Day Trip

We decided to go to my sisters on Saturday. My nephews all had Hockey games that day. My parents were there and they brought some old family friends, the Bryan's. So, Saturday morning Ryan helped me load up the kids and we said bye to Daddy and headed out on our 2 hour drive. The kids slept most of the way (we left around 8 am). The kids had lots of fun playing outside with cousins and Papa.

After lunch and fun in the driveway playing hockey we went to the ice rink. All 3 boys were playing in the first game on the same team (team age range 7-12). This was actually Jackson's first game since he completed his lessons or levels. He did such an awesome job and it was very cute to see this little guy out on the ice keeping up with the other kids. Jackson is 7 and the smallest little guy out on the ice. I think he assisted in a goal and even scored one himself. Jackson also achieved a goal by getting put in the penalty box. He said after the game he was really trying to get in there. I can't remember what he did to get in the penalty box but he thought it was really COOL! He had a great first game. Bryson is goalie (age 9 1/2)and did a really great job as well. He has improved so much since the last time we watched him play. He looks so small in all his goalie gear. Hopefully Amy will post her next entry soon and you can see a pic of Bryson in his goalie gear. Mason is 12 and still plays on the younger team because they need more players and because of his age. However, he is very good and fast and was allowed to play on both teams this semester. So the first game was at 2:15 and then the older boys played at 5:40. Mason is the youngest on the older boys team (age range 12-18). He has done very well and it has improved his skills playing a faster pace game. He and his friend TJ (a senior in high school) play really well together they assisted each other 3 or 4 times on Saturday (helped each other score goals). They had a good game. We love Ice Hockey and enjoy being able to see my nephews play when we can. Papa and Aunt Amy are really hoping Ethan will play hockey too. Sounds good to me maybe he will be able to use his cousins gear (hockey gear is very expensive). When the game was over we went back to Amy's to have dinner.

The kids started playing Guitar Hero and Ethan grabbed a spare guitar and thought he was playing too. It was really cute to see him mimic Jackson on the guitar.

We all had a great day and ended up staying the night. The kids and I got up at 6am and headed back home so we could go to church with Daddy.

TO CUT or NOT TO CUT...

I was looking at a friends blog (watching a video of her kids) and Ethan was standing behind me in the computer chair. I heard a funny noise and turned to see what he was doing. He had a pair of kids scissors... I looked in the chair and on the floor and didn't see anything that had been cut. I took the scissors away and put them up in a cabinet. I'm still not sure how he found scissors. I have had to keep all scissors hidden because Madalyn has had multiple occasions when she has cut things (strap on my church bag, her hair, leapster pen wire, Ethan's hair.....). She is only allowed to have scissors when I am sitting with her at the table. So, like I said I don't know how he found the scissors. Well after I had put the scissors away I happened to look at my shoulder (I am wearing a white T-shirt) and saw lots of little hairs . As much hair as I found on my shirt I would think that he really messed up my hair. However, I recently got my hair cut fairly short and it has lots of layers in it. So I can not tell were he cut.

Well I had Madalyn take a picture so you could see my hair.

The Quiet Game

Last night as we got the kids in bed Ryan and I laid down with them. They were very squirmy so I suggested we play the quiet game. The kids thought that was a good idea. I explained all the rules and told them it made it much easier if they closed their eyes and pretended to be asleep. I said "Ready, Set, Go..." and we started our game. A few seconds after we started Ethan says "OK Mommy start it again." I tried to explain to him that he needed to stay quiet longer. We tried to play several times but each time ended with Ethan wanting to start again. The last time we played Ethan looked at me and whispered " Go Mommy, Go" "keep going Mommy you can do it" "Mommy you can do it, beat Daddy and Madalyn." It was really funny that he was whispering to cheer me on. Eventually Madalyn went to sleep and Ethan came in our bed for a little while. He would have gone to sleep with Madalyn but he had taken a nap in the car. Naps are a thing of the past in our house. Well, if you expect to get the kids in bed at a decent hour that is.

Indoor Camping... Or Not!!

The kids love it when Daddy makes a tent in the living room. Here is the latest tent.

They had all their baby stuff in the tent so they could play house.

Playing house is probably their favorite thing to play these days. They really like it when Ryan and I play with them and pretend to be their kids. It gives me a good idea of my parenting style because they mimic the way Ryan and I really do things. Sometimes it is a little scary. LOL!

They look so thrilled that Mommy is taking, yet another picture.

Much better smiles!!

It's My Birthday...

(Kinda crazy Ryan's is the 21st and mine is the 24th)

Well today was my Birthday!! Wow, It's weird how the older you get the less exciting your birthdays are.

Ryan left for work before the kids and I woke up. So, the kids didn't know it was my birthday until nearly 6pm tonight when Ryan got home. He asked if they had sung Happy Birthday to me. They were kind of confused "it's not Mommy's Birthday." After he convinced them today was my birthday they sang Happy Birthday. It was really sweet.

We played a couple of hands of "Frenzie" a card game. The kids love this game and is usually their first pick for game time. Then we went out to dinner to "Texas Roadhouse." I love that place! Ryan and I split a steak and the kids split a kids cheeseburger. I think Madalyn liked eating the peanuts and throwing the shells on the ground. It was cute, I didn't know shwe liked peanuts that much.

It was nice to hear from family on my birthday and even a good friend from our last ward called this evening. Thanks everyone, it was nice to hear from you.

The HUNT

I think it was almost 5:00 pm when we did the Easter egg hunt. Madalyn was very concerned that it was getting late and we still had not hunted for eggs. Ryan and I went out to hide the eggs. The kids anxiously waited inside. Then we finally let them go in the backyard to find the eggs. Uncle Travis brought out the confetti eggs too. Travis and I chased each other around with confetti eggs. When Travis got me the egg broke in my face and I had confetti all in my mouth, YUCK!! That was lots of fun. Apparently while Travis was chasing me Ethan was yelling at Travis "Leave my Mommy alone". Isn't that sweet, trying to protect his Mommy. I love that little guy.

Dressed in "Sunday Best"

Here is our attempt at getting family pictures.

Ethan was not happy because Uncle Travis took his toy sword. I didn't want him holding a sword in our family pictures.

The kids were so cute holding hands and then Ethan lost his balance. He went backwards into the bushes and Madalyn started giggling. It was so funny the way she covered her mouth as she giggled.

Ethan thought it was pretty funny too.

Coloring the EGGS

Ryan helped the kids color eggs before church. I was helping Meme get dinner prepared so we could eat after church.

Bathtime

The kids took a bath before church and got to use Meme's new towels. They were so adorable!

Madalyn is in the bunny towel and Ethan is in the doggy towel.

Showing off their tails.

Easter Baskets

We had Easter at my parents this year. We did easter baskets on Sunday morning before church.

Madalyn and Ethan have both been asking for electric toothbrushes since Jan. I think their cousins had them at grandma's house. So, Madalyn got Holly Hobbie and Ethan got The Hulk. They also recieved sunglasses, which was one of my family traditions when I was a kid.

Madalyn munchin on her chocolate bunny.

Happy Birthday Honey!

(Sorry, Ryan I wanted to post this yesterday on your actual birthday.)

Happy Birthday Ryan/Daddy!!!

(Ethan feeds Blue Bear)

So, Ryan had a birthday yesterday. We actually celebrated on Thurday b/c that was his day off. We went to Red Robin for lunch (Free Birthday Burger with fries). Then we took the kids to the park. We mostly just had a really nice day spending time together. We also bought the movie Enchanted. Madalyn was so excited. She has watched it a few times since we bought it and is constantly singing songs from the movie. She is so cute.

Yeah for Amy!!

My sister finally started her blog after much pestering from me. YEAH!!! Now if I could just get Ryan's siblings to join in the blogging fun. I love being able to keep up with everyone through blogging. If you what to check out my sisters family blog: Smith-son-ian here it is. Let her know how much you love her catchy title (that I came up with) HA HA HA. I love it and it was the first one that popped in my head. My sister has 3 boys and they all have -son at the end of there names. She also has 1 girl but she didn't give her a name with -son at the end. Also, my husband likes to call the boys as follows: Ma-son-ian, Bry-son-ian, and Jack-son-ian. I think it has stuck b/c I do it too.

(Mason's 12th B-day)

(Bryson and Uncle Ryan)

(Jackson's 7th B-day)

(Teegan's 3rd B-day)

Changes...Grrrrrr

So, I tried to change my layout last night. I followed the simple instructions and ended up not liking the new layout. Plus when it came up all of the stuff I had on my sidebar was gone, except the titles. I thought "wow that stinks, but I'm glad I copied the HTML codes and saved them as a document". I quickly retrieved the codes and put my blog back to my original layout, or did I? My sidebar stuff was still missing. Grrrrr.... I did everything I could think of trying to get all my stuff back, but nothing worked (since I don't really know HTML this was very hard). I finally gave up and went to bed. So, today I fixed everything back the way it was. Well, not everything because I can't remember the little "Quotes by Madalyn". I am so frustrated. Hopefully I can remember what cute little things she said and I will write them down.

I got a layout off a different site and it was much easier. It even suggested you to save all your sidebar stuff before erasing your current HTML code because you could loose it.

Hope you like the new layout!!

Sorry if you checked out my blog when I was trying to fix it.

Sewing...in Meme's footsteps!

(Ethan & Baby Evan)(Madalyn & Baby Emma)

I was folding laundry on my bed as I was listening to the kids playing in the next room. The kids were playing house, as they do much of the time lately. Madalyn was telling Ethan she was making a new blanket for her baby Emma. I thought that was cute and thoughtful. Then I heard Ethan's powertools going as Madalyn was saying "I'm almost done with your blanket Emma". I looked in the living room and saw that Madalyn had a chair pulled up to Ethan's tool bench with a blanket laying over the bench and a powertool in hand.

She has such an imagination. She had it all set up just like Meme's sewing table except for the fact that to do the sewing she used a powertool.

She has seen Meme sew a lot of things and likes to sit in the room with her while she sews. Last week Meme was making little sleeping bags for the kids dolls. I think this is what sparked Madalyn's imagination with sewing.

(Madalyn & Baby Emma)

I hope Madalyn will keep her intrest in sewing so that Meme can teach her this great art to carry on Meme's legacy.

(Ethan & Baby Evan)

When I was at my parents this last week I found the sleeping bag that Mom made for my dolls when I was little. Madalyn wanted to bring it home to add to her doll stuff.

(My old doll Sleeping Bag)

Thanks Mom, for all the great things you sew for the kids. I know they have really enjoyed the sleeping bags this week and of course the blankets and doll clothes you have made in the past.

Discovering...

I was getting all the pics off my camera and discovered a few I had forgotten about. These are at a park we went to for the first time.

I remember this being a very windy day but, it was also a nice spring day!!

Ryan, Madalyn & Ethan each took turns sliding. The kids thought it was great that Daddy got on the slide too.

Then, Ryan showed the kids these horn looking things. We soon discovered you could talk to each other from opposite ends of the playground. It was pretty cool.

I think this was the highlight of this playground.

We will have to visit this one again.

The Gangs All Home

Last Saturday Ryan's parents picked up the kids and took them back to Bryan for the week. I thought this is going to be great, I could really use a break. Since we moved I have not really had a chance to drive around and get familiar with the area. So that was my plan, driving around, going to Half-Price books (without kids), relaxing at home, reading, taking naps if needed or wanted in the middle of the day and of course spending time with my husband. Well the week was not at all what I expected. I did most of the stuff I wanted to at home, but the weather was so yucky I didn't go out very much.

The kids had a great time playing with cousins from both sides of the family. They have really missed being close to family. Luckily it is still close enough to visit often. I'm greatful for Ryan's parents giving us this week alone. It was very nice, however I missed my children very much. I was very glad to go pick them up and bring them home today.

I missed my little hugs and the sweet words "I love you Mommy" that my children often give me. It's nice to have everyone back at home.

Name Game

"The name game" I thought this was cute and funny. :) Thanks Rachel H.

1.YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet & current car)

Sugar Ford

2.YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (fave ice cream flavor, favorite cookie)

Rocky Road Oatmeal

3. YOUR “FLY Guy/Girl” NAME: (first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name)

Hben

4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal)

Navy Turtle

5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born)

Anne Waco

6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first)

Benhe

7. SUPERHERO NAME: (”The” + 2nd favorite color, favorite drink)

The Maroon Milk

8. NASCAR NAME: (the first names of your grandfathers)

Kenneth Travis

9. STRIPPER NAME: ( the name of your favorite perfume/cologne/scent, favorite candy)

Vanilla Heath

10.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother & father’s middle names)

Ruth William Wayne (My dad has 2 middle names)

11. TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME: (Your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter)

Taylor Tacoma

12. SPY NAME/BOND GIRL: (your favorite season/holiday, flower)

Fall Lily

13. CARTOON NAME: (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now + “ie” or “y”)

Melon Shoey

14. HIPPY NAME: (What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree)

Grenola Weeping Willow

15. YOUR ROCKSTAR TOUR NAME: (”The” + Your fave hobby/craft, fave weather element + “Tour”)

The Stampin Snow Tour

BOOK TAG

I've been tagged again-by a friend, this time it is BOOK TAG! Fun to see what everyone has around. :)

This is what you do:

1. Pick up the nearest book (with at least 123 pgs.).

2. Turn to page 123.

3. Find the fifth sentence.

4. Post the next 3 sentences.

5. Tag 5 people.

Well, as I read that I had been tagged, I looked around me and sitting right next to me at the computer desk was "How to Win Friends & Influence People" byDale Carnegie, so here you go:

5th sentence: You can tell people they are wrong by a look or an intonation or a gesture just as eloquently as you can in words-and if you tell them they are wrong, do you make them want to agree with you?

Next three: Never! for you have struck a direct blow at their intelligence, judgment pride and self-respect. That will make them want to strike back. But it will never make them want to change their minds.

Okay, I tag: Liz, Mindi, Rachel, Sharon, & Heidi :)