Summer Days

This morning we got a break from the hot and humid weather. We went outside to eat our popcicles that we made from here and it was so breezy and nice. The kids were actually a bit cold from the wind and the popcicles. But, I told them to take it and enjoy since it won't be like this long.
*ps- to those who commented on how girly Mallory looked in the last post - this is her first thing in the morning with crazy hair and usually quite dirty. And, Gage's hair always looks like a child who had scissors taken to him when he wakes up. Don't worry, I chase him around the house with a spray bottle and brush and at least get the rooster tail down in the back!

The older boys went out to collect bugs in their newly made t-shirts. In the spring we made ones with the iron on crayons, but after a few washings, they faded which disappointed the boys. This time I had them draw with markers on a sheet of paper. I scanned them in to the computer and then printed them out on the iron on transfer paper from HP. Much brighter and they love them. Plus, I don't think they will take a hit in the wash like the others did.

Pudding Pops

We attempted to make our own pudding pops today and lemon was first up. The boys want chocolate next because they weren't too impressed with the lemon. Mallory on the other hand, doesn't care what the flavor is. She just wants to eat it and even the stick. She screamed like a maniac when I tried to take the stick away even after the pop was gone. That's a girl for you or is that just a Mallory for you? I am sure I will find out in time.

Summertime

Going, Going, Gone

Let me preface this by saying this isn't my proudest moment, but one I want to remember (and learn from).

Last week I got quite frustrated with Gage. It was late at night, he shouldn't have been awake, but he just wouldn't go to sleep. Zane was at Scout Camp for the week and I had just had it. I said something to him which I am sure was not in a nice tone and he just stood there and stared at me. Then, he started to cry. He looked up at me and said crying, "you made my heart go away." Can you say crushed? And, I am not talking about my son, but me. I was so sad and I couldn't believe I was the source of not only a broken heart, but one that had completely left his body. It really was so sad to see. But, we hugged and made up and I had since forgotten that cute, but sad phrase until yesterday. Gage came in crying after playing outside with the boys. He was dripping wet and crying. Trying to catch his breath he said, "Trevor made my heart go away." I guess we all have the ability to do it to him and I felt bad again for this little guy because he was again so distraught. What amazes me the most is ability to go from such a feisty, energetic and slightly crazy guy to a tender hearted, sweet little boy who can easily get crushed. I guess the benefit of his wonderful personality is that he is as sensitive as he is outrageous. When it comes down to it, I will take the whole package and I will work really hard at not making his heart go away.

Finger Knitting

One day a friend came over finger knitting and I asked him how to do it. I liked it so much I made 4 that same day. And my friend conected his all togther and if u've been to are house it went from the fireplace to the top of the stairs! Then I taght boston then my mom! Want to learn? Click Here.

I Got My Apron

My apron from the Sassy Apron Swap arrived last week and I was so excited. I love getting packages anyway, but this one was especially fun because it was a surprise. You don't know who your partner is (or at least, who has your name) or where they are from. The woman that I got my lovely apron from is from South Carolina and her name is Jennifer. She made the prettiest reversible half apron with colors that I just love. She embroidered my name on one of the sides and told me that even though it's a half apron, she wears hers like a baby doll dress at the top so that she can keep more of herself clean. I love it like that as well as around the waist. What a cleaver idea. She sent a hand towel with it that she embroidered a flower on as well. What an amazing seamstress and person. Love it!

Something Exciting Planned

So, Trevor asked if we had anything exciting planned for today. I said, "No, unless you plan it." Well, it looks like he did, but he will never admit it. We were outside filling up the blow up pool just before heading to Costco when I realized that someone shut the door (it was Trevor) and the handle was locked from the inside. At first, I said, "who locked the door?" Trevor said that he shut it, but didn't lock it. I realized that I must have done it the night before. Then, as I went through the thought process of how the heck we were going to get in, I realized there was no other way. We hadn't opened the front door yet (it was about 10:30 am) and it had a dead bolt and a child lock. I hadn't opened the door out to the garage yet and it had a dead bolt and the knob was locked as well. Okay, I started to go around checking all the windows. Nope - they were all locked up. We were sure safe last night and I didn't even realize it. Okay, on the plus side, everyone was dressed (except for me) and fed so we could last a little while. I was determined to find a way in and not bother any neighbors and not let this turn in to a "thing." Well, 3 hours later - okay, let me back up....after carrying my kids around with me to 3 houses, we finally found our backyard neighbor home. She let us borrow her phone. Zane's cell was dead and he wasn't really available to come help anyway, but I still wanted to call him to complain. That was a no go. My mother in law was at work about 1/2 hour away and she really isn't supposed to leave because she is a house sitter in a model home. I did call her just to see if there was even a slight chance that she could save us. After thinking of a plan, she managed to get out of there and come to us. But, once she arrived, she realized she didn't have our key on her key chain anymore. I sent the older boys with her to look at her house for the key and just prayed the whole time that they would find it. About an hour later (it was probably just 45 minutes, but in this case I get to round up), they came back with the key. We were saved and I was so grateful to be back in this messy house. It was 1:30 so Gage needed food and Mallory was sooooo ready for her nap. While outside, the boys filled up the pool, they swam in their clothes, we played baseball, we swung in the hammock, on the swings, and dodged cicadas. We did just about everything we could possible do and even checked all the raspberry bushes for fruit with no luck. All in all, I guess someone had something exciting planned for the day, it just wasn't me.

Break Out the Blow Up Pools, Summer Is Here!

You know how it is in Kentucky...not too many privileged with in-ground pool access. So, we love our blow up pools. Since ours still needs a good scrub down, Boston had an all day pool party at Tanner's house and they both were so sunburned that night. I guess we needed to reapply more often. Zane will tell you it's because I am from California and think we all just need 15 to get a good tan, but really it's not. I do care about my kid's skin. Of course, I probably won't ever put anything over 15 on myself, but that's my problem. We have a lot of going no where planned for this summer (I guess it's more like unplanned), so we will be living in the backyard, at the neighbor's house, and around town. Anywhere that doesn't break the bank. So, blow up pools, here we come!

Framing It Up

Zane's company is building their first house. It's in Middletown and I would recommend it to anyone for purchase except for the fact that I don't want anyone moving out of our ward, so sorry. But, if you have any relatives or friends who I won't want to become friends with and might be moving in to the area, then it's a great house. Zane and his cohorts (Abe and Abe's brother, Dan) have been framing for about a week and it was so cool to see their progress yesterday. The lot that they are building on has room for two other houses, which are to come. Gage loved visiting dad and wanted to stay. Mallory wanted to walk everywhere, but with nails and red clay dirt, not the best for her.

A Pair of Pokemon

Yes, Pokemon is still loved here in the Underwood home. Something that I thought was just a phase back in 2003 with Trevor has remained strong in the hearts of my little guys. There was much resistance at first by me, but then as other things came (Yu Gi Oh!, etc.), I realized that Pokemon wasn't so bad after all. I found some Pikachu fabric on ebay and finished up their pj bottoms last night and they took them for a spin (swinging to be exact). Looks like they passed the test. Phew!