Fat

My zippers bust,

My buckles break,

I'm too much man for you to take.

The pavement cracks when I fall down

I've got more chins than Chinatown.

When I go out to get my mail,

It measures on the Richter Scale.

Down at the beach I'm a lucky man,

I'm the only one who gets a tan.

Don't you call me pudgy, portly or stout

Let me tell you once again

Who's fat?

Basketball season #1

This year our family will have two basketball seasons.  Yay for me!

Grant and Kyle are on the younger, local teams and Dallin is now old enough to be on the older, traveling teams.  For whatever reason, our community league splits up the two seasons and so as we finish with the young boys, the older boys are ramping up for their games to start at the new year. 

Grant and Kyle were on the same team this year and they were an interesting duo.  Grant is a player full of explosive, quick action while Kyle is much more slow and methodical.  It was fun to watch as Kyle would slowly (and I mean, SLOWLY) dribble the ball down the court, encounter his brother who would convince him to pass it to him, and then Grant would run it to the hoop for a basket.  Many times Kyle was so slow it would practically confuse the other team's players as they wondered what to do while they waited for Kyle to do SOMETHING!  Funny.

Look closely at this picture.  It's a stare-down, almost like Grant is egging on his defender!

Grant's taking the shot, but look at Kyle in the background.  He's having tons of fun just running back and forth with his teammates!

Merry Christmas!

I tried to get the kids to sit in front of the tree all prim and proper with beautiful Christmas attire. 

Never mind that.  Such is the life here at our house!

To all our beloved family and friends, we wish you a very Merry Christmas!

Stockings

I've wanted to make Christmas stockings for our family for a long time--ever since I had my firstborn, really.  Years ago I started out with a beautiful embroidery stocking for Mariah, but it has never been finished and it sits stuffed away in a box somewhere in the closet.  I have cross-stitch kits for a few other kids, but over the years it has become too overwhelming to sit down and cross-stitch while the whirlwind of children and life surrounds me.  Enter a friend of mine who taught me the glory of a Knifty Knitter loom.  Fast (relatively speaking), easy, and simple.  Yay!

Grant's is the first stocking I've completed this year.  Unfortunately the rest of the family will have to wait until next year to enjoy theirs.  But now I have a goal and I know I can get these done quickly.  The kids are all excited for theirs to be made and it will be nice to have this monkey off my back. 

Sparse

We've been sick this week, so my posts have been sparse. 
Until life gets back to normal, enjoy a few of the silly things my kids have been saying lately....

In the bathroom I found Karina sitting on the potty and staring straight above her head at the ceiling.  She told me, "I was looking up there to see if there was a mouse."

The kids love the Christmas song on the radio Feliz Navidad.  They've been running around the house singing their translation, "Anise nah-nee-nah!"

While eating dinner with the family, Karina kept hollering, "Noo-tilated monkey meat!  Noo-tilated monkey meat!"

A child's prayer

Tonight at the dinner table, Grant was asked to say the prayer.  He thanked Heavenly Father for our blessings, asked to bless the food, asked that we would all be happy, and then said, "...and I pray that I will be good, like that one time I was really good, and that everyone will be like that, Amen."

Amen, Grant.

Pie auction

You know, stay-at-home moms have few places to really show off their skills.  I mean, we demonstrate our skills all the time when we're going places with our kids, bringing meals to potlucks, putting on birthday parties for our family, etc.  But when do we ever get recognition for our abilities? 

In our church, in our small Oregon town, we have an annual tradition called The Pie Auction.  The night before Thanksgiving, members of our church bring homemade goodies they have prepared and donate them to be auctioned off for donations to our local Cub Scout program.  It's quite a fun experience.  And, as I've learned over the years, it makes for good bragging rights when your item goes for plenty of moolah! 

Not that I'm in it for the praise and glory.... 

It's all about the scouts.... 

I think... 

Never mind, bring on the praise and glory!!

The last few years I've donated my homemade almond roca, which is always popular.  Last year and this, I made chocolate truffles which fetched $50 this year!  All in all, I think I raked in over $100 for the scouts this time.  It's a nice feeling to know people like to eat my edibles and are willing to pay for them!  Just a small amount of recognition for something I'm good at goes a long way for me.  It's a nice feeling.

Kitchen essentials

Some things I can do without: fine china, a toaster oven, a food processor. But, this, I can't do without. This, no one should do without.

It's a cheese knife. Not just any cheese knife--a Cutco cheese knife. And I LOVE IT! All my life I've struggled to cut blocks of cheddar without practically chopping off fingertips or whacking the countertop when the knife breaks loose. But, with this knife, cutting cheese is like cutting butter. It's totally amazing.

I had to go without this baby for a few weeks as it was getting warrantied. It broke when it was being used as a spatula for rock-hard-stuck-to-the-pan rice krispy treats (hmmhmmmm, it wasn't me!). While it was gone, I sure missed it. Aaaahhhh, but now it's back and now I'm back in love with it. This is a tool every person should have in their kitchen. It's spendy, but worth it.

How to impress your wife

1. When your wife calls on the phone, distraught with the crazy day she's had, tell her you'll gladly take care of the children while she asks to go grocery shopping by herself.

2. Be a trooper when she drops the five hooligans off at your workplace, waves goodbye, and speeds away for a few hours of quiet and calm.

3. Call her in concern when 9pm rolls around and she's still not home.

4. Don't be annoyed when the only reason she's still not home at 9pm is she wanted more quiet time.

5. While she's away, gather a lovely gift together for her when she returns home.

6. Put the lovely gift on the kitchen window sill where you know she'll see it often throughout the day--just to remind her of you.

7. Make sure to give her another gift soon that she'll appreciate more. Actually, never mind. Giving her some time alone to regain her sanity was enough.

Soccer

Both Mariah and Grant played soccer this year.  They had fun and learned a lot.  I always love seeing my kids grow and succeed in a certain subject.  Sports for our family is about learning new skills and having fun, with an emphasis on fun. 

This year was Grant's first year playing soccer.  He enjoyed it once he was on the field, but getting him there was another matter entirely.  It's a familiar scene with Grant and I can see it might just be the way things are with him.  Sigh.  I love watching him play sports, though.  He's so coordinated and capable.  Everything physical comes easily for him.  And he's so smiley and happy when he's playing.  He's definitely in his element. 

And let's not forget the all-important award at the end of the season.  This is what the little kids live for in sports.  The trophy!!!  This year, the kids received soccer medals.  They were so cute as the medals were hung around their necks!

This season was Mariah's second soccer season.  She has grown and developed a TON in the sport.  It has been a real joy to watch her and her teammates progress from last year to this.  They understand the game so much better and they really worked hard together.  Mariah moved from playing as a defender to consistently being a mid-fielder or forward.  I'm so very proud of her work and progress.  I hope she continues with the sport.

My girl

This girl has personality. Can you tell?

Halloween

This morning, as I was reading a friend's blog about Halloween, I realized I hadn't done my own Halloween post (Thanks, Jenny!).  I'm not sure what happened, but it might be that I forgot to download the pictures onto the computer where I would see them to remind me.  Anyway, here are some pics for you to enjoy.

Fall portraits

Yesterday I took advantage of the nice fall weather and shot some portraits of the kids.  I'm pretty pleased with the way they turned out.  It's not an easy task to get some of them to sit still, but I've found if I take a boat-load of shots, there is bound to be one or two worth keeping.  I'm excited that the pics were taken in my yard and they'll be cheap to print!  It beats paying for school pictures where you never know what you're going to get!


Mariah Lynn




Dallin




Grant




Kyle




Karina



It's official, I'm mobile!

I've survived this long without a cell phone.  It's not because I'm not tech savvy.  And I'm not archaic--just yet.  It just hasn't been a necessity until now.  But, alas, my life is to the point where I have kids who need to get ahold of me, schools who need to call on occasion, and life that needs to happen when I'm on the soccer field or in the car or at the gazillion other activities I do during the week.

So last night my sweet hubby brought home a phone for me.  And, he didn't just get me a phone with a number keypad, but he spoiled me with a smartphone!  Woohoo!  Although, I pledge here and now NOT to be one of those parents who is so involved with her phone she hardly looks up to watch her kids play ball or who misses out on the joy of watching her children play at the park because she's texting her high school buddies on Facebook. 

Technology is great.  But technology can suck the life out of you too.  All things in moderation...

Disneyland 2010

Does a trip to Disneyland need further description?  I think not. 

Suffice it to say it was fun, and it was fun, and it was fun.... and we survived!

The happiest place on earth, you say?

Yes, that's where we're headed this week. 

Can you say--EXCITED!!! 

Can you say--ANXIOUS!!!

Can you say--CRAZY!!!

Can you say--

WHAT THE HECK ARE YOU GOING TO DO WITH

FIVE HOOLIGANS ON AN AIRPLANE?????

Confessions

Do you ever feel like you haven't grown up yet?  My mind seems to be about 5 to 7 years behind my physical body, sometimes even more. 

I was never good at making my bed when I was growing up.  It was something my mom didn't make me do all the time.  So, I haven't really developed that habit, even during marriage.  Please don't judge me. 

I feel like I keep my house fairly organized and clean amidst the chaos of five small children and a husband.  But it hasn't been until recently I've discovered the satisfaction of having a bed that's made every day.  Now when I go into my room with the bed unmade, I can hardly stand it.  How did I ever not make it before?  It only takes 30 seconds and it makes such a difference. 

Sigh.  Maybe I'm finally growing up.

Kid talk

"If you want to talk tomato!" - Karina (has been watching a lot of Veggie Tales)

"We're not gonna take it anymore!" - Karina (has been listening to Twisted Sister--don't ask!)

"Hey, DJ, leave those kids alone!" - Kyle (has been listening to Pink Floyd)

"Kyle, please find hymn number 8."  Kyle, "I don't know who Him is!"

"No schanks."  - Karina

"I love you infinity beyond!" - Karina

"I love you infinity beyond long times!" - Karina, recently modified

"Mom, why do you have these big bumps?" - Karina, in reference to my chest

Letters: Part 2

Dear Tomatoes from my Garden:

Is there anything as wonderful tasting as you?  Oh, yes.  Fresh basil AND you.  You are a perfect pair.  I love you.

Lovingly yours,
Addicted to yo flava

Dear Husband:

Do you know how much I appreciate how diligently you work for our family?  I am so grateful for a husband who takes his responsibilities so seriously.  You are a wonderful father, husband, and friend. 

Eternally yours,
Your wife


Dear Baskin Robbins:

Aahhhh, aaahhahh, aaaaaaaahhh.  Those are angels from heaven singing as I revel in the deliciousness of your peppermint ice cream.  Did you know they appear every time I eat it?  And no one, I mean NO ONE, has as pepperminty an ice cream as yours.  Thank you.  Thank you.  Thank you.

Refreshingly yours,
A grateful customer


Dear Truck Driver on the Highway:

Thank you for appeasing my crazy children as they waved their arms at you out the car windows and frantically signaled for you to "pull" your horn.  When your horn sounded they thought they were so clever and laughed and laughed.  It was the highlight of their day.

Sincerely,
A grateful mother who was a bit embarrassed


Dear Kitchen and Dining Room Floors:

I'm sorry you're so neglected and I realize you're used and abused.  You must get tired of dirt being ground into you by muddy feet, run over and over and over with indoor scooters, trounced upon by kids on bouncy balls, and leftover dinner scraps left to dry on your surface.  Cleaning you is not my favorite activity, although every time I do it I wonder what is the big deal.  It's all in my head.  Anyway, I'll try to take better care of you.  And someday, someday soon you will get a refinished coat to make you new and beautiful.  Think of it as plastic surgery.  Lucky.

Neglectfully yours,
Your owner and keeper

Dear Umbrella That I Don't Have:

I know you're waiting at the store for me to come buy you.  I've always prided myself on being a true Oregonian and not needed an umbrella, even when it rains.  But, after standing beside a soccer field for an hour and a half in the pouring, drenching rain, I can justify owning you now.  My eyes have been opened to your usefulness.  I'll be there soon....

Sincerely,
A wet, wet mother with 5 wet, wet kids

Letters

Dear ProDrain (Tyler):

Thank you for cleaning my drain today.  I haven't been able to do laundry in a week and I'm tired of hearing my 8 year old complain every morning he doesn't have any more socks to wear.  I'll see you again in 18 months, since that seems to be about how long it takes for my washing machine drain to explode with water all over the floor.

Gratefully yours,
A busy mom with lots of laundry


Dear Eyebrows:

Where have you gone over the years?  Every morning I must fill you in or else my face looks washed out.  I wish you'd come back.  You're making me feel my age.

From,
Your aging face


Dear Old High-School Friend:

It was great to see you today after probably fourteen years of absence. Thank you for buying my Pack & Play. It helped me make room in my garage for other junk and now I have more money to go towards a new sewing machine. Yay!

Sincerely,
Your old high-school friend who desperately needs a sewing machine


Dear Dishwasher:

Thank you for being my friend.  I don't tell you often enough how much I love your service.  You probably feel ignored as I pawn off your loading and unloading onto my children, but I do sincerely appreciate your worth.  If I weren't so environmentally conscious, I would likely use paper plates and bowls to reduce my work load.  But, you take care of our needs in a fabulous way.

Signed,
Mother who HATES unloading the dishwasher


Dear Eldest Son of Mine:

Why are you so sensitive?  Why do you think everything is an attack on you?  If your brother even looks at you funny, you take offense.  Will this stage stop?  Can I find a way to build you up so you can withstand your "horrible" life?

Love,
Your concerned mother


Dear GIGANTUOUS Spiders on the Outside of My House:

I've tried to appreciate you.  I know you reduce the amount of bugs in the area, but seriously.  How can I handle seeing your giant, bulbous bodies hanging from your webs in the middle of my kitchen window?  Ugh.  As I swept you down yesterday, I thought for a few seconds I would spare your life.  But alas, my arachnophobia kicked in and I was unable to stop my foot from stomping on you as you tried to escape.  Sorry, little critters.  I just can't handle you.

Signed,
The Exterminator


Dear Silver Hair:

You're a sneaky little devil.  I keep finding you creeping into my chocolate brown locks and you are most certainly not welcome here.  For now, the threat of tweezers plucking you out will have to suffice, but I know as your strength in numbers grows, I will have to resort to other remedies.  I'll quash you out with hair dye, you little buggers.  You wait and see!

Signed,
Not wanting to admit I'm getting older


Dear Baby Girl:

Where did you come from?  You are so full of confidence, strong-will, and opinion.  Even this morning, when you walked into the living room just after waking, confidence that you rule your little world was oozing from your body.  You own this place.  I think you know it.  You will be a challenge.

Lovingly and a little bit scared,
Your mother

Another 10K in the bag

I participated in my second 10K walk of my career last weekend.  Did I train for it?  Nope.  I know, I'm pathetic.  I try to use these events to motivate myself to exercise more, but I don't put in much effort.  At least I participate, though.  I suppose I could bail out altogether. 

Anyway, the race was right here in our little town of Estacada--called The Best Dam Run, as it goes along the Clackamas River and passes three dams along the way.  It's really beautiful and I enjoyed it very much.

I tried to change my technique to see if I could gain some time from my last experience and I ended up shaving 48 seconds off my average from last time.  However, I'm no speed demon--I'm too embarrassed to state my average time.  Did I mention the person who won the walk was a 68 year old MAN????  Now that makes me feel great.

I did, however, accomplish something.  I finished 37th out of 103 total walk entrants, and I placed 1st in my age group of 30-34 year old women.  Woohoo!

I'll likely register for more 10Ks.  It's good for me to get out and push myself.  And, maybe, MAYBE I'll even start training for one and not only shave time off my average but also shave some weight off my hips!

A big girl

Karina finally has her own Big Girl Bed.  What a little lady. 
Now if we can just get her to stay in!

Mystery REVEALED!!!

We were in outer space, on the moon, in jail, under the earth, digging for fossils, looking at strange trees, visiting ghost towns--and all right here in Oregon!  Sometimes we travel to far and distant places to see exotic sights when right in our own home state we can enjoy so much.

What beautiful and interesting places we explored! 




Our walks in "outer space" were in the areas
surrounding the Painted Hills and the John Day Fossil Beds.





We dug for fossils in Fossil, Oregon.  The kids actually found some!





We saw the beautiful Painted Hills.
They were incredibly unique and gorgeous.



The area surrounding John Day, Oregon is rich with mining history.  Many towns are remnants of mining exploration and were built from gold and silver rushes in the 1800's.  We wandered around in the hills until we found an old mining shaft to explore.  I know, I know, we probably shouldn't have entered the mine, but someone had recently rebuilt the timbers that hold the walls and ceiling in place so it looked fairly safe. 

We were cautious, and it was cool!

Volcanic activity has shaped this area and there is so much to explore. 
Even giant pieces of petrified wood are still around to view. 
Incredible.

And, yes, my children were almost hauled away to the Shaniko jail.

The only thing that saved them was the lack of a horse to haul away the carriage!



Mystery post #8

Children being taken to the slammer? Oh my!!!

Mystery post #7

What kind of place is this?!?! Where children play with miniature trees and

grown men turn into deer with giant antlers?

Mystery post #6

Any guesses on where we might have encountered these mystery pictures?



Mystery post #5

"Ummmmm, what the heck?"  That's what I said when I saw this on our trip. 

Can you tell what are hanging in the tree?

Surely, you've seen something like this in your neighborhood!



Mystery post #4

Another walk in outer space.  This time on Mars.....