Can A Year Really Go This Fast?

I never thought Mallory would be a year old, but she made it and so did we. Even though it sped by a lot has changed in a year - mostly my thoughts on girls:

1. Girls have accessories - whether it be barrettes, head bands, or just ruffles on their jeans. I didn't realize this was another world and that I would give in to it.

2. Mallie looks like a girl now, but for the first few weeks of her life, I thought I still had a boy. She looked like all three of the boys when they were newborns and besides the evidence in the diaper change, I still wasn't quite sure this was a girl.

3. I can't tell if it's because she is the baby of the family or because she is a girl, but she loves to be held and talked to ALL the time. Okay, that's not too hard for me to do - talk - but I run out of things to say to a baby who doesn't talk back.

4. I love a girl more than I thought I would. I didn't think that I wouldn't love her, only that it might take more effor than it has. I do love her not any more than the boys, but I am grateful for the chance to love a girl.

I'm Done...I think

If you have ever been to my house, I change the decorations and posistioning of my furniture about once a month, if not more often. I figure that if I can't remodel, I might as well change things up. Not that I really want to remodel, but I always have these fantastic ideas in my head that I can't quite fulfill because of time (maybe money as well). Well, I guess my blog is another place that I find that I can be creative and change up. I am leaving this header and not changing it unitl at least after Valentines Day - (notice the Valentines theme). So, don't get confused thinking you've come to wrong blog - it's the Underwoods, only different!

Tonight's Lesson

As a follow up to my last entry...right before bed we had a little lesson with the boys. Zane took a hanger that we keep in their closet (for situations like that of the other night) and bent it straight and demonstrated how they could stick it in the hole of the doorknob and "pop" the lock. This will do until the lock is swtiched. For the boys - lesson learned. Plus, Boston prayed in family prayer that he would be helped in using a walkie talkie if he ever got locked in again. Too bad we don't have walkie talkies!

How My Boys Bond - Chapter 1

Last night Trevor decided to sleep in the room with Boston and Gage. Gage continually came out and when he didn't come out to our room, he locked the door of the room which would lock them in since the lock was reversed - that was a result of Boston's terrible two's that had never been changed back! I finally went in there one last time (of course, it's always one last time) and told Gage not to come and out to stop locking the door. It was getting really late and they needed to be asleep. I went to my room thinking all was well because I didn't hear from them. Zane finally checked on them about 9:45 and thought they were all asleep. Suddenly, he heard a little whimper.."we're just babies...we're just babies...Trevor locked us in and me and Boston and Trevor are just babies....I have to wait until the sun comes up...I want the sun to come up so I can get out..." It was Gage! He wasn't alseep. He was whimpering in his covers because Trevor had locked them all in so that they wouldn't come out and bother us anymore. Gage told us his version and I felt bad that we hadn't checked on them earlier and hadn't unlocked the door before they all fell asleep. Well.. I thought that it was sad, but didn't know the real story until the boys got up for school this morning...

I told the boys what Gage was saying and Boston said, "yeah, we were locked in and when you are locked in and have to go to the bathroom, you just have to go out the window." I thought, "what?" They had just gone to the bathroom right before bed and I knew they didn't have to go. I asked him what he was talking about and he and Trevor told me that when they realized they were locked in they were a bit scared. Trevor had them all say a prayer that we would come and unlock it soon. Then, they all went and sat in the closet for a bit (I'm not sure what that would accomplish) and then Gage and Boston peed out the window. Trevor said, "don't worry mom, we lifted the window high enough and there was plenty of room." Boston said, "yeah, I didn't even hit the bushes, only the dirt." So, it was basically like a 20 minute game of Survivor - less the wilderness, lack of food and water, and competition. As crazy as it sounds, I think they bonded. In Trevor's defense - he realized what he had done right after he locked it and knew he couldn't fix it until we came to get them out. He told me he calmed them all down and got them all to sleep - most of them anyway.

I think Gage was a little scarred from the experience because at 4 am he ran in to my room and said, "mom, guess what?" As I said, "what," he yelled, "never mind," and ran away. That is his newest thing, but at 4 am? What was he thinking and why was he up. He must have been tossing and turning because of his WILD experience perhaps? Who knows. But, if this is what it takes for my boys to work together then just maybe...Actually, Zane is reversing the lock back to it's original state today!

Aren't These So Cool?

The answer is YES. My friend, Melissa, made these for me for my bday and I am so grateful for her creativity. Now, I just might look fashionable while I am trying to figure out how to use this new camera I got for Christmas. Just might. She made the pincushion by looking at another one that was made for her. Now that's the kind of brain I want.

All She Wants To Do Is Stand

Mallory is not happy laying about anymore. Of course, she is nearly one and shouldn't be happy laying about. But, she still army crawls, so I know she is not on the fast track to walking. But, as of the last few days all she wants to do is stand. It's that kind of standing where she thinks she is stronger or steadier than she is because she keeps falling down and along the way bumps her chin on what she was holding on to. I can't stop her, so just cross your fingers that she gets steadier.

Old Navy Sale

It's that time when Old Navy has everything 50% off the clearance price! I stumbled on it on Saturday night and the cashier said it was ending Sunday. But, I went in today for a return and it was still going on and so I asked. The cashier said they got an email that extended it until this Thursday. It was awesome. The most I paid for anthing was $5 and I got socks for .24 cents. They had winter coats for $10 for kids. Well worth your time!

4 Years Later

Can a project this small take 4 years? It can for me. I cut these out of felt and sewed these 4 years ago planning on decorating T's room with them. I think they look better in his new room anyhow. It's sports themed with vintage sports posters and these colors. So, all's well that ends well.

Me and Richard Simmons

I have decided I need music. I think that I forgot that I even like music because I forget to turn it on. But, when I do, I am like a whole different person. I don't have an IPod, which I know...makes me so LAME. But, eventually I will. I have decided that I am going to turn on my favorite music around 3 or 4 or maybe even 5pm (you know - that hard time of the day when kids are tired, you are tired, and you aren't sure when you husband might walk through the door for some relief) and just dance. I might even look like Richard Simmons with his "Dancing to the Oldies" because I plan on getting in shape this way. What could be better - music and the benefit of exercise to go with it. Try it! It really works for the spirit and the shape. It might even make you feel like you are a real person who has an opinion and who was maybe even cool in the day (and secretly thinks they might be now). I even have it playing now and I just might be COOL.

Sassy Apron Swap

I am excited about this swap I just entered. I am a bit scared because I just made my first aprons this Christmas, but I am hooked on aprons and this was just too much fun to pass up. Plus, I could sew a few between now and March to make sure at least one turns out cute! Check it out - sassyapronswap.blogspot.com

Coupons Anyone?

This is a bit silly, but I got 6 extra Michaels ads in my paper on Sunday and there is a 50% off coupon in each for one item good until this Sat. If you want one, come and get one.

But I'm a Boy Mom...

When I was pregnant with Mallory I promised I would never give in the girly stuff. I wanted to be a boy mom and was proud of it. Well, as of about a few weeks after her birth, I caved. And, it has been well worth every minute. If girls are going to give us harder times with hormones and such, then why not enjoy the things we do have control of - hair bows, hats, outfits, and decorating their rooms. At least we have control until they start talking! I also promised that I wouldn't paint her room pink and I didn't, but I do dress her in pink almost everyday. Well, here are a few photos of her room and I will admit I probably went a bit overboard for a baby who doesn't even know much of what is in her room. But, like I said before, do it while you still can.

Christmas Highlights

What a wonderful Christmas! I think I can honestly say THE BEST ONE so far. It was hectic leading up to it and on Christmas Eve I thought my head was going to explode, but as the evening came and we enjoyed a wonderful dinner at our friend's house, it all came together. The kids didn't wake up until 8 am and we didn't go out until 8:30 am. The boys all slept on our floor since they would have to pass by the family room to get us and see everything if they slept in their room. Santa brought each of the kids three gift including a Creepy Crawler Oven, Star Wars Legos, sippy cups, and dinosaur puzzles. The grandparents in Cali sent funny hats from Alice in Wonderland and Dr. Suess along with the DVDs to go with them. We adopted at least five new WebKinz and I am sure there are more adoptions in our future. And, yesterday we came back from Cincinnati where we stayed with cousins karaoking to High School Musical 1 & 2 and jumping on their new jumping pit in the basement. I loved singing the duets (I was always Ryan) with my sister in law (she was Sharpay)! Well, 10 pounds later...it has been a nice Christmas Season and I feel ready to move on. I am usually sad to move, but this year I am ready. In fact, today I started my New Year's Resolution a little early and jumped on the elliptical and plan on continuing way in to the new year. Something had to been done because we just had too much great food to eat for the last 2 weeks. I am not complaining, just reporting. So, Happy New Year to all and to all a good night.

Happy Birthday Zane

Actually, Zane's birthday was yesterday, but I did want to mention it. See, I didn't write about it yesterday because Christmas Eve is always a BUSY day and a bit hard to celebrate a birthday. It was crazy busy yesterday. Let's just say Zane isn't exactly the easiest person to throw a party for because he just doesn't care about it. Well, the girl in me cares about it a lot and every year we try so hard to make it a special day. He is well worth the stress (mental usually!) and effort. He is the big 34 and well, I can't tease him about it because I follow and become the same age 6 days later. When I talked to him at work when we first met (12years ago), I told him that I didn't want to date anyone younger than me. He then asked how old I was and I said, "21." He asked me when my birthday was and I said, "December 30th." He said, "Good, I am six days older," and then walked away. A few weeks later we were dating and needless to say we were engaged about 4 weeks later. So, 12 years later...I still love him and am lucky to celebrate with him and our four kids. Happy Birthday Zane (yesterday)!

Sharing

Most of you know that Gage, my 3 year old, has juvenile diabetes. Well, yesterday I was going to test his blood sugar and he turned to dad and said all proud, "I get to get tested because I have diabetes." I told him that it wasn't fair and I wish that I had diabetes too. He turned to me and said, "It's okay mom.... maybe you can have diabetes next time." I thought he was so sweet and innocent. He was willing to share, but for now, it was his turn to have it. Well, I am not sure how long this great attitude toward testing and shots and forced feedings (running around after him with a pb&j sandwich) will last, but for now it is for the most part a sweet experience as far as trials go. He is a sweet guy who when he is refused an opportunity to eat a piece of candy that he asks for says, "Ohhhhhh man," just like Swiper the Fox instead of screaming and yelling. Of course that's not every time, but most of the time and I like to remember it that way. Well in this season of candy and good food, I wish all those with diabetes or any type of health issue a blessing of extra health and happiness!

Embroidery Patterns

These are the two embroideries we did for an Enrichment Activity two weeks ago. If you want them they are yours to create with. They just use a backstitch for all stitches except a french knot for the berries. Really easy - I promise. If I can figure it out, you can too! Merry Christmas~

New Header

Just so you don't think I think that this header is working with the page, I don't. I know it doesn't fit, but it is currently under construction and it might be awhile - you know with the holidays and all. So, someday it will fit in the box and until that day, enjoy the pepto background and wrong fit at the top. THE END!

Christmas Memories

HaTs!

I just read my mom's site and saw that she posted the photos of Mallory and all the hats she made her during her trip out here to Kentucky. It was fun when she would finish one and we couldn't wait to try it on Mallory. They turned out really cute and I think my mom should go into business. She was getting them done so quickly. It made me want to run out and get more yarn to get more hats. That is one talent I wish I had - knitting/crocheting. I took a knitting class once and let's just say I did not pass with flying colors. And, now I am afraid to try again because what if it wasn't just a fluke (bad teacher) that I didn't catch on. What if I really can't figure out how to knit? So, I am leaving it to the future of one day I will accomplish that skill and become quite good!

dEaR SaNTa...

I love letter writing to Santa and the magic of it all! Tonight Boston and Trevor wrote letters to Santa along with including an additional list of wants and desires. Boston had me help him and he asked Santa if he would still get gifts even if Santa saw him in the night if he gets up to go to the bathroom. I guess we've been telling Boston that Santa won't leave anything if you stay up and wait to see him. Trevor's letter just included a short note that said, "Please refer to my Christmas List for the three gifts mom and dad said I would be getting from you!" Then, the two of them put on their heavy winter coats over their p.j.s, put on their shoes and ran in the dark to the mail box to put the letters in. I hope Santa gets those letters quick enough to respond! I remember one year getting a letter from Santa when I was about five years old that told me that I needed to be nice to my brother Brett if I wanted to get gifts that year. I guess I needed to be a nicer sister. Hopefully, over the years I have changed and now Brett can say that I have been nice to him! If I am lucky then Santa will leave a great gift for me this year!