Summer's Coming To An End

So it is true the weather is starting to feel more like fall, the backpacks are filled, shoes are new to go along with a new outfit and open houses are set. Gretchen is excited to have found out this past Thursday that she will be having Mrs. Sutherly as her 2nd grade teacher and even received a note from her on Saturday. She has friends in her class and is very excited to be heading back to the bus stop on Wed. Delaney will have to wait until after Labor Day to put on her new outfit and shoes to go to Miss Sarah's class of 4 & 5 year olds, but is excited her friends will be back and that mom will be teaching right next door. So yes, I will be going back to school too the same day. I am excited about my 1st class of 3 year olds and to be honest a little nervous too! We will be getting the room together later this week, the notes to the kids are heading out next week before the open house and I don't have my new outfit yet, but I do have a new book to read about First Day Jitters. Overall I am sad to say this summer is coming to a close, I think it is because we have had so much fun and have done so many things (I promise I will get back to blogging, just got to get back into the swing of things first) and because although I am very excited to be "working" again I know it is somehow different for us as a family too, it means my babies are growing up and eventhough I know they will if I go back or not, it is just touching a special place in my heart this year - I can't even think about next year and putting my Delaney on the big yellow bus to go to the Big K. Or the following year when they will both be gone all day everyday! I just want to say I am so very proud of my 2 Baby Girls and hope they have another AMAZING school year and just want them to know they will always be my Baby Girls!

Too Much Fun

Okay, so I know some of you have been missing the blogging thing. So here is something, not to exciting, but something to read. Since school got out we have done all kinds of fun activities, but because we have been having so much fun and with computer problems it has made it difficult to blog, plus the other problem is what I probably should be calling my addiction to Facebook. So I promise one of these days I will start getting caught up with blogging, but we only have a few more fun weeks of summer left and I start teaching preschool too, so my dear friends I will be back and I am still alive, but your best bet is to find me on Facebook, so sign up already, lol.

Fun Day, Softball, Garden Update, Cookout and Finally Summer Break is Here!!

So to catch you up of what has been going on at the Frock household, the title sums it up.
First each girl had a Fun Day at their school to end things up and figured I would just lump that together since I didn't get good pics for either since I was one of the volunteer parents. Delaney's consisted of 7 -8 stations of fun things like story time, water balloons, goat visiting, obstacle course, seek and find, shirt making, to name a few. I was on shirt making for Delaney's school. Gretchen's consisted of 11 stations, including activities like jump roaping, water balloons (my station), egg races, 3 leg races, tug of war, jumpies, snacks, bathrooms and of course, others. Gretchen was so excited because last year we left right after school was supposed to be over for vacation, but with make up days she missed Fun Day. So she got the shirt, had all her little buddies sign it and got to participate. She was not thrilled we were not going to Myrtle Beach, but was happy we was around for Fun Day. This is an annual event we will look forward to. And I will have to remember to use my sunscreen next time, burnt for the second time this year already, courtesy of Softball fields and Fun Day.
Secondly, speaking of softball we are in full throttle softball/baseball season. We have been having a great season and it is so exciting to watch the girls play! They have not "won" a lot of games to date, but they are playing and showing great effort. So basically with 3 games a week for Gretchen and Missy's 3 boys all playing baseball I am at the field alot and I have to say just give Delaney sunflower seeds and she is an happy girl. And side not here I am such a happy girl that I got a really big tote bag from the Vera Bradley sale this year - it is great for the field and all our snacks, etc!! Shocking Delaney must really like watching the games, because she is even talking about signing up for t-ball next year where before she was concerned about getting hit in the head, lol. I have to say playing ball in the yard she can hit it pretty good! Another Frock softball princess coming up. I have to say I love watching softball and really hope this is something the girls stick with eventhough it is time consuming for them and us. Of course, time will tell and it has to be their choice.
Third - garden update. It really is growing!! The Frock Farmers are actually growing something in their first family garden. Our tomato and pepper plants are growing up, beans, lettuce and corn is sprouting out of the ground from seeds! The only thing besides the pumpkins, which we know we will not see yet, is onions we are not seeing. We all are very excited about the possibilities! Keep watching for more posts.
On Sunday of this past weekend we had our end of the year Girl Scout family barbeque and had a great time. All of our 12 girls families were there, but 2 because of family obligations. And out of the 10 families that came only 2 did not have their entire family with them because of the old divide and conquer concept. We were very pleased with the turnout and the beautiful weather we had. We had lots of good food, socializing and awards for each girl. Fun was had by all! I think the families really were looking forward to it since they all kept talking about it and even mentioned how much fun it was at the softball field the next night. You never know with that many people how it will work out, but everyone just hung out, talked, ate and celebrated the end of our first official year with our Brownie troop that started with 4 and grew to 12 girls and already have girls wanting to join our troop for next year. I will miss the girls this summer and our meetings, but at the same time look forward to a little break so we can have an even better year next year.
And finally summer break is officially here! May was a busy month and I know June will be, with softball, gymnastics and swim lessons, but at least no homework and we will have the day to do things. We are looking forward to our garage sale so we can earn money for an basketball hoop, summer reading program, vacation, swimming, movies, the zoo, trying the drive in movie, and whatever our summer fun brings. Shhh this is a surprise!! Sunday we are leaving to go to Ft. Wayne for an overnight trip so we can take the girls to see Taylor Swift on Sunday in concert and then we are going to the Ft. Wayne Zoo on Monday. Will have to let you know - stay tuned and hope you are looking forward to a GREAT SUMMER too!!

Swimming

So knowing that had this little pool to cool off has been bothering the kids because they have not got to use it, well until today. So this afternoon Delaney wore me down and I let her go ahead and try it out, well after doing a swimsuit model show she finally decided on which swimsuit she liked and fit her best. She splashed around for about an 1/2 hour and practiced her splits and was done, but was a very happy girl. Her chant was this is so much fun, fun, fun. And she has had a good day she told me and hopes Gretchen did too at school. I am sure that she got to use the pool will be the first thing she tells Gretchen when the bus arrives, so I am going to have to let Gretchen try it out before or after tumbling class. But the countdown is on and there is only 4 more days left of school for Gretchen until both are on the Summer Break! I am looking forward to a great summer!!

Memorial Day Parade & Yet Another

So both of my girls was in the Memorial Day Parade, just not the same one so first we went to Gretchen's in Casstown, which I was in too because it was for the Brownie Troop. And after walking from the old firehouse to the cemetary parade number 1 was complete. I was just thankful the weather wasn't as hot and sunny this morning, so it wasn't a bad walk at all. Of course, now that Gretchen can ride her bike she was disappointed she could not decorate and ride, but that is against the Girl Scouts rules, they must march and lead the parade. If I wasn't the leader I probably would have let her decide, but I didn't think it would be good if the co-leader let her daughter back out of the parade to ride her bike. Maybe next year I will let her ride her bike in Fletcher, but of course at the cost of no candy getting, decisions, decisions. After I dismissed the girls to their parents and to be honest we skipped out on the presentation there so we could have a little breathing time and snack before heading to Fletcher so Delaney could ride the Preschool Float (hayride wagon). This was Delaney's first parade as an participant and she was a little nervous, but did great waving, smiling and throwing candy. And Gretchen was excited to see some of her friends in the parade and they threw her candy from the special pack, aka big packs, lol. All and all it was a jam packed, but fun weekend and I am sad to see it end.

Farmer Frock

So we always talked about it and never have done it, plant a garden. This year we are officially doing it. Our tomato plants and pepper plants are planted, the seeds are in the ground for onions, green beans, lettuce, sweet corn and pumpkins. The girls are very excited and like I mentioned in the Banana Slug post will be a great Frock Girl Summer project. So we will have to let you know how it goes, but here are our little ones watering it down after our planting session.

Preschool Graduation

Today was Delaney's Preschool Graduation program at Miami East Elementary since the new Fletcher Methodist Church is not going to be dedicated until July. The older class started with songs and then Delaney's class came to the stage and had the option to introduce themselves in the microphone on the stage to everyone and she said "my name is Delaney Frock" - impressive I have to say!! They then performed their songs. The older class had little graduation hats and got certificates of completion since they are graduating to Kindergarten. Delaney's class was graduating to the next class. They then had a reception complete with cake and punch. They all did a great job and doesn't she look beautiful?

Memories

This Memorial Day Weekend is the first in our new home as we closed on Jason's b-day last year and with some problems didn't get to move in until Aug. So being our first Spring we get to see what grows where in our yard. And basically there are Hostas everywhere, which is probably good for me. I actually think I am going to try to thin them out and transplant a few here and there to complete the back yard and the sides of the house. Sad to say, but the worst landscaping is probably in the front of the house, so we are looking to relandscape this fall to get it cheaper and some time to think about what we want where and if we want to expand a certain area, but one thing that I love is the peony bush right outside my front door, not loving the location, but am loving the bush, might try to move that too in the fall. Many of you know I don't know my plants, but I do know that one. As you see it is this pretty pink color, but more importantly everytime I see it or smell their beautiful scent I smell memories. See growing up my Mama and Papa as I referred to them as had several beautiful peony bushes on the North side of their house, it was actually the property divider from them and their neighbor, which ended up being a dear friend of mines, Liza, house. I remember every Memorial Day weekend they would be in full bloom and my Mama would foil wrap her old coffee cans, hand cut some peonys and decorate the graves of my great grandparents and her beloved brother. Then after the parade on Monday and decorating the gravesites we would have a family picnic outside at the picnic table and my Great Aunt Grace, 3 doors down, would have all her family in and we would all walk back and forth and get caught up. It is amazing what one flower can bring back to you! Thanks for the memories this Memorial Day weekend!

We are going to have to watch that one.

The title says it all. This is what I said to Jason after Gretchen asked my dad to take her a ride on his Harley. She hopped right on and went down the road, but wasn't ready to stop riding so went around the country block. I of course am telling her to hold on basically for dear life and she is all cool and collected and by the time she got back from her ride she was barely holding on and loving it! Actually she asked when can she take another ride? What am I going to do with that girl? Jason swears we are all giving him gray hair and I think it will be Gretchen who gives me mine!

Great Game Gretchen

So Monday they had another game and this one went into extra innings because they were tied, there is more to that story, but I won't let my bitterness come out here, I am focusing on the postive game my Gretchen had. First some background, there is something like 15 girls on the team this year, not enough for 2 teams and some extras for 1 team. And this is the first league of softball, before this year they play t-ball mixed league to get some basics. This year they are still doing some basics, but they seperate girls to softball and boys to baseball. Still wanting them to play the positions to get a feel for each of them and to see what they are better at and like. Gretchen got to play outfield tonight, but spent most of her game on 3rd base. And she was the teams MVP tonight, at least in my mind. She was rocking it and getting everyone out on 3rd. Basically if they got to 2nd and had to face Frock they were out if they could get the ball to her. I think it was 2 innings she got the majority of the outs. One inning all 3 outs!! And mind you they only play 4-5 innings and have to set out at least one inning. So when they went into extra innings guess who got 3rd base, that is right Frock! They did end up losing the game, but Gretchen and the rest of her team played hard and didn't go down without a fight! Even walking to the car after the game the asst. coach said I think we found a 3rd baseman tonight and I have to agree! Plus she got a hit every time and only got out at 1st one time tonight. And yes, I am aware I am showing her as catcher, but I could not get a good pic on 3rd base. See the cute socks!

Miami East Softball Opening Day 2009

So Saturday May 16 was going to be Opening Day, which was also Graduation Party day, but rain came and canceled all games to Sunday, which actually was a relief. So we made it through Saturday and a little rain for the Graduation party and then we got some rest and got up Sunday morning to take on Opening Day. Now mind you we had not taken part in Opening Day Festivites before because T-ball doesn't play except on Friday nights. Gretchen was very excited to be playing softball this year because she got to play with all girls and they always had cute uniforms, sleeveless shirts, visors and some sort of adorable socks. This year was no exception, polka dots!! Very Lady Bugish, to bad that is not for my Laney Bug, huh? So she played a great game on Saturday even though they did end up losing the game she got to hit 2 times fouled it out the first time and got on base the second time and she got to play short stop most of the game. But I have to say the real excitement was the Home Run Derby. They give them 10 pitches from a pitching machine and whoever gets the most balls to the grass (outfield) is the Home Run Derby Queen aka Gretchen Frock this year - wahoooooo!!! Baby I am so proud of you!! That is right she came in 1st in the Mini Girls Softball Home Run Derby for 2009 season and got this trophy to prove it. I think the smile says it all!

Class of 2009

So as many of you know we hosted our niece Staci's graduation party this past weekend. We worked with Jeff & Staci and decided on a couple weeks before actual Graduation because of other parties and Memorial Day weekend thrown in there. So actually she is coming up on her final few days of High School. It is amazing to think that when I met her Uncle Jason and became part of her life she was close to Gretchen's age. I remember us living down the street from Jeff in our apartment and her coming down with him to visit and how he always warned me about gifts. Basically if they were noisy or anything of the such, she could bring it down and play with it at our place. I also remembering taking her to Victoria Theatre for a show and Chuck E Cheese afterwards for dinner. Or how about the time to go see Santa and Christmas Lights at Clifton Mills. Wow where does the time go? Now she is a fine young woman getting ready to end her High School years and start college life to become an Teacher. Then it makes me think it doesn't seem like that long ago I was peering at her on the play yard at Chuck E Cheese, now I am peering at my own daughters. It is amazing to think how much life will change again in the next 11 years when we will be celebrating our oldest daughter's graduation from High School, but for now I am happy to send Staci on to her next chapter of life, Gretchen to 2nd grade and Delaney to her last year of preschool. Congratulations Staci, we are so proud of you and love you so very much!!

Preschool Art Show

So in addition to gymnastics, the Banana Slug Festival there was also Delaney's Preschool Art Show tonight. So we just went from one thing to the other, but this was Delaney's first Art Show and she was SO EXCITED!! She couldn't wait until we got there to show all her beautiful artwork, she is pictured with some it. It is amazing to see how much she has grown this year of preschool, where she could have cared less earlier in the year, she was super ready to go. And it was so sweet Gretchen was so excited too, because the other programs have been during school and she did not get to go. So off the Frock Family Four went to have Delaney give us a tour of their Preschool Art Museum. And I have to say it was a nice setup. We had a set open house time and once you got to the preschool hall there was artwork all the way down to the classroom and the classrooms were full of more artwork. Basically each art form had an section, such as their Arks were colored, cut and glued and was in one spot and then their painted fire trucks were in the next section, etc. Then after you toured the Art Museum you could go to the common area for refreshments which included cookies and punch. I have to say that was I was quite impressed with how much artwork was on display and the amount of time and effort the preschool put into making it a very enjoyable evening for their students and families.

Banana Slug Festival

So each year at Miami East the kids attend an all day field trip to Garbry Woods to explore the great outdoors, this year all the rain forced it inside to the Fair Grounds. They work on songs in music and their costumes in art and they perform a show their too. Then that night they have an concert at a local park, but this year they opted to have it at Miami East since they are such a big supporter of the Banana Slug Fest. Again it was forced indoors due to weather. Last year we were unable to attend the evening festival, so Gretchen was excited we could this year. So you go and basically each class from K - 5 grade perform an song. They are basically the Go Green Festival. Gretchen is pictured in her costume and loved performing her stream song for us about what you put in the water goes downstream and hurts the fish. Thinking one of her summer projects is going to be helping us start our recycling back up. I will be honest I would recycle and did when we lived in town, but out her it would double our monthly trash cost to recycle, but my personal Go Green cheerleader, aka Gretchen, doesn't understand why we don't just pay the extra to save our environment. So I just found out recently that we can transport to our local recycling area for FREE, so I think that will be a good Frock Girls Summer Program along with helping in our first ever Frock Garden. I could probably use all the help I can get since I am not Mrs. Greenthumb. Stay tuned to see how our recycling/gardening adventure goes.

Happy Mother's Day

So my girls were very excited this year leading up to Mom's Day, which made me very excited too! So my day started with breakfast in bed, Jason had to hold them off to 8:30 am and they brought me a blueberry waffle, syrup and juice. Had to laugh because Gretchen asked me earlier in the week if the blueberry was my favorite and I said yes, just thought she was chit chatting, sneaky little girl! Then we got ready for church, went to lunch and I wanted to go get flowers for my pots to plant and my hanging baskets and since it was Mother's Day, that is what we did! Back home they cooked me dinner, including salad, kabobs on the grill, potatoes on the grill and corn on the cob. Dessert was Jason's award winning cheesecake (and I am not lying check out the Viking Fest blog). Delaney presented me with her gift she made in preschool and they wrapped it too. It was a card that was a flower on the front, their handprints and a poem on the inside. Gretchen is quite the sneaky girl because she had taken hers out of her bookbag and hid it to give to me today. Hers was a beautiful bouquet of flowers she had colored and cut and placed in an basket on a picture. They are both very good little artists, so very beautiful, they are still on my mantle. And then they presented me with the beautiful flowers you see in the picture and something that shocked me an digital keychain since I am getting so tech advanced they say plus I love pictures of my babies. Haven't quite had time to work on it, but looking forward to it. It was overall a beautiful day spent with my wonderful family - I love each and every one of you and thanks for making this the best Mother's Day!!

Road Rally and Team Queen

Okay - sorry it has been a while, but I am going to work on getting caught up because it has been a busy month of May! So let's get started with the Road Rally.
So it started when we got our annual Strawberry Festival Events catalog in our local paper and I saw Road Adventure and it did not tell you much, but I knew I could get some fun gals together to have some fun! So I gathered my gals, Missy, Erica and Buffy and we were so excited!! Missy our "Craft Queen" made us Team Shirts with the name Team Queen on the front and a Strawberry and our intial on the back with Bling everywhere because Queens' need Bling!! Just ask my Princess' in training, lol. The day arrived and we had no idea what to expect so we met at my house got our pic taken (thanks Jason) and off for some brain food aka lunch and to the Road Rally/Poker Run. So you start and have 15 minutes to follow the clues to your next location and answer trivia along the way. First stop a local watering hole to shoot some 3 ball - ugh we knew our husbands would have came in handy or just if we would listen to them tell us how to play pool, but after many shots we got our second location clues and trivia, which took us to no other than the driving range - ugh they could have came in helpful again, Rats!!! Third place was a committee members house and we played hillbilly golf and could handle that. Then it was off to our fourth location and it was a spa, whew we got this under control, plus it was a luck of the draw challenge, but we won it- whew!! Another team told us that was not surprising we did best at the spa since it looked like we spent a lot of time there, we will take that as a compliment, they must have been bitter about the Queens' beauty and that we took Third Place - Go Team Queen!! We have decided we could do better next year and that we might take our hubbies along too or maybe we will challenge them to a Road Rally - stay tuned for our decision.

Happy Haircut

So tonight the girls were going to get haircuts when Gretchen said "can I get my hair cut short?" I said "I don't care, how short?" and she shows me. I at that point I warn her it will be to short to pull up and her response is that "it will be fine because it will be cooler for summer and I won't have to pull it up. And if I don't like it, no big deal it will grow back." Wish I was that daring sometimes. And she was so excited to go to school on Monday to show her teacher because Mrs. Simmons had never got to say Happy Haircut to her before since she usually only got it trimmed. Well I have to say I think she looks adorable and we both LOVE IT!!

Wonderful Garage Cleaning Weekend!!

So here is the story we moved in last year in Aug. to this house and we just kept moving things around in the garage to do what we needed to do, crazy I know, but that is what we did, for instance stack stuff so we can get the van in during the winter and it was still an obstacle course, but no scraping snow and ice. So we keep saying we are going to have to clean the garage right, but nothing. So Jason's brother, Jeff, has a daughter Staci who is graduating at the end of the month and I suggested they needed to have an party for her and even said have it at our house, no biggie, which it isn't except I really needed to have the garage cleaned in case of rain people could be in the garage. And weekends have been busy with softball, gynastics, Girl Scout field trips, b-day parties, Pampered Chef shows, you name it, so alas this past weekend we only had 2 things on the agenda softball practice, which is early on Saturday, great I can get started when we get back and church. Well obviously weather helped because no softball, long story short we ended up having 1 gynastics class, but again no biggie. So Saturday morning Jason went to help our cousin, John pick up an purchase in IN. So I took the girls to class, fed them lunch and I was on an agenda - garage! Jason came home shocked at what I was doing and how much I got done. Well we finished after church on Sunday and it looks GREAT!! We have a few boxes to still go through and a couple of stacks that can be placed in the attic and I have a pile of garage sale boxes that we are just going to have to work around until after the sale in June. But alas the garage is complete, the yard got mowed, the flower beds got weeded and we even played some ball as Gretchen puts it for an "family activity" this weekend and we only ate out right after church, which means I cooked meals in there too - can you tell I am quite impressed with myself? And now I won't have to complain about my garage anymore either, well until someone decides to mess with my clean system, lol.

Vera Bradley Outlet Sale

Well it all started at around 4 am on Wed. morning this week I got up to get ready to go to my First Vera Bradley Outlet Sale. Funny thing about this is I just got my first Vera Bradley purse when I won it at an Hospice Bingo Event back in the winter, but I LOVE that purse! It is the Cargo Sling and it holds Tons of stuff! So of course I was in when I found out the sale was in Ft. Wayne, fairly close, couple hour drive. I wanted an Backpack (great for family trips), Hipster (good for Black Friday shopping), some sort of summery purse and an large bag (I know like I need another large bag), plus some accessories. So I get my shower and head to pick up my cohort for the day Missy. Side bar, we do have wonderful husbands, they both got the kids off to school so we could be there at 8 am when it opened. Our Double D troubles, Delaney and Daniel, did not have school so John, being the dear that he is, said he would hang with Double Trouble. With all that out of the way we were on our way, felt a little like Black Friday except a lot warmer and we had not been, so we did not know what to expect. Tried to register online, no luck, so we did register on site, no biggie, except we could have saved $10! Then they told us to head upstairs, but wait isn't that the line to get in? Well yes maam, but the End of the line is up the stairs and around the bend. So up the stairs and around the bend to the end we went. They pass out fliers letting you know where the goods would be, for example, Backpacks will be in 600 Blue Area and the price. Well the doors opened, by the time we got in it was closer to 8:30, told you it was a long line, but we were in. So we are systematic type of girls, lets start here right? Then we see many women with their VERY LARGE bag they give you at the door filled, maybe two bags filled and was already on the designated side lines sorting what they wanted. So that is how they do it, divide and conquer, to the designated area, grab one of every color, sort and discard. Then we notice people going through piles of Vera Bradley on the floor in boxes, in linen carts, what is it you ask? That is discard piles, I have never seen such piles of Vera Bradley in my life, let alone on the floor. So basically we were being to timid, funny if you know us and Black Friday, we pride ourselves in getting the goods. Well, needless to say we did get into the zone and know what to do next time. So we started going to the areas that we really wanted taking what we might want and sort later, like the pros. So we made it through the entire "store" waited for someone to move so we could sit down to sort. And we did discard and then started stalking the discard carts, boxes, etc. And yeah, here came on a discard cart what we wanted. And us not being to proud, was like isn't that what we are looking for and with one swoop of Missy's hand she had them both - victorious!! Wahooooo!!!! So we decided to go back to the table to find another one. They are starting to restock the discards we discover and someone was standing there debating, "what do you think" and with one more swoop it was ours!! They were in complete shock, snooze you loose ladies. Hey, this is our first trip and we get it, you must be a little slow on the uptake their sisters! Well, needless to say we were feeling good, got what we came for and decided it was time to leave the building, well at least the shopping part. You checked out in another location. So off to the checkout location, well we thought we had conquered, not quite yet, there was a snake style line that wrapped around like nothing you have ever seen, think of a ride at an amusement park concept. And let me tell you we looked like Girl Scouts in this area, we could still carry our one, not completely full bag. There was women draped in large bags, necks, arms, pulling 2 large bags, pushing a box and discarding at the checkout because your limit is $2500 in purchases. Now I know we broke our husbands budgets, but OMG! So you finally get to the front of the line and they tell you to move to the lets say purple or orange area because they have the shortest line, which still is several people out and they have 4 registers going in each colored section. After much delay we have our purchases in hand and head to the car. We have only had one potty break and no food, so lunch is next. We felt pretty good as we sat down, except we were starving! Jason calls to check in and is impressed they have not got a call for bail money, but did remind us it would take a while to get there, lol. We thought of our friend Erica, because last Black Friday we went shopping all together and we were quite victorious and thought if we go again and she is not frolicking at the beach, lol, we could have a game plan and be one of those on the sidelines immediately sorting our goods. I don't know if we would go as far as the headsets we saw, honest to goodness, headsets, "I am in Blue 200 and got it, where are you?" Then we had the poor little old ladies pushing their walkers around and mom's with brand spanking new babies, I would be afraid they would get smashed or something horrific. I guess like the one lady from N. Carolina said "Guess this is what you get when you put women in their natural habitat." And then going to checkout we here - I hope we still have enough for our air fare back home. - what???? Are you serious???? So we did make a deal, no kids, unless my daughters are old enough to go and pay for their own goods and no worrying in our case if we have enough gas money to get back home! Crazy is the one word to sum it all up, but Fun is the second word. We wish we would have pics, but who has time for that when they are shopping!!

First Official Sleepover Party

Here is my cute little Gretchen heading off to her first official sleepover birthday party. She was not sure initially if she wanted to spend the night, but after she found out a couple of her Girl Scout friends were going and spending the night, she decided to try it. She had a blast, they had pizza, ice cream, an bonfire with marshmallows, playing outside on the swing set and trampoline, not going to sleep until 2 am and getting up at 6am(really shocking considering she was up at 7 am to get ready for softball practice, softball pictures, Girl Scout field trip before even going to the party) pancakes for breakfast. It was an success!! It was so out of my comfort zone since I had not really met this family, but we all survived, mainly mom. Of course, that was not without many talks before I let her go, Jason swears he is surprised she even wanted to go after I kept having talks with her, well had to have all the bases covered you know. Needless to say after another b-day party yesterday too, she was so ready for bed Sunday night and slept very well! Zzzzzzz . . . .

GNO

Girls Night Out was this past Friday and we had a blast!! I met Lori and Debbie at Lori's house, after Debbie and me found it again, lol. And that sad part is we both have GPS systems, helps to have them hooked up though. So here we are on her street calling her from our phones because we both walked out with address, again doesn't help without an number, but we both figured of all houses hers we could find because it was probably painted black and gold for Pittsburgh colors. No such luck for us. Then we met our friend Tiffany closer to her house and off we went to see Tim Hawkins a comedian in Beavecreek (I know it is supposed to be Beavercreek, but the tickets were printed wrong so we thought that was funny before we even walked in the door). He was a hoot. And it was so funny because some of the things we discussed on the way down that we were laughing about he was talking about and that made us laugh even harder. Needless to say our face, head and stomachs all hurt we laughed so hard! Well we decided that since none of us had time for dinner we would go to dinner at O'Charley's, yummy!! So more laughs were shared by all. Needless to say we all had a great night and can't wait to get together again and we even have others wanting to join us next time because we are some fun ladies!

And the Winner is . . .

So my girls love to color and enter the coloring contests. Gretchen has won some of them before and now following in her footsteps is little Laney Bug. We got a call last night from Frisch's Big Boy saying we needed to bring Delaney in to claim her coloring contest prize. So today Delaney and me ran some errands and she could not wait until we could go claim her prize. Well, she one 1st prize for her coloring for the 4 and under group and got the cute little stuffed animal she is holding and an gift card, so she will be taking us to dinner or lunch soon, lol. Then she could not wait to tell Gretchen, although she was a little disenchanted that Gretchen did not win too. Then Gretchen told her that it was so good that Delaney totally deserved to win. See they can be sweet.

Innocence of a Child

Just had to share. Gretchen gets off the bus today and says "Look, how pretty" and to be honest I am thinking it is cool, wet and not really springlike so what exactly is she pointing at. Then she said come here mom, look at this clover in the grass with the rain on it, the rain sitting on it makes it so pretty doesn't it? And I have to agree it was very green and somewhat glistening. Of course, typically I would just look at the clover and think, ugh, we need to get that out of the yard and if I was feeling positive would say at least it is green. We should all be able to find beauty in such simple things. Go find the beauty in the simple things! What will you find?

Lunch Date

One of our "lunch dates" at McDonalds.

I started a tradition with Delaney this year with preschool that usually 1 day after I pick her up from preschool we enjoy an lunch date together, just the two of us. Usually it is McDonald's or sometimes she will throw in a Taco Bell. On occasion she will ask for us to call Dad, but I have before and she said "it is supposed to be just us 2." Now sometimes Missy, my cousin and me don't want our no kids day date to end so we will pick Delaney up and take her to lunch, which Delaney does enjoy because she has Aunt Mimi all to herself, none of those other 4 interrupting her and taking time away from her Princess self, hiliarious! This is just a cool little thing Delaney and me do since I had time with Gretchen alone before Delaney blessed our lives. And yes I still do have "dates" with Gretchen, but usually they are something more like Girl Scout activity without the rest of the troop we decide to participate in or a lunch or some shopping. Jason does the same, remember skating with Gretchen, but alot of times it is something as easy as running an errand with dad. I really enjoy my one on one time with my girls as much as they do.

Easter!!

Striking a pose in her new sunglasses - styling!

What do I get into first??

The girls were very excited about Easter and even said it was better than Christmas, which I am sure will change when Christmas is closer, but for now Easter is their favorite holiday. They said they get their baskets and to hunt eggs! Well we got up and had to see what that Easter Bunny left and they were very happy with their baskets. New kites, chalk, bubbles, jump ropes were some of the highlights and of course some candy!! Then it was time to hunt eggs, which I have to laugh because Gretchen is all about finding them as quickly as possible while Delaney is more like I get how many and is slow, but sure, no biggie I am guaranteed how many is more the attitude? Hillarious how different they are.

We then went to church in our dressed up attire, which I have to say is something special in itself since our church is very casual and friendly - don't have a church or looking you should give it a try!

Then we went to Easter with my parents. We ate and the kids, including Travis' and his fiances' 3 kids, which happen to be stair steps with my kids, Gretchen will be 8, Kylee just turned 7, Ashlyn will be 6 this month and then Costas and Delaney will be 5 in October like a week apart. So for this it was color coated and you each had 6 eggs. Gretchen did not want any help and was like "That is not your egg put it down" if anyone touched her blue eggs, even if they were just trying to help. And Delaney is just ho hum walking around no big hurry looking for her purple or pink eggs(can't remember what was her color). And then they checked out their goods and played, until the play time had to end because everyone needed to get to bed for back to school on Monday!

Whew I do sometimes wish Spring Break would be the week after Easter or at least that Monday because it is a little crazy getting off the sugar high and Sprink Break/Easter high to go back to school, but we made it and getting back into routine.

Munch & Hunt

Delaney getting her face painted.

We had to get them not on the move!

Saturday was the annual Munch & Hunt at our church. Gretchen got a surprise because her friend Delaney she met in preschool I had arranged to meet us there, neat side bar is that Laura (her mom) and me graduated together. Gretchen, Delaney and my Delaney had a lot of fun hunting eggs, playing in the jumpies, playing corn hole, frog bog, ring toss, getting their face painted, decorating cookies (my station) and just spending time together. We then came home for them to play at the house some more and they can't wait until the next play date or the next Munch & Hunt.

Then we went to Easter at Jason's mom's house. Everyone was there and we had a delicious meal with some great conversation, some internet searching, some Wii playing, some mower fixing all with a little heckling her and there. It just would not be a get together without it. And of course, a discussion of who has what projects going so they boys all know who can help who with which project in between their other committments, softball and fire duty are the biggies right now. I mentioned if they all helped maybe I could get my projects done and said Jason had promised some by Thanksgiving and we are at Easter of course the logical question was did he specify which Thanksgiving ? Aren't you all cards? Ugh they are all alike and brothers, there is no hope! LOL

Good Friday

Of course for the kids it is all about fun, coloring eggs, waiting for the Easter Bunny and this year waiting for the Hannah Montana movie to be released, but don't forget the somber truth is that many, many years ago Jesus waited for his followers/friends to turn against him and hang him on that cross on that mountain so that we could be forgiven for our sinful ways. We are here today because of this somber truth. I remember a few years ago watching The Passion of the Christ and weeping because that is unconditional love at its best. Haven't had the opportunity to watch, please do, you will be humbled beyond belief. I again had the opportunity this Good Friday to have an wonderful rememberance service at church to make me remember what this week is all about. Please have a great Easter, but also remember the ultimate gift that was given to each and every one of us so many years ago.

Spring Break Frock Style!

Waiting for Shiloh & Sushi (otters) to get fed. Aren't they cute?


Reading up on the birds I just saw.

The one and only time my mom wants to see me in "jail."

Well at times this week it sure didn't feel like Spring Break, more like Winter Break, but it did get better, thank goodness. We had appointments during each of the days, but Friday. Eye doctor, dentist, hair appointments and family pictures, but we also had fun in between.

Monday we had lunch after the eye doc and did some errands and then Gretchen got to go play with her friend Alyssa B. and spend the night (big time for Gretchen) since she has not done this before, but we have known them since preschool and she felt confident she could do it. Plus we all have those bedtime things we only trust with our true friends, you know that kind that won't rat us out, that is Alyssa. She is the kindest most caring child I have ever met. All well there. Then to dentist on Tues., which took forever, but another great report - wahoo! Then Gretchen got to hang with one of her Brownie buddies, Savannah, as us adults enjoyed an candle party. Wed. we had an extra special treat Dad was off of work and we got hair cuts, lunch and Boonshoft. I think Jason and me enjoyed the Strange Matter exhibit (new one) as much as the kids, probably explains no pics because of us playing too! LOL

Thursday they had to appease me by getting pictures done. We just went to Walmart, but this was one of the best experiences ever and great pics too! Then we went broke getting Softball gear - ugh!

Then it was the moment they had been waiting for on Friday - Hannanh Montana movie was opening!! We got tics on Thursday because we figured it would be crazy! Which it was! But we got to be one of the first to see the movie, which I have to admit was pretty good! We took this FUN with Travis (my brother), Tiffany (his fiance) and kids, Kylee, Ashlynn and Costas

Now it is off to color eggs, Parents Night Out at the Community Center, Good Friday service, Munch and Hunt tomorrow at church and our Easter festivites the remainder of the weekend, whew!

Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday started as a beautiful day outside. We were greeters at church and the girls went to Sunday School, which they love! They go in and recite their verse, learn a new one and do activities around that verse. They also earn Bible Bucks based on this ability and bringing their Bible each week, which they get to go shopping at our "store" at church. Today was extra special because Gretchen was performing, which always makes me so proud of her. They performed (sing and hand motions) to 2 songs with the adult choir. She loves any signing/motions, but it was an extra special treat for me because they performed one of my favorite songs, How Great is Our God, which has become one of my children's favorites. I love the fact that they don't want to miss church or class and want to share their love of our Savior.

Now my soapbox moment. It especially means a lot to me because I did not have a strong relationship with Our God as a child. Jason on the other hand did have this. So we decided when I was pregnant with Gretchen we wanted something more for us and for our beatiful baby. So we started looking at churches and nothing fit both of us, either one liked it and the other didn't or something. And we had visited Troy Church of the Nazerene with our cousins, the Tuckers' to watch their handsome sons perform and it was good and all, but for some reason never thought about attending their on a normal basis, maybe part of it was that we didn't want them to feel like we were invading on their church, which is so crazy, but who knows. Then about 3 years ago several things had happened in my side of the families lives in particular that made me seek something more and this is when Missy called in the big man's helper, Pastor Sam. He was so great to talk with and we started attending more regularly and I was able to attend some women's events and loved it all! Gretchen was enjoying learning and it all clicked. Delaney was just a little over an year old. So we had finally found a home. And I am just truly amazed at how much my life has changed in those few years. God is a normal topic at our house, prayer is a regular happening for all of us, I feel so blessed! I am not saying I don't get discouraged, angry, all of these things, but it is still different now. Pastor Jeff is now our pastor and he is different than Pastor Sam and of course, Pastor Sam will always hold a special place in my heart because he helped with our finding an church home. The Tuckers no longer attend this church either because they needed to find something that fit them now, but again I will always be thankful for them too as they were also a big part in our finding an home. I truly believe that Missy, John and her family was brought back her to Ohio after all those years in Arizona because God had a plan for them, which included Jason and me and our girls. As I blog this I have tears stream down my face because I love them all so and I am so thankful for each and everyone of them and right now because I miss them too as they are visiting Arizona. And just know that I thank God for each of you!

Bike Riding 101

Yeah, beautiful weather this weekend, well at least until Sunday night and Gretchen took advantage of it to learn to ride her bike without training wheels! She did great, still feels more confident on the grass and going downhill to get herself going, but she is doing it! Before long she will be going down our road. Where is my baby going? I want her to be a strong, independent young woman as she grows up, but it just means my baby is no longer a baby. Then you get all setimental knowing not to long ago she couldn't even peddle her little bike because she couldn't reach the peddles - big SIGH inserted here!

Twilight

Okay, I finally got to watch the movie Friday - loved it!! The chemistry was amazing between those characters and now I can't wait until New Moon is released! It promises to be even better! I read the books last summer. Well here was the deal my cousin Missy, said do you want something to read when you go on vacation (Myrtle Beach) and I said sure, so she bust out the first 3 books, the fourth, Breaking Dawn had not been released yet. They were huge, but I do love to read as she does and said trust me you will love these. So actually I believe I ended up reading one book before we left and then could not wait to start the New Moon and was totally upset that my family would not just let me lie on the beach and read - look mom, look - ugh!! So one night I took my book and laundry downstairs and the washer/dryer was very busy and very slow so I ended up reading a great portion of it and was enjoying life again. I did love these books and could not wait until the Breaking Dawn was released and was out purchasing my own copy that day - who could wait so we could all share, although it only took a couple of days and we were all done because we could not put it down. Then the movie release, unfortunately did not get to go to the theatre, but I finally rented it and loved it. Jason even watched it with me and said he would be intrigued enough to watch the next one. Of course he wanted me to tell him what happens next and I told him to read and he opted to just wait until the next movie comes out in Nov. of this year - wahooo!! Probably good if I want some of the house projects done that was supposed to be done months ago so he could now be focusing on outside projects. He is slow, but sure!

The week in a nutshell!

Well, Sunday ended with Gretchen and her daddy going to a school roller skating party. Daddy/daughter date type of thing. Well to be honest Jason and me went roller skating last year to celebrate a b-day of a friend, it was an 80's flashback and it was not as much fun as I remember skating, don't skate like I used to, LOL. So honestly I decided to let them date night it and Delaney and me stayed home, played games, ate popcorn and had our own date night. It was hard in one sense not to be there for the first time she skated and Jason refused to take the camera :( Sorry no pics! But I guess Gretchen just went for it and was a good skater I hear, even from other moms. She had a blast and can't wait to go again. And I guess most of the parents just sit and watch, so way to go Jason for participating! I had to laugh though she said her butt hurt and she fell on it at least 12 times. Persistance was the lesson learned today I guess!

Monday was a pretty productive day, but nothing really exciting!

Tuesday I enjoyed a breakfast date with my friend Kelly. This is how I enjoy my couple hours kid free on Tuesday and Thursday, coffee, breakfast or shopping dates. Sometimes it is just grocery shopping, but so much easier minus happy helpers. What will I do when summer gets here - ugh! And Jason took off for Colorado Springs for work. And me giving in to join Facebook - let this be your warning, blogging and Facebook should have help groups because they become an addiction! Just ask!

Wednesday helped my adorable cousin with a last minute download for an MP3 player for their sunny funny trip to AZ - funny me helping with tech. gadgets - HA! Then dinner, usually me and the girls will go to dinner one night when Daddy is gone to break things up a bit since they miss him so! And off to church for Gretchen to practice for Palm Sunday, which meant I ended up teaching a class for lack of teachers and lots of little children, so much for downtime! Then so much for watching Twilight tonight - ugh again!

Thursday I finished some Easter shopping while the little ones were at school, should probably get that out of my car now that I think about it. And Delaney had a friend from preschool come over at school for her first school playdate. Both girls were VERY EXCITED!!!!! Can't stress that enough. So off to McDonald's for lunch and let me tell you with this 2 cuties it is going to be a long month of April because they said they are going to be pulling tricks all of April for April Fools - crazy girls! They had a great day and got to play, play, and play some more! Off to dinner, got an invite from my dad - wahoo, another night of not cooking. And then a slumber party in my bed since it was storming I gave in. They fell asleep and I watched the final ER. What were your thoughts? I thought it was very emotional, looking back and even the final show, with that dear old man and his love of his life for 72 years - don't you want to be loved like that?

Friday today still a dreary, rainy, windy day, but Jason will be home!!! Hopefully his trip back will be better than going. The girls are super excited because Dad is coming home and today is Gretchen's last day before Spring Break!!! Wahoooo!!! So we will be doing fun things next week and some appts., dental, hair, pictures. Told them they had to do those things in order to do fun. Us mom's have to work our angle, right? Tomorrow Gretchen is supposed to be starting softball practice, but waiting to see because of weather and her gymnastics. Time will tell. Maybe I will finally get to watch Twilight after I do some things, thank goodness I only rented it at Redbox for $1.07 per day.

Spring Break here we come!!

Beauty & The Beast

Today we had the

opportunity to watch an production of Beauty and The Beast. It was presented at our church by members of the homeschool co-op, which a lot of our friends from church belong to, which means their children were in the play. The girls were so excited. Gretchen has seen the production at Miami East a couple of years ago and LaComedia, but Delaney had never been to anything like this before. So we decided to go and invite Grandma to join us. There was an tea party before the production which included a beautiful box from Mrs. Potts, which included an cupcake, candy, rose shaped sucker, bubbles and an autograph book. They also served them punch in a glass that they got to keep. Roses were on everything - attention to detail was amazing!! Then Gaston, Lefu, Cogsworth, Lumiere, Babette, Wardrobe, Mrs. Potts, and of course The Beast/Prince & Belle came in to greet us, sign autographs and invited us "To Be Their Guest" at the Show. And then on to the show, which I am always amazed to watch students perform because they are so wonderful and young and obviously dedicated for all the hard work they do. The show was wonderful and all had a great time "Being their Guest."

Cousin Fun!

So Missy(my cousin) and me (we are the Hot Mommas in those Sexy Glasses) knew the kids would be off of school today and since they are leaving for Spring Break in AZ thought this would be a good time to have some cousin fun! You have to understand we didn't grow up together and we love being together and so do our kids, none of "OMG do we have to go there?" I think we get as excited as the kids do to be honest. So we all pile in one car and off for lunch, Frisch's today since we still had some Valentines' coupons, which means kids eat FREE! $10 is the cost for my meal with tip. Then off to see Monsters Vs. Aliens in 3D, which side bar here is they totally screw you with that extra pricing because of those glasses and being special technology it cost me $31.50 to just get in for 3 of us and mind you this is matinee pricing. Then it is off to the snack bar for our FREE Popcorn, I guess since we have the frequent buyer card we earned a FREE popcorn and of course had to have something to drink, we shared to cut costs on this too. So I got away with $5 there and that is because we are both candy smugglers - candy jail here we come (see earlier movie post). So basically $46.50 later we are at the movie, but the experience and fun we have all together is Priceless! Of course, we both laugh afterwards because we compared notes and noted they showed all these other cool upcoming 3D movies to bait us now or so we can save up and that we both checked during the movie to make sure there is a difference with these glasses, yes we are eerily alike. But all of us love going to movies and even better all together. Our goodie bags filled today with a variety of candy and popcorn. Should have taken a pic of what we do, ziploc bag with your name on it and then we bust out all the candy and ask who wants what and we place some in each person that wants that particular type of candy, but hey it beats passing constantly and asking do you want this? So then we all head back to the house and the kids play outside and we talk some more, while they play. There never seems like enough time to talk about everything with each other and there is never enough time to spend together, as it winds down and they are starting to pack up, of course, this takes a while with 5 kids and 2 adults all having to get in their hugs, kisses and I love you, I start to feel sad already because our day of fun is about to end and I know they will be on their trip next week this time, but I already miss them! Thanks for another priceless memory!

Shake Your Thing!

So for my Brownie troop to earn their Dancerize badge we decided to pick them up from school bring them back to my house and dance, dance, dance! It was so funny they danced, played freeze dance and decided they needed a little break. We put in the Hannah Montana DVD so they could dance and watch, whatever they felt like as we fixed their pizza for dinner. So we danced some more and had pizza. After that they danced some more, played some more freeze dance and was really getting tired, so alas the Dancing with The Stars segment. Alot of them loved the show and we tried to show some good dances, not so good dances and talked about body image some ( I am amazed & sad how 1st & 2nd graders are already so concerned with this, which is why I think that Dove Foundation is so important) and how the same dance can look so different because of the interpretation of the dance from the dancer and their choice of music can influence this. Of course we did not watch the complete thing (some of those outfits are a little much, plus I sometimes think they are to distract from bad dancing), but they loved seeing and guessing scores too. Then it was time for parents to pick up. All and all they had a great time and we had a great time with them. Of course, Gretchen had already asked me before all her friends came over to "Please don't dance mom, you might embarass me" and I have to respect that, because if you have seen me dance anything other than slow I should probably be embarassed too!

Preschool at the Pizza Place

Just as the title states I had the opportunity to visit the local Fletcher Pizza Parlor right around the corner from Delaney's preschool on Thursday of this week. I had to laugh though Delaney didn't think it should be considered a field trip because we could walk there. And loudy announced "I can't believe we have to walk" the whole block I thought, crazy kid. They let each of them make their own pizza, of course the hardest part was waiting for your yummy creation to be baked to try it. Thank goodness we have very smart teachers that brought plenty of paper and crayons so the anxious little ones could create art as they waited for the delicious pizza to be baked. It was YUMMY!! And only had to dodge a couple spring rain drops.

Spring Has Sprung!!

Isn't this picture beautiful? We have 2 trees that are starting to bloom and other flowers starting to pop up. It is so great to only have to wear an spring coat or maybe not one at all and beautiful walks. Hope you are taking time to smell the flowers and watch the blooms at this most beautiful time of year.

Movie Time!!

So my weekend consisted of lots of fun!! First, they were having another Family Movie Night at the elementary school and I told Gretchen she could have a friend come with us. So after school off to pick up her friend, fix pizza and off to the movie, which was Kit Kitridge The American Girl Movie, but don't let the title fool you it is actually a really good movie about the Great Depression that I think everyone can relate to especially in todays turbulent economy. So the pic is my 2 girls and Gretchen's friend. Jason opted out of this to let us have a little GNO (Girls Night Out) for you non -Hannah Montana fans. I laugh because he even used the term GNO - he is a man with little girls and who has had the priviledge of getting his ear drums rattled as he enjoyed the Jonas Brothers/Hannah Montana concert - what you don't do to make your kids happy! So I digress! Then her friend spent the night. Then it was up early because Gretchen has been taking these Saturday enrichment classes because of some high test scores, so I took this time to get some retail therapy in and then Gretchen and me had our lunch date - lots of fun and then some more retail therapy. Which I have to say is always fun with Gretchen because she likes fashion and is brutally honest with you about clothes and how they look on you - not for the faint of heart I have to tell you! And then came home to do some things before off to the local volunteer Fire Dept. fish/chicken fry - yummy! But the best part was that I then got to go with my good friend, who happens to be my cousin, for a movie date. Long story short, Christmas present was a movie date for just the 2 of us because we like to take our children, but we never get to just go. So off to see a movie that had just been released, Duplicity. I was just excited to go see something that just came out and it wasn't kid related - sad I know! Have to be honest, not what I thought it would be and go in knowing you are going to have to think and I am the type that goes to have fun and not think at a movie, but I had great company (minus those stalkers -ha, ha) and great snacks - I love movie theatre popcorn and a coke!! And of course, the candy smugglers we are, Swedish Fish. Which I will digress again, funny story though. Over Christmas Break Jason and me took the girls to a movie, as promised, and we usually will let them get a drink and popcorn, which by the time you pay to get in, even to a afternoon showing is expensive, so I stock up on the candy beforehand. Well this day I was blessed enough to sit next to some freak that found it necessary to tell me, not to my face mind you, but under her breath ever so often that people go to jail for that - I guess smuggling candy, sorry I take my chances. Of course, she must have thought the candy police was going to come and haul me away and didn't want to be part of it because part way through the movie she got up and moved, which was fine with me because the constant "you are going to jail" was getting a little old. Okay, sorry, I digress again, but the real point is that I did have a great time with my friend, eventhough the movie was so so. And today was our last Cookie Booth - wahoooo!! Hope you had a GREAT weekend too! Busy week coming up with Pampered Chef and Girl Scouts, so until next time. . .

Beautiful Day, Park and Friends

Aren't they cute? Holding hands and all.

So after a call this morning wanting to know if we wanted to enjoy an afternoon at the park we threw caution to the wind and decided other things could wait - laundry, at least it is clean, desk - will get cleaned later and the mopping, well isn't it supposed to rain later anyway? We have been doing that all
this week I have to say, Monday errands ran into a friend and off to shop we went, but I did find Gretchen's Easter dress she wanted - whew!!, Tuesday was breakfast date with Missy, which then we end up spending the rest of the day together, because 2 hours is never enough time and then today, but sometimes you just have to enjoy life and it makes you feel good. So off to work on dinner, I think grilled chicken is on the menu tonight and then maybe we will enjoy a walk afterwards and maybe a little ice cream too -don't laugh - it balances out okay!! Enjoy the beautiful day God has given us!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

So Lucky O. Leprechaun as Gretchen told me he was named made a visit to our house, Gretchen's school and Delaney's school, plus other friends' houses. Boy that mischievous Leprechaun was sure busy! It all started at our house when we got up, I had promised Gretchen pancakes for breakfast as they are testing at school this week and what do you know, our pancakes and milk had turned green. Gretchen and Delaney both thought that was so cool, except Delaney thought the milk tasted weird. Then both off to school, Delaney after school could not wait to tell me that the Leprechaun had made a visit to preschool and was drinking the teachers water, messing up their toys and rearranging pictures, but mainly anything green! Then Gretchen could not wait until she got off the bus to tell me what happened in her class, desks turned over, chairs rearranged, cupcakes missing and the crumbs on the floor, but they were lucky the other class got locked out of their room! And then we found out at dinner time, Lucky had turned our icing for our dessert green too! And we finished the night with an book about "That Is What Leprechauns Do." They had a blast today and their excitement was contagious, they could not wait to get to school to tell their teachers about Lucky's breakfast visit and then could not wait to get home to tell me about school and then Jason at dinner and anyone else throughout the day that would listen to Lucky's antics. So here is to giving Lucky a rest for another year and we hope the Luck of the Irish was with each of you today and throughout the coming year! Happy St. Patrick's Day Friend!

Pay It Forward

I promise it will not be wrapped in Hannah Montana, this is just a b-day present I had available and an Brownie project. I got girls, this is what we have handy.

1. Be one of the first three (3) bloggers to leave a comment on this post, which then entitles you to a handmade item from me.
2. Winners, you must post this challenge on your blog, meaning that you will Pay It Forward, creating a handmade gift for the first 3 bloggers who leave a comment on YOUR post about this giveaway!
3. The gift that you send to your three friends can be from any price range and you have 365 days to make/ship your item. This means you should be willing to maintain your blog at least until you receive your gift and have shipped your gifts. And, remember: It’s the Spirit and the Thought that count!
4. When you receive your gift, please feel free to blog about it, sharing appropriate Linky Love! If you are not one of the 1st three commenter's on this post, you can still play along. Post it on your blog; start your own Pay It Forward chain, and encourage your blogging friends to do the same!

Caught Up and Looking Forward

So after not posting for 2 months I think I have got you all caught up, maybe next time I won't wait so long. Some things we are looking forward to at our house is next week wearing Green for St. Patrick's Day and seeing what those pesky lepruchans get into, another Movie Night, getting our last 2 cookie booths and completing our first offical cookie season/Brownies year complete with activities, watching Beauty and The Beast at our church, complete with an tea party, Jason going on another trip, they don't really like his trips, but it sounds like this year they might want to get used to it, but they do like the excitement of daddy coming home and usually bring them a little something, last time were New York mugs, we will see what wares we get from Colorado Spring - I am waiting on something good like Chicago, Florida, California or Hawaii, but no such luck. We are also looking forward to Spring Break, complete with Boonshoft and maybe a movie, Easter, Preschool Trip to the Pizza Parlor, Preschool Art Show, Softball starting, gymnastics being complete (Gretchen will be okay, because of softball, but Delaney will be missing it), Preschool Graduation, our niece Staci graduating and of course, Summer Vacation - wahoooo!! So I will try to stay better up to date and keep checking back!