Adventures (for lack of a more creative title!)

Pictures will follow, I promise. My computer is being very odd right now and isn't allowing me to add them.

What a week! It all started off with our Memorial Day party which consisted of my fabulous family of 5 and my sister-in-law, Stephanie, and her husband, Brad, and their two sons, Parker and Bryce. They came over in the evening and I made homemade individual pizzas with a variety of toppings everyone could choose to put on their pizza. YUMMY! After dinner the kids played outside because the weather was BEAUTIFUL while some of the adults played Guitar Hero 3. While I am always in awe at the amazing abilities of my very talented husband, I was quite impressed with Brad and Steph! (You guys rocked!) I had so much fun outside with my kids and Parker, as they are so full of energy and kept me laughing with their odd comments. (Don't you just love the outlook on life from a child's point of view?) To top off our wonderful Memorial Day, we had a very delicious dessert that the Greer's brought over of cookies and ice cream.



Tuesday wasn't quite as adventurous. I did make it to a friend's bridal shower and was able to see a friend from high school, Kira (Rushdi) Adams, who happened to be down from Idaho. (Who was also throwing the shower for Amber.) Tuesday also marked the kick-off to football season for Cauley. OK, not really, but he's coaching the summer weights/conditioning program for the Freshmen. This started today and I think it pretty much goes until football school (camp) which is right before school starts. To top my day off, I got a late phone call from a good friend of mine saying she had had her baby that morning. WELCOME, Kameha Lily Noel Spence! CONGRATS Marie and Justin! We love you guys!



When asked what they wanted to do for fun on Wednesday, our boys said they wanted to go hiking. We didn't think they were actually ready to go hiking in the AZ mountains, so we took them to the Riparian Reserve Park in Gilbert Wednesday morning. What fun! (seriously, if you want to get away but don't want to drive a lot, here is your perfect destination!) We walked around, following trails and watching different birds, geese, rabbits, and turtles for over an hour! The kids had a great time looking for different animals, and we all enjoyed our time together. Of course, being in Arizona the end of May, we got hot so we walked next door to the Gilbert Library and cooled off by reading books. (My kids love the library!) We all decided we were hungry, since it was lunch time, so we headed to eat at Applebee's. (We don't know why, but it is Dallin's favorite restraunt ever. I think it has something to do with going there with Seth once upon a time.) We ate and then stopped by Best Buy to check out new TV's - ours is about to really die here pretty soon, which will be a sad day. We looked for a while and then headed home to give Tyli a MUCH needed nap. I, too, slept, which was an added bonus.

Today was also fun. It is my father-in-law's birthday. After calling and reminding a few family members about this special day, we decided to throw him a family surprise birthday dinner party. Stephanie met us with her two boys and we knocked on the door and yelled SURPRISE! and then sang "Happy Birthday." After that we all ate a delicious dinner of tostadas and burritos and then had cake and ice cream. Cauley's parents have just returned from a week long trip to DC, and the grand kids REALLY enjoyed marching around Grandma's house with their little souvenir flags (which they are so very proud to hold!). It was funny watching Tyli try and keep up with the pace which wasn't a real march, more like a jog. Tyli then screamed through her first (but very much needed!) haircut from aunt Stephanie before we said good night and brought home our very exhausted children.

I'm still here!

I am still here. I've just been REALLy enjoying having my Mr./Coach Clark home for a few days now! We have had a few fun adventures (which will be blogged about later) and have kept really busy together as a family since school let out last Thursday. I was so tired after our morning out that after coming home, I slept for about 3 1/2 hours! Cauley can sure come up with fun ways NOT to spend money! (except for a little gas, which ends up costing more than going most places that do cost money!) So please don't write me off- I promise I will share our fun later, right now I have to go make my family dinner. (I should be able to stay up and blog since I am very well rested.)

Thankful Thursday

I'll make this short. (in other words... my kids are driving me NUTS!!!) Today I am thankful for rain. As most of you fellow AZians know, today it is raining, and the temps are MUCH cooler than earlier in the week when we reached our first 110 mark for the year. (When driving home from Chic-fil-A at noon my car told me it was 54 out!) Not only is the cooler weather really nice, but the rain is a huge blessing. (Now I don't have to go out and water my flowers!) Anyways. after living in the Phoenix valley for the past 4 years now, I have come to appreciate the rain in many different aspects! I wish it would rain for another 2 weeks!

Disturbing and sad

I was loading my 3 small children into the van today so we could make our trek into our new Wal-Mart when to my horror I heard a car speeding down the street in front of us. I looked up just in time to see a small dog flying through the air, landing at the foot of the opposite side of the road neighbor's driveway. These neighbors where also getting into their vehicle to leave with their 4 small children, and upon seeing the poor pooch screaming in agony lying on their property, they ran to the rescue. Then I saw the dog's owner, who, when the tragedy unfolded, was only about 2 feet away from the poor thing, taking him for a walk. The owner quickly ran over, but couldn't bear to look down, sobbing for his lost friend. The mother of the family quickly quited the dying dog, carressing it, letting it know it was loved as the dog quietly left this world. The father ushered the kids back into the house and found a blanket to cover the dog. This is when I noticed that my youngest son saw the horrific event take place. The questions started coming after this, and I was so distraught that I had a hard time answering. We quickly said a prayer, but it was faithless. The father was now holding the very upset owner, letting him sob uncontollably on his shoulder. I didn't want to keep watching but I also couldn't take my eyes off. My kids wanted to see what was happening as I had strapped them into their seatbelts so they could no longer look towards the scene of the accident. I purposefully drove the opposite way, taking a longer route out of the neighborhood- not wanting to allow my children the chance of seeing this horrible thing. I was sad. I confess- I don't like dogs, or cats, or ANY animal for that matter, but to see something so disturbing, to know that something had been harmed because of carelessness... then I was mad! Who was this idiot driving WAY too fast down the street? This jerk had not even driven the length of 2 houses after turning a very sharp corner before he hit the poor dog and he had to have been going REALLY fast for me to have heard his car AND to have made the dog fly that far! Not only that, he was really close to hitting the dog's owner as well. To top it all off, he didn't even slow down or stop or turn around! I wish I had gotten a better look at the car or even a liscence plate number or something! My prayers go out to the family who lost their good friend, and the poor family who witnessed it all, and also my son, that he can forget everything he saw as well. Please slow down, and pay attention when driving!

Taking a little break...

Sorry- I feel like I must have fallen off the planet or something. Don't worry, I am still here, just taking a break. Actually, I have been really sick. I think I got food poisoning or something. We went and ate at Red Robin on Friday and I woke up Saturday throwing up. That led to many more trip to the bathroom because I had it coming out both ends-yuck! Cauley was gone at the State Decathlon meet, so I was home alone with the kids. By the time I put the kids to bed, (I put them to bed at 7:30 because I was so extremely exhausted and weak.) I couldn't get off the toilet. I knew I was very dehydrated despite my efforts to keep drinking Gatorade or anything else I could get to, but my body was too sick. My stomach was cramping so bad I thought I was having an appendicitis or something. I called Cauley and told him as soon as he got home he was going to have to get me to the hospital. He instead called his parents, who called Uncle Ray's house (who lives at the other end of our neighborhood) and Uncle ray came over with Brad and Stephanie. Steph took my temp. which was 103.3 and then Uncle Ray and Brad gave me a Priesthood blessing. I knew from the wording of the blessing I wouldn't need to go to the ER, which was good. They stayed with me until Mike and Kathy got there. I still felt awful but couldn't relax. My mother-in-law took my heart rate, which was high, and my fever stayed the same for about 3 hours. (We never took it again, but I started feeling better, so oh well.) The worst part was my muscles were so tired and I was so dehydrated that any time I tried to move, I would cramp up. Cauley finally made it home a little before 1:00 a.m. and we went to bed, only for me to be up in the bathroom all night. By 5:00 I was so tired and my body finally gave in and let me rest. Cauley also let me sleep- till about 10:45! Holy Cow! He made me a yummy lunch and that didn't stay down, but I did feel tons better. By noon, I started keeping things down and had less bathroom trips. By 5:00- I was perfectly fine! (Well, other than being EXTREMELY weak and tired and still a little dizzy.) Today, I feel like I was hit by a semi, but then again, I only think that because I haven't actually been hit by a semi so I don't know what it feels like. (I feel Ok today.) So please, pardon my no more posting for a few days while I recover. I have a TON to catch up on, so check in on me in a few days.

Take Me Out to the Ball game...

Disclaimer to all you women friends out there who don't like baseball:

Don't read- I will totally bore you to death, as I personally LOVE it!

What a FANtastic night!- Thanks, Cauley! (I am referring to my Valentine's Day present of tickets to the Diamondbacks/Rockies game.) Anyways, the day finally came and we found wonderful sitters. (A VERY BIG THANKS TO KATHY, MIKE, AND JEFF for watching our bambinos and putting them all to bed for us last night- especially you, Jeff, as I know you don't like "being stuck" watching our kids.) Cauley and I met at my in-laws house at five, kissed the kids good night, stopped by Hungry Howies to pick up some pizza, and drove about 45 minutes into downtown Phoenix to Chase Field for my much anticipated night out with my wonderful hubby. Upon entering the gate, we immediately spotted some fellow teachers from Higley and proceeded to our seats. TALK ABOUT AMAZING SEATS! I really couldn't have asked for better seating, unless we were to splurge (and that would have to be a MAJOR splurge!) and sit on top of the dugout. We sat just left of the left field line- right behind the left fielder; row 25 seats 1 & 2. The people in front of us sat a little lower to the field, but I don't know how well they could see everything the way we could. Anyways, we weren't sitting long before we noticed we were REALLY close to the bull pen. Randy Johnson, who I've admired for several years now, was starting to warm up and he was sure making that ball "pop" in the catcher's glove! I snuck over a few seats to watch over the wall, and was very surprised to see Mr. Johnson's head within 2 feet of my face. (That man is VERY tall! I believe he is 6'10" or something like that.) I could almost reach out and touch his face I was so close! Anyways, after some not-so-nice looks from the lady who I stood in front of, I went back to my seat and gave Cauley a chance to go watch.

The game was exciting, with the D-backs pulling out ahead in the first by scoring 3 runs and holding off Colorado. I missed the only home run hit by AZ as I called my parents and were telling them to watch the game, but that's ok. The Diamondbacks easily won. Cauley kept making fun of me for cheering so much, but hey, when you live in AZ and have only been to 2 games in a little over 8 years, you gotta give love when you have the chance.

Speaking of giving a little love- Cauley and I got on the kissing cam! Yah, we didn't see it coming, and it was an awkward kiss, but hey, it was fun! Just really weird and random we were "chosen" during that little segment.

All in all, it was a very fun night. A BIG THANKS to my amazing and wonderful husband, Cauley!
(We're still working on the picture taken of us last night and I promise I will post it as soon as we get it- if we ever do.)

I personally did not write this- Cauley, my amazing and wonderful husband did. I just stole it from his blog because I know not all of you wonderful people read his blog too and didn't want you to miss out on my wonderful mothers day story. here you go!

Now Dallin has been excited about mothers day for about two weeks. He just knew what he wanted to get Jami. He told me that we would need to go to Micheal's. So Friday he told Jami again how much she was going to like his present. Jami said but I already have you three pointing to the other kids what else do I need. He said your right! we need to get you three presents. So Sat. morning after our prestate track meet breakfast I took the kids shopping we went to Micheal and got the special rolling pin Dallin had heard Jami talk about. We also went to Target to pick out some gifts from Tyli and McKado. When we got in the car Dallin told me now we had to go to Dairy Queen. When I asked why he said we need to get mom a cake. I asked how he knew about the cake and he said from a commercial. This tells me a few things: Dallin is a very good listener and we need to be careful what we say or we might hear it somewhere else, we probably watch too much TV, and Dallin really loves his mom. I had the State Track Meet last night and Dallin made Jami call me to see when I was getting home so we could wrap the presents. He was not very happy that he would have to wait till morning. As Jami was getting ready for bed Dallin came out and went to sleep on the couch because he was going to wait for me to come home. He really was excited.

Unfortunately McKade had different plans!
Graphic Diaper talk ahead

proceed at your own risk!!!

Our kids have been getting up earlier and earlier every morning so when McKade yelled out at 5:10 neither of us really wanted to get up. So on the second call I jumped out of bed and McKade told me he was "poopy" so I told him to come into the bathroom so I could change him. After I got the diaper and wipes I walked into the bathroom and he was laying on the bathroom floor mat and was covered with poo. It was almost up to his chin and the back of his neck. I carefully took off his shirt while poo was running down his leg. (This was an early mothers day present in a way as we both wanted to get rid of that bath mat) I called for backup and started to wipe up his whole chest. McKade asked if he could take a bath. Jami took over that messy situation and I went to see what damage had been done in the bedroom. I immediately saw the puddle on the middle of the bed. It had begun to run off the bed and onto the floor. Lucky for us it dripped into and half filled a Frisbee sitting on the floor. McKade had thrown up earlier on during the week so we had towels by the bed. One of these was covered and McKade had placed poo hand prints on Dallin's comforter as he walked into the bathroom. It was pretty disgusting. I got things cleaned up and new sheets on the bed and McKade went back to bed for about an hour. I thought it was pretty ironic that this happened on Mother Day. The thing mothers have to deal with. I think we should have Mother's Day at least 4 times a year. They deserve it!
Happy Mothers Day

Gross, hu? Anyways, after listening to some of you, and reading others blogs, it sounds like there were a lot of you who enjoyed a "lovely" mother's day from both ends of your children. I, for one, think it is wonderful- after all, what do us mothers do best but clean up after ALL our children's messes!

Happy Mother's day- a day late.

Finished!

I actually finished a few days ago, but for some reason my blog isn't updating my chart as it's supposed to be doing. (May have something to do with our dial-up Internet.) Today is the "finish day" so I decided to post about it. Anyways, I am so thankful to have done this, as reading my scriptures is a bit of a challenge for me. I have to say, I have thoroughly enjoyed it! I especially love it when Dallin comes in and reads with me during quiet time. Maybe I'll treat myself to some ice cream or something. Anyone want to join me?

Better late than never!

I totally forgot to update everyone on Tyli and her "spoiled-so-not-walking" situation. Well, last Wednesday, I was in the middle of teaching preschool when she stood up right in front of me and took off walking into the kitchen. It took us all by surprise so we all stopped and just watched as she tottled back into the living room. I must have looked completely shocked, because she started laughing at me as she continued to walk around the living room and back into the kitchen. The little stinker could do it all along- she was just too stubborn to show us! She still prefers to crawl, but when I catch her doing so, I just say "Stand up and walk, Tyli!" to which she does. She's still a little wobbly, but she fared pretty well at the park yesterday, and is even trying to run to keep up with her brothers. Yay! I think Cauley was right when he said that she's not spoiled- just stubborn! Now if only I could somehow keep her out of everything.... maybe I'll just buy a whole bunch of padlocks to put on everything so NONE of my kids can get into my stuff...

I scream, you scream, we all scream for.....

We made this ice cream today for our last day of preschool. The kids had a great time making it, and it was pretty yummy for the simpleness of it all. Just be sure they have some "winter gloves" on because it will make their hands VERY cold. You may want them to make this outside as it tends to be a little messy.

You will need:
2 Tbsp sugar
1 Cup milk (or cream) *I use 1/2 cup milk, 1/2 cup heavy cream and it works well!
1/2 tsp vanilla
6 Tbsp rock salt
Ice (about 3 cups, but may need more)
Pint size zip lock bag
Gallon size zip lock bag

Optional: jam (any flavor), chocolate syrup

Instructions:
Place first 3 ingredients ( and jam or chocolate syrup) into pint size zip lock bag and seal (really well!). Then place rock salt and ice and the sealed pint size bag into the gallon size bag and seal that one really well. Play, squish, throw bag around until the ice cream thickens. Enjoy!
The thickening usually takes about 10-15 minutes, but may take longer.

I just couldn't miss this oportunity to post

We have really been trying, as a family, to make our Sabbath days more "holy." Kinda hard with 3 little ones, let me tell you! Our first goal is to try and turn off the TV, meaning no movies for the kids or anything, except they can watch whatever until 9:00 a.m. because we aren't going to deal with them from 6:00 a.m. until church time which is 2:00p.m. So, yesterday, after agreeing earlier in the week as a family, off went the TV at 9:00! Everything was fine as McKade asked why we had to turn it off. I explained we were turning off the TV and turning on some nice church music so the Holy Ghost would want to come into our home and be with our family. (How else do you explain it to a 2 yer old?) He accepted it, and went over to play at the front window with his trucks. At about 11:00 there was a knock on the door from a young man in our ward named Ben who came to collect Fast Offerings. I opened the door to see McKade's face in awe! I quickly filled everything out and sent Ben on his way with our fast offerings, and as soon as the door was closed, McKade started jumping up and down saying, "He came! He came! The Holy Ghost came into our house!" I took the moment for what it was worth and used it as a "teaching moment", trying to explain about the Holy Ghost, but he didn't want an explanation, or to listen- he saw what he saw, and there was no changing his mind. It was funny, and we laughed about it for a while. then we went to church and McKade was wrestless until he looked up and saw the Priests setting up the Sacrament table. Ben was there preparing, and McKade yelled out, "Look, see? It's the Holy Ghost!" to which there were many giggles and smiles in our direction. I think Ben has a lot to live up to!

Thankful Thursday

What would we do without our kids, or nieces and nephews, or the beautiful children who are in our neighborhoods, wards, and communities? My kids make me laugh daily, something I am so grateful for. I love their little comments about EVERYTHING, and where they come up with the things they say, I have no idea! Here is a little glimpse into what I get to smile about each day:

Mom: (during FHE talking about our new prophet) "Who is our prophet today?" (asking McKade) "Thomas...."
McKade: "Thomas the Train!"

Dallin: "Geese, Mom, you need a break!" (I was sweating from mowing the lawn when it was 97 degrees outside.) "Why don't you go get yourself a cold one." (I think he meant a drink of water)

McKade: "Mom, my throat has a headache!"

Tyli: "Crackah!" (cracker) I also love how she calls all animals cows. Another thing I love about my just starting to tottle 16 month-old is that she always yells "Stop it!" to her brothers BEFORE they get near her.

Dallin: (while being caught getting into the pantry AGAIN) "Mom, just go away and pretend you never saw me!"

McKade: (While tasting some very delicious cherry streussel that my friend Esther made) I don't like it! I HATE it! (right to Esther, who, thankfully laughed at his frankness. Thanks for being a good sport, Esther- it was scrumptious!) What strong words coming from a 2 year old!

Tyli: likes to yell "cookie" while sitting in her high chair "helping me"make dinner. One night I was making pancakes and everytime I flipped or poured or whatever you do with pancakes, she would yell this and then giggle as I reminded her "it is NOT a COOKIE- it's a pancake!


Ok, so there is about an hours worth of my life for you to smile at. I certainly do, and am very thankful for them and the things they say. I should really start keeping a journal about all the things they say that really crack me up, like everytime Tyli is headed towards one of my boys who are playing nicely with cars, trucks, trains, or whatever, they automatically start yelling, "Mom, Tyli stinks!" just so I can grab her before she starts terrorizing them. (yah- caught on to that one pretty quickly- we'll see what they say tomorrow!)

I am (almost) the only one!

Have you ever wondered if you are an "original" name bearer or, more realistically, how many other people in the US share your name? I most certainly have- especially since I married into the "21st most popular last name in America." Thanks to Jane, I was able to search it out, and I found out that with my current name, I AM NOT ALONE!

HowManyOfMe.com

There are 49 people with my name in the U.S.A. How many have your name?

I don't share it with too many others as you can see, but then comes the interesting part. When I put in my maiden name, I AM ALONE!

HowManyOfMe.com

There is 1 person with my name in the U.S.A. How many have your name?

Kinda cool, huh? This website also tells you how your individual (first and last) names rank and other fun stuff. How about you?

My word! They start this young?

Not that I am the least bit happy about it, but my son, who is still only 4 years old, has aquired his first girlfriend. I think they "liked" each other before she joined our preschool class in January. Emily is in our ward, but they have never been in the same primary class as far as I am aware of. I think that's where they met, because the day she joined my class, Dallin started saving her a seat by him. We have noticed the past few weeks that they quickly find each other after Sacrament meeting and hold hands on their way to primary. (Her mom pointed out that this has been going on for a while now!) On Sunday, right after Stake Conference got over, she was suddenly right by us, holding Dallin's hand. We just laugh about it. Then, today during preschool I had to end up separating them because Dallin kept putting his arm around her and they couldn't do anything because they were too busy holding hands. He even told Hunter to "Get away from her, he had her first!" That's when I told them that they are a little too young for this. I didn't know what else to do, so McKade told me to take a picture, which I did. I am so glad Emily's mom finds this funny, because I may be having a little more difficult time with it. (Yes, I think it's pretty cute, but I have to still be the mother here!)

Some missing Preschool pictures

These pictures were taken during our safety unit when we talked about fire safety. Doesn't everyone look thrilled to be wearing the hats I spent hours making! Emily got left out of the picture and wanted me to add her, but Cauley's too busy to photoshop her in right now.

New Temple

Yay! I just found out there will be a new temple built here in Queen CreeK! I believe it will be on the SE corner of Pecos and Greenfield! I am so excited! This is awesome. It will be close enough that I don't have to get a babysitter for 3+ hours or more! For more information, click here.

Results from the EIP

So the Deveolpmental Specialist from Children and Family Services for the state came today. Talk about driving me crazy! She had me put out my preschool chairs all around my living room (WAYYYY NOT SAFE! They tip over when Tyli stands on them, resulting in bloody lips and bruised heads- the only way they can be is out against the wall or the couches like in preschool.)) and put a bunch of other toys out so she could see how Tyli "interacted and climbs" with things. Of course, if you know my daughter at all, you know she is too stubborn to do anything but sit on my lap when there is a "stranger" in the room, so what do you think she did- sat on my lap looking at this lady like she was crazy thinking Tyli would get down and go play. Apperantly I was being out of line by asking Tyli to go climb on the chairs like this lady wanted her to, because I was asked to stop. Tyli never did, but she did get down and play with some blocks for a little while. Then the nice lady made Tyli hold her hand and walk to her toy zebra so she could see how Ty did at riding it. Tyli wouldn't stop screaming. It wasn't a long visit, after that the nice lady just told me that nothing physically is wrong; The results were that I spoil my daughter too much and that she should start walking within a few months. Then she told me I need to start putting my preschool chairs around the house so she can practice climbing which was said as Tyli climbed onto the couch next to me. (Much higher than those chairs!) Tyli is actually begining to walk, taking between 3-7 steps here and there. She'll stand in the middle of the floor and do "Once there was a snowman" during preschool and even will just stand up to "shake he booty!" Needless to say, I didn't appriciate this visit at all and I most certainly won't be letting her free climb on the preschool chairs!

I just loved this!

My friend Jaclyn had this linked to her blog through others and once I clicked on and read it, I decided I too had to add the link to my blog. Enjoy!
The Truth about Mormons

Thankful Thursday

Even though I sound busy (yah, right!) I'm not! I am just exhausted, but hey- it's called being a mom of 3 with my oldest not yet being 5. I don't know how those of you with more little ones do it! Kudos! Anyways, survival is what I am thankful for today. I have a long list, so please bear with me.

First of all, I am thankful for the Dollar Store. How else could I afford toys for my kids every now and then? Especially when we have been out running errands for 4 1/2 hours straight and they have found something they "really need!" at every store- I get to bribe them with the knowledge that we'll be hitting your store last and you are bound to have something "totally awesome" that they will get to pick out. Oh ya, I forgot- your thank you is a double one. Thanks for making your toys so cheap so the really cheaply-made toys my kids end up choosing break and are usually in the garbage by the end of the week so I don't have to feel guilty that I only buy my kids toys from the $ store!

Next, I am thankful for Baby Einstein Videos. Yes, I am an awful mother who puts her kids in front of the TV for 1/2 hour every-other day with this video so I can run in and shower without my kids standing at the door banging while yelling "MOM!" or just crying until one of them is successful in getting the door open only to have three very cute peeping toms invade my shower. I had to invest money into this- I think I got it from Wal-mart for $14 or something, but that is 10 minutes of quiet that I get to enjoy- and that is $14 well spent!

On to the Costco baby wipes. I love them. No, they aren't as good as Pampers sensitive skin or whatever else you want to compare them to, but they have always gotten the job done for me. In fact, I keep one package on the changing table, one under the sink, one in the diaper bag, one in the car, and another in the kids bathroom and I must say I use them to clean up EVERYTHING unless it is germy enough that I need a Lysol wipe! They are very cost efficient too- I am too cheap to buy them otherwise. My mother-in-law thinks I should just use a wash cloth for most of my clean-up needs, but I don't like the smell (even if it's a new wash cloth) or the residue left behind. Plus, it just seems that my kids' faces shine so much more after using a wipee!

While I'm on a roll, I am VERY thankful for my bug guy, Kevin, that comes and sprays, and sprinkles, and gets rid of cobwebs, and anything else he does. I love how he tries to ignore my kiddos who are standing at the window with their noses pressed against it watching his every move! Plus, I hate bugs (shudder!) so I owe him a BIG thanks!

Ok, my kids are driving me nuts as I am trying to type, so I will finish up and get off the computer now. I do have one last thing before I go, and at risk of sounding corny, I am thankful for my kids routines throughout the day. Even though they get up way early (6:00 a.m.), they have a routine that we all follow and if we deviate at all, it's ok. I just love that they are always in bed by 8:00 p.m. without much struggle most nights (they aren't perfect!) except during football season and that we are following the word of wisdom with our "Early to bed, early to rise" routine. (yes, it's part of it!) Plus, with them in bed by 8:00, I get some much needed down time and when Cauley happens to be home, we get some much needed alone time!

That's how I think I survive in a nut shell- ok, so I didn't mention the chocolate and Caffeine-free Diet Coke, but those will have to be saved for another time- they deserve their own posts!

Anything new?

Ok, so I have been a total slacker blogger lately, but life gets busy sometimes. I have been reading all of your blogs thanks to google reader as I am preping for preschool (I CAN do 2 things at one time!) so I have kept up with all of your happenings, but sorry about the lack of comments- I haven't even posted anyhting new on mine!) I just finished one of my favorite topics in preschool today- "Super Safety!" It was almost too much that I crammed into the past two weeks, and after my first student left today, I realized I had forgotten to go over the stop, drop and roll in detail-oops! (today was all about fire safety and smarts.) Anyways, the kids had a great time and I am worn out, but next week is a new topic which is already to go so no more working on preschool this week- yay! Now I only need to get ready for the mini enrichment which I am in charge of tomorrow night, get caught up around the house, restock our bare pantry and frindge, throw a baby shower on Sat., have fun at Parker's b-day party, and attend Stk. Conference. Tyli is being evaluated on Friday for her lack of getting around upright, but that should only take a few hours in the morning. Maybe I'll have time to post something else this week! KEEP YOUR EYES PEELED- it just might happen!