Happy to be on Christmas Break!

We are officially on Christmas break!!! Our lights are up, most of our shopping is done and this weekend will be filled with Holiday fun- a pancake breakfast, making popcorn balls, Christmas caroling and a Holiday Party!

Last week was very full- we had an (almost) clean house, our exchange student here, Finn, Bradley & Teagen all down with the stomach flu, incredibly COLD weather and a broken hot water heater. Well, it's still very cold (I'm hoping for snow!!)the water heater has been replaced-Yeah, Brett! Yeah, John!-the house is far from clean (we're working on it tomorrow), Shunsuke has returned to Japan (he was only here for 4 days), the kids are well again (though Brett & I both caught the same YUCKY bug) and this week has been hard as a result of last week. But in the middle of everything last week, Santa came through the neighborhood to spread Christmas cheer! Finn was nervous about it - he didn't know what to expect but enjoyed it (they passed out candy canes as Santa rode by on the back of the (decorated) truck. It is such a nice tradition!



note: the absence of a front bottom tooth- Penny lost her first tooth!!







On that evening we thought the boys were all on the mend- they weren't but they are all well now!! I wish I could say the same for Brett & I. I'm almost 100% but not quite and Brett is on the mend but far from back to normal.

I know it's December but...

Here is what our Halloween looked like:
We had a princess...
two (white) knights...

& one wizard...


The kids enjoyed their costumes (though the wizard hat & the princess hat were a little bothersome as the night went on.)It was great to see them happy & for the first year in a long time Brett & I BOTH took the kids out together-we had a BLAST!!!


posing while going door to door...

Brett & I dressed up as well- he was his traditional Tigger & I was a "knight lady" mix up kind of thing. It's funny, I always get so involved in the making the kid's costumes that I always seem to forget about a costume for me. Brett is much more relaxed about it all- he has been either Tigger or Pooh Bear since we bought the costumes from The Disney Store (when Bradley was a toddler!)

sickness, walking to school without me, a pomegranate

Finn was sick the last few days- I think it's just a cold but it was intense enough for him to miss school yesterday. He is doing better but coughing all too often and his nose is like faucet that was left on... dripping...throughout the day... all day... But even with repeatedly waking up last night, he is in GREAT spirits. I am keeping him home again today ( though he will miss trick or treating at school.) This bug he's fighting is not something we want to share. I want Finn well again!

This morning Teagen & Bradley walked to school (without me!!!) We usually walk together (1/2 a mile) but I am wiped out from the last few nights. So they headed off to school- jazzed to go 'on their own.' Of course I took pictures:





They left right on time but returned 4 minutes later for a belated birthday present for Bradley's teacher (her birthday was yesterday!) Bradley remembered that he wanted to give her the present, came back for it and the boys left- running, not wanting to be late for school. It's good to see Bradley taking responsibility- I am very proud of that!! I just can't believe they walked to school on their own!!!

I love pomegranates!My Dad had a pomegranate tree in his yard when I was growing up. He would send me home with a bag of pomegranates and I would eat them (outside- cause of the mess) but I loved them!! I have to buy my pomegranates at the store now and they are alot of work to eat (and they stain) but I love them. SO, earlier this week, I bought one and this morning Penny & I ate pomegranate seeds!!




YUM!!It will be a good day.

Happy Birthday Dad.

Happy Birthday Dad! I miss you! I still can't believe that you are really gone.

Today was toooo long- Thursday's are extra busy but today had way too many surprises for my taste but in spite of it all the day was positive and everyone is well though my car is at the dealer again and I am in our third rental car this week. Boy, am I glad my car's still under warranty! This is the third time in the last 6 days that my Sienna has been at the dealer, hopefully, this time everything will get taken care of.

Here are the pics I promised you yesterday:


Bradley in the caverns.



Finn playing with his buttons at Green Tangerines.


Penny is after her first Girl Scout meeting. She had a great time!


And here's Teagen (looking dapper in his pjs.)

Update... words only

Pictures will come tomorrow- tonight it's just words!

One of my LOs was featured on yesterday's GT Blog!! It was sooo exciting to see one of my LO's there!!! I am still amazed tha I am on their team!!!

Today, Finn & I went to Green Tangerines to turn in a project and get supplies to finish another one. Pictures will come tomorrow. He loves the buttons they have there!! We have a routine- after I finish my shopping, he gets to pick out a few buttons- today he chose four green buttons to go into his button collection (amassed from past GT shopping excursions.)I also picked up a stack of $5.00 gift certificates to pass out to new & existing GT customers and I passed out a bunch already to very happy scrappers (and aspiring scrappers!)

Cub Scout Popcorn sales are finished! Yeah! Both Teagen and Bradley earned a good portion of their fees to attend twilight Camp, a King's ticket, a patch and a prize. Next year we will be starting earlier so we don't HAVE to sell last minute (which is what we did this year!)

Finn's school experience has evolved- he is now going to preschool without tears. He is smiling and peppy once we arrive, so I think (hope) that the worst of it is behind us.

Penny starts Daisy Scouts tomorrow afternoon (and she is sooo excited!) She told me tonight" I am going to raise my quiet hand at school tomorrow and tell my class that I get to start Girl Scouts today, because tomorrow it will be today that I am starting Girl Scouts" and she smiled. And so did I.

Teagen is enjoying soccer- he played with Penny's team at practice today and was inspired. He now wants to practice with both his and Penny's team!

Bradley has been doing well- school has been a little overwhelming but (he has an AMAZING teacher) and he is stepping up to the plate and he is learning to take responsibility. I think it helps that he is getting to do more fun things now: he and Brett just returned from a WeBeLo (his Cub Scout rank) ONLY camping trip at Moaning Caverns where the boys had a BLAST!

Week Number 2@ Preschool

Pictures from Day 1 and Day 2 of Preschool:

Day #1- tears, Day#2 almost but no tears & a HUGE smile at pickup. On Day #3 the world changed for Finn, his buddy, our neighbor boy from 3 doors down the street joined, the class and it became so much more enjoyable!!!

Though today (Day #4,the beginning of week#2) he said that he didn't want to go to school and I said "okay, then Sean can bring your birthday treats to school..." and Finn decided he would go today. At pick up today (we carpooled-I drove today) both boys were in high spirits! It's good.

Finn's party was BLAST and his birthday celebrations were so much fun!!! I am so glad we don't have any more birthdays for awhile. I need to get back to life as usual.

Phineas starts pre-school

Today (for 1 & 1/4 hours) I had all four of my babies in school. Phineas started preschool and although he was excited about it for days before, he was not happy when the big moment came. Brett & I were both there (pictures will be up tomorrow) and he was so upset- REAL tears streamed down his face as we walked out of the classroom. This is a first for the Smith kids!! Until today, I had always been on of those Moms whose kids ran into the classroom and waved goodbye (after a hug & a kiss.)

When I picked him up he was smiling but insisted that he did not want to go back. We went to Toys that Teach to check out the toys- Finn turns 3 on Monday!! And after some play therapy, Finn was his regular upbeat self again. We'll see how tomorrow goes.

county fair, daisy scouts, walking to school day

I thought I had been doing better but apparently not- my blogging is quite inconsistant. A routine would be helpful- hopefully, I can get into one and blog more regularly.

My recording session last week was GREAT!! Don't you just LOVE it when everything just clicks! The script was all about saving money & being using energy star appliances to help the environment and I clicked with it!! It was a fun session!!

We went to the County Fair last weekend! It was hot but we had so much fun!!! It was great to go and play all together but, boy, is it expensive! But well worth it. The kids had a blast. I will upload the photos tomorrow.

Tonight Penny & I went to a Girl Scout Meeting. She wants to be a Daisy Scout ( who wouldn't with two brothers in Boy Scouts?) So I went with to find out about it. It sounds like a fun opportunity. I signed up to be her troop leader. I think it will be an amazing experience.

Our local school is having our 2nd annual "walk to school day" tomorrow morning and I was one of the folks involved with the event (I put together the soundtrack for the event and solicited donations of money & healthy goodies for the before school celebration..) We will be leaving about fifteen minutes earlier tomorrow but we will be walking with all of our neighbors (and then some!!) It will be fun!! My description is not very clear but I bet the pictures will help explain it.

I better get some sleep.

Long Update!! School's in session, more voice work & design team!!

School started last week! It is a crazy schedule- we have been walking at least one of our trips there (it's 1/2 a mile away so I am walking one mile a day for now.) The goal is to walk at least 2 trips a day but with the heat & the timing of it all, I am building up to that.

The boys start at 8:50 and Penny starts at 11:30. It's a fast turn around time but if we drive to Kindergarten drop off, there's a possibility of Finn getting a nap. Finn does NOT want to nap anymore & by dinner time he is soooo tired that he is literally falling asleep in his food. Finn wants to walk most of the way to school so I have been leaving the stroller at home & we all walk. With the heat I have learned that we need a ice cold water or it is just tooo far of a walk! It's all coming together!

The kids are all doing GREAT in their classes-
Penny is sooo LOVING Kindergarten! She is constantly sharing about her teacher & her class and what she is learning! And she is totally into "getting ready for school" from her outfit to her hair. She knows what she wants and she does it!! Lately she has been wearing pigtails but they have to be even hight when she looks into the mirror. We bought a big bag of scrunchies at the store last week and Penny's been having fun matching them & putting up her own hair (and her Barbies' hair too.) I am grateful that she is taking the initiative!
Teagen has been having a great time as well. On the first day, he was chosen as star helper by his teacher. And when she saw me on campus that afternoon, she walked up to me and said "I just had to let you know, I LOVE your son! He is such a joy." This is the second year I've heard that from Teagen's teacher on the first day of school! This is a pattern I don't mind repeating! When I asked him what he does to make these teachers love him so much, he blushed and said "I don't know, Mom." He is enjoying himself- playing soccer at recess & sometimes tetherball but he told me after the frist day of school: "I'm not drinking enough water, Mom. It's really hot I need to drink more water." So in his backpack , he now has his own bottle of iced water with his initials on it.
Bradley has made the transition to 4th grade sooo well! He didn't have many friends in his class this year but he is in high spirits each day. His teacher has the whole class how to organize their work in a (labeled) binder which really seems to help Bradley! I wish I was more organized- I know it would help all of us but organization just doesn't come naturally to me. Bradley has taken responsibility to do his homework with out being told to and it's being done in the neatest penmenship I have ever seen him use! This year Bradley's not in soccer- Teagen & Penny are- and I am trying to work with Brad doing some sensory work (I call it OT) each day. It's a good habit. So far he has made huge strides forward from last year... I am cautiously optimistic!!
With all the busy-ness of school, I have had NO time to drum up voice work but on Friday, I received a call from a client that thay want me to record two spots (Monday afternoon!) YEAH!!! Talk about validation that I am doing just what I need to be doing- once again, I am cautiously optimistic... actually I am hugely optimistic! It will be fun to record again!

And, last but not least, I have been chosen to be on a design team!!! Green Tangerines, my LSS (Local Scrapbook Store) had a contest to decide on their design team and I was one of the designers chosen!!! Yeah! We have our first meeting next Tuesday evening- I can hardly wait!!

Photo with Sammy & Nichole

Our Cousins are so much fun!!! Here are the kids with Sammy & Nichole. This photo was taken at Elliott Park after they ran & played on their last day at our house.

I'm Sister of the Week at Sisterhood of Scrap!!!

Sisterhood of Scrap is an awesome scrapbook blog run by three talented sisters. Every week they choose one scrapper (who completes their challenge) to be the featured sister of the week. And this week it was ME!!! They also have a monthly contest which you are automatically entered in when you complete the challenges. Check it out by following the link in the blinkie.

Slide show

Contest win for kids and impromptu visit

Great news!!! Teagen & Penelope both won a $25 gift card in the art contest at Brett's work!! They were thrilled when they found out the news this afternoon. Just before bed tonight, Teagen said "Maybe Dad will bring my card home from work tomorrow night?" I said "Maybe...but I think it might take a bit longer for him to get it, more like next week, maybe." to which he replied with a BIG smile " but it might be tomorrow..." I bet he will sleep well tonight.

Last week we went on an impromptu vacation to Southern California to visit Brett's Mom, sister Lisa & her family. I spent Thursday & Friday getting everything together & we left at 4:00 on Friday. I drove to Brett's work to pick him up and he drove the rest of the journey. We ate at Panda expresshit a little traffic but the drive there was not too bad. I slept on and off once the sun went down but could not sleep the last few hours so I worked on Photoshop (Thanks again, Kristi!) I now know how to do very BASIC things in photoshop but it's a start! We arrived around 1 AM I think... Saturday was hard- due to exhaustion but we all headed to the movies to see Kung Foo Panda-and then went swimming at Lisa's it was funny though I must confess I fell asleep a few times- I was TIRED!! Essentially we hung out and swam and visited. The kids had a blast with their cousins (and Lisa's boys are such awesome young men!!) We left on Monday mid-day so we could have Tuesday to get back into the groove of being at home. Boy was that drive long!!! It felt like we were on the road for months though it was only NINE hours!! The kids (and dogs) did great!

We're back now and my Mom (and neices) are visiting for a few days- it's so nice to have them here! Spyro (the cat) was in the house while we were gone (which is good) but he proceeded to go out and get into a fight when we returned so the poor little guy is, literally, licking his wounds as I write. I am keeping him inside under close watch 'till he is back to himself again. Hopefully he will be doing better tomorrow.

more photos...

Here is my crew in our back yard, eating "the best tasting ice cream in the world since we made it ourself." Yes, that is Trixie trying to get a bite (or even lick ) of Penelope's cone.


This birdie is Tobi,



and this pretty bird is Merlin,

and here is Finn with Louise in Grandma Shirley's backyard.

Doggin It!

I don't want the other pooches to feel upstaged, so here is the rest of the pack:
Social butterflies, Fallon & Junie B,

shy Cody,

and sweet, strong Reva.

Congratulations Sara!

Why is this dog smiling?? Because she knew she was a champion even before she earned the title! Congratulations Sara (and Shirley!) Great job earning your title in Ventura (last weekend!)

I took these pictures the weekend before last when we visited Shirley (and Brett fixed her computer.) More pictures to come!

Long rambling post (two weeks worth!!)

Well, it has been far too long. I apologize for that.

This past two weeks in a nutshell- we are still at camp-though I am adjusting the schedule to wean the kids from the computer games and establish a (still fun) routine that we can still follow when school resumes (three weeks from now!!!) We have had a busy time- we have been to the drive in a few times, my mom (Nana) has visited us twice, we have driven up to visit Grandma Shirley, my step mom and Brett helped her with some computer stuff, Brett & his Dad & Kathy (Grandma & Grandpa) have taken the kids boating at Folsom twice while I stayed home & prepped for the week and enjoyed the quiet of the house.

Here is the more detailed version of this past week: A week ago, Brett (finally) sold his Spyder to a dealer in Auburn and bought a Toyota Tacoma from them at the same time. I was afraid the kids would be sad because they LOVED that little two seater but I was very wrong. They are soooo excited to have the Tacoma- It can hold Daddy plus three other people which means no more fights about who is going with Daddy- it was a very happy day indeed!!

This past Monday, I awoke to an email from a long time(commercial)V/O client informing me know that my voice has been picked to record an e-learning module! I was jazzed!!! With that news, I gave the house a quick straightening up, then Finn & I headed to LSS Green Tangerine's, I am in their Design Team contest and voting started on Monday. So, this LO was up is up on their wall.



So (here is my shameless plug!!!) if you live in the Roseville/Rocklin area, go into Green Tangerine's, buy a little something and vote for me (#7) in the DT Contest! The team will be picked by popular vote and I would LOVE to be on that team- Green Tangerine's is an amazing store! That's enough of my rallying.

After that, I picked up Brad, Teag & Pen who slept over at Grandma & Grandpa's house & we headed home for lunch. I checked my messages and confirmed via email that I did not get the sales-V/O job at the local radio station. I was bummed for a few minutes then I realized that I am exactly where I need to be. I am making money doing what I am trained in (and I can be home with my kids as well.) It's all good! We picked up Nana from the Train station & had a productive afternoon & evening.

Tuesday, I needed to record the V/O but instead had to do some last minute paperwork for Bradley's (long awaited evaluation which was that afternoon.) Finished the paperwork, called my client & confirmed I would have the recording in by Wednesday and drove to bradley's appoinment via grandma & Grandpa's to drop off Finn & Pen & Teag. The evaluation was long but we were able to get him in and now we need to decide what to do next.

Wednesday, I recorded the script & sent it in on time. It is really hard to have a quiet house with four active kids running around. I think that recordings will be much quicker when school starts and the house is quiet... We spent the day working on projects and planning.

Thursday, Nana left and I had to record a few script changes. The kids watched tv (quietly) and played on Webkinz (quietly) while I finished the session. Then we went to Chick-fil-A to get ice cream & let the kids play!!!

Friday, we spent the afternoon at the Children's Energy Center & the new library. I needed to get some books and I want the kids to get back into the swing of school. The kids were great- very well behaved, followed my instructions and didn't fight when it was time to go. I think camp has been working- they are acting like (responsible) campers even when we are not at camp. After dinner, Brett & the kids made home made ice cream while I made popcorn for movie night (the boys went to the Drive in to see Batman Returns & Finn, Pen & I watched Enchanted at home.) I LOVE Enchanted!!! It is an adorable film.

Saturday, the ice cream was ready & boy, was it yummy!! Teagen said " This is the best tasting ice cream ever 'cos we made it!" Ohh, that was music to my ears!!! Trixie got her second set of shots, brave little sweetie. And we spent the entire afternoon at the pool at Whitney High school in Rocklin. We tried to go to the aquatic Center but they were hosting a swim meet- so we checked out Whitney H.S. It was great fun- the pool was just the right size and not crowded at all- and we rented a huge innertube to play in/ride on. Pen, Teag & Brad jumped off the diving board over & over & over again! We will go there again! Afterwards, Brett & the kids went to John & Kathy's for dinner and I went to scrappy hour at Green Tangerine's. I finished 3 LOs and nearly finished 2 more. I am working on figuring out how to set up a slideshow here... hopefully soon.

Happy Monday!

Happy Monday to everyone!!! Since it's sooo late, I will keep it brief. The fourth of July was GREAT!!! Simply relaxing , family fun (and I remembered my camera for most of the festivities.) The weekend was insanely busy and today was a very low energy day for me , we didn't "camp" today but will do tomorrow as the kids LOVE it!! I think they need it as well- we all do but it is exhausting! They love the theme activity and pretending is always fun!! While Brett & I cleared out the garage this weekend, or made a metaphoric dent in it, at least, I found modeling clay and playdough! Yeah me!!! Penny & Finn LOVE playing with playdough and Bradley & Teagen love modeling clay(and really need hands on play!) We will be bringing them out tomorrow- our theme is The Arts. So it will encompass music, dance & artisic projects- it should be fun!

Art in the Family

This Layout I made won a contest!!! This was one of a handful of Layouts chosen to be framed as inspiration on the wall at The Hamburg Hideaway in Pennsylvania. We mailed it off yesterday & it will be on display at her amazing (soon to be opened) scrapbook retreat! I am tickled to have my layout chosen and proud that I took the time to enter. Yeah me!! What was extra special was that Teagen (who does not pride himself as an artist- even though he is) was inspired to create his own project after finding out that I won a contest. Brett's company is having an Safety themed art contest which he and Penny are entering.

Teagen created this stop sign.

Penny created this picture (it says "Hold Hands".)

Welcome to Camp

Here are a few pictures of our animals. Finn and Trixie, Penny & Spyro and Boyton(pre haircut.)

This week, I went to http://www.flylady.com/ for some much needed direction to reclaim my house. While there I stumbled upon Campgonnawannafly which is an inspirational way to get into good habits while having fun during the summer. So yesterday we started camp- it's so much more fun when we can play together and when we all work together we can all play together! Today we even went to the free summer movies at the local theater and saw Charlotte's Web (a good wholesome movie) and then splashed over to the water park before running to the post office and Roseville City Hall (to license Boyton). We are getting so much done and having a good time too!!

My week in review

I will try to blog more often but this has been a long long week.

In a nutshell:

Last Monday, while Grandma & Grandpa watched the kiddos, I drove to pick up my Mom(Nana). We had not seen her in far too long (plus I had a recording session on Tuesday & she offered to help with the kiddos. ) So after 2.5 hours of "me time" (as Brett says) I arrive at my destination. It was soooooooo great to see everybody (I really wanted to stay longer but, alas, I need a good night sleep to be my best in the studio.) I drove back home with Mom.

On Tuesday, we started on a list of things needing to be done around the house. My Mom is amazing, she can do anything, it seems. By the time I came home from my session, I had a garden planted in my yard, three loads of laundry folded on the table and my kids (and Mom) were all in good spirits. Why can't I get that much done in that short a time?

Wednesday we were driving Nana home after my second interview at a local radio station (for a FT advertising gig that would involve: soliciting, writing, voicing & producing local radio spots- an incredible opportunity for me!!) After the interview, we finished packing, ate dinner & started on the (oh so long) journey. The kids were soooo excited to arrive. On the farm, they have kittens- adorable cuddly friendly kittens and my kids played with those kittens for nearly an hour!!!

Thursday morning I awoke to find my kids all awake, playing with the kittens. Of course, I left the camera on the table so I have no photos but it was quite a morning. It was hot (and the air was horrid) so we had a mellow day. By that evening, my sister & her kids came home. The cousins played together until bedtime.

Friday morning, Kristin & the kids had to leave first thing but Sammy hung out with us (and played with my kids- primarily Penny and Finn.) My aunt Nancy stopped by to say Hi and we visited until it was time for us to get on the road. We drove home to find Spyro (our 11 month old kitty) and Boyton (our 10 year old dog) were missing. While I was watering the (newly planted) garden the phone rang- I missed the call but the answering machine didn't- It was animal control & they had Boyton. So, I packed the kids back into the car and drove to pick up Boyton from Doggie Jail. He (we) lucked out, we arrived before he was processed (and he was still in the Animal Control truck.) Apparently he was sitting on the corner of Juction & Cushendall (way too far away from our house.) I wonder if he was freaked out because of the poor air quality, and he was just trying to find us... But still no sign of Spyro. We arrived at home with just enough time for a snack, showers & dinner then it's off to the Boy's Cub Scout advancement. I took pictures- I'll post them later today. I am a very proud Mama- I have a WeBelo and a Wolf cub now!! Home, sleep and onto the weekend!!

Saturday morning, the air quality has claimed it's first casualty in our house-my voice is gone but Spyro has been located. He was hanging out in front of a house on Formby Court (too far away!!!) and the Mom called to let us know- that ID tag with our phone numbers on it was my best investment ever! I am very grateful that the people Spyro meets are nice enough to call. Thankfully it is the weekend. I picked up Spyro while Brett made breakfast. We worked around the house, Brett cleaned the kids room (to their avail.) and I worked on the kitchen and counters. We went to see Wall-E at the drive in on Saturday night and met the Williams' there. We had a great time though my energy was low (due to all of the running around this past week.) The movie was GREAT- the kids LOVED it!!! And it has a great ending! It was not a movie I wanted to see but I am glad that I did!

Sunday went packed lunch, towels & watershoes and headed to Folsom Lake with Grandma & Grandpa. It was the first outing with the boat this summer and it was so much fun! Finn kept saying " Grampa go fast!" and Penny kept asking "When can we swim?" and "Can we swim now?" When we finally found just the spot for swimming Teagen & Bradley took turns jumping from the boat into the water. It was so nice to see everyone having fun! By the time we docked, we were all zonked. After dinner at Grandma & Grandpa's house, Brett & I went for a drive & ended up at Trader Joe's (I love that store!!!) Penny, Teagen and Bradley had a sleep over at Grandma & Grandpa's and Finn came home with us.

My voice is still MIA and Finn is still sleeping. I have already cleaned the master bath, kitty litter box, taken out the trash, watered the garden, transferred the wash & my kettle just boiled. It's tea time! I still have to eat breakfast, go to the post office, license Boyton, clean the kitchen, fold and put away laundry and find a new novel to read. This is a good day.

School's out, Brett's sick, Penny's party & Summer's here!

Well, school is out!! Teagen is officially in 2nd grade, Bradley is in 4th grad, Penelope is in kindergarten & Finn is inching closer to Preschool!! I can't believe that all of my babies are going to be in school this year!! Here are a few photos taken from the last day- Teagen with his best buddy, Justin. Bradley & his best friend, Xander (with Pen & Finn.)

The first day of summer turned into quite a different day than we had expected- I woke up to Brett telling me he needed me to call 911, that he had just passed out. I called and they came his blood pressure was high, though by the time he arrived at the hospital it was low. I called my in laws and they arrived at the house by 7am (I think.) And I followed to the hospital, they ran a barrage of tests only to conclude that it was a virus (and there was nothing they could do to help. Though Brett already felt and looked better (having received 2 IV bags of fluids.) We brought him home and he got some sleep- Yeah! Bradley, Teagen & Penelope spent the night at grandma & Grandpa's house, so I was able to get things together for the party (I know, I'm a very lucky lady to have such awesome in-laws!)

Brett was still under the weather but he felt well enough to just hang out with us at the park. Penny's party which was great! Everything came together- the princess cupcakes were lovely, the weather was beautiful, the scavenger hunt for goodies was alot of fun!! Penelope was thrilled to play with her friends at the park (and it was soooo cute to see so many of them in costume!) Here is one of my favorite shots. Aren't their crowns sooo cute!!!

Father's Day was mellow. I made Brett's card (and Grandpa's too!) We had breakfast at Sonic, did a few recordings of the kids at home and just hung out until dinner at Grandma & Grandpa's.

This past week has been spent at with the boys at Twilight Camp (Cub Scout camp- Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday night. Bradley & Teagen had a blast doing all sorts of activites with their dens) and getting used to our summer schedule- the boys are doing school work over summer vacation since I think they need to keep their focus at school this upcoming year. My hope is that if they accomplish specific educational goals this summer, they will start off the new school year feeling 100% READY!! We'll see...

Happy Birthday Mom! I love you!! I will try the knee brace, I bet it will help.

It has been a long day. I am looking forward to my sweetie being back, we all are. Tomorrow morning- yeah!!

One fun thing about today, the kids & I played "Big Brain Academy" on the Wii- it was soooo much fun! Thanks Ell, for letting us borrow it- definately a game we will be purchasing!!! I'm not a big gamer so it is unusual for me to sit & play with the kids. I was dismal and the Wii even commented that I was "snoozing while playing", my score was 0 the first few times I played then I finally figured out what the objective was & did alright. Teagen, Bradley & Penny did great and Finn was asleep. There are some very good challenges in that game- good stuff!

Tonight, I had to do some voicework (for an e-learning client) which is why I am even awake. But it's always good to be working...

Things are coming together for Penny's party but they will come together more smoothly if I have more sleep. So, goodnight.

Pictures from last night's game!! Teagen & Bradley played hard and Pen & Finn visited me while I worked in the snack bar ( asking time and time again if they could have one treat or another- they got a ring pop, a tootsie roll and a couple of cups of crushed ice with water.) Pizza was yummy!! Spyro (our kitten) was found! He was at a neighbor's house a few blocks away- I am soooo glad I bought him that id tag!! My knee is feeling a little better-yeah! Brett is now in SoCal (watching a baseball game, right now- I think.) It's time to get this crew ready for baseball!

Winding down the school year

I can't believe Summer is nearly here!!! I think this week is probably one of the hardest of the year-Bradley & Teagen have 4 more days of school but no more homework and it's all out of the normal routine at school. It may also be my perspective- my knee has been bugging me for a few weeks now (I twisted it it is still aching!) I think a few consecutive nights of good sleep might do the trick but I don't know if that will happen anytime soon.

Tonight will be a late night due to the 2nd to the last baseball game of the season(and snack bar duty for me) then afterwards we'll be heading to pizza with Grandma & Grandpa. It's a self imposed late night, I guess, because I could choose to feed us all before the 6:00 game but I am not at all inspired to make any meals. Pizza sounds good-actually a salad bar sounds good!!!

Penny's party is set for next Saturday- the invitations have (almost) all been delivered. Now I just need to get the details out of my head and into reality. It will be based on the Disney Princess Wii game and the kids will be going on mini adventures -about five of them, I'm thinking. It's a morning party at the park & should be fun.