Mom Video

This afternoon after I picked up the kids from school, I started going through the agenda of the rest of our Wednesday.  As I reminded Jacob that he had his art class and Nathan of soccer practice, they were both so stoked to be going to their different places.  I smiled to myself, excited that they each have a talent that they LOVE to do.  Now to find what each of the four girls REALLY enjoy doing.
Then tonight I came across this video and it reminded me of chasing around kids this afternoon.  I don't know how I missed this commercial during the Olympics, but I did.  Just in case YOU missed it, here it is.

Tom the Beetle

Would you like to meet Tom?

He is Ashley's new pet.

She loves having him walk on her hands and legs tickling her.  Today she kept him in a little zip-loc container and took him into every store that we went to.  If you stopped to talk with us at the store, she would be quick to bring Tom out to introduce him.  She is quite proud of her beetle.

The sad part of Ashley's pet is that Jerrica is petrified of bugs.  When she sees one she screams bloody murder.  I usually go running thinking that she is hurt, to only find a small bug crawling on the dirt.

We will see how long Tom lasts.  I'm hoping that we can part ways tomorrow.  I think Tom needs to go find his home outside tomorrow.

Take the Bite

Last week we were at my mom's on Monday night for FHE.  I had brought the following story and thought that it would be fun for my mom to act it out.  She LOVES to work outside and has plenty of props for the story AND she is always good to ham it up.  I really wanted my kids to hear this story and wanted them to remember it.  I knew that if they had the visual image of Grandma acting this out, they wouldn't forget it.
Here is the story that I narrated as mom performed-

People will tell you that if you leave wasps alone, they will leave you alone.  Those people have never spent much time in a garden.  I have been stung countless times when I was just minding my own business.  The wasp sting teaches an important life lesson.

One day while working in my garden, a wasp landed on my shoulder.  When I tried to brush him aside, I flicked him onto my neck where he promptly stung me.  I'd been stung before but this was one sting too many.  Angry, I went to the shed and I grabbed a can of spray and a fly swatter.  I covered my face with cheesecloth and put on a hat to cover my head.  I pulled on a thick, long-sleeved shirt and snatched a pair of gloves.  I was headed to the garden for a war.  My mission was to eliminate any wasp that buzzed within fifty yards of my garden.

Two hours later, the potatoes were still full of weeds that hadn't been hoed, the water hadn't been turned on, and I hadn't thinned the carrots.  It didn't matter, I was going to kill all the wasps God ever created.  I had killed dozens of them.  The problem was that they never seemed to go away.  I'm sure I looked ridiculous waving and swatting and spraying and jumping around.  It took me half a day to realize how crazy I was being.  There would always be more wasps than I could kill.

Life is the same.  There will be times when you are minding your own business, hurting no one.  Then someone will come along and sting you.  You have two choices.  One is to get angry and waste days of your life swatting away; if you do you will find that you've accomplished nothing.  The better path is to protect yourself the best you can and enjoy your garden.  When you do get stung, it will hurt, you may cry and wonder what you did to deserve this.  Let it end there, take a deep breath, place a dab of mud on the sting, wipe your tears, and put a smile back on your face.  Turn back to your garden and enjoy it.  Take the Bite and Move ON!

We ended the evening talking about "taking the Bite and moving on"  I feel like so many times we consume ourselves, being upset about something that we can't change.  It could be a test score, an encounter with someone, a loss at a game, a negative comment ... it goes on and on in this life.  I am notorious for analyzing things and thinking way too much about them, instead of taking the bite and moving on.

I love being able to say to my kids "Take the Bite and Move On" and know that they understand what that means.  I don't want them to spend all their time swatting, when in the end it does no good.

Thanks for being such a great actress mom!!!

Spring Break Recap

Of course it wouldn't be Spring Break without going to Uncle Warren's Dairy -

We had quite a bit of snow come through during the break.  The night we came home from my parents the roads were horrible and Colorado Springs being so hilly didn't help.  There were sooo many cars off the roads.  One of our main roads had such a pile up that it was closed down.  We tried taking back roads to avoid the accidents, but couldn't make it to the crest of this hill.  Stephen and the boys got out and kept pushing other cars and vans up the hill.  I was so scared that they were going to slip and get run over.  Finally, we made it home and it felt sooo good to be inside our warm home as the wind howled.

Because of the snow, we had a lot of snow play.  There were forts built with stashes of snowballs, snow caves made in the ditch bank drifts, and of course a big snowman was created.

 

The kids also did their artwork for the Aaron Brother's "Green Earth" contest.  They finished them off and we turned them in.  It was fun to see their different ideas and creativity. 

A bike ride with Grandpa AND rides on the go cart.

We switched two brothers for two sisters one night.  Always when the Mason sisters come over we have to get out the hot wax and do manicures. 

We also ended the week with a basketball tournament for Kaylee.  She is sooo aggressive and quick.  I love to watch her, but just wish that she would grow.  She is in the third grade and they played in the 4th and 5th grade division.  Some of those girls were VERY tall.

Throw in the Horn guy, home theater, alligator farm and lots of cleaning AND that's what we did for Spring Break 2010!

Black and White Photos

I remember years ago when I would buy black and white film because I loved the look and that's what you had to do to get black and white pictures.  I would fill up an entire roll and then only like a couple of the pictures.  It seems like some pictures look really good in black and white whereas others, not so much.  I LOVE this day and age that we live in where we don't have to use black and white film to get black and white pictures.  I LOVE that I can run different actions creating a different feel to each picture.

Today I had my camera out studying something and Ashley and Rebecca came in fighting.  Ashley was claiming that she was Hannah Montana with her guitar and the mean older sister was right there in her face reminding her that she was 'just' Ashley Thompson and NOT Hannah Montana.  Of course there were tears and drama, until Rebecca left and I let Ashley pretend that she really was Hannah Montana.

I loved these two pictures.  But I loved even more that I could change them into black and white.

 

I am amazed at how cheap photos are now.  With digital cameras we don't have to buy film, we don't have to process pictures that are duds and won't turn out, and processing is even cheaper than it used to be.  I took a lot of pictures during those film years, but I dare say that I take a TON more now in this digital era.

One more quick photography thing.  I just found this site and LOVED the textures.  It is Shadow House Creations.  Go check it out and download some of his fun textures - they're FREE!

Home Theater

I LOVE doing this because the kids clean like crazy trying to earn tickets AND we don't spend a bundle at the theater on tickets and treats (Believe me EIGHT people at the theater adds up).  I bought generic tickets at Wal-Mart for $2 which have lasted and will last forever.  The morning of our theater I start handing out tickets for various completed jobs.  It amazes me how quickly things get cleaned and done.

I then set out my theater concessions.  They have to have so many tickets to actually see the movie.  Then pay for various treats AND for pillows and blankets to snuggle in and on. 
It's fun to see how the kids spend their tickets. 

At any rate the kids sure enjoy this, AND I LOVE having the house all clean.  What do you do for your family movie nights?

I Love that Horny Guy

I was going to post all of our Spring Break activities in one post, BUT couldn't resist slipping this one in.

We went to see Dave the Horn Guy today.  He has 25 different toned horns strapped all around him.  He then does this little act where he plays various songs using them.  He was hyper and fun. 

What I kept laughing at was Ashley.  She kept turning around and telling me, "I LOVE that Horny Guy".  I would smile and correct her that he was the HORN guy.  5 minutes wouldn't pass by before she would repeat how she loves the horny guy. 

Isn't is funny how just one letter in the English language can change the context of a sentence.

When it was over and I was trying to take a picture, Ashley wouldn't get in the picture because according to her, "He is too horny!"  With that comment I literally WAS laughing!

Check him out in action.

The Winner

I was excited to be able to do the giveaway.  BUT I think that I was even MORE excited to read each of your sweet comments.  I wish that I had 44 puppets to giveaway.

I ran the numbers through the Random Generator.  Tried to copy the page with the winning number, but couldn't figure out how to do it.  The winning number was five and the fifth comment was from ...

Dana - Chandler, Arizona

Congratulations!  I hope you enjoy your new addition.  Please email me your address so that CSN Stores can ship him out!  Thanks again CSN Stores for your generosity AND thanks again to all of you for your sweet comments!

Alligator Farm

Down by my parents house there is a hot springs where this man decided to raise Tilapia Fish to sell.  They needed some way to dispose of the garbage and fish that die SO they got an alligator, AND now they have 300 alligators and crocodiles (mainly alligators)!  He has been doing this for 23 years now.

 

The sex of the offspring is determined by the temperature in the nest, and is fixed within 7 to 21 days of the start of incubation.

Another favorite part was the HUGE swings that they had by the parking lot.  You could go soooo high.  Kaylee went with Stephen once and was screaming to get off because they were going so high.  I LOVE the beautiful background of Mount Blanca in the back.

Kaylee wasn't only scared on the swings ... holding the baby alligator was a little terrifying for her as well.

They have tortoises crawling around the walk ways.  Jerrica was all eyes and LOVED touching their shells.

My mom kept running her finger up the back of my leg scaring me that an alligator was out.  I'm just always a little nervous around them.  They look so slow and lazy, yet sure can move fast when they want to.

Alligators are born black, but the sun then bleaches their color.

I HAVE to write all these little facts down because I know that I will soon forget them all.  Thanks for coming with us Mom!

We will see you in a while Mr. Crocodile ...

Article of Faith Cards

It is Spring Break and to start it off we went down to my parents.  I was very hesitant to leave over the weekend with March Madness on.  However, my ingenious husband hooked up his cell phone to a laptop to live stream the games on to the laptop.  I thought it was so cool to be driving in the mountains and be able to watch a LIVE basketball game.  Thank you Stephen!

Also, as we were driving I was able to cut and work on a quick project.  I had made these cards quite a few years ago to hook on my kids' scripture bags.  With time and wear and tear they had fallen off and the kids needed a new set.


I LOVE this set because each number has pictures and key words to help you remember the Article of Faith.  Plus the entire word version is on the back.  Go check the cards out HERE.   I did laminate them and punch a hole in the corner to ring them all together.  They have really helped my kids!

Iron Worker

This post is for my sister, Tanya.  She is moving to Oklahoma and bought her first house with land for her horses.  Today my dad finished a little project for her.  Tanya drew the horse silhouette and Jacob helped with a few details.  Then Tanya left and didn't get to see it cut out.  So here it is ...

The horse is made out of iron and cut with a laser.  It is sure big, but will be beautiful on their front gate to their property.  I'm jealous Tanya, and trying to think what dad can cut out for me ... maybe a silhouette of ME!

A Giveaway

How exciting to have a GIVEAWAY on my blog!!!

I was contacted by  CSN Stores to do this giveaway.  They are a very comprehensive online store where you can find just about ANYTHING.  Take a look at their Kids Bedding.  They have so many fun quilts, comforters and pillows.  I'm in the process of changing up one of my kids bedrooms and found some fun bedding there, as well as decorating ideas for it.

Now for the giveaway because I just can't wait anymore.  It is a 25 inch puppet named Kenny.

Isn't he cute?!?!  He could be used for pretend play with your kids.  You could use him to teach a special FHE or any type of lesson.  Teachers could use him in a class.  Your older kids that babysit could keep him in their babysitting kit.  He could even be given as a gift to someone needing a little friend.

All you need to do is leave a comment with your name and state included in your comment.  If you would like an additional entry, blog about this giveaway on your blog linking back here to My Mix of Six, then come back and leave another comment with a link to your blog post.

I will use a random generator to pick a winner.  The contest will end next Wednesday, March 24th at midnight.  The winner will be announced the next morning.  Maybe it will be YOU ....

And thanks again CSN Stores for thinking of me and offering this fun giveaway.  Go check out how many products they offer with such reasonable prices!

Weekend Update

Remember my last post about organizing?  You should see my house, it is soooo DISorganized right now.  I just can't pull myself away from this-

The problem with watching tournament games is that you can't really do a project while they are on because you don't want to miss a play.  So right now I am being VERY unproductive.  I remember when I was in labor with Kaylee and having her, I had March Madness on at the hospital to watch and keep me distracted.  I guess you could say that I was VERY productive that year as I was watching.

I LOVE the close games and the teams that never give up and hit the winning shot right at the end.  I LOVE seeing the underdog prove that they can win.  I LOVE seeing all of the players hard work paying off.  I just LOVE college basketball because it's so competitive.  It seems like the NBA players are already making their millions and don't necessarily give it their all in their games.

Anyway, we DID go sledding this morning before the snow melted, AND before the basketball games started.  Here are a few pictures from the sledding-

SO my house is a disaster but at least I saw all of the exciting games.  I think when my kids are older I'm going to send each of them a March Madness bracket to fill out.  Then we can have a little family poll going on.  Just another way to keep the kids close as they grow older, and so I can keep watching my March Madness.

Drawers and Organization

My cousin, Lydia came to live with us quite a few years ago.  One day I was trying to explain where something was, telling her "It's just on that shelf..."  She then explained to me the concept of "A Place for Everything".  Yes the batteries might be kept on a shelf in the laundry room, but they need a basket or bin to be contained in, not just a plastic bag.  I still remember going out and getting a junk drawer organizer with her that day so that there was a little compartment for everything in my junk drawer.  Since that day Ms. Lydia, I have tried to have a place for everything.  It's just amazing how quickly things can be found, saving time that is so valuable around here.

My FAVORITE organizing is using drawers because it looks so clean on the outside.  The coats in this closet look busy enough, so I like the simplicity of the small dresser.  It's small yet big enough to rummage in.  One drawer is gloves, another for hats, then one for snow toys ...
 
We recently put up this little shelf in the older girls room, so that all the drawing books have a place instead of scattered all over their desk taking up room.  I also love the little utensil carousel that gives the glue, scissors and other gadgets a place as well.  All of it just keeps the desk area clean.

Back to the drawers, I have a recipe drawer in my kitchen that keeps recipes filed.  And today I just organized my greeting cards in their own drawer.  I have always used a shoe box, which eventually gets used for a school project and I'm without one until the next box of shoes I buy.  So I'm quite excited about my card drawer.  I have enjoyed organizing all my stuff in this new little craft room.

Then there's the Polly Pocket room (A big walk in closet).  My dad made the cute little house.  Sometimes we have it set up for Barbies in there.  BUT lately, it has been a Polly Pocket / Little Pet Shop area.  It can look quite messy all strung out when they are playing, but literally takes a minute to clean up by putting each house in its shelf and scouping up all the itty bitty clothes, dolls and animals into the purple tub.  

I really need to paint that house.  Yet another project on my to do list.
My areas that are the messiest are the ones that don't have designated places for the "stuff".  It's probably quite ironic that I'm doing this post today because my house isn't representing organization right now.  March Madness is on and I LOVE to watch it!

70's and a 70's shot

Today the weather was supposed to hit 70.  It was such a BEAUTIFUL day!  I couldn't resist taking the little girls to the duck park.  Of course Stephen had to tag along.  I LOVED this picture of him and Ashley and loved it even more with the seventies action.  Thus, in the 70's with a 70's shot.

Tomorrow we have a blizzard moving in ...

Autographs

One of the perks of club soccer is having the Rapids be a sponsor for them.  The Rapids are Denver's Professional team.  Two players came over to the Pride Complex this week for a training session and autographs.

Nathan got his ball signed by them.

When I was bringing him home he says, "Mom, someday I will probably have to sign little kids' soccer balls".

Oh, Nathan I hope that you can always play your soccer and wouldn't that be nice to get paid for playing!

"Lucky" Idea for Dinner

Tina sparked an idea for me this afternoon after reading her comment.  She talked about getting a package on her mission that was filled with green things, including MONEY. 

SOOO I thought that for dinner tonight it would be fun to tape a $5 bill on the bottom of a plate.  I won't tell whomever is setting the table so that it can be completely random who gets it.  Then as we are eating I will talk about being Lucky and let them see WHO is the lucky one.  I guess I could even put a little something on one of the dessert bowls.

I hope that I'M the winner!!!!  Is that bad to say?  But it is my $5 after all!

Happy St. Patricks Day!

We LOVE holidays around here!  They just seem to add a little extra fun to the monotony of the regular routine.  I made the green lunches -

Target's Dollar section added a little fun to the mud room.  I bought socks to lay by the girls' shoes.

Target's Dollar section also added a new little decor to the house.

And just in case you are wondering Stephen,

I AM Irish ...

Holidays come and go.  It's always sad to take down the decor -


But onward to the next holiday, which is sneaking up on us.  Easter is early this year. 
Any fun plans for YOUR St. Patricks day? 

Kaylee Had a Birthday

She turned NINE!

The little girls and I made her a sunflower cake, thanks to Family Fun's IDEA.  We flattened and cut starbursts for the petals.  We also had to eat a few mini chocolate chips  because the flowers didn't need too many.

We have a few birthday traditions.  We always decorate the house with balloons and streamers the night before, AFTER the birthday person goes to bed.  We also alternate friend party years with family parties.  This year was a family party for Kaylee.  She chose to go bowling, so that's what we did tonight.  We did let her bring a friend because the friend is moving to Texas on Wednesday.  Kaylee is very sad that she is moving.

Kaylee is one of my sweetest kids.  She is like a second mommy to the little girls.  She is very thoughtful.  Many a night she brings in ice water to put on my nightstand for me.  She is also very athletic.  She loves to run, play basketball and soccer.  She has a feistiness that helps her in sports.  She loves art and can sit at her desk in her room creating for hours.  Piano is another love right now.  She loves the fast, spirited songs to play.  If you ask her what she wants to be when she grows up she will say, "I want to be a mom, nothing else, just a mom."  Another favorite thing that I enjoy about her is her infectious giggle.


And one last picture of my Kaylee girl.  She loves to wear make-up and do make-up with her sisters.  She tells me that she needs to practice for when she is a teenager.  Here is one from last month when I did a little make-up day with the girls.

We LOVE you Kaylee and are soooo LUCKY to have you in our family!!!