Halloween 2012

Halloween 2012 has come and gone.  The weather was perfect for this time of year.  Light hoodie and that was it.  The kids didn't freeze and had a great time.  Tyler told me Halloween is the best holiday because you get to dress up and get treats.  He is definitely my little sweet tooth.

They had so much fun!  Katie even got a little tired.

Look at that "cheese"

One happy girl in her halloween pj's

I got my candy.

We have such great neighbors!  "Buzz light year" is our back yard neighbor.  Him and Tyler would play all day if we would let them.  They are such sweet boys until they get together.  Once they are together they become the most mischievous boys ever.

I hope everyone had a safe and fun Halloween!

Back to School

I can't believe it is time for school to start already.  This summer has flown by and I did not do a good job of documenting it.  We went to Arizona and visited family and friends, we played at the park most weeks, we did service, we had friends over, we had a 4th of July party, went swimming, played in the sprinklers a lot, had craft and library days.  It was a busy summer.

August 15th school started.  I wish they would wait to start school after Labor Day.  It just seems to make more sense to me.

Tyler is in the 1st grade this year and he has a FAN-TAS-TIC teacher this year.  I am so excited for him.  Not only is he in school all day but he likes it.  So far his favorite part of the day is recess and lunch.  Who can argue with that.  I am excited to go and help in his class room and watch him experience life and learn and grow.

this is one of Tyler's friends from last year in kindergarten.  I was excited to see they were in the same class.

Not to forget about Katie, she will be starting school soon as well.  She will be going to joy school.  I am really excited for her because she loves school and I will have the opportunity to teach her on some days.

Tyler's 7th Birthday

Tyler's birthday was unfortunately uneventful this year.  My dad was having knee surgery so I was in Tucson while Tyler and the rest of the family was in Safford.  On Monday night he called and asked me to come home but I couldn't so dad to the rescue.  Brad brought Tyler and Katie to me.  I was so glad to see all of them.  I felt so bad because Tyler didn't even get a cake on his birthday. 

This is my big 7 year old.

Happy birthday Tyler, I love you!

pretty happy camper.  he was so excited to get this knife.

(this is what your pictures look like when you shoot in auto, YUCK!)

We can agree to disagree

We can agree to disagree. 

 

I have been thinking a lot about what happened on Wednesday with Chick Fil-a.  I know Mike Huckabee said lets make Wednesday "appreciation day".  I participated.  We as a family waited in line for about 45 minutes to get some food.  I appreciate that Dan Cathy stood up for his beliefs.  I appreciate all those who waited in line to show their appreciation.  

I think every person on this earth has their right to choose whether I think it is write or not.  I know I do a lot of things people don't agree with.  That's fine.  It is their right to agree or disagree. What I don't understand is, if I disagree with someone because of their lifestyle I am called intolerant.  I wanted to know what the actual definition of tolerance is.  According to dictionary.com this is the definition:

"Tolerance:  a fair, objective, and permissive attitude toward those whose opinions, practices, race, religion, nationality, etc., differ from one's own;"

Unless I am reading this wrong, don't we all have a right to our own opinion?

 

There was a quote posted on Facebook that I thought was so appropriate.

"Our culture has accepted two huge lies. The first is that if you disagree with someones lifestyle you have to fear them or hate them. The second is that to love someone means you agree with everything they believe or do. Both are nonsense. You don't have to compromise convictions to be compassionate." -Rick Warren

 

"Just because someone supports marriage between a man and a woman does not mean they are against gays." ~Kenyon Curtis

 

This battle has been waging on for centuries.  Will it stop anytime soon?  No, I don't think it will.  We all need to be respectful towards one another.

 

I believe we all need to love each other.  I believe we need to respect other peoples opinions.  I believe if because I don't agree with you, you could respect my opinion as I respect your opinion.  

WE CAN AGREE TO DISAGREE!

 

I would love to hears everyones thoughts.  Please be kind and respectful.

My dad

I am here in Arizona right now.  My dad just had his knee replaced.  He hasn't been doing so great.  He is in a lot of pain, he gets dizzy.  I feel really bad for him.  I admit, his scar looks a lot worse than my left knee does.  It is really hard to watch your parents grow old.  I am not enjoying this at all.  As a child, you always think your parents will life forever but as you start to grow up you realize it just isn't going to happen.  I am so glad I am here to help.  This morning when I got up, he knee was really swelled and hot to the touch.  It was a little alarming and we thought we might need to take him to the emergency room but I think he is okay, it is normal.  Right now the nurse and PT are here.

I have felt bad about having to leave my kids alone.  Brad isn't able to watch them because he is working and I have been in Tucson at the hospital.  I was lucky enough to be able to spend a little time with Tyler on his birthday.  My big boy turned 7 on Tuesday.  I will have to post his answers to the many questions I will ask him.

Pondering

It has been a couple of weeks since the Waldo Fire here in Colorado Springs.  

It was a crazy few days, especially for those people who were truly effected by the fire.  32,000+ people were evacuated from their homes, some with only minutes to get out.  On that Tuesday evening when the wind started to blow and we saw the fire start to crest over the mountain my heart ached for all those many people who lived West of I-25.  It was an eerie feeling, almost helpless.

On Tuesday when we were out taking these pictures the smoke in the air was overwhelming.  It felt like we were sitting at a camp fire and there was no escaping the smoke.  I was worried for Tyler and Katie not being able to breathe.  I wouldn't let them get out of the car and for the most part had them keep the windows rolled up.

When we went home that evening we were glued to the TV.  Every local station was covering the fire.  All the many people being evacuated  were shown.  The traffic was stopped.  Bumper to bumper.  I am so thankful they were able to get out.  346 homes were lost that fateful night on June 26, 2012.  The fire was so bad even the firefighters had to retreat.  

2 weeks later we were driving around the Mountain Shadows area, not wanting to overstep our bounds, it was so devastating to see the disaster.  Homes burned and there was nothing left.

Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post

I am so thankful we were kept safe.  I am thankful to the many men and women who risked their lives fighting this fire. 

This truly puts life into perspective.

I am so very thankful for my family.  I am thankful we are together and safe.

  

Station 19~Colorado Springs

Yesterday we had the fantastic opportunity to serve our local fire fighters.  With the Waldo Fire happening, our firefighters have been so busy.  Not only are they working their regular shifts, they are working the Waldo fire as well.  

We were able to take them dinner.  It was a great experience for all of us but especially for Tyler and Katie.  It was great for them to see the fire station, the trucks, and all the things they do.  Jeremy was kind enough to give us a tour of the trucks when we arrived.  Tyler was so excited he wanted to wear his Halloween costume from 2 years ago.  It is a little small but he loved it!

In talking with Jeremy, he said this is the first time that everyone was called in.  He said even if it was your day off or you were on vacation (unless out of state), they were called back to work. 

They were so kind and so appreciative of us bringing us dinner but we are the ones who have been served.  

Last year Katie almost died, and luckily for us the firefighters came and helped save her.  When we arrived at the station Katie said to them "Thank you for all you do for us and for saving my life."  It was really touching.  I am truly thankful to the men and women who serve in our communities and also far from their homes who protect us and allow us the many freedoms we have.

They loved every minute of their tour.  Katie kept asking questions about everything on the truck.  They were able to sit in it and to see the lights go off.  I especially love the last picture of Tyler and the look on his face when Jeremy was explaining what everything was.

Thank-you Colorado Springs Fire Fighters!

4th of July

I love the 4th of July.  I love getting together with family and friends.  I love celebrating the many freedoms most of us take for granted every day.  I know I am not always aware of what we have.  I love the BBQ's, the fireworks, the colors, our flag.  My list could keep going.

Since we didn't go to Arizona this year, we decided, kind of last minute, to have a bike parade and pancake breakfast at our house.

When I was growing up in the small town of Solomon, most 4th of July's we would decorate our bikes with create paper and streamers and have a bike parade and then a pancake breakfast.  I loved it!  My brother's bike was ALWAYS decorated better than mine.  I wanted Tyler and Katie to have this same experience and possibly make this a family tradition every year.

We invited about 25 people over.  There were about 10 kids with their bikes or wagons.  It was fun!

We started with our pancake breakfast.  We had fruit, pancakes, muffins, eggs, bacon, juice, milk and lots of talking and socializing.  The kids couldn't wait to get outside to ride.  As soon as most people were done, we headed out to the cul-de-sac and let the kids show us their stuff and ride, ride, ride.

I think everyone had a great time.

Thanks to everyone for coming and enjoying this great day with us!

We rested the afternoon and then went to a late lunch and to the movies to see Brave.  Katie thought it was scary and Tyler said can we buy that movie.  

Overall it was a fantastic day.

Unfortunately, we were not able to see any fireworks because there was a ban on them this year because of the Waldo Fire.  Everything is very dry.  But there is always next year and possibly pioneer day if we are able to make it to AZ.

The Mom Challenge: Week 6

Last weeks challenge was to find something that your child does that makes you proud and celebrate.

I admit it was a tough week at our home.  With the Waldo fire happening in our city, we weren't able to go outside because of the air quality so the kids were bouncing off the wall.  Needless to say, this mama was going crazy.  However, Tyler and Katie helped me clean the house, their bedroom, the toys downstairs and they mostly played well together.  So Saturday night, we went to the $1 theater and saw the Lorax.  I thought it was a great movie and it was nice to be together as a family.

Week 6 Challenge is to FOCUS ON OUR HOPES AND DREAMS FOR OUR CHILDREN and come up with a mission statement.

I am really excited for this because I frequently envision Tyler and Katie when they are grown up, maybe what their profession will be, if they are married and have kids.  Last night Brad and I were talking about it as they were doing their own things and we decided Tyler would be an artist because he loves to draw and has a great imagination.  Katie would be a graphic designer as she was drawing on the computer.  All I know is it is up to me to help them develop their talents, to find their own personalities and discover who they are and what they want to be.

Puffy Paint Project

With the Waldo Fire happening right now the kids haven't been able to play outside much.  They are bouncing off the walls.  The air quality isn't great.  It is a lot better today then it was on Wednesday but you still smell the smoke.  Our hearts go out to all those who have been evacuated and lost their homes.  I will do another post on the Waldo Fire later.

Today we didn't have friends over.  Instead we did a craft.  We made puffy paint and made some pictures. 

 

Check this craft out over at

Meet the Dubiens.

This was so easy to make and cheap.

1/4 cup self-rising flour

1/4 cup salt

4 TBSP water 

food coloring

Mix all ingredients until wet and no clumps.

Put in a bottle like the one by Tyler.

Use poster like paper to paint on.  Cook in the microwave for 20-30 seconds and watch the paint rise.

We discovered the more paint (thickness) the more it will rise.

Tyler really loved this activity.  He is still going.  I will post his art work when he is finished.

Mom Challenge: Week 5

This week's challenge is to find something that your child does that makes you proud - and celebrate.

Here are some examples:

• Learning to tie their own shoes - get a fun colored pair of shoelaces

• Doing their homework - surprise them with their favorite dinner

• Putting away their toys - rent a movie from Red Box

• Waking up on time for school (perfect for those of you with kids who either don't like to get up or high school kids!) - make a cake and write awesome job for waking up!

• Spot your child reading - pick up a few new books

• Paint an awesome picture at preschool - frame it and put it up

Write a note, bake something, take them to a movie, rent a movie, post a picture, pick up a favorite candy bar, let them have a Sprite with dinner (this is a big deal at our house!!) do something!  

(ideas from live a fabuless life)

 

Last week was a tough week.  It was to be positive.

Chores not being done, kids fighting, not going to sleep at night until 10 pm, fighting...did I mention that.  I will continue to work on being positive with the kids.  When they did do good hi-fives were definitely given.  Something for me to think about more.  Kids can always use more praise and a positive atmosphere.

Mom Challenge: Week 4 ~ Stay Positive

Last weeks challenge to have realistic expectations went fairly well.  We have a new chore chart and I expect the kids to do them every day.  Sometimes they need help or need to be shown how to do it.  I can't expect my 4 year old to make her bed as well as my 6 year old.  When I say clean up that is so overwhelming for them as opposed to look at your chore chart, it is explained by a picture such as pick up your clothes. 

This week for week 4:

STAY POSITIVE!

Sometimes this is hard for me.  I get frustrated.  But, I think it is more than that.  When a child fails at something or it isn't their best, it is better to encourage than to tear down.

My 4 year old is really struggling with peeing in her pants.  Not because she isn't potty trained because she is, it is more of a power struggle or because she just doesn't want to.  This is going to be a very interesting week to see if I can

STAY POSITIVE.

I need to continue to encourage her to go potty.

Here is a list of 101 ways to praise a child.  Enjoy it!  Use them often!  Continue to build up your child.

 

 

Join The Mom Challenge

Lava Lamps

 I am really loving pinterest this summer. 

Today for an activity, we made lava lamps.

I got this idea from Come Together Kids.

Theirs looked way cooler than ours and turned out better but we still had fun doing it.

  

Add about 2/3 full with oil and then add water.  Wait for the bubbles to go away.

Katie's didn't work so well because we choose the wrong color.  You need a definite contrasting color.

very excited kids waiting to drop their alka-seltzer

Smile on his face=SUCCESS!
We had a great time doing this.
Each day of the week has a theme to it.  

Sunday=Church Day
Monday=Fun Day
Tuesday=Library Day
Wednesday=Park Day.  (It was Friend-day Wednesday but our friends all go to the park on Wednesday.)
Thursday=Food Day
Friday=Friend Day
Saturday=Family Day

BTW, we did go to the library today and Tyler got his own library card.  He was so excited.  We even bought him a lanyard to put his card on so he doesn't lose it.  (I need a picture of him with it)

We are really excited about our schedule.  I think it will be a lot of fun to be able to hang out with the kids this summer and enjoy every day we possibly can.


 

Mom Challenge Week 3: Set Realistic Expectations

Week 2: SLOW DOWN, went great! We had a fantastic vacation and it was nice to be able to spend time with Tyler and Katie. We went swimming, rode the 4 wheeler, ate snow cones, played games, slept, visited family. It was really nice to be in the hot, hot sun! It was fun to just relax and not have to be here or there.

Week 3 challenge is: set realistic expectations.
I wonder how often I truly set realistic expectations for my children.  ie, clean the basement.  That is a fairly overwhelming task for a child.  But, if it is pick up the dinosaurs and put them in the toy box is much simpler task and more realistic.  I am really going to work on this this week with T & K,

Mom Challenge: Week 2, SLOW DOWN

Week 1, Eat together as a family went great!  We almost always sit together and have dinner.  It is the only time we are all together and I love it.

Week 2 is SLOW DOWN!  We live in a very rushed society.  Everyone, including myself is always in a hurry to be here or there.  I always feel like there is something to do.  

This week, I have slowed down.  Granted we are on vacation at my parents house, we don't have anything pressing to do.  I have very much enjoyed this time with my kids.  We have been able to go swimming, play games together, sleep in :), and enjoy each other.  The kids even helped me make a cake for Ethan's 19th birthday.  Hopefully we will be able to spend more time with our cousins and maybe go 4 wheelin'.  Hopefully there will be pictures too.  I have not done good at documenting this trip to AZ.

The Mom Challenge

I have been feeling I need to communicate better with my children.  They are growing up so fast and I feel I am missing out on some things in my life because I put other things 1st.  I found this on pinterest (what would we do without pinterest).  I am committed to this challenge.  I know it won't be easy but things worth doing aren't always easy.  

The 1st weekly challenge is to:

Eat dinner with kids at least 3 times this week.

I know this will be easy for us because we eat dinner together every (almost) every night.  What I need to concentrate on more is talking with them.  Having them share what happened during the day.  Their happies and sads.  (I got that from 71 toes).

This challenge is found at:  liveafabulesslife.blogspot.com

I can't wait to see how our relationship grows.  I think this is going to be awesome!

I want to be a good mom!  That is my number 2 goal in life.  My number 1 goal in life is to be the best wife I possibly can and support my husband.  He takes really good care of us.  He is amazing!  I wish everyone could have what I have been so amazingly blessed with. 

 Brad is awesome!!!!

And realllllly goooood looooooking! :)

Big Day for Tyler

Today has been a big day for Tyler.

Not only was it his last day of school but also he learned something today.

This is Tyler's pizza party, his class and teacher.  He also made a great friend this year, Jacob.

But on to what he learned.....Yes, he finally learned how to ride his bike without training wheels.  He has been wanting to try for the longest time but with Brad in a boot for his Achilles and me in a brace for my ACL, we haven't been able to help him.  Occasionally we would take off one training wheel but he just didn't get it but today is the day.  Brad gave him a push and he has been riding ever since.  He doesn't need help to start, he can do it all on his own.

 

 

This has been a great day.  We are looking forward to the summer.  Sleeping in, playing at the park, swimming, feeding the ducks, reading books, exploring and getting into all kinds of mischief.  It is going to be great!

We hope everyone has a great safe and happy summer!!!

Air Force Academy Graduation

Today was the Air Force Academy graduation.  The Thunderbirds always do an air show after the ceremony to celebrate their accomplishments.

This was the stadium from where we were sitting. It was a busy place today.

Before the airshow got started the President decided to leave the graduation and post-pones the air show.  We all sat around wondering if it was going to happen or not.  Apparently this helicopter is the President's escort so we knew he was coming.

This is some photos from the motorcade.  I was a little behind on them because I was wrestling with kids.  The President is in one of those cars?

We decided to have a picnic for the airshow.  This is a horrible photo, it was taken with my cell phone.

On to the show!

This jet put on his brakes for the crowd.  It was really neat to see it slow down so much.  I could actually track it with my camera.

It is amazing to watch these pilots and the maneuvers they can do.

While I was tracking them, they flew directly over our head.  I actually rotated this photo 90 degrees because they were straight up.

We had a great time as a family.  Our neighbor, Brad, also came with us and he had fun too. It was a nice day.

This also helped me finish one of my 101 goals:  To have a family picnic.  Nice show, good food, great family.

Homemaking

I have been reading this book "A Joyful Mother of Children" by Linda J Eyre.  I think she knows her stuff.  She is the mother of 9 children.  Her and her husband are a great team together.

As I was reading this book, I came across a quote from CS Lewis. I love C.S. Lewis.  I have read several of his books and they always make me stop and think.  This is what she quoted:

I LOVE THIS QUOTE! 

I equate homemaking with motherhood.

"Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children."

I admit being a mother is not always something I wanted to do, but once I held those precious babies my heart swelled with love and joy and I knew that was my calling in life, but sometime I don't enjoy it, but I know how important it is.

I have been greatly struggling with my responsibility as a wife and mother and also as an individual.  I am trying to find balance and true joy. 

If there are any suggestions of what you do, please feel free to share them.  I am open to new ideas. 

I want to be a "Mother Who Knows".