A Cleaning Party

Our two oldest boys woke up this morning with one goal in mind. They wanted to have a cleaning party. I know, a little surprising for kids to want to clean...I wish I could say that I am that good of a Mom that my kids can't wait to get up on Saturday morning and clean (Only in my dreams).

What kind of a cleaning party did they want to have? One guess...yep, this is the kind of cleaning that Dad actually enjoys too.

They spent three hours cleaning and they enjoyed every minute of it!

Spring Freedom

Our kids are outside right now enjoying the freedom of a gorgeous Spring-like day. They are just loving everything they can do now that the snow has melted.

Roller-blading

Shooting hoops

Riding a trike

Skateboarding

Our wobbly skateboarder is so happy to be outside and thinks it is so warm. He just asked me," Mom, can we get out the pool and go swimming?"

It's not that warm just yet...but it won't be too much longer!

Naughty or Nice?

Today our daughter had a pajama party at school. She got to wear her pajamas, robe, and slippers, and got to bring a blanket, pillow, snacks, and fun books to read. The party was a reward for good classroom behavior.


I want to have a pajama party!! Complete with a good book, tasty snacks (popcorn is what I like to eat while I read), and no interruptions. I have had good behavior lately...I think...other than a little rant about making beds, but that doesn't count, does it?

Can't Wait

Is Spring here? It feels like Spring. It's starting to get warm...warm enough that I didn't wear a jacket today when I ran to the grocery store. I admit, I turned the heater on in the car for just a second, but it was only a second! I found this old picture today...it made me even more anxious for Spring.

Cute boys!!

I Confess!

I have a confession to make: I HATE changing bedding. It is my number one least favorite household chore...that includes cleaning toilets...and there are five aim-impaired boys/man in our house (okay, one is still in diapers, but five sounds worse than four). Yep, I would rather clean dirty toilets than strip down, wash, and then redress the six beds in this home.

I have spent the greater part of this day doing said chore and I am still waiting on two batches of bedding to finish their cycle.

Why do I detest it so badly?

Maybe it's because after I finish tackling the beds, I am sweating so profusely that it feels like I need to shower again.

Maybe it's because I have sore fingers from trying to get the sheets tucked in on the bed while I'm sitting on the mattress (the dilemma of the bed against a wall-I get to tackle two of those.)

Maybe it's because I have a huge bruise on my head from smacking it against the ceiling downstairs (top bunk).

Maybe it's because I'm the only one who notices/appreciates clean bedding.

Maybe it's because it takes all. day. long. to finish this chore.

Okay, I'm done ranting! I do feel a little better. Maybe. But my head still hurts.

The Empty Chair

On Sunday we had a birthday party for my Grandpa. He passed away three months ago. We ate a yummy dinner, blew out some candles in his behalf, and shared funny memories that reminded us how lucky we all are to have had his life touch ours.

He was such a great man. I was really happy to be there and celebrate with everyone. A part of me, though, had a hard time as I looked at the place that I last saw him and now there is an empty chair.

I know that he is much better off now and I know that he is happy, but I miss him.

Sub-Junior Champ

This Saturday our oldest competed in the NRA Small-Bore Open Sectionals. It was a very long competition where he shot three positions: prone, standing, kneeling, 40shots in each position. He did very well and for the first time he won the Sub-Junior division. He scored 820 points. We are very proud!

Seven Years Ago

Seven years ago today, our little family of four increased by one.

The little one who joined us that day came with a large dose of personality and charisma. She reminds us daily what a unique individual she is and we feel so blessed that she is part of our family!

We love her so much!

Happy Birthday!

Bursting Buttons

My husband doesn't care much about blogging. He does read my blog when I ask him for some feedback, to which his coined response is "Very nice." I'm not sure if it is honest feedback or just what he says to satisfy me so he can get back to whatever he is doing...anyway, that's not my point. My point is that he has actually been asking me to blog about something. He is just so proud, his buttons are bursting. So I'm going to write this post on his behalf. Here goes!

This past weekend our two oldest attending a shooting clinic. They attended all day Saturday and all day Monday. It was taught by a lady who has coached at the Olympic Training Center so she really knows how to teach. Over those two days they learned so much. The boys (and their Dad) soaked in every bit of information they could.

By the end of the clinic, our second oldest had earned the title of most improved by increasing his score 77 points. He won an ammunition case.

Our oldest won a sharpshooter contest by having the tightest grouping on a very small target (a playing card). He won a book by Lanny Bassham, an Olympic champion, about the mental side of shooting.

I don't know who came back from the clinic more jazzed about this sport...the boys or their Dad. It really is fun to see how quickly they are improving.

Their Dad is soooo proud!

Torn

This morning as I was running on the treadmill and planning my day, I felt torn. On one hand I just started a really good book. Once I start a book I always have a hard time putting it down and usually the rest of my life is put on hold until I have finished it. Using all my powers of self-control, I actually closed the book last night at a reasonable hour and went to bed. I really want to finish this book, it is calling my name! (The Soloist by Steve Lopez) On the other hand, I have been waiting for two weeks for my new wheat grinder to arrive (which it did yesterday afternoon) and I really would like to make some bread so I can play with my new toy. What did I choose?





This is my new wheat grinder. It works magnificently, although it sounds like an airplane taking off.



I had some hindrance help.



This is the warm bread right out of the oven....can you smell it??





Yummmmm!!






One loaf is already gone.



My sister is the one who provided me with the recipe and the inspiration to become a bread maker. She got the recipe from my mom, who got the recipe from her mom. It is only fitting that I join the ranks. Plus, I am trying to only buy food storage that I use. My goal is to get my family hooked on homemade bread so that I can actually use the wheat that occupies a corner in our garage. Wish me luck!


Now that the bread is baked, I think I have time for a couple of chapters.

My Grandpa

Today is this handsome man's birthday!

He and my Grandma are a perfect match.

He can entertain for hours with his guitar.

He has nets full of fish stories.

He has left a great legacy for his posterity. I think of him often and hope that I can follow the pathway of footprints that he left for me.

Aunt C's

When you were little did you have a favorite place you liked to visit? For my kids it's Grandma and Grandpa's house. However, coming in a close second place is Aunt C's house. Let me show you the reasons why:

She has totally cool toys!

And really fun games downstairs!

She sets up tables of goodies and treats specifically for little people.

She serves scrumptious desserts!

And she always hires top-notch entertainment!

Her backyard is also tons of fun.

It has some great hiding spots.

She throws the greatest parties,

with the funnest kid games!

But most of all we love coming to her house because she is there!

Fourteen!

We want to wish a very Happy Birthday to this cute cousin!! We love you and think you are pretty awesome!