Halo Party

Michael had his 12th birthday party on Friday. He and his friends went and played laser tag and then came home for Halo 3 video games, pizza, and lots of fun! We had two XBOX 360s going on two separate televisions so the boys could complete against each other in groups of 4. They had so much fun!

We bought this gun several months ago and thought it would be fun for the boys to take pictures with it since it looks a lot like the gun on the video game. Yes, it's real. No, it isn't loaded!!!!!!

Michael and his friends

Instead of a cake, Michael asks me to make him a giant cookie every year since my cookies are his favorite. This year I tried something different and made a giant ice cream cookie sandwich. It was a hit!

Happy Birthday to you....

Make a wish and blow!

We got Michael a set of laser tag guns for his present. He loved it!!

Of course his favorite gifts are those of the paper variety with big numbers on it!

As for the girls, this is what they were doing....

Abby, like her daddy is a computer geek!

Then the girls decided to turn our dining room table into a catwalk and walked up and down it for the camera! It was so cute!

Louisa grabbed a hold of this balloon and did not let go of it for THREE days! Seriously! She even slept with it! She loves balloons.

Bath Time

I'll be the first to admit that bath time doesn't come as often as it should in our house. It consists of getting them in the bath, fighting to get Lu's hair wet since she hates having water poured on her head, washing both heads, more fighting to rinse out the shampoo, then conditioning and combing out both heads with long snarly hair, more fighting to wash out the conditioner, washing off their bodies, playtime, and then getting them out screaming because they don't want to get out! I get Lu out first and then have to blow dry her hair or it looks flat and stringy since it is so straight. After she is diapered and dressed, it's Abby's turn for hair as well. At least she dresses herself! If I'm lucky I can get it all done in an hour and a half. I have to say that watching them play together in the water makes it all worth it. It still doesn't make me want to do it every day though!! Thank goodness daddy does it half the time or they would get bathed once a month!

Happy Birthday To Michael

Exactly 12 years ago to the day, my life changed forever all because of a baby boy.

"It used to be that I could look at you and see traces of the baby you once were. Now I look at you and instead catch glimpses of the man you will become."

Happy Birthday Micahel. We have been through so much together and through it all you were there to love me and hold my hand. You saved my life just because you were my only reason for living for so long. I am truly blessed to be your mother. You are my son, my friend, my teacher, my life. I LOVE YOU.

I am Thankful....

For HIM...

and for THEM...

Happy Thanksgiving to you all.

The Every Day Grind

I've been Picture Tagged...and you might be next!
The rules are you have to take pictures of the following things. You have to do it right away. No straightening, cleaning, or wiping your child's nose. And then tag five others. (I never know who to tag so if you are reading this, TAG you're it!)
Beware you might be next!

1.Fridge
Every time I open the fridge Abby's sensor goes off and she comes running to see what's in it and what she can ask me over and over to have. This time, it was an Otter Pop.

2. Closet
If you love me you will just keep scrolling and not look closely. I am so embarrassed. This is just Ryan's side and it's neater than my side!!!

3. Favorite Room

And this is why....

4. Your bathroom
I'd love to say this is just messy because I got ready for church and ran out the door but no, this is my bathroom 90% of the time.


5. Your Bedroom
Okay, I admit, I cheated on this one and made my bed and threw the laundry in the corner. I just want you all to see how cute my bedding is!!!

So here is the laundry in the corner. Abby thought it was so funny I threw it that she wanted to throw it too and said, "Take a picture of me throwing clothes mommy!"

6. Kitchen Sink

Although I am getting accused of some MAJOR cheating on this one I promise I did not! I was actually a little disappointed when I went into the kitchen to take a picture and saw that my hubby had done the dishes! What a time to pick to do something sweet!

Since I know you all were looking forward to seeing my dirty sink, I got a glass and poured a little milk in it and swirled it around to make it look dirty and then put it on the sink! Are you satisfied now?

7. Favorite Shoes
Here are my favs! Can you tell which ones I wear the most???

8. What your kids are doing right now
Playing on the bed I just made of course!!! Why do you think I don't bother making it?

If you want to know what made them smile so big, Abby kept whispering, "Michael has a unibrow!" in Michael's ear. I gotta remember that one to make them laugh!

Abby is always reading a book

Michael is playing with his cell phone (his dad bought it and I'm not thrilled about it -- I think he's too young!!)

Lu is sleeping. I can't believe I didn't wake her up!

And if I am taking pictures, Michael has to get in on the action and take some too.

9. Self Portrait
My first ever self portrait


Had to get one with my camera. I call it "The Beast"!

Christmas on a Budget

Dear Friends and Family,
Somewhat embarrassing to admit, but Christmas is tight this year so
I will be making bedroom slippers for you all as gifts. Please let me
know your sizes. You'll most likely agree that it's a splendid idea, and
should you wish to do the same, I've included the instructions below:

How to make bedroom slippers out of maxi pads: You need four
maxipads to make a pair. Two of them get laid out flat, for the foot
part. The other two wrap around the toe area to form the top.

Tape or glue each side of the top pieces to the bottom of the foot
part. Decorate the tops with whatever you desire, silk flowers (this is
most aesthetically appealing), etc.

These slippers are:
* Soft and Hygienic
* Non-slip grip strips on the soles
* Built in deodorant feature keeps feet smelling fresh
* No more bending over to mop up spills
* Disposable and biodegradable
* Environmentally safe
* Three convenient sizes: Regular, Light and Get out the Sand
Bags.

I've attached a photo of the first pair I made so that you can
See the nifty slippers for yourself.... Awaiting your response. It's
crucial that I get the right size for each one of you.

Seriously, I received this as an email and loved it so much I just had to blog it!!!

Does This Answer My Question???

The answer is.... NO!!!!!!!!!!! I am not ever going to stop. I WILL stop posting pictures of all of my creations, but I am addicted and I love to knit. I started a Knitters Anonymous club where we get together and knit. Two of my sister-in-laws and I got together today and made stuff. It's great because we bounce ideas off of each other. Anyone is invited to join. I will post when our next intervention, I mean, meeting is later.

My latest project, a hat for Lu with a knitted flower on the side and matching arm warmers. Cute??? I know!!!!!!!!!

In this shot you can see the binkie clip I knitted for her. You should see the cute headband I made. Is there anything that can't be knitted?

In case any of you were wondering, I got my house clean!! About time huh?
If you want to see more pics of this cute hat on this even cuter baby click here!

Happy Days Are Here Again....(at the gas pump!!)

This is what I paid for gas today....

...and this is how it made me feel!!!!

(I took these pics with my iphone -- not too bad quality for a cell huh?)

Will I Ever Stop???

I learned how to knit scarves and wasn't satisfied so I taught myself how to make beanies and still was not satified! So, I knitted a ruffle scarf and made a beanie to match and then added a ruffle trim and flower on top. All knitted -- by me. You would think I was satisfied but I am not. I want to make a hat with pom poms on it now and a cute brim. When will it end? I haven't cleaned my house for 3 days but does that make me want to put down my knitting needles and do something about it? Absolutely NOT!! It doesn't help that Abby is the cutest model in my creations and then I have to edit all the pictures! I am having way too much fun!