Oswald Cuties

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T00:05:00.000-07:00

I hope you all have the Happiest Christmas and a Merry New Year!

I thought it was about time I showed you all the picture that was the finalist for the Christmas Card.
You know, it was photoshoot attempt #2. SOMEONE was not happy and refused to smile. But we also managed to get these gems.

MM - Santa's Elves

2011-12-19T00:19:00.001-07:00

Are you in need of a mindless Monday Blog post? Are you struggling to deal with the weekend being over and can't muster the strength to type a single word? Well, Monday Mugs is for YOU! Because on Mondays, I need some motivation, I may or may not "borrow" ideas from IheartFaces and post my interpretation of their weekly theme.

Mondays are hard! Blogging on Mondays shouldn't be!

Today's theme for Monday Mugs is: Santa's Elves

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I've got 4. How many do you have?

Look! This one is even smiling.

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Monday Mugs is going to take a break until January 9, 2012. I will announce a theme sometime before then.

Happy Holidays Everyone!!!!!!!!!!

**Angi! @ Messy Cars and Muddy Shoes! I thought I had figured out a way to leave you comments but it didn't work. I changed my computer settings and then as soon as I was done commenting, I was going to change everything back. Sadly, it is still giving me an error message that says I don't have access to that page. :( I LOVED your gingerbread houses! I was so impressed that you guys made the gingerbread!

MM - Holiday Treats (recipes encouraged)

2011-12-12T00:12:00.002-07:00

Mondays are hard! Blogging on Mondays shouldn't be!

Today's theme for Monday Mugs is: Holiday Treats

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I am determined to make this the sweetest holiday ever!

Starting with : Gingerbread Bars (recipe below)

featuring my adorable assistant, Daisy.

Next, we made Molasses Cookies.

Miss Assistant absolutely LOVED rolling the dough in the sugar and licking her hands after every roll. LOL

I did have a few minor mishaps.

1. Most of my kids did not enjoy the orange zest in the frosting of the gingerbread bars

2. The molasses cookies recipe was for "Giant" sized cookies. I didn't make giant cookies and it took a few batches before I got the cooking time just right.

and, 3. My uncoordinated left hand decided it would be nice to introduce my right arm to the cookie sheet.

Attractive, no? *special thanks to Bailey for snapping this pic of my arm*

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The theme for next week's Monday Mugs will be: Santa's Elves

Gingerbread Bars with Orange Frosting

Gingerbread

3/14 cups all-purpose flour

2/3 cup sugar

1/2 cup margarine, softened

1 cup water

2/3 cup light molasses

2 eggs

2 tsp baking soda

2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

Frosting

4 cups powdered sugar

1/2 cup margarine

1/4 cup milk

1 tsp freshly grated orange zest

red and green sprinkles, if desired.

*I didn't make frosting. I used store bought and just added some orange zest*

*Heat oven to 350degrees. Combine all gingerbread ingredients in a large bowl. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until well mixed.

*Pour batter into greased 15x10x1-inch jelly-roll pan. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely.

*Combine frosting ingredients except sprinkles in large bowl. Beat at medium speed until creamy. Frost cooled bars. Decorate with sprinkles, if desired. Makes 60 bars.

Giant Molasses Cookies

1 1/2 cups butter, softened

2 cups sugar

2 eggs

1/2 cup molasses

4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

4 tsp ground ginger

2 tsp baking soda

1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp ground cloves

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 cup chopped pecans (i didn't add these)

3/4 cups coarse sugar

1. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and molasses. Combine the flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Fold in pecans.

2. Shape into 2-in. balls and roll in coarse sugar. Place 2 1/2-in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 400degrees for 16-18 minutes or until tops are cracked. Remove to wire racks to cool. Makes 2 dozen

This week, I am going to make Lacy Brandy Snaps. Wish me safe baking!

MM - Trees

2011-12-05T00:23:00.000-07:00

Mondays are hard! Blogging on Mondays shouldn't be!

Today's theme for Monday Mugs is: Trees

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Our yearly tradition is to put up the Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving. Can you spot what is missing from our 1 year old tree? What we didn't notice until after we had added ALL of the decorations?

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The theme for next week's Monday Mugs will be:

Fave Holiday Treats

(I wouldn't mind at all, if you wanted to share some recipes!)

Happy December!

2011-12-01T11:51:00.000-07:00

MM - Thankful Week 4

2011-11-28T00:35:00.000-07:00

Mondays are hard! Blogging on Mondays shouldn't be!

Today's theme for Monday Mugs is: Thankful: Week 4

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Above everything else, I am the most thankful for this bunch:

And just so you know, this pic was taken during Christmas Card Photo Shoot I. Unfortunately, for my darling bunch, I did not think this was "wall material"! I had to drag everybody out for Christmas Card Photo Shoot II and one Cutie in particular was NOT happy. I will share the photo that made it on to the Christmas Cards in a few weeks. I still had to photoshop different photos together! *eye roll*

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The theme for next week's Monday Mugs will be: Trees

Monday Mugs - Thankful Week 3

2011-11-21T00:31:00.000-07:00

Mondays are hard! Blogging on Mondays shouldn't be!

Today's theme for Monday Mugs is: Thankful: Week 3

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Last week, I was thankful that Lily and I were able to sneak away to see Breaking Dawn. Even though the movie theater parking lot was packed, we got a great parking spot. We were in line an hour and a half before the movie started and there were only 6 girls in front of us. We got our favorite seats. And we thought Breaking Dawn was the best Twilight since the first one.

Last week, while DaddyO was out of town, I was thankful that I was able to keep my cool while this boy pushed EVERY button I possess. He is the Grand Master Button Pusher and after he's pushed, he twists!Even with visions of beatings dancing through my head, I didn't harm a single hair on his! It's a good thing he is well behaved and darling most of the time!

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The theme for next week's Monday Mugs will be: Thankful: Week 4

Monday Mugs - Thankful Week 2

2011-11-14T01:12:00.002-07:00

Mondays are hard! Blogging on Mondays shouldn't be!

Today's theme for Monday Mugs is: Thankful: Week 2

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Last week, I was thankful that this boy got a Game Ball for having such a great game on Saturday.

My little slugger wasn't feeling well and made EVERY attempt to get out of playing. But with some clever bribery, I talked him in to participating in the game. They were playing their toughest competition of the season, and by the 3rd inning the other team was up 1-0 with a few of our REALLY good players striking out. Bailey got up to the plate with one teammate on 2nd and he hit the ball to bring him home and tie up the game. On the next hit, Bailey was able to make it home and put his team in to the lead. After that, the rest of the team followed suit and they were able to win 1-10. This was Bailey's first Game Ball after playing with this team for 3 seasons. He was due. I was so happy for him! He was pretty pleased as well.

*Thankful Thought overlay is a free download from aliedwards.com*

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The theme for next week's Monday Mugs will be: Thankful: Week 3

I am going to do something a bit different for

November and each week I will post something

I was thankful for the week before.

Hopefully with a picture to go with it.

Monday Mugs - Thankful

2011-11-07T00:39:00.002-07:00

Mondays are hard! Blogging on Mondays shouldn't be!

Today's theme for Monday Mugs is: Thankful: Week 1

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Last week, I was thankful that ALL of my trick-or-treaters were feeling good enough to go out and beg for candy. On any other day they had congestion, coughing, sore throats, chapped lips and some of them were puking. I was afraid I was going to have to go out and explain why I was trying to get candy for a sick kid(s). Here they are right before we left to fill their trick-or-treat bags! Miss Daisy wasn't missing one ounce of her spunk when I ~~told~~ asked everyone to look at the camera, she turned away.

I was also thankful for being able to catch moments like these without waking anyone up!

*Thankful Thought overlay is a free download from aliedwards.com*
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The theme for next week's Monday Mugs will be: Thankful: Week 2

I am going to do something a bit different for

November and each week I will post something

I was thankful for the week before.

Hopefully with a picture to go with it.

And now......the Ladies

2011-11-02T00:44:00.000-07:00

Miss Lily

The big kids all went with a HORROR theme this year. I begged and pleaded with Lily to let me make her a tutu but she refused. Shocking, I know!

Luckily, this 'Lil Gal is still easily influenced.

She was excited to be a butterfly, but the second I put the tutu on, she started yanking on it and said "it bothers me!" *eye roll*

I told her if she let me get some good pictures of her, I wouldn't make her wear the tutu trick-or-treating.
How do you think she did?

Two of the best moments of the shoot were when Daisy saw Grandpa pull in to the driveway!

When we left the house, she mentioned that her shoes were feeling funny and for the first 45 minutes of our trick-or-treating she let me know a few more times that her shoes were not right, but she followed the big kids from door to door, overjoyed at all the candy she was getting.We stopped at our house for potty breaks and to check on Grandpa, who was holding down the fort so we wouldn't get tricked later. I got Daisy a different pair of shoes and I didn't realize until I saw this picture why her original pair were giving her such a hard time. And notice she is wearing a different tutu. :)

Poor thing!

Monday Mugs - Trick or Treat

2011-10-31T00:40:00.005-07:00

Mondays are hard! Blogging on Mondays shouldn't be!

Today's theme for Monday Mugs is: Trick or Treat

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Well, I had grand plans of having a complete dress rehearsal yesterday so I could have pictures for today's post. BUT, I'm pretty sure Daisy is only going to let me put curlers in her once so I better save it for the actual trick-or-treating. I also had a Puking Cutie yesterday. I'm not sure how my kids manage to get sick at the most inopportune times! I did get some pictures of Bailey on Saturday, before he got sick and Ashton was kind enough to dress-up for me on Sunday so I wouldn't be completely empty handed today.

I tried to talk all the older kids in to having coordinating costumes that would match Daisy's, but no one was very excited about coordinating with a butterfly! LOL

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The theme for next week's Monday Mugs will be: Thankful: Week 1
I am going to do something a bit different for
November and each week I will post something
I am thankful for. Hopefully with a picture to go with it.

*Angi - The pictures in your post last week were amazing! Isn't picnik great? Also, I wanted to let you know that I did try the suggestion you gave me last week to make it easier for me comment on your blog. It was a while back, and it did make it so I could comment, but not long after I changed it, we got 2 viruses and complete meltdown of our computer. I have no idea if the 'fix' had anything to do with it, but I am afraid to change it. I'll keep trying! :)

Shutterfly Christmas Cards

2011-10-28T13:07:00.001-07:00

I know I know! It's not even Halloween yet. And there's definitely NO forgetting Thanksgiving. But there is a lot of planning and scheming that must go on to make sure the Christmas Cards are printed and ready to go so recipients may enjoy them for as long as possible in December.

I am just starting to think about our coordinating outfits. And scouting out possible photoshoot locations. And I've started ~~bribing~~ ~~threatening~~ preparing the family for our annual photo.

I've already started browsing the card section at Shutterfly too. With so many cards to choose from, it is going to take me a while.

Should we go Christmas-y? With a space for a family shot and individual shots of each kid?

Or maybe just one family photo with this awesome card? Feast your eyes on Shutterfly's Christmas Cards.

Or maybe I should try to cover the entire "Holiday" season? Go see Shutterfly's Holiday Cards.

I think I like this one!

Another project I need to get started on is 2012 Calendars, starring The Cuties! The Grandparents expect this every year! I think I like this "Happy Days" design. Check out Shutterfly's Calendars.

I have purchased pictures, calendars, notebooks, photobooks, etc. from Shutterfly and I have always been happy with the quality and customer service. Remember our little getaway to Salt Lake last summer? The one where I took over 600 pictures? Well, I made Shutterfly photobooks for my Mom and my Grandma with those photos and they absolutely LOVE THEM! I am currently working on my book from that trip which includes almost 60 pages of pictures and journaling. I know it is going to be something that my kids will enjoy and cherish in the future. If you would like to see MY photo book, go here.

Would you like 25 Free Cards from Shutterfly? I will give promotion codes to the first 3 comments that say "I want me some Shutterfly cards".

-or-

Are you a blogger? Want a chance at 25 free cards this holiday season? Register here.

WW - From Fall to Winter

2011-10-26T00:26:00.001-07:00

MM - Oh the Things We Do in October

2011-10-24T00:17:00.000-07:00

Mondays are hard! Blogging on Mondays shouldn't be!

Today's theme for Monday Mugs is:
Oh the Things We Do in October

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Visit The Witches!

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The theme for the next Monday Mugs will be: Trick or Treat

*Angi @ Messy Cars and Muddy Shoes* I am still stopping by and visiting your blog! Still not able to comment!! Thanks so much for linking up last week. Amazing Fall Photos! And to answer your question: I edit my photos at picnik dot com. They have a "vibrant" button that brightens up my photos and helps our faded laundry look much better! LOL (just so you know, I didn't edit ANY of today's photos)
I'll keep trying Angi!

WW - Booty Love

2011-10-19T00:19:00.003-07:00

MM - Fabulous Fall

2011-10-17T10:10:00.000-07:00

Are you in need of a mindless Monday Blog post? Are you struggling to deal with the weekend being over and can't muster the strength to type a single word? Well, Monday Mugs is for YOU! I may or may not "borrow" ideas from IheartFaces and post my interpretation of their weekly theme. Without submitting my photo for judgement and without having to follow the rules.

Mondays are hard! Blogging on Mondays shouldn't be!

Today's theme for Monday Mugs is: Fabulous Fall

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The kiddos go back to school today :( But while they were on Break, we got to escape to the North, again, and experience Fall! Cooler temperatures and changing leaves.
We had way too much fun. AGAIN!

We also experienced another season that we are NOT used to. More on that, later!

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The theme for the next Monday Mugs will be:
Oh The Things We Do In October

Monday Mugs - 3

2011-09-26T00:26:00.001-07:00

Are you in need of a mindless Monday Blog post? Are you struggling to deal with the weekend being over and can't muster the strength to type a single word? Well, Monday Mugs is for YOU! I may or may not "borrow" ideas from IheartFaces and post my interpretation of their weekly theme. Without submitting my photo for judgement and without being forced to follow the rules.

Mondays are hard! Blogging on Mondays shouldn't be!

Today's theme for Monday Mugs is: 3

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All of the Cuties on the day they turned 3. In Birth Order.

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Monday Mugs will be taking a little break for the next 2 weeks while the older Cuties are on Fall Break. We will be back on October 17th and the theme will be: Fabulous Fall

WW - Disturbing?

2011-09-21T22:55:00.001-07:00

**Angi at Messy Cars and Muddy Shoes! I can't comment on your blog!! I stop by every week but I get a weird error message. I'm afraid to change the settings on my computer because we just had 2 viruses and computer meltdown. Maybe you can email me at

dhoswald.labd at gmail dot com

and I can email you my comments.**

Monday Mugs - Just One From Last Week

2011-09-19T00:33:00.000-07:00

Are you in need of a mindless Monday Blog post? Are you struggling to deal with the weekend being over and can't muster the strength to type a single word? Well, Monday Mugs is for YOU! I may or may not "borrow" ideas from IheartFaces and post my interpretation of their weekly theme. Without submitting my photo for judgement and without being forced to follow the rules.

Mondays are hard! Blogging on Mondays shouldn't be!

Today's theme for Monday Mugs is: Just One Pic From Last Week

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This picture is not spectacular to look at. There's not even a Cutie to be seen. But, there is mystery involved. This is a picture of where Frank lives. Frank is our pet fish. Frank's tank is surrounded by family photos. Normally, the pictures are facing outward so we can admire them as we are feeding Frank or just walking by his home. But someone in our house feels that a. Frank is lonely, b. Frank deserves a turn to admire the photos or c. it's funny to make me turn all the photos back around. This happens frequently. I think it's kind of funny. I honestly don't know who is responsible.

Can you see Frank? It looks like he might actually be admiring the photos. HA HA HA!

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Next week's theme will be: 3

I'm Just Sayin'....

2011-09-14T13:51:00.000-07:00

....somebody, besides me, better LOVE tutus!

I think she might give me some trouble! LOL

Monday Mugs - A Touch of Sun

2011-09-12T00:13:00.000-07:00

Are you in need of a mindless Monday Blog post? Are you struggling to deal with the weekend being over and can't muster the strength to type a single word? Well, Monday Mugs is for YOU! I may or may not "borrow" ideas from IheartFaces and post my interpretation of their weekly theme. Without submitting my photo for judgement and without being forced to follow the rules.

Mondays are hard! Blogging on Mondays shouldn't be!

Today's theme for Monday Mugs is: A Touch of Sun

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Last weekend, we took a little trip to Sedona, AZ. We thought with the higher elevation, there might be a better possibility for storms and a chance to cool down. It was about 10 degrees cooler but still mostly sunny and pretty hot. So naturally, we enjoyed the pool area and a little bit more than A Touch of Sun!

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Next week's theme will be: Just One From Last Week

MM - Summer Fun

2011-09-05T00:05:00.002-07:00

Are you in need of a mindless Monday Blog post? Are you struggling to deal with the weekend being over and can't muster the strength to type a single word? Well, Monday Mugs is for YOU! I may or may not "borrow" ideas from IheartFaces and post my interpretation of their weekly theme. Without submitting my photo for judgement and without being forced to follow the rules.

Mondays are hard! Blogging on Mondays shouldn't be!

Today's theme for Monday Mugs is: Summer Fun

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I was not paying attention last week, and didn't realize today was a holiday. I hope you all are having a wonderful Labor Day!
Back in June, I failed to conclude our Summer Fun and never shared the last days of our trip to Utah.
So, here you go!
By the last day of our trip, I had taken about 500 pictures. I didn't think that was enough and proceeded to force everyone to participate in ANOTHER photoshoot.

I even tortured the Grandparents! In this picture, everyone is looking good but Ashton decided that this was the time to pull a ridiculous face!

Check out these Photoshop skills.

And here is everyone, completely exhausted from too many photoshoots and from having TOO much fun!

I also never got to sing the praises of our 2 chauffeurs. My Dad, who had business in Salt Lake but could have flown round trip, drove 12 hours with us and then flew home a week later. DaddyO flew to Salt Lake just to drive us home the next day. Seriously saved this paranoid driver! Thanks so much Guys!! Love ya!
On the way home, DaddyO even stopped at a sight seeing spot ~~because he drank too much iced tea~~ so we could stretch our legs for a minute.

We got to walk out on to a bridge that the cars used to drive on. I was very uncomfortable...

...because someone thought it was a good idea to try to climb the railing! There is also a view of the bridge that the cars drive across now.

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Next week's theme will be: A Touch of Sun

Monday Mugs - White

2011-08-29T00:56:00.000-07:00

Are you in need of a mindless Monday Blog post? Are you struggling to deal with the weekend being over and can't muster the strength to type a single word? Well, Monday Mugs is for YOU! I may or may not "borrow" ideas from IheartFaces and post my interpretation of their weekly theme. Without submitting my photo for judgement and without being forced to follow the rules.

Mondays are hard! Blogging on Mondays shouldn't be!

Today's theme for Monday Mugs is: White

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When I think of WHITE, I think of wedding dresses. Then I think of the time that Lily was playing with her dress-ups when she was 4 years old.

*Special Bonus* As I was searching for Lily's dress-up photo, I came across this pictures of us together when I was 5 months pregnant with the boys. You're welcome.

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Next week's theme will be: Summer Fun

3

2011-08-24T11:50:00.035-07:00

Well, my baby is 3. She does not appreciate it when I call her "baby"!
Last Saturday, I borrowed a chair from our neighbors front porch and took some pictures of the Little Miss. It was the same story: I didn't feel like the shoot was going well and finished, feeling discouraged. My strategy is to hit the shutter EVERY time her face turns in my direction. Fast forward to editing the pictures. I took 61 pics and there were only 10 that were too blurry to edit. I LOVED all of them. You might want to sit down. Giving you a play by play of 51 pictures could take a while.

Just kidding! I don't have time for that kind of post. LOL And it is very possible, that I am the only one who doesn't think all of the pics look the same.

I may need an intervention. I am a photo hoarder!

Daisy's party was on Sunday. We let her start by opening her presents. (many helping hands)

She was appropriately pleased with the felt cupcakes I made.

The most exciting gift:

I saw these wings online, with a tutorial, and asked my Mom if she thought Daisy needed them. About a week later, they were in the mail on their way to our house. Love ya Mom!!!!!!!!!!!!

After presents, we moved on to cupcakes and singing.

Daisy made us light candles and sing Happy Birthday to her TWICE.

She had 3 cupcakes before dinner!

She left only a few crumbs, on her face!

I think she had fun.

We thoroughly enjoyed celebrating her!

Monday Mugs - Back to School

2011-08-22T00:03:00.002-07:00

Are you in need of a mindless Monday Blog post? Are you struggling to deal with the weekend being over and can't muster the strength to type a single word? Well, Monday Mugs is for YOU! I may or may not "borrow" ideas from IheartFaces and post my interpretation of their weekly theme. Without submitting my photo for judgement and without being forced to follow the rules.

Mondays are hard! Blogging on Mondays shouldn't be!

Today's theme for Monday Mugs is: Back to School

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It has been 3.5 weeks since the Cuties started school. Here are the shots from their 1st day as one sixth grader and two 3rd graders.

Supplies, checklists, backpacks, forms-filled-out and signed.

First Day of School Outfits

Normally, I can't even bribe this girl to let me take her picture. But after seeing everyone else get their pictures taken, she asked if I would take her picture and she set up the pose.

OH! And someone turns 3.YEARS.OLD. today! More on that later.

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Next week's theme will be: White

WW - 100% Fat Free Cupcakes

2011-08-17T12:11:00.000-07:00

Monday Mugs - Yellow

2011-08-15T00:14:00.002-07:00

Are you in need of a mindless Monday Blog post? Are you struggling to deal with the weekend being over and can't muster the strength to type a single word? Well, Monday Mugs is for YOU! I may or may not "borrow" ideas from IheartFaces and post my interpretation of their weekly theme. Without submitting my photo for judgement and without being forced to follow the rules.

Mondays are hard! Blogging on Mondays shouldn't be!

Today's theme for Monday Mugs is: Yellow

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Well, I am cheating today and using the pictures that I had for the "Shades" week when my computer was having a temper tantrum.

As you can see, I had an entire crew of willing participants!

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Next week's theme will be: Back to School

Last Week................

2011-08-10T08:10:00.001-07:00

..............My Guys turned 8 years old! Unbelievable!
We celebrated with a trip to the movies. Just the guys and their parents.

And then lunch...............

......with embarrassing birthday songs, sung by the entire restaurant!

Bailey has decided that he doesn't like cake. So DaddyO made him a brownie/cookie cake.

DaddyO also made Ashton his very own, two-layer, extra chocolate, chocolate cake.

I LOVE these guys!

Monday Mugs - Quiet

2011-08-08T00:08:00.002-07:00

Are you in need of a mindless Monday Blog post? Are you struggling to deal with the weekend being over and can't muster the strength to type a single word? Well, Monday Mugs is for YOU! I may or may not "borrow" ideas from IheartFaces and post my interpretation of their weekly theme. Without submitting my photo for judgement and without being forced to follow the rules.

Mondays are hard! Blogging on Mondays shouldn't be!

Today's theme for Monday Mugs is: Quiet

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It has been really quiet around here since the majority of the Cuties went back to school. Daisy and I are enjoying and taking full advantage of our peaceful days!

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Next week's theme will be: Yellow

Monday Mugs - Shades

2011-08-01T00:21:00.000-07:00

Are you in need of a mindless Monday Blog post? Are you struggling to deal with the weekend being over and can't muster the strength to type a single word? Well, Monday Mugs is for YOU! I may or may not "borrow" ideas from IheartFaces and post my interpretation of their weekly theme. Without submitting my photo for judgement and without being forced to follow the rules.

Mondays are hard! Blogging on Mondays shouldn't be!

Today's theme for Monday Mugs is: Shades

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Well, our computer decided to have a major meltdown this weekend so I can not share any photos today. Hopefully we will get it back within the next few days!

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If you have SHADES photos, please link up. I will try to share mine later in the week.

Next week's theme will be: Quiet

WW - Taco Heads

2011-07-27T07:27:00.001-07:00

Did You See This?

2011-07-22T03:22:00.001-07:00

Our dust storms have been making the national news lately. Yipeeee.
I caught some pics of this massive wall of dirt a few weeks ago through our bedroom window.

Are you jealous?

Monday Mugs - Celebrate

2011-07-18T00:24:00.000-07:00

Are you in need of a mindless Monday Blog post? Are you struggling to deal with the weekend being over and can't muster the strength to type a single word? Well, Monday Mugs is for YOU! I may or may not "borrow" ideas from IheartFaces and post my interpretation of their weekly theme. Without submitting my photo for judgement and without being forced to follow the rules.

Mondays are hard! Blogging on Mondays shouldn't be!

Today's theme for Monday Mugs is: Celebrate

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Forgive the delay. This is how we celebrated July 4th, 2011

It started with the annual ~~torture session~~ photo shoot, in
'holiday appropriate' attire.

Group shots are always so much fun!

Bailey was not in the mood for photos and he DID NOT smile until Daisy said she wouldn't take any more pictures unless Bailey held her hand. Awwwwwwwwwww

For their special celebration dinner, the
kids had ribs and corn on the cob.

The boys were not allowed to wear their white shirts to the table!

I tried to take pictures of the kids with their sparklers. I need a little more practice. Can you see Bailey running at warp speed behind Lily? LOL

And every year, my favorite part is watching fireworks through our bedroom window! I was too busy enjoying to take any pictures.

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If you are in need of a simple Monday post, JOIN ME! Grab my

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Next week, Monday Mugs is going to take a little break because

3/4 of The Cuties are going BACK TO SCHOOL!! :(

We'll be busy buying school supplies, preparing 1st Day of School outfits and attending Meet the Teacher Night.
When do your kids go back?

Monday Mugs will be back August 1st
and the theme will be: Shades

Then and Now

2011-07-13T23:47:00.000-07:00

Then - July 2010

Same Song
Same Outfit
More Hair
New Dance Moves
She Knows More of the Words
Lily's Room Got a Makeover

Now - July 2011 (click picture to play)

Monday Mugs - Summer Fun

2011-07-11T00:42:00.003-07:00

Are you in need of a mindless Monday Blog post? Are you struggling to deal with the weekend being over and can't muster the strength to type a single word? Well, Monday Mugs is for YOU! I may or may not "borrow" ideas from IheartFaces and post my interpretation of their weekly theme. Without submitting my photo for judgement and without being forced to follow the rules.

Mondays are hard! Blogging on Mondays shouldn't be!

Today's theme for Monday Mugs is: Summer Fun

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It wasn't technically SUMMER.

And it wasn't quite up to our standards Temperature Wise. It was around 80degrees and we don't usually swim 'til the temps are WAY over 100!

But, my Aunt heats her pool to 92degrees so the kids had no problem enjoying themselves.

And since I'm still trying to get through ALL of our vacation photos, here are some bonus shots for ya.

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Next week's theme will be: Celebrate

Business and Birthdays and Pictures. OH MY!

2011-07-07T00:02:00.000-07:00

Hello My Lovlies!

1st, I need to take care of a little business. I need to let Angi at Messy Cars and Muddy Shoes and Jenny at Knees and Paws know that I have been trying to leave comments on your blogs for about 2 weeks. When I try to comment, it makes me log-in to Google but even after I put in my login and password it still says I'm "Anonymous" and won't let me leave a comment. Sorry! I'll keep trying!

2nd, I would like to wish my wonderful Mother a

VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

A massive photo-book from The Best Vacation Ever will be on its way,someday, to celebrate your BirthSeason. We Love You!!!

And now, on to more of our adventures in Salt Lake.

An outing to the park.

First, a ride on the swings.

Bailey was smiling when the ride started but his face

got a little more concerned as the swings got higher!

Then we headed over to the play structures. Do you see Bailey and Daisy getting ready to go down the slide? Do you see the boy right behind them with something in his hand?

I guided my children away from the water feature so they WOULD NOT get wet and these comedians decided it would be a good idea to unload their ginormous water guns inside the slide. We vacated this area immediately, and moved on to....

rolling down the hill....

....and feeding the ducks.

And now, here is some shocking news.

When we got home, the kids went

right outside to play at Great Grandma's.

Climbing more trees.

They didn't let the fact that this swing no

longer had a seat stop them from swinging!

I threatened to make them go inside if

they didn't let me take their pictures! j/k ;)

The daily Tot Torture. Making Daisy sit for pictures. It is a very good record of all of her cute outfits though.

Ok Daisy, give me... SCARED.

Now give me... SHOCKED.

Give me... TOO CUTE FOR YOUR OWN PANTS!

Say "I Love You Mommy"

Give me... PERFECT.

Let's try... SILLY FACE.

Give me... SWEET GIRL!!!

Another day, I took the boys out for a

special treat to a fun local restaurant.

They have divers that jump off of cliffs in to pools below.

Very entertaining for 7 year olds!

And on a different day, we visited the massive Copper Mine.

It was a cold (to us) and windy day and we were freezing our butts off! And, that is my sister, BreAnne, with the kiddos.

Only one more week of photos to share from our trip. Are you excited?

Monday Mugs - The Zoo

2011-07-04T02:08:00.001-07:00

Are you in need of a mindless Monday Blog post? Are you struggling to deal with the weekend being over and can't muster the strength to type a single word? Well, Monday Mugs is for YOU! I may or may not "borrow" ideas from IheartFaces and post my interpretation of their weekly theme. Without submitting my photo for judgement and without being forced to follow the rules.

Mondays are hard! Blogging on Mondays shouldn't be!

Today's theme for Monday Mugs is: The Zoo

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Happy 4th of July Everyone!!!

I have for you today, pictures from our trip to Utah's Hogle Zoo. 75 degrees and perfect. Almost perfect. Daisy threw-up in the car on our way to the zoo. Do you remember our throw-up filled trip to CA? OH WAIT. I never told you about our trip? I must have been trying to block most of the memories. I was having terrifying flash-backs! Luckily, the Little Weirdo was fine the rest of the day. Yay!

We saw lemers.............

........this darling baby elephant and her mama.............

.........and this very flexible orangutan.

We found out that Lily is the same
size as an adult female gorilla......

............that looking at the giraffes makes Bailey tired.............

...........and that Daisy has mastered the 'parade wave'.

She waved, to everyone, the entire time we were on the carousel.

My cousin and her cute boys met us there. River and Daisy were instant best friends. She wouldn't let go of his hand because she didn't want him to get too far away with those snacks! LOL

And check out this Very Acceptable picture of 6 children. All of their faces are pointed in the right direction!

There was a really cool exhibit with life size dinosaurs. They were placed all around the zoo and they moved, made noises and some them even sprayed water at bystanders.

When we got home, the kids went straight to Great Grandma's. Today, the "imaginative play" required pretend food. Lily whipped up some garden sushi.

Daisy played "If You Give A Pig A Pancake" with Atticus (the dog).

Every time we would walk through my Grandma's front yard on our way back to my Aunt's house, I would ~~bribe~~ ask Daisy to sit by the pretty flowers and let me take her picture.

(photo session survival techniques)

_______________________
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Next week's theme will be: Summer Fun
(in case you can't wait 'til next week to share your 4th pictures)

Monday Mugs - Escape

2011-06-27T00:12:00.000-07:00

Are you in need of a mindless Monday Blog post? Are you struggling to deal with the weekend being over and can't muster the strength to type a single word? Well, Monday Mugs is for YOU! I may or may not "borrow" ideas from IheartFaces and post my interpretation of their weekly theme. Without submitting my photo for judgement and without being forced to follow the rules.

Mondays are hard! Blogging on Mondays shouldn't be!

Today's theme for Monday Mugs is: Escape

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Hi Everyone!!! I'm Baaaaaaaaaaaack!

I've been missin' ya! Thanks So Much to Kim for taking care of Monday Mugs while I was on break!

So, one week after the kids got out of school, we left to visit my ~~Mom~~ family to the North.

It took us 12 hours to drive there and the kids were SO GOOD!! No whining, no crying, no fighting, no needing to go to the bathroom every 5 minutes. I had planned on trouble

but I was so so happy with them!

The weather in Salt Lake was perfect. The warmest day was

85degrees and most of the days were in the 70's. That is a HUGE Escape from the sizzlin' heat here in AZ!

We stayed at my Aunt's house which is just a little walk, through the woods, to my Grandma's house. They live on a very quiet street with NO traffic so the kids can run all over the place. The first thing they found, while we were looking to say 'hello' to my Grandma, was my Grandma's piano.

All the kids wanted to do was play outside!

Everything was SO green. Excellent photo back drops!

So much fun running around with no shoes on!

Daisy discovered the joys of portable music. She sang and danced
around the yard, oblivious to her very entertained audience during a family party.

That face!

A couple of times, it was a bit chilly for us.

You know, the 60's! Brrrrrrr

Daisy had to wear her poncho AND boots!

On our 3rd day there, the kids got dressed before me and headed over to Great Grandma's wilderness. Not long after they left, Lily came back and told me that I better get over there quick........with my camera, because the boys were climbing trees. I ran!!

They picked the biggest tree in the yard to climb and managed to make their way pretty high up.

They came down covered in tree sap.

Great Grandma told the kids they could pick anything that was out in the 'wilderness' (beyond her grass).

Daisy enjoyed some iris smelling.

She even did some business out in the gazebo.

The kids found a perfect clearing for their fort.

They borrowed chairs and a table

from the gazebo so they could play cards and have snacks.

I showed them how to turn over rocks to find cool bugs.

Their first time seeing potato bugs. When I was young,

I had a blue one for a pet. LOL

My Mom showed the kids my Grandma's garden, where there were still some onions in the ground from last year. They pulled them out of the ground, washed them off and proceeded to EAT THEM!

Lily and Ashton frequently steal raw onions from the cutting board at dinner time.

They each ate about 3 onions from the garden!

Bailey wanted to love them but onions are

NOT at the top of his favorite foods list.

Daisy didn't eat any onions, but she got her bum all wet helping the

kids wash them off. 3rd wardrobe change for the day!

Bailey reenacting his opinion of onions. And notice Bailey's wound from climbing the tree? A run-in with a branch! He would come in with a new injury eleventy times a day. We think he may have been trying to get in to Great Grandma's house for some sympathy/band aids and to sneak m&m's.

And a few quick pics by the ivy.

And THAT was just the beginning of our fun. We were in Salt Lake for 14 days and there were 2 days that I didn't take pictures. I have a lot more sharing to do!

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Next week's theme will be: The Zoo (cuz we went there while we were away)

I know next Monday is a holiday but I will be here sharing if anyone else wants to play along and I think the July 11th Monday Mugs theme will be "Independence Day".

WW - Our Little Reader

2011-06-22T06:05:00.002-07:00

Where In The World Were The Oswalds

2011-06-21T00:30:00.000-07:00

After an extremely busy May, the Cuties and I immediately left town. Find out where we've been when Monday Mugs returns next week with a theme of "Escape".

**Warning**
Prepare yourself for PicPalooza! I ~~tortured~~ took about 600 pictures of the kids.

Monday Mugs - Soft and Sweet

2011-05-02T01:00:00.000-07:00

Are you in need of a mindless Monday Blog post? Are you struggling to deal with the weekend being over and can't muster the strength to type a single word? Well, Monday Mugs is for YOU! I may or may not "borrow" ideas from IheartFaces and post my interpretation of their weekly theme. Without submitting my photo for judgement and without being forced to follow the rules.

Mondays are hard! Blogging on Mondays shouldn't be!

Today's theme for Monday Mugs is: Soft and Sweet

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I have been working on Daisy's Baby Scrapbook Album so her pictures were easily accessible for today's post. I have MANY soft and sweet pics of the other kids but I am still trying to get them caught up on the homework they missed while we were out of town (they also missed a day last week due to more vomit). Any way, no time to hunt down their pictures.
Here is my Soft and Sweet Daisy.

3 days old

5 months old

8 months

9 months

10 months

If you are in need of a simple Monday post, JOIN ME! Grab my
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Next week's theme will be: Mother
**I will be taking an extended Blogcation.
Too many projects not enough time! Kim from 'Pair' Slices has
very kindly agreed to host Monday Mugs for me!
Please link up next week at Kim's blog!**

Monday Mugs - Easter

2011-04-24T21:22:00.000-07:00

Are you in need of a mindless Monday Blog post? Are you struggling to deal with the weekend being over and can't muster the strength to type a single word? Well, Monday Mugs is for YOU! I may or may not "borrow" ideas from IheartFaces and post my interpretation of their weekly theme. Without submitting my photo for judgement and without being forced to follow the rules.

Mondays are hard! Blogging on Mondays shouldn't be!

Today's theme for Monday Mugs is: Easter

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I hope you all had a wonderful Easter! We had a fun day and most of us were completely recovered from the stomach flu that followed us on vacation last week! I will share more about our trip later this week. (I hope!)
Here are some bits of our Easter.

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Next week's theme will be: Soft and Sweet

WW - What's Wrong With This Picture?

2011-04-20T01:52:00.001-07:00

Monday Mugs - Wind

2011-04-17T20:08:00.001-07:00

Are you in need of a mindless Monday Blog post? Are you struggling to deal with the weekend being over and can't muster the strength to type a single word? Well, Monday Mugs is for YOU! I may or may not "borrow" ideas from IheartFaces and post my interpretation of their weekly theme. Without submitting my photo for judgement and without being forced to follow the rules.

Mondays are hard! Blogging on Mondays shouldn't be!

Today's theme for Monday Mugs is: Wind

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All I wanted was a nice family photo at the beach. The first problem: we went out too late and the light was not so great. The second problem: The Wind. I really shouldn't have been surprised. Isn't that what happens at the beach? Wind? *eye roll at myself* I know I've seen pictures of people on the beach with perfect hair! Anyway, the wind was making my hair do many horrible things and the kids were freezing. It didn't help that we didn't dress them appropriately.

I was supposed to have bangs.

There goes my hair again! LOL

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Next week's theme will be: Easter

So You Say It's Her Birthday

2011-04-13T11:51:00.000-07:00

Today, my favorite 5th grader turns 11!

I can't believe it!

We celebrated last weekend and we may or may not have another little celebration today. She's worth it!

Happy Birthday Lily!!!

Monday Mugs - Flying

2011-04-10T19:37:00.000-07:00

Are you in need of a mindless Monday Blog post? Are you struggling to deal with the weekend being over and can't muster the strength to type a single word? Well, Monday Mugs is for YOU! I may or may not "borrow" ideas from IheartFaces and post my interpretation of their weekly theme. Without submitting my photo for judgement and without being forced to follow the rules.

Mondays are hard! Blogging on Mondays shouldn't be!

Today's theme for Monday Mugs is: Flying

_____________________________

I had some more pictures that needed a theme.

If you are in need of a simple Monday post, JOIN ME! Grab my
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Next week's theme will be: Wind

Monday Mugs - 2 Year Olds

2011-04-04T00:06:00.000-07:00

Are you in need of a mindless Monday Blog post? Are you struggling to deal with the weekend being over and can't muster the strength to type a single word? Well, Monday Mugs is for YOU! I may or may not "borrow" ideas from IheartFaces and post my interpretation of their weekly theme. Without submitting my photo for judgement and without being forced to follow the rules.

Mondays are hard! Blogging on Mondays shouldn't be!

Today's theme for Monday Mugs is: 2 Year Olds

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I have REALLY been slacking lately you guys! I apologize! I hope I can break out of this Blunk (Blog Funk) soon! I didn't even have a post in mind for today. Luckily, Kmama inquired about a theme. And I took a cute picture of Daisy on Saturday, so I picked a theme that would work for that photo!

My Babies at 2 Years Old

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Next week's theme will be: Flying

Monday Mugs Theme

2011-04-03T17:18:00.001-07:00

I have gotten too used to being a Blog Slacker and I forgot to find a theme for the next Monday Mugs. I am soooooooooo sorry for the late notice, but tomorrow's theme for Monday Mugs is going to be:

2 Year Olds

I hope you can play along!! See you tomorrow!

Ten Things To Smile About: March

2011-03-31T23:47:00.002-07:00

1. Daisy's first hair cut. I was a bit concerned and thought she would insist on sitting on my lap. Then who would take pictures? I was wrong and she handled it beautifully!

2. Daisy and I were sitting at the table having lunch when all of a sudden she smacked me on the arm! I was about to get mad when she yelled out "Slug Bug!!!"

3. We finalized plans for a vacation. Out of state! I will let you know all about it when we get back. I am just a tad bit excited!

4. Lily likes to watch The Nanny.

5. Even with all of the sickness we had from Jan-March, and the many days my boys missed school (6 I think), they BOTH received Academic Excellence awards for the 3rd quarter. ALL A's! And wasn't it thoughtful that they stood together while accepting their awards? :)

6. Survivor. I am soooooooooooo glad they got rid of Russel early!

7. A trip to the zoo.

8. The giraffes. We didn't ~~want the kids anywhere near those slimy tongues~~ have any change, but Bailey was picking up pieces of food that other people had dropped on the ground and feeding the giraffes any way.

9. Dining next to the shark tank!

10. A trip to the park. Beautiful day! Perfect temps! The park all to ourselves! The last day of Spring Break.

What were you smiling about in March?

Photo Week - Daisy

2011-03-25T14:11:00.000-07:00

Last but not least, our baby. This girl hardly ever looks at the camera and certainly never holds still! I just keep my finger on the shutter and shoot non-stop in hopes that I will get at least one decent shot. The problem is, I end up loving ALL of the pictures and can't pick my one favorite view into her personality! She is a darling handful! Our Little Miss Daisy.

Miss Daisy has never been shy about letting me know when she is done with a photoshoot!

Photo Week - Bailey

2011-03-24T14:36:00.000-07:00

Even though Bailey is younger than Ashton, he is a little bit bigger (actually they are currently 10lbs different in weight. The biggest difference they've ever had). They both have some bragging rights.
And now I give you, Bailey.

In his younger days, Bailey regulary required bribery in order for him to participate in photoshoots. One very memorable shoot, his demand was to be able to hold Lily's hand the entire time I was taking pictures. He didn't release his death grip until I had put the camera away!

Photo Week - Ashton

2011-03-23T12:49:00.000-07:00

Although just barely, Ashton (baby A) was the next cutie to be born. Beating out his brother by two minutes.
Without further ado, here is Ashton, or as Daisy would say "Zashie".

He's a goofball! :)

In his younger days, Ashton was occasionally known for giving me a hard time during a photoshoot.

Not even holding on to the squirt bottle would make him smile!

What do you think I was trying to say, without moving my lips?

Photo Week

2011-03-22T12:38:00.000-07:00

I am still trying to ~~keep 4 kids from ringing eachothers necks~~ entertain 4 kiddos during Spring Break. Lately, my cuties have been very cooperative in the photoshoot department. I haven't been able to keep up with the editing! So this week, I am going to get it in gear and edit 2 shoots from February. I'll give each cutie their own day in the spotlight and we'll go in birth order.

Starting with the one and only Lily Lin.

You know, I can't remember a time when this girl gave me any trouble with a photoshoot. She has been cooperative and extremely photogenic since she was born. Well, there was one time when she didn't appreciate the camera being in her face.

Monday Mugs - Green

2011-03-14T01:36:00.001-07:00

Are you in need of a mindless Monday Blog post? Are you struggling to deal with the weekend being over and can't muster the strength to type a single word? Well, Monday Mugs is for YOU! I may or may not "borrow" ideas from IheartFaces and post my interpretation of their weekly theme. Without submitting my photo for judgement and without being forced to follow the rules.

Mondays are hard! Blogging on Mondays shouldn't be!

Today's theme for Monday Mugs is: Green

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Absolutely no hairs were combed in the making of this blog post!

Just enough to not get pinched.

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*Monday Mugs is going to take a Spring Break. I'll be back with more Mugs on April 4th!*

WW-Before, During and After

2011-03-09T00:00:00.000-07:00

Monday Mugs - Dinner

2011-03-07T00:15:00.000-07:00

Are you in need of a mindless Monday Blog post? Are you struggling to deal with the weekend being over and can't muster the strength to type a single word? Well, Monday Mugs is for YOU! I may or may not "borrow" ideas from IheartFaces and post my interpretation of their weekly theme. Without submitting my photo for judgement and without being forced to follow the rules.

Mondays are hard! Blogging on Mondays shouldn't be!

Today's theme for Monday Mugs is: Whatever The Heck You Want

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I had hoped to take a picture every day last week of our dinners. Maybe shots of the actual meals. But the stomach flu had other plans! Not much eatin' goin' on last week! So I talked everyone in to cooperating for one quick shot at dinner on Sunday night. DaddyO made BBQ pulled pork sandwiches with sliced carrots dipped in your favorite salad dressing. YUMMY! We even had a special guest! Hi Dad!! Hopefully we have seen the last of the dreaded stomach flu!!!!!!!

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Next week's theme will be: Green

Monday Mugs - Surprise Me!

2011-02-28T00:30:00.000-07:00

Are you in need of a mindless Monday Blog post? Are you struggling to deal with the weekend being over and can't muster the strength to type a single word? Well, Monday Mugs is for YOU! I may or may not "borrow" ideas from IheartFaces and post my interpretation of their weekly theme. Without submitting my photo for judgement and without being forced to follow the rules.

Mondays are hard! Blogging on Mondays shouldn't be!

Today's theme for Monday Mugs is: Whatever The Heck You Want

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About a week after Valentine's Day I took some pictures of the kids in coordinating, holiday specific clothing. And a week after that I am sharing them with you.

Can you tell that the TV was on?

Check it out! Everyone is looking at the camera and almost everyone is smiling!!

I took individual shots of all the kids but this little cutie decided to vomit all day Sunday and I didn't have time to edit all the photos.

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Next week's theme will be: Dinner

No Nap + A Blankie + A Thumb =

2011-02-23T11:50:00.000-07:00

Falling asleep on the couch while watching Gabba.

Monday Mugs - Cell Phone

2011-02-21T00:19:00.004-07:00

Are you in need of a mindless Monday Blog post? Are you struggling to deal with the weekend being over and can't muster the strength to type a single word? Well, Monday Mugs is for YOU! I may or may not "borrow" ideas from IheartFaces and post my interpretation of their weekly theme. Without submitting my photo for judgement and without being forced to follow the rules.

Mondays are hard! Blogging on Mondays shouldn't be!

Today's theme for Monday Mugs is: Cell Phone
(it's a good thing I didn't try to enter IHF. I did not take these with a cell phone! LOL)

_________________________________

I had to take these pictures yesterday!
And I had to bribe some of the participants.

No. That is not Lily's phone.

Yes. Lily is wearing make-up. She put on a dance performance
that required make-up and several wardrobe changes!

Whenever this little ~~stinker~~ cutie gets a hold of my phone she manages to call someone!

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Next week's theme will be: Whatever the Heck You Want!

TST - Like Mother Like Daughter

2011-02-15T10:32:00.000-07:00

Miss Daisy is a constant source of entertainment! But, I think, this story will be one for our scrapbooks!
The other day, we were on our way to pick up Lily from school. Daisy was snacking on some Lucky Charms in the back seat. I stopped to get the mail and hopped out of the car for a second. When I got back in, Daisy started crying. I turned around to check her out and she had her entire finger shoved up her nose.

I asked her, "What's in your nose?!"
She wailed, "CEREAL!!!"
I pulled the car over and wondered how this incident was going to end.
Luckily, Daisy is VERY good at blowing her nose.
I pushed the empty nostril closed and told her to blow her nose.
After 3 good blows, a decent sized piece of Lucky Charms flew out of Daisy's nose.
Crisis averted!

My Mother thinks this story is Hi-larious.
Because, you see, when I was about Daisy's age...........

...I experienced a similar episode.
Only, instead of cereal, mine involved a flouride pill.
I can remember my Mom handing me the pill. I also remember hiding behind the couch and "trying something new" with my pill.
I must have looked guilty when I came out of my hiding spot.
My Mom asked me where the pill was and I shoved my finger up my nose to show her.
I was not able to blow it out of my nose. I had to have a visit with the Dr, who tried to use metal instruments to remove the flouride pill. WITHOUT SUCCESS!

I'm sorry, Dais, that we get to share this quirk! ;)

For more true stories, visit Once Upon A Miracle.

Monday Mugs - Reflection

2011-02-13T20:22:00.000-07:00

Are you in need of a mindless Monday Blog post? Are you struggling to deal with the weekend being over and can't muster the strength to type a single word? Well, Monday Mugs is for YOU! I may or may not "borrow" ideas from IheartFaces and post my interpretation of their weekly theme. Without submitting my photo for judgement and without being forced to follow the rules.

Mondays are hard! Blogging on Mondays shouldn't be!

Today's theme for Monday Mugs is: Reflection

________________________________

Here we go! I tried!!

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Next week's theme will be: Cell Phone

WW - Crazy Hair Day

2011-02-09T11:39:00.000-07:00

Where's Your Subway Art?

2011-02-09T11:31:00.000-07:00

Last month, I got a super cute, and free, download from eighteen25. The download was for a 16x20 print, but I printed mine out as an 8x10. Today they are having a Linky Party with everyone sharing where they placed their subway art.

Mine is on the table in our entry way:

Next to the Rose Ball that is still only half finished due to the fact that I burned myself while trying to make it.
It is also next to my Photo Blocks. I need to make one for Daisy! oops!

And, my Subway Art is across the way from the covered, valentine mailboxes I made for the kids! They are all ready to receive deliveries!

You can visit eighteen25 to see everyone else's Subway Art!

Monday Mugs - Look Down

2011-02-06T20:50:00.001-07:00

Are you in need of a mindless Monday Blog post? Are you struggling to deal with the weekend being over and can't muster the strength to type a single word? Well, Monday Mugs is for YOU! I may or may not "borrow" ideas from IheartFaces and post my interpretation of their weekly theme. Without submitting my photo for judgement and without being forced to follow the rules.

Mondays are hard! Blogging on Mondays shouldn't be!

Today's theme for Monday Mugs is: Minimalist Shot

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Look Down!

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Next week's theme will be: Reflections

Lily Didn't Want To Be Left Out

2011-02-02T02:02:00.005-07:00

Check out her cute new fip fwop.

Monday Mugs - Minimalist Shot

2011-01-30T20:10:00.000-07:00

Are you in need of a mindless Monday Blog post? Are you struggling to deal with the weekend being over and can't muster the strength to type a single word? Well, Monday Mugs is for YOU! I may or may not "borrow" ideas from IheartFaces and post my interpretation of their weekly theme. Without submitting my photo for judgement and without being forced to follow the rules.

Mondays are hard! Blogging on Mondays shouldn't be!

Today's theme for Monday Mugs is: Minimalist Shot

(photos with a little something and a whole lot of nothing. i.e. lots of white space)

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This theme proved difficult for me! I thought Daisy's Fip Fwop shot turned out pretty good, but when I tried to get some head shots, it just didn't seem to work out. Here was my attempt:

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Next week's theme will be: Look Down

Fip Fwops

2011-01-25T23:17:00.001-07:00

Practicing my "Minimalist Shot" for next week's Monday Mugs.

Monday Mugs - Set Your Camera Down

2011-01-23T20:02:00.000-07:00

Are you in need of a mindless Monday Blog post? Are you struggling to deal with the weekend being over and can't muster the strength to type a single word? Well, Monday Mugs is for YOU! I may or may not "borrow" ideas from IheartFaces and post my interpretation of their weekly theme. Without submitting my photo for judgement and without being forced to follow the rules.

Mondays are hard! Blogging on Mondays shouldn't be!

Today's theme for Monday Mugs is: Set Your Camera Down

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Well, I did not have a photo in the archives for this week's theme. I meant to take some pictures during the week but couldn't find the time. So I had to take some quick shots this afternoon.

Nothing spectacular.

The boys playing checkers. To prove I was not holding the

camera, I sat on the couch and got my foot in the shot.

I snuck in to the shot of Lily making a cake.

If you are in need of a simple Monday post, JOIN ME! Grab my

button from the sidebar and link up your own post!

Next week's theme will be: Minimalist Shot

(photos with a little something and a whole lot of
nothing. i.e. lots of white space)

Idea came from and Examples here.

You Guys Are Going to be SO Jealous!

2011-01-20T23:31:00.000-07:00

**WARNING** If you have any problems hearing about throw-up, PLEASE do not read this post.

*disclaimer* Most days, Lily, Ashton, Bailey and Daisy are known as the Oswald Cuties, however, for this post they will be referred to as The Sickos.

I barely peeked at my computer from Jan 8-15. Which means I was neglecting all of you and I just wanted to let you know what I was up to! This post is LONG and it may be really annoying to read because of the way I wrote it and the need to come up with many different ways to say "throw-up"!

The Best Week Ever began on Saturday Jan 8 : DaddyO leaves for a Las Vegas business trip. Hahahaha! Business!

Sunday night: Daisy wakes up and has thrown-up in her bed. I have to remove all her bedding and wash it and since I am half asleep I let her sleep in my bed with me and Lily. (When DaddyO is out of town, Lily and I have sleepovers)

Monday morning: Daisy tries to have a little bit of cereal but almost immediately throws it all up. She also throws up all over her carseat when we are taking the kids to school. DaddyO is sleeping in, in his hotel room.

Monday night: I am sitting at the computer trying to catch-up on blog reading. I hear some very disturbing noises coming from Ashton's room. I rush in to find him throwing up, an entire day's worth of meals, over the side of his bed. His bedding also didn't escape the mess. One Bright Spot: Ashton's vomit landed on the very small rug that is by his bed and NOT on the carpet! Not long after cleaning up Ashton's mess, Daisy throws up in her bed, all over her freshly cleaned bedding. Another night of sleeping in my bed. DaddyO is enjoying the new Cosmopolitan Hotel Bar in Las Vegas.

Tuesday: Ashton is home from school and throwing up ALL day. Bailey is feeling fine and goes to soccer practice after school. After dinner, Bailey is complaining of not feeling well. I think he is trying to line-up a day off of school and a day home with Mom. Just before I am about to tuck them in to bed Bailey loses his dinner! Ashton doesn't hang on to his dinner either. A Very Brite Spot: I won a giveaway on a popular scrabooker's blog! There were 894 comments. Can you believe it? This REALLY helped my day!! DaddyO is still out of town.

Usually when the kids are vomiting, we give them a bowl to carry around in case they can't make it to the bathroom. But we just use bowls from the kitchen and it is gross to reuse them after The Sickos have upchucked in them. I found some good sized plastic cups in the very back corner of the pantry and decided to give these a try. After someone blew chunks in to them, I would just throw them away.

Normally it is against the rules to sleep in our room (This rule is CONSTANTLY broken). There are two exceptions: 1)A thunder storm 2) Sickness.

Here is what my bedroom looked like on this night. You can even see one of the kid's throw-up cups.

Wednesday: The boys are definitely not going to school today and Lily is desperately trying to talk me in to letting her stay home too. She says she doesn't feel well but I tell her that unless she throws up she should probably go to school. She refuses to get ready for school. Not long after that she throws up! I am SOOO glad I didn't force her to go to school! She is sick all day with the most dramatics of any of the kids. She cries and screams before, during and after each vomit session. She wants me by her side at all times, all day. The boys seem to be doing better and have eaten a little bit and not thrown up. Daisy hasn't thrown up since Monday morning.

Wednesday night: DaddyO gets home around 10pm. Daisy wakes up around 2am and has thrown up in her bed. I remove her from her bed, remove her clothes, remove her bedding, put everything in the washer, re-dress Daisy and get back in to our bed with her. DaddyO is snoring.

Thursday: The boys say they are feeling fine and they get ready for school. When I pick them up after school they both look a little green. DaddyO and I are the only ones interested in eating dinner. I warm up some leftover spaghetti and make me a few pieces of toast. When I am almost done eating, and I only have a few bites left of my toast, I look down and there is a little green patch on my toast. I am done eating. DaddyO brings me a throw-up cup. After dinner, at the exact same time, both of the boys throw-up. WTH
Lily has been sick all day and begging for a break and some water.

Friday: The boys and I are supposed to be going on a field trip to the museum. They are both still throwing up so we have to miss it. They are devastated. Ashton has been complaining of a sore throat throughout the week. I thought it was just from throwing up but I decide to take him to the Dr to check it out. The Dr tells me my Mother's Intuition was correct, which is a great thing to hear because I thought I only had Mother's Irrational Worries Disorder! Ashton has strep!

After his diagnosis, I realize that I am going to need to bring EVERYONE in for a strep test. I get appointments later in the day for the other 3 sickos. I almost didn't make an appointment for Daisy. When we got back to the Drs office she was singing and dancing and in a terrific mood. Lily threw-up right as we got to the office. She, Bailey and Daisy get their throats swabbed. The Dr comes in and says "Well, one of them is positive, do you want to guess which one?!!" I say "it's GOT to be Lily!!!" NOPE!!! It was Daisy!!! And she has an ear infection!!!
So, to recap, Lily has stomach flu, Ashton has strep and stomach flu, Bailey has stomach flu, Daisy has strep, stomach flu and an ear infection!! NONE of them have a fever and all of The Sickos are given prescriptions for antibiotics.

Saturday morning: Soccer games. DaddyO talks Lily in to playing just a little bit. Ashton talks me in to letting him play one quarter on offense, one quarter on defense and one quarter at goalie. At first, Bailey said he would play goalie but then decides he is not feeling well and sits in Daisy's stroller for the entire game. It is normally quite a challenge to get him to hold still. Bailey wanted, so much, to be feeling better that he ate a lot of breakfast and snacks from the soccer game. Almost the minute we walk in the door, he throws up. A LOT! I start to get a sore throat.

Saturday night: 3 of The Sickos are in bed. Noone has thrown-up for a good 4 hours. Lily and I go downstairs to watch the Miss America Pageant. I am going to try to make inexpensive Valentine decorations and watch at the same time. I am using a hot glue gun. About half way through, I shoot myself right on the thumb with hot glue and manage to spread it across 2 other fingers! I hope I can find an acceptable COLD glue because I am now afraid of the glue gun!

Here is the biggest of 3 blisters with a layer of hot glue on top!

I can't remember what happened on Sunday but I don't think anyone threw-up. By Monday, The Sickos were feeling almost completely normal. I visit the Dr and receive a negative strep test. Tuesday, everyone went back to school and they have been there every day since.

Monday Mugs - Winter Wonderland

2011-01-16T19:54:00.000-07:00

Are you in need of a mindless Monday Blog post? Are you struggling to deal with the weekend being over and can't muster the strength to type a single word? Well, Monday Mugs is for YOU! I may or may not "borrow" ideas from IheartFaces and post my interpretation of their weekly theme. Without submitting my photo for judgement and without being forced to follow the rules.

Mondays are hard! Blogging on Mondays shouldn't be!

Today's theme for Monday Mugs is: Winter Wonderland

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I had to do some digging and scanning to find photos for today. We don't get Winter Wonderlands around here! Lily is the only cutie who really ever got to experience snow.

November 2001. Lily with my brother and Frosty.

January 2002. One month before the Olympics came to our city.

If you are in need of a simple Monday post, JOIN ME! Grab my

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Next week's theme will be: Set Your Camera Down

I got this idea here.

And be sure to stop by when I share "The Best Week Ever" and explain why I haven't visited any of you for over a week!!

Monday Mugs - Smiles

2011-01-09T20:27:00.000-07:00

Are you in need of a mindless Monday Blog post? Are you struggling to deal with the weekend being over and can't muster the strength to type a single word? Well, Monday Mugs is for YOU! I may or may not "borrow" ideas from IheartFaces and post my interpretation of their weekly theme. Without submitting my photo for judgement and without being forced to follow the rules.

Mondays are hard! Blogging on Mondays shouldn't be!

Today's theme for Monday Mugs is: Smiles

____________________________

I was going to include these shots in my Christmas wrap-up post but decided it might be a good idea to reduce the length of that post and use them for today's Monday Mugs. Which also made this post A LOT easier because I had already edited these photos! Luckily, everyone was smiling in their pictures!

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Next week's theme will be: Winter Wonderland

Wrappin' It Up!

2011-01-05T00:13:00.000-07:00

Well, the pictures I showed you last week about our Holiday Activities pretty much covered about the first week of December! It took me this long to edit/resave all the photos from the rest of the month. Get comfy! Here is how we finished up the rest of our December Days.

A few decorations around the house.

Gingerbread cookies and decorating thanks to DaddyO!

A special night out. First dinner.......

then tons of Christmas lights...

And a carriage ride!

We didn't have to wait in line AT ALL, so there was no time to explain to Daisy what was about to happen. We all piled in to the carriage and headed on our way, only to have The Little Miss start screaming at the top of her very frightened lungs! I was terrified that she was going to spook the horse! We eventually calmed her down and we all enjoyed the rest of our ride!!

A Christmas Eve bike ride to the park. Yep, a few

of those cuties are wearing short sleeves!

Christmas Eve tradition: open 1 present.

Lily knew the drill, Daisy was oblivious, but the boys were PISSED that I got to pick the present. Only the package with sleepy eyes on the gift tag! New Jammies!

The older kids woke us up at 7:30am Christmas morning. Not too bad! We had to wake-up Miss Daisy.

Lily got a new bike!

Even though he said he didn't like "Justin Biever," Ashton

hasn't stopped listening to him on his new mp3 player!

Bailey, pretty much, hasn't removed the headphones from his ears or the robe from his body since Christmas Day!

Daisy got her new kitchen that she practiced asking Santa for but when it came time to actually ask him, she covered her eyes with her hands and wouldn't say a word! LOL

And that is the end!

Monday Mugs - Your Fave Photo(s) from 2010

2011-01-02T20:27:00.000-07:00

Are you in need of a mindless Monday Blog post? Are you struggling to deal with the weekend being over and can't muster the strength to type a single word? Well, Monday Mugs is for YOU! I may or may not "borrow" ideas from IheartFaces and post my interpretation of their weekly theme. Without submitting my photo for judgement and without being forced to follow the rules.

Mondays are hard! Blogging on Mondays shouldn't be!

Today's theme for Monday Mugs is:

Show Us Your Favorite Monday Mugs Photo(s) from 2010

_______________________________

In 2010, I published 39 Monday Mugs posts.
It was too hard to pick a favorite,

so I decided to share the VERY FIRST Monday Mugs post. The theme was "Desserts," and I chose photos of my cuties enjoying one of their favorites!

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Next week's theme will be: Smiles

Happy New Year!

2010-12-31T21:22:00.000-07:00

Wishing you all the best in 2011!

AND

The theme for the next Monday Mugs is:
Your Favorite Monday Mugs Photo(s) from 2010

WW - Trying to Photograph My 2 Year Old

2010-12-29T00:35:00.001-07:00

We Wish You A Merry Christmas!

2010-12-24T15:07:00.000-07:00

And A Happy New Year!!

Oh Christmas Tree

2010-12-23T00:06:00.000-07:00

Just a different way to capture The Tree.

Instructions here.

We Thought She Was Being SO Well Behaved.

2010-12-22T00:21:00.000-07:00

Sitting so nicely in the cart while we wandered around and shopped at Michael's.
That's what we thought!
Then a quick look to drop something in the cart and we found this:

She managed to get white acrylic paint on her hands and face, with the plastic seal on the bottle STILL intact!
At least she picked the white and not the purple, red, green, blue or yellow that were also in the cart!

Just a Few Things.........................

2010-12-21T00:45:00.000-07:00

We've Been Up To, So Far This Month.

I've been trying to take pictures of toddlers!

I've been hand-making teacher gifts!

I found instructions here.

We attended a fun little parade that was JUST outside our subdivision. We left the house 10 minutes before it started, parked the car, and grabbed a perfect piece of curb just in time for the parade to start!

The kids said it was better than Halloween because all they had to do was sit their and people brought candy to them. One group was even handing out stuffed animals!

I've been forcing the kids to watch Holiday movies. I used to LOVE watching all the Christmas movies but they just whine, "We've already seen this!"

Monday Mugs - Winter

2010-12-19T20:14:00.000-07:00

Are you in need of a mindless Monday Blog post? Are you struggling to deal with the weekend being over and can't muster the strength to type a single word? Well, Monday Mugs is for YOU! I may or may not "borrow" ideas from IheartFaces and post my interpretation of their weekly theme. Without submitting my photo for judgement and without being forced to follow the rules.

Mondays are hard! Blogging on Mondays shouldn't be!

Today's theme for Monday Mugs is: Winter

_________________________

Winter in our neck of the woods:

Nice soft, green grass that DaddyO has to re-plant every October.

Some days we can even wear shorts and no shoes when we play outside. (close your eyes Dad!)

I advised against this, but sometimes Lily thinks it's ok to wear shorts, no shoes AND a tank top!

Lots of these!

A flashback to Winter 2006.

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Monday Mugs is going to take next week, December 27th, off.

I will post a theme for January 3, next Monday.

Merry Christmas Everyone!!!

"Ring Ring.....................Ring Ring"

2010-12-14T10:00:00.001-07:00

Hi!
You've reached Heather.
Sorry I missed your visit!
I am currently assisting 26 2nd graders with these:

Please leave a comment after the beep and I will get back to you as soon as I can!
Thanks and have a nice day!

BEEEEEEEP!!!

Monday Mugs - Pets

2010-12-12T19:56:00.000-07:00

Are you in need of a mindless Monday Blog post? Are you struggling to deal with the weekend being over and can't muster the strength to type a single word? Well, Monday Mugs is for YOU! I may or may not "borrow" ideas from IheartFaces and post my interpretation of their weekly theme. Without submitting my photo for judgement and without being forced to follow the rules.

Mondays are hard! Blogging on Mondays shouldn't be!

Today's theme for Monday Mugs is: Pets

_______________________

I know I had a "Pets" theme not too long ago, so for this post I decided to share some photos of a pet from our past.

Meet Mrs. Tinklestein!

She showed up on our doorstep, crying, on a freezing cold morning. She was tiny! One of the neighbor kids took her home but after a few days brought the kitty over and said they weren't going to be able to keep her. Lily and I BEGGED DaddyO to let us keep her. He reluctantly agreed.

Tinkles was a very good kitty!
She let Lily carry her around like a baby doll.

She would play computer games with Lily.

She would sit on the edge of the tub while Lily took a bath. Don't cats hate water? Tinkles rarely escaped the bathroom dry!

Sadly, DaddyO started having allergy/asthma issues and we had to give Mrs. Tinklestein away. I REALLY wish we could have cats!!!

And a special bonus, just for you! I came across these darling pictures of the original Cutie. I couldn't resist!!

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Next week's theme will be: Winter

2010 Family Photos - Outtakes!

2010-12-10T11:12:00.000-07:00

It is always such a special treat to try to get pictures taken of all of us. I have been trying for WEEKS to get it done. Last weekend I let everyone know that it was MANDATORY! Here are the pics that DID NOT make it on to the Christmas Card.

DaddyO cut off his head and Daisy thought it would be a good time to see if she could get her foot in to her mouth!

Lily looks thrilled and none of the Plaid Clad Kids were cooperating. The boys knew that we couldn't see their faces at that exact moment!

More naughtiness from THE BOYS and I was having a hard time holding on to Daisy and not falling off the wall. My foot barely made it to the ground!

Daisy is the only one I bought a special outfit for and there is only one photo with a complete shot of her dress. Of course, no one else in the shot looked right!

We were able to get 2 decent shots before it got too dark. I will share as soon as I get my Christmas Cards in the mail!

Which is Worse?

2010-12-08T01:08:00.000-07:00

This?

or This?

As far as I know, THIS ONE hasn't been inside the house. But I'm afraid there's something wrong with it because it just hung out on our back patio and let me take pictures of it through the sliding glass door. The kids were banging on the door and making all kinds of noise!

Monday Mugs - Self Portrait

2010-12-02T20:00:00.000-07:00

Are you in need of a mindless Monday Blog post? Are you struggling to deal with the weekend being over and can't muster the strength to type a single word? Well, Monday Mugs is for YOU! I may or may not "borrow" ideas from IheartFaces and post my interpretation of their weekly theme. Without submitting my photo for judgement and without being forced to follow the rules.

Mondays are hard! Blogging on Mondays shouldn't be!

Today's theme for Monday Mugs is: Self Portrait

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My Self Portrait includes some Daisy accessories.

Around the time she turned one, Daisy started holding on to my hair when I would hold her. It was very gentle and very sweet. Now when she needs some "soothing," she pops her thumb in her mouth and asks for some hair. I have really wanted some photographic evidence of this but I am the only one operating cameras around here. So, I asked DaddyO to take a picture and I staged a typical scene of Daisy and me sitting on the couch, snuggling and watching some TV.

If you are in need of a simple Monday post, JOIN ME! Grab my

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Next week's theme will be: Pets

Ten Things to Smile About - November

2010-11-30T15:51:00.000-07:00

It has been another very smiley month! See!

1. After eating every bite of his dinner, Ashton asked if he could still come over for dinner when he is a grown-up.

2. Daisy likes to sit on my lap, while sucking her thumb and holding on to my hair, and watch FoodNetwork shows with me.

3. Lily is taking a cooking class at school and she made us rice krispie treats all by herself.

4. Bailey has PERFECT grades this quarter, perfect attendance and he made his AR Reading Goal with very little help from me!

5. Fun, Family and Food for a Fabulous Thanksgiving!!

6. Yearly tradition of cleaning out the pantry. Taking EVERYTHING out, scrubbing the shelves and floor, getting rid of outdated food and putting everything back nicely organized. We actually have skipped this tradition since we started it about 4 years ago and DaddyO re-organized the shelves a few months ago so all we really had to do was get everything off the floor and mop. LOL

7. Christmas Music! Christmas Movies! (please note that these came after Thanksgiving) ;)

8. Decorating the tree!

9. I am almost done Christmas Shopping! Now I can just sit back and enjoy the season. Hahahahahaha!

10. I am giving away a 'Merry Christmas' banner! If you haven't been visiting Shana's Holiday Gift Guide, there is still time to enter a few of the giveaways, including mine. Run to Blaze'n'Chrochet!

What made you smile in November? Visit Emmy and let us know!

Monday Mugs - Black and White

2010-11-28T19:05:00.000-07:00

Are you in need of a mindless Monday Blog post? Are you struggling to deal with the weekend being over and can't muster the strength to type a single word? Well, Monday Mugs is for YOU! I may or may not "borrow" ideas from IheartFaces and post my interpretation of their weekly theme. Without submitting my photo for judgement and withoutt being forced to follow the rules.

Mondays are hard! Blogging on Mondays shouldn't be!

Today's theme for Monday Mugs is: Black and White

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About 9 years ago we bought Lily a special
outfit to wear on Thanksgiving.
There is an infamous story about that day here.
Thanksgiving 2001
Lily - 20 months

All of Lily's pics had to be scanned
which led to not-so-decent quality.

Dang my foolishness for putting her up against such a
dark background! It makes it very difficult to
see just how much hair she had.

This year it was Daisy's turn to wear
the darling outfit for Turkey Day!
Thanksgiving 2010
Daisy - 28 months

Please excuse me! Daisy had too many 'success stories' while I was
collecting evidence of my girlies wearing the same outfit!

If you are in need of a simple Monday post, JOIN ME! Grab my
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Next week's theme will be: Self Portrait

TST - the Most Disgusting Thing Ever!

2010-11-23T00:07:00.000-07:00

This is a true story I wish I wasn't telling!

When we moved here, the thing I worried about most was dealing with unfamiliar bugs.

We have lived here for 6 years and I have only ever heard OTHER people's horror stories.

Then the other night, my world came crashing down!

I had been running around downstairs with NO shoes on just seconds before DaddyO yelled my name in a very shocked tone. He had been turning off lights and somehow saw the Most Disgusting Thing Ever, running around on the floor. The MDTE was the exact same color as the tile.

Prepare yourself! And runaway to a safer blog if you need to!
This is what destroyed my sense of safety in our own home:

Black Light does not make for the best lighting, but isn't it just gross that they glow like that?
Now I worry every time I reach in to a drawer or in to the bottom of a closet and with any little tickle, I am positive there is one of these crawling up my leg!

We put the dang thing in a jar so we could show the kids to NEVER mess around if they saw one of these. It has been in the jar, ALIVE, with NO AIR for 2 days. They are very hard to get rid of! YUCK!

What's the worst you've got? Just in case I need to runaway!

For more true stories, visit Once Upon A Miracle!

Monday Mugs - Paper

2010-11-21T20:07:00.000-07:00

Are you in need of a mindless Monday Blog post? Are you struggling to deal with the weekend being over and can't muster the strength to type a single word? Well, Monday Mugs is for YOU! I may or may not "borrow" ideas from IheartFaces and post my interpretation of their weekly theme. Without submitting my photo for judgement and not being forced to follow the rules.

Mondays are hard! Blogging on Mondays shouldn't be!

Today's theme for Monday Mugs is: Paper

___________________________

Ashton and Bailey's 1st Birthday and

their 1st experience with wrapping paper!

Is it really hard to tell who is who?

I wonder what in the world I was doing to

get them both to look at me like that!

If you are in need of a simple Monday post, JOIN ME! Grab my

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Next week's theme will be: Black and White