so thankful that God put them in my life for me to enjoy and care for for awhile until he takes over. Presents are wrapped, have to bake a cake, and round up fixins for tacos...birthday request!

Sleepover!

The boys desperatly wanted to have a sleepover last night...with Justin serving as host...so I relented, even though I know it means a late night and crabby boys the next day:( These are the times I try and let go as a mother and just relax! They are only kids once right? And I do want them to have fond memories of growing up together and having fun...I promise I do! The two little ones spent the afternoon "setting up" (Jared just goes with the flow), which meant dragging the sleeping bags out, getting pillows and making sure all of the bug lanterns had batteries...on a side note, does anyone else go through as MANY batteries as we do? I have started buying them at Dollar Tree just cause I can't afford our habit!...Anyhoo...they got things just so, which included making sleeping bags for stuffed animals (a backpack, which I might add it pretty resourceful!) and were pretty excited at bedtime.

After some reading time, it was lights out...YAH RIGHT. It was already 9:30 by this time, and Travis had NO intention of settling down with all of the excitement. He jabbered away forever, driving his brothers nuts. This is why I am so thankful that at this point, the boys all have their own rooms...each one of them falls asleep differently, but thats OK, since they aren't bugging anyone else! Travis obviously tends to chatter himself to sleep!

Doesn't he look so cute! At 10:30 when we headed to bed, I still heard him sleepily muttering, and decided not to bother him...I figured he was on his way out. When I opened up the door this morning, all three of them were passed out! Travis was not even in his sleeping bag! But, it appeared that a good time was had, so hopefully nobody will be ugly today!

Winter Fun

So, we survived the holiday festivites on Friday...lots of hot chocolate and sugar! Travis and I went on a snowman hunt, glued, and played holiday bingo. We had lots of fun!

Justin and his classmates enjoyed their Star bucks bakery, using the Star bucks that they have earned this quarter to buy goodies...I was a cashier, juggling paper bills and paper coins...I felt like the Monopoly banker!! It was fun, and good practice for the kids with counting money, etc.

The snowman cupcakes were a BIG hit, and there was only one left at the end. They were 10 Star buck dollars each!! IF that were $10 real dollars, I might consider making more:)

They also had a book exchange, and Justin ended up with a REALLY cool Narnia pop-up book!

So, we are finally done with Christmas for 2008...make up Christmas program over, and holiday parties complete. Now, onto shopping for Valentines!

How do I get myself into these messes?

This is what happens when you go to the Martha Stewart website and search for "Snowman Cupakes"...! I was seriously thinking I was NUTS after I made about four of them, and I had to complete 16 total! And I didn't even add the fruit leather scarves or use slices of candied orange for the noses! I tend to do this...get a really great idea, and then want to hang myself by the time it is finished. Oh well, they turned out cute, and hopefully Justins classmates will enjoy them. Thankfully, Jeremiah decided not to go back to work last night, so he was home to get the kiddos bathed and in bed while I labored in the kitchen of these cute little ditties. Travis' class is having a snowman open house this morning, and then I have to be back in Justins class this afternoon for a little party to make up for missing their Christmas party due to the snow. They were both excited about their respective celebrations when the got up, and thank goodness there was festivities today, cause that was the only thing that got them out of bed! We are looking forward to a three day weekend...I am still working on my goal of having the house cleaned and organized by the end of January. I am going to tackle the rest of my office/craft room this weekend, which means finding some order to all of my pictures and scrapbook things. I have all of the stuff, now if I could just find time to put it together...I am only about 3 years behind....UGH. I think I will focus on snowman parties and goodies today instead!

My Auntie Duty

So, today I had some Kendyl duty, while Mommy got her teeth cleaned...she was asleep when she arrived, which is always good, cause lately, she has been a little grumpy when she comes over! She promptly woke up at the 3 hour post feeding time, and man, she was ready for some chow. I finally got her bottle ready, and she basically INHALED it, screaming at me everytime I even considered the thought of burping her. After a good meal, and a major explosion and fresh diaper, she was good to go. Travis dutifully jingled her toy in front of her face while I took a potty break, and we went upstairs so I could get some more closet organizing done. Travis assumed the position in front of his Scooby Doo video game (notice he is still in his P.J.'s at 10:30 am), and,I did what any good Auntie does....I put her in front of the tube:

She was happy and content for at least....20 minutes, after which time she screamed and I sang, shook, jiggled, bounced and rocked...to no avail. She was sleepy, but not wanting to admit it...oh for the day when she will appreciate a nap! Mommy soon showed up and life was all good again. She sat on Kims lap quite content, and then fell fast asleep. I have forgotten how little you can accomplish in a day with one that size! All of the feeding, repositioning, rocking etc that you have to do! Remember? I have to admit, I am liking where we are with our kids these days...not quite self sufficient completely, but close. I miss smelling them, cuddling them and rocking them, but life is really pretty easy! I will just get my baby fix with Kendyl and then pass her off to her momma and go about my to do list! Thanks for the snuggles and smiles today Miss Kendie! Love you!

Clean up, or should I say MUCK out!

I have had this insane urge to clean, organize and get rid since Christmas...I know, strange for me, but I am going with it, since it makes my house look WAY better! I went out and bought bins, buckets and various containers to help me in my quest. The only problem is...I live with 4 very UNTIDY people...who are not in tune with my container system...thus leaving stuff strung from one end of the house to the other, and their closets look like a bomb was set off. I am afraid to open them most of the time. Their idea of cleaning is to pitch and hide. I woke up with great ambition this morning, and decided to tackle Travis' room first...this is what I was up against! Don't you love the "you think I did this" look on his face? Cute huh. I thought that a little furniture rearranging was in order, so we started there. It is amazing what you can find under a toddlers bed.

I honestly didn't mind the Whoopi Cushion being lost, but guess what he did after he found it? That's right...two hours of toots. Nice. I casually stuck things in the hall closet in a bag, when he wasn't looking, so those will find a nice, new home. I am feeling so overtaken by my "stuff" lately... I just plain have too much. I don't want to live like that, and I don't want my kids to feel like that either. They just get too overwhelmed at the thought of cleaning up, because they don't know where to start I think...a sign of too much stuff!

So, after a few hours of putting all of these little things where they belonged, vacuuming and straightening, we saw the light at the end of one tunnel.

Now, how long will it stay like this? I give it a week, maybe! Oh well, he is only four and I still have time right?

But, I will enjoy putting him to bed in this room tonight, all tidy and cozy. Now, onto the next closet!

It's done.

So, here it is. My first posting on my very own blog. Wow! This has been on my list of things to do for quite awhile, and today, I just decided to go for it. I am sure I will spend alot more time tweaking things to make them just so, but for now, I can mark it off of my list.

I so enjoy reading people's blogs...I laugh, I cry, I relate etc. It has become part of my daily routine, and it is a good break for the day to day chores...although...sometimes It does keep me from doing the things I REALLY should be doing. Between blogs and Facebook, I get lost in my monitor:) I just say, what is life without relationships, friends and a good laugh now and then? I know God wants us to enjoy life right?

Anyhoo, welcome to Horton City Limits...where anything can happen...each day (or hour) can bring something new. Life is a constant adventure around here, but I love it! Looking forward to having you keep up with us on a daily basis!