Little Girls Night Out

My mom got sneak preview tickets to go see "UP" this last Thursday. It was perfect because Natalie has been talking about seeing this movie for a few months since we saw the trailer. It was really a cute movie as far as cartoons go, and it's one I'd see again. I've been to some real gems (Bee Movie, Space Monkeys, talking chihuahas, etc) so it was nice to see a good one. They were throwing t-shirts into the audience at the movie and we got one. Natalie was SOOO excited about her oversized (size adult M) t-shirt that she wanted to wear it all night and then to bed. I obliged...that was an easy point for me.


Afterwards we went to Joe's Crab Shack and the girls played in the play area before, during, and after dinner. It was fun hanging out with my mom and my girls. It doesn't happen very often but we always have a good time when we do. I haven't always been friends with my mom, but she is a good grandma. She has really made an effort to know my kids and that goes a long way with me. Now that I have my own kids I'm starting to realize that she probably just did the best she knew how while we were growing up. I ended up missing my regular GNO w/friends to hang out with my 3 little amigas and my mom but it was a good trade-off.

Poor child #4 was banished to the house w/her dad once again...here she is looking real broken-hearted about it too.

Seeing RED!!

After 8 years of looking at vanilla walls in my kitchen...we finally decided to paint! I read once that there is a shade of red for everyone. I agree, and I since I couldn't find a swatch called "cranberry/poppyish red" I settled for "Red Rock" and I absolutely love it. It makes me SO happy to look at my red walls and I can't believe I was SO chicken to do it sooner. We painted our office red not long after we moved in and it was a nightmare. I think I had painter's remorse for all these years because that room haunted me so bad. The paint was so thick you could literally peel it off....but now I'm over it because I love, love, LOVE my red kitchen. Dave knows how sometimes it takes me forever to make a decision, so he wouldn't give me his opinion one way or another on the paint color (scary!) so I had to choose and he just kept saying "I think you'll do a great job"...talk about pressure! Anyway, he loves it too and I am so relieved!



It was kind of a pain in the butt painting with 4 kids around...I really don't recommend doing that...or maybe I just don't recommend having 4 kids (kidding!..sort of). We let the kids "help" and in the process they all managed to get paint on their clothes and bodies(Addison still has some on her arm that she won't let me scrub off) but at least they felt cool that they contributed. Dave is so good and patient with the kids and was trying to teach them how to do it right. He is such a good Dad and my girls (and ME!) are so lucky to have him. He really balances out all the estrogen overload around here. We were feeling a little ambitious after doing the kitchen that we decided to do the living room as well. That room still needs touching up on trim/ceiling, and it's still torn apart, but here is a sneak peek at the color. It's called "Safari Tan" and so far I'm really loving that room too. I think now I love anything that's not WHITE!

My next project is my entryway and downstairs wall that now looks completely boring. I am so excited to keep going, I've totally caught the painting bug! Sorry Tawny, I know exactly what you mean now and I hope you can convince the hubby to let you paint soon!
But...one project at a time. For now I have to finish both these rooms completely, but I'm not loving the touching-up part so much...so I think I will stay on my computer a little longer...

ABC's and Kissin' Froggies

Addie's last day of pre-school was on Friday. Next week they have a picnic and then in June sometime her cute teacher has a huge shin-dig for all her students at a park. I heard about this pre-school from my friend Natalie and I have loved everything about it. I especially love the kids only have to be 2 to attend. Addie has such a great foundation now, this year she learned her ABC's, counting to 20, colors, shapes, singing, social interaction, and how to potty train...yeah right. That is just wishful thinking of my part. The potty training issue is a separate post in itself.

LaDawn is the sweetest teacher I've ever met. She's been doing this for years and the kids LOVE her. She is totally a grandma but still strict and fun with the kids.
Here is a picture of Addie on the first day of school. Don't look to close because Addie is wearing the same outfit she wore on the last day...kinda funny huh?...or maybe kinda sad?

This was taken the first day of school when the kids were getting to know everyone. Addison only cried the first or second time at school when I left. After about 2 or 3 times she was a pro and would just wave and say goodbye. I love that.

This was the kids at their Halloween party. Addie is standing next to Abby, her BFF at school. Isn't she so cute? Abby and Addison do everything together. They have to put their shoes and school bag next to each other, and when they get drinks or wash hands, they have to go together. It's pretty funny to watch. This party was really cute, we made popcorn, played games, read Halloween stories, and decorated pumpkin cookies.

There is a funny garden statue of two kissing frogs at the entrance of the school. Addison likes to touch the "foggies" every time right before we walk into school. She is such a creature of habit it cracks me up.

Afterwards in celebration of Addie's "graduation" from pre-school to 2 more years of pre-school, I let her pick where she wanted to go to lunch...so of course we ended up at McDonalds (aka McNasty's). What is it with kids and McDonalds? So here are the kids enjoying the deep-fried McCuisine.
Emmy sampling her first french fry..."yum, this is better than the green stuff mom feeds me"

Here is Addie dipping her mystery meat in caramel...it makes a mother proud.

To all The B's I've Loved Before

So I'll admit, I've probably always let my kids have their binky's too long. They are usually around 2 when I finally take it away. It's funny, with each growing kid we think they are the ones that liked it the most. Ashley loved her bink and I never thought she'd part with it. She nicknamed it the "B" and all the kids have followed suit. Nattie loved the B so much I thought it was going to be an impossible task to take it away...
Then Addison came along...and made me realize the first two were a piece of cake! For some reason age 2 came and went...and so did my consistent parenting. Addie didn't just love her B, she LOVED her B! I had managed to at least contain it to naptime and bedtime, lest I face the ridicule and scorn of those "judgy" moms out there. Whatever, it's not like my kid is almost 3 or anything...oh wait a minute, she'll be 3 in July and I am one of THOSE judgy moms myself (ironic, isn't it?) A kid who can talk in full sentences shouldn't still have a dang binky! Now If I could only get Addie to agree.

About a week or so ago Addie lost both her B's. I eventually found them both and hid them. She napped and went to bed without them (not happily, I might add) for a few days and I figured the B was a thing of the past...but my lovely little Addie had other plans. Unbeknownst to me, she started stealing the B from sweet, unsuspecting little Emery. I discovered this one afternoon when I checked on them. At first I laughed, took it away, and didn't give it much thought...until she did it again the next day and the next. Then it wasn't so cute or funny.

I tried laying Emmy as close to the other side of the crib as possible and put the side up on the crib to no avail. I don't know if Addison pulls her by the legs or arms to get her close enough to snatch her beloved B or what, all I know is that tonight we had to have a "hoedown throwdown" with that kid after she grabbed her loot and woke up the baby in the process . First I resorted to a good old-fashioned swat on the butt (no judging till you've been there!), which was so effective that 5 minutes later she had the B in her mouth again. I threw my hands up in the air and Dave, who is usually the 'good cop' around here went in and threatened her with having to sleep in the basement (where Addie thinks Cookie Monster lives) if she pulled that stunt one more time. I didn't think it would work, but lo and behold, 10 minutes later she was sound asleep sans the B!

So, we'll see how long it lasts...but I'm not holding my breath. Addie is such a headstrong little stinker (that's for you Janet, I would have said little #!%@) that sometimes she rules this roost and makes her sisters cry. She is also incredibly charming, sweet, and hilarious at the same time so we can't help but love her, even when we want to beat her.

(P.S. I stole this title from one of my cousin-in-laws posts. She is hilarious and I just want to give credit where it's due. You can check it it out here if you want a good laugh.)

Hannah Banna Bo Bana

My dad took me and natalie to go see Hanna Montana the movie.dad got
us popcorn in a cup and natalie chewed the cup.There were lots of poeple there my favorite part was when they did the dance called howdown
throwdown.i think natalies favrite part was when the girl rode the horse.The
movie was funny.I had a fun time with dad and natalie. by Ashley

Renaissance and Fantasy Faire

Ashley's 2nd grade class has been learning all about the Renaissance this year...and oddly enough, there just happens to be a Renaissance Festival in Ogden every year at this time - who knew?

So, with the smell of inscense ripe in the air (at least I think it was inscense...), we were all curious as to what fun activities and performances the festival had in store...

There were jesters and magic shows...

Royalty...(someone had to tell me she was "Lady Queen Elizabeth")

Musical Entertainment...

(Yes, this dude's hair is real...)
Interpretive Dancing...(funny, I didn't think I smelled alcohol on her when she sashayed past me)

Grown men playing with foam shields and fake swords in their fake castle...

Which actually looked like a lot of fun and some of the kids got to try it and LOVED it. The fake swords made a really loud "thud" everytime they hit the shields, so I'm sure the kids felt like Bad A's.

And what should have been a dang cool Joust with real horses - but unfortunately they didn't perform until Saturday so instead of this...

We got this.

The kids to to ride ponies as a consolation prize. There were also camel rides but the line was way long.

The kids (and adults) were pretty bummed about the Joust - okay, I was a little ticked. That was the only reason I wanted to go! We were all totally looking forward to it since how often do you get the chance to do that?

I joked with the kids that this is how "time-out" was done in Medeival Times...where can I get one of these for my house?

Lady Ashley and her Mexi-Maiden Mom

Ye Olde "Crapper"

They gave all the kids water bottles and I was wondering if they might regret it...a bunch of kids ended up having to visit the blue beast, Ashley being among them. This is the first time she's ever used one and it grossed her out. She held it forever until finally she broke down and went it. Afterwards she said "ewww mom, there wasn't even a sink in there!" She is too funny.

I'd have to say the most fun thing about the festival was people watching. Another mom friend and I were having a great time walking around trying to keep a straight face. Like when we passed these handsome fellas...

Creepy Old Dude Fairy...he had pointy ears on, creepy hair, and an even creepier smile. We made the girls pose with him and none of them wanted to. Ashley stood at the end on purpose. It was funny and kind of mean...but I'm a mean mom like that.

This first couple we decided had to be brother and sister...can you imagine bringing home either of them for your parents approval? This other guy reminded us of Fat Bastard from Austin Powers...he's right sexy!

And last, but not least, a Medieval "alternative" couple...

Umm, guess again - Me thinks this dude doth look like a lady!

So overall Ashley and I had a good time, even though I'm guessing it will be the one and only time I attend a fair like this. Then again, if I could be guaranteed an awesome Joust with a little violence, and possibly some blood, I could probably be swayed into hanging out with the Lords, Maidens, Jesters and Fairies (aka Drama Club flunkees) again.

Current...and future Lovely Fair Maidens

Watching grass (and maybe gardens) grow

Last Saturday Ashley had a fancy schmancy piano recital at South Towne Mall for Mother's Day. There were 8 pianos in all and all the songs were performed as duets and performed in unison. It was very impressive sounding and Ashley did really well.

She was ever-so-serious playing from memory in front of about 150 people. They also did a little song and dance number that Ashley hated, but I thought it was cute. No pictures because Dave had camera duty (I was videotaping). Ashley invited her cute friend Lanie who gave her Dove chocolates afterwards (her fave!) and a note that said "You Dove a good job Ashley". It was so thoughtful and nice. Mom and Dad gave her a pat on the back. Thanks for showing us up kid! Actually we had ice-cream afterwards, so it was all good. Nattie grows grass...(not the kind for profit unfortunately)

Later that day we were cleaning house and we came across Nattie's grass. She brought it home from school a couple of weeks ago and it even received a couple of "hair cuts" (courtesy of Nat). It was time for her grass to find a new home so we took a pic and chucked it. I love that my kids finally get that we can't keep all of their treasures. It was getting tiring having to play dumb when my kids discovered artwork and projects in the recycle bin...

I decided I wanted vinyl planting boxes this year and Dave spent most of the weekend finishing them in time for Mother's Day. He is so sweet to do this for me, considering I already have a garden, it's just not very pretty (railroad ties - ugh!). There is something so appealing about pretty boxes, perfect fertilized dirt, and the idea of shopping for fruits and veggies in your back yard that made me feel so ambitious at the nursery. I bought tomatoes, green/red bell peppers, carrots,squash, pumpkins, watermelon, cucumber, strawberries, and some herbs. Wow. I'm feeling a little overwhelmed just writing all that considering I'm hardly a master gardner... but I'm hoping my enthusiasm (and some watering) will be enough. Something better harvest or I'm going to be ticked!

Emmy a few weeks back. I was cooking dinner and put her in her swing for a change of scenery from her saucer. It took awhile before anyone noticed that poor Emmy was slip-slidin' away. She wasn't even mad, she was just chillin' probably wondering where the crap her mom was...

Parental neglect take 2. Here is poor Emmy again hanging on for dear life (where is this kid's mom??) Hmmm, maybe that's what the straps and buckles are for...oh well, no harm no foul.

My friend Andrea (who has great taste) gave me some "hand-me-downs" for Emmy that look brand-new. This outfit is one of my favorites. Maybe it would be nice to venture outside the Old Navy world once in awhile...

I could seriously kiss these cheeks all day...

Addison and Natalie in a rare, loving, sisterly embrace...

Look quick before it's gone!