I'm back!

I miss writing. I stopped blogging for a few reasons. 1. I need to go private, for personal reasons. 2. blogging is a journal/ thearpy for me and I just type, it's all a rough draft! I got several comments about typos or the draftiness of it so I quit. I usually blog late night ie after midnight I'm tired and just wanting to get life down for my kids. I have decided If you don't like how I write in draft from DON'T READ IT! Certainly don't go tattle. I'm an adult, I pay my own bills!

I've been blessed this summer. We have has so much fun.

We've been GOIN!

(This was Clarissa's I'm going to fly from now on face. This was near IL on our way there! She really did great, was just tired after 2 days in the car.)

We have driven/ rode over 6,000 miles in my minivan!
We went from NV to MI and back.

by train to Chicgao (the kids and I had a grand adventure)

by bus- down the magnificent mile

by  bicycle taxi- back UPthe magnificent mile

by golf cart-The kids logged in miles around the lake and a great old cemetary.

 by boat around the lakes

by jet ski
by tube-around the lakes
by big boat on Lake Michigan for the big boys

Rode in a horse drawn carriage in Nauvoo

by wagon - in Nauvoo.
We did manage to keep our selves grounded (except for Kent)

The only thing we didn't ride were  planes and motorcycles (and after the accident I witnessed on US 12 in MI, I'll stay with 4 wheels)

I began this post weeks ago and well am adding more today! we had a blast. I was so sad to see our wonderful summer come to  an end. It was the kind of summer you'll remember forever.
I'm not sure what made it so great, maybe it's the kids getting older, maybe it was the feeling of the rite of passage driving to MI and back, maybe it was my feeling of gratitude that we both still have careers that afford us to travel and that we are both still working in this ugly economy.  None the less it was wonderful. 

Your kidding right??

I know long time no post and this is my returning post. I just about fell out of my chair a few minutes ago. This came from my favorite clothing store Gymboree!

Why do I love Gymboree NO GRUNGE! Sorry Can't/ won't do it!

I want my kids to look nice and like they didn't just come in from a dirt pile. Their clothes last! These pants look like they have been worn by for 2 years already!

If this is what they are selling we don't need new pants we have this. (Keep reading of my embarassment and you'll find out it's true)

Seriously, this will lead me to a story I was not going to share but, I will now to prove my point. We went to Disneyland (my favorite place on earth) the weekend before Christmas (My favorite holiday). As we were waling to the park I look at my adorable daughter's outfit and see a rip (much like the ones pictured above) on the seat of her pants. I about died, seriously those who know me know what restraint it took for me to not run and buy a new pair of pants. I was trying to stick to budget (which I did, I came home with cash in my wallet, yeah me!) I blamed it on those darn sparkly jeans from Children's Place that are cheap jeans and told Kent that's why we need Gymboree ones. Fast forward to the next day. She has on cupcake Gymboree jeans, They are 2 season old but, still fit and have cute stones on the bottom she loves. I look down half way though the day and their is a tear in a knee. I think I may have shrieked at this one. It was way to noticeable . I mean any stranger would have thought I dressed my poor daughter in rags, Kent tried to tell me it was OK, her bows and attire proved otherwise, I was truly mortified. I may have even hyperventilated. When I upload the photos I may share, but I still may be to embarrassed. Thankfully we were going back to the hotel soon and I then explained those jean are only for playing at home ONLY!

Kent then tried to convince me it was the STYLE!

I was not not buying and and thought he was just trying to make me feel better :). I guess my husband did know it WAS the style. I still don't like it and it still scares me. but I have to admit I do feel like maybe so many people weren't thinking I should have spent my money on clothes instead of Disney tickets. She was being stylish right? Only on accident. For the record I do not plan to let her wear the pants for anything but, play and I dye thinking of that. I just know she's going to make it somewhere in them.

I know I'm a snob, I don't mean to be. But, I NEVER wore clothes with holes in them and were weren't the richest. It's part of dressing for success, for life. Sorry guys I can't do holes in jeans, I hate faded jeans, Those who really know me know I hate jeans.(Clarissa should count herself lucky I let her wear them to school, as I don't like it) I have learned to like them over the past 15 years but, it was a challenge. It took a long time. I may get the snop of the year award if I tell you I only truly learned to wear them when I got a great pair of Ralph Lauren jean. I loved those jeans, They got a hole and went bye, bye:(. I also tell you they cost me $7.50 brand new at Macy's. They were originally over $100.00. The price was the only reason I bought them and then I fell in love with them. I still wish I could find that bargin again!

P.S. I am starting to feel human agin. Hoping to feel better soon and catch up on everything including bloggin.

My baby girl is 5!

My curly red head! At the beach

Showing her red haired attitude off! Still adorable, which causes all the problems.

I can hardly believe that 5 years ago I was spending 2 days of my life in labor. Praying that my baby girl would be OK. It was definitely one of the scariest and happiest days of my life. A true faith promoting experience.

Clarissa arrived 6 weeks early and had kept up on our toes ever since.

I can't imagine our house with out our little red head. OK I can, it would be quiet and pink less. But, it would not be the same. Clarissa you bring so much joy into our lives. There is never a dull moment with you around. I love your quick Witt, and zest for life. I love your determination, I like to think that's what kept you in the NICU for only 8 days. You are your mothers daughter. I love how you like to plan a party and create. I love how you are your daddy's little girl. I love the way you love your brother and you share with him.

Some of the things Clarissa loves right now are:

• 
  Camp Rock- This is the theme for her party



• cooking
• Barbies
• paper
• crafting
• jackets/ sweaters
• PJ's
• clothes
• shopping
• party planning
• zebras, monkeys and dolphins

Happy Birthday baby girl!

We love you!

She learned to make Cheese fries in cooking class. She loves to make them for her family.

Love,

Mom, Dad and Hunter

Fairy Daddy?

Some girls want a fary godmother not my daughter she wants a fairy Daddy?

Clarissa just offered her dad a kiss and a hug if he'd be a fairy for Halloween. She was assigning costumes. She is Sleeping Beauty, Hunter is a knight ( so he can rescue her) and I got the evil lady and Kent got the fairy. We haven't se...en a commtment on Kent's part yet.

Gotta love our little red headed planner girl.

My little planner is at it again. She is simoutanouly planning 2 parties (yes, one is not good enough for her). She is planning her 5th birthday that is a camp rock/ cooking party and a Halloween party.

Our Sleeping Beauty.

Yes, she likes to sleep with the mask on her head.

So precious who wouldn't want to be her Knight or fairy?

Especially if you get a hug AND a kiss!

Kindergarden

Just a few thoughts from this week.

I put a cute note in Clarissa's lunch that said Clarissa, we heart U! Heart, mom & dad.
So I asked her if she got the note. She replied, yeah I threw it on the floor. What did it say? So then the next morning she asked for another note. It was still in her lunch box when she got home.

Tonight at dinner Kent asked C what is your favorite part of school? C: Coming home. She is excited to go to school every day so I'm not to worried. I decided it's a compliment that she likes to come home. I know some kids don't. At least we know she likes us.

On the 2nd day of school she had a shelter in place due to sewer backup that smelled like gas. I teach next door and was in SIP as well. I guess they taped the door and said it was so liquid didn't get in. C's version is the teacher taped the door so the liquid didn't get in and they die. She was real upset. Which I understand. Death is very real to her right now as her grandma died just a few weeks ago. She was worried about my and my kids next door and wanted to know if we were going to die too and if I taped my door. She is such a kind girl.

She is doing great in school and is such a trooper getting up at 6 every morning, to shower and get ready for school. I can't believe how big she's getting.

First day of Kindergarden

So I uploaded the pictures backwards. But, here they are! Waiting to be picked up at the end of the day

Look at that tired face!

On her way in w/ Dad in the morning. She looks a little scared in this picture!

In her room, finding her seat.

Outside the house in the picture spot. Hard to believe that almost 5 years ago I brought her home and took her picture here. WOW my baby is growing up. Now she is a Husky! H. Huskies can do lots of things. Check out the outfit. It took us a long time in Gymboree to find just the right one. OK for us to agree on one. She wanted jeans or a sweat suit, I wanted a dress, we settled for this skort kind of outfit.


All I heard was it was a green card day! If you get to black they call your parents. She promised she'll never get to black. Her goal for this week is 5 green cards. She got to play on the big and little playground. She did not get to play with the kitchen (like she doesn't have one at home, that she plays with all the time). She learned the days of the week. She only ate 2 PB crackers and her apple sauce. She said she ran out of time. Her teacher is Ms. Linares. We are so excited for a great year.

My school year started off great as well. I have some great co teachers. My classes are a bit full but, that will change in time. My school if full of change this year and it will be a fun exciting year.

isms

Life is busy with the end of the school year. I have so much to blog about and hope to get that done this week. I need to get things ready for a class I'm teaching this week and house work done so I just wanted to record these 2 isms.

Hunter got a new slide bed this week. Friday morning he was sliding down and screamed loud and we heard a big bang. He came running in the living room and was crying. "I need blood, Mommy I need blood". We always tell him no blood no pain. I'm guess he was in a lot of pain so he needed some blood to prove it. He has a nick on his nose. It was to funny.

Tonight Hunter and I ran to my fave. grocery store (bargin post to come, maybe) any way. He got animal crackers on sale for 35 cents. We got a few boxes. He went to show sister. SHe asked "Hunter did you buy me some" Hunter replied " No, sister". Clarissa replies in her drama voice "Oh, brother, you've broken my heart". Yes, her first broken heart over a box of animal crackers. Much to her relief her mom did buy her some.

Kids say the darndest things.

More to come. We've had a great weekend family fun for FREE!

graduation outfit round 2

Remember the graduation outfit I did not like. The one Clarissa had to have See post below. Well today I came home from work and she no longer likes it. For all the reasons I tried to talk her out of it.

But, she is one unlucky girl today as I've been sick for 9 days and had a DR apt at 4:40. I am the proud, OK not so proud owner of pharyngitis. So no trips to the mall for a new outfit. She'll have to wear a sweater to keep warm. She's always cold and I knew that shirt would not work for that reason. I thought she might talk her dad into a trip to the mall but, they were still here when we got home. So no such luck. I'm dreading the clothes issues when she's a teen. But, as my mom reminds me I created the monster.

** She does still remember I get to pick the Kinder grad outfit! **

What to wear for Preschool graduation?

Shopping for Clarissa's Preschool Graduation outfit.


We were off to Gymboree (her favorite store) plus it's Circle of Friends time (30% your total purchase w/ CF coupon) and I had the perfect dress in mind.

This was the dress I had in mind. Clarissa wants nothing to do with it!

Well we walk in and the new Mermaid line is out. What girl doesn't want to be a mermaid.

So I thought Ok I can do this dress.




But it was to late. She had already fallen in love with these shorts. And she says "No one will be wearing a dress mom."

See the Mermaid She had hair like Clarissa, or so I was told in the art of 4 yo persuasion. You can see it but, it has sequence too. What more could a girl want?

I try with my best mommy persuasion. Which included You can have this purse. (she had already established she "wanted it".) if you get the dress. Nope. I tried every technique I knew. Including. If you choose this I choose next year for Kinder. To which she agreed. My friend Angie who was with us said she won't remember

(she will, she remembers EVERYTHING (story for later).)
No Purse it was



Sad as it was, She found this shirt.




I'm not 100% pleased with the out fit but, I didn't like any of them. Truth be told it's not one of my fave. Gymbo line. I would have skipped it all together. But, I'd rather have her happy with what she is wearing we graduate so few times in our lives. Plus I wanted to make it special so she can look forward to the other graduations she has you know Kindergarten, High School. Bachelors and Masters. Maybe even a PHD. They don't have them for elem and middle school anymore, which is a shame. Some Kinders don't even have them.

On to the savings at the mall later. Let's just say I think I made all frugal mom's proud at the mall last night. I can't wait to share my finds.

Rissaism

I was filling the bath tub for Hunter to take a bath when Rissa came in and said she need a bath first. I explained it was Hunter's turn to go first. She left and then came right back in.
R: Didn't I come from Heavenly Father first?
M: yes.
R: Then I get to take a bath first.
M: only if that means you get to go to bed first too.
R: Heavenly Father wants me to be first.
M: R U going to be the first to bed?
R: NO, (in disgust)

M: then you can take a bath 2nd.
She leaves.

I swear the things she thinks of.

Tonight we had garlic lemon chicken and broccoli w/ cheese for dinner. She claimed she didn't like broccoli. I said no treat from cook class. So she came in proclaiming it was eaten. I thought I was being smart and said where is it. She lifted her shirt and pointed to her tummy. I though coast clear. WRONG. Her dad said it's in the trash. I said no she wouldn't lie to me about that. (She was off eating her treat). I go check the trash and yep there it was. So I inquired. Of course it was Hunters before she claimed it. Then off to the chair she went. Yeah life with a 4 yo is so much fun.

6th folder 6th pic

Ok I was so tempted to cheat but, I just couldn't Thanks for the challenge Stacie! The picture is of Princess Clarissa sleeping. I believe it was Valentines 2 years ago. Don't look at her face closely it has chocoolate on it! See Christy I do let her get dirty once in a while and here is proof! This picture makes me feel like a bad mom as obviously she feel asleep with a dirty face. I detest dirt. which is why Heavenly Father sent me Hunter, who can get dirty in a swimming pool. I swear he gets out of the shower and find dirty before he can get a towel on. Do notice she is sleeping with a bow on, so there is hope for this picture yet!

So not the challenge belongs to all who read this. find the picture in your 6th folder your 6th picture and publish it. Hey if I can publish a dirty face and Stacie a cardboard house that was cool. You can do it too. Just keep it G rated as I tell my students!

For my sweet Red Head

This post is for my sweet Red head. Who keeps me on my toes. There are some things I'd like to share about her.

I was inspired by the icecream troft Rissa is a party planner much like her mother. Someone asked me Sunday if I was that happy and spunky when I was her age. I'm sure I was. She has so many qualities that remind me of myself.

• a love for paper
• Shopping and clothes
• having fun
• Just the other day we were watching TV and Washington DC was on something she inquired where it was and could she go there. I said most definitely someday. Traveling is one of my many passions and I can hardly wait til my children are ready to hit the road. A few days after that she informed me she was going to live in Washington DC when she grew up. I was ecstatic. She is her mothers daughter. I dreamed of living in NYC as a child. I knew I had to live in a big city. That's how I got to be in Las Vegas (It's not quite the city I was thinking of but, I know it's where My Heavenly Father wanted me to be).
• She has recently discovered sweaters and loves to wear them. Now that our 6 week cold spell is over (I hope).
• I know she has a relationship with our Heavenly Father almost a month ago she scared me with this news Well just the other day she came to be again I said she would only be able to see me for 4 more weeks. When I inquired why she then explained she was then going to see Heavenly Father. I said OK, that I love her and I'd miss her if she went there to stay. Yes, I was screaming inside. But, I learned this lesson last time, Maybe it will be a dream as she sleeps, Maybe she is just pretending, Maybe she really will go see him. If she does I can only find comfort in knowing she knew where she was going. That being said I can not imagine my house without her. It would be quiet, (well her brother would be screaming for her, they are inseparable so he thinks) and clean. It does make me appreciate her paper left all over a little more. None the less I try not to think of it and pray that if she
• She loves to play dolls
• But, most of all she loves to cook. This was not something I learned to love until after college but, I love to create cool, cute food. If I'm going to make it, it needs to be cute.

Who would have thought?

I know this will be hard for some of you to believe but, I won one of the prized at my ward Chili cook off. I know My roomie from Ricks can't believe it but, I did. See somethings do change in life. I can cook.

I don't feel like this Saturday was as productive as last but, I did hold a yard sale (sorry guys it was in the high 60's). I made $250.00 well really $200.00 after I spent money too. The best was we took a truck full of stuff to DI that is no longer hibernating in my house. So between that, making Chili and going to the Chili cook off nothing else got accomplished. I guess there is always tomorrow. I'm so excited I have a short week this week as Kent and I are going to SLC on Thursday for the weekend with out kids. It will be nice to just be us and not out hunting. I have lots to get accomplished plus ribbon to cut as I think I do my best bow making on road trips.

I'll post pictures if I can get some but, Clarissa won the Apron Diva award at the chili cook off. She loves to cook so this was fun for her. She takes a cooking class once a week and has decided she wants to have a cooking birthday party. Since I was thinking we may have a party at home this year instead of someplace it sound fun. Now to decide on Hunter's 3 party. I know it's 3 months away but, usually I have it planned by now. I keep changing my mind. It's his Bday to go someplace (I was letting them have parties out on the odd bdays). If he does Mc D's he's again playing 2nd fiddle to his sister as she had her 3rd bday there. But, where else? I just don't think he's old enough for Chuck E Cheese. So we'll see. Suggestions are appreciated. He loves, Cars, Star Wars and Indiana Jones.

Which brings me to another story. A few weeks ago after church Clarissa went around inviting people to our house for an ice cream party. Our bishop's wife, who I know well, came up to me and asked if I knew I was having an ice cream party. I didn't, we didn't even have ice cream in our freezer. It was funny but, scared me as to what will come in 10 years. I promised Clarissa she could have a party some time later. Fast forward to last night we were looking at Valentines and she asked to have a Valentine party. SO I agreed. Yeah I know crazy but, I thought what a great way for her to show her friends she loves them and well it would be fun and make me clean my house again. So I'm kind of excited to get in planned and to have fun. I think I may have a social butterfly on my hand. I will have to write later about Sis. Polka dot. If I forget please remind me.

Life is fun, and we have so much to be thankful for.

It's that time again!

No not Girls Scout cookie time. That will be next year!

It's March for Babies time.
Check out the cool widget ----------------------------------->
Please help Clarissa make her walk goal she has been participating in March for Babies since she was 6 months old. She missed walking one year, (her brother decided to be born that day) but still was able to meet her fundraising goal.

A note from Clarissa's Mother:

We are so thankful for the happy, healthy children that we had. I can not express the fear and concern that ran through my body some 4 1/2 years ago. When they nurse told me indeed my water had broken at 33 weeks 5 days. I knew from my previous employment at MOD that it could not be pretty. As I lay their pleading with my Heavenly Father that I would be able to hold my healthy baby girl not to soon but, soon enough. I always have a hard time when people don't want to be pregnant anymore those last few weeks. It's so scary. We were so blessed. For 2 days the nurses came in and out of my room telling me when she's born we'll be taking her right away to the NICU. Each time I said a prayer that I would get her back, that I would have a chance to hold my baby girl. I did just a few hours after she was born, as soon as I could walk (what motivation that was) I was able to go see her. She spent the next 7 days in the NICU. I often complain about how long they were and I still say they should NEVER send a first time mother home with out her baby. Couldn't they let me stay there? It was hard but, she came home soon enough and I know 7 days is nothing to cry about. We are so thankful for Our RED head who fills our home with love and laughter and lots of loud singing!

Can you believe this baby:

Has now turned into this 4 1/2 year old that we can't stop talking.

Drama Queen

Did any of you hear any whaling and gnashing of teeth and moaning last night?

Did you hear loud laughter in the Henderson, NV area

Clarissa was trying out for Drama Queen of the year.

Or so I hope that is what all the racket was about. I'm afraid she has been paralyzed by fear. If you happen upon her in the next few weeks I'm sure she'll tell you the paralyzing story.

It's called 4, 4 year old shots.

She went to the Doctor last night and "he hurt her". (I didn't think she'd be getting shots til Spring so I didn't prepare her, so I do feel a bit guilty.) None the less I'm sure my writing can not do justice to the drama that has been going on at my house.

She screamed out with pain for hours last night. Could hardly walk out of the Dr's office. Told everyone there the Dr. hurt her and was mean. Advised the kids in the waiting room to not go back to see the doctor as they hurt you.

Screamed and cried like she had gotten stitches. Moaned as she walked down the hall and to the car. Was so hurt she couldn't eat a Happy Meal. But, could try a Frosty.

I had to pick up some items for school at Joann's and Michael's. She moaned as she walked around the stores, crying out in pain like she was beaten. As we walked out of Jo Ann's she screamed so loud the people 2 stores down had to look at her and me. (I have to tell you all the time I'm trying to not laugh, and telling her maybe she needed to go to bed if it hurt that bad. And we wouldn't be able to put up her Christmas tree). She moaned and screamed all the way home and fell asleep for a few short seconds.

She hurt so bad her dad had to carry her in the house (The only person who gave her sympathy). She advised her brother that doctors are mean and he shouldn't go see them. They hurt you. She continued to carry on like at the stores being able to do nothing. We didn't even put up her tree as she was to hurt. When she had to get off the couch to get ready for bed. She requested a walker to help her walk. She feebly crept down the hall for her PJ's and had to sleep on the couch due to pain.

In her defence I was up til 2 am peeling vinyl and she whimpered in her sleep and called out til about 1 am. (Which has me concerned, She felt fine). She woke this morning hardly able to do anything (according to her). I told her we may have to cancel a play date and she seemed to feel a little better.

Yes, we have a DRAMA QUEEN on our hands. Guess I got my money's worth from Hollywood Kids!

I think she could have gotten an Oscar for her performance.

It was so funny to watch our little drama queen!

May we see Red carpet in our future. Guess I should listen to those talent agents. I could spend my weekend in LA instead of at Crap shows (craft).

Trophies

I"m not sure why but, these trophies were a necessity tonight. Clarissa found a dollar and needed to spend it. I also had to get some things for class at Target so agreeed to a trip. I warned her that a dollar would not get her much. except for the dollar spot. There was nothing in the dollar spot she wanted. Just some princess stickers that were not a dollar. (they were 5). We continued to look and she found quite a few toys to add to her Christmas list for santa, poppy, nana and yaya. She then discovered these trophies. They were $2.00 She asked if she had enough money and the mean mom said "No' but, the nice dad said she could do work tomorrow". So we agreed she could buy them. We continued looking at Halloween stuff and I treid to pursuade her she needed something else. It didn't work. Not a Halloween pez, not a cute bear for her mom's birthday, not candy, not chocolate, not a Hanana Montana book that was on sale for .64 or princess books that were on sale for $1.25. As her determination grew I found even better items like princess sidewalk chalk $4.50 nope- that could go on her list. As we approached the cahier there were Jonas Brother Pj's which she has been wanting. (She has one pair she got from Poppy and Nana for her bday). Nope not even $15.00 Jonas Brother PJ's could persuade her. She wanted the trophies. So we got them. she came hope opned them and then gave me one- How special but, came back a few minutes later to take it back as "they are all hers and they are special trophies" Maybe I have a future Olympian on my had if she'll give up all that for a trophy or maybe it's a padgent queen. I keep getting calls from a few talent agents in town. (it's just the red hair).