Fourth of Fourth

Per Carole's reccomendation, I went to the 4th picture file on my computer, and pulled out the 4th picture in the file. It was the boys' "TP"ing Jared's office (with paper towels) on April Fool's Day this year. Enjoy!

24 hrs. in my life

At the suggestion of Jennie, I documented a fairly typical day in my life. This particular day was Nov.20, 2008. I assure you, it wasn't as boring as it may look. The night before began with only 1 child in our room, the morning begins with 3.Jared spends a few minutes getting a head start on work...
While Jack eats his breakfast.
It's only 6:41 AM,
but it's time for Jared to take Jack to school. (25 Min. drive)
By then beautiful Susannah is awake with her morning smiles!
Time for Mommy to get beutiful for the day! (I swear I took a dozen pictures before I got one I didn't look like a moron in)
Time for Ethan and Spencer to have breakfast and get ready for school!

My day for carpool!
Spencer takes a picture of himsel!
Arriving at school.
These are the kits that have taken me 3 months to put together. I help teach small groups in 1st grade 2-4 days a week phonemic awareness.
Next I go get the girls from my friend Amy's house! (Thanks for sitting Amy!)

Then, we dash off to dance for Olivia!
Susie gets a bottle in the car while we wait for Olivia at dance.
Then it's home to get some chores done. Like the basement. Ughhhh! (babysteps, babysteps, babysteps...)
Now why would a girl be this happy?
Because it's time to go to Target!!! (I had intended to do a whole post on our NEW Target. It's only been open a month, and I've already spent a year's worth of money there. Hooray for no more 25 minute trips to Target!)
The beautiful, Waconia Target.
Olivia is so happy with her snack!
The view from the top of the hill coming to our house. (We're the yellow one in the middle)
Time to change the baby's stinky diaper! (I spared you that picture)
Time for naps!
My gourmet lunch, eaten while on the computer, and checking my to do list for the rest of the day.
Time to wrap the present bought at Target for Ethan's party after school! (I only did that because he was going straight there. I'm normally a very strict "do it yourself" type of mom)
Back in the Mormon mobile.
Back to the school
Carpool!
Picking up the Dibs freeezers from the fundraiser the night before!
After school snack. Very healthy, of course.
I suppose I better do last night's dinner, and this mornings' breakfast dishes before I start dinner.
But in the meantime, Spencer gets to make cupcakes for a cub scout requirement. He gets to bring the pack meeting treat!
What a cook!
Finally sitting down for dinner!
Then everyone dashes off to pack meeting! (Susie and I stay home)
Unfortunately, a tray of cupcakes doesn't survive the mad dash out the door. Good thing we have a freezer full of ice cream.
Unfortunately, the dishes didn't disappear as fast as my helpers.
This is how I looked by the time the dishes were done.
Fold a "quick" load of laundry...
Put the girls in bed...

And fall asleep before the boys get back home!
I can't believe I get to get up and do this all again tomorrow!

techinical difficulties

For those who may, or may not, be anxiously awaiting the pics in "A day in my life", it has been postponed due to techinical difficulties. The dang website won't let me upload any pics. I'll keep trying.

Ladies Man

As it is a constant challenge to wake Ethan up for school everyday, I am always trying to come up with a motivating version of "Time to get up." Today's version came via email.
A girl named Maddie in Ethan's class is inviting Ethan to her birthday party at "Pizza Ranch" on Monday. Now, not only is this a birthday party, but a girls birthday party, at the very gender neutral, but testosterone leaning, Pizza Ranch. I wasn't sure what his response would be, but I was sure it would stir him from his slumber in an expedited manner.
I was correct.
"Ethan" I said. "Time to get up. I got an email from Maddie's mom today, and she invited you to go to her birthday party at Pizza Ranch."
Ethan promptly, if sleepily, sits up. Without hesitation he replied,
"Well, of course she did. She's in love with me."
Ladies Man has RSVP'd.

Enough Already!

I think I will make my blog private and not invite my husband. He is offended that I said he insults people, and even more offended that there were no comments to repudiate that fact. Adding insult to injury, instead my lovely friends merely requested free coupons.

As a clarification, I do not think Jared is an offensive person. My point was he is charming, and witty, and very honest and likable.

I am confident my friends agree. So, for the sake of my marriage, please, even you lurkers out there, leave a comment/compliment for my husband.

Then I'll thinking about locking him out. (of my blog that is)

Another reason why I love my Husband

My Husband is the only person I've ever met who can tease or insult a person to their face, and have the person on the receiving end still think he is charming and great. (Of course, it was necessary for me to marry someone like that. I would have eaten anyone else who tried to "correct" me alive. Although, I'm happy to report that at this point in my life, I'd probably only nibble...)
I think it has something to do with the idea that you always really sense a person's true intent when they speak to you, regardless of the words they use. And of course, My Husband is in no way a malicious or vindictive person.
Today, I am just really, really wishing I had that gift. I am often so passionate about what I think needs to be said, that I can completely, obliviously, end up insulting people I am trying to communicate with. Sometimes, I just don't know the nice way to say something. Even if I don't have any malice, I just don't seem to be able to do it!
Thankfully, for today, I have kept my mouth shut. I am just waiting for him to come home and counsel me how to avoid alienating people I really need to talk to!
So while I'm at it, for those of you whom I have unknowingly offended, please accept my apology and know I really didn't mean to.

Why I love having another girl in the house

In case you can't tell, this is a photo of a female, who upon noticing the garbage was full, removed the full bag, sought ought a refill in the pantry, and promptly put it in the can, being careful to put a few extra in the bottom of the can, so next time, she won't have to search the pantry.
I kid you not.

Recipie for a lovely afternoon...

First, you must have a rainy day, turning to snow...
Next, add a baby babbling bubbles...
And finally, happy kids eating chocolate chip cookies...
MMMMMM. Delicious