Why I want my OWN computer

Tonight's prime example: I closed down 13 windows of Barbie.com, unsuscribed to a Barbie birthday party package, relocated my Microsoft program, realigned my icons/thumbnails, adjusted the volume, and stopped 27 Barbie coloring pages from printing.

PS: since I'm already asking why not go with a laptop

Good Mom Moments

Okay, so first off, I can't wait for Christmas. I know Halloween hasn't even hit us but I'm anxious for a change. I asked Daradie what she wanted Santa Claus to bring her and she said, "All the Polly Pockets I can handle." I'm sure Santa may have to consider that one. Maybe he'll realize just how small those shoes really are.

While on a walk yesterday, Koen asked to "hold my hand because I think you love me."

I'm loving this "job jar" that I stole from someone. Kiddos decorated their own piece of paper and I laminated the chart and cut out pictures of jobs (dusting, toilets, garbage...) Each morning I tape up a job on their chart. Once the job is done, they earn a treat and it gets put in their "job jar." They are paid twice a week in strawberry marshmallows instead of a cash allowance. Koen has been sucked into this gig at the go but it took awhile for Daradie to catch on. Our goal is to have them save up their treats to get them through the next pay period. Daradie has one more treat in her jar and tomorrow is pay day! Not sure if she's forgotten about it or she really is saving it. I'm hoping for the latter because that would really make me happy!

I asked Daradie what she wanted to do for her family home evening lesson. She wanted to do something about not hitting or talking mean to other people. I suggested some ideas and she wanted to do it on Nephi and Lamanites not being nice. I took it as Laman and Lemuel murmuring about Nephi and the building of the ship. I drew the pictures and she colored them and even told the story. Man alive. Moments like these just make you feel like you're doing something right with your kids.

Late lastnight Dan and I are struggling putting a trampoline together at 11 p.m. Dan had to have it up because he wanted to surprise the kids. Both kids are up before Dan leaves for work at 6:30 a.m. (Not too unusual if you REALLY know how my family runs.) He takes them by the backdoor and turns on the back light...you'd have thought it was Christmas in August. The kids were jumping up and down screaming "A jumpoline (what they call a trampoline)! A jumpoline!" Yep. My kids were the only ones yelling and laughing and having a blast while jumping on the "jumpoline" at 6:30 in the morning. Aren't you glad that you aren't my neighbors?

This explains a lot...

So this would explain why I had wrappers of Band-Aids in the bathroom.

Pre-babysitting Age

"Hey, mom! I just fed my baby some breakfast," cried Daradie from downstairs. Time has gone by and I went down in the kitchen. Well, well, well. Looks like any baby would love a leftover rib-eye steak to gnaw on.

Swimming 101

No, she's not dead just having the time of her life! Past few weeks she's turned into a fish. From not even wanting to swim in the pool and now to jumping in without plugging her nose (jealous, TaNece?) and opening her eyes under water! Funny thing she said while we were watching the Olympics: Mom, why can't you show me how to dive like that?

Sisterly Love

Outcome when all is quiet in the house. Daradie and Koen are ready for the ball.

Sidenote: since this picture was taken, he's now the "official" prince of the house.

Dan's Scout Adventures

Dan is really loving the scouting part of his calling. He's been pretty successful at teaching the boys that camping can be fun. They are at Tony's Grove (in Logan canyon) and this was their July campout. His next challenge: it's okay to be camping without cell service.

All American Cowboy & Cowgirl

Koen was adamant about wearing his red cowboy hat to "Grandpa Horsey's" house. Dad gave each grandchild a ride on his mighty steed. Koen stayed at his post and made certain that every kid had an opportunity to wear his red hat. It's pretty ironic. A kid who freaks out over flies or seeds in his watermelon isn't scared of riding a horse. Keep in mind that this is no small horse. My dad likes a horse that is big enough to carry his 6'5" frame. Daradie even got into the riding. She however, has BAD allergies to horses. In seconds her eyes become slits! She's tough and she's willing to suffer through the itchy eyes and runny nose. The kids had a blast giving the horse carrots...Koen decided to eat his instead of share it.