I love it....I love it not...

I had the chance to hold a sweet, adorable, sleeping baby today....I love it...

I don't have a sweet, adorable, baby....I love it not...

When I see a really good movie preview....I love it...


When a really good movie preview is rated R....I love it not

I ripped out all of the grass for my new and improved  flowerbed....I love it....

My muscles are achy, and sore, and still with out any real shape or strength...I love it not...

I will be watching Colton play baseball tomorrow....I love it....

It's almost always cold at a baseball game...I love it not...

The sun has been out a little...I love it...

The wind won't stop blowing....I love it not...

I got to see some of my favorite cousins today...I love it...

I saw them at a funeral....I love it not....

Chocolate, and candy, and cake, and fruit, and fountain soda....I love it...

Calories and food labels.... I love it not....

A good book....I love it...


Paying for a book...I love it not...

Picture....

Today I went to the funeral of my cousins' grandma.  One of their cousins talked about not knowing his grandpa, but from what he knows of him, he believed that he would have been a different person if he had been alive.  I know I was a different person because of my grandparents.  I remember thinking if I messed up, it would be way worse to have to tell my grandpa what I had done than to tell my parents.  I knew I never wanted to embarrass my grandparents, or disappoint them...My life was blessed by the grandparents I was given, and I am so grateful...... When I was a kid I used to spin around on that stop sign on the corner.  I have so many good memories at this address, and I will forever be better because of them...

It's been a long day.  I spent some of it cutting out my flowerbed with a steak knife.  My arms hurt...my back hurts...my whole upper body and my legs hurt...I want to get some flowers  to plant so I feel like my time was well spent...and I want to see results that aren't just painful, under used muscles...

Lately I have been totally obsessed with outdoor scrabble...

source

I want one at my house, and my moms, and my mother-in-laws, and everywhere because I think this idea is one of the funnest, coolest, ideas I have seen in forever...

Picture......

I wish it wasn't to late to have a flowerbed full of these....

Next week is apparently Teacher Appreciation Week.   I guess I might have to tell Colton's teacher how much I appreciate that she told another kid in his class the Easter Bunny isn't real loud enough that Colton could hear.  Except that, that would be more fitting for Teacher You're A Tool Week.  I was so annoyed when he told me.  He asked me all day yesterday if we could google "Is the Easter Bunny real" and "are leprechauns real"  Finally I gave in, and we googled about them both.  They both gave evidence and opinions for both fact and fiction.  He mostly argued with the cons, and so the mythical creatures live on in our hearts....

Last night I went to see Water For Elephants with a big ol group of girls, and I have to say, it was so good.  Not at all what I expected though.  I was on the edge of my seat, waiting for the other shoe to drop so to speak...I really want to take Kent to go see it...too bad it was $20 bucks just for me to go...

I had to take Aubrey to get 4 shots today.  She sat pretty still on my lap, but the sounds of her begging me "no mommy, no! mom!" are still ringing through my ears.  It just made my stomach hurt just typing about it.  All I could do was just squeeze her tighter and promise it would be over soon...my mom went with us, and I think it hit her the hardest...she had to leave the room, and then walked all of the way out of the office.  Aubs pulled it together pretty quickly and we headed straight for Toys r' Us.  One Baby Alive later and we were golden...she even pees and poops...which means I now have two kids I have to buy diapers for...

I think I might have to go buy a few of the cutest Adirondack chairs from Shopko tomorrow....they are super cute colors and I am feeling like we will be spending a lot more time outside this year due to Addy's crack addiction to fresh air...and swings sets, and laying on the sidewalk...and laying in the gravel...and standing in front of the neighbors fence so their dogs will bark...

I just watched The Voice tonight, and so far I really like it.  Especially when Carson Daly told the girl that said she felt so validated because most people just thought of her as a pretty face that could sing, that this was what the show is all about...because I'm sure it's all the pretty people the producers had in mind when inventing the show...the 17 year old boy was amazing, but how has Adam from Maroon Five never heard Rascal Flats 'Broken Road'?  Really?  The super butch lady at the end telling Christina Aguilera that she was gonna "do Christina"  was a nice touch...

Have you ever felt so bad for people you love, and you wish so much you could help them, but there really isn't much you can do, and it makes your heart break for them?  Like when Danielle is telling me about how much she throws up, and how sick she is with this pregnancy, and I wish so much I could do something, anything..but nothing seems to be the solution I can come up with...or when Lisa's mom was sick?  Or when someone who I won't name because maybe they don't want me to has a little family of sickies, and I wish so badly I could do something that would lighten their load...I think I will think of something...or I will make Amy think of something...or something...or when a friend feels so low...ugh!  So frustrating...why did I misplace my magic wand that makes everything perfect?  Stuff like this always makes me think of the Friends episode when Joey tells Phoebe that there is no such thing as a selfless act and she spends all her time trying to come up with something she can do that will make other people happy but that she won't feel good about...

Picture...

When Colton saw me taking a picture of this, he asked me if I was taking the picture to put on my blog...good thing he doesn't read it, because he said he didn't want me to, and yet here I am...

So they write these little stories, and then they bring them home and we have to comment on what we liked about the story and the picture...this has been one of my favorites.  I love the part wher he starts out with "Pretty much..." because that is exactly the way he talks, he says 'pretty much'  all the time...fyi, the animals he drew are a leopard and a tiger...

Do you think he likes animals?

Aubrey's Puppy Party

Aubs had been asking for a puppy party, pretty much since her birthday party was over last year.  I had no idea what to do, and then my freakin awesome friend Shayla told me about her two puppy parties she had last year, so I stole some of her ideas...add Aubrey's ideas and mine, and I think we had a pretty rockin party.

First and foremost, the adoption center itself...

There were balloons galore, Amy helped me make the "Aubrey's Adoption Center"sign, and the banner across the front of the table.  Jason did me a solid and took 5 minutes to draw me a couple dog silhouettes...I borrowed the dog crate from Stacia, and I have to say, seeing the little dogs in the cage was cute and sad all at the same time..

Over in the corner I had the cute flower arrangement Amy made for me and the Canine Crunchies...Amy helped me make the labels as well.  And by help I mean she pretty much made them..I would just say..'uh, maybe move the picture to the other side', stuff like that...and then the little polka dot bags had a glow bracelet, a dog pin, a piece of candy, and a polka dot party blower...they were missing the dog tattoos Aubs and I bought...and then lost...all 72 of them... 

So when the kids first got here, they came into the adoption center, picked out a dog, and filled out their adoption certificate, complete with a dog print stamp...Lisa started giving them all a little talk about what it meant to adopt a dog and all the responsibilities of owning a pet...I just copied what she said...it was a very nice touch, I have to say...

Then they moved on to the living room to make their dogs a collar...

After that, they were free to play in the dog house, color, or go outside...Kimmie and Jason helped me make the dog house...and then Addy painted over some of it...I fixed most of it, but if you look closely you can see some extra white paint at the end of Penny's name...

While the kids played the adults snacked on veggies, chips and salsa, and BEANS...and then the kids did too...

A little while later Aubrey was ready to play Pin-the-Tail-on -the-Puppy.  It was the one request she had for the party.  It was so hard to call all of the kids inside to play a game.  Because that meant all of the kids were inside...notice how Addy colored on the dog Lisa made for the game...a few hours before the party started...

Then of course we had cake...Mallary made the super cute cake, and her and I both made cupcakes...and the adorable cupcake toppers were made once again, by Shayla...

And what party would be complete without presents...these were pretty much the only decent ones...present pictures are the most impossible pictures ever....

So if you notice, there wasn't one aspect of this party that someone didn't help me with...except clean up. I pretty much conquered that beast by myself...so basically I am in debt to a lot of people...

This party was put on by Sanders Productions. We would like to take this time to give a special Thank You to all those that contributed their time, skills, stuff, and patience...also, thank you Dollar Tree and Michael at Kinkos

And done.

I have felt like garbage all day.  And the reason I have felt like garbage?  Addison.  I know it sounds harsh, but holy crap, girl had me up all freakin night...she even woke up Colton for awhile.  At one point, or maybe 2 or 3, I found myself feeling so mad.  Like, how could she do this?  What is the matter with her?  Why is she trying to ruin my life?  Why does she hate me?  For the love just stop crying and close your freaking eyes and go to sleep.  Needless to say I woke up with an insane headache and that lingering garbagie feeling all day.  Boo.

This afternoon was spent freezing my arse off at Colton's baseball game.  He had another hit, and I was cheering like crazy.  And then his next at bat, he got hit.  Right in the helmet.  He did awesome though, ran to first base with a smile on his face.  A few other kids got hit, but I think I felt the worst for the kid on his team playing catcher that got taken out by the batter when he hit him taking a swing at a pitch.  That poor little catcher dropped like a sack of potatoes. 

Man, I have Addy hangover.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed she sleeps through the night.

Picture....

This is my dads work truck.  It's obviously not the one he had when I was little, but when I look at it, I think of how much I played on his truck as a kid.  It also makes me think of how I scanned the streets for it in high school praying I wouldn't see it, becaause if I could see it, he could see me....skipping class...walking with a boy...being somewhere other than where I said I would be...

Colton woke me up at 7:20 to tell me what the Easter Bunny brought him...the best part was when he saw he had a Justin Beiber booklet and he said "I wonder how the Easter Bunny knew I liked Justin Beiber?"  Aubs loved her stuff, and when we showed Addy her basket, she stomped into the kitchen, folded her arms, and frowned at us.  Repeatedly.  And then the kids showed her the Max and Ruby dvd from in her basket and her icy heart melted.

Maverick spent the night here and after the baskets had been gone through, Colton took him into the dining room to adopt his puppy.  He didn't get into town until after the party on Friday....but Colton did a stellar job reenacting the whole experience for him...I could hear him asking him if he would take care of it, and love it, basically the speech Lisa made up while working with me in the adoption center.  It was pretty freakin cute.  Then the kids called me into the dining room, and Colton and Aubrey had climbed into the dog crate and Mav locked them in.  It was not was I was expecting, but in a hilarious kind of way...

We had an egg hunt at my moms house, and then lunch followed by a very nice afternoon outside.  All my pictures are pretty much crap, so I hope everyone took some mental pictures to remember it by...or they could just look at Lisa's.....

Picture......

That orange line in the grass is a boundary line for the egg hunt.  My mom divides her yard up into 4 sections for the 4 age groups.  Addy had more fun running back and forth on the line than hunting for eggs.  In fact I'm pretty Amy did most of  the hunting for her...

Hopefully tomorrow I can get my house at least a little bit back in order... I was gonna say something else, but I forgot what it was....

I had a great day today.  The sun was shining, I spent time with family and I took a few minutes to recognize how blessed I am.  I have a husband that forgave me for yelling at him in front of my grandma, and that called me 3 times today because he couldn't be at Colton's game.  And I have two pretty incredible sisters.  Last night Lisa did pretty much all of my Easter shopping for me.  And her 4 kids.  That's 7 kids with 7 diffent loads of Easter crap, and it was like 10 o' clock at night.  I can't say I would do the same.  My stress level would have been through the roof.  But my life was insanely better today because she took the time to help me.  Then today, Amy met me at Walmart to walk around with me and carry my stuff, and helped me decide what to get, and made sure I was good.  I could almost cry if I realy went in to how much those 2 gestures meant to me.  It's like we're sister wives or something...

So, my day started out at Colton's game.  And I have to say, I pretty much rocked getting me and the kids ready and to Colton's game early.  Here's the blessing I noticed during Colton's game today...so much of my family lives right here by me.  I could call my dad this morning and ask him where field 3 was, and he could tell me.  Lisa and the boys walked by after Trenton's tball game, on the way to Easton's game....even though Kent wasn't there, his dad was and Ryan and Stephanie and Maverick and Denice.  And then my dad showed up with Trenton and Tyson, and I had a really great time.  AND Colton got his first hit!  I was so proud...and even though I am sure there was cup adjusting, I didn't even notice!  He played second base mostly, and then catcher for an inning, and pitcher for a few batters at the end.  Oh, and the sun was shining on my face....

After Colton's game we headed over to my grandma's for a visit...and since I had my camera....

Taking pictures of my grandpa's flowers...well, I still miss him a lot....

Maybe this is why tulips are my favorite flower...

Then I snapped some pics of my grandma with the kids and the kids playing in her yard...I can't even count the hours I spent playing in that yard as a kid.  It was so nice, and humbling to watch my kids playing in their yard today...and yes, the sun was still shining...

After we left my grandma's, I took Colton and Aubrey  over to Denices, Addy and I went to Walmart grabbed some lunch, and came home for about an hour.  It was a nice hour of just watching tv, and just sitting in one place for awhile.  But it was short lived and we were off to go back to Denices for some birthday fun and an Easter Egg Hunt...

There were obstacle courses, gunny sack races, three legged races, cookie decorating, an egg hunt, dinner, presents, and cake... 

Aubs ran away feeling sad at least 3 times...I love the picture of the boys with their arms around eachother in the three legged race...

When Lani walked around the corner you couldn't help but smile....that picture of Colton is the face he made when he tasted the coconut he put on his cookie....and when Denice tried to help Addy in the egg hunt, Addy threw the egg she gave her....she's the sweetest...

There were so many pictures.  I took 548 pictures just today.  I think I have everyone, if not...maybe next time, it took me 7 timers to get the second picture collage to actually save properly.  That means I had to start over like a million times.......but today the sun was shining all day...It was a great day.......

This morning when I was helping Colton get ready for school, he asked me where his shoes(Jordans) were made...we looked on the tag and I told him Indonesia...to which he replied "Wow, they make really nice shoes there, these are really comfortable.  My slip-ons are made in China.  I think they only make slip-ons in China.  How come my shoes weren't made in Washington or something?" 

I am wiped out.  I am so beyond relieved that my birthday planning season is over!  If my back didn't hurt like an 80 year old lady's I would be doing cartwheels. 

The party was indeed a success.  And I know this because, my grandma said the food "hit the spot"  and that made it all worth it in itself, Colton asked to adopt 2 puppies and filled out adoption certificates for both, Aubrey said her party was way better than Colton's, everyone participated in everything, the kids watched a movie in the dog house... Trenton kept all of the things I gave them in his goody bag in a safe place...and so many more things were said and done that solidified why I take the time and put in the thought, and then make other people put in the time and the thought because I can't seem to do anything by myself....

The only blooper besides Addy coloring on the dog poster for pin the tail on the puppy, and Addy painting on the already painted dog house, was Fiesta and their bucket-o-beans.  I had a miny melt down on Kent in front of my grandma and Mallary, not my proudest moment.  I sent Kent to pick up $25 worth of chips, salsa, and beans.  We ended up with 2 little cups of salsa, a bag of chips, and like a 5 gallon dish of beans.  There were so many beans, they just left them in their dish and we have to bring it back.  When Mallary offered to go to the store, and I repeated my whole, I have no salsa sob story, and then she said "yes, that's the problem, now how do you want to fix it"  I felt like a total d-bag.  I felt so d-baggish, I actually went and apologized to Kent.  Within 5 minutes of reaming him.  Almost never happens, at least not without tears.

This day, as great as it was, needs to come to a close.  You know, because I have to get up in the morning and get 3 kids ready by myself to be out of the house by 9:45, and then do a million other things tomorrow.

Picture....

A little sneak peak...

Yeah....I got nothin'.  Oh wait, I know!  Today I saw this girl on roller blades fall at the end of the crosswalk on Rd 68 by Walmart, and I didn't even laugh.  Turns out I only laugh at loved ones in pain....

I nick named Addy Helen Keller.  I know it's mean, but it lightens my distress when she grunts and pulls me around by my pockets or fingers....

Did anyone else thing James Durbin looked like he walked right out of the movie Labyrinth on Wednesday?  I'm sad Stefano is gone.  I'm sad Scotty is so boring.  And that he's annoying.  I'm wishing Jacob the Diva would go away.  I don't want to talk about this anymore.

I have a big day tomorrow getting ready for the party, I hope it doesn't totally bomb.

Picture........

 From princesses to puppies...puppy party pictures coming soon....so many p's....Paubrey picked a pack of pinkish parties, what kind of parties did Pilly Paubrey pick?  Princess and Puppies and pretty pink palloons....it's late...this was from Aubs party last year, I still love it....

I'm tired.  My back hurts.  I hate painting.  Good thing Kimmie did most of it today.  After this weekend I will feel like a free woman.  Jacob Lusk came on tonight, and I didn't even watch it.  Best choice I made today.  I have a crap pile of things to do tomorrow.  I have to go.  Really I do.  Or I might die.  Of birthdayitis

Picture

one day a long time ago, Lisa built the kids a fort.  Aubrey still talks about....

I have to say again, that the WV's lately have astounded me with their creativity.  Especially when you come up with a whole new accent/dialect to complete and solidify the WV itself.  For those of you who don't read the comments, you are missing out.

So, I turned on Parenthood tonight, and BAM!  2 seconds into it, and I was bawling like a baby.  And then I cried a bunch of other times throughout the episode.  And then I wanted to scream, and curse, and jump off a bridge when Amy told me it was the season finale.  This show has been one of the highlights of my week for some time now...I thought I was excited to watch The Voice, and I am, but not at the expense of my favorite weekly ritual.  I will try my best not to be bias, but it's gonna be hard, because even though they can't see the singers, I will still have to see Christina Aguilera's rats nest hair....

I so did not want to blog tonight, but I could not, in good conscience, have the first time I miss be because I was to lazy.  My laziness has cost me a lot of things, a good figure for starters, but I refuse to let it keep me from my resolution dang it!

How come just when I write all of these nice things about Aubrey, about how much I love her, she takes that as her cue to slap me in the face with snottiness? 

I was outside today, and I thought for sure when I saw Addy come out and join me she would outlast me out there, but what really happened, was she was coming to get me because she wanted me to fast forward through her Max and Ruby commercials...

I bought some cadbury mini eggs today...and I think for Easter this year, the only thing I will be getting is a bigger @$$...those things are so freakin good...

Picture.....

Colton had been sent to his room for who knows what, and he took that opportunity to open his bedroom window and entertain Addy...and this way instead of yelling down the stairs to see if he could come out, he just yelled out the window...

So I am still mad hot crazy stressing out about Aubrey's party this Friday.  I am trying to rein it all in, but when you are person who can't make decisions, it's kinda challenging.  Thankfully I have sisters and friends who offer their services.  I'm sure it will come together, but for now I am stomach aching over it.

So, Colton's second game was today.  Defensively the kid is doing great, when the ball is hit to him, he knows where to throw it, and makes his decision quickly.  At bat...well, at least he doesn't go down looking...he asked me tonight when Steve could give him some lessons, and a meaner mom would have said, not soon enough.  But the best part, the part that makes me grin from ear to ear, is watching him head back to the dugout after he strikes out, and he is totally smiling....every time.  He is purely having fun out there, and I think that is awesome.  The not so awesome part?  Watching him adjust his cup for a whole inning.  It went something like this....'knock knock knock, tug, knock, yank, shift, knock, pull, knock knock, yank, knock, tug tug, knock, shift, pull...' you get the picture.  I was dying.  I wished so bad there was a way I could communicate with him, beg him if I had to, to keep his freakin' hands OFF HIS CUP!  For the love of everything that is good in this world, leave your crotch alone!  When he wasn't doing all that, he is continuously hitting his hips.  Seriously, the entire game he punched the sides of his hips...that drove me nuts too, bad choice of words, that bugged me too, but at least it wasn't his cup....having said all that, he was one of the only kids who didn't lay on the field and screw around.  He kept his head in the game and he hustled.  When he was playing center field he even ran over to right field and threw the ball in to the infield while the other kid seemed oblivious.   So at the end of the day, I am still a proud mama...

On the car ride home, Aubrey was eating some sunflower seeds, and in a total 'huh...' tone of voice I heard her say "I almost made it out the window."  I can only imagine all the shells in the back seat...I probably won't notice them though, what with all the toys and coats and crap already back there...

I am so on board with a WV club.  I think we should name it Just Sayin'.  Since one of us is almost always 'just sayin' ' something.....


Addy woke me up today at 6:30, so I gots to goes to bed(insert accent)...

Pictures.....

Aubs and Graycie had fun playing with beads on her birthday.....

This adorable outfit was from Denice for Addy's birthday...I am confident when I say I had the two cutest kids at church on Sunday....

Aubrey is 5!

The day started out early with Aubrey and Graycie waking me up to see if the presents on the counter could be opened.  By the third time they asked in a span of about 15 minutes we finally peeled ourselves out of bed and came down stairs.  At first I thought I would just let her open a few presents, but once she had a taste, there was no going back.  The first present she opened was 2 new church dresses...look closely at her face in the first one...that expression is called less than thrilled.  She said it looked like a clown dress. 

this one was more her style...black, white, and blue...all her favorite colors...

She also got Aladdin and Jasmine barbies...I managed to get Jasmine out before Graycie had Aladdin de-packaged, no pun intended, and when I was throwing the garbage away, I heard Aubrey say, in the most high pitched voice you could imagine, cause that's what Jasmine sounds like apparently..."are you almost out Aladdin?"  I don't know why, but it cracked me up...

Her and Graycie played until it was time for church, and then after church we went over to my mom's to eat and collect on the birthday goods over there.  I thought the tea cup piggies would be the biggest hit, and they were, but when I saw her sleeping on her mini pillow pet...close competition between the two...she looked so cute with her giant head of hair sleeping on this little lady bug pillow...

Since it's her birthday, I figured a list was in order, like I always do...themed with a things I love kinda thing...

I Love...

* her dimples

* going shopping with just her and I

* to watch her play

* that she is so sad when it's not her turn to say the prayer

*that she still plays with my hair

*that's it's fun to imitate her voice

*what a great sister she is

*that when I ask her to do something she always reminds me to say please

*to see her facial expressions

*the way she answers the phone, and how she walks around when she is talking to someone

*when she helps me in the kitchen

*when she wants to give me and Kent a hug goodnight, she wants us to scoot really close together so she can come running and hug us both at the same time....unless I mad at Kent....

*hearing her sing primary songs

*that she always wants to be with me and give me a kiss if she knows I am sad

*how much she loves her grandparents, cousins, aunts, and uncles

*how she starts almost everything thing with 'um' and ends almost everything with 'right?'


I love so many, many things about my Pop-a-doodles.  There isn't a post long enough for me to say it all....I can't believe she is 5....

Pictures...

Aubs on her 5th birthday in her new dress....

15 weeks baby! 37 comin' up...

So I have a list of things to cover....

*The WV's lately have been stellar.  I am in awe of your creativity...they are LOLable fo sho

*Every time I start to think my blogging is totally lame, a commenter(s) leaves a super nice comment that makes my week.  I had just been thinking the other day, how I should thank those of you that continue to read my online diary of my day to day nothingness and my freakin awesome kids...I start to wonder if my blog is like a bad car accident, you don't want to look, but you just can't help it, but you wish you could just look away...do you ever shout at the screen "FOR THE LOVE!  Nobady freaking cares anymore!"  Seriously, I can't imagine inspiring anyone about anything, except maybe to love cupcakes and sugary goodness...So thank you, my lovely commenters, without you, this would feel like a fruitless resolution that might have long since been abandoned...you inspire me...and you all give me some great material...

*Every time I read or hear the word 'inspiration' I think of "Rog, that's a great idea!  A dalmatian plantation!"

*Right when we walked into Claires today to get Aubrey's ears pierced, some super stupid, way to old to be crying and throwing a fit girl was crying and throwing a fit.  Aubrey saw, and cowered in the window, wimpering "I don't want to"  So freakin annoying!  Stupid little 12 year old girl.   I hate her for ruining my day.  I wanted to go over and pinch her really hard....give her a real reason to cry...anyway, I hope she changes her mind soon, but I am anticipating many more failed attempts in my future...Mal, we stopped by the cafe, but didn't see you, I thought you lived there, so it was weird that you weren't there...

*Colton did really good in his game today.  He even tag a kid out on third.  And then he tagged him again.  And then one more time for good measure.  He had the ball in one hand and his mit in the other.  He tagged him with the ball every time.  I was still really proud.  His at bat wasn't so successful, but you could tell he had tons of fun, and he looked adorable.  And Kent pointed out, he stayed focused and kept his head in the game the whole time, that in itself is an accomplishment...

*After Colton's game we all packed up camp and headed a few fields over to watch Easton's game.  His first at bat he had an awesome hit.  It was a double, and as I watched him run the bases, my heart literally swelled with pride...we were all cheering, and he was running, and it was just so fun...good times...all the kids had been behind us but when E got up to bat the all came to watch, and when the first pitch whizzed by, I heard Tyson say "that was too high", and it totally was, it was so cute though to listen to him explain why Easton didn't swing...A few innings later Easton was on first base and Colton yelled at him from the bleachers that he had his laffy taffy, E was on his way to come grab it when he was hit by a wall of shouts saying "NO" from all of the adults in his family...Kent went over and had a little talk with Colt about baseball etiquette...

*It's Aubrey's birthday tomorrow.  Blows my mind she will be 5.  The balloons are up, and the presents are wrapped...
 
*if I had something else to add to the list...it's left me...

Picture....

I went to look for a picture of Aubs on her 3rd birthday, and I can't find any kind of proof that she had one.  And I can't think of what I did.  It might have been at my moms...so weird, anyway this is her 2nd birthday, and if I had a wish it would be that she was still that little...she has way long hair than Addy does at 2...

dip trip flip fantasia...I heard that song on the radio tonight and it's still stuck in my head...

Kent and I just finished watching Amelia, the Amelia Earhart movie with my least favorite actress, Hillary Swank.  I was interested in her story because I wrote a report on her in high school...the movie and the back of the book that are re-summarized to make up my report were not the same...from what I remember...which is nothing at all...I just know the back of the book didn't mention her affair with Ewan McGregor...it was pretty sad watching the ending, the navy officers on this tiny 2 mile island where she needed to refuel could hear her, but she couldn't hear them so she just flew around the ocean until she ran out of fuel...and then we saw real life pictures of her, and Kent said she was freakin ugly...and then asked if that was so mean....I think if you have to ask, well...you pretty much have your answer...and a quick trip back to reality, not so sad anymore...for Amelia anyway, more sad for myself and my grinch-ish husband...

Aubs and I went to go see Rio today with Denice, Nat, Ryker, Kowen, and Trayce.  It was really cute and the music and colors were super fun.  And we had our own personal snack bar inside the theater with us...in Natalie's purse.  It was awesome.  I took Aubrey to Claires to show her the earings, and the chair, and all that good stuff in hopes that tomorrow she will go through with getting her ears pierced.  She has been asking for the last year to get it done.  I would have pierced them when she was a baby if Kent didn't give me a firm "Hell No", maybe not those exact words, but I would have been dead meat if I would have done it...I would have taken her as soon as she asked, but I was pretty sure she wouldn't have done it anyway, but I am so excited about it, that I really hope she does...which means the odds are against me...

Yesterday I discovered Addison is about the size of a fence slat.  On the side of the house we have one board missing...she had been outside for awhile and I asked Colton to go check on her, and he came in and said she wasn't out there.  What?  I run out there to look, and nothing.  Aubrey went upstairs and nothing, panic is seriously kicking in, I rush to the front door and head out so fast I almost ran in to little Addison standing outside the door.  I was so sick to my stomach...on the bright side, I went outside with her for the rest of the afternoon to ensure her safety and pulled a bunch of weeds that would have been 10 feet tall in a week.  But whilst I was working Colton and Payson were fighting, which I chose to tune out, which resulted in a very crushed friend.  And I still feel bad about it.  Especially because I had no idea it was that bad.  When I sent Payson home because Colt had homework, Colton had said Payson something mean on his way out, and then literally 2 seconds later was yelling "Bye Payson!  BYE!" through the fence...Maybe a heart 2 sizes to small is genetic...

Wednesday I had to help Colton get ready for  baseball practice...which meant I had to help him with his athletic cup...he was a pretty good sport and we giggled through the whole thing.  We went to Amy's after I got him ready but before practice, and on more than one occasion I had to tell him to stop talking to everyone about it...and I'm pretty sure I caught him knocking on it a few times.  Tomorrow is his first game since he missed Mondays from being sick.  I pray the weather will at least be less than terrible...

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Here's to hoping tomorrow this princess is brave enough to trade in her sticker earrings for the real thing...

First and foremost, Mallary, I totally forgot last night when I was posting to give you some flavor options.  Strawberry Shortcake is my favorite dessert, so I think if you could marry a cupcake and strawberry shortcake it would be perfection, or gross...and I have been in need of a yummy chocolate frosting recipe, and also homemade donuts....just to name a few....I remember my mom telling me that grandma used to make the best maple frosting for donuts when they lived on the farm...

Tonight I had the best time at my book club.  Talking about the book was all fine and dandy, always interesting to hear what other people have to say, but it was the other stuff we talked about that was so refreshing and even inspiring...except for the part where Alicia and I had to discuss AGAIN why Colton has no feelings, and Payson has enough for the both of them....Seriously, I think the best part about spending time with these women, is hearing their stories, all of our situations are different, but there is something to glean from everyone of them.  I hope I can be open to who my children are and be a support in their lives like some of the stories I heard motivated me to be....not to mention, I laughed so much, and that felt so good...I haven't laughed like that without some else getting hurt in I don't even know how long....

Sorry Paul, I will shed a pretend tear that you are gone.  I want to rip my hair out knowing I have at least 1 more week with Jacob Lusk and his giant mouth....Haley and Casey knocked the jazz ball right out of the park...that was a really stupid way to say they did awesome...

It's a quarter to 2, I have to go to bed...Here's to hoping Addy doesn't wake me up the same way she did today...shoving her blanket in my face, standing there totally naked...


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So I pretty much just picked this picture because it was the first one I saw in the file blogger opened with, and I am tired and I can't not put a picture on here...it's tradition...and it's apparently how Josh reads...

Another night of American Idol.  My favorite part?  Totally Will I Am.  I hope he is on it til the end.  Freakin hysterical.  I guess Scotty decided to fill in for Pia...I needed that mid-show nap.   On a more important tv note, I cannot wait to watch Will Ferrel on The Office tomorrow. 

There has been a new family development.  Amy hates Addy.  Just kidding, but holy cow, Addison caused all kinds of trouble at Amy's today.  It was one of those things, where in hindsight, as Amy was telling me the stories, I was laughing, but in the moment...well, kill me now.  She really is so difficult right now.  I don't understand why she can make almost every letter sound, literally, she says almost all of them with her Leap Frog Letter Factory movie, but she can't say anything.  I just want to shout at her "Talk All Ready!  For The Love!  And stop doing everything you are doing because it's all naughty!"

Yesterday I stooped to a very low mothering moment.  Colton was running his mouth like he always is, just saying something to bug Aubrey, for no reason, and I had had it.  I just said "Colton, shut-up"  As soon as it came out of my mouth I regretted it, then I rationalized at least I didn't yell it, and at least I didn't say it like 20 more times...cause I wanted to.  But seriously, I felt like a big piece of garbage.  It really just came out.  I just couldn't handle it anymore.  Stamp FAILURE on my forehead...

FYI-potato bread makes delicious french toast...

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A year ago, this little 'who me?' look was working for her...now, not so much...I've got her number....and all I want to do is give it back and pull another...

I was just clicking through my google reader when my post came up.  As I reread the "the craziest thing just happened", I thought really?  It's interesting how in the light of day, what once was 'crazy' just seems like a stupid thing to write..not so crazy after all...
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Today was so sunny.  I sat outside at my mom's house this morning, and then again this afternoon.  I just sat there and soaked it up, and started to dose off...I thought the sun was suppose to give you all this energy, make you want to get up and be productive...and it just made me want to sleep.  I'm such a loser....

Colton sounds terrible.  His energy level is back up though.  Him and Tyson played baseball for the longest time this afternoon...they took turns batting and pitching....and Spencer ran off crying because he wanted to be first.  I'm not sure which part was funnier, when he initially ran off or when he started yelling at them all angry like from the bush he was hiding behind. 

I'm starting to worry about Aubs.  Last night she stayed at my moms, and when we were leaving today just before noon she was asking if my mom would call her later and pick her up.  Then Denice came to get her after school, and then she called us around 7 to see if she could spend the night over there, I'm not sure if it was Denice or Nat that said she could ask...but seriously?  Does she not want to be at home at all?  Doesn't she love me anymore?  Preschool tomorrow, made the answer an easy one, but I am certain she will be asking again soon....I think I am going to have separation anxiety soon...

I so wish I had someone to talk to about Parenthood tonight.  It left me on the edge of my seat...

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This was last February...when will we have a really warm day like this?  Aubrey was out there with no coat, no tights, and in her ballet slippers...I want it to be warm bubble blowing weather...

The craziest thing almost just happened.  I almost went to bed without blogging.  I have been doing this for almost   3 1/2 months, and I forgot.  My memory has been total crap lately.  I keep having vague memories about things I have done, or things I have moved around, but can't nail anything down...Like I'll be in the shower, and I'll realize I have no idea if I washed my face or not..usually I have, if I think about it hard enough, I can figure it out, but not because I have any recollection, just because I used clues, like there is more make-up on the towel than on my face....

So I went to get Colton up today, and he would not wake up for anything...the only response I got out of him was a half cry, and a 'my legs hurt' and then he was passed out again.  So I left him alone, and he slept until 11:20.  He was asleep for like 14 hours.  I was jealous first, and concerned second.  And then, for about the first hour or so he was awake, he limped around like an old man.  I think this virus thing he got last week is not quite gone yet....so we skipped the first baseball game, which devastated him for about 10 minutes. 

My whole family minus a few kids went out to dinner with my grandma to Famous Dave's tonight.  My favorite part, the part that made the whole experience worth it...me and the kids were there with my grandma for a few minutes before everyone else got there, and Aubrey went right over to grandma and gave her a hug and sat on her lap...be still my heart...She is such a sweet girl...

Colton had a pretty sweet moment too...I was pretty exhausted this afternoon, so I had the kids turn on a movie and I laid down on the couch...Colton came over and sat by me, he tousled my hair and gave me a kiss on the side of my face...just like I do to them when they don't feel so good...it warmed me up like a hot cup of cocoa...all cozy inside...and just as I dozed off, I awoke to the smell of...ranch dressing?  I forced myself to open my eyes, and there was Addy the Ranch Monster...her face and arms were covered in it...and the counter...and the chair...and her dress...good thing it was just the dress she wore the day before, and then slept in, and then wore all day today too...

Alicia was a great friend today.  She babysat Addy so I could go to dinner and actually enjoy it.  Typically I have anxiety about leaving Addy without Colton or Aubrey, but I was motivated by dinner and family, so I made a giant step, took her off the metaphorical teet and...she was totally fine.  When we got home Colton and I walked over to pick her up, and as I was coming down the sidewalk I could see her little head...mostly her static-y  hair, pop up over the fence and then disappear, and then UP...and Down...I could keep doing that, or just state the obvious, she was jumping on the trampoline with Macy, having the most fun...

I hope any of this made sense, it's been a long day.

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Just for you Josh...I hope your jealousy runs deep...so deep you can swim in it...like the ocean...maybe ride the wave of jealously to shore so to speak...