Wacky Wednesday

Today was Wacky Wednesday at preschool, so the boys dressed in some really crazy stuff!



We also decided to go to the Central Y to try out their pool today. The kids had a blast! They have a really cool water feature for kids, and we pretty much had it to ourselves. There were two kids there when we first got there, but they left after about 20 minutes. So the kids had a blast zipping down the slide and splashing in all the water features. I should have taken pictures, but didn't. Oh well, next time!

Busy Day and Monkey Bars

We had a busy day today. We started off with running to the grocery store, because I was missing a key ingredient to a pie I needed for my MOMS Club meeting. Then we zoomed over to the meeting, took care of business, and then headed to the park. The kids desperately needed to play off some energy! I had all the fixings for lunch in the car, so we just had a picnic in the park. Ahhh, that's better!

James has been working with Daniel on going across the monkey bars. Today, before I could get my camera out of my bag, he started zooming right across! I managed to catch the last half of it.



After the park, I headed over to my friends house to drop off the kids for a couple of hours so I could get some errands done. What a nice sanity break! Ever since my grandma died in November, I haven't gotten those. She was always so good about coming over to the house a couple times a week to play with the kids so I could get things done. In more ways than one, we really miss her! I miss just talking to her, and the kids really miss having her around to play with. She left a giant hole when she died.

After running errands, I picked up the kids and we headed out to the Y for a kids Zumba class. That was a lot of fun! The kids danced around, sometimes doing what the instructor did. I finally felt comfortable doing Zumba! The kids lasted about 3 songs, and then I took them down to the kids drop and play area so I could sign up for a personal training appt. and chat with my friends. Then we left and met James at Shakey's Pizza for dinner. Our church was holding a fundraiser there, and since we had been so busy, it was nice not to have to cook that night. They have great pizza and a fun play area for the kids.

After tucking the kids into bed, I headed out to a friend's house to help her with a quilt project. It will be a challenge, but I think a fun one. We'll see!

So, that was our day - busy as ever! Whoever termed the phrase "stay-at-home mom" was crazy - we never stay at home!

Menu Plan Monday

It's been a long while since I've posted my Menu Plan. Here goes!

Monday - Leftover Love - everyone gets to pick what they want for dinner!
Tuesday - Tacos and Fresh Fruit
Wednesday - BBQ Steak, Bakers, Roasted Cauliflower
Thursday - BBQ Chicken, assorted salads & fruit
Friday - Daddy Dinner - Mac-n-Cheese & Chicken Patties while Mommy goes out with her Bunco friends!
Saturday - Parade Picnic - our annual town parade and yummy food!
Sunday - Lasagna for Home Bible Fellowship night

Check out more than 290 other weekly menu plans over at Organizing Junkie - lots of great ideas!

Jump for Joy!

Over at
Sunday Shutterbugs, the theme this week is "jump". I couldn't resist putting up this photo of Austin jumping at Gearhart Beach, Oregon. We took our first family vacation there last August. I got some really great photos of all the kids jumping, but this one by far was my favorite.

Scrapbook Supply Giveaway - woo hoo!

Another great giveaway! You've got to hurry on over to Desperate Army Housewife blog and check out the Blue Moon Scrapbooking American Crafts Giveaway. Lots of great goodies are up for grab. I'm crossing all my fingers and toes hoping to win!

Bountiful Baskets now on the North Side!

You've seen me post about Bountiful Baskets here before, and how wonderful I think it is. Well, now they have a north side location - Salk Middle School on Francis & Alberta. Now you don't have to drive all the way up to the South Hill by 7 am to get involved! Check them out - you'll be glad you did!
Bountiful Baskets

Paper Crafting Giveaway!

Please check out In My Minds Eye blog for a great giveaway! She's got some fabulous patterned papers and decorative buttons to give to her readers. Here's a sneak at what she's giving away:

So go check her out!

This makes me crazy!

It is stories like this that make me so angry! I just don't understand how some people think!

Happy Easter!

Here is a little glimpse into our Easter celebrations. Decorating eggs and Grandma & Grandpa's house, church egg hunt, and Easter at our house with the family.

Another basketful of goodies!

I participated in Bountiful Baskets again this weekend, but this time, I didn't have to get up early to go get it! My friend Alyson picked mine up for me. Another great assortment of items: 1 pineapple, 1 canteloupe, 1 honeydew, 4 oranges, 9 apples, 5 bananas, 6 large baking potatoes, 1 bunch of radishes (9), 2 lbs. + 2 ind. carrots, and 1 head of leaf lettuce. Not bad for $16.50!

Operation Write Home

I found an interesting blog recently, I'm Crafty and they are participating in a Spring Break Blog Hop hosted by Operation Write Home. OWH's blog hop has links to 94 different blogs that participate in their card project - sending blank homemade cards to overseas troops, and sending messages of encouragement to them as well. Take a hop over to see what I'm talking about!

Bountiful Baskets

I found out about Bountiful Baskets from another blogger, so I decided to try it out this week. It is fairly new to this area, so I wasn't sure what to expect. I was very impressed. The produce I brought home was great, and well over the amount I paid. It was run very efficiently - I showed up a little after 7 am, and was in line, checked off their list, and loading my produce into my bag within 5 minutes. The cost as a first time attendee was $19.50 - $15.00 for the produce, $3.00 for the first time fee, and $1.50 handling. After today I'll only pay the $16.50 each time I participate. I came home with 2 bunches of asparagus, 1 bunch of celery, 1 lb. bag of mini carrots, 8 bananas, 4 honey tangerines, 6 grapefruit, 4 small oranges, 13 apples, 2 beets, 15 red potatoes, 2 cucumbers and 1 large bunch of leaf lettuce. I highly recommend this co-op - it was well worth my money and time. And if you are interested in doing this, and live on my side of town, I'd be happy to pick up for you or we can trade off and on.


At the co-op pickup location.

Today's produce

Couture Cardstock Vintage Challenge

Another challenge on Couture Cardstock - this time it is a vintage theme or element. This page is of my grandmother Mona, who passed away right after Thanksgiving 2009. She is so, so missed. She died at the age of 81, and up until her death, she was extremely active, even babysitting my three kids at least once or twice a week. Not a day, a single day, goes by that I don't miss her and wish that she was still here. But she has her wings, and she's up in Heaven with the angels and Jesus (this is how we explained it to our kids, and it's a huge comfort), and we will see her again someday. This layout was of her as a very small child, probably when she was around Gretchen's age.

Couture Cardstock Circle Challenge

OK - I'm on a roll entering these contests! Today's challenge was to use at least two circles on your project. This layout is of Gretchen when she was just 2-1/2 months old. So teeny tiny! Check out other entries at Couture Cardstock.

Couture Cardstock Aqua/Teal challenge

Here is my entry for the Aqua/Teal challenge for Couture Cardstock. This is Daniel in his first year - I can't believe he is 4 already! I am so behind on my scrapbooking!!! The colors are much brighter in person on this page, but I did use the aqua/teal combination. Check out Couture's blog for more inspiration!

Couture Cardstock button challenge

I'm entering this page in an online contest - today's challenge was to use buttons. This photo was taken when Gretchen was only 1-1/2 months old - such a little peanut!
The challenge is being hosted on Couture Cardstock blog - go check them out!

My new haircut

I decided to get a whole new haircut today, and I'm really loving it. I think it will be a lot more sassier and fun than my old limp dishrag hairstyle!

Brownies - yummy & messy! And worms!

At the grocery store today, the kids saw a package of Little Debbie brownies with m-n-m's on them. Oh, they begged and begged for them. I finally told them that if they would stop asking, we would make some at home, which I am sure would be much tastier than the store-bought ones. They were so excited. True to my word, after naptime, we mixed up brownies. The kids had a ball, and I think were most excited to lick the beaters and spoon when we were all done.



It's been a bit rainy this week, which is perfect weather for worms! Before making the brownies, I sent the kids out to play, and one of the first things they did was find a worm. Daniel giggled like a school girl - "it's tickling me, mommy!" They then dug in the dirt to see how many more they could find. I love it when the little things get them giddy - and Gretchen was right alongside the boys, getting as muddy as possible! Sometimes I wonder if she knows she's a girl!

Quilts in Progress

I've been working on more quilts, and I'm really having fun with them. This monkey one is for Austin for his 5th birthday. I still need to put borders on it, but I got the main part of the top done.
Monkey Quilt - click to see larger.

This next one is for my sister, Melissa, for her birthday in March. She loves horses, so I think this will turn out nice for her.
Supplies for Horse Quilt

And then, I found out about a group called Quilts for Kids, and Downy is sponsoring some quilt kits for them. I signed up for a kit right after Valentine's Day, and it came in the mail today for me. I'm so excited to get working on it! They send you the fabric, with most if not all of the pieces pre-cut, and all I have to do is sew it together. There are even quilters out there you can send the top to, and they will quilt it for free and pass it back to Quilts for Kids, where it is given to a child in a hospital. Very cool!
Kung Fu Panda quilt kit

The Snobby Walrus

OK - so I have to admit - the name doesn't sound like anything a paper craft company would be called - but there is one! They have cute stuff, too. And they are doing a fun giveaway - with a deadline of midnight tonight! Head over to their blog and see what I'm talking about! The Snobby Walrus Giveaway

A New Look!

I decided to change up the look of my blog. Since we didn't get much snow this year, the snow background was getting old. I wanted something new and fun. What do you think? I like this layout a lot, so I think I might keep it for a while! Enjoy!

Ice Skating Lesson

Gretchen had her very first experience on the ice today, and it didnt' go too badly! We joined some other moms from MOMS Club at Eagles Ice-a-Rena for a little lesson. I was curious as to how Gretchen would do. You can see from the first photo that being in skates on the ice was not her cup of tea at all! The instructor, Coach Berkley, said to have her just get on the ice in her shoes to get used to the feel of it. After that, she was much happier! She did really well - the lesson was an hour long, and Gretchen lasted about 45 minutes of it, so that was a success. And when I asked her if she would like to try it again, she said yes. We might have to go back again next week and see what she thinks - I'd love it if she started to really like it!

Baby is here!

8 month old Baby A came to us on Tuesday afternoon, and so far it's been good. He's a very good natured baby. The kids are just enamored with him! I keep telling them we are only babysitting until Friday, but I think they want him to stay. Gretchen especially has been the little momma to him, and it's cute to watch. But they all just want to get in his face, so we've been trying to establish "personal space" boundaries. Not an easy thing to do with three small children who just want to hug and squeeze the new baby! Right now he's trying to nap, so my three are upstairs watching Dora to try and keep it a little less chaotic for the baby!

Happy Valentine's Day!

So, true to our family tradition, someone was sick with a stomach flu on Valentine's Day, and this time it was me! It wasn't super bad, but bad enough to make me spend a lot of time in bed. I had such grand plans for a really special day, but didn't feel much like doing anything. I did manage to feel better by the dinner hour, so I pulled out some of the decorations I had gotten ready and at least made our dining room festive.

The table all decorated with scrapbook paper placemats
and a little vase of flowers and a mini candle at each spot.

Very fun and festive!

The heart people that the kids made.

The heart garland hanging in our dining room.

Sitting down to a yummy dinner
of rib eye steak and french fries.

Quiet Time Baby Play

Today Gretchen decided to pull out all of her dollies and stuffed bears to create a baby sleep time in her room. It was so cute!

Sunday Shutterbug - Drip

This week over at Sunday Shutterbugs they are looking for photos of drips. I took this photo on Feb. 12 of Gretchen washing up in the bathroom - I thought it fit the theme pretty good!

Another baby!

We have decided to throw our name out there to the state for respite care and emergency placement children under 12 months old. Not ready to adopt another one quite yet, but haven't shut the door on that idea completely, either. For now, though, we will just help out when needed. I know that respite is especially needed for families right now, so this will be good for us - I'll get my baby fix, and they can go back to their homes!

We got the first call this morning. Baby will be staying with us Tuesday through Thursday of next week. I'm a little excited! Just need to get the crib set back up in our room.

Valentine Cards

Austin and Daniel made homemade Valentine cards to exchange in their preschool class this year. And even though she isn't in school, Gretchen made one too. I think they turned out cute! I cute out all the hearts on my mom's Cricut, and then the kids glued them on the cards how they wanted. They were so proud of them!

Code Adam!

Well, we had a new experience today - one that I really don't carry to do over! After a morning of playing at the mall playcenter, and then eating lunch at the food court, I stopped off at JC Penney's to look at Easter shirts for the boys. I'm trying to get on the ball early this year! Anyway, I had Austin trying on a shirt, with Gretchen standing next to us, and I thought - thought - Daniel was right there too. After only about a minute of trying on the shirt, I looked up to find Daniel gone. I searched immediately around us, and he was nowhere. I yelled his name several times, and no answer. I was starting to panic. The store clerks noticed right away that I was searching, and they got on their walkie-talkies and declared a "code Adam". This put into place clerks at all doorways, with a description of Daniel immediately out to them. A couple other moms near me helped me search for Daniel, and we finally found him - totally engrossed in the display of super hero underwear! Yikes! My heart was beating so fast! He said he heard me yelling for him, but was too busy looking to answer me. But I have to say - I was very impressed by how quickly the store and clerks jumped into action to help me out. And I had a good talk with not just Daniel, but all three kids, right afterward, stressing the importance of staying near me and answering me when I call out.

By the way, we did manage to find one boys shirt that will work for Easter. And Daniel did not get to leave the store with any super hero underwear! And every time I see that shirt, I'll probably remember our little experience!

My goofy Daniel!

Daniel has always had an innate ability to really make people smile - he is so goofy so much of the time! At bathtime tonight, Daniel decided to really ham it up - his brother and sister were sick with the flu, and so he took full advantage of being the only one in the bathtub. I swear this kid is going to be the typical class clown!

Sick Kiddos

I had two sick kiddos on my hands today - Austin and Gretchen were sick with the stomach flu. Not a fun day! They look so pitiful! But Daniel was feeling fine, so while Austin and Gretchen cuddled on the couch, played a game of go fish until it was time for bed.

Joy, joy, where for art thou, my joy?

I have been struggling with my joy lately. I want it back. This last year and a half has been a stressful one for me. As much as I trust in the Lord, and know that he is protecting me, it has still been hard. I've been dealing with really bad insomnia, although I'm glad it's not every single night. But the nights I have it - yuck! That's the best way to sum it up. Yuck! So I'm praying for my joy to return, and return big! I have a lot to be joyful about - a wonderful, patient husband, beautiful children, great friends, and above all else, a God who loves me and protects me and brings miracles into my life. Believe me, I am very, very thankful for all of that. But just the everyday struggles - that does me in some days. God gave me three children so much like me - stubborn headed, independent and moody! - and wow! Talk about a test of patience! I know I'll get through it, and I'll look back on these days with fondness, but if I could just laugh more about it instead of stressing about it, life would be so much more pleasant!

So if you are a praying person, keep me in yours prayers. I would sure appreciate it.

My Future Engineer

Austin loves to build - mega blocks, trio blocks, regular legos - anything that he can snap together and build towers and robots with. Before he could even get out of his jammies for the day he started in on building. I tell you, this boy is an engineer in the making!

Marker Art

Gretchen got a fun new book for her birthday - it's one that she can use a dry erase marker to write on the pages. I thought she would have fun with it while I was making dinner, and it would keep her busy and away from the stove. I should have known trouble was brewing when she was way too quiet with it. Here is what she decided to do:


This has now become a supervised book - yikes! It was hard to get really mad at her when she gave me a face like this!

January 2010 Quilt - it's done!!

My first quilt of 2010 is all done. Just in time for Gretchen's birthday party! To see the phots bigger, just click onto them. Here is a look at it:
Hanging up on the wall next to Gretchen's bed, just so I can take a good photo of it! It measures about 43" square. I decided not to pre-wash the fabrics, and instead washed the whole quilt at once when it was all done. I wanted more of a puckered, well loved look to it. I like how it turned out, although I think I will use a heavier batting on my next quilt.

It was machine quilted by a friend of mine from church. She did a great job on it!

This is the backing fabric.

All ready for Gretchen to snuggle into bed!

And here she is, sleeping peacefully under her new quilt!

Starbucks Mug needed

Last year, after our trip to Portland, I bought the kids mugs from Starbucks with zoo animals on them to commemorate our first trip to the zoo. I packaged them away for Christmas presents, and even got them into each of their stockings without any problems. However, when I went to give them their first cup of hot chocolate, guess who broke the first cup? Yep, me! I'm so bummed! I got these mugs on clearance, so I can't re-order one to replace the broken one. So now, I'm just hoping and praying that I can find another one somewhere. If anyone sees one, please let me know, or buy it and I'll pay you back. I'm a little desperate!

**UPDATE 2-1-10** I found another mug! A friend of mine from MOMS Club received three in a raffle basket she won, and didn't need all three of them. So not only did I find one, she just gave it to me, so I didn't have to pay for it, either! What a blessing!

Moose Sightings

Grandpa made Moose for the boys' room, with little dowels that they can hang their jammies and stuff on. Grandpa actually has one of these in his bedroom, maybe a little larger, but the boys have always loved it. So for Christmas, this is what came out of Grandpa's woodshop! They are perfect, and the boys love them. Now, if I can just keep from hitting my head on them when I help pick up their toys - ouch!

I'm actually quilting!

On Friday night I got together with some girlfriends, and instead of the usual scrapbooking that we do, we all decided to start a quilt. We used the pattern "Yellow Brick Road" by Terry Atkinson. We all came with our fat quarter packs and started cutting, piecing and sewing. On saturday night after the kids went to bed I worked on mine some more, and got all the blocks pieced and sewn together. Last night during the season premiere of "24" I put the borders on. And today I went out and bought the backing and batting for it. And now it is ready to have quilted! I am so excited! I've done lots of quilting projects, but have never really managed to finish anything. And now, this looks like it will be done by my daughter's birthday party in two weeks! Yeah! Now my goal is to make one quilt a month, so we'll see how I do. I started cutting out pieces for Austin's quilt last night - his will be a Monkey quilt. This is fun!