On the TWELFTH day of Christmas

We were able to get back into our book, The Adventures of Hugo Cabret. It is a very interesting read, one the kids love. Every time I tell them that it is time to go to bed, they beg me to read more. The book was the winner of the Caldecott Award which is for the illustrations within a book. This book however is more like a chapter book that just a picture book and we love the illustrations that are mixed within the pages of text. If you can get your hands on a copy, pick it up it is a great read!

On the ELEVENTH day of Christmas

We were able to get in some serious Wii time. The kiddos played Just Dance for Kids for about an hour, nonstop. Reece was very, very good at. Raine started to get the hang of it and then it became quite a competition. It was so fun to watch them laugh, giggle and dance. They also played the Wii sports and Mario Kart for awhile too.

On The TENTH day of Christmas

The kiddos and I went to 'Top Dollar Recycling Center' for a Cub Scout field trip today. It was quite interesting; Mo needs to bring the endless piles of steel he has laying around to Top Dollar for some CASH. He was very busy providing for his family by digging holes at a landscape job and was sad he missed the adventure. After the outting we stopped by 'Five Guys and Fries,' a delicious burger joint, for some lunch - keep digging Mo, you just paid for our lunch :-). While on our way home we drove by Star Nursery and Reece and Raine asked if we could stop in to make a craft. They made these cute, little, tree stump Christmas ornaments. At home we settled down for some good-ol' fashioned quiet time, Reece lasted all of 10 minutes and Raine slept soundly for 2 hours! Daddy came home and we were right where he left us snuggled up on the couch getting ready to watch Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. Another great and mellow adventurous day.

On The NINTH day of Christmas

I feel like a I've been run over by a truck, we are cuddling up on the couch tonight for some good ole favorite Christmas specials. Frosty the Snowman, Frosty Returns, Yes Virgina and Elf on a Shelf. Raine only lasted through half of the original Frosty and Reece would have stayed up until midnight if we let him. It was a cozy, snuggly night and a perfect way to end the long work week. Now to get some cold meds in me and hit the hay.

On the EIGHTH day of Christmas

I feel as though I'm getting a cold. I couldn't get rid of my chill all day. I sit here now sniffling and drinking tea. Mo was super dad and fed the kiddos chicken nuggets and candy while I attended a class on IEP meetings. I was able to stroll around the mall and pick up a few more presents for family. It was very interesting shopping all by myself, to bad I was too tired to do more of it. Praying this cold goes away as quickly as it hit me.

On the SEVENTH day of December

my daughter was kicked off the pretend plane to Israel for talking to her neighbors. She was very sad when I went into Kindergarten to say hello to her. When I asked what was wrong, her gorgeous eyes filled with big crocodile tears and she solemnly said, “I was kicked off the plane.” It was very hard to contain my laughter because only Raine would get kicked off the plane for being too chatty.
She said she loves going to school lately because they get to visit a bunch of different countries and learn about their Santa Claus and how they spend Christmas break. Every morning I ask her where she is flying to today. Yesterday they were very busy in class and didn’t travel anywhere so she was very grumpy when I picked her up from class. Rainey Roo is quite a hoot; she brings a smile to my face more times than I can count and is certainly adding to my collection of laugh lines.

On the SEVENTH day of December

My daughter was kicked off the pretend plane to Israel for talking to her neighbors. She was very sad when I went into Kindergarten to say hello to her. When I asked what was wrong, her gorgeous eyes filled with big crocodile tears and she solemnly said, “I was kicked off the plane.” It was very hard to contain my laughter because only Raine would get kicked off the plane for being too chatty.
She said she loves going to school lately because they get to visit a bunch of different countries and learn about their Santa Claus and how they spend Christmas. Every morning I ask her where she is flying to today. Yesterday they were very busy in class and didn’t travel anywhere so she was very grumpy when I picked her up from class. Rainey Roo is quite a hoot; she brings a smile to my face more times than I can count and is certainly adding to my collection of laugh lines.

On the SIXTH day of December

I was able to enjoy a Michael Buble Christmas special while cuddling with my lil man. He loves to listen to music as much as I do and hates to miss these Christmas Specials on TV every night. He heard Justin Bieber was going to be singing and came running out of his bedroom begging to watch. How can a mama say no? I knew deep down Biebs wasn’t going to sing until the end so I made Reece snuggle up with me on the couch. It was a very fun time singing Christmas carols with my lil guy and laughing at how silly the show was.

On the FIFTH day of December

my true love bought for us a Mac book Pro! I can’t wait to get my hands on it! I am so excited! I want to leave the PC world and join the cool kids at Mac. My lil brother swears by them and my dear friend Tina only owns Apple products. I just need time to play with it.

On the FOURTH day of December:

my house feels a little bit more like Christmas! I wish my favorite photographer was in town the states to take some Christmas pics of my silly kiddos because just look at all that she captures on film. Love this pic!

On the THIRD day of December

we had an awesome day of building a Snowman napkin holder, shopping at the Bilbray Holiday Bizarre and a trip to the Fashion Show Mall. I brought the kiddos over to Home Depot to build and paint a super cute wood craft. They both did a very good job screwing the snowmen into the base, then gluing the hat onto the top. Then it was onto the painting station. Raine chose to paint her one side of her snowman purple and the other snowman yellow. Reece went for the traditional white with a black hat. I was very impressed with how neatly and carefully they painted and placed the stickers. It was a lot of fun!

Around 11 am we headed to Bilbray to check out the 45 craft tables at the holiday bizarre. I was very pleasently pleased with all of the neat homemade items. I found some awesome little stocking stuffers and a present or two for myself! It was also fun to watch the cute Bilbray kids sing, dance, tumble and cheer on stage. Raine was blessed with a beautiful butterfly face painting on her little face. It cost 5.00 and she had to beg and borrow a 1.50 to have it painted. I had to work on some report card comments and print out progress monitoring reports. My wonderful kiddos played on the computers, ran around on the playground and were mad when I finally brought them home.

Once at home we cleaned ourselves up a little bit and then headed down to the strip to shop at the Fashion Show Mall. Mo raised some $ at his fall festival and wanted to look at a macbook pro or ipad for his classroom. While we listen to Daniel explain all there is to know about Macs, the kiddos watched a fancy little Christmas song and dance with Santa and some Rockette type dancers, it even snowed on them. Back in the store, I found it quite interesting learning all about that amazing little piece of technology. I hope he heads back to the store sooner than later to purchase it. The kiddos had a great time playing on the IPad 2 which is something I want for Christmas, but know that it's not in our budget and I probably wouldn't ever get to play with it! The macbook pro would be so great because I could actually get my school work finished at home instead of staying late everyday! We enjoyed some burgers and fries at Johnny Rockets and crushed the kiddos at the classic game of complete a square. Reece was pretty intense, really looking for ways to beat me. Raine was a little less patient. Lastly, we headed to my favorite store Lucky Jeans! I scored three items for 14.99 each, yes a new outfit and an extra top. Mo was happy, all he has to do it wrap it and put it under the tree for me! On the way to out we stopped by Gymboree for a few half price items for my spoiled children. They will look so well dressed this holiday season. It was a great trip to the mall as a family. I was pleasently surprised how well the kids did and look forward to doing it again, soon!

On the SECOND day of December

an elf named Arnie joined us. He happily sat upon our shelf near the TV and watched over our kiddos. He will report back to Santa how they behave and if they have been naughty or nice. At first Raine was very hesitant to believe this little guy could fly all the way back to Santa but Reece reminded her that if she didn't believe in him, then she must not believe in Santa. Ahhh, thank you son for helping mama. I love the spirit of Santa and Christmas, now time to get the decorations up.

On the FIRST day of December

my little man lost his second tooth. He was so excited he hopped out of bed to show me his teeny tiny tooth. He said it came out when he was brushing his teeth and then they couldn't find where it went. Luckily, lil sis spotted it and Reece quickly placed it in it's safe green house for the night. He didn't want to place it under his pillow so he cleaned off a nice open spot for the tooth fairy near his alarm clock. Reece said she would have some light from the clock and lots of space to take the tooth and leave some money. He also left a little note for her telling her the story of how it fell out and that he would like more than 25 cents. She did have plenty of room to work and left him a two dollar bill. Reece came running into our room this morning shouting about the two dollar bill. It was a very exciting evening and morning for my lil man.

Simplicities

• waking~ Raine tapping me on the shoulder asking if she can sleep with me




• eating~ yummy apples and peanut butter in the new singe serve peanut butter containers




• seeing~leaves finally falling from some trees here in Nevada




• snuggling~ with Reece because he still asks me to




• laughing~ Raine has the best laugh and is so stinking funny




• playing~ the wii being a force of good in motivating Reece to get his homework and reading done




• knowing~ Reece is capable of focusing at school and proud he is finally doing so




• praying~ for some challenges I am facing at work




• planning~ a trip home at Thanksgiving




• asking~ my kiddos need to be asked several times to complete tasks, why is that?




• serving~ coming home to a hubby who has made dinner and done the dishes, love that so much




• anticipating~ the arrival of my new niece or nephew

Be Flexible

I am trying to do more of this and really just go with the flow. I must admit this is really, really hard for me. I am a first born child, who needs to be in control and plan out most everything. I also have to have the last word. Anyway, we have been without daddy for the last few days and it has been wonderfully fun until tonight when I took the kiddos to my bible study. I tried to find a sitter but it wasn't happening. I probably should have skipped it and just enjoyed the evening with my babies, but nope I had them pack up a few things and brought them with me.

Let's just say it all started off just swell with cookies and coloring and then Reece was bored and decided to teach Raine how to play go fish. Well he wouldn't whisper, so I sent them into the other area where there was more light and no ladies to disturb. They played far away from me and my sight. Not good, not good at all. I was so embarrassed by how loud they were being that I left the table on the opposite side of the room and threaten my children with the spoon. They cleaned up all 52 cards that were laying all around the room and stomped back into the main area where the video was being played. I asked them to clean up the rest of their belongs and packed up myself too. I was so mortified, but why should I be? I chose to bring a 7 and 5 year old to a women's bible study; it wasn't their fault they were acting their ages. Reece was being a typical little boy and Raine was a perfect little sister following every move her big brother made.

It took me several hours of stewing and disappointment in my children to get to this point. I should never have brought them, it wasn't their fault and I must apologize to them when they wake up in the morning. I just wish I could start this evening over again...

Fall

Wait it is Fall, where did spring and summer go?

I have a ton o posts to catch up on but I told myself that I needed to update somethings that were currently on my mind without pictures. So here is what I need to unload tonight as I lay here all alone in my bed. As I type, I listen to my awesome friend Shontell's super duper cool playlist. I love her choice in music and often steal it off her computer when I am in her home. Tonight I thought of her a lot as I purchased music from itunes, imagine that actually buying a tune or two. The kiddos were able to pick a couple also. Reece chose Justin Bieber "Somebody to Love" which he can sing really well. Raine was a bit indecisive, as usual. I had her listening to a bunch of Disney songs and then I finally convinced her to chose Grace Potter (love, love her) "Something That I Want". I think it was more for me than her but she still sung right along to it. We are huge fans of the movie Tangled, in fact Raine can't wait to dress up as Rapunzel for Halloween. Wow, that's going to be here before we know it, I better go get her that costume. Reece is content to be Ben 10 again this year; I really thought he was going to be Green Lantern, but nope. I wish the weather would cool off so we could enjoy October evenings and fall leaves. A trip to the mountains to collect Aspen leaves and get my fall fix will be happening soon I hope. As for now it is playdates and football games on TV.

Sunday, My Sabbath

I am one blessed girl this year. I get to relax and truly enjoy my Sundays to the fullest. We have been trying to observe Sunday as our Sabbath and it usually works out for me. Mo has had to landscape and do some other side work but I have been enjoying my lazy Sundays. I have really enjoyed watching football and reading my new book, House Rules. Reece had a friend from school over today and he asked me if all I did was watch baseball and football. Why Yes Tyson, on Sundays, that is all I do. I love me some Phillies baseball and Buffalo Bills football. The kids love Sundays as well because they get to play all day, mama doesn't nag them to do a thing.

Hebrews 4:9-10 says it best: There must still be, therefore, a seventh day of rest, reserved for God's people, since to enter the place of rest, is to rest after you work, as God did after his.

October already??

Yikes, September has flown by but boy was it fun! We are back in the swing of school and scheduled activities like dance class and cub scouts. Our weeks have the perfect balance of after school fun. On Mondays, I attend a bible study on the book of Revelation by the one and only Beth Moore. On Tuesdays, Raine attends a beginner ballet class at a fantastic studio called Fairy Tales & Tutus. On Wednesdays, Reece heads back to Bilbray with his dad for Cub Scout meetings and activities. Every other Thursday, Mo meets up with a mens group for a bible study at Canyon Ridge. On Fridays, we have our usual pizza and a movie family night. It may seem like a lot but it seems to work for us. Our weekends are super relaxing, no sporting events or scheduled obligations unless I sign the kids up for something at Pottery Barn or Lowes. I love getting back on a routine but do miss my lazy summer days.

Be Kind Award

Raine attended her first super citizen assembly at James Bilbray ES. She whispered to me, "This is boring..." and then asked me, "When am I gonna get an award?" I told her soon and reminded her to cheer real loud for her brother when his name was called. She just sneered at me. Love that girl and her sassy attitude; at this rate she'll be waiting a long time for her award.

Reece sneaks a smile once he notices I am in attendance at the assembly; so proud of him.


Reece was called up for the Be Kind award. It is a new award this year to go with our school theme, Fill A Bucket by Being Kind. He was chosen by his second grade peers to receive the award for room 55. He has such a big heart and it means so much to me and his dad that he earned this.

What a special moment for this mama. xoxo

Ya just gotta love this kid, no matter how wiggly he is ;)

Reminds me of a song I cherish: Never Grow Up By: Taylor Swift

Oh darling, don't ya ever grow up, don't ya ever grow up, just stay this little.

Happy 7th Birthday Lil Man

I can not believe you are so old! It makes me sad to see you grow up so fast. I am so thankful to all the love and laughter you bring our family. It just wouldn't be the same without your energy!

I remember

September 11 Memorial was a tear jerking experience this summer, but I had to go see it. I could have stayed there for hours but time wouldn't allow it. I will always remember those towers and the times I spent standing on top of them with my cousins as a kid. I am glad I have seen and felt the NYC skyline with the towers standing tall. I cherish them and feel for all those whose lives changed on that day.

So glad this sign still hangs in the subway stations. I look forward to visiting the completed One World Trade Center Plaza and the Freedom Tower next summer.

First Day of School

I can not believe I have a 2nd grader and a little lady in kindergarten. I tell them all the time to stop growing up and stay little but they don't seem to listen.

I love, love, love Reece's teacher Mrs. Cindy Olafson, she is amazing and will push my kiddo to his full potential all while allowing him to wiggle and move around as much as he needs. I can't wait to hear all about the things he will experience this year.

I also love, love, love Mrs. Kim Glover, she is a super enthusiastic sing song kind of teacher who will push my baby girl. I know Raine will love singing and dancing in room 3 but will also become and avid reader and writer.

Miss Jane is by far my most favorite lady in the school. She loves the children will all of her heart and soul. Jane works so hard without a single complaint, not sure what Kim would do without her.

I know this is going to be a super school year. The kiddos are excited and ready for the adventures to begin. I am a bit nervous about my new career path but also ready for a change.

A good first day

We made it!

All three of us.

We had a good day.

Raine was very excited to share about all the fun she had and how she couldn't wait to go back tomorrow. Thank you Lord!

Reece LOVED second grade so much, his words exactly. He said it was a little boring because there are a lot of rules but it was good.
I enjoyed pushing into the fifth grade, third grade and first grade classrooms also.
I think I'm gonna like it here.

Happy 5th Birthday Baby Girl

My baby girl turned 5 today which makes me sad and excited at the same time. The terrific toddler has now become a little kid in kindergarten. I told her she needed to stop growing up but she said, "Mommy, I have to grow up so I can be a mommy like you!" We had a yummy dinner of her favorite food mac n cheese, Noni style.

She picked this cake when we were buying our groceries the other day. I have no problem buying a store bought cake if that's what her little heart desires.

Raine loved this Hello Kitty Necklace from her daddy. We picked it up from the Hello Kitty store in NYC. Mo loves it as much as Raine.

Raine was so grateful for the Squinkies from her brother.

She couldn't hug him any tighter or longer. It was a perfect pick by Reece.

Another gift we picked up on while traveling on the east coast. Daddy grabbed this tie-dye from a shop on the boardwalk in Ocean City and Raine couldn't wait to put it on! She was very happy about these and all of her other presents; a very spoiled little lady. I can't wait for her friend party at Fairy Tales & Tutus this Saturday.

Thankful Thursday

So very grateful for Grammie Rosie's pool. We snuck up there today to spend our last few days of summer vacation in the water. We love this pool and have been swimming in it for many years. Hope we can continue to do so next summer too. Reece loves diving & jumping off the ladder. Raine plays with her watering can; she keeps me nice and cool.

Lunch is always better by the pool, who knew apples could taste so good!
A lovely pic of mama and mini me. Reece did pretty good taking this shot huh?

Friends

We finished our summer road trip with a stop at the Brewer Bed and Breakfast in Nampa, Idaho. I love this place and would actually move here, except it is pretty stinky with a sugar snap pea plant and meat packing plant. The night we arrived there were six adults and eleven children sleeping under one roof. I wish the Russo clan could have stayed one more day so we could get a little more time with them before they move to Virginia. While they were trying leave the chaos and head back to Nevada, all of the children climbed into their Excursion. I was totally ok with it, I would love some adult time with my Shontell & Mike, but Jenn & Mark weren't that hip on the idea!

Remember this picture was taken at a very early hour of the morning, after I had about six hours of sleep. I cherish these two women, more than they could ever imagine. I have know them for ten years and we have raised children together. They were there for my through so many difficult and joyous times and now both of them will live too far away from me. Good thing they will open their homes to our family in the blink of an eye. I know that whenever I text or call them, they will make me laugh and smile for quite some time after. I love my girlfriends.

Shontell and I were trying to have a nice photo taken before the Hauguel clan finished our road trip home, and Izzy Rose kept jumping into our picture. I love her, she is an amazing young lady with a heart of gold. I love that she is in this picture and I pray I can raise my daughter as well as Shontell has raise Isabelle.

Not sure what Mo is laughing about in this picture, maybe he had too many mugs of coffee? Mo could speak volumes about his friend Michael Brewer. He would have taken me home to Las Vegas, turned around and driven 12 hours back up to Idaho to hang out with him and his amazing family. They have a very manly relationship that involves fishing, hunting, camping and at one time jeeping. Oh and these two Godly men are very fortunate to have the most understanding and flexible wives around. ;)

The Brewer family is just one of many that we call our FAMILY, not just friends. We say we are going to start a commune, I do hope it happens sooner than later...

Idaho is as stinky in as Marilla

We took a trip to the Boise Zoo and had a ball checking out all that it has to offer.

Another great day was spent at this amazing park.

Adam loved sitting on the anchor and seemed to claim it as his own.

Love these ladies, have known them for 11 years. I was so excited to see Rebekah and her kids.

Shontell and I were trying for a cute pic of the two of us and Izzy kept popping her head in it.

I love the way this turned out.

Yes, we chose to marry these clowns!

Visit with Grammie & Pops

We sure do love visiting with these crazy kids! They are so entertaining!

When we pulled into Burt, NY on Pop's 61st birthday and brought him a yummy chocolate cake with Butterfinger frosting. Yes we filled our kiddos bellies with cake and then sent them to bed.

Grammie bought the kids a slip and slide but they don't work so well in the desert on a backyard full of pea gravel. We set it up and the kids played on it every day. They loved the natural slope of the backyard.

Reece loved landing in this little pool at the end of the slide.

Daddy went out in Uncle Jack's canoe and Raine wanted to get out and swim in lake Ontario instead. She is so brave the water was cold and the rock are really slimy.

This visit to New York was very low key and lazy. I failed to call my cousins and run all over western New York visiting people. I just felt like I needed to be near my mom & dad. It was one of the best weeks of the summer!

Hershey Park

That's where they make the CHOCOLATE!! We didn't do a tour or anything this time because the kids are a bit too young but next year maybe. We had so much fun exploring this amusement park with Aunt Amber and Aubrey. Last summer we visited Sesame Place and this summer Hersey Park. Let's not forget our first trip to Disneyland with them too. We love creating first memories with our cousin and auntie. Mo was excited to see how it changed since he had been there when he was young.

Ariel view of the Hershey Chocolate Factory!

Brother & Sister enjoying the heat & humidity!

Cousins needing more water and it was only 10 am.

The kiddos loved this ride they must have went on it 7 times,
the line was short and it must have given then a nice breeze.

Kiddos so happy for the photo op, can we just go in the park already!
I love that all of them insisted on wearing their new baseball hats from Uncle Doug.


Reece was checking his height. Ironic he could ride all the ride with a Reese's Peanut Butter candy sign. He was so excited when he learned that was most of the roller coasters we saw while we were driving into the park. Reece & Daddy rode a lot of coasters this time.

It was such a hot day we spent a good 4 hrs of it at The Boardwalk a water park part of the amusement park. The kids didn't mind that at all they loved every second of the day, well except when we made them go on Tidal Force. Just check out the Description: One of the tallest splash-down rides in the world. Guaranteed to get you soaked! Ride Facts: Number of boats:3, Riders per boat:20, Ride duration:2 minute, 10 seconds Maximum speed: 53 mph, Capacity:950 riders per hour. Aubrey was too frightened and after we all sat and started moving forward, Amber had to ask them stop the ride so she and Aubs could get off. Reece and Raine were not too thrilled it when it was all over. Reece said he was never going on that again and Raine wanted to know why she couldn't get off when Aubrey did. Oh well lesson learned, no more Tidal Wave rides.

We opened and closed the park and had such a great time that Mo said he wouldn't mind getting a hotel room next year and trying a two day pass. We will see...