Naughty Monkeys?

These are my new, not even remotely sensible shoes that I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!! They are made by naught monkey. I wonder if I am supposed to feel like a naughty monkey when I wear them?

Overtasked??

So, I am filling out my calendar for the week and this is the week that Carsen starts soccer and Griffen starts baseball and I am wondering WHY... OH... WHY... I thought this would all work out without any catches?? Listen to this...
Tuesday: 5:30 ~ 6:15 soccer practice @ one school
5:30 ~ 6:30 baseball practice @ a different school
6:30 leader meeting for scouts also at a different location
Wednesday: 5:30 baseball practice
6:00 scout meeting (again different locations)
Thursday: Sweet nothing!!!
Friday: 5:30 soccer prac.
5:30 baseball prac. (you guessed it different locations)

I am now hoping that this new wizardology book that Griff got for being the top reader in his class will give him a clue as to how to clone me so I can be in 2 places at one time!!

SPRING BREAK HIGHLIGHTS

WOW! This was one of those weeks that flys by but it also seems like Easter was a long time ago instead of just a week ago. Our week started out with Easter. It was nice enough here that the big bunny hid the eggs in the yard for the first time since 2003! Neither boy believed that the eggs were hid outside even after they each found one on the patio. They grabbed that one then ran back inside to find the rest. Once we convinced them that if one egg is hid outside then ALL the eggs are hid outside. They quickly found them all then we all were back inside for hot chocolate. It was sunny but still cold that early in the morning!

On Monday we packed up the camper and with 2 other families headed down to SIX FLAGS for the week. It was a great time. We had nice weather for the most part and even though it was spring break for Oregon and California the crowd and lines were not bad at all with the exception of one ride which all but 2 of the adults and the "too short to ride" crowd stood in line for 2 hours for only to get on and apparently in one of the first turns Griffen looks at Wes and says "I just lost my glasses!" GREAT!! First day of the trip, second ride of the day!! Unfortunately, his prescription is so much that those "one hour" shops cannot make new glasses so he had to go the rest of the time without. It was strange to see him without glasses for so long but he did not have any problems or get any headaches without them so that was good news. So off we all went to ride as many rides as much as possible for 3 days in a row. We had 5 adults and 7 kids with us ranging in ages from 6 months to 10 years. We all had a good time with the exception of a couple of hunger meltdowns, and one water from the dolphin tank incident!

First day, all the kiddo's and Pappy!

It's a Looney Tune World!

Griffen sans glasses!!

His Highlights:

He went on the BIG rides. KONG, MEDUSA, TAZMANIAN DEVIL, BOOMERANG!!!

This is a big step for him.

Carsen's Highlights and quotes:

Wes and I having a little spat (neither of us remember what it was about.) and Carsen say's to him.

"Why did you ever marry her?" (Little Harsh!)

At the Jelly Belly factory we look over and Carsen and our friends son, also blonde and blue eyed are getting their picture taken with an Asian family. When the boys came back over to us I asked why they were taking pictures with them and Carsen replies,

"They wanted us to but I couldn't understand them they speak spanish."

On this trip he also informed me during his one meltdown before bed that,

"I ruined his life and everyone elses too!" (OUCH!)

He changed his mind after a good nights sleep!

My Highlight???

At the Jelly Belly factory I got punked by the husbands! Griffen was the unknowing pawn in this little GAG! (Literally, GAG!!)

So, we all get our favorite flavor of beans and are formulating our next move while eating these beans and Griffen says hey there are some in my bag that I didn't put in there so I tell him that sometimes with that many they get a few flavors mixed up and just take them out and give them to me. Which he does and seeing the 'buttered popcorn' flavor I pop it into my mouth. Well, I quickly realize that I am not tasting buttered popcorn but 'rotton egg' yes, you read that right ROTTEN EGG!!!!!!!!!! I am able to turn around and the trash can is right there so I can spit it out and proceed to spit again a few more times, then jump around because I am about to toss my cookies right there in the visitor's center of the Jelly Belly factory on front of everyone!!! YEP....they sell those Harry Potter Beans there also...and as bad as the rotten egg tasted I am VERY glad that I did not end up with VOMIT, or BOOGER. (they have them) It was a total set~up and I still can't believe that I walked right into it with my eyes WIDE open. Gotta love livin' with BOYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A WEEK OF AARRGGGG...

OK it is only Wednesday and here is what has went down already this week....

MONDAY~ This might be TMI but don't care I am telling anyway. I finally went to in for my "girl" appointment. So, I change into my little paper gown which really there is almost no point in having it but at least it is something right? And the Dr. comes in and we are chatting and then she starts the exam you know...lay back, scooch down to the end of the table and put your feet in the nice little stirups...so she does the first part of the exam, and we are still having a conversation about kids, school, etc... and then she stop's mid exam to continue our talk...now just to paint the picture I am STILL laying on the table with my knees WIDE OPEN and my goodies fully exposed as she is standing in between my legs, rubber gloves, juuuust talkin to me....I don't even remember what she was saying at that point because all I could think was "please finish....please finish...it's getting a little breezy down there in rio...."

TUESDAY~Cub Scout day for Griffen. Most know that I am the Den leader for his group and I have heard crazy stories about parents freaking out at things but this is the first time that I have seen it first hand. It was Pinewood Derby night. (For those that don't know the boys built little cars out of a wooden block and then they race them.) So our whole pack is there and one of the dads is one of our pack leaders so he was the go to person for the derby. Well part way through the event a couple of parents questioned something and he seriously LOST HIS MIND....started yelling and cussing and generally was extremely aggitated. Well, you know me I can't be like everyone else and let him rant and rave. I have to tell him that he has no business cussing and behaving like that in front of our kids and also proceeded to inform him that he was acting like a 4 year old and throwing a fit was no way to behave like a role model for the boys....he continues to yell, cuss, throw a chair and say that he wanted to punch someones head off. I then tell him I am done with him and he needs to leave. He did leave with a few more choice words and told me that I could do everything from now on to which I replied "Fine, I will." I am not sure what I have gotten myself into but at least I know that I will NEVER behave that way in front of my kids or anyone elses at any scouting event....EVER!!!

WEDNESDAY~ Today is the 2nd day in a row that Griffen has gotten a RED card which means that he must call home and tell me how awful they think he is....now honestly, he has had to call 3 or 4 times this year for as far as I am concerned really trivial things. Like no kidding last year he had to call home because he was talking in the library...so yesterday the call was because he was running in the hallway....seriously....SERIOUSLY. Today he had to call home because he said the teacher was going over a problem and on the paper it had a "+" and the teacher said it was a "-" so of course Griffen being the kid that he is he corrected the teacher. Well, needless to say that did not go over well at all and he got a RED card and send off to call me and tell me yet again how horrible he is.....then he comes home with a homework assignment to answer these following questions....

1. Why should you follow directions when given to you by an adult?
2. Why is it necessary for you to always try to correct other peoples statements when others don't treat you this way?

I don't really have a problem with him having to answer these questions but, it is also time to admit that once again Griffen's teachers have reached the end of their patience and the rest of our year will most likely suck...SO GLAD it is SPRING BREAK!! Our last good year was Kindergarten. He is now in 4th grade. I just wish that the teachers he has would understand that it is just his personality. He is a bright kid who needs things to be a specific way. He sees things in a very black and white way and has no problem questioning authority when he does not understand or believes that authority to be wrong. He lives outside of the box of what the school deems normal. Anyway, tonight we are going in to talk to the teacher...should be fun!! Again, SO GLAD it is SPRING BREAK!! Six Flags here we come!!!

AMAZING....

I have been reading a blog that I stumbled upon being a blog stocker...it is an amazing story who's blog has had over 1 million hits. So, if you are in the mood to cry, laugh and be amazed I suggest reading this....
http://cfhusband.blogspot.com/

HELLO DELICIOUS....

I made this for a friend's baby shower. It is SO good. I refuse to tell you the calorie and fat content but will say make it for a large group. Now quickly...get to baking!

BUTTERMILK WHITE CAKE WITH COCONUT

Preheat oven 350

4 egg whites

2 c. flour

1 1/2 c. sugar

2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. baking soda

1 c. buttermilk

1/2 c. shortening

2 tsp. vanilla

Unsweetened coconut flakes

Buttercream frosting recipe *see below*

Let egg whites stand at room temp. for 30 minutes. Grease and flour pans, set aside. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Add buttermilk, shortening, and vanilla. Beat on low until combined. Beat on medium 2 minutes more. Add egg whites, beat 2 more minutes. -don' worry Batter looks curdled it's not- Spread into pans and bake 25-30 minutes or until top springs back when lightly touched & wooden pick comes out clean. Cool on rack 10 minutes. Remove from pans, cool completely. Prepare frosting. Layer cake with frosting between each layer and frost rest of cake. Press coconut flakes all over top and sides.

BUTTERCREAM FROSTING

Beat 3/4 c. softened butter on medium speed until smooth. Gradually beat in 3 C. powdered sugar to combine. Beat in 1/4 C. buttermilk and 2 tsp. vanilla. Gradually beat in additional powdered sugar to make it spreading consistency.

This is the single recipe. I double both the cake and frosting recipes and turn it into a triple layer round cake with usually enough batter and frosting to make a couple cupcakes too! -you know just to have some to taste before serving.... This is a great cake. Especially, if you are not the worlds best cake decorator. It always looks pretty and finished but you don't have to go to decorating 101 to achieve the look. Throw a couple of flowers and a little ribbon on top and voila!! And that's before they taste it! Happy baking.

Condolences

I am married to a fighter pilot. Once in a while I am asked if I am bothered by the danger of his job. My reply is normally, "No, he loves what he does and he is good at it." And in all honesty I typically don't think of the 'danger'. But, there are times when we lose one of our own that forces me to think about it. Today turned into one of those times.

We are a small community of people that are spread across the world....

my tears and condolences go out to his wife and family.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,331558,00.html

More Snowcapades Pictures

UUMMM...I would have posted a picture of myself here..but she who takes the pictures does not exist in photographic memories......

Snowcapades

As many of you know I have said that Cub Scouts is a "father/son" thing but that did not stop me from getting tapped to be the den leader for G's Webelos den this year. So, reluctantly I accepted the task and have made every effort to "Do My Best" (scout motto...) and got on the big learning curb to catch up with all the scouting stuff that father's seem to just "know". So, this year I attended my very first Cub Scout Snowcapades. (This ~ for those of you who may not know is a big day of sledding, fire building, tug-o-war's, snow shoeing for the boys and families.) The boy's LOVE this day....the dad's LOVE this day....I liked this day....Now don't get me wrong, as you can tell from the pictures the sun was shining, everyone was having fun, laughing, getting exercise....now here comes the part why I did not LOVE it and the reason that I think most Mom's do not attend this day or most scouting events..... WE WORRY!!!!! We worry about if they are warm enough, we worry about kids getting lost in the woods, we worry about kids getting hurt...etc... EVERY time one of my boys got on one of those 'death saucers' at the top of the very hard packed icy run and got and extra PUSH for speed I held my breath. Especially since the first FOUR kids to go down did actually get HURT!!!! Now the Dad's that were with me did not seem to blink an eye. I wanted to run up there and be THAT mom who yanked my kid away from the "bully" who was pushing him down the icy tunnel of death.....
Not a single dad or grandpa that was with me seemed to be having this feeling?

BUT..as you can see by their smiling faces they both came away from the day with only one minor injury...Carsen slipped on the ice and smacked his chin and got a snow strawberry. He was just fine until I said there was only a little blood. Then he screamed like a...well....girl....

HOTTIE OR NOTTIE

So, I went to pick up Carsen at school today and a mom of one of the little girls told me this little story.......

Her daughter is big into the cheerleading movies, and cheering etc...so they were doing little chants together. She would say a chant then mom would repeat the chant. One of the chants that she came up with went like this:

Carsen is a hottie!!!
Carsen is a hottie!!!

Her mom said...I am not saying that!!

Ummm..oh my gosh my 5 year old is a HOTTIE....His dad is pretty proud.....I am a little disturbed to think that there are little girls out thinking of my kiddo this way!! She is a cute little girl so I guess it's all good....

HAPPINESS.....

Random thought of things that bring me happiness.....
my boys, all 3 of them.
warm summer sun on my face.
chocolate.
the smell of fresh cut grass.
a loving husband.
shopping.
good friends.
boys laughter.
carsen's faith.
griffen taking my hand to hold.
the first day of school.
the last day of school.
snow days.
tivo.
my ipod.
new gadgets.
cold beer on a hot day.
great books.
good chick flicks.
fuzzy pj's.
cute purse's.
wakeboarding.
rediscovering tennis.
having the fun house.
family.
sleeping in.
grandma's breakfast.
having 4 seasons.
being asked to "snuggle me".
pumpkin spice lattes.
going home.
phone calls.
singing along with the radio.
listening to my kids sing along with me.
newly washed sheets on my bed.
haircut day.
pedicures.
carsen still holding onto some toddler speak.
seeing the big brother hug the little brother and the joy it brings the little one.
you, for taking a couple minutes to be interested in my little life!

GUILT.....

Ok, so we had been thinking about and finally decided to change churches. It is for various reasons..

1. The congragation is very elderly. ~There's nothing wrong with that but when I say elderly, most of them did not remember us from Sunday to Sunday...litereally, one guy introduced himself to us 3 Sunday's in a row in December and we had the EXACT same conversation

~"Is this your first time here?"

~No we have been coming here for around 5 years now!"

2. There is one singer that each Sunday was like someone dragging thier nails up a chalk board for Wes. Oh, by the way, she was also the head singer and the loudest~ He would walk out of there irritated every time.

3. Griffen did NOT enjoy the kids programs at all. Every Sunday it was like a war to get him out the door because he did not want to go so badly. Which in turn made Sunday morning into me yelling at my family to get a move on because I may be about 15 min. late to a lot of things and am fine with that but I cannot stand to be late to church...

So there are a few of the reasons we had been discussing it. So starting with the Christmas Eve service we tried another church. Well, the music was great, we enjoyed the Pastor's words, the congragation was much more our age group and the kids LOVED the children's church. So that's all great right...now here's my guilt. The Pastor at the church we are leaving is REALLY nice and Carsen still goes to the preschool there and everytime he sees me he is SOOO friendly and nice and always asks about Wes..etc.. Well I now feel like I owe him an explaination. What exactly would that be because there is no way I am lying to a Pastor, even a little white lie. So I imagine the conversation going a little something like this...

Pastor: Hi, Rocky How are you and the family?
Me: Oh, hello Pastor, we are doing really well. Thanks!
Pastor: So I have noticed that we have not seen you in church recently. Is everything Ok.
Me: Sure, things are great we have been going to a different church.
Pastor: Oh, well may I ask why?
Me: Sure, you congagation is too old and you know the head singer makes my husband want to stab sharp objects into his ears. Thanks for asking thought!!!!

Senior??

So yesterday was Wes' birthday. Here is Griffen's response to Wes' age.
Griffen "So Dad, how old are you today?"
Wes, "I'm 42."
Griffen, "Does that make you a senior citizen?"
Ummm...needless to say Wes was not that thrilled about that question.

I however was laughing hysterically!!

Snow..Snow...Snow....

And it just keeps coming down. Our family is loving it but we are wondering if it is going to stop anytime soon. Since these pictures were taken we have had 2 more storms that have put down about another 15 inches. Plus, it is forcasted to snow for the next 5 out of 7 days!! We have been passing the time snowmobiling around the neighborhood, having Wii tournaments, and sledding off the hills in the yard that were built after shoveling off the roof! Enjoy the pictures.

Courtesy of Calvin and Hobbes..

Guess what I got to explain to my 9 year old?? What is spin the bottle? And yes if he asks I must tell him the truth or he will ask someone else that he thinks may be an authority on the subject...not that I am an authority on spin the bottle....errrhh....did I just get myself into trouble??

It's so easy...

Carsen, "Mom, do you know how to make a friend first?"
Me, "No, how?"
Carsen, "By saying your name first and high fiving them."

I love how it is so simple to have a friend at the age of 5!

Good Grades?????

So apparently, Griffen will be getting a VERY good grade in grammer this term. How do we know that you ask. Because he informed Wes the other day that it will be his best grade because he has been writing so many sentences. Which of course posed the question.. "What kind of sentences???" His reply, "I will stay on task during class."

I guess that is the positive way to look at it right!!

New Year

Ok it's a new year and I loved blogging and really have no excuse except we travelled...a lot.....from June through September. Then the holiday etc. etc..etc.. But I am starting back up even if there are no longer people reading! So the first thing back that I have to tell about is Carsen. I had him with me at the grocery store yesterday and it was snowy and cold out so of course we hit Starbucks first. He ordered an 'almond steamer' just like he knew what he was doing (which he does because he has been getting them since about birth!) Anyway, we get our "Coffee's" and continue on with our shopping and he sucks his down within a matter of minutes looks at me and say's
"You should have got me a double!"
That's my boy!!!

Phrase of the Day

Carsen: "Oh, For Goodness Snakes!!"

Happy Birthday Griffen!!!

Wow~~ my kiddo is 9 years old today!!! I am so shocked that I have a 9 year old. It only seems like yesterday..... etc...etc...
He actually had a great one. We are in Maine. And so far all the bats have stayed in the night sky so we are safe so far. Anyhow, we are here and a bunch of the cousins are here so there are plenty of things to get into like the dirt pile, fireworks, driving the tractor (alone! no rangers here to give us tickets just in case you know the jet ski story.. if not ask and I will be glad to share it with ya!) anyway it is a boys paradise. We asked Griffen what he wanted to do for his big day and he requested that we take him to the go cart track. So off we went to race go carts and to play a little miniature golf. Well the golf went well. Then it was time to race some go carts and it turned out that Griffen is a little bit too short to be able to drive them alone HOWEVER much to his dismay his younger girl cousin was tall enough to go herself. This caused much heartache to my big 9 year old guy. He ended up having to ride with his uncle which turned out fine but as I am sure you can imagine he was still a bit disappointed about not being able to drive alone. Ah...if only I had been wearing my platform shoes today I could have given them to him for a bit of a lift!