Is this time-out or a jumping party?

All right, so it has been one of those days. I think I spent the majority of my day hauling the girls in and out of time-out. It seems to be really effective! They are turning into monkeys and they think it is ok/fun to crawl onto the counter and destroy everything on top. The other day I was drying my hair and Brayden came in and said, "Mom, Dani has a knife." Sure enough, I walked out to the kitchen and she was sitting criss-cross applesauce with the biggest butcher knife we have in her lap. I felt like the best mom ever! Any suggestions?? I have completely moved the stools away and laid them on the floor, which they now stand on, and crawl in and out of. AND.... they get behind the couch and do some rearranging of the blinds and cords (which is super scary)! I am going to have to build a blockade!

As you can see, time-out has turned into a playing/jumping festival. Any other discipline suggestions other than time-out? I am really trying to refrain from beating them.

Just kidding! :)

What happened to my sweet baby boy?

Today was Brayden's first day of his second year of preschool! We were all very excited. He has a new teacher this year, because Ms. Mary retired. Ms. Jenny's new classroom is amazing! The best part for B is the "playground with a twisty slide." He was a little bit clingy when we first got there, but soon he was comfortable and refusing to wear his name tag. This seemed unusual to me, because he is usually a compliant little guy, especially at school! Last year he told me, "I never make bad choices at school, I am a good boy." Well this may be a different year all together....

When he woke up this morning his insisted on not wearing ANY of his new school clothes. The only "fancy" shirt he would wear was one that is two years old (and a little short). I was told he did a good job in school, thank goodness, but when he walked through the door when he got home he had an attitude! This is new to me.... even Kent noticed. He was rather demanding, which I did not take very well. We had a discussion on "tone of voice" (just like my kids at work). "Just because you say please, doesn't mean you are asking nicely." We'll see if it makes a difference. I hope my sweet baby boy returns tomorrow!

Yakisoba and Mickey D's

Grandma Phillips and all of the cousins!

It has been a rough few weeks..... the girls are cutting multiple molars at once, what a nightmare! Everyone is on quite the emotional roller coaster! I told Kent the other day, "I am so tired of being grumpy, but I don't know what to do about it." I ran into a friend today and she made me feel good by saying, "I am in the same boat. I just told my kids I really am a fun person, but you guys don't ever get to see that." Hopefully things will start to be happier soon!

Last week we took to the kids out to dinner (no small feat). We went to the Hula Hut, which we love. I discovered the kids have the same love for yakisoba noodles that I do. It was hilarious, Danielle attacked them like she hadn't eaten in weeks. They probably ate over half of my dinner. It was nice to have full, happy kids (for at least a few minutes).

We also went to McDonald's last night, but I didn't have my camera with me. It was a small tragedy because it was quite the adventure. Kent and I rode our bikes, with the girls in the trailer behind me, and Brayden on his tandem bike behind Kent....

The other day a SCOPE driver drove by our house while we were out playing and riding bikes. As you know, my kids wear helmets pretty much anytime they're outside. Two WERE actually riding bikes though. Anyway.... each kid got a gift certificate for a free ice cream cone at McD's. Brayden was ecstatic and has been asking to go everyday to get his ice cream. Finally last night we made it.

We rode into the parking lot and B and I went in and got two cones. One for him and one for the girls to share. B went to town on his, and I stuck the cone under the girls' faces. Ellie quickly got the hang of licking it and wasn't about to give it up. She had ice cream all over her face and all the way up and down both arms. I was so sad not to have my camera. She kept saying, "Mine, no, mine, no." Everytime I tried to pry it away and give Dani some. Luckily Dani takes after Kent and doesn't have a sweet tooth. She seemed happy to watch Ellie make a disaster out of it.

The fun doesn't end there.... on the way home K & B were riding in front of us. We went over a bump and I heard a loud snap. I looked up and metal was flying. B was lucky he didn't get wacked in the face. Kent's bolt on his seat broke. (His bike is over 15 years old). After making sure everyone was ok, and we recovered all the parts, I busted up laughing. It's a downfall of mine, I laugh at ALL the inappropritate moments! Kent wasn't too happy and let me know it was NOT funny. He had to ride home the 4 miles standing up the whole time, or experience a pole all the way up his bum. (I have worked so hard for 8 years to try to get the stick out of his bum and loosened up, I was nervous about the trip home and all my efforts going to waste).

Just kidding Kent, I love you! The stick is def. all the way out now! With three kids you just have to laugh, or we would hurt each other.

Bowling with the boys!

Yesterday I got to take James, one of my favorite guys bowling. I have been working with James for eight years now. Every Summer we do one fun activity. This year we went bowling and out to lunch. Brayden was very lucky and James said it was ok if he came with us this year! I had such a good time watching the boys. They were both frustrated at first, but by the second game they were on FIRE!

After bowling we got in the car and I asked, "Ok, what's next?" James, the sweet guy that he is said, "We should go someplace healthy and nutritious for Brayden." This is the guy that enjoys eating 3 cheeseburgers, fries and a drink at McDonalds. I assured James that this was his special day and he got to choose where to go. He was a little hesitant, but I told him Wendy's would be ok for all of us.

We had a great time with lots of laughs. I have to give James a call, today was his first day of high school!

We wear short shorts.... but Summer is ending!

Ok, here are a bunch of random pics. that are too cute not to share, but I haven't been as consistent as I should have been on blogging all of them. The first ones crack me up because it shows how lazy I am. I dressed the girls last week in their shorts and we were going to go for a walk. But I later realized it was way cold outside, but I didn't want to change them, therefore.... knee socks!

The other pics. are of Brayden at swimming again and the girls keeping busy on the scooters there. Also, B got a new easel and paints, markers, chalk etc. from G & G Wagener. He has been very busy creating master pieces, (you can tell from his concentrated look).

We are sad to see Summer go, but I am looking forward to B starting his 2nd pre-school year and hearing about all the cool stuff he learns.

Brayden's 4th B-day party!

We always seem to celebrate Brayden's Birthday early, since it is always around Labor day weekend. This year I won a B-day party at the gymnastics place in town. It was amazing! The kids loved it, and I barely had to do anything. The kids were the perfect age to participate and learn new tumblling/jumping routines.

We were lucky that cousins Hunter and Noah were in town to celebrate with us. Brayden was very pleased that he got to spend his B-day with big cousin Hunter. It was a very fun day, I can't believe my baby is already four. He can't wait to start his second year of preschool in a couple of weeks!

Swimming lessons!

Brayden has started swimming lessons! I think it is the best money I have ever spent. We are taking lessons from the Jacksons. Grandma Sal has been giving lessons for over 30 years from her house. She is wonderful, and a natural with the kids. She had all 10-12 kids in the pool and comfortable within the first five minutes! Three of her grandkids help her. Plus she knew everyone's name before the class ended the first day. AMAZING! If anyone lives in the area I totally recommend it! Brayden has been doing amazing, I am so proud of him. He got to be the leader yesterday and was the first one to jump in and swim across the pool. (They use a floaty that Grandma Sal calls a boat). I can't wait to take him tomorrow and see what else he learns!

She also has a wonderful, safe yard where the girls can play while I watch. That is one of the best parts!