Baby it's cold outside...

I know this time must come every year....

...and in a way I look forward to it....the warm cozy nights snuggled up on the couch, hot chocolate to warm the freezing body, snowball fights and sledding galore, the eerie quietness that snowfall brings, beautiful scenery all about....

But, there's a part of me that dreads it to.....being stuck inside for weeks on end, the huge gas bills that accompany each winter month, afraid to drive 'cuz you have a california'd out car that is not made for snowy roads, chapped cheeks, frostbit hands, and a MUCH too large driveway....a driveway that must be shoveled.


The list could go on and on...for both the good and the bad.

This boy was actually excited to go out and work today. He couldn't get ready fast enough so that he could go out and shovel, er sweep the driveway.


I'm pretty sure when we actually get a more normal, wet, heavy snow....he won't be near as excited. The snow that fell this morning was the consistency of powdered sugar and I exaggerate not.

Easy, peasy.


The kids have been quite high all day knowing that we have snow in our own yard. On days like this it's GREAT to live here. The first few storms, the fun that comes with it.

In a couple'a months we will be wishing, once again, for the warmth that the summer brings.

If we have to be couped up, this is a nice place to be couped up in. But that gas bill? Not so nice.

Send donations.

Please?

The turkey was stuffed....and so were we

We spent Thanksgiving at home this year. One of the very, very few times we've been without our family.

Since we were hosting this year, I got stuck doing this....

Keifer wasn't home, so I coerced bribed my son to help me. I had to get this 26 pound, slippery, slimy, buttery bird into a bag.

I'm sorry, but these whole birds are just gross. So, so gross.

While Dylan very carefully, so as not to touch the "disgusting thing", held open the bag...I tried my darnedest to get it in there. This was not an easy feat.

Right about here I was thinking....O' mother, where art thou?

Look Mend, I got it in the right way this time! AND with only half a cube of butter on the front of me. It was pretty stressful, but, boy was she purdy when she was cooked. You'll half to trust me on this 'cuz I didn't get a photo of it. Rats.

Thank you to Karly for taking pictures. I know it's asking a lot of her.

After we worked hard all morning (and afternoon) preparing on Wednesday, we stopped to take a couple'a pictures. My kids are always begging to get some time behind the lens.

This is our Thankful Tree. Every year we will be pulling it out and adding another leaf, upon which we will write something we are thankful for.

This is what we all wrote this year:

Dylan - my home, Karly - the world God made (creation), Dawson - treats (hee hee), Keifer - his family and me - my health

We were so thankful just to be able to have Thanksgiving dinner. There have been so many sick here, we didn't know if it would happen at all.

Here's my table before the wreckage

A few closeups for my sis...

I just love Google. I'm a total Googler ;o)

Thank you to all those who have posted ideas on the Internet. Because of you my table looked a whole lot better than it would have.

It made me so happy

Patsy working on the gravy. You might not want to talk about it though....just a thought

I thought it was y-u-m-m-y by the way.

Dawson and Caden anxiously awaiting our meal

Here we are enjoying the fruits of our labor

A bit blurry, but now you can see the two little ones who were kinda left out

After dinner, er lunch? we went upstairs and played some pongage. Wayde had come over earlier that morning to set it up.

I can definitely say I did not get to play enough.

I think the highlight of my day was playing with Theresa. She's a screamer. And, she can scream. It was totally cute and made me laugh.

We took on Donna and Cora...I believe we lost? Can't member.

We had lots of fun and thank the Wayenbergs for bringing it!

The guys were trying their hand at air hockey. They look like giants! Or, maybe the table is just small?

Keith and Wayde got stuck watching.

They were tired of losing.

Mwah ha ha

Then it was downstairs for turkey sandwiches, (more food?) Guitar Hero and lots 'O board games

We ended the night very full. Full of turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberries and thanksgiving. Truly thankful that we were able to be together and that the day was a success.

Flashback Friday

Thanksgiving day....


circa 2007-ish

Shall I keep them?

The other day Karly and I sat together during Dylan's piano lesson. She was trying to wait patiently for him to be done with his lesson so that she could have hers, and she decided to write me a little note.

I've always begged my kids to write me letters. There's something about those misspelled words and only-a-mother-can-read writing that gets to me. They have never been big fans of writing. Anything. Or drawing for that matter.

So, when she said she was going to write me a lil' note. I was thrilled! I couldn't wait to see what those precious little fingers would create.

I was so proud as I read the message...smiling widely, glancing up to see her proud grin, waiting to give her a big hug...

until....

I got to the last line....


I was stuck somewhere in between shock and hysterics. Oh, and a little scared too. MY six year old, precious little girl said that "I'm hot"? WHAT??!!!!

After a moment or two of laughing and trying to comprehend what just happened, I said...

"Karly RAE, what does "hot" mean??!!!"

Karly: "It means pretty mom." (with the ever present grin)

Me: "Does it now? Where did you learn that from?"

Karly: "A show on t.v. but I don't know what it's called."

Me: "Well think really hard and try to remember what "show" this was. I'd love to know."

Karly: "I don't remember....It just means you're pretty. DAD says it to you!"

Me: "Thank you darlin' that is the sweetest note you've ever written me."

I think she was shocked at how surprised I was. I thanked her and we went on waiting for her turn. I sat and pondered and looked at her while trying to push away that sadness that comes over me often when I look at my little ones. They're growing up. Way too fast. My daughter just called me "hot". WHAT in tarnation??!!!!

I know to some, that is like, SO not a big deal. I mean, kids these days say a whole lot worse things than that...

Today as I sat and caught up on a few blogs, my kids sat at the desk and started doodling...after a few moments Dylan said "Mom, look"

I looked over and my heart skipped a beat or two...

He, too, had written me a little note, unbeknownst to me. There's something about these dry erase boards. Maybe I should pull them out more often?



"You will be in my heart always forever and ever love you so so much."

I mean, seriously, is that not the cutest message a boy could write to his momma? He drew his heart with me inside of it. 'Member what I said about them not being big fans of writing OR drawing? Hence the stick figures on both messages.

I'll take stick figures anytime if I can get my kids to write me love letters.

Anytime.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! I hope you'll think of me tomorrow as I try to cook a turkey all by myself. We're having a crowd over here and I guess the hostess gets stuck cooking the bird?

I've never done this all by my lonesome....last year, my bestie was here to help me and every other year my mom has cooked it. She's got it down pat. Me on the other hand? Let's just hope this one doesn't end up with "perky breasts".

Cuppycakes & Gumdrops

There is just something about toddler voices that does something to my insides. I can't explain it exactly.

Especially on the phone......Remember this?


Listen to this "Cuppycake" song and see if you know what I mean.

CUPPYCAKE SONG


I. Can't. Stop. Listening.

So precious.

Flashback Friday

I'm kind of torn inside when I look at this picture.....


A part of me wants to freak out to think that my Aunt Karen is sitting on a lion! A HUGE lion! A living lion who is merely resting.

But the other part of me thinks wow, that is pretty amazing.

I'm reminded of the scripture that says that the "adversary is as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour"...and Oh does he ever. I'd say he is quite successful at devouring, too.

When I see her sitting atop the beast, I think of her conquering him. That what is inside of her is greater than anything else in this world. Including the evil, vicious, beastly devil.

Her hope is that on the day of her funeral, (hopefully a LONG time from now) this photo will be portrayed and that everyone who is there will know that, finally, she conquered him. That she is heaven bound and that she will battle him NO MORE.

She would like a quote beneath the photo....

"And the lions shall lie down with the lambs....er, something like that"

I now understand....

When I was growing up, I asked my dad year after year what he wanted for Christmas. And EVERY year, he would say "golf balls". Only he usually said it in a way to where it sounded more like "goff balls".

It never failed....this was always his answer.

I thought it was so, totally lame. Golf balls? For real? AGAIN? Come on! How about something else this year? A cool shirt or tools or.... or...something else! My brain just couldn't wrap itself around this idea year after year.

But it was what he wanted. Even though I thought it was dumb, he wanted them. He used to say "you asked me what I WANTED, I want goff balls. Don't you want to get me something I want?"

And I would huff my breath and gruff about while I tried to get him to change his mind.

Well, this week, I got a taste of what he went through time and time again.

Keifer asked me what I wanted for Christmas and upon hearing it, he was like "what, uh-uh that is lame." I then said "but it's the only thing that I REALLY want right now....don't you want to get me something I really want?"

*Ding* *ding* *ding*. It all came back to me at that moment.

I finally understood what Pop was trying to tell me. I get it!

Even though I thought it was lame to get him the same ol' boring thing, he really wanted it, so it didn't matter what I thought about it.

Even though Keith thinks some decorative pillows to spice up my boring couches are completely lame-o, it's what I want. I would be SO happy to get them.

I wasn't being totally honest back there regarding his reply to my request. I left some stuff out. You see, what he really said was that my mom would be here again soon and that SHE could get them for me. That we were going to need something to shop for and that was perfect. Ssshhhh, don't tell her.

If my dad were here, I would so totally buy him golf balls. Lots and lots of them.

I just may stick some in his stocking.

It's gonna be a rough one.

Parker at the park

We recently had a chance to spend some time with Keith's brothers.

This would be Daw-bert (Robert) on the left and Christopher on the right.

This is Chris' wife Jenn and her two babies. Well, her first set of babies, Cola and Bicardi. You won't find them far from Jenn and you won't find Karly far from them. She's our animal lover. And I'm not. I'm the meannest mom in the world 'cuz I don't want a dog. Seriously? I may as well have another kid.

I'm sure we'll get one sooner or later. A dog that is.

I SO hope it's later.

Do you think they like their momma much? Hmmmm.....

I couldn't be more disappointed....this is the only picture I got of Parker, Chris and Jenn's little boy. By the time I got my camera out, he was muy tired and went down for a nap. I was tempted to go in a snap one of him sleeping, but I thought I might not be welcome come next time. It's really a shame I didn't get more, because he is a cutie pie!

Ummm, I'm not really sure what to say here. Or how this got on my camera. I may have made a comment for them to do something funny? I don't remember. I'm not sure who's idea this was, but one of them started it and the others quickly followed suit. You can take the boy out of Cornwell, but you can't take the Cornwell out of the boy. Er, something like that.

The more I look at it, the more embarrassed I am. Heavens to betsy, is that really my husband? Should I be posting this on my blog?

Awww....much better.

Thank you Chris and Jenn for our fun little picnic in the park and the yummy pizza! Thank you Daw-bert for coming to see us!! Can you wrap Parker up really really tight and keep him in 12 month clothes and shoes so that he won't grow? I'm afraid the next time I see him, he'll be in Kindergarten. It really works! Kinda. Well, not really. I've tried it but they keep growing.

And growing.

Give him a kiss for us!

Better late than never?

We actually stayed in a hotel on our trip down south this time. We got a free room and decided that we may as well use it.

The kids have stayed in a hotel before, but don't remember it that well. So, needless to say, it was a very exciting evening.

I'm not exactly sure why, but these are the only two shots I took of them.

Doing nothing other than watching the t.v.

No pictures of them jumping on the bed...no pictures of us running really fast through the halls to get some ice...and no pictures of them drinking gallons of water because of said ice.

On our way down, Karly was noticing her two front teeth. They had been loose for quite some time, but she's not a wiggler. At least, in the tooth department. Back in the day, I had the tooth out within hours once I realized it was loose.

Not my kiddos.

When we got to my moms, she started messing with one of them and I pulled it out. She now had one down and one to go.

Soon after this picture was taken Keith found her lying on her bed crying because her mom and dad were calling her names. She had been sick for a few days, which I'm sure added to her emotional breakdown. "Snaggletooth" just seemed so fitting. Really, this picture doesn't really show how snaggle-ee it was. I think we may have called her "Nanny McPhee" a few times too, I can't be positive.

We soon realized this was not a good idea. We quickly explained that it was not nice to call people names and that we were very sorry.

It seems we left Aunti Mendi off the memo. For, as soon as we walked into their house the next day, guess what she called Karly? None. Other. Than. Snaggletooth. Yes siree. Karly had gotten over it the night before and was so excited to see her cousins that it didn't matter. She still smiled her huge grin with that thing just dangling in the wind.

I tried and tried to pull it out over the next day or two because it really looked, well, bad. Everyone who looked at her tried to stiffle their giggles, and were pretty successful, but sometimes we weren't and we gave each those eyes. You know the ones.

It was so loose and so ready, except for this really stubborn corner that wasn't budging. After trying and trying (without causing too much trauma) we finally got it out!

And isn't that toofless grin so cute?

Karly wasn't the only proud one. Madison was super happy too.

Here we go...the beginning stages of wolly. They all go through it and there's no gettin' out of it. Wolly stage? Here comes Karly.

And just because this lil' puppy is so cute, I thought I'd add her to this post. This is Emma, Meg's new baby and probably the cutes dog I've ever seen. Well, aside from Bella maybe. Maybe.

I do love her already.

M-I-C....See ya real soon

We went down south (again) recently and made a trip to the big D. Disneyland, that is.

We can't thank Jilly Bean enough for the special, special day. You see, she's an old friend who brought along her friend, Patrick....the two of them walked us in for free. Yep, what would have cost us $97.00 each was absolutely free. $97.00!!!??? Good golly.

The two of them work for the mouse himself and just happened to be available to make our day.

Here we sit, on the big "C" in front of California Adventure, waiting for them.

These guys were so excited they must have asked me 12 times "when O' when is she coming mom". This was between the minutes of 9:01 and 9:04 a.m.

I should say that Dylan and Karly were super excited. Dawson didn't really have a clue what he was getting into. It was his first time visiting Mr. Mouse.

Awww Main Street is so awesome. It reminds me of the days I worked there. The many times I walked this street while I was 'working'. Thee best job ever. Cut much too short.

How precious is this? I'm not sure what caused him to sit on his knees before the castle, but I think it's so cute.

We asked someone to take our picture. We had to wait in line, for everyone wants their picture in this very spot. It's only 9:43 a.m. and Dawson is already yawning. Oh boy are we in trouble.

I'm sure glad the lady took TWO shots, maybe this one will be better....

Nope, the horses that pull the tourists down and around Main Street? They totally stole the attention of my two younger ones. Dylan, bless his heart, did awesome. Both times.

One of the first rides Karly wanted to go on was the carousel. It's always been a favorite of hers....

See? Just look at that smile. She still rides with the same glee spread about her face.

This guy? Not so much. He was not diggin' the carousel. I mean, really, those horses are just way too scary. And the ever so slow spinning? Too, too much.

It didn't take long though, and he was loving the pony ride. "Poor pitiful me" turned into "WEE, LOOK AT ME" real fast.

He was enthralled with the workings of the ride and didn't want to get off. It was his first time after all.

Dylan was riding dangerously. I'm surprised the button pusher lady didn't escort him off. Or lock him in that center part with the scary mirrors. Yikes.

You know, not everyone who works at Disneyland has a permanent smile affixed to their face with tons of patience just boiling over.

Jill and Patrick (remember them?) explained to us before leaving, that if you're ever visiting a Disney theme park and find yourself in a disappointing situation, just simply say to an employee.... "This is a very unpleasant Disney experience" and just see what happens. Keith and I never got up the nerve to actually do it....even though he totally could have. He waited in line for a Dole Whip (pineapple whipped ice cream) for over THIRTY MINUTES. Longer than we waited for ANY line for a ride. Apparently they were short staffed and the one gentleman who was working the stand wished he would have been working It's a Small World.

Anywho, back to the carousel. This might be one of his favorites too. Just look at him.

I can't say the same for Dawson here. Thunder Mountain? His favorite? Ummm, no.

He was crying really really hard. I tried to hold him super tight and soothe his terrified self, but it didn't do a whole lot of good.

This smile was before the "fast part". For very soon was his world turned upside down.

Disneyland wasn't so fun afterall.

This one LOVES Thunder Mountain. It wasn't long ago that his ride ended in tears too. Keifer says he takes after him. He was twelve before he enjoyed the crazy rides.

Tarzan's house

How cute is this? Oh my, how it made his day to actually MEET Woody! Yipee!! He said "he felt like he was in the movie"

A Bug's Life 4D show. Priceless. Especially the last part where the hornets sting your booty. Dylan and I have learned our lesson though. We won't let our fannies even come close to those benches at that time. Uh uh.

But this guy? He had no idea what was in store for him. Mwa ha ha ha.

I love the fact that you only have to wait a minute or two before the show. Just long enough to get some precious pictures of a girl and her momma.

And another one....

Yep, we had to do the carousel again at California Adventure. We HAD to....Karly said if we didn't she would throw herself down right there in the street screaming and kicking her arms while flailing her arms.

So...we said "O.k. okay, simmer down".

Dylan actually wanted to go on California Screamin'! You know, the super fast roller coaster with the loop?! Loop, meaning you go UPSIDE DOWN? That one. Here we are just before it took off. Upon take off, you go 0-60 in approximately 3 seconds. I'm pretty sure it was right about the three second mark that he was second guessing his decision.

While we did that, Keifer had to ride the carousel five or twelve more times. Poor guy. He got to go on Screamin' when we got off. He was high as a kite for an hour or so afterward.

Here we are. Braving the haw-ra-ble drops. Although I wasn't doing it here. I screamed. I screamed a lot.

We got to go on the newest ride, Toy Story and boy, was it a blast. We ALL wanted to go again. REAL bad. But when we got off, the line had lengthened to 45 minutes. We didn't want it that bad.

It was a hoot though. A 4D game/ride. You MUST try it if you ever find yourself in Paradise Pier.

Dylan tried the Autopia cars by himself! Granted, he only got a quarter of the way before he needed help, but he tried. Those gas pedals are extremely hard to push! I had a hard enough time myself.

Karly looked forward to Space Mountain the entire day. She had gone on it before when she was four (FOUR!!!) and loved it. It seems the Ghost Galaxy part? wasn't so much fun anymore. Hence the squeezed-shut-eyes and the hands-over-the-ears pose. It was way scarier due to the Halloween theme, I have to say.

I also have to say...

I H-A-T-E that ride. Always have, always will.

Dylan wasn't to crazy about it either. He SAYS that he liked it and wasn't that scared, but this picture certainly tells a different story. What do ya'll think?

This is a must have picture. I'm not sure why, I just like it....

Maybe it's because I like to compare them to one another. See how the kidlets have grown and how us, ahem, adults have changed.

Dawson is brewing in me tummy, just in case you thought I looked fat.

I also love how the flowers always look different. So purdy and vibrant at times.

An awesome Halloween firework show to end the night.

Another wunnerful day at the dirtiest happiest place on earth.

Thank you again Jill and Patrick!!! *We love you more'n our luggage.

*Any guesses on where that came from?

Halloween 2009

I'm not sure how we went from this.....

To this....

...but I'm pretty sure it happened when I blinked sometime.

Just in case anyone is wondering why on earth I would dress my baby girl up as Robin? Her brother was Batman and her daddy and I thought it would be cute. It so was.

Halloween 2009 was once again a blast....one of those times that will be locked in our memory bank for years and years. We had a party here at our house and everyone dressed up.

Yes, even me. As much as I despise it, I submitted. It was actually quite fun.

I especially liked the whole "wench" part. Keifer certainly enjoyed using that name for me throughout the night.

I'm fairly certain that he's the best lookin' pirate I've ever seen. Mmm hmm. Cap'n Jack Sparrow's got nothin' on him.

Please note the tattoo on my arm...Keith spent a long time finding them at the last minute, because he thought that I really needed them. Doesn't it just complete the look? You might spot another one here in a minute. Or five.

Two Jailbirds, a blood-squirtin' skeleton and a vampire fairy (I think)

I cracked up many times throughout the night when I looked at Wayde. Whether it was the fake sleeves, the too small costume that allowed his gut, er belly to show, the facial hair or tattoos, I'm not sure. Maybe it was all of the above? I especially liked his answer when asked about his much-too-snug-costume.

"One size fits all baby".

Is this perfect or what?

Adam and Theresa as Sandra D and Danny Zuko from Grease. The funnest(?) part of the night was watching everyone walk in. Nobody knew who was dressing as what. I will forever remember the way this man walked into my house. So classic.

Brandon as a Transformer, Lexi as a(nother) pirate and Caden as a puppy gog. How cute are they?

I didn't get any pictures of the Kurrles together, unfortunately. They were all characters from Cinderella. With Aubrey as Cinderella, herself, Donna as the fairy Godmother, Jason as Prince Charming and Katelyn as a wee little mouse.

I even invited some eight-legged friends to join us ;o)

I asked my lovely neighbors, the Brashers, to come over and judge our costume contest. Lexis won as best kid and Keifer and I scored as best couple. Thank you you guys! Yer awesome ;o)

Mmmm...mmm...mmm

The wig was quite uncomfortable, so it came off several times throughout the night. I thought he looked quite handsome wigless, he thought he was sporting the gay pirate look.

Hee hee hee ho ho ha ha ack pphh

John and Patsy even came! I almost didn't let them in though. A BSU fan? That is so not costume enough. I won't even say what John said Pat was. This picture cracks me up. Even though she looks as if she's on to him, she had no idea what he was doing. We laughed over it for quite some time. Good ol' Johnny.

Donna, bless her heart, put together five or six games for all of us.

She went to a LOT of work and we all had a LOT of fun.

Thank you Donna!

You're the bestest, bestest game planner-er

Ooooh, Danny starin' down Mr. Tough Guy.

Here she is! I found Miss Cinderelly! Isn't she a cutie pie?

And the fairy godmother. The one who made all of our dreams come true!

Everyone had so much fun, they're already talking about next year!

Hmmmm.....What O' what shall we be?

Life without Jesus…

Ever heard of that kid song?

It's a favorite of mine.

Do you know why "Life without Jesus is like a doughnut?"

Life without Jesus is like a doughnut, 'cuz without him there's a hole in the middle of your heart.

Cora told me about these and I thought what fun it would be to make them with the kids. Not fun like this, or this, but really fun.

You simply take the cheap, cheap bisquits and cut out the center. I used a little white tip that I use to frost things and simply pushed and twisted until the center came out. You could use a cap from a two liter bottle too.

Fry them in some oil for a few seconds, and I mean it, just a few....that's all it takes and remove them.

Then toss them around in some cinnamon and sugar and voila, you've got a yummy treat. I even fried the little centers and made doughnut holes.

Mmmmm....between the five of us, we gobbled them up quick. And most of them were being gobbled right before dinner. I'm still not sure why I cooked them right before dinner, 'cuz that is so unlike me, but I did....and they were oh so good.

What kind of yummy recipes have you tried lately? Do share.

Flashback Friday

In lieu of the holiday that lies right around the corner...I thought this was fitting

circa 2005

This was as close to a costume I was going to get. A couple'a ears and a bow tie with whiskers. I'm not one for dressing up....

Keifer, on the other hand...doesn't have that problem. I look at this picture of him and feel rather afraid. Afraid and attracted to him all at the same time.

Now that's scary. What you can't see here, or maybe you can, are the piercings he has on his lip and eyebrow. He pulled off the punk look quite well.

Karly? Is she not the cutest lil' thang you ever saw? And my little pumpkin? Oh, how I miss that age. Dylan's rockin' the ninja pose too.

Not sure why this picture looks so funny? Blurry and a bit distorted...why O' why?

Charlie

There was a time that I would often come home to this....

My slippers all over the house. Charlie has always had some sorta fettish with stuffed things. Be it stuffed animals, purses, or slippers.

I got so tired of finding them throughout my house, or better yet, floating in his water dish, that I put them in this here Old Navy bag and hid them in the corner of my closet. In the very dark corner of my closet. Wrapped up very tightly. Since it was summertime and I didn't need said slippers, I thought I would put them up....because if I found one more lying around, I wasn't sure what I was going to do with the little gremlin.

I'm pretty sure you know where I'm going with this....

No, you're eyes are not deceiving you. The cat actually drug the bag (for the fifth time) out to the t.v. room, where we all sat and watched a movie, and began digging inside with his nose to release the last slipper. The other five were strewn about my closet and room.

I finally got my camera so that I could capture said behavior.

Here's a little live footage.

Keifer should be ashamed. Although you may not be able to hear it very well. He said at one point in the video that Charlie "was going to kill himself by eating the plastic, which was fine with him". FINE WITH HIM? That is SO not nice.

And, I totally believe him. It would be fine with him if Charles just keeled over and died.

Oh the shame.

Pandora's Box?

Shannon recently shared something with me. Something that is super swell, nifty, sensationally incredibilistic.

A little thing called Pandora Radio.

Ever heard of it?

If not, you must check it out. It's a free online radio. The super, nifty thing about it? It plays ONLY the kind of music you like. You simply type in an artist that you like and it will then play (on it's own) all kinds of music that is similar to that artist.

Give it a whirl. http://www.pandora.com/

Super.

Duper.

Cool.