Working at Swig

Both of the girlies are working at Swig, the first in all of the valley. They are having so much fun working there and I love hearing them talking about work together. 

You look like me

I got my hair colored a couple days ago.  It's darker than I expected, but I really like it.  When B got home from school, she said, "Your hair is dark!  It's brown like mine.  You look like me.  Can I call you B?"  I got a huge smile on my face and told her that yes, of course, she could call me B.  So she has.  She went on to say that we needed matching outfits and that I needed eyes like hers.  I told her that that was a great idea. She relished in the fact that she looked like somebody.  Somebody in the family.

I've been thinking about it ever since.  Whenever I am out with the girls, people always comment about how S and I look alike.  And then they go on and on about how B's coloring is so different, and she must look like her daddy and on and on.  Sometimes I'll explain and other times I just smile and nod my head hoping that I don't always have to say that she is adopted the rest of her life.

I got dressed up for little g's baptism this morning and S came down the stairs in a dress she likes to wear.  I was shocked.  I had just purchased my own outfit this past week and it looked so much like S's dress.  I told her that B needed to wear that dress today so that B and I could look like twins.  With some bribery, she gave in.  B put the dress on and I pointed out how we matched each other.  We went out back and snapped some pictures of the two of us before we headed out to the baptism.

There she was.  My beautiful little girl.  We looked like each other.  We looked at each other.  She wanted to kiss.

After looking at the pictures I recognized my same smile I had the day that I met her.  Still so happy and grateful.

I loved looking at her as my "twin" today.  I could see the sparkle in her eye as we shared that familiarity. We won't always have the same dark hair or matching outfits.  But we can always "look" like each other in our Heavenly Father's eyes.  We are both daughters of God and He loves us.  I am teaching her to love Him.  I am hoping that I can live my life in a way that she will want to emulate.  That we can be seen by others as "like each other".  She makes me smile and happy.  She gives me true joy.  I am humbled today that I was trusted to be her mother.  I am so grateful.

So happy for my hair that was "too dark" that is absolutely perfect and makes my daughter say, "You look like me!"

Willie

We some of us love watching a television show called Duck Dynasty.  It is a reality show about a family of brothers that have long beards and hair, live in Louisiana and run a duck call business.  It's hilarious and we love it.  One reason that I love it and I think so many other people do is because it is a good clean show. There is never any swearing, the family is super close and they're openly religious.

Well, S loves wearing her scarf around her forehead like Willie the CEO from the show does. So, we call her Willie.  There was a huge display for the show along with cutouts of the characters at Pro Bass Shop today so we had to snap a picture of Willie with Willie.  :)

Lemonade stand

I took B and S to Michael's the other day and told them that they could each pick out one craft each.  We were headed up to the cash register when B spotted a lemonade stand for around $5.  She quickly dropped what she had in her hand and grabbed the lemonade stand saying, "I'm getting this because I'll get more money!"  She brought it home and it turned into a craft project by the three little kids.  They were thrilled and couldn't wait to sell lemonade.

Not sure I really wanted to do this, or how, or where, I put it off until I couldn't any more.  B loaded up her stand, and took it out front.  The front porch in the shade was perfect other than the fact that no one would ever see them in our cul-de-sac.  So, I put it on facebook and sent out texts to friends and before we knew it, we had car after car drop by.  B was thrilled and I was shocked at how many of my friends would drop what they were doing and come buy from my little girls.  We ended up making three pitchers of lemonade and pulling in a huge $37 after about an hour.

We loaded up the stand, the cups and the lemonade and went inside only to find the boys hovering over the couch looking out the window.  They were a little jealous at what their little sister had done.  They all wanted a share since they had had to make extra lemonade with the huge demand, and little g wanted a cut since he helped color the stand, and don't forget S since she helped work in the booth.  B paid everyone off with a $1 each and was ready to run to Target.

G and J?  They wanted to know if they could have a lemonade stand tomorrow.  I pulled a weird face and told them, "no".  They wondered why.  I explained to them that no one would come buy lemonade from 12 and 14 year old boys and that I was NOT going to send out a text the next day to my friends.  They wanted a turn to make money, so I told them that they could have camps.  They wondered what that was and so I told them about my sister and her kids and the camps they do each summer.  The boys were sold and ready to make a killing.  Here is what we came up with.

We decided that they would have five camps for boys before school would start on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  The camps would be $5 a boy for two hours.  If they got ten boys to a camp they could each make $25.  We came up with our themes, sent out emails, and texts and hoped for the best.  Let's see how this goes.

Here are their upcoming camps:

"All Things Boys"
"Survivor"
"Gone Country"
"Loveland9 Olympic Games 2013"
"Back to the Jurassic"

They like to look for rainbows

As we were driving home on Friday from Carson City, hard rains came out of NOwhere. Rain is a novelty to my kiddos so they had their arms outside the suburban windows as the rain pelted them in the arms.  (Actually, we all had to try it.  We giggled and laughed at how hard the rain was hitting us.)  They were in heaven. Next thing I know, the girls were looking everywhere for the rainbow. Then from the back seat, I hear them singing, "I like to look for rainbows, whenever there is rain". I smiled and smiled knowing I had just taught them that song in primary last month. Knowing that there wouldn't be a rainbow or at least one for us to see, I explained to the girls that sometimes the rainbow shows up later.  Just now, two days later, while sitting on my couch out back, I noticed a faint rainbow out of NOwhere and ran to get my girlies. They quickly requested a picture of "their" rainbow. "Hurry mom, get a picture! Let's get a picture of our rainbow." Me?  I was grateful to capture my girls with their tender mercy. 

I like to look for rainbows whenever there is rain.

And ponder on the beauty of an earth made clean again.

I want my life to be as clean as earth right after rain.

I want to be the best I can and live with God again.

I know when I am baptized my wrongs are washed away.

And I can be forgiven and improve myself each day.

I want my life to be as clean as earth right after rain.

I want to be the best I can and live with God again.

Mom thinks there is a dress in here

The girls are loving all the present wrapping this Christmas season.  They are making little gifts constantly, wrapping them and then placing them under the tree.  S brought one to me this week and told me that I could open it because it wasn't a present, it was a gift.  It was a ring she had made with her beading kit.  It had been wrapped and then taped completely with duct tape.  I couldn't even see the wrapping paper.  She must be related to me.  We get too excited to give and aren't that great at surprises.  Another day she brought this present in to show me.  It's the flattest thing you've ever seen!  With a sly little face, she asked me if I thought it was a dress inside. I giggled and said, "Maybe".  That evening with the same little sly smile, she pulled it out from underneath the tree and showed the boys proclaiming, "Mom thinks there is a dress in there!"

I look at my girls, specifically at S, my baby and can't believe how time has flown by.  They are getting big, they are fun, and I can see that we will be good friends some day.  I'm so grateful for them.  They make me so happy.

B's five

B had her first birthday party since she turned 5.  I've dreamed of throwing girl parties for years so I was thrilled to think that I could finally have one.  Thing is...after all these boys, and probably the time of year with my grandpa's funeral and everything, I really didn't feel like doing one.  I asked B what she wanted and she said that she wanted to swim and have zebra stuff.  I was thrilled at such a laid back, no decor, no frills party.  But after just five minutes of swimming, we saw lightning.  With absolutely no back up plan we had a "tea party" which was absolutely pathetic and then painted nails.  The sun showed up again and so I told the girls to jump in the pool.  They were thrilled.  Probably because the tea party and nail thing was so lame.  haha  Ten minutes before the party was over, the girls opened gifts and then ran out in the street to catch candy that was shot out of the candy cannon.  Done!  Party over.  :)  Although I thought it was lamo of all lameness, the girls seemed happy with it all and then that's when I remembered that kids just want to play together.  I learned that years ago when I would go all out for parties, practically ready to write books on doing so.  Now, we just throw the kids in the pool, buy them water guns, or shoot out candy and call it a party.

Until next May, when I'm sure S will demand all things princess-y.

My dear B,
     I love you so much.  It is crazy to believe that five years ago I walked into the hospital telling the nurse I was there to pick you up.  You have been such a joy in my life and I'm so grateful for you.  I can't imagine my life without you.  It's been the fastest and best years of MY life.  Happy Birthday sweetheart.

Dunking Bowl

Sleep with a basket on your head

I found S asleep like this on her floor tonight.  I guess she and B were having a "sleepover".  Not sure where the whole sleep with a basket on your head came from.  

My baby turns four

My baby turned four years old today. 

It's strange to think that this is the longest I have gone not being pregnant in 20 years!  I remember people telling me when she and B were babies, to enjoy the time because it would go by quickly.  I really tried to embrace the time with my babies.  I have loved it.  There have been times (many, a jillion in fact) that I have just wanted time to fly by as I see the messes that the two little girls can make together.  Wanting them to grow up and be done with this stage.  And this one.  And this one.  All while "enjoying" it.  I really have though.  And now, now I wonder where the last four years have gone.  Could it really have gone by as quickly as everyone warned me about?  My baby isn't a baby anymore nor will my family ever be a young family anymore.  I've gotten used to that now.  It was hard for me to think about that a year ago seeing how that is all I had ever known my entire married life.  Now, I'm embracing the family that I have with a missionary out and children involved in different sports, piano lessons, taking ACTs, doing scouts, dance lessons, etc. It's been a good thing.  I'm grateful that I've been able to see my children learn and grow.


Last week in church someone was giving a talk and referred to the old testament and how there were so may "begat"s.  They then pointed out our family and how we have done the most "begatting" in our ward.  I laughed and laughed and signaled while mouthing the words, "Done begatting!  Done begatting!"  Later on, another woman in our ward came up to me and said that she was glad that our family had been pointed out as the "begatting" family seeing how she also has seven children.  I laughed and laughed again and told her what I had done after hearing that.  She then laughed to me and said, "Famous last words!"  She was forty seven years old when she delivered her seventh "surprise" baby.  Ouch.  I didn't laugh so much after that.  LOL


I love my little S bug.  I love how she sits down and plays with her toys and dolls.  I love her shy little smile.  I love how she likes perfume, lip gloss, and skirts.  I love how she runs.  She has the perfect form.  I love how I see myself in her and that I can see her daddy in her too.


I love you S.  Happy 4th Birthday!

(Cake made and frosted by 12 year old G.)

We are all the same

The girls and I went to Z Gallerie today.  Somehow we got there without a stroller so it was a bit of a nightmare.  It's definitely a "put your hands in your pockets" store.  Thing is...both the girls had their babies with them, so the hands were out and the girls were in heaven looking at or rather, touching all the shiny decor around the store. 


An African American male came over to me while pointing to B, and asked, "How did she decide on her doll?"  It's a little black baby.  It was kind of awkward knowing what he was insinuating but not coming right out and saying .  Then I just said, "She picked it out and she loves it."   He smiled and told me how cool that was.  (Meaning a white child carrying around her beloved black baby doll.)  I know I'm not being politically correct here, but that's not what this is about. He admitted that he is now 47 years old and that never would have been seen when he was a child.  He then told me of some story that has been in the news and the big question was, "How do your teach your children that?"  Then he said, "Just like that I guess."  Then he said how cool it was again.  


I remember when D and I submitted our adoption papers seven years ago.  That's crazy to think about!  How could it have been so long ago?  Anyway, on the paper work you can be very specific as to what ethnicity you're willing to go with.  D and I looked at each other and then began checking off each box.  We were fine with any baby.  It didn't matter to us.  We just wanted a baby girl.  


So when the man asked about B and her baby, I felt like he was asking me.  It was so simple.  I had just wanted a baby.  When B saw those dolls at Target, it was such a sweet and tender moment that I had to get it for her.  


We wandered into the mall this morning without thinking a thing about it.  It made that guys day.  I know that because after about our fourth time circling the store, he came over to B and asked her, "Where did your baby go?"  I had to tell him that she was in my purse because B was having a fit and wanted to leave the store, now.  It was very interesting.  He paid no attention to S and her baby, just B and her baby.  It made me feel like there has been some change in this country.  I haven't done some monumental thing.  Actually, yes I have.  Because actions speak louder than words.  It made me proud.  Actually, I'm crying right now.  Happy to know that I'm teaching good things and that I made that man's day.  


Tonight we discussed some things similar to this for FHE.  We talked about religion, ethnicity, nationality, race, income, sexual preference, and many other things and how it just doesn't matter.... We are all the same!

Easter thoughts

Being the "Bunny" was hard for me this year.  I was so exhausted that I had G and J play the bunny while I collapsed in bed.  I just wasn't in it this year.   I was so physically tired and wiped out plus I was on this spiritual high after really learning about the Atonement this past March.  I walked up and down Target's aisles three or four times looking for things to buy for the baskets, and I just got more put off with each time down the aisle.  The bunnies, the grass, the eggs....gag.  It all seemed so frivolous to me and down right stupid.  It was really stupid when little g asked me tonight what eggs had to do with Easter.  That was it.  We may be doing things really different next year.

I can't say all bad things about today....the girls' new Sunday outfits complete with hair pretties, rhinestone tennis bracelets, earrings, shoes and dresses.  Too cute.

And, I kind of ordered something just for me that came in the mail yesterday.  Crunchie candy bars.  They're my favorite Canadian candy bar.  He he

It truly is a Happy Easter when you reflect on the fact that our Savior Jesus Christ is risen.  What a glorious thing!

Winter Birthday Party BBQ

The five youngest kids and I headed out of town for a "Winter Birthdays BBQ" hosted by my father-in-law.  I grabbed an outfit for each kid, the Chess Cake I had made, a couple travel snacks and my buck.  You never know when you need a life size deer.  :)
We made our way to Taco Time to grab some dinner along with four bottles of sauce that they sold me.  Then we headed over to my sister's house to stay the night.  As we drove up she raced out to tell us that her daughter had just thrown up.  We tip toed around the house wondering if germs were crawling and even offered to leave and stay with my in laws.  But, we stayed and ended up going to bed at 8:00.  Just before I went to sleep I told my sister that I was going to run to the temple early in the morning before the kids woke up.  That's when she clued me in that the temple was closed for two weeks.  I thought for sure that I would stare at the ceiling not ready to go to sleep.  But, I guess I was exhausted and I fell asleep with the little blankets draped across me.

We all woke up early the next morning and went to watch a couple of my nephews play basketball games.  It was fun seeing them run around.  Made me kind of miss basketball.

Afterwards, the kids and I went to pick up C's friend Ashley and went to the BBQ.  It was fun seeing lots of family that I haven't seen in years.  We enjoyed the beautiful day and time together.  The girls were brave and wanted to be cowgirls on Grandpa K's horses.  They had a great time.

G and J enjoyed playing basketball the entire time until G decided he was bored.  So, he dug out the buck and played with him in the backyard.

I left the BBQ so grateful for a wonderful family and my decision to go.  It was a good change of scenery.  We darted out and headed home so that I could still get in my temple visit for the week only to have S throw up in the car.  So, I didn't exactly go to the temple this week, but I did drop by and get my names in.  Made me happy. 

We'll be lying around the house this long President's Day weekend.  Who am I kidding?  I'm going to finish painting my house.  Yip, I started a monstrous job but I'm going to finish and it's awesome!  New clean walls, everywhere cleaned, scrubbed and dusted, new baseboards, light fixtures sanded down so that they're white and not yellow globes.  Can't picture that one?  I may have to hurry and do some before and afters before I'm all done.  Then it's framing out the windows, re-doing my cabinets throughout the house, and shaking things up in my bedroom.  What will you be doing this President's Day?

Mom

I remember being a little girl and playing "school" or "primary" with my sisters.  Today I watched my two little girls play on their new chalkboard in their room.  I love B's smile.  Makes me happy.  :)  Plus, I love that her smile was brought on by writing my name.  Mom. 

Watching a movie

I love that my girls are besties.  I couldn't help but herd everyone in to see how they were watching a movie.

 

Gift wrapping

The kids got money from both sets of grandparents this year for Christmas.  The kids were thrilled out of their minds and eager to head to Target.  After we got home, S proceeded to wrap her gifts that she bought herself.

Introducing...

A Barbie wrapped in lots of shreds of paper with as much tape as there is paper.

Makes me smile to see how my three year old does gift wrapping.  :)

B's miffed

I learned not to dump out the dolly's bottle.  B got a little miffed.

Their nanny got married today

When the girls were babies, D hired his sister to come help be a nanny for the summer.  I was kind of against it because I was doing just fine all by myself.  But D, was cute and insisted that I really could use some help.  He was right.  Not only was his sister a lot of help with the babies, but she cleaned and organized my pantry, the girls' room, and probably a lot of other places.  We got to know each other.  It was fun having a girl in the house.  She was respectful to me and a joy to be around.  I'm so grateful for her and the time we had together.  And, D, yes, I needed her.  I was able to enjoy my summer, enjoy my babies, and made a new friend.

Since then, my girls have grown up and have become best friends.

D's sister got married today.  She looked beautiful in the most gorgeous wedding dress.  It was stunning in person.

We enjoyed the day with family and it was fun seeing her with my baby girls grown up.

Congratulations Ang.  You looked beautiful and it was neat to share your special day with you.  I love you.  As I tucked my girls in bed tonight, I told them that you, their nanny got married today.

Balleret-tards

 The girls have now completed two sessions of tap and ballet classes at the rec center.  They look forward to it every Monday.  After a few months now, they've finally gotten the dance lingo down.  They know ballet terms, tights, and leotards.  There at the beginning, B was asking when she could put on her "balleret-tard".

S found some Isotoner slippers in the bottom of my closet along with my clogging shoes the other day.  She quickly pulled them both out telling me that I could now go to dance with them.  I think we'll just dance in the privacy of our own home.  :)

C was able to watch them at class last week.  He watched them wondering if they were getting any better.  Like, he was serious!.  Just then, a grandmother of another girl leaned over to ask me if my daughter had had dance before.  I told her that it was her second session.  She said that she "could tell".  C about fell over.  I was such a proud momma.  :)

Although they know that they now wear leotards, tights and skirts, I'll always remember hearing, "Mom, can I wear my balleret-tard?" and smile.

All put back together again

It seems like whenever it's a holiday, we're out of town or it's a Sunday, we're headed to the E.R.    Seriously.  What's up with that?

B and S were playing on the stairs in front of the big mirror and got silly.  Too silly I guess because B ended up crying with that dreaded cry.  J brought her down to me and I lifted her onto the counter to see if she had a bump that needed ice.  Nope, just a huge gash that needed staples.  So, I calmly screamed my head off for D to come running down the stairs.  We threw a pack of chopped up frozen bell peppers on her head with a dish towel and raced her to the hospital. Actually D did, because I had a practice at our house in just twenty minutes.

Two hours and six staples later she was playing in my room with S pretending that they were dead.

Doing silly poses and  putting lipstick on D.

Glad she's still her cute little self and all put together again.