Signs of Spring

A little hunting, a little hiding, a little decorating, a ton of eating...

That wraps up our Easter weekend. We always dye eggs the Saturday night before. This time we invited Maresa Gabay to come and dye them with us and since we added a few more to the party, we threw in a an egg hunt as well that night. We had this egg dying kit that made the eggs all swirly. I had a hard time wanting to eat them later because they were so pretty. I did get over that, eventually. Later Sue and I filled the plastic eggs with money, candy, and hid a few Rice Krispie treats as well. Of course, I didn't buy any sugar free candy for Gage, but Sue and Maresa came with plastic eggs full of some just for Gage that we marked with a big G. Thanks friends! Gage thought this was the best thing ever - the hunt, not necessarily the sugar free candy. Mallory found a few as well, while Trevor, Boston, and Maresa thought this was a timed event. They won the race if that's what it was. It was fun to watch.








The next morning on Easter, the bunny had hid the baskets well. Boston helped everyone find their own before he was able to find his. Mallory was the one who actually crawled in the coat closet and found Boston's (with a little help from Zane). The bunny brought a lot clay and crafts in the baskets. He must be trying to spark some imagination in the kids and help them make some decisions sometimes that don't include video games. Thanks Easter Bunny - quack quack (old commercial).





Sunday was very nice at church and we came home and had a great dinner with Betty. It included the traditional meal of flank steak and hot dogs - acutally a new tradition just started this year. We didn't have a dessert planned, so Zane and I quickly made some cream puffs which were gobbled down in like 2 seconds. I ate most of them - did I mention I was on South Beach? Ha - not on Easter weekend I'm not.

Now the baskets have been put away, the grass cleaned up and most of the hard boiled eggs eaten. Now all we need is for spring to show itself a little more. Bring on the sun!

Gage Said...

Today Gage told me to "just be quiet." I told him that I didn't think that was very nice. To that he said, "WHATEVER," and walked away. Did I teach him that?

Tonight we couldn't decide on an opening song for FHE. Gage said, "Then let's do the Hokey Pokey." He proceeded to put his right hand in and his right hand out all the while singing the hokey pokey. He finished with his hands and said, "Good job. Now, let's put our legs in." We did the Hokey Pokey for our opening song. It worked out rather nice since we all did know the words. He said he learned it at Alexis's house. Thanks Alessandra!

Tonight whenever I ask Gage to do something he says, "Yes Mother." He never calls me mother only mom. I think he is being sarcastic, but I can't quite tell.

Our three year old is rather kooky!

Packages Packages!

This has been a good mail week. When so many others weeks are just full of bills and flyers, this week has beat them all. I got my apron from the Sassy Apron Swap. It is very cute and I LOVE the colors. The next swap starts April 1st and you can sign up here. Totally fun and totally worth it. Thanks Jill M. for my apron!


Then, today we hit the mother load. Okay, really there was no mother load, but my mother (aka mom) sent this little tiny sweater she knitted for Mallory and when I opened it I just began to sob. She is so sweet and I was so tired today from getting a church assignment done and it came at the right time. I feel so blessed to have a mom who sends out packages when they are not expected and something wonderful is inside. It makes living so far away from my family just a little bit easier. I always act like it is no big deal to live so far away, but sometimes (a lot of times) it just is and knowing that I will probably never live close to them breaks my heart. But, thank goodness I LOVE KY and my in laws and all my dear dear friends. That makes it so much better. Thank you mom for the sweater. Yes, I do know that Mallory is supposed to wear a shirts under it because it's a cardigan, but I thought that I would quickly try it on her and take a quick picture. Look how much she likes it!

And, I got a tiny package full of some of my favorites - Jumbo Ric Rac from my sister in law, Shannon. I love ric rac and this jumbo stuff is hard to find and she has a little quilt store down the street from her that sells it and she just sent me a package of it by surprise. Boy, I love these surprises.

Random Things

Mallory enjoyed (for about 3 minutes) wearing Gage's St. Patrick's Day crown he got from playgroup (thanks Vicki). I figured someone needed to wear it and ring in St. Patrick's Day. The boys had their cereal with green milk. And, Zane enjoyed his scrambled eggs a dark shade of green - too many food coloring drops from the chef. And, for dinner there was green macaroni and lime jello. Just a few hints of green throughout the day to keep the holiday alive and well in our house. Gage told me he wouldn't wear his green sweat pants and then I told him that people were going to pinch him. He kept asking, "who is going to pinch me?" Finally, I said, "just me Gage. I will pinch you." He then asked, "so nobody else or no other people will pinch me." I thought about it...naw, nobody would probably pinch him. So, he said, "then, I don't care. You can pinch me. I will not wear green. I only wear red pants." Well, he's a party pooper!



Mallory loves bunnies. She goes in to the room where these stuffed bunnies are about 5 times a day and just screams and points. I get one down for her and it's not enough. She wants to love on all of them. She drags them around as she crawls. Good for Easter - Great for Babies!



Mr. Incredible has a new weapon? It's some fierce new finger tips that even I would be scared of. Or, they are the plastic pieces from Pop O Matic Trouble that Gage has decided to wear as finger tips (just like the olives of old). Not too scary and maybe even cute.

Pinewood Derby Remix

Trevor signed up to go to the district Pinewood Derby and it was an ALL day event over at a local elementary school. Man, there were tons of cars to race, but when it was finally Trevor's turn, he came in first place out of all four of his heats. Since they give out first, second, and third based on time (pretty high tech set up by the way), he didn't place, but felt good about winning his heats. I heard Zane and Trevor talking about what they needed to do even better next year and it even including a trip to Home Depot yesterday afternoon where Zane showed Trevor which tools he needed to buy. These purchases will be VERY important for father/son bonding for sure!

I Haven't Gushed Like This Since Josh Groban

Last night was one of those nights that just fell in to place and I didn't even think we had any plans. Well, we didn't have plans, but by about 4 o'clock pm, I surly did. Thanks to my dear friend Suz, I was off to see Michael Buble. Seeing as I just started listening to his music a lot when my mom gave me her IPOD and all his songs were on there, it was quite the unexpected treat. I had fallen in love with his music in 6 weeks time and had been working out to it. He was quite the showman and his voice is UNBELIEVEABLE. Even better live. Seriously, it is amazing. He is quite wicked up on stage and it was so much fun to be out and having a good time. Yes, I haven't fallen in love with a man's singing voice since Josh Groban (with a slight crush on Jack Johnson) and Harry Connick Jr. in high school. You should have seen me at the HC Jr. concert back in the day! Anyhow, an 11 pm visit to PF Changs (my second dinner for the night) and that sealed the deal to title it "an incredible night". I am a mom with 4 kids and it doesn't take much to make my "incredible" list. The company was hilarious and great as well.

Good Has Come - Finally (Read Trevor's Prior Post)

I just want you to know that after a nice (but rather quick) FHE lesson, the boys were able to play their new game "Super Smash Brothers Brawl." Yes, Trevor's wait for an entire 1 1/2 days was well worth it, although hard for him, I am sure. We figured out a way when dad came home to turn in enough games for trade that weren't played to make this game cost pennies. The boys benefit greatly from Zane's "make it work" brain. I hope they appreciate Zane's creativity and don't get upset(eventually they will appreciate it right?) my need for order - game off at 8:15pm - time for bed. I think I will always be the bad guy when it comes to video games, but it sure is fun to see the kids play the Wii with their dad and jump around like maniacs. Just for the record - Trevor and Boston were sweaty when they went to bed. That's kind of gross I know, but that does mean they got a bit of a work out from this game and in the winter that's sometimes all that we can ask.

bad comes with good

if some of you know this game -> you'll know most of the big "bummer" it comes out on sunday but you don't know the big miss.if your a member of "Edge" (like me) they informed you and called to tell you at 12:00PM!(witch as we all know is a little late!) was having a so called "party" were every body (exept us) went and played it and at 12:01 it will be avalble.Well it has feedback thats not good!first if you are like us and can't play video games on sunday well it's sunday and if you can you actuly not going to be playing it if you got it you'll be tired.So if this happens again well we'll know what were missing out now.

More Photos From Today

Would You Say It Was A Foot?

I am thinking it was about a foot of snow that we got - wouldn't you agree? It is beautiful. Okay, it is March and not quite the snow season, but I love it. I only love it because we don't live in it all the time and if we are going to get snow, let's get a good amount and let the snow games begin. I think my boys have had about 5 rounds of going out and trying to sled, make snow angels, and a few snow ball fights until they come back in freezing. That means they have gone through at least 5 changes of clothing. But, I really don't care because they are having so much fun outside. Trevor was out until after 7pm last night and came in when it was truly dark. He and Tanner were trying to get those sleds to go fast. Today Zane took the boys over to a big hill and they took about 4 big rides sledding before someone (it was Boston) said they were too cold and another was asking to be carried (that was Gage). Mallory just watched from the window everytime they went out and I don't think she cared that she wasn't out there only that she wanted them to look at her through the window every once in awhile. This will be gone soon enough and spring is on the way. I know that because I am losing an hour tonight and that is sign enough for me.

Little Gift

As we are being drowned under a blanket of beautiful snow, I am thankful for the little gift of yesterday which included sunshine and kids playing outside. It could have been seen as a cruel trick since it wasn't going to last, but I see it as a blessing because my kids were outside, breathing fresh air and riding their bikes. I took Mallory out for a bit in the morning and she and I played with our neighbor's dog. She laughed and loved Murdock (that's the dog). Now, I am extremely excited for spring time to arrive. Let the count down begin.

Boston Said...

Tonight when we were coming in from our night out to eat at 4 different restaurants -Chick Fil A for Gage, 2 Free Personal Pan Pizzas from Pizza Hut for T and B, Mom and Dad wanted Panera, and had to use 2 Free Ice Cream Cone coupons from Sonic - Boston said, as he handed me the rest of his personal pizza, "Please do not put this in the freezer. I don't like it cold. Could you put it in the hotter?" Do we have a hotter? And, since when did I put leftover pizza in the freezer? If it wouldn't spoil the food, I would much rather store our leftovers in the hotter instead of having to reheat everything. Good thoughts Boss.

Sassy Apron Swap

On my list of the million things to do, this one just got checked off. My apron was sent by Zane this morning and I am happy to see it take flight. I had a great time figuring out the fabric, trying to figure out the style of the person I was making it for, making my pattern original, and adding the final details. All in all, I am satisfied although I still think it needed some jumbo ric rac on the bottom in an amazing color and all I have left is brown. I couldn't get it in time, so I had to let that dream fly away. I just hope the girl getting it likes it and doesn't examine the stitches too closely (oops!).

Frozen Land

We are frozen here. The ice came yesterday, so the kids came home early. When the freezing rain came, I thought it was rather piddly and the kids came home for nothing. But, by that evening when I went out to get the mail, I was a believer. Today they are home because of the ice and althought it's quite cold, it is rather beautiful.

Tag

I forgot that I was tagged, but then when I read Jamie's latest entry, it all came back to me....Tagged by Melissa...

A- Attached or single: Attached
B- Best Friend: If you want to know the truth, there have been a few that I have split the Be/Frie st/ends charm with over the years. But, I have many dear friends now, that the best title seems silly. Oh, but Zane is the best and all the others are dear.
C-Cake or Pie: Actually, like bread pudding or cream cakes.
D- Day of Choice: Thursday. It's like the day when I think...I can make it to the weekend, but the weekend hasn't started yet so I still have something to look forward to.
E- Essential Item (s): childrens' schedules, Sunday naps, hot baths, & hot chocolate (even in the summer)
F- Favorite Color: red and turquoise
G- Gummi Bears or Worms: Gummy bears, but only Harbo brand
H- Hometown: San Diego, Cali
I- Indulgence(s): Starbucks hot chocolate, Graeter's Coconut Chip, good hair cuts, and good jeans that fit.
J- January or July: Only July. I have to have the sun more than the grey.
K-Kids: 9 yr. boy, 6 yr. boy, 3 yr. boy, 1 yr. girl
M- Marriage Date: May 3, 1996
N- Number of Siblings: 3 sisters and 4 brothers
O- Oranges or Apples: gala apples
P- Phobias or Fears: mice, big crowds, heights
Q- Quote(s): I am looking for the one the fits me to a tee.
R- Reason To Smile: going on a date, my kids (especially when they wake up from a good nap), a trip in the future, figuring something creative out, a sunny day
S- Season: Fall
T- Tag Six: Jellie, Tanya, Karyn, Jenny L., Kelly White, and Cheryl
U- Unknown Fact About Me: I like to break dance
V- Vegetarian or Oppressor of Animal: Bring on the meat!
W- Worst Habit: I bite my nails - only sometimes people. And believe me, I have overcome some worse ones.
X- X-Rays or Ultrasounds: ultrasounds
Y- Your Favorite Food: a salad (any) and soup from Panera
Z: Zodiac: Capricorn

Cuties, Costumes, Cousins, Cakes, Cards, & Coons

Zane's family has been in town all weekend to spend time with each other and to bless Joel's new baby, Shane.
- We've had a yummy Valentine's Dinner here on Thursday, complete with cherry lime-ades and chocolate covered strawberries. I wanted to put a photo of the cake again because I miss it, but you will just have to refer to the previous post because I couldn't fit it on the collage.
- The boys love having their cousins to play with, especially Gage and Austin. They love to growl at each other. Austin was growling at me as I took this photo!
- Grandma Julie and Papa Ross sent the kids these sewn cards that were filled with Valentines candy. Gage thought he was so cool to get his own package of Sugar Free Jelly Bellies.
- Today I found Boston using the scissors on this Huggies Box. I told him to be careful and thought he was just having a great time cutting something up that was on its way to the trash. Soon he came in to my room sporting his new costume. That kid always surprises me.
- The photo of the coon is for you dad. Yes, we live in Kentucky and yes, we do have racoons living under our house. We could hear this little girl (I've been told it's a girl) under our crawl space swinging from the pipes for awhile. Zane set out a trap Friday night and she was in it Saturday morning. Just for all you animal lovers - she was taken to a new neighborhood. Watch out - it could be yours! Sorry that we didn't make a coon skin cap for you dad.
- And yes, another photo of Mallory. Zane asked me if I have more photos of Mallory in her first year than I have of all the boys combined. I plead the fifth on that one.

Valentines Dinner and a Grand Finale - Kentucky Butter Cake

Can it get any better than something called Butter Cake? I don't think so! The traditional Valentines dinner was wonderful, but the Butter Cake was a great surprise. I had this heart bundt pan that of course, I got 50% off last year at the Target right after V day, so I had to use it. But, what to make...what to make? That's when you go to All Recipes and check out all the bundt cakes recipes that have like a million stars and have been reviewed by a gazillion readers. That's where I got this one and I agree with those gazillions. Sooooo good. Thought I would share and hope you Valentines Days had grand finales as well.

Happy Valentines Day

We love you all!