Bedtime

What is it about bedtime that transforms me from a wonderfully delightful mom and person into this:

I want nothing more than to wreak havoc and destruction on every little person that will not give heed to my words and stay in bed.

I'm curious to know how their little brains alter the phrase: "stay in bed" from a direct comand to a mere suggestion.

And what is it about bed time that summons forth every ailment known to man when they had all day to bring any of them to my attention?

 "Oh what's that you say? You think that have a sprained thumb, oh and a sliver, your ear hurts? Your stomach doesn't feel right? Rickets huh? Scurvy too? You poor thing. You must have been in so much pain as you played all day with friends and even managed to watch 3 hours of TV tonight."

And then there's the whole H2O issue:

"Oh you're thirsty? Well by all means, please drink as much water as you would like before falling asleep. In fact why not keep a water bottle on your bed side table. I can't think of anything more enjoyable than changing your pee stained sheets in the morning."

Unbelievable!

This never happened when I was a kid. No really, it never did. Back in the day, the punishment for getting out of bed made the "stocks" look like child's play. Those of us with the old school variety of parents (the ones not privy to Love and Logic or any of the other countless choose your own adventure styles of parenting) knew exactly where we stood: stay in bed or you will wish you had...if you know what I mean.

Part of the problem indeed is me. I'm in my 40's. I've been told that doing it in my 20's would have been a bit easier. You apparently have more energy for kids. When 9:00 p.m. hits, I am 3 sheets to the wind with exhaustion. I have nothing left to give. I just want to sit in my bed with my pajamas on (which have been on since 6:00) and do nothing.   

Nothing.

SO my little darlings, I beg of you- Please hear my cry...

For the love of all that is decent and holy, Stay in bed!!!

(and I am quite sure that one day I will miss this "phase"and I do know how lucky I am to have kids but none the less, I still want them to stay in bed)

Mom of the year

I was mom of the year on Wednesday...

Until I was bested by this nominee on Thursday

(I would be crying if I weren't laughing so hard)

D-

A few days ago Kirsten received a D- on a rather lengthy assignment.
We were stunned.
Not only for the D- but because it was given to her by her reading teacher who is supposed to "get it" and be her advocate for success.
I looked it over and it seemed like at the very least B- work. She completed the assignment. All the work was there. I was dumbfounded.
I encouraged Kirsten to ask her teacher what she could do to bring up her grade. Kirsten was told she must re-do the vocabulary words and write correct definitions.
I looked back over the assignment and much to my wondering eyes did appear but 20 "kirsten-isms". She decided that rather than use a dictionary she would just write her own definitions.

Here are 2:

Too bad she wasn't graded on creativity.

Sister Wife Outing

Today was a perfect day for a Sister Wife Outing.

When Sister Wife and I were new mom's we would often pile those little ones into the car and explore. We were in desperate need of adult conversation and companionship. So desperate in fact that one outing ended us up in Park City at the local Mcdonald's with four 1 year old's, about 8 uneaten chicken nuggets, fries, BBQ sauce and drink all over the floor. I think the restraining order against us should be lifted this summer. 

Today we piled the kiddies into the car and headed for wherever the open road would take us. We drove and explored, we ate licorice and Riesen's (grown up candy- we told the kids they wouldn't like it), we laughed and hollered, and the kids begged for more. 

Here are a few pics and quotes that perfectly sum up the day:

"Ya know tam...I have no respect for 'private property'...this is all on city water. Case in point!"

 "Tam, you've got to be willing to push boundaries for days like this."

ROLLER COASTERRRRRRR!!! 

 "You really should be nice to your stuffed animals...that way at night when they come alive they won't claw your eyes out."

Boo Radley's old home

Care Bear

There's nothing quite like a Halloween Care Bear costume to really stick it to you at an early age that you are indeed a giant. Poor kid-she never even had a chance. How is it that my 4 year old fits a size 8T?

                                                          Nothin' sunny here...                  

                                                        Nope. Not here either.

Thank you note

Dear Citizens of the Day Break Community:

This letter is regarding your annual neighborhood garage sale. Thank you for pricing your items at garage sale prices. Thank you for recognizing that when it comes to used items your prices should not reflect your desire to get back what you originally paid but to save yourself a trip to the D.I.
If only Ebay sellers could catch the vision. If only.
Sincerely,
One Happy Garage Saler

Sweet 16 (better late than never)

It was Anna's 16th birthday and we partied in style!  Anna invited her BFF Taylor and Taylor's mom to join us for the best 16th birthday ever!
We picked them up at 5:00 and headed down town. We checked in at the Little America and due to a clerical error they double booked our room so they upgraded us to the double suite in the tower. It was fantastic! We had a really great view of the city and the room was huge.

 After we checked in we jumped on TRAX and went to dinner. We ate at Blue Lemon and it was delicious.


This is Anna's sandwich.

Then we went to Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory where the girls got chocolate covered bacon. mmmmmmm Taylor's face tells the decadent story. 

 After shopping around and hangning out at the new City Creek Mall we headed back to our hotel room. The girls decided to go swimming and lasted about 30 minutes. They decided that our bathtub was better than the human cesspool of floating skin in the form of bubbles.

Happy Birthday Sweet Anna! We can't believe that you are 16. Thanks for being such a great daughter and sister.
Here are 16 things we believe about you:

You have a kind heart
You are resilient
You are so smart
You are dedicated
You are loyal
You are beautiful
You are spiritual
You are considerate of others
You are  fun
You are bold
You are obedient
You are a good friend
You are stylish
You are a leader
You are tenacious
You are loved