Violet

She wanted curlers, and you thought she couldn't get any cuter...

While I Was Sleeping

It has been so nice for me now that Hazel is a bit older. She has taken over the responsibility of fixing breakfast on the non-school days so I can sleep in. This morning, not only did she do her job flawlessly, but she made a party. She had prizes, games, decorations, and was waiting patiently for me to come down to start. I was going to take pictures but my battery was dead when I finally brushed the dust off so I could take a picture, but it was cute. She had pin the mouth on the pumpkin... I just love these guys!

I Got Nothing

I think I forgot how to blog, you guys.

Happy Birthday Hazel!

She's eight today. I love this girl. I wanted her so bad, and she did not disappoint. She just recently got her own room, and she keeps it so clean and organized, I knew she would-she has a bit of her grandma Morgan in her. She is at the top of her class in nearly every subject. She is in advanced reading, spelling, math, and science. She brings home daily behavior logs, and she has never ever, not even once, gotten a warning in her three years of school. She loves learning, and she is a great friend. As if that wasn't enough. She is beautiful, and keeps getting prettier every year. I made a video a couple years ago for her birthday. Happy birthday to this very special lady!

My Little Scout

So, Thomas is officially a scout. He was so cute at his first meeting, and you should have seen him picking out his uniform. Only one thing has topped it, kidz bop, but it was a close second. I feel really lucky to live in a "richer " area. (If only they knew I was just renting.) They have great involvement, and activities planned. I think it is because most of the parents rarely work, in fact the pack leader (I think that is what he is called) does scouts for his "job". I know he is a bit young, but it suits him, and while he is bouncing off the walls at home, he is patient, obedient, and focused at the meetings. I think he may just be a professional scout some day.

Hello? Is There Anybody Out There?

I know it's been a while. My fingers aren't quite sure what to do anymore, but I'm back!! How long has it been since my computer died? Like forever, but I pumped some new life into it (cost me 75 dollars, but so worth it)

This is just a preview. I have about 4 months of pictures to update you all on. Aren't you excited! Don't try to hide it, I know you are. I am going to just start like I never left, and only read past posts if I get really bored one day. I am there for you all now. Ready to let you all know what I think about what you have going on, because you need it, and I need it.

Until tomorrow. That's when I am really going to get started.

Garden Spoils

I just realized that I haven't shared any vital information about my
garden in a while. We've been eating peas, green beans, carrots,
green onions, chives, spider covered lettuce, and thus is our first
zuchinni. It is so worth the effort. It's like giving birth
everyday, but then I eat my babies.

First Day Of School

Jealous? Yeah, my kids are back in school. All day. They were so
excited, and last night Hazel came into my room at around 10:30, fully
dressed for school, to tell me she was too excited to sleep. I did
that, and I'm pretty sure most if you did too.

I Think My Mom Must Be Pissed

So, today marks one year since my mom died. I fully intended to lay
in bed all day feeling sorry for myself, but I was caught completely
off guard by this massive thunder storm. I get the feeling she
doesn't want me to be sad today.

So, to brighten everyone's day, including my own-a gratuitous shot of
my fore mentioned praying mantis.

I've Lost It

Here I am, sitting in front of the computer again, and nothing is coming. Uh, I found a praying mantis today? No... My credit card machine that I am trying to reprogram is saying please initialize. I don't think I did it right? No... I am so out of control busy with "secret" "unbloggable" stuff. All of that stuff is gumming up the works. Sorry for being so lame. You should have known.

The Boss Today

I'm the boss today. That gives me unlimited internet access. I don't have to compete with Tom, which I have obviously been losing at. If only I had something to write about.

Atticus's Gift

So, o had been nursing this little baby bird back to health. Sadly,
it didn't make it. The truth is, I was shocked that it lived the four
days that it did. Just moments ago, Atticus brought me a handfull of
the things he had collected outside (it is quite normal for him to
bring me bugs and other gross things). Wedged in his hand, between
the cable plug and the grass he had pulled, was this baby bird. Not
living, obviously. And that is what brought me back to blogging...

Does This Make Me Old?

I was just reading the blogs, and was shocked when I read my niece's.
She is prego, you guys. I tried to leave a comment on her blog, but
I'm having issues, obviously. So, I thought I would use this stage to
congratulate her. Amanda, I am so excited for you!
I'd make you a blanket, but it sounds like you're set.

This Time For Real?

Tom is loading up a trailer with all the rest if our stuff. I think
that means that we are done with Las Vegas, but I've said that so many
times before. I'm looking forward to being a family again. Now for
the happily ever after...

Sent from my iPhone

Bring It

So, I am all motivated to start this super intensive work out program
that promises to turn me from flab to fab. I have put on about 10
pounds over the past year, and feel myself heading in the wrong
direction, health wise. I feel tired, depressed, and although I am
still squeezing into most of my pants, it isn't pretty. Flesh all
over the place, grossness. My sister let me borrow her pirated copy
of p90x. She said she wasn't quite ready to start it.

So I popped in the into disc. It was a lot of before and afters, and
a lot of "bring it". Then onto disc one...ab ripper. Oh. My. Gosh.
I got about 8 minutes into it before I started siezing up. They keep
saying it's not for beginners, so if you're a beginner, just take
breaks. I took a bunch of breaks the first 8 minutes and then a 9
minute break, there at the end. I think I'm going to have to start
over tomorrow. Or maybe I'll bring it later today? Getting ripped is
going to be hard, you gize.

She Really Let Me Down

That's it. She breathed her last breath. Estimated time of death is
1:42. I don't know what I'm going to do. There is so much that is
unresolved. She took All my pictures with her, plus a ton of lame
business stuff. I am hoping a geek can bring her back long enough to
salvage those things. She was good to me. She intoduced us all,
except my family, inlaws and blood,(although she has helped to
strengthen those relationships). How soon is too soon to replace her?
I don't think I'll do good on my own. I totally know how my dad felt.

Still Here

I am trying to get caught up on all the blogs. I am really far behind. I have been reading most of them on my phone, but commenting is a pain. I commit to you, that I will get around to it. I am just starting at the top, and working my way down so if you are just dying to know what I have to say about your stuff, you're going to have to update.

My computer is only slightly better. This post has taken a good part of the afternoon. I think it might still be contagious so read at your own risk. It is painfully slow, and all the virus scans haven't fixed the crashing. I think we might have to put her down.

I took some pictures of my garden, so I could brag about it. It is my obsession. I recommend planting green beans. They are instant gratification plants. They are the big ones, and I planted them just over a week ago.

This is the kids camping out on our porch. That counts, doesn't it?

Virus

You miss me? I think my computer has a bad one. Markie, if you're
reading this, I did use protection, but there was obviously a hole.

I am going to be back soon, and shower your blogs with all sorts of
attention. I've got the whole day blocked off.

I miss you too...

Sent from my iPhone

Journey Inside The Midget Door

You know you want it. It actually smells like berries in there. I had candles in there for a while, and the smell has lingered. It truly is a magical place.

I would like to point out that this place also stores my beads/beading supplies when I have them here. I share custody of them, and it is my sister's turn right now. I miss them. I miss them a lot.

Did I kill your dreams? There may be a trap door in the floor in there...

I am going to clean it out. You never see the mess until you post a video of it on your blog.

Feeling Better

Aren't these the cutest kids you ever did see? Only winners swimming
in this gene pool.

You Can Almost Smell My Morning Breath

Well, it's mother's day, and I am a mom. I was actually really surprised that my little kids took some initiative and are really trying to make this a great day for me. Tom isn't here to coax them in the right direction, but they have all gone out of their way to do something nice for me. They made me presents at school. This is the video of it being presented to me. I love these guys, and find that being a mother is the most rewarding thing that I do. They never cease to amaze me.

On a much depressing side note, I can't help but think of my own mom on mother's day. She was such a great woman, so selfless, and so giving. I love her, and I miss her terribly. I was supposed to teach the lesson in church today, but I skipped out because I don't think I can sit through all the talks about how great moms are without bawling my eyes out. I would rather do my crying in the privacy of my own home. So I am sending my message to my mom who is somewhere out there.

Mom, I miss you so much. I still have a hard time convincing myself that you are really gone, and although I know that I can't see you in the flesh, I have felt you many time. You have been there for me when I really needed some comfort that no one else could give. You have inspired me, and continue to inspire me. I guess I have to watch myself even more now that you are watching me all the time. I hope I make you proud. I love you and I can't wait to see you again. On the plus side, I don't have to buy you presents anymore.

Pictures (Not Albion, Yet)

These are just some pictures of the kids that I am posting for Tom. It's hard right now you guys. We are trying so hard to tie up all the loose ends, try out new marketing ideas, and get Tom moved here. All in all, it is really stressful, and every once in a while I just feel like sitting back, with my headphones in, listening to music, blocking out the world. That is what I am doing today. Plus a little blogging. Shh, I am supposed to be working. I did get everyone bathed and fed, including myself, which is enough for me tired mind.

The metal Thomas is wearing is from the fun run. All the kids got one. They wear them all the time. We showed up a little late. Everyone was on the last lap. When the lady saw us she said to just join in. We ran a total of about 10 steps, suckers!

Garden massacre

I just want to be alone.

Let's Get Together

Yeah, I'll blog about it because everyone else is too busy packing and
planning to. We are having a family reunion of sorts. It is going to
be freaking awesome!! I don't know much about what's going on, but I
do know that pasta salad is involved. If you are reading this, you
are family and are totally invited. Bring a swim suit, just in case.

The picture is cute and totally not connected.

Wishes Really Do Come True

You should have seen the look on her face when she was told she needed
the eye patch, bliss. The eye patch was cool for about 45 minutes.
How am I going to get 4 hours a day in?

Don't Be Mad

I was coming on here to dutifully post new pictures of the kids. I had taken a bunch of them on my phone and sent them to the email for saving, and future posting, but now I am having trouble with my email! I got a couple of them, but there isn't a good shot of everyone. I hope this makes you hungry for more without being angry...

After being unable to find the pictures in my pictures, I decided to sync my phone. Then I realized all the pictures that I took today, I actually took on my real camera that was magically fixed by gnomes last night (not of the pervy variety).

This Made Me Laugh

My niece found this nugget, and I stole it. It isn't really stealing though if you give credit where credit is due.



Enjoy!

Kids

Remember when tom said that old pictures were good? I hope that applies to videos too. I have been taking a bunch of pictures, but they are on my phone because of my camera troubles, and I don't have the patience to transfer all those pics. I don't want you all to feel like you have to comment after every single picture when i post them one at a time from my phone. I am a lazy giver, what can I say.

Weeds Don't Grow In Rows, Right?

So I go outside to water my real garden and this is what I found. I
am not sure why this makes me so happy. These little guys are peas.
Peas were my favorite from my mom's garden growing up. My indoor
starts are quite big too (in case you were wondering). I am thinking
of expanding. Who'd have thought it would be so fun?

Can You Say, "Best Mom Ever"?

It was gorgeous here today. I don't think I spent more than a few minutes inside today. I started the morning with some yard work, and them a walk, them to the park for lunch, then some outside reading, then a little of this. Seriously, like paradise.

I know you are dying to know how she did. Truth be told, I will give her a 10 for effort... We will have more chances for learning to ride a bike video, that's all I'll say. I think it is a "dad" job anyway. I wouldn't want to take that from him.

Busted!

Hazel was so excited for her glasses for about a day. After that, she
would take them off and lose them many times. She missed the bus a
couple times looking for them. Then this happened. She set them on
the ground... Is it wrong to just pretend that she doesn't need
them? They are so obviously thick...

Cuter picture of Atticus

Picture of atticus

Atticus's Haircut: You Know You Wanna See It

I did it. I had had enough, and when he woke up with a hair do similar to Beebs I decided to hack it off. Most of it anyway. He was emotional about it. I don't think he liked seeing his blond locks fall to the floor. I am not saying that I did a good job or anything. In fact, I am the first to admit that it is a pretty terrible job, but an improvement, and free. That's how I roll.

I threw in a picture of the miracle of life for the beggars. I was hoping that I wouldn't have to admit that it was my inside starts that are growing. At least I know they are not weeds. I did have Hazel take a picture of me working in the real garden (the one those cute little buds will be transplanted in when they are strong enough), but it is mysteriously not on the camera. "Yeah mom, I got a picture of you." Whatever!

Grandma, Grandpa, Puppy, and Candy

That is the new dog right down there. Tom took her to Las Vegas with him. He said he was going to have her all house trained by the time he got back.

We did the usual for Easter. No new dresses or anything like that. For some reason this holiday doesn't really inspire me. We didn't even color eggs, you guys. And I had a couple dozen in my fridge.

You know what does inspire me? Gardening, and guess what, I got my first little sprouts today. I feel like I have just given birth. I think it is broccoli, but I am not 100% sure. It just happened so fast.

My Situation

We are down to the wire guys.

As most of you know, last year I spent a good part of the summer in Idaho caring for my mom. While I was here, I realized that there was something really special about this place. So, I impulsively packed up the family and moved them here. Tom had to stay behind to tie up the loose ends. I thought it would be about a month of back and forth, but it somehow turned into 7 months. The hardest time of both of our lives. Now I see the light at the end of the tunnel. He is going back for the last long time. We finally got ourselves a manager that has a vested interest in our business, with plans to buy us out. I am all for this. I would like to leave Las Vegas behind and have nothing tying us there. Don't you be too worried about us. We are starting up the same business here. We won't be jobless, and we are stimulating the economy at the same time. You're welcome, Idaho.

A side note. We got a new dog. (See how impulsive I am?) She is really sweet, and left with Tom. I am hoping that she is house trained by the time he comes back in a couple weeks. That puts us at one fish, two cats, and two dogs. I don't know how I get talked into these things...

Look What I Found

Someone finally gave in and got an iphone. Tom got it for work and not for the cool apps, just so you all know, but he had to send all of the pictures from his old phone before it gets turned off. I thought I would share a few...

I Am So Freaked Out By This

I don't recommend watching this if you are about to go to sleep.

A Carmera Miracle

My non working camera had one more trick up it's sleeve. A video this time. Relax, sit back, and enjoy.

I would also like to give a public shout out to Dwight, of the Hot Pants Thurston's. He made an amazing dinner that I felt honored to partake of. Gravy, as far as the eye could see.

The Only Photo I Got

I must have been to distracted by her presence to take more pictures,
but I am pretty sure I am the only one that got a picture at the
airport. It's exclusive, blurry or not.

What? It Was A Busy Day.

Tom insisted on pictures and for some reason, just emailing them to him was an unthinkable request, so here are your pictures Tom. Please tell me that I am not the only one that lets their kids wear their pajamas all day long. I would like to tell you that they are getting baths before they go to bed, but I don't want to lie on my blog.