There has been a lot of talk lately around our house about "garbage words". A couple of our two children have had a difficult time controlling their words. I knew it was only a matter of time before they caught me.
Recent conversations with Scout:
Katie: Oh, that's so stupid.
Scout: Mom, you said the "b" word. (Which I think a friend has taught them means it's a bad word. I sure hope the "b" word at their house is "butt". Currently any bad word to Scout is a "b" word. And she is really good at hearing them, even when you think you say them softly to yourself.)
***************
On the real "b" word at our house:
Katie: Scout, I think you need to go to the bathroom.
Scout, wiggling around wildly: I don't need to go potty - I'm a reindeer.
Katie: Even reindeer need to go potty sweetheart.
Scout: They don't have to sit on the potty.
Katie: That's right, but they also don't pee in their pants.
Scout: Mom, they don't wear pants, but they do have butts!
Katie: Scout, please don't use garbage words like that.
Scout: Mom, it's not a garbage word. Butt is where their poop comes out.
Katie, stifling a laugh: I guess your right.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Monday, December 28, 2009
Linc Talk
"Let's play Mario games.....and you will win for me." -Lincoln handing me the DS while I'm working. (How can I resist that?!)
"Daddy, I'm going to talk to you forever." -Lincoln at 7:30am every morning when he calls his dad at work to say "Good morning".
"Come home early, okay?"- Lincoln at the end of every phone conversation with his dad while he's at work.
"Daddy, I'm going to talk to you forever." -Lincoln at 7:30am every morning when he calls his dad at work to say "Good morning".
"Come home early, okay?"- Lincoln at the end of every phone conversation with his dad while he's at work.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Sometimes I Get Inspired (or suckered)
You know when you are done Christmas shopping, and then you fall into the trap? Does this happen to anyone else? Before Christmas I went to return a toy that we decided not to give and I foolishly wandered around the store before leaving. Aaah! I'm ashamed to say that toy stores (especially the cute little ones) get me sometimes. So, this time it was an art easel. Dave has been telling for over a year now that he thinks that the kids would like one, but I didn't think they were ready yet. But there it was in all it's cheap, plastic glory and it was on SALE for today only! I mean, what luck! ;) I brought it home, ducking my head in shame as I revealed to Dave of my implulse purchases that I was so dead set against falling victim to. He just smiled and was truthfully excited. The easel wasn't the smash hit on Christmas morning that I hoped it would be. Mixed in among the other gifts from family members it stayed off to the side, mainly because I forgot to buy markers and chalk for it. Now that we have the right stuff the kids seem more interested. Already they've marked up their clothes and my living room chair. (Anyone know how to get dry eraser out of upholstery? Already tried magic eraser, rubbing alcohol, carpet and unholstery cleaner.)
My real point here is that Lincoln loves to learn, but it's on his own terms. (Like most children, I know.) While he loves to do homework, he gets tired and bored and hungry easily while we do it. And we only spend about five minutes doing homework. All morning long and after church today he's been asking me how to spell things and then writing them on the board. It may not seem amazing, but his genuine interest level is very exciting to me. He told me he's pretending that he is the teacher. He's asking questions! He's trying to sound out words! He's writing words! Watching children grow and learn is so interesting. Sometimes it's frustrating and it just makes me want to cry, but sometimes it's fun and I just want to laugh. Today, was a fun day and I was just happy that he wanted to learn.
Was I suckered? Sure. Do I regret it? Not today. =)
Thursday, December 24, 2009
A Very Merry Early Christmas
Santa comes early to firefighter's houses, but only when they have to work on Christmas day. Our family woke up to Christmas morning today, and I have to say that it is a lot fun to celebrate a day early. I'm still not exactly sure why.
We started a cute new tradition that Lincoln heard about and begged to do. The kids followed a piece of yarn all over the house until they found their Christmas pajamas. After a surprise email video from Santa last night (so cute), my kids were intent on living up to Santa's expectations of them. That quickly flew out the window as excitement and tiredness creeped upon them. This resulted in a now regrettable choice to make a phone call to Santa. Lincoln was pretty convinced that Santa was just finishing loading up his sleigh and jumping in to head over to our house. Even then, it was still a half an hour before those eyes of his finally shut for the night!
Christmas morning started when Summit scratched on the door to be let out at 7:00am! My kids were gratefully still asleep, but not after they heard him. Let the games begin! We went down to see what Santa had left in our stockings. Scout's favorite stuffer was the new lip gloss(which since then has been put on every person we know). Linc's favorite stuffer was the DS that was in Daddy's stocking. Note: Daddy's stocking. This was a family gift, but judging from the 4 hours he spent on it today, he thinks it's his.
The opening of presents was the usual fun and craziness. Oddly enough, Scout who usually takes her time and enjoys each thing, was tearing open paper and wildly moving on to the next one. Only halfway through did we notice the Christmas potty dance going on. After that was taken care of, things were a lot more relaxed. Her favorite gift was a plush toy dalmation dog from 101 Dalmations named "Penny". It doesn't matter how I try, that girl LOVES stuffed animal puppy dogs.
Lincoln was very excited, but surprisingly relaxed about opening his presents. He was polite and grateful. All this was unexpected and much appreciated. His favorite gifts were the Bakugan and Transformers.
They adore their gifts from our family members. The gigantic horse is daunting, but Scout loves it and from the kitchen I constantly hear the neighing sound. One of my favorites to watch is the Optimus Prime Voice Changing Mask. Summit had to learn quickly to get used to it, since it is a favorite of everyone. I loved hearing Eliah sing "Jingle Bells" while wearing it and riding the huge horse. See below for the blackmail picture. The Playmobile airplane is currently boarding all transformers and police officers and is a definite hit. The sweatshirts pretty much sum up the current interest of our children right now. I'm sure I will have to pry them off of them when they go to sleep. Thanks G&G Chase and Cami and Lando and Melissa and Steve! And look for future posts of pics and vids taken by the kids on their new cameras. Those things are amazing and super cool! The kids love them. Thanks Grandpa Walter and Bonnie!
We had, as Dave put it, "One of the best Christmases in my memory". It was relaxing and we ate really good food. Loved breakfast, loved dinner. Mmmm...yummy new recipe. And best of all, I'm not stressing over anything tonight.
We are so grateful that we could celebrate together. We cherish the reason that we celebrate. As we try and teach our kids the reason for the season, we obviously focus on the Savior. We are grateful that we know that we are celebrating Christ's birth and the joyous beginning of his life. We hope that each of you have a wonderful Christmas!
We started a cute new tradition that Lincoln heard about and begged to do. The kids followed a piece of yarn all over the house until they found their Christmas pajamas. After a surprise email video from Santa last night (so cute), my kids were intent on living up to Santa's expectations of them. That quickly flew out the window as excitement and tiredness creeped upon them. This resulted in a now regrettable choice to make a phone call to Santa. Lincoln was pretty convinced that Santa was just finishing loading up his sleigh and jumping in to head over to our house. Even then, it was still a half an hour before those eyes of his finally shut for the night!
Christmas morning started when Summit scratched on the door to be let out at 7:00am! My kids were gratefully still asleep, but not after they heard him. Let the games begin! We went down to see what Santa had left in our stockings. Scout's favorite stuffer was the new lip gloss(which since then has been put on every person we know). Linc's favorite stuffer was the DS that was in Daddy's stocking. Note: Daddy's stocking. This was a family gift, but judging from the 4 hours he spent on it today, he thinks it's his.
The opening of presents was the usual fun and craziness. Oddly enough, Scout who usually takes her time and enjoys each thing, was tearing open paper and wildly moving on to the next one. Only halfway through did we notice the Christmas potty dance going on. After that was taken care of, things were a lot more relaxed. Her favorite gift was a plush toy dalmation dog from 101 Dalmations named "Penny". It doesn't matter how I try, that girl LOVES stuffed animal puppy dogs.
Lincoln was very excited, but surprisingly relaxed about opening his presents. He was polite and grateful. All this was unexpected and much appreciated. His favorite gifts were the Bakugan and Transformers.
They adore their gifts from our family members. The gigantic horse is daunting, but Scout loves it and from the kitchen I constantly hear the neighing sound. One of my favorites to watch is the Optimus Prime Voice Changing Mask. Summit had to learn quickly to get used to it, since it is a favorite of everyone. I loved hearing Eliah sing "Jingle Bells" while wearing it and riding the huge horse. See below for the blackmail picture. The Playmobile airplane is currently boarding all transformers and police officers and is a definite hit. The sweatshirts pretty much sum up the current interest of our children right now. I'm sure I will have to pry them off of them when they go to sleep. Thanks G&G Chase and Cami and Lando and Melissa and Steve! And look for future posts of pics and vids taken by the kids on their new cameras. Those things are amazing and super cool! The kids love them. Thanks Grandpa Walter and Bonnie!
We had, as Dave put it, "One of the best Christmases in my memory". It was relaxing and we ate really good food. Loved breakfast, loved dinner. Mmmm...yummy new recipe. And best of all, I'm not stressing over anything tonight.
We are so grateful that we could celebrate together. We cherish the reason that we celebrate. As we try and teach our kids the reason for the season, we obviously focus on the Savior. We are grateful that we know that we are celebrating Christ's birth and the joyous beginning of his life. We hope that each of you have a wonderful Christmas!
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Pre-Christmas Fun
The city invites Santa to visit every year for a few days at the local theater. We happened to go at the perfect time when no one else was there. So Santa was able to take lots of time with the kids, playing and talking about reindeer.
Unfortunately, I was having technical difficulties with the camera at Scout's music preschool program. It was darling. Her teacher is amazing and makes sure that each child feels very special in the program. They sang about eight songs and were just adorable. It wasn't until the very last song that some kids discovered a bug on the floor and Scout couldn't stop yelling, "There's a bug, there's a bug!" in the middle of the song. A little boy came to the rescue and promptly stepped on the bug as the kids sang the final note.
Scout's dance recital was crazy, and we weren't quite sure she was going to make it up on stage until Aunt Cami arrived. Sometimes being the cool aunt works really well for mommy too. Prior to her arrival, Scout had declared that she wanted to wear what the big girls in the recital were wearing and refused to get dressed. Once she was up there though, she realized that performing was quite fun. She had a great time and looked very cute.
Every Christmas, Lincoln's primary teacher has their class do the Nativity for the rest of the primary. I was a little nervous knowing that there are only four boys in the class and all of them are just a tad on the wild side. His teacher substituted with older kids and they must of had the most calming influence over the little boys. Lincoln did his part and sat quietly the whole time! Below: During the first performance he played a shepherd and then next he played Joseph. (Mary is quite a bit older. Oddly enough, I think that helped!)
Unfortunately, I was having technical difficulties with the camera at Scout's music preschool program. It was darling. Her teacher is amazing and makes sure that each child feels very special in the program. They sang about eight songs and were just adorable. It wasn't until the very last song that some kids discovered a bug on the floor and Scout couldn't stop yelling, "There's a bug, there's a bug!" in the middle of the song. A little boy came to the rescue and promptly stepped on the bug as the kids sang the final note.
Scout's dance recital was crazy, and we weren't quite sure she was going to make it up on stage until Aunt Cami arrived. Sometimes being the cool aunt works really well for mommy too. Prior to her arrival, Scout had declared that she wanted to wear what the big girls in the recital were wearing and refused to get dressed. Once she was up there though, she realized that performing was quite fun. She had a great time and looked very cute.
Every Christmas, Lincoln's primary teacher has their class do the Nativity for the rest of the primary. I was a little nervous knowing that there are only four boys in the class and all of them are just a tad on the wild side. His teacher substituted with older kids and they must of had the most calming influence over the little boys. Lincoln did his part and sat quietly the whole time! Below: During the first performance he played a shepherd and then next he played Joseph. (Mary is quite a bit older. Oddly enough, I think that helped!)
The Lights at Temple Square
Our family and Tami, Ana, Steve, and Debbie went together to see the Salt Lake temple lights a few nights ago. Our family took the "train" (Trax) to Gateway where we all met for dinner and then headed over to Temple Square. We've avoided going there with the kids for the last two years because it is just so cold. Thankfully, that night it was bearable. We enjoyed the nativity, the lights, and the reverence that comes with being there. Later, we enjoyed some hot chocolate and my personal favorite, hot caramel apple cider, before jumping on Trax again to finish off the night.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
A Lot of Snow!
Lincoln hanging out in what he affectionately calls his "secret snow fort-out".
Oddly enough, Linc likes to use his ski helmet to go head first around our yard like a snow plow. Most of the time I look out the window to find him butting his ahead over and over again in the snow. ....Interesting.....
Alexis came to play and remembered why we are so fun to hang out with. She and the kids played for over two hours out in the freezing cold. We loved having her come to play! Linc is sporting his new mask for skiing. He thinks he looks like Darth Vader.
Going down the slide they made all by themselves.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Part What?
Scout told Aunt Debbie the breed of our dog today:
"Part Pluto and part something else. You need to ask my mom."
It's amazing what kids hear. Summit is part "poodle" and golden retriever. I think I may just start calling him a GoldenPluto now. It sounds more interesting.
"Part Pluto and part something else. You need to ask my mom."
It's amazing what kids hear. Summit is part "poodle" and golden retriever. I think I may just start calling him a GoldenPluto now. It sounds more interesting.
Tattletale
Primary Sharing Time
December 13, 2009
Teacher: "...and children, that is why we don't color on the program during the Sacrament."
Lincoln (not raising his hand and yelling): "My daddy does!"
Teacher: "Well, that's okay to color on the program. But I'm sure he doesn't do it while the Sacrament is being passed..
Lincoln: "Yes he does!"
Teacher: "Oh...well, we will just have to talk to your dad about that, won't we."
Lincoln: "Yeah, you should. His name is Dave."
December 13, 2009
Teacher: "...and children, that is why we don't color on the program during the Sacrament."
Lincoln (not raising his hand and yelling): "My daddy does!"
Teacher: "Well, that's okay to color on the program. But I'm sure he doesn't do it while the Sacrament is being passed..
Lincoln: "Yes he does!"
Teacher: "Oh...well, we will just have to talk to your dad about that, won't we."
Lincoln: "Yeah, you should. His name is Dave."
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Not so much a good day...
This is for Lora, who said that people only blog about the good and perfect stuff. Although, I don't really believe in using a blog as a total venting session either. But, a girl's got to break the rules sometimes.
So, I had one of those days. You know the ones I'm talking about? The ones where you wake up knowing that chill in the air might not just be the zero degrees it reads on the thermometer. Here's a rundown:
8am-Forgot we were out of milk. Made the kids have dry cereal and carmel popcorn from last night's work party. (Yes, don't judge me!)
9am-Working on a Christmas project and Picasa went wacko on me. Still haven't resolved that issue.
11am-Still haven't showered.
Noon-Tami helps me with a project issue as I make PB&Js for the kids lunch. I keep reminding them to eat their carrots. I then inhaled a nutritious Nutella sandwich for myself. (Okay, you can start judging now.)
12:41pm-Started my typical route for this time on a Wednesday and took the shortcut (affectionately known as the bumpy road) to Linc's school. In all the blissful sunny (albeit freezing weather) I forgot it was now winter and that the bumpy road wasn't the best choice seeing as it isn't paved.
12:42pm-Realized it was definitely not a good choice as I opened my car door and watched as my wheels spun in place....stuck.
12:44pm-Called Tami to come take Linc to school. I love you!
1-2:30pm-Went and got my shovel and some cardboard to try and get myself unstuck. (Remember I'm only about 200 or so yards from my front lawn.) My brother just happened to be coming by, so he helped try and move me. Thanks buddy, but that only got us about 15 feet. More stuck now. Tow company pretty much told me over the phone that they would rip me off, so I had to find another way. Where is a husband and his truck when you need him?! Made Dave call a fellow firefighter/friend that wasn't on shift and well can I just say that I love trucks! Mr. Hood pulled me out of there like Summit pulling Scout while she holds his leash. It was great! He then proceeded to call Dave and tell him that he needed to buy me a four-wheel drive vehicle. Me likey Mr. Hood.
2:45pm Tried to remember what I was supposed to be doing today (working, cleaning,playing with the kids, general merriment, etc.)
3pm-Realize there is only a half an hour before I have to pick up Linc and I still haven't showered.
5:30pm-Rushing out the door for the last half hour I make my way to my bank in the next city 10 minutes away so I can deposit a check.
5:45pm-Realize I forgot my purse. Scout is crying because she is "so hungry". Linc just wants to visit his friend, and I just need some cash to pay back said friend's mom. (The only goal of going to this faraway city.)
6:00pm -Scout falls asleep on the way back to get my purse. This is NEVER a good thing. Scout taking any sort of nap after 11am means she is up until midnight. I desperately try to wake her up. (Does anyone else do this?) Nothing works.
6:10- Finally get to the bank, and to said friend's home (you know who you are). Scout screams for 20 minutes until sweet Michelle gives her a plateful of cheese. This only makes her stop screaming, but the glares continue throughout the night.
7:00- Missed being on time to Ana's Christmas performance. Broke Lincoln's heart. Finally get home and Scout is so excited to see the dog that she promplty pees all over my kitchen floor. (Yes, Scout...not the dog.) As I'm cleaning it up, I see the dog chewing on the milk carton cap.
If you've actually read this cathardic post all the way through, that's amazing. I was pretty much writing it for myself. Unfortunately, the in between times were full of nothing amazing and very little done. The night didn't really get any better and I can still hear Scout in her room singing to herself right now.
Woah is me, for my blessed little life was turned upside-down today. Can I really complain?.....
Lincoln was pretty much an angel today. Maybe it was worth it after all. Still haven't showered. Please definitely judge me now.
So, I had one of those days. You know the ones I'm talking about? The ones where you wake up knowing that chill in the air might not just be the zero degrees it reads on the thermometer. Here's a rundown:
8am-Forgot we were out of milk. Made the kids have dry cereal and carmel popcorn from last night's work party. (Yes, don't judge me!)
9am-Working on a Christmas project and Picasa went wacko on me. Still haven't resolved that issue.
11am-Still haven't showered.
Noon-Tami helps me with a project issue as I make PB&Js for the kids lunch. I keep reminding them to eat their carrots. I then inhaled a nutritious Nutella sandwich for myself. (Okay, you can start judging now.)
12:41pm-Started my typical route for this time on a Wednesday and took the shortcut (affectionately known as the bumpy road) to Linc's school. In all the blissful sunny (albeit freezing weather) I forgot it was now winter and that the bumpy road wasn't the best choice seeing as it isn't paved.
12:42pm-Realized it was definitely not a good choice as I opened my car door and watched as my wheels spun in place....stuck.
12:44pm-Called Tami to come take Linc to school. I love you!
1-2:30pm-Went and got my shovel and some cardboard to try and get myself unstuck. (Remember I'm only about 200 or so yards from my front lawn.) My brother just happened to be coming by, so he helped try and move me. Thanks buddy, but that only got us about 15 feet. More stuck now. Tow company pretty much told me over the phone that they would rip me off, so I had to find another way. Where is a husband and his truck when you need him?! Made Dave call a fellow firefighter/friend that wasn't on shift and well can I just say that I love trucks! Mr. Hood pulled me out of there like Summit pulling Scout while she holds his leash. It was great! He then proceeded to call Dave and tell him that he needed to buy me a four-wheel drive vehicle. Me likey Mr. Hood.
2:45pm Tried to remember what I was supposed to be doing today (working, cleaning,playing with the kids, general merriment, etc.)
3pm-Realize there is only a half an hour before I have to pick up Linc and I still haven't showered.
5:30pm-Rushing out the door for the last half hour I make my way to my bank in the next city 10 minutes away so I can deposit a check.
5:45pm-Realize I forgot my purse. Scout is crying because she is "so hungry". Linc just wants to visit his friend, and I just need some cash to pay back said friend's mom. (The only goal of going to this faraway city.)
6:00pm -Scout falls asleep on the way back to get my purse. This is NEVER a good thing. Scout taking any sort of nap after 11am means she is up until midnight. I desperately try to wake her up. (Does anyone else do this?) Nothing works.
6:10- Finally get to the bank, and to said friend's home (you know who you are). Scout screams for 20 minutes until sweet Michelle gives her a plateful of cheese. This only makes her stop screaming, but the glares continue throughout the night.
7:00- Missed being on time to Ana's Christmas performance. Broke Lincoln's heart. Finally get home and Scout is so excited to see the dog that she promplty pees all over my kitchen floor. (Yes, Scout...not the dog.) As I'm cleaning it up, I see the dog chewing on the milk carton cap.
If you've actually read this cathardic post all the way through, that's amazing. I was pretty much writing it for myself. Unfortunately, the in between times were full of nothing amazing and very little done. The night didn't really get any better and I can still hear Scout in her room singing to herself right now.
Woah is me, for my blessed little life was turned upside-down today. Can I really complain?.....
Lincoln was pretty much an angel today. Maybe it was worth it after all. Still haven't showered. Please definitely judge me now.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Summit Joins the Family
Introducing the newest member of the family.... our dog Summit. We surprised the kids with him today. He is a Goldendoodle (Golden Retriever and Poodle) and we all adore him. Scout is disappointed because he already outweighs her at 9 weeks old. But that doesn't stop her from trying to pick him up! Lincoln is our resident bossy owner. He is determined that Summit do what he's told and stay where he is supposed to stay. It's going to be an exciting and long ride, I'm sure. You'd think that someone who grew up with dogs wouldn't be so scared to have one again, but I'm so nervous! No joke....Puppies for Dummies is my new favorite book!
By the way.....anyone miss me while I took a hiatus from blogging? I think I'm making a comeback. Move over Britney Spears!
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