World Class Teenage Drama Queen

This:



Has turned in to this:



and I am SCARED! Hold me....

Yes, I Know

I suck at blogging. I am just so super busy, it's insane... I have been trying so hard to keep up with housework, laundry, cooking, bathing etc. that blogging is on the fun list, a list I rarely get to work on. Factor in preparations for Chandler's Senior year such as SAT's, football banquet, cap and gown orders, Senior pics, yearbook stuff etc. that I hardly ever get a moment's peace and when I do I am breastfeeding or changing diapers.
In addition- I have noticed my blog is getting under 20 views per day, ouch! Soon I will have a lovely new CUSTOM MADE header and SHINY NEW PICTURES which I hope translates into me being a better blogger. Crosses fingers... In the meantime, here are a bunch of totally random pictures of totally random stuff. Have a GROOVY day. I am off to decorate the Christmas tree. Oh joy!

hot cocoa bar, Starbucks eat your heart out! Love my CocoMotion all these years later, thanks Aunt Sarah!


YUM-O The Ashley Hot Chocolate Supreme


the Grinch Who Stole Christmas


Chloe and her trophy from Grands!


trying out hats...


every day...


to keep his male patterned bald head warm!

Stuffing!

I don't have a ton of time to blog tonight- one reason being that we are all sharing one computer... which is practically a national tragedy. So, I'm "stuffing" everything into one post. We made it to Oklahoma once again this year for the BMX races. The ride was interesting now that we have Camden- he did very well but when he got hungry or bored you knew it! We had to pull over so I could feed him twice, I did try once to lean over and feed him, which worked a little but made my back hurt and frustrated him. What is normally a 5 hour drive if we stop for dinner and gas took 7 hours this year. So far I am having an ok time- but I really miss Chan who stayed back in Texas. I guess because of Camden and my new routine I feel really weird being away from home in a hotel with a baby. Plus, I really wanted to be with as much family as possible this year and have a memorable first Thanksgiving for Camden. Don't get me wrong this is fun and I've enjoyed it the last few years but I think the novelty has worn off, so I am not sure what next year holds.... It is Chloe's first year to race and Hunter has kinda lost interest so I am wishing her, Jon, and Hayden good luck! I will definitely keep everyone posted. So funny- last year, Chloe and I had fun walking around the venue in our new sweaters and scarves just chillin' and people watching. We saw a lady with a newborn and I mentioned to Chloe how crazy that woman was to have a new baby in a dusty arena and to have to bunk in a hotel for 5 days. Gee, what a difference a year makes! Here I am hanging out with Hunter and Camden- people watching, bunking in a hotel but also stopping to rock, nurse and soothe a 10 week old baby while my Chloe girl races. Weirdness...
Anyway- we stopped for Thanksgiving lunch at Ruby Tuesday where I had a traditional turkey dinner and my family ate buffalo wings... dorks! Now, we are hanging in our hotel room watching Horton Hears a Who and snacking on junk- squeeze cheese on Ritz, pecan pie and birthday cake. That's right- my Hayden is 8!! Happy Birthday Hayden! Thank goodness we did a party at Trail Dust last weekend or I would have felt that he was cheated on his birthday. But really is he? I mean- road trip, junk food, BMX'ing etc? I'm sure he's having a ball! Anywho, I am off to watch the tube. I hope everyone had an awesome Thanksgiving!

snacks!


Hayden and his mini birthday cake in our hotel



me and Hayden at Traildust last weekend


Hayden and his cake at Traildust


taking a bath in the hotel sink


Thanksgiving outfit

thumbsucker!

Out of the first four kiddos Chandler and Chloe were the only ones who would suck on something to self soothe. Chan had a binky til 18 months and Chloe sucked her two middle fingers until she was 4, stopping only after she accidentally shut her fingers in a dresser drawer. Well, now The Camster is sucking his thumb! I know most moms would freak out about this but I think it's adorable! I will cross the Buck Tooth Bridge when we come to it. I am just glad he wants to use something besides myself for a pacifier. So, I took a few pics of him. He is so CUTE! As soon as I laid him on his new playmat that Shannon made he laid there looking at the beautiful patterns, sucking his thumb content as could be for about 30 minutes, which is awesome. He still has a pretty short attention span and gets cranky or bored after too long. Anyway- I just thought it deserved a blog post. Oh and I threw in two random photos because I felt like it.

thumb and index finger sucker



thumbsucker



me and the Chlomeister



red hair

yet even more pics of baby related stuff.....

So, as I said before I am working on the baby's room in spurts. Other than two adorable wall hangings/goodies that are being made by Amy and Sarah, I am done with my part- Labor & Delivery not included. I also FINALLY received my CUTE diaper bag that I ordered off of Etsy, so of course I have to show that off too. So far my favorite things in there are the pics that Chloe and Hayden painted! Anyway- here are some more pics of the goings on in the nursery.
As soon as I get the other stuff and hang it, I will post AGAIN... I can't help myself! I am in love with this room!

number cards (these are above the closet)


number cards


number cards


Chloe's tree she painted for baby (this is above the crib)


Hayden's masterpiece for baby (this is also above the crib)


DOTS!


diaper bag/purse


close up of crib quilt


quilt again...

Snips, Snails, and Puppy Dog Tails...

Well, if you haven't guessed by the title (and the crotch shot)- It's a BOY! I was expecting it to be a boy, but secretly wanted a little girl. Of course, Heavenly Father knew this little man was meant to come to my family so I am totally cool with it. Chloe on the other hand insisted she was moving out if it was another boy... I'll fill you in on her decision later. I know the moment she lays eyes on him and holds him she's gonna be in love. I am excited because I can finally start shopping and planning. Plus, I need to pick a name and on and on. Oh, this is gonna be fun. And, no I won't be trying for a girl. Thanks for asking.

Isn't she lovely?

I have noticed lately just how much my baby girl has grown up and changed the last year. I am honestly not sure I am ready for it... Not only is she getting taller, but her facial features are rapidly changing. She is looking more and more like a young woman. And, I may be biased- but I think she is beautiful! She could use an attitude adjustment, but I think about 99% of girls her age are in the same boat. When she's being pleasant, I really like her. But, there are moments EVERY day where she has a mini tantrum. Yikes! I know I gave my mom fits, but dang, Chloe might have me beat... One of my biggest gripes: using my stuff without asking. My razor, facial soap, hair dryer, tweezers, flat iron, makeup, etc. are constantly disappearing and lo and behold, they show up in her room. Call me crazy, but I am thinking the next 7 or so years are gonna be bumpy. Help me!

P.S. here are a few pics taken from last year and the last 2 months

June '08


May '08


March '09


April '09

Lazy Sunday

I am getting quite skilled at being a lady of leisure. Today was no exception. I mean I did stuff, but it was just the bare minimum. First things first, I pushed snooze on my alarm more times than I care to remember, but did manage to make it to the last hour (Relief Society) of church. I am soo glad I made it for that one hour. GREAT lesson that I definitely needed. I also felt strongly that I needed to try harder to make it to church on Sundays. I know for a fact that although sleeping in feels great, church would make me feel even better.
After church I had some lunch and a nap. Even better- my entire family was gone so I got to nap in peace!
Shortly after I woke up Jon and the kids came home from the BMX track and told me all about Chloe's crash. She just recently started racing and today during a practice lap she tumbled over her handlebars and bit her tongue pretty bad. Her tongue is swollen and purple on the tip and she has two big teethmarks/holes on it. She also has several scrapes and bruises here and there. Honestly I know I sound like a baby, but I am not so jazzed about the idea of my only daughter getting hurt like that...
Next on the agenda- we were treated to a free concert by our neighbors! Isn't that sweet? Someone on the next block had a Mexican/Hispanic/Mariachi band playing some seriously loud music, for 6 solid hours! It was so loud we could hear it inside and when we went outside we could hear the singer or DJ and what he was saying word for word! All it really did for me was give me a serious craving for Mexican food. So, we had nachos for dinner.
And, last but not least I ventured to Wal-Mart for some Orajel for Chloe. Not much happened there, same rude, odd people as always. But, I did find something I have been looking for: Cocoa Creme Tums. Just opening the bottle made me smile, they smell yummy! Like walking into Willy Wonka's chocolate factory. It's been a long time since I was that excited. Now, I can cure my heartburn and my craving for chocolate at the same time. Wow, I live an exciting life!!
Now, it's off to bed and it all starts all over again tomorrow. I have a feeling Monday is gonna be interesting. Chloe is already pulling the stay home card and Hayden has a pretty big project due Thursday. Wish me luck....

Coraline!

Tonight I took Chloe and Hayden to see Coraline. It was AWESOME! It was visually STUNNING! Like, seriously 10 stars!! It was such a cute story (I am pretty sure it was adapted from a book of the same name). I never, not once lost interest which so often happens during kid flicks. But, not this one. The whole movie was amazing from start to finish. I am not sure I would take a kid who gets scared easily, and definitely not one under 5. But, for all of us over 5 it was worth every penny. We saw it in 3D, which cost an extra $2... not sure why? Maybe for the glasses? Competely silly because they had recycle bins everywhere asking you to recycle your glasses. That would be my only complaint. Anyway, it was done in the same fashion as The Nightmare Before Christmas, which is another awesome movie. I will more than likely see this again and for sure I will buy it when it comes out. Anyway, that's my review. Go See It, NOW! You won't be disappointed!

freaking out

Tonight at around 10 o'clock I am sitting at the table working on posters for Relief Society and the dogs are barking SO LOUD that I can't concentrate. I asked Chloe if she would take them each a pig's ear and put them in their dog run to chill a bit. I hear her talking all sweet to them and then nothing... then I hear her crying worse than I ever have before. She is calling "Mommy, mommy, HELP ME!" I immediately jump up from the table as she is walking in the back door and ask her what is wrong. She tells me that Daisy, our white dog bumped her in the back of her legs and that she slipped and conked her head on the steps that lead to our pool. I had her lay her head on the counter so I can put a wet paper towel on it. As I try to separate her hair, I see a TON of blood. So, I start to panic and then she starts to panic. She was so pale and so nervous. Jon runs in and yells at me for making her panic.... turd! While he tends to her, I run grab her shoes and my sweater thinking it's gonna be a long night in the ER. Jon assures me that it's not as bad as it looks and that the bleeding is letting up. I give her some Advil and put her in a lukewarm shower so I can rinse her hair and asses the damage. Turns out the giant clip she had in her hair broke her fall and dug into her scalp. It left a little divot about 1/4 of an inch wide on the back of her head. I ended up putting Neosporin and a gauze pad on her head and made her lay on a bag of ice. Now, she is on the couch watching TV and I think both of us have finally stopped shaking. Whew, close call. I am still gonna worry all night and I don't care how white my sheets are or how bad she kicks- she is so sleeping with us tonight!

Heaven help me!

I am not sure I can handle this again. Chloe threw up. I am PARANOID about vomit. Especially when it comes out of me. I feel terrible for my children when they throw up, but I feel more terrible for me. I have a MAJOR phobia of vomiting. So much so that I sleep with a bucket or tub next to my bed and even keep one in my car, just in case... I am still hoping and praying that my super mommy immune system will kick in and I will be saved from hurling. I was feeling pretty good about it being a minor episode and then she went and puked again. I have been nauseous since the first time at 7:30 and I made toast and soup for dinner, just in case... Basically I got the worst stomach bug (the Ethan virus) of my entire life when Chan was a baby. It literally took me one month to eat normal food and feel better. I have been traumatized ever since. The one we got last October came close to being just as bad as "the Ethan virus". My mom and I named it that because it was at my step Grandpa Ethan's funeral that we both started feeling sick. Man, it was bad. I don't ever want to feel that way again. So, pray for me. I am completely serious. Thank goodness Jon isn't squeamish about barf and has been helping Chloe. Man I love him.

Chloe, Chloe, Chloe

Miss Chloe is so funny and she makes me scratch my head sometimes. This week she has been especially interesting.

The other day she put a load of clothes in the dryer for me and instead of a dryer sheet she put a Swiffer dry cloth in there...

She told me yesterday when we were going to the mall that she was vain. And I told her being vain was not a good thing. She said she knew but she couldn't help it...

Tonight we went to McDonalds for dinner and when we drove into our driveway Jon was waiting on us and she yelled out the window: "hey Shaniqua, hey!!"

Earlier, we had gone to pick up Hunter from the movies. She had on shorts and I went to squeeze her thigh. Just because. And she said: "Stop, I hate when you touch me there..." Which sounded bad enough. Then, I tried again just to tick her off and she farted! I laughed so freaking hard!! Which made her SO MAD! Then she said: "that wasn't me, you know I don't fart." Oh really? Because we were the only ones in the car and I certainly didn't do it.

Blah!

Blah, blah, blah....*






*translation- nothing blog worthy going on at all! Back to the grindstone. Ready for Spring Break. So ready to get our house on the market, I am ready to move and re-decorate. Visited with Kelli's family twice this weekend, that was nice. Just paid the septic guy $500 smackeroos to suck the poo out of our septic tank with his magical giant vacuum (honey wagon). My dogs have their days and nights mixed up. I think my cat's schizophrenic. Chloe and Hunter have grown out of their school uniforms from the beginning of the year, back to the mall I go. So that's about it. I am sure hoping something exciting comes up to blog about soon.

Word to your Mother

Tonight as I was headed out the door for dog food and laundry soap my sister Kelli texted me. She needed to borrow some folding chairs for her son Fynn's birthday party tomorrow. I said yes I had some and she could borrow them but to remind me. She texted back: remind me to remind you. So, I knew I would forget the chairs unless I had a really good reminder. That is when I remembered that our pantry door is a chalk board, duh. So, as I was leaving I asked Chloe: "hey Clo- can you write bring folding chairs to Kelli's for me on the board?" And, she did. I probably walked by it a hundred times before I understood that she had written literally what I asked. Jon and I must have laughed for 5 solid minutes when we figured it out.

Smooth as a baby's butt

Well, I gave in. I let Miss Chloe shave her legs. I was planning on holding out as long as possible, but when we were in Oklahoma I noticed: armpit hair. I about died. So, I told her it was time. And, she began protesting BADLY! I couldn't believe it. She has been begging me to let her shave for almost a year. A few days after we got home I bought her one of those Intuition razors with the soap already attached to the blades. She refused to even look at it. Then, one morning when I was making her bed I noticed she had opened the package and read the instructions. Good sign, it meant we were one step closer to smoother legs. However, not a smart idea for someone who has never shaved. Tonight we had a spa day if you will. She tied her hair in a bun and climbed into a big bubbly bath. And, then she yelled my name. It was time. The Intuition is a good idea for maintenance shaving not for that ever important first time. It was like using scissors to trim back a field of corn or something. She was so cute and nervous. And, I was teary eyed. I couldn't help it. She is gonna grow up whether I like it or not. She can be a turd, but tonight she was freakin' adorable, it must have taken her 20 minutes per leg. If I had continued to shave that slow all these years I might have saved myself from countless cuts and scrapes from shaving too quick. I sat on the bathmat and coached her along. Eventually persuading her to use a Daisy Plus and shave gel. She asked me several times if she was doing good for her first time... aww!
Anyway- I am proud to report that my daughter has hair free, cut free legs. And, she is wearing tights and a skirt tomorrow... Which, might seem odd. But, only if you have ever worn tights or pantyhose and were badly in need of a shave. Those pesky hairs will find their way through those ittie bittie holes in your stockings. Super embarrassing if you are wearing black tights and have blonde leg hair.

Friday night at the Factory

Tonight Chloe and Hunter had hair appointments with my friend Israel. Since he is a stone's throw from our new favorite restaurant- The Cheesecake Factory, we stopped there afterwards for a late night dinner and some dessert. We had a ton of fun, cracking up and being goofy. We were all annoyed by the warm bread and frozen butter, which is pure cruelty. So, Chloe stuck her pat of butter in her bra and Hunter put his in his armpit. Yes they were still in the foil and no it didn't work... but it was a good idea. And, did you know it only takes about 4 minutes for 3 people to devour a serving of the 30th Anniversary Chocolate Cake Cheesecake? I kid you not, I think I took 3 bites. Those 2 kids have their daddy's sweet tooth and their mommy's appetite. DANG! That cheesecake didn't stand a chance. It was fun to hang out with my little pre-teen drama king and queen. They can be stinkers, but tonight they were dare I say it, normal?


See, we like each other- sometimes


Me!


Smile! Mom's got her camera out, again!


me, waiting on my 3 whole bites of cheesecake to arrive


DESSERT! Don't ya love the big "30th" in cinnamon?


where do we begin?


checking out the different layers and marking their territory


2 minutes later...


4 minutes later...


Holy Cow, we're full!


P.S. I loooove Chloe's hair. She looks more beautiful than ever. She is growing so fast it's unbelievable. And, no I am not ready for it.

BMX Grand Nationals Day 4

Well, we're home. Trophy-less. Which stinks and is a giant letdown. I won't go into logistics, simply because it is super confusing, even to me. Hunter was able to advance the farthest and was a shoe-in for the mains (trophy race) until he was crashed into by another kid. He was thankfully not hurt, but his bike got tangled up with another kid's bike and his shoes were still clipped into his pedals. By the time he got up, it was too late. He easily had 2nd, possibly 1st. We left immediately after he was eliminated. He was very upset for the first half of the drive and finally cheered up after several hours. Jon missed his last race because we had like 30 minutes to to pack our hotel room, they wouldn't let us check out late. Bummer. And, we know how I pack. When we made it back to the track, his group was on the gate. He would have never been able to wade through all the people to get on the gate. Hayden had 1 chance to advance and couldn't pull it out. He needed to come out in 1st place and ended up 2nd. I am sad about the results, simply because you pump yourself up for it, spend the money, the drive, being away from family on Thanksgiving and BAM, it's over before you know it. We had fun though. The boys got really neat swag bags, I got a BMX MOM decal for my van, they each got T-shirts and caps, and most importantly- tons of memories.
So, til next year. Hopefully we'll have better luck. Especially now that Chloe wants to try and I am being begged to start racing as well. Not sure about that last one...


grossest snack ever! Chocolate dipped dill pickle. Positively obscene!


Chloe texting and I-podding


Chloe and Hayden in the shoe shine chair at the hotel


me in the car, trying to be cute and cheer up my kiddos


Jon on the phone


Hayden, oh so tired!


Hunter, being upset about today's race