2009 Begins

All right. I am going to make myself stop doing laundry and write a new post. Last night we had a great time bringing in the new year...the girls went to bed at 7:30 and I slept off and on until 11ish at which time Jason surfaced up from his studio cleaning project to join me in the bed. Periodically, one of us would roll over to look at the clock to see if it was midnight and after a few minutes Jason proclaimed his, "Happy New Year!" and we both fell asleep. A tad different that the celebrations of yesteryear. :)

Christmas traveling is done for a year. We had a wonderful trip through Tennessee. Thanks to Uncle Adam the girls traveled well watching Straw-ba-ba-ba-ba-Berry Shortcake over and over and over again. We left Christmas Eve, drove as far as Memphis where we had a delicious meal with my Aunt Melissa and Uncle Keifor and some of their boys. Harris made himself the favorite cousin of all times as he chased the girls over and over again around the living room growling like a tiger.

We slept at our friends, Aaron and Susanna (Guess) Taylor's, house even though they weren't there. They are always so good to open their home to us at any time we are traveling through.
After showering, etc... we headed off to Chad and Bonny Day's house. They are wonderful people that we made friends with when we lived in Tennessee. They have a little girl that is a month younger than Elaina and a little boy that is 18 months. The girls had so much fun getting re-acquainted with Hallie and Owen and destroying Hallie's room. We were served a SUPER SCRUMPTIOUS meal and Bonny gave the girls their first ice cream cone.

After visiting with the Days we headed off for Smithville. The girls were so excited to see their Bebe and Bubba and dove right in the presents. We had a wonderful time visiting with Jason's family and ate way way way too many sweets but made so many wonderful memories. Sunday after church we went to the Opry Land Hotel, walked around looking at the lights and tried to find the best "Kodak Moment" spots and the girls were treated to their second ever ice cream cone.

I would love to tell you that Eily started crawling Christmas morning, but I can't. She did do about 2 full crawling movements but then that was it. We had a wonderful time in Tennessee visiting Jason's family for the holidays. We finally got home around 2 this afternoon and we put Eily on the living room floor to kick and flop around and she just took off crawling across the floor. Guess she just felt more comfortable in her own home. Didn't want to be a show off.

Jingle Bells

Man, I sure hope I'm a regular girl.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/mpd/permalink/mXGTXVESX1PL2:m2HMXTFGX38JDM

Christmas is coming!

Deceptively Delicious

My Christmas gift to myself.

I have spent many, many, many, many hours at our Pediatrician's office in the past few weeks. In one room, she has this book out on the counter by the little sinks that are always in these rooms. Eily was fascinated with the crackly paper on the bench so I took a look-see. I was instantly captivated and have been wanting a copy for myself ever since. We went to the Mall today so I could get Jason's Christmas gift and in that very store there was a copy (Ok. Several copies) of this book for ten dollars. So I snagged one. Whoopie!!

I was just lying down with the girls enjoying some snuggle time as they were drifting off to sleep. Claire pipes up:

Claire: I found my fingernail!

Me: What?

Claire: Here. Feel it.

I feel a piece of her thumb nail that has peeled off and I tear it the rest of the way off.

Claire: No!!! I need my fingernail!

Me: It will grow back. Fingernails always keep growing. More and more.

slight pause

Claire: Like my boogers!!

One stop we made at the Mall today was Claire's. Ever since Elaina and Claire's dramatic ear piercing incident I have had to physically force Elaina to let me change out her earrings. Talk about a migraine. Claire was great but of course one of her ears had to tear and get so infected that we had to remove both earrings and let the holes grow up. Anyway, it occurred to me today that maybe if Elaina picked out some special earrings that were just hers it might make this whole situation a lot better. She picked out some turtles, daisies, ladybugs, bumblebees, pink balls, lollipops and the most important pair...... cupcakes. After the mall we went to Best Buy and we had to wait a few minutes for Daddy to arrive and so I asked her if she wanted to change them. She sat very still in my lap and didn't make one sound other than an occasional giggle. I was so proud of her for acting so big about it and we have made quite the "deal" over the earrings. I mean, what woman wouldn't want to own a pair of cupcake earrings? Totally cool. (You can click on the picture to make it bigger.)

Target carries size 4 (little girls) slim jeans boot cut. Do you realize what this means for our family???? No more plumber cracks at our house!!!

Claire pee-peed in the potty at O'la's this evening. (O'la is the name of any Mexican restaurant according to our daughters.) (I don't know how to correctly write O'la but I'm sure you can figure out what I am trying to get across here.) Once again, proud Mommy.

Once Again...

I am taking the computer to Best Buy this morning so they can confirm that the problem that they have "fixed" twice is indeed still on this flinging-flanging piece of technology. Once I do that, I have to show them the original receipt and we can then get our refund. Yeah!!!!! Just in case the problem doesn't want to show up when we are there in the store, I took a picture of when it happened yesterday and I drew an illustration of the box that pops up. I am prepared.
(I hope.)

I've started something new.

http://www.sacranwishlist.blogspot.com/.

A new meaning to the words Picture Perfect

Elaina: Mom, can I watch a movie.
Me: No.
Elaina: (Thumbing through the movie covers) Snow White doesn't work. Oh my Gracious!!! We must tell Nanny!

Last post for today

A few pictures to end the day with.


Me and Eily helping Claire ride the carousel
















I just liked this shot of Eily's diaper bag















Growing up

For the grandparents

New Hair is just a swinging!

Family Time

The van has been out of commission FOREVER!!! and the girls are going house crazy and since Jason was home yesterday we all piled in his car and took off for the mall. The girls got to play in the kid jungle and then we walked around a few stores. They had Santa set up to take pictures and the pathway to him was really cool. You got to walk IN the huge Christmas tree that is in the middle of the mall and there were two Christmas cartoons playing on big flat screen TV's. The Grinch was playing inside the tree. There were fake kids playing with snow and sledding and huge fake presents and interesting things all over the place. We walked the path just for fun and then we walked back out. As we were leaving there was a group of three adults that were about to get their picture taken with Santa. Elaina pipes up, Who's THAT guy? And why is all that white fuzz all over him?" All the on-lookers and the photographer looked at us like we were crazy. What can I say? I hate the guy. (No offence to all you Santa lovers out there.) He is nowhere to be found in our house so the girls are totally unfamiliar with him. Really, you should have seen the stares and looks we got.

Stuff

We actually have winter weather in December! This has been pretty rare these past few years. Cold, yes. Winter elements? Nope. But last night it iced everything. Now ice is not near as fun as snow but I'll take what I can get.

Eily has almost started crawling. Sunday night I had her on the floor in front of me and Mom and she was just right there. We got so excited and totally missed the last five minutes of the sermon. Sorry Bro. Steve. Yesterday she moved both legs and one arm but then dive bombed on the last arm movement. She gets so excited rocking back and forth that she hinders herself. But it's totally cute. She's down to two naps now. One at ten and one after lunch. She is getting the idea of the sippy cup much faster than the other two girls. Claire was about 10 months before she figured it out and I think Elaina was around the same age. She doesn't laugh but she chuckles at me and her sisters. Apparently we are quite silly. Daddy is completely wrapped around her fingers. We always let the girls cry themselves to sleep and he has the hardest time letting her do that. Thankfully, her cries last less than a minute most of the time. She's a great sleeper.

Elaina is getting more and more adult-like. Ok, maybe adult isn't the right word. Maybe older-child-like is a better way of saying it. She has finally started acting better most of the time. (This morning is not included in that last sentence.) She is generally happy, obedient and easy to work with. We are doing How to Read in 101 Lessons. We are on lesson 6 and she loves it! Afterwords, we do a few pages in a pre-K workbook I bought at BAM. This is her favorite part of school. She calls it her hickory-dickory-dock book because there is a mouse on the cover. She gets to match things and color things and learn how to make alphabet letters and all sort of fun things in that book.

Claire is...well, Claire is 2. Need I say more? We are definitely having to work on not being bossy and not being defiant and not throwing fits and not whining, etc... but she also is the most tender and loving child in the family. The other day the girls were fighting over which chair belonged to which person and I squatted down by Elaina (b/c she should be old enough to get this concept, right?) and told her I really needed her to just be older and sit in the other seat b/c it would be such a big help to Mommy, blah, blah, blah and while Elaina's lower lip started sticking out Claire jumped up and said, "I'll do it for you , Mommy!!" So sweet. She even patted my cheek on the way to the chair. And no matter what toy the fight is over, as soon as Elaina starts crying with a broken heart about losing the battle, Claire immediately hands the toy to her and tries to console her. Yeah, I think Elaina has caught on to this too. We are going to have to talk that maneuver out soon. We are also trying to work on potty-training. We were doing pretty good and then she got sick and now we are back to square one. I'm just following her around with a bottle of Resolve. But she does look so darn cute in Elaina's panties.

Jason starts school in January. January 26th to be exact. He's going for his MFA and doing it on-line. The school is in California and they are so excited to have Jason on board. Mucho talented.

I'm good.

HELP!!

I need supper ideas for next week.

All the labels on the below post are so messed up but I have worked and worked with this stupid thing and I give up.

Gingerbread House Fun!!

Our first try as a family to make a gingerbread house!!
(Wood glue included)















Eily helped by staying content in her highchair

The front

A closer view of the front (See out icicle!)

Left side

Right side

Back door (Very similar to the front door)

So proud!!!

$500 Wal-Mart Gift Card Giveway

The Centsible Sawyer is giving a $500 gift card to Wal-Mart away! Go check it out at http://thecentsiblesawyer.blogspot.com/.

Booneville Christmas Parade 2008

Candy getters getting ready!!
Elaina, Claire, Renee and Natalie Blankenship

















More candy getters arrived so we got another shot.
Backest: Julia Heffington
Back: Claire, Elaina, Renee, Me and Eily
Front: Lillie Moseley, Natalie

















The cold, wish-we-were-home-ers. :)

Mommy and Eily, Anna and Isra


































Julia partnered up with Elaina



















CANDY!!!!!

Return to me

I am taking my computer-once again- to Best Buy. Be back on once they have "fixed" the problem.

Tagged Again...(Thanks Bonnie)

1. Where did you meet? Well.... we saw each other at aunt Melissa's house and then a year later were introduced at Molly and Kathryn's graduation party and then we actually talked at a camp. I had the worst headache that I have ever had and he offered me some medicine.
2. How long did you date before you were married? 6 months almost exactly.
3. How long have you been married? It will be 4 years January 8th.
4.What does he do that surprises you? When I was so sick carrying Elaina he took over all the housework and laundry. The more children we have the better he gets at keeping them by himself.
5. What is your favorite feature of his? His "Indian" legs.
6. What is your favorite quality of his? His patience
7. Does he have a nickname for you? Rebekah Snowflake, Reba, Babe, and anything strange he thinks up at that moment
8. Does he have a favorite color? He said he loves all colors but if he had to pick one it would be blue.
9. What is his favorite food? Roast
10. What is his favorite sport? High Jumping
11. When was your first kiss? The weekend of August 6th, in the front yard at my paren't house. It was very sweet and simple. Very cool.
12. Favorite thing to do as a couple? We like to play games, watch movies, go on dates
13. Do you have any children? A 3 year old girl, a 2 year old girls and a 7 month old girl
14. Does he have a hidden talent? He does the robot
15. How old is he?28
16. Who said I love you first? He did.
17. What's his favorite music? All things 80's. (Yuck!)
18. What do you admire most about him? He lives with me. Not easy to do.
19. Do you think that he will read this? Nope

Pandora

I encourage everyone to go to http://www.pandora.com/ and create a station from White Christmas by Bing Crosby. Immediate holiday yumminess!!

Menu Plan Time

Breakfast

Muffins, Waffles with fruit, oatmeal with bananas, yogurt with granola, pancakes, scrambled eggs and sausage links

Lunch

Mac-N-Cheese, cheese quesadillas and grapes, PB&J and grapes, breaded chicken pieces with fruit and green beans, hot dogs and grapes, diced ham with shred cheese,lettuce and tomatoes

Supper

Zucchini Lasagna with pineapple, French bread and green beans,
Homemade Pizza
Roast, potatoes, onions and carrots
BBQ sandwiches, pickles, chips
Enchiladas, broccoli, crescent rolls, corn on the cob
Pork Chops with Blue Cheese Sauce, green beans, applesauce and rolls

Snacks

Graham Crackers
Yogurt
Goldfish Crackers
Apple Slices
String Cheese
Applesauce
Animal Crackers
Cottage Cheese
Bananas

Happy Thanksgiving Eve!

I'm taking a quick break from the chore list today to eat lunch and catch up on emails and blog reading. So far I have re-cleaned (G.I. style) the house, made a grocery list, went grocery shopping, made a blueberry pie, pumpkin pie, chocolate chip cookies and put together a kid tray that consists of graham crackers, animal crackers, raisins, fruit snacks, cheese sticks and cheese squares and pretzels. All I need to do now is pack the diaper bag, fold the load in the dryer, put the clothes away and get everybody dressed and in the car. They are all sleeping at the moment (ahhh) and so it shouldn't take me that long at all to accomplish the rest of the chores. Tonight we have Family Day at my parent's house. It's soooo fun and I can't wait for it all to get started. We drew Allison, Jacob, Audrey, Nanny and Pappy this year. The girls are super excited about the gift part of the evening.

My rest is over. Have a happy pre-Thanksgiving!!

I was tagged...

1. Where is your cell phone? On Jason's dresser in our room
2. Your significant other? Jason, Jason, Jason
3. Your hair? Until Monday is was dark brown but now it has some carmel and red highlights.
4. Your mother? I don't get this question. What about my mother?
5. Your father? Read above entry
6. Your favorite thing? My man and my girls
7. Your dream last night? I don't remember
8. Your favorite drink? Water and right now Egg Nog is high on the list. Or as Elaina called it, Egg Hatch.
9. Your dream/goal? Be in shape again, be a good mother, be a better wife, grow flowers instead of killing them
10. The room you're in? Dining Room
11. Your hobby? Cooking
12. Your fear? Outliving my children
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Jason out of school teaching college somewhere, me pregnant again
14. what you are not? pregnant :)
15. muffins? not with raisins!!!
16. one of your wish list items? Pottery Barn stuff.
17. Where you grew up? Arkansas
18. The last thing you did? Got on to the girls, re-fixed their covers, made Eily a bottle
19. What are you wearing? Satin pj pants and an ATU sweatshirt
20. Favorite gadget? does my dishwasher count?
21. Your pets? Jason, hehe
22. your computer? finally home again!!!
23.Your mood? sleepy, ready for Jason to get home from Joshua's housewarming thingy and SO GLAD TO BE DONE TRAVELING!!!!
24. Missing someone? Jason, Molly, Kathryn
25. your car? Chevy Venture Van
26. something you are not wearing? underwear haha just joking!! I'm not wearing any shoes
27. Favorite store? Pottery Barn, Target, Maurices
28. Like someone? Well? I like a lot of people.
29. Your favorite color? Permanently Yellow, Temporarily Orange
30. When is the last time you laughed? Been a while. The last time I belly laughed was at Uncle Robert's house in September.
31. Last time you cried? I wanted to today
I tag Katrina, Ashlie (PLEASE put up a new post!!!!) and Christy

Catching up

We have been without the Internet for a whole week!!! And...without our two oldest girls. So in that time I painted their room, Eily's room, our room, the main bathroom, our bathroom and 4 pieces of furniture, detailed cleaned the whole house and I have all the laundry done. It's like a whole new place!! I don't know who I was fooling thinking that I would be able to cook these yummy sounding meals with all that going on but I plan on incorporating them into my menu plans in the next few weeks.

Happy Thanksgiving Week everyone!!!

Next Week's Menu

Friday is my menu planning day and since our two oldest children will be gone I thought I would make the menu a little more exciting and not so child-friendly. Every main dish is something new that I have never cooked before. Plus, I didn't have to think of snacks, lunch or breakfast. (I will be the only one here during the day and I will just fend.) And...I thought it would be fun to have a different dessert every night. I never cook desserts so this will be a fun change! So here are our suppers for the coming week.

Sunday:

Traveling all day

Monday:

Zuchinni Lasagna
side veggies
yeast rolls
pineapple
Crumb-Topped Apple and Pumpkin Pie

Tuesday:

Chicken Athena
corn on the cob
salad
left-over pineapple
Mashed Potato Casserole
Bluberry Pie

Wednesday:

Turkey A la King
toast
pears
surgar cookies

Thursday:

Pan-seared Chili Salmon
brown rice
baby carrots
bread w/ butter
Warm Choclate Melting Cups

Friday:

Crispy Baked Wontons
Spiced Butternut Squash Soup
bread
Brownies

Saturday:

Pork Chops with Blue Cheese Sauce
applesauce
green beans
yeast rolls
Mini Apple Strudels

Make bulk of Good-Morning Granola

This week's menu

Breakfast:

Cereal
Waffles
Yogurt
Oatmeal

Snacks:

Cheese
Yogurt
Turkey and Cheese
Apple Slices
Cheese Toast
Muffins
Applesauce

Lunch:

Chicken pieces, fruit cocktail,rolls
Chicken patties,fruit cocktail corn
peanut butter and jelly and leftover side dish
turkey sandwiches

Supper:

scrambled eggs, sausage links, French Breakfast Muffins, gravy, hash browns
spaghetti, green beans, steamed veggies, rolls, applesauce
hamburgers, chips
broccoli and chicken casserole, leftover veggies

I had a really hard time coming up with meals this week. Can you tell?

The newest talent in our family.

After the girls were tired of "jumping" in their leaf piles, they sat on the little trycicles that are always on the side of our house. They didn't know how to ride them but they always enjoy sitting on them. I decided since the weather was nice I would work with Elaina on peddling. Well, Claire pushed her bike to the asphalt, jumped on and just took off. I sort of just stared and then Elaina did the exact same thing. It was crazy! So we practiced until Daddy got home and then showed him what they had learned!

Leaf Jumping at its...not so greatest.

This is Fall's version of snow.



















I raked the leaves into two good sized piles for the girls .It took them quite a while to figure out how to jump in.



Claire in front of her pile.

















Elaina in front of her pile.

The blind leading the blind...

I've added a new gadget to my blog. (Right under Eily.)
I thought it would be fun to see who all check this thing. Plus, I told Tommy that I would be a follower of his blog if he would be a follower of mine and he can't do that unless I add the gadget. Right?

Sense and Sensibility Patterns

Sense and Sensibility Patterns has converted most of her patterns to ePatterns. Check them out here.

Halloween

Jason and I attended the Art Center's Halloween fund raiser and the girls stayed with Uncle Adam and Aunt Ashlie. This is the first time they have slept in the same bed and the first time they have "slept over" with a friend. (Or in this case, family.) (And they didn't actually sleep over b/c we came and picked them up, but I think it still applies.)

Uncle Josh's Exciting Visit

Elaina was curious...
















I really want to touch it...
















Ok. I'll pretend to be brave...















I might decide to enjoy this...















Hey! Cool!

















Claire had no problem getting up close and personal with the deer.
















Audrey. Wilderness Woman.















Brave Claire
















My favorite.
It's as if he's thinking to himself,"Hey, I'm kind of a celebrity!"