This is the life

Bah-humbug - Merry Christmas!

noreply@blogger.com (Keifersgirl) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 19:47:00 +0000

My uncle Mike sent me this joyous ecard this morning and I KNEW I had to share it with all my peeps. I crack up everytime I watch it....

I can't get the video to post directly so you'll have to click on the link.

You won't be sorry....It's WAY cute

Scheck it out....

http://sendables.jibjab.com/view/XXQ7S856HOBKaU3pMtYW

Hope you all have a VERY Merry Christmas!!!

A good lesson...

noreply@blogger.com (Keifersgirl) — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 13:28:00 +0000

I read this today and it meant a lot to me. I want my kids and grandkids (yikes!) to learn these same things. The world would be a better place if this were taught to all children.

Paul Harvey (an old school radio broadcaster) Writes:

We tried so hard to make things better for our kids that we made them worse. For my grandchildren, I'd like better.

I'd really like for them to know about hand me down clothes and homemade ice cream and leftover meat loaf sandwiches. I really would.

I hope you learn humility by being humiliated, and that you learn honesty by being cheated. I hope you learn to make your own bed and mow the lawn and wash the car. And I really hope nobody gives you a brand new car when you are sixteen.

It will be good if at least one time you can see puppies born and your old dog put to sleep.

I hope you have to share a bedroom with your younger brother/sister. And it's all right if you have to draw a line down the middle of the room, but when he wants to crawl under the covers with you because he's scared, I hope you let him.

When you want to see a movie and your little brother/sister wants to tag along, I hope you'll let him/her.

I hope you have to walk uphill to school with your friends and that you live in a town where you can do it safely.

On rainy days when you have to catch a ride, I hope you don't ask your driver to drop you two blocks away so you won't be seen riding with someone as uncool as your Mom.

If you want a slingshot, I hope your Dad teaches you how to make one instead of buying one.

I hope you learn to dig in the dirt and read books.

When you learn to use computers, I hope you also learn to add and subtract in your head.

I hope you get teased by your friends when you have your first crush on a boy\girl, and when you talk back to your mother that you learn what ivory soap tastes like.

I don't care if you try a beer once, but I hope you don't like it.. And if a friend offers you dope or a joint, I hope you realize he is not your friend.

I sure hope you make time to sit on a porch with your Grandma/Grandpa and go fishing with them.

May you feel sorrow at a funeral and joy during the holidays.

I hope your mother punishes you when you throw a baseball through your neighbor's window and that she hugs you and kisses you at Christmas time when you give her a plaster mold of your hand.

These things I wish for you - tough times and disappointment, hard work and happiness. To me, it's the only way to appreciate life.

Written with a pen. Sealed with a kiss. I'm here for you. And if I die before you do, I'll go to heaven and wait for you.

Send this to all of your friends. We secure our friends, not by accepting favors, but by doing them.

Paul Harvey RIDDLE:

When asked this riddle, 80% of kindergarten kids got the answer, compared to 17% of Stanford University seniors.

What is greater than God, More evil than the devil, The poor have it, The rich need it, And if you eat it, you'll die?

Anybody know the answer?

p.s. Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas!

Flashback Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Keifersgirl) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:56:00 +0000

Every time I browse my pictures for Flashback Friday, I struggle to pick just one. There are SO many good ones, that it's hard to decide.

I chose this one because, well, because of the reindeer. My Karly girl is still clinging to this lil' guy today. Every year when we decorate for Christmas, he comes out of the box and doesn't leave her side. She wants to take him everywhere, sleep with him, eat with him and practically bathe with him. There just comes a point where I have to say "Child! No." I mean, really, does *Donder really need his teeth brushed? Fer real?

Here she is at 10 months being introduced to him for the first time. It was love at first sight.

*Did you know that Donner's name was originally Donder? Look it up. I did, 'cuz my son told me that one of Santa's reindeer was named Donder. I quickly corrected him, but he persisted, so I googled it, and it 'twas so.

Can't catch me

noreply@blogger.com (Keifersgirl) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 12:55:00 +0000

What kid doesn't like building a gingerbread house? I don't know if there is such a thing.

I bought this a few days ago and the kids drooled over it every day as it sat on the kitchen counter....

We had plans to take it to a school outing and have it entered into a contest, but the kids wanted to eat it instead.....

....and IF they entered it, their mama would not have allowed them to eat it.

'Cuz, I'm like that. I can only imagine how many germs/sneezes/snot-filled-fingers would have touched it. Sorry, just keepin' it real.

They had thee most fun decorating this beauty and even more so eating it. I can already see the dental bills piling up. Oh boy.

I love the holidays.

Baby it's cold outside...

noreply@blogger.com (Keifersgirl) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 01:58:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Keifersgirl) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 23:06:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Keifersgirl) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 12:48:00 +0000

Thanksgiving day....

circa 2007-ish

Shall I keep them?

noreply@blogger.com (Keifersgirl) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:27:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Keifersgirl) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:23:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Keifersgirl) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:19:00 +0000

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....

noreply@blogger.com (Keifersgirl) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:52:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Keifersgirl) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:10:00 +0000

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?

noreply@blogger.com (Keifersgirl) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:13:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Keifersgirl) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:23:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Keifersgirl) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:53:00 +0000

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…

noreply@blogger.com (Keifersgirl) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 11:34:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Keifersgirl) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 12:34:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Keifersgirl) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:36:00 +0000

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?

noreply@blogger.com (Keifersgirl) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 11:25:00 +0000

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.

A few more....

noreply@blogger.com (Keifersgirl) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 12:48:00 +0000

I got a few more pics from our photo shoot.

Since I have to save them for holiday cards and such, I can't share them all, but here are a few...
Dawson was loving his tongue here. We just couldn't get rid of it.

Jenn really wanted to capture the boys playing as boys do, but they couldn't help but pose.

A momma and her piggy tailed girl....

This is kind of a fun one...one where she captured us goofing off. Probably laughing at how darned cold it was. I think Keifer might even be saying "It is way too cold to be doing this" Aren't those colors georgeous? My, my.

This is one of my favorites I think, it's just so her.

Thank you again Jenn, yer awesome!

A little sneak peek

noreply@blogger.com (Keifersgirl) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 21:16:00 +0000

A friend of mine recently took our family pictures in a be-you-tee-ful park. Although it was freezing that day, and we had to drop our jackets in between shots, I'm hoping we will get some good pictures.

After seeing this....I'm sure we will. Look at the purdy colors!

She's teased me with this ONE. Only one ;o(

Hopefully I'll get the rest soon. Real soon. I can't wait to see 'em.

Try clicking on the photo to enlarge it.

Babies Galore

noreply@blogger.com (Keifersgirl) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 11:41:00 +0000

It's been so long since we made our little jaunt to Oregon that these precious little babies are probably toddlers by now.

With my company and the birthday madness, these posts got left on the back burner. The way back there burner.

Several weeks ago, we journeyed west to the oh so wet and depressing state of Oregon. Sorry guys, I'm just keepin' it real.

While we were there, I got the most pleasant experience of hugging, kissing and smelling all of their new babies.

You know those questionnaires that ask you things like "your favorite smell"? Newborn babies, (with Johnson's baby lotion on, of course) would be my answer. It's got to be the best smell ever.

And, no, I do NOT want anymore children. Thank you.

This picture (above) is one that I took as little Rory laid on my lap. She was the youngest of the three and super precious.

Sister Heather and little Paige are so happy to have Rory apart of their family. Three girls for the Stiles' family. THREE GIRLS...wow.

This little guy was in my arms most of the time I was there. And I was SO thankful that Sister Shannon let me smother him. I just love smothering little babes. This is Carson James.

While I held her baby, she held Sister Ashely's baby girl, Joselyn.

Carson and Rory are only six days apart, but the difference in their weight is probably like 10 pounds. He's a moose. A healthy, stocky, precious lil' moose.

Joselyn has the cutest little personality. You know how sometimes you try and talk to babies and they look at you like you're Chewbacca? Not this girl.....She was a smiley one who absolutely loved it when you talked to her.

I got my baby fill for at least a little while.

But, I may need to make another trip soon. I'll need another fix here purdy quick.

Thank you ladies for allowing me to hold your little ones. And for allowing my nose (eeeewww) to be so close to them ;o)

Flashback Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Keifersgirl) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 16:50:00 +0000

It's been awhile since I've flashed back.

We're goin' back to the dark ages today folks....

Here we have some of the Keeling girls. From top left Kathy and Sharon and on the bottom from left, Candy and Karen.

If I didn't know better, I would NEVER think these girls were sisters. Girls who came from the same two parents. I think they all look SO different. As adults I think they resemble a great deal...but as wee ones, not so much.

Silly 3D

noreply@blogger.com (Keifersgirl) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 11:37:00 +0000

While our visitors visited, we visited the movie theatre one day. We had the very pleasant experience of watching the movie Up in 3D. It was a super cute movie. Pixar is 'da bomb.

I wanted a shot of the group with the groovy 3D glasses on. Upon seeing how Dawson posed in this photo, I thought everyone should look as hip...

Cute, eh?

What you see happening here with Dawson happened very often throughout our visit. The little guy's head is just too small and the glasses continually fell off, which is WHY he had them on upside down to begin with. They seemed to stay on a little better that way.

I'm pretty sure his complaining of a stiff neck the next day had something to do with it. Ever seen a little boy trying to keep glasses that are too big on their face?

Keifer? I'm just not sure what is up with him. He likes to be different, that much I know.

Nevertheless, it was a great movie. If you haven't seen it, you must. In 3D, if at all possible.

Dirty Mouth

noreply@blogger.com (Keifersgirl) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 11:57:00 +0000

I don't remember my other children having dirty faces and mouths ALL the time.

This guy is always dirty. Always. Hulk anyone?

You can always tell what he has eaten. He can't pull any fast ones on us when it comes to food.

We will ALWAYS know if he's gotten into the treats. The evidence is right there, out in the open. For all to see.

Will his being four help this situation?