Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Christmas Morning Fun

We had a great Christmas! The girls were so much fun and loved their gifts. The were so excited! Santa brought both girl a new bike. Kaci was so excited and feels SO BIG. This is her first "big girl" bike. She was tearing through the house in no time. Her legs can actually reach the pedals, which is amazing because she still has trouble reaching them on her tricycle.


Shanna is so excited to have her first video game ever. She is hooked to it already, and I can already see the need for game privileges to be earned. Most of the games are learning ones, so I guess it could be worse. She has her first mountain bike, and picked up the shifting and hand brakes no problem. It will be great to have her keep up with us on our rides!

We had fondue for our Christmas dinner and have decided to make that a tradition. It was so much fun and yummy! The only thing that was on our lists that we didn't get was some snow, but I have a strong feeling that we'll get our share this week!

Monday, December 24, 2007

Kaci Logic

Kaci had to run inside to go potty while playing outside yesterday. She said "How come I have to go potty so much anyways?" I explained to her that when you eat and drink, it's just a natural thing. She thought about it for a minute and then said "then I'm not drinking nothing tomorrow."

Sunday, December 23, 2007

Life is good

This year has been really great. I have been thinking about everything that has gone on, and here are some of my favorites:

1. Tyler, Shanna and Kaci... I will start the list with my family. The three people who love me, give me hugs and kisses every day, and rely on me, pushing me to try to be the best person I can be every day.

2. My extended family. Even though we don't live close together, the distance between us doesn't seem to matter and I am so lucky to have a great relationship with both sides of the family!

3. This bump under my shirt, my baby to be....It has been a roller coaster of emotions since we found out that we will soon be holding another little miracle. I am so excited and feel so blessed to be going through this again!

4. The dog. It's definitely a love/hate relationship, but when we boarded him at Thanksgiving, we all realized how much he has become a part of our family. He has been good the past couple of weeks, so I can put him on the list. But, if he dares to chew on the couch again, #4 will be a blank spot.

5. This has been a year of ups and downs for Tyler's work, but I have learned not to worry too much. Everything seems to have a way of turning out ok in the end. (Especially when you are as smart as he is.) I feel so lucky that I haven't had to work outside of the house since the week before Shanna was born.

6. I love to watch my girls dance. The way they feel the music and you can see the joy radiating from their soul to their smile is amazing. (And it makes all of the time spent in the car feel worth it.)

7. I feel so lucky that at the end of the day, it's just me and Tyler. It feels like no matter what has gone on during that day, being in his arms and having a few minutes alone makes it all better. Sometimes it feels like my daily "reset" so the next day can start back normal. If it has been a great day, seeing his smile and celebrating together makes it seem so much sweeter. Every minute together feels like a gift and I am so lucky to be loved by him.

8. It is easy to not think about your health when you are healthy, but I know that each of us in our family are lucky to be healthy. Enough said about that, I don't want to jinx this one.

9. We have a great home. We have a house and yard that we love, we live in a great neighborhood, Shanna goes to a great school, and I love being at home.

10. Hmmm... it is so funny when you get to the end of a list and try to decide what your last item should be. You don't want it to sound insignificant, and you don't want to have to leave anything off the list.... (I didn't start out with a specific number of things I wanted to list, but you can't end with nine things!) I think my last thing is going to be my car. I wouldn't mind getting rid of it and having something else, but I am glad to have transportation. For the first 3 or 4 years that we were married, Tyler and I shared a car. I don't know how we did it, but it only takes one day of having my car in the shop and to be stuck at home to realize how nice it is to have one!

So there you go. It might sound a little sappy, but my life is great, this year has been good, and I can't wait to see what surprises are in store for next year!

Saturday, December 22, 2007

Ouch

Yesterday felt more like a Monday than a Friday. I had planned a whole list of things that needed to get done in the morning while Shanna was at school. Well, I got a distressed call that she felt that I needed to be at her school Christmas party. She felt abandoned even though parents usually don't go to these things. I hurried and stressed and got there to eat lunch with her. I kissed her afterwards and told her I needed to run a few errands before I had to come back to get her in an hour. She got all misty eyed, wanting me to stay. So, I decided to be goofy and try to make her laugh and spun her around in the hallway. Well, I guess my center of gravity is off due to this growing basketball under my shirt, and we both fell. Hard.

Great. One more thing to worry about. I am sure everything is fine, pregnant women fall all the time, that baby is protected in my tummy, etc... but it was still not a great thing. She fell pretty gracefully and thought the whole thing was a little funny. You would think that after all of those years of skating I would have fallen a little more gracefully, but no, I went down hard on my hip. I am fine, bruised and embarrassed, but fine.

Today is the day to finish up the Christmas shopping and baking. It will be a busy day!

Friday, December 21, 2007

One last day!

It's an extra happy Friday. It is the last day of school before Christmas break! (That's about the only thing that got me out of bed this morning.) Even better, no yelling at Shanna to get ready; she is supposed to wear her pajamas to school today!

I have been starting to put the mental list together of what is left to get ready for Christmas. I still have some things to finish for Tyler... but I think we're almost there. I can't believe it is coming so soon. The girls are incredibly excited, however I think they are more excited to see and play in snow than for Christmas morning!

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Hello Baby!

We got to see the baby on the sonogram again today! *He* was moving and kicking and everything looks great! Kaci went with us and was excited to see the pictures! She tried to zoom in on the little baby bottom, but it is still too early to tell. I feel like I am walking on air today, it has been a great morning!

Monday, December 17, 2007

Shopping with Dad

Tyler took Shanna to the mall tonight to shop for some winter clothes. (Isn't he a great dad? I don't know many dads who take their daughters shopping, especially for clothes.) He called a few minutes ago saying that she had picked out a shirt and he told her that I would shoot them both if they bought it because it was so expensive. Shanna said "it's ok, we'll just cut the tags off before we get home." Yikes!

Sunday, December 16, 2007

The Nutcracker

Taking Shanna to the Nutcracker is such a fun tradition. I remember going with my mom and feeling so grown up and special. We always go with our friends, Sherry and her daughter Shelly. The girls really liked it this year. They went to the stage party after the show and got to meet the cast and play some games. I was going to take her to get hot chocolate afterwards, but she wanted a smoothie! Brrr.....

Saturday, December 15, 2007

Bubbles in your nose

Don't adults make things complicated sometimes? Have you ever asked a kid a question just to hear how they would answer?

Tyler was helping Kaci shower yesterday and she yelled "Dad, I have bubbles in my nose."

Tyler (amused) said "why do you have bubbles in your nose?"

Kaci said "because there are holes in my nose!"

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On a different note, I am now 14 weeks pregnant! This will be a nervous week for me, 5 years ago on Dec 18th we lost a baby at 15 weeks along. I kind of feel like this is a "do over," a chance for peace. But, that doesn't make it easier this week. I decided to change my appt that was scheduled for the 18th to the 19th, just in case it felt like deja vu. Luckily I still have morning (and night) sickness to reassure me that things are probably ok. I will be so relieved to hear that strong heartbeat!

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Do you know who this is?

Shanna decided she wanted to cut her hair. I have been struggling with the thought, but Tyler and I decided to let her make the choice. She chose to cut enough off to donate to Pantene Beautiful Lengths, which makes wigs for women with cancer. She had about 9 inches cut off. We are really proud of her. She looks so cute with her new hairstyle! Here are some pictures of her afternoon: *Her hair was braided before we cut it, that's why it looks so wavy..







Before

Look at that cute smiling girl! She is pretty pleased with how everything turned out.

I'm worried about you Mommy

When I was getting dressed this morning, Kaci was looking at my growing tummy. She said "Mommy, how are you going to get the baby out of there?" I told her that the dr would take the baby out for me. That wasn't good enough. She said "but HOW?" So, I showed her my scar from my other c-sections and told her that they would make a little cut and carefully take the baby out. She said "won't that hurt?" I told her "no, they will give me medicine and be very careful." Then she said "I'm worried about you Mommy."

Someone's been peeking

This might be a little small to read, it is in today's paper. (Baby Blues comic strip) I SWEAR they peak into my life! Just this morning I asked Shanna why she doesn't listen the first time I ask her nicely to do something, number 3 usually is a little more heated, but the time we hit request number... oh say 14.... she knows she better listen!


The confusing English language

The English language can be so hard to understand, and even harder to explain to your child. A couple of years ago when Shanna was learning to read, we would drive past the "UPS Store" and she would say, there's the "Oops Store." We would laugh so hard, but she really wanted to know what the "Oops Store" sold. I gave her the hint that if it was two or three letters, and it didn't sound like a word she was familiar with, chances were they were initials for something, and you didn't have to sound the word out.

Last night Tyler picked Shanna up from dance. When they got home, he said that she had a new word that he had never heard of. He asked her to tell it to me. She said "Prandom". I had all sorts of guesses what it might mean, of course none of them were right. He gave me the clue that she read it in the car. Still no guesses. Here's how it actually reads: "PRNDM" Do you know where it's from??

P= Park
R= Reverse
N= Neutral
D= Drive
M= Manual


I have been working with the girls to make some handmade gifts. I really want to teach them that giving Christmas gifts is more than going to the mall and shelling out money. So far it's going very slow, but good. Hopefully this weekend we'll get more done. I broke down and bought some boxed Christmas cards yesterday. I really enjoy making my own, but I have my hands full with other things this year. I was proud of myself that I made it to the grocery store BEFORE we were out of everything this week. My schedule normally goes something like this: Get Shanna off to school, (sometimes take a walk) get showered and Kaci dressed, clean up the house and play with my little friend, eat lunch, take a nap, pick up Shanna from school, drive to dance, make dinner, get the girls showered and ready for bed, and then collapse in my bed! I am still trying to find which time slot to insert holiday preparations into. I don't like doing anything at the last minute, but that's probably what it's going to be like this year.


Ooohhh.. .I am seeing red. Shanna just came in and said "I think we need to get some new leather." I said "why?" She said "because Cocoa just chewed up the arm of the couch." Just when I think he's starting to be a good dog.... I bought leather protection on the couch, I wonder if intentional dog chewing falls into the warranty category? If not, I may be calling on someone with exceptional sewing skills to come help. (Hint hint to someone related to my kids) It is at the seam, but I'm no seamstress. Do you think when you're here helping you could babysit too? I could really use a break.

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Morning Ramblings

I woke up early this morning, happy for a little "alone time." My alone time quickly was invaded with company, but so far it's ok. At least they are happy!

Yesterday was a typical Monday. All Day. For all Parties involved. I hope today is better.

We are on our last week of dance of the year for one of the dance studios. Shanna has a full week next week at the other place. I am looking forward to a break and might change the girls to a closer dance studio for next year.

I did a full load of laundry last night, and told Shanna to get a pair of jeans out of the dryer. She has at least 5 pairs in there, but she just came out wearing shorts saying she can't find any. I have told her twice to go back and look,I personally put them in the dryer last night. I know they are in there. You don't wear shorts to school in December! It's starting to feel like a Monday again!

Saturday, December 08, 2007

A visit with Santa

Look who we found at the furniture store today! (The girls thought they were a little overdressed for furniture shopping!)

Shanna has been singing "Little Drummer Boy" all day, and here's how she sings it:

"Come they told me a rotten bum bum....
A new born king to see a rotten bum bum..."

I will smile every time I hear that song now!



O Christmas Tree

We had a fun night decorating the tree. The girls were so excited to see their ornaments from past years and their favorite Christmas stories. Both of our parents gave us an ornament each year as we were growing up, and we have done the same for the girls. They love looking at them. My favorite is Tyler's from the year we met. It is a kissing frog. He certainly did turn into a prince!

Here are some pictures of the girls. I'll leave it to your imagination what I was doing behind Tyler's back to make them laugh so much while he was taking the picture! (Push the sound button at the bottom of the slide show, I even put the pictures to music!)


Friday, December 07, 2007

10 Best Things of Today

1. It's Friday!

2. The great nap I got this morning

3. The smell of Gingersnap Cookies baking right now in my oven - it reminds me of how my mom's kitchen smells this time of year

4. My girls are playing nicely together right now

5. The bump under my shirt (that is making me so sick this week)

6. Only a few more hours until my boyfriend gets home

7. We're going to decorate our tree tonight

8. It's stormy outside and we're inside

9. I'm chatting with my mom on instant message - she's so cool to keep up with technology

10. Our family is healthy and has fun being together

Wednesday, December 05, 2007

My little girl

Shanna has had a tough week. It seems that she is getting old enough to experience gossip and kids not being nice. My heart aches for her. Everyone has been through it, but as a parent, all you want to do is protect your kids from everything hurtful. Through her 7 years, I feel that I have done a pretty good job keeping her safe and happy and making sure her needs are met. But, this is something so different. I try to teach her how to deal with the situations that have been hurtful to her so that the next time, hopefully it won't hurt as bad. But, I remember being little and telling myself "sticks and stones..." and it still hurting. She is so sweet and sensitive. It kills me to look into those deep blue eyes and see pain.

On a positive note, a much needed boost came in the mail today. She was picked as a good student in her class and will be honored at an assembly on Friday morning. Then she'll get to eat with her principal on the stage at lunch time. They have these assemblies twice a month, and they pick two kids from each class to recognize. She was so excited when I showed her the letter. It was the perfect day for it to come. We are having a special dessert to celebrate!

Busy busy busy

Shanna had a dance performance on Sat, one last night, a school performance today, and then regular dance classes this week. It's no wonder I forgot to pick up the neighbor girl on the way to school today! Both girls ended up sleeping in our bed last night for some reason, so not much sleeping happened either! I will post some pictures of their school Christmas program later (I guess technically the word is "Holiday Program.") Her class memorized the poem "The Night Before Christmas" I am amazed at her memory!

Tuesday, December 04, 2007

Excuse Me Ma'am

This hot man (named Tyler) pulled up next to me at a stop light yesterday, rolled down his window and said "do you have a map?"

I am thinking, "we both have GPS in our cars and we're in the town that we live in. What does he need a map for?"

He then went on to say "because I keep getting lost in your eyes!"

It's still making me smile this morning... I am so glad to know that after 8 years of marriage, 2 kids and a (sometimes) moody pregnant wife he still is thinking up silly pick up lines! xoxo

Monday, December 03, 2007

My afternoon.... a conversation with my daughter

Shanna: Mom, they changed the rules at tap class. You don't have to wear your hair up anymore.

Me: Yeah right, go get a hair brush so that I can braid your hair.

Shanna: No, really. Even the teacher wears her hair down.

Me: She's the teacher. She can do that. Go get a hair brush.

Shanna: Everyone wears their hair down.

Me: (Temper starting to raise) Get your hair brush now or you're not going to dance.

Shanna: (Separating a small strand of hair on the top of her head) I have an idea. You could braid this part and then the rest could be in an invisible pony tail.

Me: What? Do you mean a pony tail with a clear hair band?

Shanna: No. An invisible hair band. I'll just put it behind my shoulders and if Miss Sheila asks about it, I'll tell her that it was up.

Me: (Really feeling my temper now and feeling like this conversation is about as productive as running into a wall) GET YOUR HAIR BRUSH SO THAT I CAN BRAID YOUR HAIR..... NOW !

aaaahhhhhhhhhh Why does she like to argue with me so much???

Sunday, December 02, 2007

Let There Be Light


We froze our tails off, and Tyler's knees are shot from climbing up and down from the ladder, but look at our pretty lights! We took the girls for a drive to see other lights, and they think we need more!! I think we're doing pretty good for Dec 2!

Poor Santa

We took the girls to see the movie "Fred Claus" and Shanna said she felt sorry for Santa. I smiled, thinking she felt sorry for him because he had to make so many toys for children all over the world, and that she would keep her request simple this year. But, that's not why she feels sorry for him. In the movie, Fred is told that he has to eat all of the cookies left for Santa, so that the kids don't get hurt feelings. She said this year she'll just leave half of a cookie for Santa to eat. Will that get her on the nice list???

Friday, November 30, 2007

"Literacy" Night

All year, I have been shocked at the notes that come home from Shanna's school. They have had misspelled words, bad grammar, bad punctuation, etc... This is the place that is supposed to teach her all of those things! (In fairness, I have to say that the notes from her actual teacher are okay though.) But, last night was really bad. It was Literacy Night at the school. One of the activities was a work sheet that you had to complete using a large poster on the wall as guidance. In big text (so that you could see it from across the room) this is what one of the words was on the poster: beatiful. Are you kidding me???

Friday.... is it really?

You know that first moment you open your eyes and you're so disoriented that you aren't sure what day it is? Every day this week, I have thought (or maybe wished) it to be Friday. When I woke up this morning, and realized that it really was Friday, I got a big smile on my face. Saturday would be better, because then I could have gone back to sleep. But, if it's actually Friday, I'll take it! It has been a long week.

Having said that, I need to run and get Shanna's lunch made and get her ready for school. Happy Friday!!!

Thursday, November 29, 2007

It's Begining to Look a Lot Like Christmas

Last night Tyler and I went outside to put some lights up after the kids went to bed. It kind of felt like we were teenagers again, giggling and being outside when it was dark and cold. We didn't last very long because it really was cold, (and we can't stay up like we used to anymore) but the girls should be surprised tonight when we turn the lights on. We still have the icicle lights to put up on the house, but we're getting there!

Shanna woke up a little while ago, hoping to watch some cartoons. When I told her "no", she said "well, I guess I don't have anything to be up for then" and went back to bed. Poor little girl, has nothing except for tv to get up for in the morning. I guess I better go tickle her and get her ready for school.

By the way, I won't have my new cell phone until probably Monday, so if you're trying to call me, that's why I am not answering.

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Christmas is coming

Kaci and I started decorating for Christmas yesterday. She is so excited! Tyler put the tree up last night, so tonight or maybe Thursday night we'll decorate it. I put a little Christmas village in the girls' room and Kaci loves moving the little people around through the town. I am thinking maybe a doll house would be a good gift for her. Neither girl has given us a good list yet. Shanna made one, but it had things like "a diamond ring, laptop computer, new bed and a new house on it." She doesn't think small! I am trying to put ideas in her head that she wants a new bike because she has outgrown hers, and it would be a great time to get a new one! They have a trinket store at her school, and she took some money yesterday to buy gifts for her family. I caught her with ALL of her money in her backpack before school. We had to renegotiate a reasonable amount to take. She was proud to bring home what she had picked out.

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

I hate Mondays

What a Monday. Maybe I forgot to tell myself how much I love Mondays when I woke up. To make it short, on the way to take one car to the dealer, the other car had the "check engine" light come on, my cell phone decided to bite the dust, our lunch place was closed... well, looking at that list, it wasn't really that bad, but I still have a lot of pieces to pick up this morning to make everything right in the universe. So, if you're trying to call me, call me at home. I'll be there because my car is still in the shop.

Monday, November 26, 2007

And we're back

We had a great Thanksgiving weekend. We went to Las Vegas to see Tyler's 2 sisters and their families and his parents also flew in for a few days. It was a great time. We did NOT go shopping on Friday (can you imagine the chaos in Vegas? It is crazy on a normal day!) We also didn't get any of the Christmas stuff up. Oh well, there's always tomorrow, right? The girls had a ton of fun helping me make gingerbread cookies yesterday. Yum!

Here are a few pictures from the weekend:


Shanna and Jakob




Kaci and Ryan. She kept kissing him and then she'd say "it's ok, he's my cousin"



Shanna's cousin Carly let her hang out with her on Friday and gave her a makeover. Yikes! She looked so grown up. Shanna got to go to "GVR" with Carly and meet her friends for a few minutes that night. She was walking on air! Thanks Carly!


Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Brrr...

It's cold this morning. I guess it IS November, and all of the trees still have their leaves, so it's time, but brrr!! (Ok, all of my loving relatives from Colorado where it is probably snowing right now, say at the same time, awwwww.....) It's the second night we have let Cocoa sleep inside. It just feels too mean to kick him out when we go to bed and it's cold. He has been really good keeping his privilege. (so far)

The girls have a new game for discipline. Shanna's teacher gave me the idea. I bought them two rolls of carnival tickets, and they have to have 5 tickets to watch a tv show. They can earn or lose tickets for behavior and by doing chores. We'll see how it goes. Kaci earned and lost a bunch yesterday. I gave Shanna her 5 (they start with 5 each morning) a few minutes ago and told her that she better have these now because she is going to start losing them fast.

We saw the baby and *his* heartbeat yesterday. It was the best sight ever! After the past 2 months of wondering if there was anyone in there, we saw *him*! The baby made sure we knew *he* wouldn't be upstaged by *his* sisters and did a few backflips! (Already *he's* saying "Look Mom, Look Dad!") Of course we don't know if *he* is a *he*, but we'll just call *him* that for now. It's better than calling it *it*. Everything looks great so far.

Oops... Shanna just lost a ticket.

According to Shanna, we are now "the only" house in our neighborhood without Christmas lights. I just told her "bah humbug." We'll try to get them out this weekend. I think the growing pile of laundry it going to bury me by this weekend, so maybe I won't have to worry about it after all. I did get my Christmas shopping started, last year I was done by now. If you think you should be on my list this year, you better e-mail me some ideas. (hint hint especially to a certain tall dark and handsome man!)

Time to get moving. I have 4 bananas sitting on the counter turning darker and darker that are begging to be made into banana bread. Happy Thanksgiving!

Monday, November 19, 2007

Girl at Work


Tyler set Kaci up on his computer this morning while I was taking a shower. She was pretty proud! Notice her drink on the coaster by the computer??? She knows how to type her name all by herself!

Saturday, November 17, 2007

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday Luv Bunny! I can't believe it is your 10th birthday we have spent together! I hope all of your wishes come true!!
Love, Sunshine

Friday, November 16, 2007

Ballerina Girl

We got to observe Shanna's ballet class yesterday. It is amazing how much she has progressed! Her teacher would call out a long sequence in French, then turn on the music. Somehow, all of these little 7-9 year olds would know exactly what to do. She did look pretty tired, I think the classical music relaxes her! I was impressed with her balance and concentration.



Shanna wants to move to Colorado so that she can be a figure skater. She thinks that I had such a better childhood because I was able to skate. For Christmas, she wants a new house in Colorado, white skates and skating lessons. (Or, she said that Tyler could just build an ice rink here.)

Here is a slide show I put together of how Shanna has grown up since she started dancing.






Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Dancing Girls

It's Parent's Observation Week at the girls' dance classes... Here are some pictures from Shanna's tap and Kaci's ballet class. Shanna's ballet is tomorrow.


Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Come ON Mom!

Am I really the only Mom who drives her daughter to school in her pajamas? Shanna thinks so. I know, I am so embarrassing in my pink bunny slippers and curlers. No, really, all I do is pull my hair into a nice ponytail, zip up a jacket over my t-shirt, wear my warm pj pants and I actually wear shoes. But according to her, all of the other moms are dressed in the morning. One other thing that apparently I didn't know... all of the other kids in her class have a Game Boy. She wants to know if after Tyler's birthday our family can get one! (See how smart she is with her wording?) Sigh... I remember when I thought I was smarter than my Mom too. I also remember the moment when I realized I wasn't.

Monday, November 12, 2007

Monday Monday

How can it be Monday again? Ever feel like you are in the movie "Groundhog's Day?" I need to do something like wear my socks inside out or make oatmeal for dinner.

On a positive note, it still feels like spring. The leaves are just starting to turn and the mornings feel a little brisk, but the afternoons are sunny and warm. I miss the snow around Christmas, but I don't miss being cold the rest of the winter.

It's going to be a busy week, I guess I should get it started...

"The most beautiful ten 2-lettered words I have ever learned in my life - If It Is To Be, It Is Up To Me."
~ Piyush Beriwala

Saturday, November 10, 2007

Say it ain't so!

It all started last month with Shanna showing us her dance for her Super Stepper Christmas performance. Then, she started singing Christmas songs. That is understandable because the second graders are practicing for a holiday performance at school. But last night was just over the top. There is a house in our neighborhood with their lights on (I mean ON, not just on the house) and get this... A Christmas Tree in their window LIT UP! On the way home from dinner, Tyler found a holiday station on the satellite radio and he and Shanna started singing Christmas songs. (She was singing because she was truly happy to hear Christmas songs, he was singing to bug me.) He pulled in front of "the Christmas house," rolled down the windows and blasted Christmas music! Ha ha ha... very funny..... I love Christmas and I like Christmas music, but only two weeks before and one day after Christmas. Bah Humbug.

Friday, November 09, 2007

Miss Fashion Drama

I was sitting here, thinking about what to write about, and in the last 5 minutes, Shanna has come into the office about a dozen times times asking "does this match?" She has gotten very interested in what she wears to school. She won't wear the same pair of shoes twice in a row, she thinks that jeans are boring, and if I tell her that her shirt is too short, it makes her really want to wear it! I remember wearing short shirts that showed all of my stomach to school when I was a teenager. How did my mom let me out of the house?

Thank goodness we made it through the week. I have no energy, and so much to do. Last weekend I found enough energy to mow and weed the front yard, hopefully I can get the back yard under control this weekend. There are a bunch of cute kid movies coming out to the theaters, maybe we'll take the girls to one of them.

Time to go crack the whip and get the girl to school! Here's a picture when mornings were easier.... It's been several years! Happy Friday!

Wednesday, November 07, 2007

Minds of their own

I think the girls are better. I think they stored up all of their orneriness from when they were sick and have doubled up on it for a while. Kaci is sweet when it's just the two of us, but as soon as Shanna gets home, she turns into this little monster, causing all kinds of problems. She hits, argues, etc... but I am not sure how much of it is her, and how much of it Shanna quietly provokes. Last night, Kaci hit Shanna, and got in trouble. A few minutes later, I saw her "play hit" Shanna, and Shanna screamed like she had a broken bone! Or, in the shower they had a huge argument. I quietly went in to see what was being said, and Kaci was trying to use body wash before shampoo, and Shanna was holding it up in the air telling her she had to use shampoo first! Do you think the neighbors would understand if they heard me screaming outside?

On another subject, Shanna has decided that she wants to cut her hair. I should mention that she has a *best friend* that has short hair. And Crocs like Shanna had to get a few weeks ago. Oh yeah, Shanna wants to take singing lessons because the other girl takes singing lessons. (I couldn't talk her into joining the school choir when school started though.) I remember cutting my hair short when I was her age, and I just can't let her do it. Maybe this summer when it's hot, and if she'll donate it to "Locks of Love" we'll talk. But for right now, no. (Do I sound like one of those moms who lives their dreams through their kids?)

She also has had peer pressure at school about a certain fairy who comes when you lose a tooth. She has asked twice now straight out about the truth of that story, and I have reflected it back to her both times. I'm sure once she is done thinking about a fairy, next she'll move on to a creepy old guy coming into the house at midnight and a bunny who delivers candy instead of eating right through the foil! I just want to get through one last Christmas season before she loses the magic.

I guess I should just say I am so glad they are both feeling better and be glad I am dealing with attitudes instead of fevers! About the picture... It is obviously taken 3 years ago, but they both had the same expression on their faces in the shower last night!!!

Tuesday, November 06, 2007

Everyone Better???

Will I be cursed if i say that everyone is feeling better? It has been an awful 2 weeks with both girls being sick. Poor little Kaci has been laying in bed during the day and up all night coughing. There hasn't been much sleep going on in our house! She was well enough to go for a walk this morning and then to dance, so I think she is on the mend. She has some sparkle back in her eyes and was teasing her sister, so I think we're just about there!

Monday, November 05, 2007

A Big W

What a game! I won't be yelling for victory or anything, especially since Shanna set the tv to record one of her "tween" shows and it ended our game by the last 4 minutes of the game. (It just so happened to be the most exciting 4 minutes of the whole game!) I thought there was no way we'd win. We were behind when the tv stopped, and when I logged on to the website, we had won! I am sure we will have a repeat of the game in the playoffs later in the year. It's too bad these two teams can't play each other in the Super Bowl. I do have to say, victory is much more fun when you have someone to celebrate with! Maybe now I'll convince Tyler that the Patriots really are the better team.

Sunday, November 04, 2007

Game Day

The day is here... Patriots vs Colts. Wager negotiations have been unsuccessful. The mood in the house is tense. The girls have chosen sides. More updates to come.

Saturday, November 03, 2007

Incredible Dog

Oh yeah, I almost forgot. We weren't the only ones dressed up on Halloween night! Here is a picture of Cocoa on Halloween, dressed up as the dog from Incredibles.


Friday, November 02, 2007

Quote of the Day


"To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream, not only plan, but also believe."

~ Anatole France

I need more chocolate

The girls were happy only going to a few houses to trick-or-treat this year. I thought that was great on Halloween night. It was a school night, I had a headache and really wasn't in the mood to be knocking on doors for any longer than we had to. Well, now I want to go trick-or-treating again. When the kids aren't looking and you raid their little pumpkins, you can find some really good chocolate that you never think to buy! You can get stuck in a chocolate rut and buy the same thing over and over and over for yourself. I remember last year rediscovering Sugar Babies. This year, I think all of our neighbors bought their candy the same place I did, and I want something new and good! To make matters worse, Shanna forbade me from touching her candy, so I only have one pumpkin to work with!)

Here's another observation while I am talking about sweets. The last time we roasted marshmallows, Shanna really wanted to roast the little ones because she thinks they taste better. I thought that was the silliest thing ever and told her there was no way I was going to sit there and poke mini-marshmallows on her stick. But last night, I was making sweet potatoes, and sprinkled some of the mini ones on top. I had to have a few, and you know what? She's right! Mini-marshmallows DO taste better than big ones! Why is that? Maybe, just maybe if I am really feeling patient, the next time we roast marshmallows, I will sit there and poke the little ones on the stick...for both of us.

Halloween Pictures

Here are some pictures from our Halloween night. I was trying to post them yesterday, but Kaci is taking her turn being sick, and has had a high fever and crud in her chest. She sleeps in 10 minute increments which is really taking a toll on Tyler and me.



A scary witch and cute pink haired "Stephanie"



Tyler started out being silly with Shanna's "Kim Possible" hair from last year, but every 11 year old boy who came to the door recognized him as the "Wendy's commercial guy" He changed later in the night to a big purple Dr. Seuss hat! I can say it is the first time I kissed a man with pig tails!


Wahoo.... who is that crazy lady? (That's all real hair by the way!)



Keeping with the Swenson tradition, I made sourdough doughnuts....after the kids went to bed!!! And I made more last night, so don't think they are too deprived!

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

We Did It!


Corn Maze... check

Pumpkins.....check (did everyone notice how many pumpkins were in the picture?)

Dr. Appts/Flu Shots/Immunizations....check

We're doing ok after all!

The Dr was worried about Shanna's throat, but an instant strep test came back negative, they'll send another one to the lab, but my "mom instinct" says she's ok and going back to school tomorrow! Kaci is the toughest little girl ever. She hasn't cried the last few times she has gotten shots. I explain what is going to happen, and she watches them do it and gets a smile on her face when they put the band-aid on. Now Shanna..... she is almost too big to restrain anymore. She felt pretty embarrassed when it was over though and said she wouldn't scream and cry the next time. Hallelujah, neither me or the nurse want to go through that again either!

Halloween is TOMORROW???

Oops. In all of the Halloween preparations, I forgot that the actual day is tomorrow! Shanna is still sick, we have not carved the pumpkins yet, we still haven't made it to the corn maze.... yikes. Luckily, I already had both girls scheduled for check-ups and flu shots today, so we'll see if she has anything more than a bad virus. Hopefully she'll still be able to get a flu shot. Kaci has a Halloween party at her dance class this morning. I can't make her miss that, so I guess Shanna will have to sit in the car with a movie or a book while Kaci is in dance. Cross your fingers for us that Shanna will be better by tomorrow and that no one else gets sick! I have been doing laundry and dishes non-stop and disinfecting the house several times a day.

On a good note, Tyler had his knee checked at the orthopedic dr's office yesterday, and he said it was looking much better. He no longer has a "dr's note" for things like lawn work and dog walking, but still has to take it easy with his extreme sports. He'll get it checked in another 6 weeks. That's a big sigh of relief!

Monday, October 29, 2007

Dear Tyler,




VS.


This is such an important moment in our lives that I feel that we should document our conversation. We are both aware of the big game on Sunday. Our teams are the last of the unbeatens. (Should I mention that the Patriots are 8-0 and the Colts are only 7-0?) Last year, your team beat mine twice, the last one really hurting when they went on to (win) the Superbowl. This year, however is going to be different. Pretty much every NFL commentator has been talking non-stop about how amazing Tommy is this year, and how he is about to break Peyton's record. He is on fire, with the team averaging over 41 points a game this season. It is now time to decide what our wagers are going to be. Everything is going to be documented, so be careful. I would love to get some input on possible ideas from anyone else......

Another one for the list

Here's another one to add to the "things you never thought you would say until you had kids" list.

"Don't stand on your Mom's food."

I really should put this one into context... our kids really aren't monkeys. We were getting into our Halloween candy last night (why do I always buy the good stuff?) when I dropped a chocolate (still wrapped) on the floor. Instead of picking it up for me, Kaci decided to stand on it. (Still not sure why) And that's what Tyler told her!

Sunday, October 28, 2007

The real way to play Dominoes

It was an innocent "calm down before bed time" game of Dominoes last night when the girls decided to find a "better" way to play.... Makes you want to play Dominoes at our house, doesn't it??