Homemade pizza

I'm still here. Watching from the shadows and enjoying catching up on everyone's blogs. We've been beyond busy with sports, family visiting and my duties at PTSA President. I'm busy re-writing our Elementary school science fair notebook that goes home in 10 days.

Miss R and Mr N are home from school day (weird school schedules. It boggles my head). Mr N is M, T, W afternoon, Miss R is all day M, W and alternating F. Some days I don't know if I'm coming or going. We are enjoying staying home today to play and cook with the easy bake oven.

There's lots of blogs floating in my head. Hopefully I'll get them down soon.

Happy December!!

from the mouths of babes...

My kids are on summer vacation. I would say we are not busy, so they are bored...but we are busy and maybe that's why we have all the fighting. We've been camping over 2 weekends, three of the kids had daily swim lessons for 2 weeks and now the older two (ages 10, 8) have 4 days of tennis lessons from 9-12. I've been able to entertain the little two (ages 4, 5) because there is a jogging track across the road with a fitness playground and an elementary school across the baseball field. We have been out and playing hard.

I guess I pressed my luck by making a stop at Home Depot (after McDonalds as their bribe lunch). They acted like they were still in the park. We had a long discussions about "park" behavior and "store" behavior. None of this lecture sunk in because they acted the same way at the grocery store. We had another threat discussion that if they made a whiny, yelling peep while at the chiropractor - they all 4 would be grounded. I don't care who started it. I don't care why you are yelling or hitting, just no peeps!!


They made it through. Alive. And quiet. We made it home. Alive. And quiet. I've managed to not open that bottle of wine and am able to relax before I go back outside to start painting the front steps railings (I've spent two afternoons scrubbing the wood). The younger two have managed to listen to my "no video games or TV today" rule and are playing nicely in the backyard. Older two are playing a card game and keeping the peace (for the most part). When suddenly, Mr C needed to use the restroom. Here's the exchange of words:


Mr C: You steal any of my cards and I will destroy you!!
Miss M: Wow. That sounds ominous.

I guess the "park" behavior is simmering under their skin and I need to sneak out front to sit in my favorite chair and finish my book club book before they erupt again.

Honest Scrap

The wickedly smart and funny Mrs. P has awarded me this Honest Scrap Award which encourages me to spill 10 honest things about myself!

It should be easy to come up with 10 items because I love to spill the details of my life (as well as hear yours), but sometimes the top 10 ideas that pop into my head are not always the most important or relevant. Since the wine is currently out of my system, my husband is out of town and I'm watching back to back episodes of "Brothers & Sisters", be forewarned that I may be moody or funny (well, I think I'm funny).

Here goes:
#1. When I wrote my top 10 Happiness is.... I forgot to mention my wonderful husband (I'm really sorry. You are the most important reason why I am happy).

#2. I have 2 tattoos from my early 20's. One on my ankle and one on my hip. But I would love to get at least 4 more, I just don't make the time. I want the tree my Mom painted on my shoulder or back, a dove with a pink ribbon on my foot, my children's birthdates as 6 numbers on my wrist (hmm.. I guess I'm down to wanting 3 more).

#3. I am ADDICTED to Starbucks mocha. Not just a mocha from anywhere or when I make my many cups of coffee a day, but Starbucks mocha. I'm not sure if I'm addicted to the fun baristas that know my name or that it is so easy to get into the drive-thru as I take off on my daily errands.

#4. I used to shop to feel better. But the debt and not being able to travel has put everything into perspective. Now I google map for road trip ideas, research on expedia for last minute vacations and read travel blogs while we plan some mini vacations as we save for some bigger ones.

#5. I am a procrastinator. I have been since I was a little kid. I always get my projects done, my studying done, my housework done.. just in the knick of time. I realize that if I planned ahead I could get more done, but when I die will it matter that my house was perfectly ordered 3 hours before guests instead of 5 minutes.

#6. I am a talker. I love to listen and share conversations, but as you can see in these top 10's, I am a talker and explain everything.


#7. I am sarcastic and inappropriate with those I know well. Who else can make their Dad blush while talking to his fiance about (implied) sexual adventures.


#8. I was happy with 2 kids, but can not imagine my life without 4. This may sound strange, but they were not in the plans. I love them all dearly and they try my patience, but they are incredible and I am so happy that my life has turned out this way. We tried for #3, but it did not happen when we planned so we decided to be done. But 3 months later, BAM...Marc said I was pregnant and sure enough I was. Marc told me I would be pregnant with #4 if we weren't using protection (see #7), and I was pregnant anyway. So we are a family of 6 and I love every minute of it.

#9. I am a terrible multi-tasker, but I do it all the time. I move from room to room as I clean and I clean that room until I find something for the other room and then I move into there to clean for awhile. It all gets done in the end and I feel less overwhelmed doing it this way. My biggest multi-tasking job is watching TV while typing or surfing the net or even reading a book.

#10. I am 5-1/2 years behind on my scrapbooking. With digital photography I have a million photos and get more overwhelmed at catching up. I have most of Miss R's 1st year sketched out, now I need to sketch out Mr. N's 1st year and get in all on paper and into their books. Miss M and Mr. C LOVE to look at their books and I feel guilty for not getting them done. See how bad I procrastinate (#5), but I will get there soon. And by soon, I'm setting it as this year (so on December 31st, I will be frantically throwing a party and scrapbooking so that it all gets done). ;D


Well, there's my 10. It was much harder than I thought. So, select 7 friends to pass this award on to. Please don't feel obligated, but I would love to read your answers.


So, in no order, I pass this award on to -
1. 2 kids, 2 dogs, 2 cars, 2 tired... 
2. a reservation for six 
3. I have to work...but I'd rather be scrapbooking 
4. In Real Life 
5. Mommy of 4 knee deep in laundry! 
6. mummy time 
7. Whooo's that girl? 


The above are all fabulous blogs that I love to read and check up on in google reader daily. You should do the same!


Have fun!!

46/365

Mon, Feb 15:

Today is day 4 of the kids being home on a mini vacation. Not exactly mid-winter break, but they have 2 Teacher In Service days (Friday and Tuesday) with Presidents Day today. Also, Marc flew out this morning for 5 days. Miss M and I drove him to the airport at 5:30am. We came home and napped after that! You would think that with 5 days off we would be off doing a little wandering, but time and schedules did not allow us. What a waste of some perfectly good time off. But, soon...I am planning lots of moving about, soon!

Back to today, most of the day was filled with lazing around and a little laundry and cleaning. I was babysitting my nephew, Mr T, whose preschool was closed for the day. I never was able to convince him to change out of his pajamas. After many hours of playing, we finally decided to venture outside. It was overcast, but surprisingly warmer than I thought. They kids all took their bikes down the hill to ride for awhile. Miss M crashed and bruised her ego and was not having any of me taking her photo. Mr C was more than happy to mug a few shots for me. My neighbor came out with her kids and I got some much needed adult talking time. I'm always grateful when she comes out to play.

 

45/365

Sun, February 14:

Happy Valentines Day! Everyday is a day to celebrate the ones you love and we don't usually go too far out of our way to make this day special. We always buy the kids a little gift and the girls a flower. We always make a special dinner for all of us to enjoy by candlelight.

This year was no different. Except, we got a surprise visit from my Dad's cousin, Kurt from Florida. He happened to be coming into town for work and was able to come enjoy some snackage and get overwhelmed by kids. He loved it though. He was a blast to have around. We would have invited him to stay for dinner if we didn't have our yearly tradition of us and candlelight. My brother and his family came over too for the vist. So, 5 adults and 7 kids (well 8 kids since a friend came over to play with Mr C) hung out for a few hours and had a wonderful Valentines.

Marc and I take turns each year for who is in charge of Valentines (since our anniversary is in 6 weeks). This year was Marc's turn. He bought a pink rose for Miss R and a red rose for Miss M. I got 2 bouquets of tulips (my favorite). He started the day out by making pancakes. He made all the snack food for our visitors and then made a delicious steak and baked potato dinner for us. We turned out the light and ate with candles (which the kids asked to blow out the whole meal) and the last of my Evil Chardonney. 

We finished the night exhausted...after doing all the laundry and Marc packing his bags for his flight in the morning. I hope you had a great day with your friends or family.

43/365

Friday, Feb 12:
Today was a great day, in a different way. 
1. Marc took the day off work since he is flying out Monday for 5 days.
2. Miss R got an invite from a preschool friend to go to Jump Planet. At first I declined, but then I remembered Marc was home and I was able to leave Miss M and Mr C at home with him. I took Miss R and Mr N to go bounce for 1 hr 15 min.
3. We were then invited to play at her friends house. I called Marc and then went on a playdate (both for the kids and me).
4. Miss M was able to have a friend over and then go to her friends house.
5. Mr C was able to have a friend over for a few years.
6. Marc didn't get overwhelmed by all this because there was never more than 4 kids here (instead of 6 or 7).
7. I came home and managed to whip together some delicious tacos with crab and chicken to choose from.

There, it was a great day...though not our normal what shall we do kind of day.

42/365

Thurs, Feb 11: 

I'm thinking my daily photos should be photos, but they are about a snapshot of a day in my life. And the PTSA has become a large part of my life. We usually meet on the 1st Thursday of every month, but this month we were having our Science Fair and decided to not pack our schedules too tight since two of us running the Science Fair are also on the PTSA Board. This is my second year as the PTSA Secretary. I am at the end of my term. We can serve for 2 years in any position. I must admit, I LOVE being Secretary. It's a little like being in college with taking all the notes and then going home to type them up to share with the rest of the PTSA members (who do not show up for the meetings).

Tonight we discussed our Board for next year. We need to decide on nominees by the next meeting and then vote the following meeting. I'm hoping some parents come out of the woodwork and decide to be a part of this group. Otherwise, the 10 of us who come to the meetings will continue to decide how to spend all that fundraiser money. Bwaa-haa-haa-ha!!

Seriously though, the PTSA kept my winter depression away last year and I will always be thankful that I am able to be a stay at home mom so that I can volunteer so many hours to my kids school. And that my little 2 are so willing to follow me around school when I am there volunteering (although they do try and sneak off to the playground a lot lately).

1-7 of 365 photos

I think I'm all set up and ready to post my 365 photos. I will catch up with this first week of January and try my best to do it daily. Not only for myself, but for my friends and family. It's a lot harder to find that 1 photo everyday to share. So much happens in the day in the life of a Mom and busy family.


Here is my first week:

1/365 ( Fri, Jan 1st). Here's me...sitting at home. Ready to take on the new year. Happy 2010!!









           

2/365 (Sat, Jan 2nd). We visited the Everett Children's Museum for the afternoon with our family. We had to renew our annual pass and for $20 more we were able to get 7 family members in for free. It was a great deal and a lot of fun. 

Marc enjoys digging for dinosaur bones (with the kids of course).

3/365 (Sun, Jan 3rd). We are working on having family dinners to discuss our upcoming weeks. Here's our first Sunday dinner with homemade pizza. Marc used my new mixer that I got for Christmas. (uses: Marc - 3; Heather - 0).

4/365 (Mon, Jan 4th). Laundry day. Does your laundry day look like this? I need a wide angle lens to get the full scope, but I had these piles of clothes (4 days worth) to fold. First we dump it all on the floor then sort it (the kids each get a pile, our shirts, towels, our pants, kitchen towels). It's much more manageable this way. I am very happy that I have released control of putting it all away!

6/365 (Wed, Jan 6th). Miss R, my little artist. She has spent the last 3 days making paintings. We hung a few on the pantry door and I scan a couple to add to her scrapbook. She is really into flowers and rainbows and telling me that her painting means I love you!

7/365 (Thurs, Jan 7th). Miss M had 3 teeth removed on Wednesday. 2 on the top and 1 on the bottom. Next Wednesday she will have the matching 3 on the left side removed also. We are borrowing room in her mouth to let her adult teeth come in a little straighter. We go back to the orthodontist in May.

I will post my Friday picture later tonight. Thank you for being Friday (I think). It means the kids are home for the weekend and I'm still getting settled back in to them being at school all week.

Cheers!

5/365

The mill creek library is my sanctuary. I was able to read 54 books last year because of the library. I discovered new books that I loved and some I didn't even finish. Buying them all would have been more than my Starbucks spending. The kids love going to the library too. They love to go and and ask me if it's time to "pay". On occasion we find a new book for Mackenzie and Cameron to read too. Today I got 4 new books. I love putting books on hold, but I hate when they all arrive at the same time. I'm not sure I'll finish all these in 3 weeks.

first airplane ride

We survived a 3 hour flight to St. Louis, MO. The background story is my husband, Marc, didn't want to go. He says it's a hole and never wants to go back. I, of course, want to see everywhere and really want to go. 12 hours before our flight, my husband was still trying to cancel our hotel. Secretly and outwardly, I was happy that he was unsuccessful.

We went to the airport 3 hours early. We needed to check 4 bags, 2 car seats and walk with 4 kids (ages 7, 5, 3 and 2). We ended up using curbside check-in. Saved us a lot of time and hassle dragging our bags. It was worth every penny. We took a 11 am flight so we had enough time to grab some breakfast and let the kids run off some steam. We boarded last and had a great flight. We managed to snag a free upgrade at Thrifty to the new Town and Country mini-van. The seats turned so that the kids could face each other. It was great fun and entertainment for them. We stayed at the Crowne Plaza in downtown St. Louis. We had a HUGE room with 2 queen beds and a pull out couch. The best part was we had a view of the Mississippi River and St. Louis Arch from our room. We found a great breakfast place about 2 blocks away at Panera Bread. It was non-smoking (smoking is still allowed in Missouri restaurants) and had great bagels that we could take with us everyday.

The sites - there is a lot to see and we only had 3 days. Unfortunately the timing and weather didn't allow us to go see a Cardinals game, but we will be back for that. We spent the first day sight-seeing. It was the nicest day of the trip. We viewed the museum at the base of the Arch. It is small and easy for the kids to see everything. We bought a ticket to the top of the arch and had time to do a riverboat cruise first. It was a beautiful bright day to ride on a paddle boat. The Mississippi was smaller than I thought, but it has a fast current and the driver had fascinating stories and facts to share with us. The beginning of April is a great time to go to Missouri as everything was relatively uncrowded. We went back to the Arch and got in line for our ride to the top. This is NOT for the claustrophobic people. The elevator is tiny!! It has 5 seats (we held our youngest on our lap) and is small enough that I had to lean forward to not hit my head. It crawls up slowly to the top. The top is very small. I never realized that I was afraid of heights until we were up there. The kids loved climbing the walls and leaning out over the windows that look down at the water and ground. The views of downtown were impressive, but after 10 minutes, I was ready to go. My family got a thrill out of watching me stand in the middle with my arms crossed and panic trying not to set in.

We drove around town and into Indiana for the rest of the day. We stopped at the Cahokia Mounds in Indiana and walked around for awhile. It was closed and would be more interesting to see the museum. We made a pilgrimage to White Castle for burgers. The kids and Marc LOVE them, I think they were pretty gross and opted to eat a few fries instead.

The next day we went to City Museum. For anyone with kids, this is the place to go. It is 4 stories of exploring for kids. The museum uses recycled products to make everything. There is a giant whale for them to climb in to get to the 2nd floor. There are paths and tunnels and slides everywhere. The bad part is trying to keep track of where they are. It is not a place to carry a bag because you need to crawl and stoop through many narrow openings if you are trying to keep track of them. The top floor has an art studio and a train. There is even a circus performance twice a day. There was a great outdoors area for them to explore (if it had been open). Due to rain and chance of thunderstorms, the outside was closed. We spent many hours here though. Afterwards, we went for pizza and got my coveted St. Louis toasted raviolis. They were delicious. We went to the Union Station mall after that. It looked wonderful online and is very pretty to see a converted train station. But in the end, it was just a mall.

The last day was reserved for Forest Park. An amazing HUGE park that has museums and the zoo. We could have spent all 3 days here. We didn't make it to any of the museums, but we spent 5 hours at the zoo. The zoo is free after paying $10 to park. We bought wristbands for the children's zoo, caroseul and train ride. We used our local zoo pass to get 1/2 off. The zoo has the BEST penguin exhibit I have ever seen. Also the hippo exhibit. The hippos have a glass wall to watch them swim underwater. They were swimming along the glass wall and pushing off to turn around. This scared my 2 year old, but was awesome to watch for the rest of us.

We flew home on a Saturday on an 8am flight. We didn't have the luxury of curbside check-in because our car rental was off site. But the driver was really great to carry our luggage over for us. We managed to get everything inside in one trip and hold on to all the kids. We got checked in and had time to grab coffee and pastries from Starbucks at the airport. We managed to sit behind the same man going both to and from St. Louis. The kids must have been really good because our flight wasn't full and he didn't ask to move. We had coloring books and puzzles for the younger two and our PSP and Nintendo DS for the older two. The movie was the same both ways and wasn't geared towards children. The way home felt a lot longer, but they did good. I am looking forward to more flights and vacations with them.

The only thing I would change would be getting suites when we travel. It would be nice to put them to bed and go into another room to read or watch TV without disturbing them. They all had a hard time falling asleep with the TV or lights on. And Marc and I weren't ready to turn in at 8pm each night.

sledding

We got a few days of snow this year. The first few times allowed enough snow to fall, look pretty and melt. The last time gave us enough snow to go sledding on our hill.

Our first sledding day was at a rock quarry outside of Granite Falls, WA. I was trying to get to a snow park, but the road was so icy and covered with snow that we didn't make it. We turned around and stopped at the rock quarry where we saw a lot of other people sledding. The walk up the hill was nice, but the actual sledding was more for teens and adults. We're talking a 60 degree slope down the hill. My older 2 barely made it up the hill. They came down so fast that neither wanted to do it again. We hiked back down the road and played in the snow with my Dad, Brother , his wife and their 2 year old triplets.


Two days later, we tried heading out to the snow park again. This time the road was clear. We made it to the end of the road and walked down the slippery closed road that has a nice hill to slide down. This snow park is actually a closed road. There were a lot of teenagers coming down the hill (2 at a time). They would get going so fast. We kids hiked up the hill several times and came flying down. We had to jump into the left lane to pull them off their sleds (occasionally) because the older kids would double up (meaning twice the speed) and catch up to ours. There were a few accidents, but nothing major. The snow was so deep that our 2 year old lost his boots a few times. When the snowboarders arrived (with their sharp edges) we decided to leave. Great place (Deer Creek Rd outside of Granite Falls, WA), but their are no bathrooms (a bit of a problem for the girls).

Our last and longest day sledding was just outside our house. Our hill is steep enough to get some good runs in and short enough for the kids to hike up quickly. We taught them how to roll off their sleds if they got too close to the cars parked on the side. When our hill gets snow and ice, it's impossible to drive out. The poor DHL man drove down the hill to turn around and never got back out. My kids sled until it was dark out and were cold to the bone. Great winter!!!

Nutcracker March

Hi,
My most recent outing with my 4 kids was to downtown Seattle. To avoid the panic of them going in every direction in the crowds, we arrived at 830am. Parking was easy (Pacific Place is clean, well-lit and easy to get to). We bundled up (it was 29 degrees) and starting hunting for the Nutcrackers.

The Nutcrackers are 60 7 foot tall Nutcrackers decorated by various local artists. They are sold at an auction, but the are on view for the public. Most of them on are the city streets surrounding downtown Seattle. When we came up the escalator at Pacific Place, we found our first Nutcracker. There ended up being about 10 of them within the mall. We went from floor to floor to see them. The kids were so excited that they would run as soon as they saw one.

We headed outdoors and started walking around the blocks to find more We ended up finding about 30 total. There are maps that can be downloaded, but it was more fun to explore. We stopped at Specialty's Cookies for yummy chocolate cookies and hot chocolate (mochas for the adults). In all we walked for 2 hours without any complaints. We ended our morning with a carousel ride at Westlake Center. The timing was perfect. There were no lines or crowds. But the shoppers were starting to fill the streets and it was time to go home.

It was a great day!! With little cost.