Snow White

We cycle through books in our house. Sometimes we read it for a day and move on or we read it for weeks on end multiple times through out the day. Mason brought me Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs the other day and it quickly became a favorite. He likes looking at the names of the seven dwarfs and sounds out who is who along with reading it multiple times. I like Snow White, but I was so tired of reading it, that I looked to see if we had it on dvd. I was sad when I came up empty handed. While we were visiting Uncle Tom's this past weekend, we learned that he had Snow White on VHS. My kids didn't have a clue what that meant, we do not have a VCR at our house anymore. He put the VHS tape in and told them they had to wait while it rewound to the beginning. He was met with blank stares, they had no idea what that meant. Also, in the middle of the movie Mason asked to pause it so he could go to the bathroom. Uncle Tom grabbed the remote and was looking around on it and then finally hit stop for Mason to go. Again, they looked at him with an intent look wondering why it wasn't still showing on the TV when he stopped. All foreign concepts to my children, which amazes me.

Lastly, when we got back home Mason came up and kissed me on the lips and then asked if his face turned red. I looked at him confused and then he explained to me that in Snow White, when she kisses one of the dwarfs he turns all red and he was curious if he turned red like that after he kissed me. Adorable!

Love to Color

It isn't that uncommon to find our kids coloring in a coloring book or coloring/drawing pictures. While we were visiting family and they were having a family get together my kids were being quiet in the basement. I went to check on them to find them coloring. They were being sweet and drawing pictures. Mason informed me that he was drawing a picture of "God's rainbow." I can't help but smile and think, wow Rob and I must be doing something right until 10 min later. Mason came upstairs and joined back in the party scene. I can't help but ask to see his drawing of God's Rainbow only to find out "Mom, it isn't God's Rainbow anymore, I changed it to a fart machine."

Uncle Tom

My kids loved Uncle Tom before this weekend, but Uncle Tom just got a new air hockey table. I think it moved him up even further on their list if that could even be possible??? Ellery loves Aunt Warie as well! Aunt Laurie would then call herself Warie and Ellery would try to correct her to Laurie, but it still came out Warie.

Baby Seth

We headed up to Sioux Falls for some family fun for the weekend. Rob has to work Memorial Day, but we still went up to celebrate Baby Seth's 1st birthday for the regular weekend. I am not sure Seth knew what to do with dancing, jumping, moving, and talking kids. Ellery wanted to hold and pet him of course while Mason liked to get in his face and talk to him. Bryson wasn't so sure of Seth because he wanted the same toys as him. It is sad that Baby Seth isn't a baby anymore, but I think that is how our house will refer to him until another baby comes along. Cute, would be the word to sum it all up!

I also will now have to deal with a caffeine withdraw problem. We either went to Coffea or someone brought me Coffea once and sometimes twice a day. What a treat!!! I would have to be put on a budget if we lived closer. Something about Latte Art just makes me smile!

Bryson 10 Months

I think I say this every month, but boy how time flies! The little man in 10 months old. He is a happy smiley baby. If I could get paid money for every time someone tells me how smiley and happy he is I could have a nice day at the spa for free. He is officially on the move with "real" crawling. He still will army scoot or inch worm crawl if he gets really excited over something, but for the most part he is crawling the traditional way. He is also pulling up on everything and starting to cruise the hearth and couches. We did find him with one knee on the stairs the other day. The baby gates are coming out. He still eats everything we put in front of him. He loves feeding himself, but only if it is a dry food. He will gag himself if give him chunks of carrots, mango, cantaloupe, avocado, etc, but if you mush it up and feed it to him he eats it all up. He is taking two naps a day, although trying to fit his schedule around the other two is sometimes trying and it isn't uncommon to have to wake him up from a nap because we have to be some place. He goes to bed at 7-8pm and sleeps until 7am usually without a peep from him all night. He is the first kid that we have given bottles to. I used up all of my frozen supply of breast milk and now switched him over to soy formula. I only breast feed him first thing in the morning. He isn't saying mama yet, but he sounds like he is clearing his throat every time he sees the cat. He talks more to the cat than to anyone else, he also likes to chase her. We are loving him and he is loving life with us!

Super Heros

Our neighbor was getting rid of some old super hero costumes and thought of us. The Superman costume has biceps you velcro on and as you pump your muscles up and down they bulge. Who wouldn't love that?

Rain Boots

I should have had sucker written on my head as I walked through Target the other day. The kids spotted these rain boots and went into operation manipulate mommy mode.

We were walking by the shoes and on an end cap were these irresistible rain boots. Mason's I can justify because they will be handed down to Bryson, but I am still working on an excuse why I came out of the store with pink Hello Kitty ones. We have had lots of rain here so they have been oh so fitting for the weather. The kids have already put a few miles on them.

A Great Blast From My Past

Rob answered the phone and I was outside working in the yard and he brought the phone to me. I gave him my usual look of "really, you can't take a message for me?" He looked at me and said I know you are busy, but you really want to take this call. He was correct, I was excited as can be to hear my old nursing professor Debbie K on the phone. It was just what I needed. She has always been very inspirational and motivating to me and I needed a large dose of it. I quickly got us a sitter so we could go enjoy a nice adult dinner, but not before she came and met my family.

A New Cook In the House

We have a new cook in the house. The poor little man has a few tiny bruises on his forehead from pulling up and falling down. It is hard to tell if he hurts himself because he doesn't usually cry. Even if he does cry it isn't for long, because he wants to be a part of things and keep playing. He is happy as can be moving around the house.

Last Day of Pre-K

I forgot to take a picture of the kids on the actual last day of school, but took it today! I can't believe Mason will go to kindergarten next year and Ellery will start preschool.

Oh my, how much they change in a short school year!

Ellery Baton Twirling Recital

Ellery had her first baton twirling recital and she performed without any issues.

Ellery had her first experience with lipstick, hairspray, and a curling iron.

Showing the excitement for the big moment.

Made friends quickly.

The proud spectators.

The very proud parents!

Papaw Show and Tell

While Papaw was here we had Mason's Pre-K graduation party at our house. We had 18 pre-K kids running all around while all the parents watched from afar. I think it wore Papaw out just watching the chaos. He waited until the party was over to take off his legs. We still had 4 party friends that were intrigued to watch him take off his legs. My dad was sweet and asked me if it was ok to show these kids his legs. All the moms and myself included kept telling him that it was and is a great teaching/learning experience for the kids. I should have had Mason take Papaw to school for show and tell!

Pre-K Graduation

Our Graduate

Mason's school does a pre-K graduation ceremony. They put the kids in caps and gowns, they walk in to the pomp and circumstance song, they sang us a few songs, called each child forward to receive their diploma, and let the parents/family oogle and google over them at the end. I think Mason enjoyed the moment, but enjoyed that he got cupcakes after the ceremony even more.
Wish us luck, we are having the pre-k after graduation party at our house.

Graduation Hats

Grandma Debbie had a great idea to make edible graduation hats for our Pre-K graduation party tomorrow! We had to improvise our hats to make them peanut free, a little reece's would have been perfect for the base, but we found chocolate covered marshmallow cookies to use instead. I think they turned out adorable!

Real Crawling

Although I had to make him cry to do it for the camera, Bryson is crawling. He is pulling up and moving all around. He is also showing a strong preference towards balls.

Shellac

While I was back in KC, Kim and I took a moment to pamper ourselves. I needed to get a mani/pedi for the wedding. I decided to go ahead and get Shellaced! They advertise that it lasts for 2 weeks and this is day 5 and we are looking good! I am their newest fan!

Picture This One

Thank goodness I don't have a picture to share of this moment!

I have been carpooling with one of Mason's pre-K friends and today J was having troubles getting himself buckled into his seat. He would pull the seat belt out too far and then the auto lock would kick in and then he would either be stuck in his seat without actually buckling the seat belt. After he did this a few times I decided to quit talking him through how to fix it and fix it myself. I opened the back hatch so I could reach him easier rather than climbing into the back of the car. I had bought two huge bags of potting soil that I had stuffed in the back. Forgetting that if I opened it, it would probably shift and fall. I quickly closed the back hatch before it fell out and decided to crawl into the car. I was unaware that is closed back down, but didn't latch. We finally got everyone situated and safely buckled in and off we went. At the stop sign I looked into my mirror to say something to the kids and I noticed the back hatch is completely opened. I go back to close it and notice I am missing one bag of potting soil. I look back into the parking lot I left behind and see a lone bag in the middle of the parking lot. Thank goodness the lot is empty and everyone else is long gone and unable to witness my driving out of the parking lot with the hatch open dropping bags of potting soil.

Invasion of the Chaplin's

While we were in KC, we stayed with my friend Kim. It was nice being able to catch up with her in my few free wedding moments, and the kids had a great time. She was gracious enough to take on our 3 children so Rob could attend all the wedding festives with me! I owe her big time now. I finally agreed to stay with her if she agreed on bringing in some help. I did my part in staying, but she didn't bring in help! Ben and Kim deserve big gold stars for helping us out!

Other than another front tooth hitting accident that happened right in front of me again, the weekend went off without a hitch. I will have to elaborate more on the tooth later, but Mason is more than likely going to lose a top front tooth before the front bottoms. I better get busy making or finding him a tooth fairy pillow!
Check out her blog post to read more fun details! http://alittlebitofthisthat.blogspot.com/2011/05/scenes-from-weekend_15.html

Happy Anniversary KP

Kristin finally went down "the Red Carpet" aka the aisle!

I know the bride didn't find all of this funny, but I hope in the years to come it will give her a good chuckle, because all the seasoned people found it hysterical. The Pastor was having a really bad day. In the ceremony he kept pronouncing Kristin's name Kersten. I even corrected him because he kept doing it. Not funny at that moment, but funny now. The knee slapper was when he introduced the couple as Mr. and Mrs. McKlusky instead of McClasky! I am not sure they will ever live that one down!

Mr. and Mrs. McClasky with Mr. and Mrs. Chaplin

It was a beautiful ceremony and wonderful day. I had freighted over giving my Matron of Honor speech and kept telling myself no one really remembers the speech. Rob said I did great and after the nervousness wore off, I was on a roll, I think the two drinks Rob made me drink before the speech really helped me out! It was fun saying I have had a friend for over 20 years, yes it dated me, but what an achievement!

I have to say Rob and I did write a good toast:

Please Raise your glass to Mr. and Mrs. McClasky

Here's to your new beginning, your happiness today, your dreams for tomorrow, and the love that has made it all possible! Cheers!

The Rehersal

My old friend Kristin is getting married and we had the rehearsal dinner tonight! It was a fabulous celebration over some great BBQ. Not as good as 4-Legs Up BBQ, but good. It was great seeing her family and friends and catching up. It was also nice of my friend Kim to watch our children so Rob could join me for the evening fun. I am excited to be a part of KP's big day tomorrow! What an honor it will be to be her Matron of Honor!

Reading Now

I know Mason is ready for kindergarten, but I don't think I am ready for him to go. I know if we wait he will be bored in school, and everyone tells me that isn't good. He has been reading for about a bit now. He lacks confidence in his reading, but can do it. He is timid and doesn't want to get it wrong. We encourage him to stretch the word out like bubble gum and away he goes! Ah, we are proud parents!

Fat Guy in A Little Coat

Sometimes when I turn my back I get a good chuckle while other times are more trying. Today's happen to give me a chuckle. Ellery squeezed herself into Bryon's jacket. If only she would have laughed when I started singing the Tommy Boy song fat guy in a little coat. Oh, I hate that movie, but that scene makes me laugh every time. She also squeezed her arm into an empty toilet paper holder.

The Marker Did It

I am thinking about returning these markers. Apparently they can fall off the table and color on a foot before hitting the floor. According to Mason that is!

Potty Words Extended

Oh my, the potty words have evolved into "bad" words. Mason had a play date with my good friend Anne and her son Sam. Mason and Sam were playing and Mason repeatedly kept saying "Damn It". According to Anne, Sam kept telling Mason that it was a bad word and to stop saying it, but Mason kept saying it over and over. Anne finally intervened and told Mason that we don't use that word, and he listened and stopped saying it. I have never heard him use that word at home. Isn't it funny he decided to try a new word out, and I am not around to use my great parenting skills. Anne got to use hers. After Anne filled me in on the events and we went home Mason and I had a talk about saying that word. I originally called it a potty word and explained it is a word we don't use. Mason told me he understood and apologized for using it, and then immediately asked since it was a potty word if he could still use it in the bathroom. I then had to explain that it wasn't a word we used ever and not even in the bathroom. Our potty words are still used only in the bathroom, but we now have bad words we don't use ever.

Fast forward a few days later when Mason looks at me straight faced and asked if he could use the word "crap". "Mom is crap a potty word?" We then had to add another word to our bad word list we don't ever say.

Happy Mothers Day

We didn't do anything outrageous for Mother's Day. We celebrated low key with the family and I always joke with Rob saying I either want us all together as a family or I want a day at the spa. I think I might have to try the spa day sometime within the next few years! Rob did cook me a fabulous steak dinner. He also cooked us some asparagus and even cut a few from our garden. Ooo la la!

We did celebrate the day with some good ol fashion dancing. I think I have let my kids watch too much of SYTYCD. The reason is that Mason told me that boys dance without their shirts, he said he sees it all the time on TV.

So off came the shirts and we danced. Well, we kept our shirts on while the kids took theirs off.

We then ended up doing some acrobats and dress up to end our celebration.

Super Hero Time Out

Mason and Ellery put these guys in time out for biting and hitting. Robin got pulled into doing bad things with the wrong group of people.

I was also informed by Mason that I can get rid of hit Batman toys. He said he is done playing with them and only wants legos now. Yet, I still find him playing with them.

He has a few friends who are really into Star Wars, and I think he wants to be into Star Wars with them, but doesn't really understand what it is yet. He SW friends aren't fans of Batman.

Ellery Bunny

For some crazy reason Ellery has been wearing the bunny hat she made. We aren't talking just around the house, we wear it out in public. She refused to wear it after it was made, but now we are into wearing it all day long. We had to even wear it on our errands today. She also is starting to say she is "Bunny" and won't answer you until you call her the correct name.

Mother's Day Tea

Mason's school had a Mother's Day Tea we all attended. I normally don't eat the cookies, but for some reason felt compelled to try one this time. I tasted a distinct taste of almond. More than likely it was almond flavoring, but I decided to play it safe and not let Mason eat the cookie. After a few tears, he finally decided upon a muffin that was offered from his teacher.

It was a sweet little tea, Mason serenaded us and he actually sang. He also served me my tea and cookie, maybe that is why I felt the need to eat it? He also gave me a plant with a covering he made for me. It said "I love my mom because she reads me books before I go to bed at night!" He also signed in and colored a picture of us on a walk holding hands. The space that he drew the picture had some pre drawn hearts around it and he pointed out that he colored the hearts green for me, because he knows that is my favorite color.

Mason the Photographer

We let Mason take a picture of us. Funny how he doesn't know what the camera view finder is. He just points it and looks at the screen. Even looking at the screen he had a hard time centering us on the camera. He was able to center me for the most part, but having Rob on my side threw him off.

Bryson 9 Months Check Up

Weight: 18lbs 11oz (18%)

Height: 28.25 (45%)

Head Circumference: 45.5 (53%)

I need to pull out Mason's stats and do a baby compare. I know you aren't supposed to, but I just can't help it!

Everything checked out fine at the 9 month check-up. We won't do any more allergy testing until the 1 year check up.

Tickle Tickle

I think I would be fascinated to get inside of Ellery's mind and see how she sees things and why. We had yet another naked ahha moment.

I found her running around the house nude and stopping every once in awhile and looking up to the ceiling. I finally watched her a little closer and realized she was tickling her fancy with her hair. We can use the statement whatever tickles your fancy and know what she would use to do it!

Hudson

This post is for my dear husband and his crazy love for the dog. Hudson is still a part of our family. Every since Rob read and trained Hudson from the Dog Whisper books he is tolerable. The kids love him and even Bryson is forming a bond with him. Rob has mentioned that Hudson needs a buddy, meaning another dog, but I don't think that is a good idea. Aunt Laurie had that same idea, and Uncle Tom caved and they now have two dogs. I am scared Rob might be getting new ideas, but I think showing some extra love towards Hudson might buy me some more time!

Baton Twirling Costume

Ellery has her first baton twirling recital coming up. We got her costume and tried it on and she was happy as can be prancing around the house. She even went for her baton and started practicing her knee pops and other tricks she has learned. A big thanks to Nana for getting Ellery her first baton.

Pulling Up on toys

This one is a moving and a shaking. The baby gates are coming out to try to contain him. He moved so much while I was in Chicago that he ate some silly bands. You might ask how I knew this. I had a surprise while changing his diaper the Monday after my trip. I was changing the little mans diaper and noticed something sticking out of his waste. I look closer and see that it is a silly band. ewwwww I of course called for Rob. He refused to look at it so he could use his favorite response of I can't prove it. The laws of digestion lean towards that ingestion occurred on Rob's watch. The lesson learned is that I will have to start watching this one closer as we have many more threats around with two older siblings!

Golf Pros

Rob's golf clubs were stolen a few years ago and he has slowly been replacing them, but I guess it takes time to find the "right" club. Rob went to a golf club outing and came home with a new club for himself along with a set of clubs for Mason. Oh, Mason was thrilled to see a "real" set of clubs just his size. It was no surprise to us on his great hand eye coordination.