Our New Pet

We have a new pet RAT who lives on the ceiling in our living room. Can you spot him?

A closer view:

Last week Jackson threw him up there, and now it is his new home. Occasionally he will fall off, but Jackson just throws him right back up.

Strangely it doesn't bother me.

Four For Friday - Cell Phone Picture Edition

A post comprised of random cell phone pictures from the past few weeks.

1. Sade having one of our many weekly tea parties. I love that girl.

2. Did you know I am the kind of person who on a whim will go to a concert on a SCHOOL NIGHT? Well I am. When a friend called last minute and needed someone to accompany her, she knew I was the woman to do it. Although we were among approximately only 10 other people in the audience, I loved it.  My only disappointment came when I realized not one of the 10 people were willing to get themselves on the dance floor. And since I was not brave enough (or drunk), I didn't get the dancing started either. I was a big concert goer in my younger days, and now that my kids are older I think I could become one again.



3. I have a bit of a confession to make:  I have to force myself to leave the house to do things with my kids. When the weather is gorgeous, and even when it isn't, I feel extreme guilt if we stay inside. And although I would rather be sitting on the couch watching T.V., or reading a book, I try to get out there. Luckily I love to bike ride. So does Megan. But Jackson and Sadie do not. There is often complaining and Jackson has even uttered the horrifying words, "Bike riding isn't that fun." But on a bike ride last week we stopped at the park. Sadie remarked, "This is the best bike ride ever!" And although I was happy for Sade and Jackson, I have another confession to make: I find the park boring. Especially when I am without reading material.




4. On yet another bike ride, we decided, spur of the moment, to do a little geocaching. And for the first time were successful!







Fueled by the victory we attempted another geocache on the way home, but were defeated.

Happy Weekend!

12 X 12 - March 2012

Jackson has had a minor cold, so before leaving for school he took a bit of medicine:

Getting ready for school:

After the kids were off (it wasn't my carpool day - woo-hoo!), Sadie and I got ready. While doing her hair, she strongly told me, "WE ARE NOT DOING BRAIDS. WE ARE DOING A SIDE PONY TAIL!" Okay then.

Leaving for her pre-school field trip:

Her field trip took place at Great Harvest (post for another day):

After returning home we stopped to get the mail. Sadie got out of the car with me so she could unlock the mailbox. Upon getting back in I told her since we were just going across the street, she didn't have to put her seat belt on. While driving she remarked, "This is so cool." And, "This is the best!" Apparently it's the little things in life:

For lunch I had leftover Chicken Parmesan. I love having leftovers! It is the Pioneer Woman's recipe. I will recommend the recipe, however, I did add a few herbs to the sauce, and coated the chicken in Italian Style Panko Bread Crumbs, instead of flour. In other news the Pioneer Woman's show on the Food Network is not bothering me as much as it used to. Previously I found it painful to watch, but now I just find it mildly discomforting.

After lunch I did a little blogging on the computer and then Sade did a little playing on the computer. She loves pbskids.org.

While cleaning up I came across the stack of card games we played on Sunday. Sade still needs a bit of help, but for the most part can play most games by herself. It is glorious! Old Maid is my favorite game of all time. The kids can almost always entice me to play it with them. I find it hilarious.

After cleaning the house I sat down in front of the T.V. to go through all of the bills and junk mail from the previous week.

Upon returning from school, Megan and Jackson (and Sadie) headed outside to play. Playing wall ball:

For dinner we went to Zaba's.

Zaba's used to be my favorite place to eat, but a few years ago it was replaced with Chipotle as my new fav. Well, last week just before getting the stomach flu I had Chipotle for dinner. And now, I DON"T FEEL LIKE EATING IT EVER AGAIN! I am going through a grieving period.

After returning home, we played more Old Maid (pictures for another post), and then did our regular nighttime routine (showers, scriptures, bed). Typical day.

Wordless Wednesday - Sour Lemon Edition

 

 

 

Nevada Reading Week

Usually my kids dress up for Nevada Reading Week, but not this year. This year it was my turn!

In case you don't recognize an amazing costume when you see it, I was Skippyjon Jones. I consider it to be a success since most of the children and teachers knew exactly who I was upon entering the school. I read the book, and brought them treats:

Jelly Beans!

 And brought a Skippyjon Jones craft for them to do:

Jackson's creation:

I was also scheduled to go in and make Green Eggs & Ham, but it happened to coincide on the day that I was knocking on deaths door. Luckily Eric was home to fill in for me:

I don't think Jackson minded:

I was also planning on dressing up (and embarrassing) and reading to Megan's class, but all of the available spots were filled up before I got my form in! Hmpff............

A Star Is Born

On February 9th (I have been waiting for Eric to download the video from his phone, before blogging about it!)  Megan was in a play at school called Fairy Tale Fiasco at school. It was written, cast, and performed entirely by middle school students, with the help of Mr. Miles, who is such a good teacher it leaves me speechless. If any of you have a middle schooler next year going to Somerset, you will not be disappointed! Anyway.....She auditioned and then after getting the part, stayed after school at least once a week for quite a few months to practice.

She played the part of Assistant Director:

Hello Gorgeous!!!

Her character, assistant director, desired with her whole heart to be the actual director. To that purpose she had to copy the actual directors movements, actions, clothing, and at times words.

The set:

Megan and her counterpart, the director:

Here is my favorite scene:

Megan loved EVERY.SINGLE.MINUTE! She couldn't stop smiling, and kept saying how much fun she had. She did a great job, and we loved watching her.

The students did the play as a charity event, and charged admission. They ended up raising $380 that they donated to St. Jude's Children's Hospital (which happens to be my favorite charity!).

Everday Life - Karate!

 Jackson and Sadie play fairly well together. Sadie likes to be the boss, and Jackson is easygoing, so the dynamic works. Today I will highlight a game they play often called, KARATE! It involves going into my room, turning on dance music, jumping crazy on my bed, and of course practicing some karate kicks. I have given up trying to stop them.

95% of the time the game ends like this:





But it has yet to deter them.