Cosi

Here goes--trying my hand at adding more than 5 photos at a time.  Thanks Val and Kelly:)  These were taken last week at Cosi.  Cosi was having a cool NASA booth where you could touch a rock from the moon.  "We've landed on the moon!"  They said their are 7 rocks from the moon that are for people to view.  That was pretty cool....The other photos were inside hanging out.  

So why are my pictures so all over the place??  I'll get it one of these days, but for now I know how to post more than 5:)

Can you up this one?

I don't know about you, but my kids(boys) always have to "up" what the other says.  If you've seen the SNL skits with the girl who has done everything better then you etc., that's them. Today, was too much, so I have to share.  

I'm listening to the boys and Brandon starts talking about a baptism he went to with his grandfather.  No--he doesn't comment on how nice the baptism was, just all the refreshments he took in.  He kept saying, "We had hot chocolate, cider, brownies, donuts, cookies...."  Carter is drooling and says, "Well when you and dad went on that skiing trip, (which was like a year ago...)mom and I made cookies and she let me have 4!"  Then Brandon yells, "mom...(relays everything Carter just said) and says, "is that true?"  I don't remember!!  Then they start again.....

They certainly didn't get this from me.  Someday I hate to say, but I can just hear them now in the locker room---mine is bigger than yours.  I know I'm horrible, but at this point, I've got to prepare me for no surprises.  

For instance--today my son stops in the middle of our homeschool lesson and shares a show he watched last night.  He continues to tell me all about the show daddy let him watch with him--Dirty Jobs.  Have you seen it?  Well last night was on castrating sheep.  Let me tell you how disturbing it is having your 6 year old explain with motions how sheep "balls" as he called them(which I have NEVER heard him say) are cut off and then eaten for dinner.  WHAT!!  I stayed calm and said, "oh, how interesting.  Is there anything else you want to tell me?"  I'm really trying hard to keep the door of communication open while they are young, so later they can tell me whatever the locker room may bring.  Or if they are still homeschooled, whatever the "bathroom" talk is......

Trying to figure out how to post more then 5 photos for one post...here are more photos from Pigeon Roost..

A new found love...

It's been way to long since I've blogged.  We've been struck with the flu bug for the past week, but that's not the only reason.  I've been introduced to a new love---facebook.  What a cool thing we have.  We can virtually type in anyone we know and reconnect if they are on the network.  So amazing.  If you haven't checked it out, you should-it's pretty dope.

I actually started fbook because my hubby had one and one night last week I came downstairs after a rough day and found an email asking Neal to confirm a friend request from fbook.  The friend was someone from Argentina that I knew from my mission.  She said she had been trying to find me.  It made my day and I had no idea that fbook was world wide--I'm not all that up to date on the wireless world.  So I decided that next day to start facebooking and it has been so fun to reconnect with old pals and current pals.

Also--a few other things I want to say...

I want to thank whomever "boo'd" us the other night.  Scared my kidos to death when we got a knock at the door that night, but it was so sweet.  Don't exactly know who it was, but thank you.  Brandon came upstairs and said, "That was just so sweet of someone to do that to us."  I agree.  Little acts of kindness go a long way and are very appreciated--Especially since we haven't been out of the house for a few days, that was just a nice way to feel some "fresh cold air".

I'm going to try to post some pics we took from Pigeon Roost Farm.  That place is da bomb if you haven't been there-check it out maybe Thursday or Friday this week--it should be nice weather wise.  It's way fun for the kids and you.  Suggestion--they have some places to sit, but when we go I take a lounge chair so I can take it to where ever the kids want to play.  I play some and then read while they have a blast.  It's nice....

Hope everyone is doing well.  I'll try to be better and get a balance between my two new lovers--blogging and facebook.  Oh real quick--here's a funny.  Talking about new loves....I recently made a wedding video for a friends wedding.  I was looking for good love songs and checked out itunes.  You can hear a clip of any song and then buy it.  Well I found this song that was cute about falling in love everyday.  I thought, "that's too cute!" so I bought it.  After buying it I was so excited to put it to the video--until I listened to it all the way.  It's about a dude falling in love everywhere, everyday--like new loves--on the bus, in the grocery store...not really a good marriage video, huh?:)

Speaking of videos--if you are looking for a very inexpensive WONDERFUL gift for a family member or friend, I'd love to help you make a video.  I know $ is tight for everyone these days, so I would be thrilled to help you create something--would be a nice Christmas present. If you're interested let me know.  Have a great day all!

Boo at the zoo

We can't get enough of the zoo!  Guess we feel right at home.....went Thursday, then Friday.  On 

Friday we met up with some friends at the zoo for a night of Halloween fun.  

Zoo Pals

Thursday we went to the zoo and had a great time.  We went with GLAD school and "we"moms let the animals loose.  Check it out.....

  

        

                      
          
  I'm still trying to figure out how to post pictures---obviously!!  (Sorry it's so hard to follow the pics.)

Sunday Naps

Ever since I was a wee tyke I have loved taking Sunday naps.  I don't always get them, but when I do, it's heaven.  So today we made it "family nap time"-which meant everyone was napping today.  Well-that's what we planned anyway.  After I got all warm in my covers, it started.  All the fussing, the getting out of bed, the "I'm not tired" in melt down mode--(of COURSE you're not tired.)  After some time, it was loud again.  This time it sounded like the boys were letting off cannon balls.  Neal gets up and the boys are jumping off the beds and getting all crazy together.  Neal was so tired, (he ran a half-marathon not stopping once this morning)(and yes I know what you're thinking--I already did the preaching to him!)  Neal exhausted tells the boys just to go downstairs.  They eat this up and say, "Can we watch TV?"  "Yes!"  "OH, can we play Wii?"  "YES!!  I don't care what you do, just go downstairs."  Well the boys did just that--they did what they wanted.  A little while later I came downstairs to find food out and a friend over.  Brandon comes in all happy and said, "Dad, told us we could do whatever we want, so Kaityln is over and we're playing Wii."  

Still in tack without Alice

Kids are the best!


                                              

I don't need an Alice "Brady" around, just a lot of alcohol.  JUST KIDDING!!  You know I don't drink....but if Coke was illegal, I'd be in trouble.

So my good friends children have left our nest.  I really did enjoy them and would do it again in a heartbeat--just next time I'll have Neal build me a sound proof room off the back of the house for Abby and Ethan.  Those two are the cutest little things, but ornery as anything.  I described to Neal they have a love/hate relationship.  One minute Abby is wiping off Ethan's face with a wipe and they are cracking up, and the next minute they are about to throw down over a toy.  Too funny!  I love the great age of 2.  

And then there were 6

Anyone know why the Brady Bunch is so unrealistic?  Mike met Carrol when the kids weren't babies--Bobby and Cindy weren't even toddlers.  So how did they make it work?  I think it's because the kids were old enough to know if they acted out, Mike would take them in the den and give them the belt.  Just kidding--I think it's because the kids were old enough to understand how to behave and they had Alice.  Alice was like the "pretender".  That cool lady could do anything.  One minute she could be doing laundry, the next minute comforting the sad, the next minute chasing the dog, and still have the energy and the look to go to the meat market.  I mean, how many 65 year old women can go walking into a meat market and get free meat without showing a little.  You know what I'm talking about, she'd just say,"hi" to Sam and he'd melt.  Could you imagine if we all had an Alice around how much time and money we would save?  Let me get back on track to why I'm thinking about the Brady Bunch--It's almost been 24 hours since I've doubled in kid size.  Yesterday my good friend went out of town for the night to watch an NFL football game with her hubby and in laws.  She asked us if we could watch her kids for the night and my family has been so excited to have them.  We couldn't believe the day finally arrived!  I have the cupboards full, the books out, the costumes ready for play, cars, pack in plays, games, what else do you need?  Let me tell you, I need an Alice. The two 2 year olds fight over everything and have had several melt downs.  Actually here's another one-they are fighting over a play hairdryer.  The girl wants it for her doll and the other for a gun.  Gotta go comfort the melt downers.--I'm back, OK--I'm off again, they are yelling at each other.  Here we go.... Having 6 kids under 6--where's Alice when you need her?  And Breezi, when the fairy is done cleaning your pad, send her here--tell her to plan on staying a good week.:)

Update from read NOW post

As some of you might have read, Neal's parents neighbor was shot the other day.  We just got home from Neal's folk's house and here's the scoop.  

When the man came through the garage, he saw the 2 girls and the mom in the house.  He was wearing gloves, carrying a bag, and clip board with him.  He told them, "This is going to take long."  To save details, here's how it went down.  The mom (Beth) told the girls to run and then Beth started fighting with the man.  The man was 6.5", 320 lbs-big dude.  Beth is a small women, but has the courage of a lion.  She attacked him and they wrestled around-he shot her twice, once in the leg and on her side-missing major organs, thankfully.  He went after the girls who had locked themselves in the bathroom-they have one of those bathrooms that the shower and sink are in one area, and then the toilet is in a little closet like--they went in the toilet room and climbed out the window.  The man shot through the bathroom door shooting a bullet through the spa tub.  He shot a total of 7 rounds-only hitting Beth two times.  Get this though, Beth somehow got the gun turned around to his chest and tried to shoot him, but the gun jammed.  Can you imagine?  She was able to get out of the house and a neighbor ran into the house, and that's when the man escaped through the garage.  The neighbor got the license plate and a good look at the man, and so did another neighbor.  

On Thursday evening the police had been working on the investigation and ran his plates.  They used a picture line up with several neighbors and Beth.  They were all able to identify him right away.  Then they asked the husband to look at some photos.  They asked him if he knew any of the men.  He pointed to the one and said that the man had previously worked for him.  So clearly this wasn't random.  The man was going to kidnap the wife and daughters and hold them hostage for money from the company--The man had all of his plans written down and had the materials with him when he broke into the house.  The police used the plates and drivers license to locate the man.  The man was from Indiana-and was there.  The police located his cell number and traced it to where he was using it.  They actually called the man and told him that they were charging him with attempted kidnapping and murder.  The man then crashed his car and killed himself.  

The family is all home and seems to be doing well.  Last night they had a block get together and Beth was there and had support from everyone.  Her daughters, 13 and 15, were out playing together, too.  I saw her husband tonight and he seemed to be doing well.  I'm so grateful this guy is done and doesn't have to be judged here...he'll get his "piece".  Thankfully, Beth, Tad, and the girls have their "peace", too.  

Confession

I have a confession!  I LOVE the smell of camp fires!  Yes, I know all about Smokey the safety Bear, but when I smell wood burning on a fall night, I want to be there participating.  Even more enjoyable is spending time talking and sky viewing with family and friends around the fire.  Last Monday we bought a fire pit and have had a blast!  Monday nights FHE was around the fire with our neighbors and of course s'mores.  Tuesday night--night around the camp fire--s'mores.  Wed. night, wanted to be out by the fire, but it rained all day:( (Thought about making a s'more in the microwave.)  Thursday night-Neal wasn't home to start the fire:)--(yes, that's his thang.)  Friday night-around the campfire with some friends-roasted hot dogs and had s'mores again.  So my point in telling you all of this is not only to confess my love for camp fires and s'mores, but to see if any of you know how to make a low fat s'more!!--  At my rate I could be playing Santa at this years ward Christmas party.  Ho Ho Ho!

Pigeon Roost Pictures

Pigeon Roost Farm

The other day, GLAD school and some other friends went to a Pigeon Roost Farm.  It's a pumpkin patch with everything under the sun to do.  We had a great time and it was a georgous day out.  I don't know who had more fun, the kids or the moms.  Here are a few pics.  

Please Read NOW

You might have seen on channel 10 news tonight about a shooting that happened today in Blacklick.  This happened in a upscale neighborhood in broad day light.  The shooting happened next door to Neal's parents house.  NEXT DOOR!  Neal's dad was on their screened in porch reading the newspaper when he heard some noise coming from next door.  He first thought it was the teenage sisters getting into a fight, but then realized the noise was of terror.  He ran through the house and out the front door to find his neighbor lying in the front yard sobbing and yelling, "He has taken my girls!  I've been shot!"  Neal's dad ran in and called 911. Apparently the family had their garage door open and a man came in through the garage and started shooting.  The two children that were home escaped out of an upstairs window, but the women was  fighting with the man downstairs and was shot.  Another neighbor who was working in his yard heard the commotion and ran over to the women who made it out of her front door.  The neighbor saw the man escaping behind a bush and saw him get into his jeep and speed off.  The shooter didn't try to take anything and was obviously there to take a life.

The women had never seen the man before and they don't have any motives right now.  It's just shocking to me and scary to know that it could have been my mother-in-law or any one of us for that matter.  You just never know.  So please--I know we've all heard the stories and have received the emails about being cautious and being aware of your surroundings--this is another reminder.  I love you all and ask that we all pray for one another's families and safety.  Thanks.

Tag games

So I'm really not into the tag games...usually, but since I'm still a fresh chicken to the blog world, why not.  (thanks Lora:)  Here are the two tags I've got and be afraid, be very afraid, you could be chosen at the end...

Picture tag is played by going into the fourth folder of your pictures and pull out the fourth picture and then tell about it.  This picture is of Abby in the hospital.  She was born at Mt. Carmel East and I couldn't get enough of her.  I kept her in my room most of the time.  I love babies---hey now, don't get any ideas--I'm not....

One word answer tag is played by answering the below questions with one word answers only.  Then you're supposed to pass it on to 7 people, but I don't know if I know 7 people up to doing it....just kidding.

Here are the questions:


1. Where is your cell phone? charger


2. Where is your significant other? bed


3. Your hair color? greasy


4. Your mother? sweet


5. Your father? adorable


6. Your favorite thing? Music


7. Your dream last night? sleep?


8. Your dream/goal? heaven


9. The room you're in? office


10. Your hobby? decorating

11. Your fear? murder


12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? country


13. Where were you last night? Home


14. What you're not? Little


15. One of your wish-list items? piano


16. Where you grew up? OH-IO


17. The last thing you did? TV


18. What are you wearing? pajamas


19. Your TV? off


20. Your pet? none


21. Your computer? mac


22. Your mood? tired


23. Missing someone? yes


24. Your car? van


25. Something you're not wearing? pants

26. Favorite store? TJ Maxx


27. Your summer? FUN

28. Love someone? totally

29. Your favorite color? Red


30. When is the last time you laughed? tonight


31. Last time you cried? Today

Now my victims are Amy P., Kirstin L., Kelly O, Autumn R, Emilee S, Britney W., and Breezi K.

Charades

Last night we had the pleasure of having some friends stay over from out of town.  (Actually they both served missions in Germany with Neal, and then they got married and mover to the "OH-IO.")  Actually they live in Athens, OH, but Jesse is in the military and is stationed in Kosovo, and Emily is still in Athens, but will be leaving for Ireland next week.  They will be apart for 5 months and then Jesse is due back home and so is Emily.  Jesse is on special leave for 10 days so he can interview for dental school.  They have been traveling like mad the past few days, so we're happy we could see them for a night.  Yesterday they were in AZ and today they go to Louisville, KY.

Anyway-last night my kids were so excited to have them here.  They were bouncing off the walls.  Jesse had the genius idea of playing charades with Brandon--no talking, but he could use props.  So we would send him down to the basement(where we keep the toys) and then Brandon would come up being someone and we would have to guess who he was or what he was doing.  Well, Carter saw how fun that was and joined in.  Here's Carter's first charade.  He comes up with a plate.  He is moving it around all over, throws it like a Frisbee, acts like he's cooking.  We're yelling out--"chef, cook, Frisbee, your making___,"and nothing.  We couldn't figure it out--the whole time Carter is grinning ear to ear.  We couldn't guess it and he starts going out of the room, and turns around and said, "I'm a PLATE!"  It was really funny.  How did we not get that he was a plate--he had it right in his hand!  I love kids....Brandon's real whopper was when he came up with a racing helmet on his head and we guessed all the racing things we could and then he finally says, "I'm a hot wheel driver".  So our race car driver, nascar driver, speed racer didn't count--it was a hot wheel driver!  Never seen a hot wheel driver, but OK.  Sometimes I think the kids just switch up what they are to keep us guessing and then they make up something right at the end.....or maybe I just stink at charades.

Letter Tag---R

So my friend Kelly sent me a Letter Tag game which is fun.  There's not much to it if you want to play along.  You're given a letter and you name 10 things that begin with that letter, that you love.  If you want to play, just put it in the comments and I'll send you a letter.

My letter is R--

1)  Redeemer--My life is all about Him.  I know that He lives and loves each one of us.  I love learning about Him and His plan for me and my family.  

2) Resting-I'm always down with taking a nap or just chillen!

3)  Rock Band 2-I love music and love rocking out with my brother and hubby.  Just wish the Wii or X-Box 360 would come out with some country instead of just rock.  If it was country-I'd be rocking out every night so I guess not having it is a good thing...

4)  Reading-I love to settle in with a good book and pencil to take notes.  I love marking in my books and listening to either the spirit or my ridiculous conscience at times, then putting down my thoughts or highlighting material.

5)  Rubbing-OK-get your mind out of the gutter--so mine can pass by.  I mean that I love to have my arms tickied--you know when you have someone rub their fingernails over your arm.  It totally relaxes me and calms me down.  My sisters and I used to do that all the time growing up--and so did Amy!!:)  I also love having my hair played with and my head rubbed.

6)  Reuniting with family and friends-anytime I get to hang with family or friends I love it.  I really enjoy reading blogs--that's my new fun "mom" minute.  

7)  Road trips-I LOVE road trips!  Especially with my hubby.  We have a blast together.  He's my best friend and he makes me laugh my head off.  Now that we have kids--I'm selective on the road trips I enjoy---:)but most of them are way fun.  My kids are "cool.com." 

8)  Riding jet skis-This is one of my favorite things to do in the summer.  I love going fast and feeling the wind in my hair and feeling water squirt up on me.  I love to ride with Neal and the kids too.  Such a blast!

9)  Redecorating-I love to be creative.  I enjoy seeing something that needs to be redone or remodeled and then getting my juices flowing to create and decorate.  If any of you ever need suggestions-let me know and I'd love to help out.

10)  Red--I LOVE the color red.  It has always been my favorite color since I can remember.  In fact, I remember being in first grade and painting a picture red and being so happy!  I love red clothes, shoes, paint, jewelry--anything--except maybe red lipstick--too bold and I'm way to pail to pull that off.

Thanks Kelly--I had fun thinking of what I love that starts with the letter R.

Trip to the ER

The typical day started.  I was in the shower, had my normal interruptions by the kids about one thing or another.  While I was bathing I thought about how I always tell Neal how I'm going to write a book called, "Interrupted Showers".  I can't tell you the last time I showered without someone barging in or yelling through the door, or crying their head off about something so important--usually involving a toy.  Well after one of those important interruptions I mentioned above, Carter came in again yelling, "Mom, I can touch the ceiling!"  I said, "Oh yeah, how are you doing that?"  He laughingly yells back, "Not telling!" and runs out slamming the door.  A couple minutes later-I had just stepped out of the shower and Carter barges in yelling "Brandon cut his finger and is bleeding!"  I'm thinking it's that typical "I need a band-aid even though I'm really not bleeding, but it's red, and it will feel oh so better with the band-aid."  I tell him I'll be right there.  I got a band-aid and headed down the hall.  That's when I heard Brandon sobbing coming up the stairs-blood dripping all over.  He had a deep cut and was bleeding everywhere.  I took one look at it and knew we'd be going to get stitches.  Brandon had decided to get out a pairing knife and when he took off the knife cover, it sliced him good.  Brandon was nearly inconsolable as he was afraid he was going to "lose his finger.  Or die".  It was really sad.  Neal came home and we were able to take Brandon to the ER.  He got 3 stitches on his thumb and was a trooper dooper.

So as we are rolling up our street coming home from the ER, my neighbor is backing out of her driveway and hits Neal's car.  I was joking and said,"she just hit your car"--as she is pulling back into her driveway.  She gets out and I see her in the mirror running to my side of the car and she says, "I am soooo sorry.  I just backed into Neal's car!"  We walked over where she hit it and it was nothing really.  In fact a couple months ago, someone else hit Neal's car in the exact same place, so all she did was define it and add some of her paint.  No worries!

Conference Surprise

This past weekend we were able to listen to General Conference at our home.  While we were watching it, Carter came in yelling"Fire!  There's a fire!"  Carter is extremely afraid of fire and loud noises.  Neal and a couple friends ran out to see what was going on.  Sure enough there was a fire right behind our fence.  Our neighbor diagonal behind us--(you got that:), he buried some ashes on the fence line.  On the other side of the fence, our neighbor right behind us, had some dry plants/bushes and that's what caught on fire.  The flames were a good 6 ft. tall.  Our neighbors were able to get it out without calling the fire dept.  But it was quite the excitement.  The sad part is, is that Carter ran to our meeting place (the mailbox) as soon as he saw the smoke, but no-one came out.  That's why he ran in to tell us to get out.  Broke my heart.  He did exactly what he should have done--he told the grown ups and hit up the meeting spot.  I just can't imagine how he must have felt standing by the mailbox with everyone else inside.:( 

Santa Maria

Santa Maria Trip!

The other day for GLAD school we went to tour the Santa Maria.  It was really cool--weather wise and tour wise.  The children had a good time, especially Abby-check out her photo-that's how she was 95% of the time.  The other kids really did enjoy it.  Brandon said a prayer later that day and said, "I pray I'll never forget this day of going to the Santa Maria."