Parent Quotables

There are things we always say to our kids (and hear others say to theirs). And then there are things we say that make me wonder if we are unique in this or if anyone else says off-the-wall things also! Today has been one of those seemingly unique days, so I thought I would document it for all the world to see!

The Usual:
-Stop right there!
-That's hot- don't touch!
-Where are you?
-Please don't hit your sister.
-Where did you leave your other sock?
-Go turn off your bedroom light.


The Carpenter's House:
-Logan, go put your pants back on.
-Annalise, stop eating the crayons!
-Where's Violet?
-Knock, knock?
-If you touch any of those presents under the tree, I will return all your Christmas gifts.
-Annalise, stop eating Logan's toys!
-Where did that come from?
-How did you THINK that would turn out?
-No, you may not use your sister for a target.
-Annalise, stop eating out of the trashcan!
-If you continue to act like that, I am going to ground you. How long? For LIFE!
-How did you get up there?
-How did you get that in your nose?
-And that was a good idea, because....?

I like to pretend that we are normal. Maybe it is just a mental game I have to play in order to keep my sanity. I mean, really, doesn't every little boy run around in their underwear, rainboots, and carry a battle axe? And aren't most adorable, sweet little girls also human garbage disposals? And don't all moms give outrageous, extremely outlandish threats? Please don't tell me otherwise. I enjoy living in my delusional little bubble.

Halloween- Pt 2

On Friday before Halloween we had our Fall Fun Party at church. The kids had so much fun! Once we were in the doors, Chloe and Logan took off to play! And THANK YOU, DAD for the Wonder Woman costume! Chloe was in heaven!!!! Chloe and Logan got to focus on playing games and the inflatables since we said we would take them trick-or-treating on Sunday. I'm pretty sure they still ate more than their share of candy on Friday. Annalise, however, got a taste of the candy and turned into this sugar monster. As soon as my back was turned she would sweet talk candy out of someone- or just help herself to their buckets!


And then on Sunday, we let the kids wear their costumes again to church! They were so excited and thought it was the coolest thing ever :)
Our young adults (just the guys) thought it would be funny to all show up to church as Jesus- at both the North and South locations!
Sunday night we went to Treats on Main St. The Mill Creek Town Center businesses all set up tables or booths and hand out candy. The kids loved it despite the cold. There were about two thousand people this year!

Logan at the Fire truckAnnalise, Logan, Chloe and our friend Blake

Costumes- Pt 1

My pink pirate and Optimus Prime

... and don't forget Wonder Woman!

FINALLY!!!!

It always brings happiness to my heart when I can put my little girls' hair in pigtails! Every once in a while Chloe still lets me. And Annalise finally has long enough hair to do hers!!!!! Ahhh... so content ;)

Jump Zone

I took the kids to Jump Zone a couple week ago. They had so much fun!!!! It's a warehouse filled with giant inflatables. Once I uploaded my photos I realized I didn't get any of Logan. But hopefully one of the other mom's got him in their photos.

Another YUM treat!

Here is another favorite treat:

1 1/4 c. G-Free Old fashion oats
1/2 c. Peanut butter (I ground my own- no sugar added)
1/2 c. Honey
1/2 c. Organic shredded coconut, unsweetened

Grind oats in a food processor until fine. Mix peanut butter and honey in a bowl until smooth. Add the oats, stirring until well mixed. I use a small cookie scoop for portion size, then roll into balls. Then roll the balls in the coconut and place on parchment paper to set.

They can actually be frozen for about 2 months, too!

My Little Monkey

She really does climb on EVERYTHING!!!!

Corn Maze Fun

Logan & Baby- both at 18 mos

Proof!

No one ever believes that Baby gets mad or throws fits or really even cries. So, here is my short-lived proof!

But, about 1 minute later, we were all better!

Protein Packed "Cookies"

My kids thought they had died and gone to Heaven when we returned home after picking Chloe up at school. I offered my kids "cookies" for an afternoon snack! At first, Chloe just stared at me as if it were a trick question. Logan, of course, was quick to answer yes and run for the kitchen before I could change my mind! Little did they know, these are not your ordinary no bake cookies. They do taste a little different but they are MUCH better for you! They satisfy my sweet tooth, the kids loved them, and I'm thinking I'll be able to trick Jeremy even!

Protein No Bakes
1 Cup Organic Honey
1 Cup Peanut Butter (which I make)
1 1/2 or 2 Cups Gluten Free Rolled Oats
3 Scoops Chocolate Protein Powder (I use Nature's Plus Spiru-tein)

In a sauce pan, heat up honey and peanut butter to a smooth consistency. Then add oats and protein powder. Stir, then scoop onto wax paper. I put mine in the frig to cool. One cookie is pretty filling!

1st Day of School

First day of 2nd grade!!!! I was really excited for this year- it would be my first time to take her on her first day of school. I know, I know, I should have done this already! But every year Wordshop starts on the same day as the first day of school. And since I have been leading or teaching, it just hasn't worked out for me to take her. But with the new school and a time change to Wordshop, it worked this year! And I must say I am so proud of Chloe! She changed schools this year, which means new buildings, new teachers, new friends. I was nervous for her!

We went the open house last night to meet her teacher and look around the school. Then this morning I walked her to breakfast. I admit, I got misty-eyed! I could tell she was a little unsure of the new surroundings. If I could have, I would have offered to stay with her all day! But once we got to the cafeteria, she watched a couple of kids, then put on her brave face and went to stand in line. She said goodbye then just left me standing at the door! I'm sure I'm the only one who noticed her nervous habits and the lopsided grin when she is anxious on the inside. But I was so proud of her courage and boldness!

Jeremy and I have been praying that this would be an easy transition for her. It can be a big deal to a kid! But a girl, Trinity, from her other school also moved to our area and they are in the same class! Then on top of that, last year's teacher got transferred to the new school and does 1st/2nd. So she will get to see Mrs. Harasek randomly throughout the week. When I picked her up from school today, Chloe talked nonstop about her day and the people she met along the way. I think this is going to be a great year!

Best Friends

Sharing a pancake with her best friend Violet.

Baby and Violet have a VERY strong tie that will be very difficult to break! ViVi, as she calls her, goes everywhere with us and sleeps with her at night. Even though Chloe played with dolls, Chloe never fully became attached to them or mothered them. She played pretend, but it wasn't really part of our daily life. Baby, however, doesn't like to go anywhere without a doll. Violet is her first love (as far as dolls go). But I have to admit the dog is pretty neat. You can plug it into the computer and program it. It sings different songs, does learning games and rhymes and calls her by her name.

For the past week, I have been waking up to one of Violet's songs. Baby wakes up super early, will turn her on, then fall asleep listening to the songs. Or she sings to ViVi. Jeremy and I have considered stocking up on Violet dolls- just in case this one breaks!

One of my biggest pet peeves is wasted money! I HATE buying something to try, only to discover that it doesn't work/don't like it/isn't all that was promised. So, how do you remedy this? SAMPLES!!!! I have found that most companies offer samples of their products. This includes food products, household products and personal products! Many companies have sample offers on their websites or there are various sites that offer samples for companies. We have tried many types of shampoos & conditioners, sunscreen, laundry soap, deodorant, pens, coffee, toothpaste, cereal bars, boxes of cereal, chips, candy, and much more. So, here are a few of my favorite sample sites. Enjoy!

WalMart
Freebies4Mom
Mom Advice
P & G

Baby Steps!

It's baby steps, but at least it's progress! For over a year, I have done my best to keep a close eye on Logan's diet. Occasionally, we overlook something, but for the most part we have been successful! He has gone overnight with grandparents, but always within the safety of their house. I don't worry too much about what he eats when he is with them because I know they have his best interest at heart and will take care of him. But this weekend is something new! Chloe and Logan will be going to a family reunion- on the other side of the state- with Jeremy's parents. That means road trip, someone else's kitchen, etc. Logan has a good idea of the foods that make his tummy happy and which ones make his tummy hurt. As his mother, it is a real concern that I have to send him out without me! The planner in me has already started a list of ingredients to be aware of and also a list of restaurants/fast food places that have acceptable items. Part of me wants to map out their route and highlight food stops along the way, but I'm going to keep myself under control :) Instead, I will opt for a bag of safe goodies!

Great Blog to Read!

My friend Tina has an amazing and inspirational blog site that everyone should read! Tina is one of those women who is beautiful inside and out! She is a Godly woman of strength, kindness, love and beauty. In her posts, you will read her heart, humor and hair!

http://www.afrotina.com/

I encourage everyone to take a few minutes and explore her wonderful blog!

Whidbey Island

The kids and I took Mom on a day trip around Whidbey Island. We took the ferry over. Had lunch at Possession Beach. Stopped in Coupeville for ice cream. Turned out they were having a little festival and regatta. Great place to stop and walk around. Went around Oak Harbor then finished it off at Deception Pass. Such a fun trip- and the kids had fun on our "adventure" even if they did spend hours in the car!

100 Degrees in Seattle!!!!!

Yes, it reached 100 in Seattle!!!!! So, we went to a friend's house and spent 4 hours in the pool! LOVED IT! Then we came home and enjoyed otterpops to finish off a wonderful afternoon.

The Kangaroo Farm

On Saturday we took a trip to Arlington to the Kangaroo farm. It was so much fun! Although it's called a kangaroo farm, they have many different animals. Although some of the pics are taken through the fence, the animals are NOT in cages. They are sectioned off to different areas of the farm. A few of the kangaroos and wallabies had babies in their pouches so they had their own area. As we took the tour, the owner handed out treats to feed the animals. The kids were thrilled! They couldn't get enough of feeding and petting the animals. Most animals were available to pet. They had kangaroos, wallabies, cavies, ostrich, donkeys, llamas, alpacas, peacocks, tortoises, lemurs, chickens, roosters, turkeys, and many other birds. It truly was a fun tour. www.christmastreesandroos.com