Snow!

Ok, so anyone who knows me knows that I loooooove the snow. So far this winter, we gotten two dustings and one ice storm. Not very impressive. However, last night we got a real snow. Nice white, fluffy, covered the grass, snow plows came, schools closed real snow. I love it! Scott is cursing me now. "Of course you love it...you don't have to go out in it," he tells me. Well, yeah! Duh! So what should I do today to celebrate? With 2 out of 3 kids sick, I really don't know. Maybe I can bake cookies. But then the kids are going to want to help and I really don't want them sneezing in the dough. We can watch a movie, but it'll probably end up being one of the kid's movies that I have seen a million times. Or I can make a cup of hot chocolate and curl up with a good book by the window. That sounds good. I know, I'm a nerd. But that is really my idea of the perfect day. Onto other things, my sister's baby shower is in less than a month. I can't really get into details about it since she may check my blog. She knows the date and that's about it. I still have to get some prizes for the games. Any ideas? I have a few more favors to make and lots more shopping to do. Other than that, I'm just waiting for RSVPs. They are not coming in as quickly as I thought they would. I hope I don't have to start calling people. I guess we'll see. And I have another question...why are girls so dramatic??? Every time Jenny sneezes and boogers come out, she totally freaks out. And everything is exaggerated cause she's sick. So every little thing that isn't perfect just sets her off. Now Cameron, on the other hand, just kind of lays around and wants to be left alone. He likes the attention when I give it to him, but he doesn't go looking for it like she does. She's just really irritating me right now, but I love her and I do feel bad for her cause she's sick and miserable. I can only hope Eric doesn't get this sickness because he's miserable enough now that his two bottom teeth are coming in. I must go mediate between the sick ones now...

It's Official!

Eric on his 1st Birthday!

Eric got his first tooth! Yay! It's about time, really. He is almost 13 months old. And he is still not crawling or walking yet. I'm not really worried though. He scoots around and has his brother and sister bring him everything he wants or needs. I'm enjoying his babylike behavior. Besides, the faster he grows up the faster I'm going to want to have another baby. And, no, I'm not pregnant. I thought I was, but I'm not, which is fine because I'm totally not ready yet. Cameron started preschool and that has been wonderful for all of us. However, until Jenny gets potty trained and starts preschool herself, I can't even think about having another baby. Plus, we need to purchase a minivan. I love my SUV, but it's getting ridiculous in there! Nothing else new here. Scott's working, I'm homemaking, Cameron's in preschool, Jenny's psychotic (I say that with all the love in my heart), and Eric's our slow child (again, I say that so lovingly). I know I have been neglecting my blog, but once I get used to my new schedule, I should be a little more loving towards my cyber-friend. Til next time (hopefully less than a month away!)...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!

Yesterday was my birthday. It was a pretty good day for me actually, except it didn't snow. I got some phone calls and e-mails and was serenaded by the missionaries from church and then by my dad. My kids were pretty good to me most of the day. Scott brought home Subway for dinner and then gave me my gifts: a lighted cow (like the reindeer that go on your lawn at Christmastime) which I wanted really bad last month, a beautiful cake pedestal with a cover, and a book that I really wanted. My sister came over the night before and brought me a cake and a gift card. And tonight we're going out to dinner with my parents. I think Scott has something planned for tomorrow night too. We'll see. So on the kids' birthdays this past year, we took them to get their pictures taken. Yesterday, Cameron said to me, "Today is your birthday and you're gonna get your picture taken and go to the store (like he went to the toy store on his birthday)." I was like, "Really? I get to go to the toy store?" I didn't go to the toy store, but I did take a late night trip to Stop and Shop to get dog food and some other stuff we needed to get through the day. So I picked up a soap opera magazine that I wanted and some chocolate. Happy Birthday to me!

Paninis and Princesses

I got a panini maker for Christmas and I absolutely looooooove it! Last week, I made turkey paninis with bacon, cheese, tomato, and avacado ranch dressing on sourdough bread. It was sooooooo yummy! Tonight I'm thinking about making Reuben paninis with corned beef, swiss cheese, saurkraut, and thousand island dressing. Or maybe a prosuitto and mozarella panini. I don't know. You can also make desserts too. So much fun!!! Onto other things...last night we took Cameron and Jennifer to see Disney on Ice. It was amazing! They were mesmerized, especially Jenny when the princesses skated with their princes. Mickey and Minnie were there with their gang, Nemo, the Incredibles, Toy Story, Pinocchio, and more that I can't remember. It was such a good time and such a good family experience too. I wish we could've taken Eric, but it was kind of late and he may not have enjoyed it as much as I hoped he would. So he stayed at my mother-in-law's and played with her. He missed us though. I think he's going through a separation anxiety thing now. He goes on a hunger strike whenever we leave him with a sitter. Poor little man.

Going Postal

So the other day I almost went postal. I was so tired from being up all night with Eric, who was coughing like a maniac. I was so tired of being puked on by two of my three children. And I was so tired of Scott having a headache and staying in bed all day while I took care of sick kids. So I left. I told Scott ofcourse, and then went to Target to get some stuff on clearance, went to Staples, and then went to my parents house where they fed me and made me feel better. I'm better now. My kids are done puking (at least I think they are), and Scott isn't mad at me anymore (at least I think he's not). On a lighter note, yesterday Cameron told me that when he gets as tall as me, he's going to help me clean the bathroom. I was like, "That's awesome buddy! I'm gonna hold you to that!" Seriously though, Cameron is a great little helper. He would just rather help Daddy outside than Mommy inside- unless I'm cooking. I can't believe he's going to be starting preschool soon. It seems like yesterday that he was snoozing on my chest in the hospital. Now he's a little man. ::sniffle sniffle::

Happy New Year!

Oh have I missed blogging! One of my many New Year's resolutions is to blog more regularly. School, Christmas, and illness have taken up so much of my time. So school is out until the end of January, Christmas is over (thank goodness!), and everyone seems to be healthy (at least today they do). I was thinking today about how this year was really boring for me and realized something- only the second part of the year was boring. In January, I had a baby (that's pretty exciting, I must say), I had a really cool baby shower where I got to create bonds with new friends, I went to the temple for the first time and was sealed to my wonderful family, I got a new-used car, took trips to Virginia, New Jersey, and Colorado, and started teaching the nursery class at church. I'm sure there are some great things that I missed, but that was an excellent start, huh? Some things to look forward to in 2007: my birthday (in 10 days), Eric's 1st birthday, the birth of my twin nieces, planning an awesome baby shower, more school, another trip to Colorado and many more to Jersey, the possibility of moving south, a new minivan, Cameron starting preschool, and many other things that I can't think of at the moment cause my kids are bothering me. I also plan to finish writing the novel I started. Any babies this year for me? Probably not. I'm not ready to be pregnant again and I'm sure as heck not ready to have another newborn in this crazy house. Plus, I want to enjoy watching my sister go through the trauma of pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting X 2. I think this will be a fun year. And I shall start it off with a medium rare steak, baked potato, and shrimp cocktail. Yum! Well, I'm off to the kitchen. Happy New Year!

::SCREAM::

I want to scream right now! I am so frustrated! Eric is so tired and and is crying non-stop and won't fall asleep. Cameron and Jennifer have been fighting all morning and I am trying to write a paper for school! I just want to put the three of them in a bubble for a while- just until I get my work done. Then we can go back to crying and fighting. Do you think that is possible?

Jennifer's Wedding

My Little Bride!
Today, Jenny saw a picture of Scott and I at my sister's wedding. She started talking about her wedding at the temple and her husband. Then she wrapped her blanket around her and called it her wedding dress. It's amazing what kids know. I asked her where her husband was now and she said he's at school, so I guess he's older than her. Then I asked her what his name was and she said "sister" and when I asked her again she said "babysitter." What that means I do not know, but it was cute. So plan for a summer wedding (note the sandels) to an older man in about 20 years or so.

Thanksgiving

We spent Thanksgiving with my sister-in-law, coincidentally named Kristina as well, and her wonderful family. We all had a great time except two of her kids were sick and rather lathargic. They, too, got the Fever-Coughing Virus and have now returned it to my kids who are all sick yet again. It doesn't seem as bad the second time around. Thanksgiving was great though. Kristina made yummy food. She barbecued the turkey, made delicious stuffing, mashed potatoes, green bean cassarole (from stratch), really yummy sweet potato cassarole, and gravy. We also had an array of pies to chose from at dessert. Pecan pie, apple pie, pumkin cheesecake, and my pumpkin pie. All of the cookies I made were pretty much gone before dessert. They held us all over while dinner was being prepared. The next day while watching the food network, I came up with a yummy day-after-Thanksgiving samdwich recipe. Everyone seemed to enjoy my concoction. Overall, we had a really good time. We just wish we could've spent more time with Kristina and her husband without the kids. You know, like go out to dinner or something. But I got to go to Target twice- once with Kristina and once with Scott and Eric. I love Target! It has to be the best store around. So Cameron and Jennifer have been talking about going back to see their cousins ever since we pulled out of their driveway. I think they are bored now. I'm trying to give them a lesson everyday to teach them their letters and numbers. They seem to like it. It gives them some structured time in the day. Eric likes it too because I always read a story. I'm a very animated reader and he gets a kick out of it. He'll probably have his letters and numbers down before he can speak. All of a sudden he'll just start reading at like 18 months or something. He's a smart little lad. A crabby one lately, but very smart and very cute. So now we all prepare for Christmas...

The Fever-Coughing Virus

Here is Jenny passed out on the couch during her fever-coughing virus. One time she actually fell asleep while sitting up. It was cute, but we felt really bad for her. She was miserable. This virus was evil. It passed though the house leaving its mark on every member of the family. I shall go around the house with a can of Lysol. Out darn virus, out I say! One, two! (Macbeth, anyone?)

Teeth, Santa, and Cookies

Eric got his first tooth on the 16th! He's almost 10 months old and just gettting his first tooth. All of my kids got their teeth late, but I think he is the latest. It's OK though. He's my baby! Jennifer said something cute the other day. She told me she wanted the Little Mermaid Beauty Salon for Christmas and I told her She'd have to see what Santa would bring her. So with all the seriousness in the world, she said, "Mama, I'm going to go to the North Pole and talk to Santa." Then she went on and on about the reindeer and the snow and everything else. It was very cute. Right now we're making pumpkin cookies. Since we're going to be guests at my sister-in-law's house this Thanksgiving, I figured we'd help out a little by baking a whole bunch of goodies to bring with us. Pumpkin cookies today pumkin pie tomorrow and maybe some oatmeal cookies as well. Ahhh, I love to bake. And so does Cameron. He's pretty good at cracking eggs, too, especially for a four year old.

Yeah, I know I haven't posted in a while. I apologize. We have all been so sick. I cannot get rid of my cold, Scott was on death's door, and now my poor Cameron and Jennifer are miserable. Even Eric is starting to get a little cough. I can't take this anymore! I've also been busy with school too. And Mary Kay. And the election. And with all of us sitting home being sick, there hasn't been much to write about. Last night, I went out with some friends from church and had a really good time. Whenever I'm out with them, I forget about all of the stress at home. The spirit is so strong and I am at peace with myself. I also get so inspired to do things too. I am so grateful for such wonderful friends! Unfortunately, one of them is moving away next week and I'm really sad about that. All of my friends keep moving away from me! Is it something I said?! I know it's hard living in this expensive state of ours, so I understand everyone's decision to relocate, but it's still sad. :( I miss you too! I will post more in the coming days.

Yay!

The parties went very well. My Pampered Chef party was lots of fun and the kids' birthday party was wonderful. My house was packed with family and the kids got lots of clothes and toys. Then, I got sick. I had and kind of still have a chest cold with a really annoying cough. Now Scott has it, but worse than I did. And Eric is sneezing with a runny nose. He has his 9 month check up tomorrow and I don't think he is going to get his shots. We are also going to get Cameron's picture taken cause it's his 4th birthday tomorrow! I cannot believe that 4 years ago at this moment he was in my belly. And now look at him. It's amazing. It makes the 30 hours of labor worth it. So...onto bigger and even better news- my sister is pregnant, which is awesome cause I'm going to be an auntie and now we can be mommies together. She had her ultrasound yesterday and guess what? There's two babies in there! Twins! That's just so freaky to me. My sister is pregnant with twins. Wow! I already started shopping for stuff for the baby (when I thought there was just one) and planning the shower. Now I have to start buying two of everything. Devanie, I'm going to need your help! You're the best at getting the most for your money and at planning baby showers! Help!

CRAZINESS!!!!!!!!

Scott and Cameron building my new hutch.
I CANNOT BELIEVE THEY ARE DIGGING UP OUR STREET THE DAY BEFORE OUR PARTY! I AM LIVID! I finally accepted the fact that our street wouldn't be paved in time for the party, but all dug up? Are you kidding me?! Errrrrrrrrrrrr. Onto other things, today is my Pampered Chef party and tomorrow is the kids' birthday party. We have a lot of work to do today. My wonderful husband bought me a new hutch for our dining room so we still have to get rid of the old one and the microwave cart. Then we can clear all of the junk off of the dining room table. Then we need to conquer the kids' rooms and the family room. That should be fun. Right now Jenny's wearing her Cinderella dress and "glass" slippers, Cameron is giving me a play by play on what is going on outside, and Eric is sitting up all by himself being as cute as usual.

Sick as a Dog

So yesterday wasn't a good day. It all started when I was awoken at 6:30am by the sound of my dog, Murphy, barking uncontrollably. I got up and discovered that he vomited all over the kitchen floor. Upon futher investigation, I found bits and pieces of a plastic wrapper. Then, I realized just what my hungry little cocker spaniel had gotten into- a 12oz. bag of semi-sweet chocolate morsels. So we all know that that much chocolate can kill a dog. I quickly called my mom who told me to call the emergency vet clinic. They told me to give him hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting. Now that was difficult, but with Scott's help, I did it. Scott called our regular vet who didn't seem too concerned, but told us to keep an eye on his heartrate. So all day I worried about my furry little lad. He's okay now, but still very hyper and irritable. And very hungry since he hasn't eaten all day. And ofcourse, my lovely children thought they would add to my madness by being out of control all day. But I try to find the positive in each day. Yesterday I found a new favorite toy. You all know how I swear by the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser? Well, try the Pledge Duster Plus! That little thing is awesome. I actually enjoyed dusting! Imagine that. Usually dusting makes me sneeze like crazy, but this duster thing catches all the dust so it doesn't fly all over the place. And as an added bonus, it comes with a mini Pledge spray attached to the handle, so you just spray and dust with one hand! Cool, huh? That was my day pretty much. Cleaning up vomit and dusting. Today is a new day and so far it hasn't been too bad. :) "Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God..." D&C 88:119

My Little Pumpkins

Yesterday was Jenny's birthday, so after we went to the mall to get her picture taken and buy her a present, we went pumpkin picking at a farm. It was a beautiful day and the foliage was breathtaking. The kids had a really good time too. We got a bunch of pumpkins and some mums. Oh, and in case you're wondering, at the toy store Jenny picked out Barbie and Tanner for her birthday present. It's really cool.

::YAWN::

I never thought I would say this. I'm tired of shopping. All day yesterday and all day today we shopped. We got a lot of things we need (and some things we don't need) and we had a good time together as a family, but I'm pooped. I just want to lay around in my pjs with a mug of hot chocolate right now. But I can't. Scott is at work now and I have to work on the house. I think we're trying to get too much done before the party. I mean, cleaning is one thing, but rearranging furniture and switching bedrooms is just a little much. But we already started so we can't just stop or there will be no room for anyone. So I must go to clean some more and move more things that are heavier than I am. ::yawn:: ::sigh::

Yummy!

Here are my Oatmeal Butterscotch Chip Cookies! They are very good, but very sweet. I think I'll only make these when I want to go into sugar shock. They are really good with a tall glass of milk. Yum!

What's wrong with me?

So I've been on this baking kick lately. The last time this happened I was pregnant with Cameron, but I know I'm not pregnant so I don't know what it is. I just know that I'm baking. I've been baking chocolate chip cookies, oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, pumpkin bread, cupcakes, sugar cookies, and I'm starting to get a little bored. So today I'm going to try a variation of my oatmeal chocolate chip cookie. The oatmeal butterscotch chip cookie. I'll let you know how it turns out. I have so much to do today. Vacuuming, cleaning the kitchen, folding laundry, homework, and I have to list some items on Ebay. My list is getting a little skimpy. And the most important thing of all- I need to figure out what I'm going to get Jenny for her birthday which happens to be tomorrow! She wants so many things and I'm just trying to figure out what she will actually play with that doesn't cost a fortune. I am totally over-thinking this. I don't want her to be disappointed, but I don't want to spend $50 on a baby that she is just going to throw around and draw all over. And Scott isn't really helping. He doesn't know what to get a little girl. I'm sure he'll have some good ideas for Cameron in two weeks so I won't have to worry about that. It's hard being a mom.

OUCH!!!

So this is what happens when you give a three year old a new mattress with no railing... A trip to the ER at 1:00 in the morning to get three staples. And a mess to clean up. Anyone know how to get blood out of clothing and/or carpets? Cameron's such a trooper though. I think he took the ordeal better than I did. Needless to say, there's a railing on his bed now.