Love is in the air!

*ALERT* I know this looks like one of those many and varied Valentines posts that list the activities and 'goings on' of the family. Okay, so it is that, BUT if you make it all the way to the end you will find your chance to share in the love!! You won't be disappointed.
After making over 50 of these little beauties, I was reminded why I reverted to the store bought valentines the last two years. It was a cute idea I saw in Family Fun magazine (along with a million other people) and the kids loved it. Once I committed to it I couldn't disappoint them, but the box of ring pops was looking genius at 2:00 in the morning as I put the final touches on.
Every year we 'heart attack' our kitchen (just like my cousin Shawni) and it is always a hit. It's hilarious to see what the kids write. It also serves as the sole valentines decor in the house, so it's a 'must do'.
We ordered a heart shaped pizza and had movie night Friday to ring in the holiday. We've done the pizza thing for the last few years. I'm always up for not worrying about dinner. What a good excuse?!
Paul sent all his girls (yours truly, Ella and Nora) roses. They are beautiful and the girls feel so special.
Paul enjoyed himself here. The kids were WAY TOO excited for him to come home. It was cute. We had a balloon bouquet, brownies, and notes. I forgot to take pictures, but believe me...it was great!
I decided to shake off my bad attitude about lots of holiday activities and did a fun treat project with the kids. We made these rice krispy treat pops and had a ball. Of course they took seriously half the day, but it was a lot of fun. We delivered several to some special people and had a great time.

Now...it's the time you've all REALLY been reading for (or you just scrolled down to see what the excitement is)...
It's...
A...
GIVEAWAY!!!

I am feelin' the love this year and would love to share it with a few of my favorite blog readers. I am giving away a personal and custom hand stamped sterling silver necklace of your choice.

I've been making these and giving them as gifts for a while and I truly love it. I don't sell the jewelry I make that often because it's just so much more fun to give it away. I've made them as fund raising items too and have had a great response.

So...
here is your chance to have one for FREE!! Just leave a comment on this post by 10:00pm on Wednesday February 18th. It's that easy. I'm not doing this to increase traffic to my blog or anything, so don't worry...you don't have to post about it on your blog. I really am just wanting to sp

Publish Post

read a little love.

I will take the names of all commenters and randomly select three names. For as much traffic as I've had lately that's pretty good odds! The winners will be able to choose anything they would like. I have put some pictures of some of the gifts I've recently made to give you ideas, (sorry about the poor quality) but if you have one of your own GREAT!! So, help me feel the love with your comments and check back Tuesday to see who the big winners are!

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!!

Click to enlarge

FOCUS...Gratitude

Nora's new yellow bed.

I'm taking any and all suggestions on how to decorate a room around it.
I'm thinking vintage.

So, we reached a BIG milestone this past weekend. We gave away our crib and got a 'big girl bed' for Nora. I have gone through this process with mixed emotions. In some ways it is very emotional...like I don't want to let go of the baby stage. I should be moving a baby from a pack and play to the crib if the toddler is getting a new bed. That's how it's always been for us...every 14 months...getting pregnant again (and I'm so grateful). It was great, and I wouldn't change it for the world.

Of course this transition magnifies the voices in my head. I keep wondering if I'm done...and people keep asking. Why do we burden ourselves and others with that question hovering over us day to day? I do it. I know many other mothers do it. I'm not saying we shouldn't ask ourselves that question, I'm just saying it shouldn't be a burden. I want to live and enjoy what my life is...not what I wonder what it will or should be. There are so many amazing mothers of 5, 6, 7+ kids that pull it off with style and grace. I applaud them. I want to be like that. I also know incredible mothers of one, and two kids that put me to shame as a parent. It is a personal decision and I hate that so many women feel like they 'should' have a certain number because so and so does, or because that's what they always thought they would have. Or, that somehow they are less if they don't/can't have children. Again...it's personal.

I LOVED being one of 6 kids. It was the best. Paul was one of 6 too. Do I wish I could provide that for my kids? ABSOLUTELY! But sadly, I am not my mother. I'm tired of worrying over these questions and my heart breaks hearing so many mothers beat themselves up the same way. Yes, I know it's human nature, but aren't we supposed to overcome the 'natural man'? So, in honor of doing just that I choose to FOCUS on how great this stage of my life is...it's all I can do. And no, I'm not writing off the possibility of having more, but for now...I'm done...and that's okay!!

photo by SEP photography

Here are a few of the great things about my life in this stage:

#1 I don't carry around a diaper bag. Okay, I haven't done this FOREVER because I just keep a diaper in the car, and I refuse to bring extra nourishment and entertainment for my kids on routine days. I know...I'm mean. However, they have learned well to fill up when food is available, and be entertained by scenery and conversation.

#2 They play together and independently really well.

#3 We can ALL go to a movie together.

#4 The directions left for babysitters are minimal. Okay, let's get real...they are often non-existent. As long as the kids are alive and well when we come home we are good. Okay, let's get even more real...the state of the house/kitchen often becomes a higher priority than the actual entertaining of the kids. Did I say too much?

#5 I LOVE getting rid of things we don't use anymore and getting rid of all things 'baby' means a lot less 'stuff' in our house.

#6 There are a lot of homes, tables, cars, rides (think amusement park), deals and activities that are highly conducive to a family of 6.

#7 Everyone in our house has a brother and everyone has a sister. That makes me happy.

#8 I often have only one little 'helper' when I do my errands if I play my cards right...and we have so much fun. I love having that one on one time with Nora.

#9 I may actually be loosening up in the motherhood thing. I don't want to speak too soon, but I think I feel it coming on. In all areas of my life I'm really easy going. Motherhood?....not so much. I really think I'm starting (hear that...starting) to get it. Stressing out does us no good.
#10 On that note...everyone dresses themselves...and I'm okay with it. I'm over being embarrassed by my kids clothing choices, and am now just proud of their independence.
#11 My family is healthy, happy, and full of the most amazing people I know. I am truly blessed to be able to interact with and possibly even influence them on a daily basis. I could never complain about the state of my life. It would be truly ungrateful and ugly.

photo by SEP photography

Hopefully in the next couple of months I will be able to add NO DIAPERS to this list. Nora is threatening to be my toughest potty trainer yet. It's not a really hard title to earn as Ella and Jack both trained in about 2 days at the tender ages of 27 and 29 months respectively.

So there you have it. My FOCUS on being grateful for what IS. May we all cherish everything we are blessed with, and not let the worry of ifs, should, why, lack, and future get us down. The future is bright...we all should be grateful.

On a lighter note...

Wow! I must have really scared people with my last post. I expected lots of opinions and have gotten...NONE! You probably think I'm just not posting the comments because they are mean and nasty. I would probably post one like that if I got it just to prove someone read it! So, I'm not really sure what the lack of response means. I'll just assume everyone agrees...it'll make me feel better.

*UPDATE* Looks like I'm the idiot! (I know some of you aren't surprised) I thought that when you had comment moderation on it would email you the comments to accept and/or reject. I was wrong. A friend emailed me and said they were probably in there somewhere. She was right!! I feel better now. I didn't even have to reject one comment. I love to hear how everyone feels...even anonymous...who disagreed with me....nicely!

Anywho...
I wanted to write a bit about a new rule we implemented in our house. I LOVE it and no one is more surprised than me. A couple of weeks ago we decided that there would be no T.V on school days. Even if school work and household duties were finished...no T.V. (okay, Nora gets an hour a day...while the kids are in school) I was expecting weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth. I got a phew "oooohhhhh"'s, but that's it. They don't even ask any more.

Do you want to know what's more surprising? They keep themselves...BUSIER!! I thought they would be needing me more and the house would be loud and crazy. Nope...just the opposite. The one concession is that the house is messier, but I'll take it. They are the best kind of messes....the ones that show a lot of creativity and togetherness have taken place. I'm seriously loving it. So, if you've ever considered ditching the T.V....do it. Your only regret will be that you didn't do it sooner.

Do I dare go there...again?

I have issues...with the government that is. Both sides of the isle are letting me down. I fear there is no real leadership. I feel like there is a huge weight on my shoulders. I am flabbergasted at the state of our country. I am so frustrated with the way it has been governed for the past couple of years...including the past three weeks. I'm hesitant to go here on my personal blog, but I just have to get this out. Does anyone really think about these things (that aren't in government or media)?

One year ago Bush gave us our first 'stimulus' checks. At the time I thought it was the stupidest thing I had ever heard. And it was...until now!
I felt like I was hit with a truck last Fall when the first "bailout" bill was passed (thanks again Bush and congress). I turned to Paul that night and said, "we have just been sold a bill of goods." Did it do anything? We were told that it was NECESSARY that we pass it IMMEDIATELY. If we didn't the world would collapse. If we did, everything would instantly be better. Be careful of government promises. Are we better off? NO! So, what did they do? Pass another bailout bill.
NOW, we have an almost 1trillion dollar (say that like Dr. Evil...it's so much more fun) "stimulus" package. Bush - Obama...I'm not seeing a big difference right about now...economically. Do you really know how much money $800 billion dollars is? 1 billion SECONDS ago I wasn't even born. 800 billion seconds ago it was over 23,000 years ago. Perspective.

I think we forget that this country is about equal opportunity...not equal outcome.

Click HERE to see an awesome graphic about where the money is going. It's a great graphic, and everything looks really good...but look at those numbers!! Anything can be made to look good when it is all bulked together with a fancy title.

This video is scary. We have lost touch with reality and with how much money we are talking about. It blames everyone...not just democrats and/or republicans.

Like I said...perspective. Also...

What happened to uplifting optimistic tones in Washington? Clinton was actually really good at it. In my humble opinion, Regan was the master of it. I thought Obama was going to be that way too. His speeches were inspirational and full of hope. Yes, I didn't like it when he bashed America, but all in all they were very motivating. I wasn't ready for what I've heard so far.

These kind of quotes coming from our president scare me:

President Obama. “It is ONLY government that can break the vicious cycle.” He said this last night, last weekend and several times last week. Yikes! What are we as Americans? I have MUCH more faith in the American people than I do in the few in Washington. Have we forgotten that it is NOT government money...it is all of our money!!! We have a right to say what happens to it.
Last weekend he was using words like 'catastrophe', 'crisis', 'crushing', 'we must do this now'. I sense another 'bill of goods'. Why do we scare so easily?

Are we aware of what's happening to our country? Do we care? Senator Charles Schumer D-New York doesn't think so...just watch:



SCARY!!! Who's been in Washington too long? I care...and I'm really hoping others start to care more! Here is some perspective on those "little porky amendments." (in case you want to argue that it's not all pork) My comments are in black.

WASHINGTON, D.C., January 28, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Just one day after millions of dollars in contraception and abortion handouts in Obama's nearly $1 trillion economic stimulus package were made public and immediately discarded, news has come to light of another $335 million set aside for condoms and sexually explicit "STD prevention" programs.

CNN-

• A $246 million tax break for Hollywood movie producers to buy motion picture film.

• $650 million for the digital television converter box coupon program. (they already did this once and people still haven't switched. Guess what will kick their butts into gear? Make the switch! You'll see how quickly T.V. becomes a priority)

• $75 million for "smoking cessation activities."

• $160 million for "paid volunteers" at the Corporation for National and Community Service.

• $850 million for Amtrak. Prime example of government waste. It is a government owned entity and does not make money. Here is a direct quote from the DOT office of the inspector general, "Amtrak's financial performance was stronger than expected. Amtrak's FY 2007 cash operating loss of $429 million was $56 million lower than its budgeted level of $485 million and lower than its $452 million cash operating loss in FY 2006." Note this was loss they are talking about...LOSS!
The reason they keep getting money is because of this -

All of Amtrak's preferred stock is owned by the U.S. federal government. The members of its board of directors are appointed by the President of the United States and are subject to confirmation by the United States Senate. Common stock was issued in 1971 to railroads that contributed capital and equipment; these shares convey almost no benefits^[2] but their current holders^[3] declined a 2002 buy-out offer by Amtrak.^[4]

Sources:

1. The Past and Future of U.S. Passenger Rail Service, sec. 4 n.21 (Sept. 2003).
2. "Web archive of U.S. House of Representatives report". http://web.archive.org/web/20061110231722/http://www.house.gov/transportation/rail/04-30-03/04-30-03memo.html.
3. Frank N. Wilner, United Transportation Union newsletter.

TRANSLATION: Power and job security!

I'm sure there are valid arguments for these kind of programs, but is it really that high of a priority right now? I'm wondering why this bill had to be this large. It makes for a lot of confusion...which I'm afraid is what those in power (again both sides) want.

Also, where is the change that so many of us wanted? ALL of Obama's cabinet are deeply embedded Washington insiders...oh...who don't know how to pay taxes. Again, I have a lot of problems with the former President, but all we can do is go forward with what we have now.

I hate to see how stocks plunged today as news of the bills package and Geithner's explanation of it was released. Not a lot of confidence from Wall Street...oh yeah...they already got their money.

Okay, I'll stop...for now. I could seriously go on and on and on. I try to do my research. I am skeptical of talking points from anyone. I'm trying to be a good citizen not only for my family, but my fellow Americans, and the country that I love.

I'm not looking for everyone to agree with me, and I really don't want rude rantings about how wrong I am. I love respectful disagreements and agreements. So, let me know what you think, but I am going to turn on comment moderation and view the comments before they are posted. Unfortunately I've learned you can't trust everyone to be respectful.

What I am looking for is some awareness!! I hope we take time out of blogging, Facebook, American Idol and such (Yes, I participate in all of the above) to put some time into the future of our country.
We all hope Obama is as awesome as we wanted him to be. But...let's judge him on what he does. Don't worry...I still have hope...but is fading.

Just one more...

Max came up with another doozie yesterday. He was asking Paul why he married me. After Paul finished with the obligatory, "because I love her, she's a good person, yadda yadda yadda," Max thought for a minute and then said:

"Why didn't you just do gay?"

We are still laughing.

That's our Max!

Max is always crackin' us up around here. I just had to quickly document a few of the funny things he's said lately.

When we were up in Utah this summer we were staying with my sister and her husband. Max walked into the garage with his Uncle Bruce one morning...looked at his car...and very casually said:

"That's a pretty impressive car you got there." (yes...he's 4)

This next one was heard by my sister-in-law from the backseat of her car while driving the preschool carpool.

"Everyone has bum cracks...even fire ants have bum cracks."

I have obviously been listening to ADELE a lot lately. I was listening to her song "chasing pavements" (you can play it right there on my playlist if you like) and the chorus of the song says, "should I give up, or should I just keep chasing pavements?" At the end of the song she says it over and over. So, as I was doing the dishes and singing along, Max walks by and very non-nonchalantly says:

"Give up"

I wish I had video of that one because it was so darn funny I was almost on the floor laughing. He just kept on walking after he said it. HILARIOUS!

Next is the gem we heard from him this last summer while we were walking around Lagoon (an amusement park in Utah). If you know Lagoon then this quote will be even funnier. As usual with Max this quote was completely out of the blue and very seriously said.

"When I grow up...I think I'm going to smoke." - nice -

Max for some reason also likes to use words that you don't expect out of a four year old boy...especially one like Max. He will often use the word "frightened", "otherwise", "actually", and "either" (say them like this in your head- "fwightened", "ovewise", "actually"-he gets that one right, and "eye-tho")

I'll end with just some random funnies from our resident comedian.

"That's not pwopwiate (appropriate)"

"Time to bust a move"

"Mom, you look really pretty in that shirt"

"Mom, can I have that stwawbewy (strawberry)...it's cute."

One more reminder

How cool is that? You know you want to do it. You can...HERE!

Limo to lunch

I hate school fundraisers. Sorry, I know that's mean, but it's true. Luckily, the school my kids go to only do a couple that require you to ask your friends and neighbors to buy something. I mean, have a school carnival and I'm there buying tickets, snow cones, and bidding on auction items. But, give me candles, wrapping paper, and coupon books to sell and I'm out.

Well, one of the school's biggest fundraisers is frozen cookie dough. Although I still hate asking people to buy things this one isn't so bad. Who doesn't like cookie dough? Especially the kind that is already formed in individual cookies, wrapped in a storage friendly container and has many mouth watering varieties? Thankfully, lots of our friends and neighbors LOVE IT! This is the only fundraiser of the selling kind that I allow my kids to participate in.

This year though...they HAD to do it themselves. I walk, drive, ride bikes, with them around the neighborhoods, but they had to go up and do the selling themselves. The goal? Sell enough cookies to earn the "limo to lunch." Whatever motivates them right? I was amazed at how many people bought MULTIPLE boxes. It was a great success and the kids were delighted when Grandma/Grandpa, and Paul's work associates put them both over the line to earn the coveted ticket to ride.
Waiting patiently behind the gate with tickets in hand!
Here we see Ella and her friends showing their "limo to lunch" ticket to the principal as they head to the limo! (notice Max in the background with a very sad/jealous face)

First class treatment!

Cute Jack with a big smile! Great job guys! YOU really did it this time!!

Here's the catch:
You MUST have enough freezer space to store 40 boxes of frozen cookie dough until they can all be delivered...without thawing out! I didn't calculate this little tidbit into my plans and had to rely on my Mom, sister-in-law, and a nice neighbor until all deliveries were safely made. Thanks to all!!

Jack's first soccer season

I needed something different to be on the top of the blog. Nothing like that last post to motivate me to get some of the old posts finished!!
Jack had a great time playing soccer this fall with good friends and a great coach. Go Green Goblins!!

Looking determined!

This backpack has been Nora's constant companion for months now. It weighs more than her. This is how she watched the games.

He loves this trophy! It sits on his nightstand. Way to go Jack!!

Better now than the first day I saw it!!!

So I'm the lucky guy married to Kara. While out to dinner with some friends Mike and Kristie the other night it became apparent that I do not contribute to the Blog. This is true...I do read it now and then, but it's Kara's thing. So here is my post with two recent trip photos of Kara. I may step it up this year in 2009 with a post or two. After 4 kids my wife is looking fine!!! I am truly blessed to have her in my life.

*Kara's comment/reaction*
Oh my!!! This is what I get on a day that I choose not to check my email until lunchtime!!! At first I didn't understand why people were leaving such strange comments about what I thought was my previous post. Little did I know what my sneaky hubby was up to. So....my reaction? If he keeps on posting he MUST continue with the nice words...but MUST discontinue with the pictures!!!! I'm seriously thinking about posting the video of his karaoke debut from our cruise?!!! I'm not sure I want to pick a fight though, so I'll think about it! Love you babe...but no more unsuspecting pictures of my backside please!!!

Sunday Stew like you've never seen before!!

Okay, so I've been a MAJOR blog slacker, and I'm starting to feel guilty for not documenting like I wanted to. SO...get ready for a quick and dirty run-down of some of the random things we have been up to since school started.

Here is a picture of our sweet Nora at her birthplace! Yes...she was born in the car. If you want to read all about it (and see a little video - it's PG - no worries) you can click HERE.
We had to take one last picture before it was traded in for the new car.
Paul's friend Morris sliced his hand while trying to do something he had no business doing...SO MORRIS!! So, he came over to have Paul stitch him up. It quickly became the neighborhood "place to be." The older boys from the neighborhood had to come and see the action. What we do for entertainment around here....?!
This is a darling picture of Ella and her cousin Romey. They had so much fun seeing each other when we were up in Utah after Christmas. These two have the best time together and I wish they could see each other more often. Grandma Mary took them on a little shopping trip and they came back looking like this. They sure thought they were hot stuff. It was so fun to see their big smiles and loving every minute of it! What cuties!
I was able to catch a quick dinner with some of my long lost high school friends. I keep up with Ashley and Liz (from left to right)...but it had been FOREVER since I had seen Anne, Chris, and Lynette. What a treat! I was so glad they let me crash their monthly dinner party while I was in town. What awesome women they all are. I'm so glad I'm able to count them as my friends.
I was SO LAZY this Christmas and didn't do the annual family Santa Cookies. Ella did have to bring some cookies to class for a cookie exchange and so we did a quicker version thanks to good ol' Kelly! I think they turned out adorable and may have to keep these as the kid version from now on.
I was able to go with my sweet Max to a production of The Velveteen Rabbit put on by the Tempe Center for the Arts. This was a field trip with his preschool class, and I was thrilled. It's one of my very favorite stories and it was so fun to have some time with just Max. I love this kid.
Here is Max with many of the women in his life...and boy does he LOVE these girls. From L to R is Charlotte (his big time crush), Mrs. Gleason (the best preschool teacher EVER), cousin Claire, and cousin Hannah. Boy is this kid lucky. He's going to have some good resources for cute girls in the future!!
For one of Ella's book reports she had to read about a famous historical figure. I was thrilled when she chose Clara Barton. For the report she had to dress up as the character.
I think she pulled it off quite well and was absolutely adorable. We had a great time learning all about Clara Barton and what an amazing person she was.
We threw a little neighborhood party at our house one night. It was a roaring success. How is came about is a great story that I must document for posterity. It all started one day when I wasn't home and Paul was in charge. I guess there were a lot of neighborhood kids around and it got a little crazy. So, in a not so friendly voice, Paul told all the kids that they needed to play outside. I guess it came off a little more harsh than he intended because a few weeks later Ella took him aside and told him that it embarrassed her and that her friends thought he was mean. So, in true Paul fashion, he was going to make it right. The two of them planned and executed a neighborhood party complete with pizza, junk food, and movies. The kids had a great time and so did we.

The funniest part about the story is when Ella was telling some of her friends about it. Paul overheard her explanation and it went a little like this:

Ella: "Hey guys, we are having a party on Friday so that you can meet my Dad."
Our cool kid Max has learned to ride his two wheeler at the tender age of 4. He pretty much learned on his own. I think Paul took him out one afternoon for about 10 minutes. Max figured out that if he could propel himself with his feet and get some momentum...then all he had to do was put his feet on the pedals. He is now an expert and even rode his bike all the way to Grammy and Papa's house with Ella, Jack and Dad! Way to go Max.
Paul won't be happy about this, but I just had to document that he actually did dress up!!! It's a miracle. For the office Halloween party, the theme was 1970's. Paul is in the middle of this picture with two of the other Doctors on either side. I think they're lookin' pretty sweet!!
Here's a picture of the whole gang. Oh, and yes...he does work with all those women!!! Some wives would be worried, but strangely...I think it makes him appreciate me more?!!
Paul took Nora on a little afternoon boating trip with Morris one day. She loved being on the boat and looked so cute. I'm sure she loved having her daddy all to herself.
I know this is hard to see, but yes...that is a child between his mothers knees on a wake board!!! Paul took this picture of a friend on that same water skiing trip. I thought it was pretty cool.
Paul took the kids to a D-backs game. They had great seats with a great view...
Can you tell what he was focusing on in this picture? Was it the kids...or the props?!
I think I talked about Paul taking the kids camping over labor day, but I failed to mention the fishing poles. Can you tell the boys were excited? I think this picture is hilarious!

So, there you have a quick rundown of some of the random pictures I had on file. They didn't necessarily all merit their own post, so they all got thrown together here. I feel better now!