Why?

I like to blog stalk. Some people blog as a way of creative escape, some blog to share memories with others, and some use their blog as a journal. But there are a few blogs that I read, one in particular, whose blogger never blogs about anything bad that happens in their life. Only the great parties they've thrown, or the wonderful trips they've been on. Their blogs make me feel like I don't have the nicest house with granite counter tops, teak cabinets, slate flooring, or all stainless steel appliances. I also feel like a bad mom who doesn't love her kids enough pick up all the Otter Pop wrappers after them or have them signed up at with the best (and most expensive) ballet academy or sports camps, or whisk them away on fabulous vacations all across the country. I also feel disorganized, non-crafty, and boring. So, why, do I continue to read these? Self masochism I suppose.

Now, if you are reading this, you can be absolutely positively 100% sure that I am not talking about you or your blog. I can guarantee that to you. The blogs I am referring to are those of your best friend's sister's boyfriend's brother's girlfriend.

Double Your Pleasure

Same age. Same dress. Same bow.

Be Careful What You Wish For

So, for a long time I have said that I would love to be called as the Ward Activities Chairwoman. I love to plan parties and have no one come. (At least that's been my experience when planning my own gatherings.) A couple of weeks ago, I got the call. Either I mentioned it to the right person, or they really wanted to get us (and by us, I mean me, because Matt is an awesome teacher) out of teaching the pilot class "Strengthening Marriage".

I don't know about your wards, but in the last 4 years that we have lived here, we have done the same activities. The Chili Cook-Off in March, the Pancake Breakfast on the 4th of July, the Trunk-or-Treat in October, and the Christmas Party. I'm going to bet that it's the same for most of you. Minus the Chili Cook-Off in March. March?? I only make chili from September on, when the weather is right. Now that I think about it, here in Idaho, that can include March.

I got the "go-ahead" to shake things up a bit. I might get fired before I even get to some of my ideas, but it needs to be done. While I won't mess with the Trunk-or-Treat, I definitely have plans for the Christmas Party. I hope no one is offended when I don't serve ham and funeral potatoes.

What are some of your favorite or not so favorite activities that you have been to? I'm talking church gatherings, neighborhood block parties, school parties. We, Mormons, can adapt almost anything to suit our needs, right?

Make Up Call

When Mitchell was in K-2nd grade, he always made a Valentine's sack at school to put all his valentines in. I thought it was kind of a cop-out. What happened to decorating a shoe box or constructing something hugely creative, like my brother's poster board size Pacman? He came to me last year, the night before the party at school, and said he was supposed to take a shoe box (nothing bigger) for his loot. I had not seen a note about this (I guess they figure 3rd graders are responsible enough to relay messages home), so I didn't know exactly what he was supposed to do. I asked him if he was supposed to decorate it and his reply was "eh, we can if we want". I asked him if he wanted to and his reply was "nah, I'll be okay" (whose kid is this??). Now, we don't buy a lot of shoes in the box (I'm more of a find-a-great-deal-at-TJ Maxx kind of gal), so the chances of me finding a box around the house were pretty slim. I remembered that I had bought a pair of shoes for Addison to grow into (thank you Famous Footwear cousin discount) and they were still in the box up in her closet. I gave the tiny size shoe box to him to take. As I waited for him after school, I watched all the kids exit with their extravagantly-decorated-bigger-than-shoe-boxes-box. I felt like the worst.mom.ever. I managed a craft store for 2 years for crying out loud, and I sent my kid to school with a girl's Esprit box for his valentines? Right then, I vowed to make it up next year. I am usually one of those moms who doesn't do their kid's school stuff (poster's, oral presentation cue cards, etc.) for them. I help them, but I really think it's important that they do it themselves. But I needed a make up call.

I present this year's make up call.

I know, it doesn't have a cord. I'd appreciate you getting off my back about it.


Thank goodness for Pepsi products being on sale last week.



To be fair, he did help, I let him think up the tin foil and cover it.

Budding Ballerina

Addison takes ballet through our City Rec Center. To say she loves it would be quite the understatement. For her winter recital they did a little number to "Kiss the Girl". Which couldn't have been more perfect for her. She concentrates so hard and tries to perfect every move and position. This has been a great outlet for her and her princess drama. Now if we can move on past the tantrums we will be set.

All I Can Make is Cold Cereal and Maybe Toast

This is our traditional Thanksgiving Eve dinner. The kids love it. I wonder why?

On Turning Ten...

This about sums it up. He always has a great way with words.

Hayden

Here's Haydee at about 8 weeks old. She is such a sweet baby. She is sleeping through the night, however, most of the time she thinks she can't sleep unless she is being held. So I have quite the crick in my back. (I think postpartum care should include a good masseuse.) The kids love her and even Cameron is starting to pay more attention to her. He loves to give her a binky, even when she doesn't want it.

We were so lucky to be able to have some family come for her blessing. It made for a fun weekend. I wish we lived closer so we could celebrate more occasions and holidays together. Thanksgiving and Christmas will be quiet around here this year.

Ha! Who am I kidding? Things are never quiet with 5 kids.

This is Halloween, Everybody Make a Scene

Batman, Robin, Penguin, The Flash, Storm, Wonder Woman. You know we had
to separate the Marvel comics from the DC comics.

Never could talk her into anything else. Her costume was definitely the easiest to make. She gathered up random pieces from her dress up box and called herself a fairy princess. She was more than happy. I was ecstatic that it was one less costume for me to recreate.

Diva for a Day

Matt wanted to do something special for Addison on her birthday and someone told him about this cute place in town. We took Addie in to Paislee Punch for a mani/pedi. For $8 she got her fingernails and toenails painted a glittery pink. Yeah, it might have been 8 bucks I could have saved by doing it myself, but she felt like the queen of the world and the excitement on her face was was worth every penny.