Hand Me Downs

We had so much fun today visiting my mom and dad. It has been since Christmas when we went to see them last because we had been sick for such a long time. The kids and I were excited to see what they were up to. When we arrived we were greeted with the best hugs and kisses. There is just no place like home! Nolan and Grandma played baseball for a long while while Leslie and I played dress up with a huge box of clothes my sister gave us. Leslie put on different outfits and then ask, "Don't I look cool?!" She actually wanted me to take her picture and she posed like a model. Most of the time it is incredibly hard to take pictures of the kids because they get extremely goofy with their fake smiles. Therefore, I had a blast taking pictures this time, only I did not have my own camera. I had to use my mom's camera which happens to be a Canon, so I was not too disappointed. The clothes that were given to Leslie are so cute and in such great shape. Oh, she also received a pair of boots and two other cute summertime canvas shoes. We love love love hand me down clothes! As a matter of fact that is mostly all Leslie has ever worn since she was born. I used to shop at resale stores and then once we moved, my sister-in-law and sister gave us tons and tons of clothes. I really have no reason to have to go out and purchase new clothing for Leslie, I do only when I "want" to. Anyway, here is Leslie modeling her "cool" clothes. (I denoted what was given to her.)

~the boots and pancho~

Leslie did this model position and said, "This is passe" (which is ballet isn't it?)

~the dress and shoes~

~the skirt, boots, and vest~

~the entire outfit and shoes~

Thank you Aunt Mandy and Camryn for the great clothes! As you can see, we love them! By the way, I would have taken more pics (especially with her favorite, the purple dress), but Momma's camera battery went dead.

This is my soap opera....

Last night we had my good friend and her family over for dinner. The kids played and played while we got to have some great adult conversation. My blog came up in talking and I wanted to show them what it looks like. So I brought them over to my computer and explained exactly what a blog is and how easy it is to set up. They were impressed and kept asking questions so that they may set one up one day. I explained how I started this blog to keep family and friends that live far away updated with our family stories and events. I also told them how addicting reading other blogs can be. I actually admitted that I get up each morning, pour a cup of coffee, and sit down to check my friends' blogs. He asked if I knew all of the "blogs I watch" and I laughed and replied No. I just love to read good stories, especially the ones that are about mothering. I like to feel that I am not alone in making mistakes. So the husband said, "So this is your soap opera." I laughed and thought about it for a minute and answered, "Yeah, I guess so. I do not watch regular soap operas or any daytime television, so yes in a way, this is my soap opera."

Hi Ho Hi Ho It's off to school YOU go!

Nolan has been feeling much better since taking antibiotics. So good in fact, he has been getting into trouble with his little attitude. He drove me absolutely bonkers yesterday! He had to go with me to pick up Leslie at school and I had to leave him in the car. Once I came back out with Leslie he had the windows rolled down and the radio jamming loud. All of the parents looked at us like we were growing antennae or something. I was so embarrassed and Nolan was smiling from ear to ear. I should have taken him right to his school door and given him the boot! We came home and had lunch. Leslie and Nolan played well for about 10 minutes before they started their lovely arguing and fighting. I set up a game for them and it lasted only about 2 minutes. Needless to say, I WAS READY FOR NOLAN TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL!

I am sorry if I seem to be complaining, but Nolan has developed quite an attitude and argues with everything. For example, I read the directions on how to play the game I mentioned and he argued that the instructions were wrong. If I say it is black, he says white. He even carries this arguing into directions I give him. So in order to stop this attitude I have come up with a great solution. I told the kids that next Friday we will be going to Chuck E Cheese (YUCK, but the kids love it). Of course they smiled really big and said, "Really?!" (We don't ever go unless it is for a birthday party.) I explained that they will earn coins to use at Chucks when they say "Yes, ma'am" when I tell them to do something or when I ask a question. So, this morning Nolan had to get ready for school and each time I said, "Okay, it is time to eat breakfast, brush your teeth, etc" he replied, "Yes ma'am. My mouth dropped open and it was so very nice to hear that instead of "why?" He already earned 6 coins! I told him that if he continues, we will be spending the night at Chuck E Cheese just to spend all of the coins he earns. Hopefully he will get in the habit of replying like that and we will not have attitude problems again.

Animal Trouble

Each night before I go to bed, I bring Coco into the garage and into his kennel. The last couple of nights he has resisted so I had to push him in. Several days ago I cleaned the blanket out we had in there for him and washed down the plastic pan he lays on thinking that the horrible smell was the reason he did not want to go into the cage. Well it did not help. Les finally placed a big packing blanket in the cage for warmth and Coco finally did not resist. Until last night. I brought him in as usual and stuffed him in the cage without turning on the light and I went to bed. Les got up this morning to let him out and found Buster, the cat, and Coco in the cage together!! Les came and got me to look. I was mortified! Coco always chases and barks at our sweet Buster and now to be caged up with him! I guess Buster liked the warm blanket also and crawled in the kennel for a good night sleep. I never heard them fight, so I am wandering if Buster just laid quietly all night hoping our dumb dog never noticed.

This makes the second night in a row that Buster has been caged up. The night before he got into our neighbor's huge quail cage (he raises the quail) and killed 6 birds. He could not get out and was caged all night. Needless to say, he was not a happy kitty the next morning. What are we going to do with our cat?!

Like I said, Coco is driving us NUTS. I guess he is lonely since Chili has been inside with her pups the past week. He has been whining at our back door all day every day. In a way it is sad, but in another way it is VERY ANNOYING! He also scratches at the door over and over again. We just do not know what to do anymore. Urgh! Life with animals................

Strep It Is

Nolan was just diagnosed with Strep throat as well. Man, I hope we can shake this soon. Our Christmas break has been extended, but with sickness! What a bummer. On a lighter note, I have been cleaning out. I never cleaned out my Homemade Gourmet stuff since I stopped selling it, so today was the day. I ended up clearing out three big cabinets. Woo hoo. I am on a roll. What's next...........

I Feel Good...

"I feel good! I knew that I would now. So good....so good....I got you!" Bomp bomp bomp.
Yep that is the song I am singing. I have been in the dumps for so long now, I feel like pretty much like a new person. I got so sick and tired of laying around the house and getting behind on the normal household chores. Les did a great job of being Mr. Mom, but there are a few things I just had to do myself. I got up this morning after actually sleeping last night and started in with the cleaning. Oh, I forgot to mention the reason I have been in the dumps the past week. I was diagnosed with Strep throat yesterday and they gave me a shot of penicillin and an antibiotic. Leslie was diagnosed with an ear infection and now Nolan is at the doctor. Last night Les sat in the living room chair and looked at the kids and I laying on the couch glass eyed and drowsy. He fed us dinner and waited on us hand and foot. I am sure he is worn out and I pray he does not come down with anything now. If he does though, I am well enough to take care of him now. Woo hoo! I am off to take Leslie to dance now. I will update on Nolan as soon as I hear.

My New Favorite Pastime

This past week has just flown by! The kids already start back to school in three days! We have not left the house all week and boy we have cabin fever. Leslie ran a fever for three days and then I started feeling bad with a head cold. I can't seem to shake it either. Urgh! Normally I do not ever get sick, but this cold has gotten a hold of me good this time. The kids have been enjoying "Daddy" time outside the past two days since I do not feel like entertaining. They have had a ball out in the beautiful weather riding their new Green Machines and four wheelers. Therefore, when I get the energy up to move, I go and take a peek at this..............

Chili is such a wonderful mommy. She loves on her pups like I have never seen a dog do. She keeps them so clean and shiny.

She is doing really well in the kids' bathroom. She barks at the door when she needs to go out to the bathroom and then barks at the backdoor to come back in. Chili is just an amazing smart dog. I am just wandering what we are going to do once these cute little things start moving around and pooping! Yikes! Oh well, we are enjoying watching them grown everyday. I love waking up and seeing this each day.

I just took this picture about 15 minutes ago when I went to check on them. How sweet is this? Oh, Chili, such a good mommy.