My Big Boy Hat

Loose Tooth

I was loading the kids into the car tonight to go to gymnastics. I had already got the boys in, and as I was heading out with Briley, I heard Dane screaming. I immediately thought what now?! Upon entering the car I was informed that Dane had decided he wanted a loose tooth like Brock, and Brock was more than happy to knock it loose for him....

Big Dreams

Yesterday while we were driving in the car I was talking with the kids about what they want to be when they grow up - this is always good for a laugh. Brock used to say a paramedic, but in the past few weeks he's now decided he wants to be a train conductor. Dane however has the most interesting change in career goals:) Instead of being a fireman which has been his #1 choice for quite some time, now, he wants to "Grow snow and build weeds in the mountains."

Fall Trees in Winter:)

Daddy is at a wedding today, Grammy is at a work conference and it's too cold and wet outside to go out. So - I had to think of something fun to do to keep the kiddos from tearing the house down. I pulled out the art boxes were I keep our supplies and art project ideas. I had seen this idea in the Family Fun magazine, and thought the kids would enjoy it. It's a Fall project, but I thought they'd never know the difference as long as they were painting. As soon as I showed them what we were doing, Brock had to pipe in with "Mom why are we making Fall trees if it's Winter?"
Despite the fact that we had our seasons wrong - they still had fun :)

Snow Much Fun

Cheesy title I know but I couldn't help it. I took the kids up to the mountains on Monday since it was a holiday to visit Baby Brody and play in the snow. They had a blast. I have a bunch of other pics on my moms camera of our beautiful snowman, but I'll have to share those on Friday when she comes to visit. In the mean time here are a few I took with my camera. Isn't it beautiful. This is in my brothers front yard. You can see his beautiful house in the back ground of one of the pics.

If only I had a picture

This weekend we were at a party with about 50 people. We'd been there for about an hour or so, when I had to run to the bathroom. With all kiddos accounted for and playing in the backyard, I quickly ran in the house. The party was outside, so I asked a few people to keep an eye on a kid... or 2:) As soon as I got back I quickly did a head count - I must do that 30+ times a day:) Anyways I started.. 1,2,3... oh no Dane!!! Instantly I regretted saying anything out loud. Once I'd counted the other 3, and my eyes landed on the #4 - I instinctly cried out " Oh no Dane" - which immediately caught the attention of just about everyone at the party. Instantly I regretted saying anything, because now... every one's eyes were on my 3 year old... with his pants down around his ankles peeing off the patio onto the grass where all the kids were playing. By the time I reached him he was well into his pee, and there was no way of stopping the long held pee then. I tried to cover him with my body, but it didn't hide anything. At first I was horrified, but as I squatted there next to my smiling, peeing little guy, all I could do was join the rest of the party in laughing. Once I got his britches up, my husband was there to give me a big hug and quote my favorite line - "what can you do?:)"
This is definitely a story that I will be saving to share with a girlfriend some day. If only I had a picture to go with it:)

Jersey Shore Baby

No, I don't watch the show - okay, wait.. that's not true - I did watch it so I knew how to dress for the party, but no I don't usually watch it. However, it was fun being "Snookie" for a night out with my man. We went to a "Jersey Shore" birthday party, and yes we went in public with the big doo, little skirt and sharpie tattoos.

Baseball

And so it begins:) I spent a lot of my childhood on the ball field watching my brother play - baseball was his sport of choice for many many years. My husband played most of his childhood as well. His dad was even the president of the little league at one point. Now that Brock is 5... t-ball begins:) Dane CAN"T WAIT until he's 5 and can play too. Looking ahead, I can't even begin to imagine how many hours I am going to spend at practices and games screaming my boys on:)

My Little Star:)

This morning Dane's preschool class lead chapel. Dane even got to hold the flag and lead in the Pledge of Allegiance. I have to admit I was holding my breath the entire time knowing that at any minute he might get a "great idea" and use the flag as a spear. Thank God his teacher knows him well. As soon as he got the little smirk on his face and lowered the flag into "stabbing position" she quickly and quietly took the flag back:) He had so much fun on the stage.

Spikes

Or as we affectionately call it... the "spike-a-roo-doo:)"

Bounce House

The other day I was talking with my neighbor, and some how it came up that Bobby and I had gone shopping on Black Friday. I told her about all the great deals, but how we were bummed - we had wanted to get a bouncer for the kids that was 70% off but by the time we got to the front of the line it had sold out. Turns out she had a bouncer, and they only used it a few times, and she wanted to get rid of it. So, yesterday she dropped it off. I had planned on putting it up in the garage, but it fits in the family room too, and now I can make dinner while they bounce themselves silly:)

Learning Resources ABC Chalk Talk Electronic Learning Chalkboard

As you may remember a few weeks ago I was asked if I'd like to do a review of a product from CSN store.com After spending hours searching through their enormous selection of product, I finally decided to try out the ABC Talking Chalk Board
After letting my kiddos play and explore with it, I am VERY happy with my choice:)
When I look at toys for my kids, there are always a few things that I look for
1 - Will they like it
2 - Is it educational AND fun
3 - How easy will it be to store
4 - How many will be able to enjoy it (my 5 year old, 3 year old, 2 year old or baby)

This product turned out to be ideal.
The kids really enjoyed playing with it. It has a ton of games that teach letter recognition and sound, shapes, colors, numbers and spelling. It has a section with music as well.
The box said it was for children 3 and older, however Briley (2) was able to enjoy it as well with the help of her brothers. We used it to "play school". I set it up on the wall (it has holes for hanging, but did not come with things to hang it with so I used ribbon). Brock used the super cute pointer that came with it - that was their favorite part I think:) He led his "class" through the activities and helped Dane (3) and Briley (2) play the games.
As far as storing the product goes, that I was very happy with. Even though it is large, it folds down flat like a blanket and was very easy to store, even with the removable chalk board in place.
I would definitely recommend this product to a friend. As a former teacher, I know the best way for a child to truly master something is when they are able to teach it to another child. I don't think it will be long before Dane is able to be the teacher too:)

Movies

So last weekend Bobby and I decided to take the kids to the movies to see Alvin and the Chipmunks. Oh what a spectical we were:) I had Caed in my arms, with a blanket to cuddle and nurse under, then the diaper bag, and then Briley on my other hip - because once we entered she refused to hold her brothers hands and wanted to run wild - NOT okay in a crowded movie theater. Then there was Bobby - 5 drinks, three hot dogs, one thing of nachos and a pretzel. Not to mention the other two kiddos holding onto his legs:) By the time we actually made it to our seats, we were down $76 and dripping with swet. Boy times have sure changed... I remember when we used to go see a movie we actually wanted to see for $12 and didn't have to get up 3 times to take kids potty and change diapers:) But we wouldn't change it for the world. The kids LOVE going to the movies, and they were all great - even Caed:)

Rainy Day Bingo

Oh what to do on another rainy day?!?! Bingo of course:) There's nothin' like the power of a Bingo game with Cheerios - that way Mommy can make dinner. Brock LOVES being the card reader and helping Bri and Dane find the correct color and shape. Caed cheered them on from the side:)

Off the Charts:)

Today, Caed had his 4 months Dr. appointment and shots - no fun:( But I am proud to say my boy is off the charts - weighing in at a wopin' 18 lbs and 8 oz. and 27 inches long! He's the biggest Hartz of them all:) At this rate, I think he's going to end up being 7 feet tall and 300 lbs?!?!?

Sofa Sleding

Our new way to entertain ourselves when we are too sick to go to church and super board at home (they've got horrible chest colds and coughs:(

Look who's 4 months!!