THE INGPIRE STRIKES BACK!

Fashion Fabulous Friday

2012-01-27T09:44:00.000-07:00

You're never fully dressed without a smile.

School Scenes

2012-01-26T14:46:00.000-07:00

I knew I liked Kyle and Reed's preschool teachers, but when they sent home pictures I knew I really liked them .

Reed and his friend, River.

(I think Kyle is only allowed to play with Reed when Reed summons him to him.)

I can't believe Mr. Fashion Police let his portrait be taken with his scarf all askew.

Even better, this one's got his vest under his shirt!

You'll Have to Trust Me

2012-01-25T16:32:00.002-07:00

I know they're hard to see, but you'll just have to trust me on this one.

Kyle and Reed's new birthday bikes have something their old Strider bikes didn't...

Pedals!

And yes, these were the absolute best pictures I could get.

Do you know how hard it is to run down a somewhat snowy/icy street with a dog on a leash while trying to take a picture with a phone?

Obviously pretty hard by the quality of these pictures!

"Fancy" Pictures

2012-01-24T20:47:00.000-07:00

As a source of entertainment I got out the camera Sunday afternoon.

The kids decided to try their best modeling poses.

They certainly thought they were being fancy (not saying "cheeeeeeeese" and all).

And Reed being, well, non fancy.

Xin Nian Kuai Le

2012-01-23T16:21:00.000-07:00

Happy Chinese New Year!

Year of the Dragon.

Packin' Heat

2012-01-22T19:44:00.000-07:00

Think I'll ever get to help make a snowman that's not toting a gun (or two)?

Besides the guns, everyone also insisted on not using candy since they didn't want Kyle to "eat its face off again."

Fashion Fabulous Friday- Winter Foot Wear

2012-01-20T09:28:00.001-07:00

For you Texans, these are what snowshoes look like (on my feet).

I'm pretty sure I'd never seen a pair in real life until I moved here.

Even so, I found myself making a pair of snowshoes for a game the Cub Scouts played the other night.

Yeah, you're right.

It is nearly impossible to tell the real ones from the homemade.

My little Cub Scout-in-Training was a perfect snowshoe tester.

(But in all seriousness, if you're looking for a "winter activity" cardboard snowshoeing was a huge hit!)

Look What I Made!

2012-01-19T14:32:00.002-07:00

So if you haven't seen me today (I saw both Kylie and Shelly and made them look immediately) check out what I did to my shirt.

I saw these little elbow patches on Pinterest and thought, "That's cute; I think I can actually do that."

And even more "impressive" than my handiwork...getting a picture of my elbow!

We're Probably a Little Crazy

2012-01-18T15:16:00.003-07:00

So what that we awoke to 6 inches of snow on the ground Monday?

You think that would keep two shopping starved girls from their planned Target and Hobby Lobby run?

No way.

Sure it took us 2 hours to get to there, but sit in the house with our brood of boys on a holiday was not an option.

Our only causality:

They tipped over a shopping cart in Target.

(Yes, completely over. I don't even know how they did it.)

But nobody was in it, so tears and hysteria averted.

Special Again

2012-01-17T12:59:00.000-07:00

Week 2 of the Ingy Special Boards and The Puppet Master tried to convince me that he hadn't been the star of the Special Board last week, and I need to make him another one.

I can't for the life of me figure out where he gets his love of being the center of attention.

Hummmm....

But even I have it together enough to know it was Kyle's turn to be special, and was mainly proud of myself that I made it look like my kids have different interests and that I don't make them do all the same things.

Even though we all know I absolutely do.

They'll be plenty of time for individuality later, right?

Come on Down

2012-01-16T08:40:00.007-07:00

I don't normally get too excited about the snow.

Sure I think it's pretty, but since I'm scared of it (driving in it/on it that is) I don't really ever wish for snow.

Until this year.

The skiing has been awful.

Awful like we might as well have been skiing on an ice skating rink.

Jason and I have even turned into my mom and dad.

(Mama and Daddy's favorite thing to talk about is lack of rain.)

We sound exactly like my parents during an East Texas summer.

"I just don't know what we're going to do if we don't get some snow soon."

Jason even checks the Weather Channel as frequently as my dad these days.

But glory, glory hallelujah, we woke up to about six inches of snow this morning.

Now if I could just get it to move on from my house and sit up on top of Purgatory for the week!

Fashion Fabulous Friday

2012-01-13T08:36:00.000-07:00

This is what happens when you turn your back on Kyle in Claire's.

If you look closely, you'll see he's holding a wallet.

You can almost make out Hello Kitty's bow.

Here it is in full view.

Yep, it's called Fashion Fabulous Friday for a reason.

(I couldn't make this stuff up if I tried.)

In Case You were Wondering

2012-01-12T14:04:00.000-07:00

Kyle, Reed, and I had a long, in-depth discussion about the awesomeness that is The Polar Express.

Which then turned into a conversation about Sam the Elf.

Seems Kyle, who spent most of his days fighting with Sam, is "really hoping he's doing good" and "wondering what he's been up to".

Kyle's under the impression Sam's taking a much needed vacation with Santa.

Truth be told, poor Sam's been stuck in my bathing suit drawer ever since Christmas Eve.

In a mad panic to hide him before the kids came out for Christmas morning (since Santa's supposed to pick him up and take him back to the North Pole with him) I tossed him in a drawer.

Then I undecorated for Christmas.

And forgot about Sam.

I do appreciate Kyle's reminder, I can't imagine what the movers would think of the crazy lady with an elf in her drawer!

Take Your Lunch Elsewhere

2012-01-11T13:16:00.000-07:00

If you're thinking of taking a picnic the next time you go to Telluride, you might want to think again.

This is one time I won't be telling him to get off the table!

Not So Special

2012-01-10T13:22:00.000-07:00

This is Reed's week for the Special Board at preschool.

With their birthdays and the move, the Special Board was not one of my top priorities.

And though it doesn't look terrible, it's certainly not up to my usual "mom project" standards.

(And no, I didn't decorate those fancy dotted lines. They were already there.)

And lucky me, I get to do another one next week!

Party Like a Rock Star

2012-01-09T09:18:00.000-07:00

Poor Kyle and Reed, after the excitement of Christmas, the last thing I'm thinking about is pulling together a birthday party.

I tried to plan ahead this year and asked them before Christmas what kind of party they wanted.

I fully expected I'd be renting out the gymnastics gym and having to invite all the kids from their preschool (and making conversation with parents that I've never said more than 'hi' to).

But Kyle and Reed had a different idea.

They wanted to go to Big Bounce with Knox and Koen.

Hallelujah.

Done and Done.

Kyle and Reed are also under the impression that they're friends with JR's friends, so the Wayland kids and T.C. were also sweet enough to come.

We were supposed to have lunch at McDonald's, but since it was closed for construction, we wound up at the fake Fudruckers.

I'm the bad twin mom that only buys one cake.

Hey, at least I bought them each their own candle!

For some reason the Farmington mall has a hurricane simulator.

As you can see, this was $2.00 well spent on 77 mile-an-hour winds in a glass cage.

It was a banner day at Big Bounce.

A jammed finger, a bloody nose (of course that was JR), and a small scuffle.

But they were able to pull it together long enough for a group picture.

A Calm, Tranquil Little Note

2012-01-07T14:47:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!! (and Reed)

THIS IS WHAT FOUR LOOKS LIKE, BABY!!!!

Fashion Fabulous Friday

2012-01-06T08:55:00.000-07:00

One of the perks of Jason taking a new job in Denver before Christmas, meant we got to attend two work Christmas parties.

The Farmington party is always a big time at the Elk's Lodge, and the "prom pictures" we get to take are always part of the fun.

Jason brought ours home yesterday.

Of course Cassidy and I always have our picture made together since we spend more time with each other than our actual dates.

(On a side note, Cassidy's wrapping up her time here in Durango too. They're moving to Fort Worth.)

Our next party was in Denver.

Since we were already there house hunting, it was perfect timing for us to attend.

(Reed is going through a phase where he has to be in every picture.)

Yep, pretty fashion fabulous!

Can't Shake Us That Easily

2012-01-04T11:25:00.005-07:00

Oh Durango,

You thought you were rid of us, but looks like we get the last laugh.

Sure we're heading for the bright lights, big city here in a few weeks.

But guess what?

We've left our mark on you.

Permanently.

What's that you say?

You can't see what's etched into one of the bricks in front of the Durango Children's Museum?

Well, let me give you a close up.

That's right.

The conservative, non-organic eating, big game hunting Ingersolls have imprinted on Durango forever!

Or until one of the environmentalist has the bricks riped out for a vegan community co-op garden to be planted in its place. Whichever comes first.

(My money's on the co-op.)

It's Official

2012-01-03T13:21:00.001-07:00

Three years ago today we moved into this house in Durango.

So I figure the three year anniversary of our move-in day is a perfect time to announce...

We're Moving!

We've been trying to assimilate into our new culture, and the kids have already picked up on the traditional clothing of the area.

That's right!

We're going to Denver, baby!

And if you're thinking, oh that's only like 3 hours away.

Um, not so much.

It's a 7 hour drive on a good day, so this is just as big a move as any.

We'll be moving at the end of February to the north suburbs of Denver.

Broomfield to be exact.

Home to the Flat Irons Mall (cue hallelujah chorus.)

And 45,000 more people than the entire city of Durango.

20 miles to downtown Denver, 20 miles to Boulder.

With a Target and a Hobby Lobby right around the corner!

Not One Star

2012-01-02T19:47:00.000-07:00

We spent New Year's Eve weekend in Telluride with the Waylands fully expecting celebrity sighting overload.

Even while skiing I had my celeb-u-dar on.

Sure it's tough spotting celebrities wearing full ski/board gear, but I was certain all my years of E! watching had prepared me for such a challenge.

Unfortunately, we didn't see so much as a D-list reality show contestant.

Oh well, celebrities or not, we still had a blast!

Startin' The Year off High and Mighty

2012-01-01T17:32:00.001-07:00

May you reach new heights in 2012!

2011 BlogDown Spectacular

2011-12-31T08:30:00.002-07:00

It's that time of year.

Time for the 2011 BlogDown Spectacular!

In January I spent some quality time with my fantasy BFF in Reno.

JR looked super cute in February at Scout Sunday.

And channeling "Edward Vampire" for the Snowdown parade.

In March I turned in an embarrassing time at the Canyonlands Half Marathon, but at least Marcia, Kari, and I looked cute in our matching T-shirts.

And I had a blast hanging with Cassidy and Kylie.

March also brought fun family time on "the big boat".

Kyle and Reed started soccer in April.

And we learned that the ladies love them some JR.

Speaking of JR, in May, he celebrated his 8th birthday the day of the Iron Horse Bicycle Race.

We had lots of celebrity sightings in June, as we saw Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos in Telluride, and Cassidy introduced us to the Food Network's Keegan Gerhard in Denver.

We didn't see any celebrities in July, but my girlfriends and I dressed up like one for the Britney Spears concert.

And the boys had the best decorated 4th of July "floats" ever!

We took a 3 family vacay to Phoenix in August.

And made it home just in time to pick up Reed's award winning duck picture from the La Plata County Fair!

September was all about Jason as he went Over the Edge for the Special Olympics.

And took JR both alligator and antelope hunting.

In October Jason and I finally got around to celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary with a trip to Sedona.

And Kyle and Reed rode away with trophies at the BMX track.

November brought this mama a proud moment at JR's piano recital.

And we all made a new "friend" named Sam this December.

Here's hoping for a fun 2012!

Fashion Fabulous Friday

2011-12-30T07:19:00.001-07:00

For your eyes only:

Express Post

2011-12-29T09:13:00.000-07:00

We made the trek up to the North Pole on Christmas Eve.

The Polar Express is always so much fun, as you can see by the happy faces.

There was some serious concern (on JR and Kyle's part) that Kyle was going to be on the naughty list for his treatment of Sam the Elf.

Everybody took a big sigh of relief when Kyle received his bell!

The others were pretty sure they were on the nice list, but it's always good to have Santa confirmation.

The Fast and (not so) Furious

2011-12-28T09:02:00.000-07:00

It seems we've turned snowmobiling on Christmas Eve morning into a tradition.

It really does seem to be the best activity to get some of that Santa-Comes-Tonight excitement out of them.

We do the same trail every year, but it's gorgeous, so it's not like you can bored of views like this.

(Jason and his mom and dad with the kids.)

The kids did a great job driving!

Just kidding, the little people didn't really drive.

(Although they thought they did.)

And I had a snowmobile all to myself the entire trip.

Moms don't catch enough air for small riders' liking, ya know.

But the Fire is so Delightful

2011-12-27T09:10:00.000-07:00

We went up to Telluride last week to go skiing with The Waylands.

Some of us did a lot of skiing.

Others, not so much.

What can I say?

It was warm, cozy, and there was fabulous conversation in the lodge.

Outside it was 10 degrees.

That's not to say Liz and I were total ski bunnies.

We made a few runs.

See, I took this picture of Jason and Steven.

I don't have a picture of the kids skiing since they got on the mountain and we never saw them again.

They couldn't possibly slow down enough for us "old folks" to keep up.

I did, however, get a picture of JR the only time he wasn't a blur whizzing past me...while riding the gondola.

Just an Old Fashioned Christmas

2011-12-25T10:10:00.000-07:00

"Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."

Luke 2:14

Fashion Fabulous Friday

2011-12-23T08:24:00.000-07:00

Short sleeves and no coat to shovel snow?

Texas, I think we've lost him.

I'm Pretty Sure I Lost My Mind

2011-12-21T21:41:00.004-07:00

Since the JR crafting was going so well, I figured tonight was as good a night as any to get the gingerbread train and the 3 year old friendly Christmas ornaments made.

I opened up the Wilton version of the gingerbread train (BIG mistake, I shoulda picked a generic) and began reading the instructions.

It only took me about 2 seconds into the "You Will Also Need" list to change my game plan.

You Will Also Need:

rolling pin, granulated sugar, small angled spatula, paring knife, cornstarch, ruler

I told the boys we'd just decorate the premade train pieces, no need to put it together in 3-D form cause...I'd let them eat it right away!

Had they known the Bill Cosby "dad is great, he gives us chocolate cake" song, they'd have been rewriting it starring me.

And I totally let them do the whole thing.

And I mean, everything.

Not only did I let a 3 year old squeeze their own icing

I let twin 3 year olds do it.

At the same time!

And they were so busy, they were actually polite.

This is a picture taken after the words "please pass" were said!

Piano, biking, or cookie decorating...the tongue will come out.

And then things took a turn for the not so Christmas card worthy.

And I was totally fine with it.

While Kyle was in the bathroom cleaning up from making a cookie that looks like this

I turned around to find Reed doing this

And if you're wondering if I own those fancy Wilton frosting bags, naw, they came with the kit.

After finishing "the train" (the last cookies of the row are the pieces we should have cut into threes to "brace" the other train pieces together (uhhh, okay)

I figured they were jacked-up on frosting and candy enough to whip up some ornaments.

Which they did.

Red frosting face and all.

Yep, it's missing an eye.

Small things get lost in small hands.

And I am now declaring that my mom Christmas crafting/baking/merry-ment making duties are officially completed.

What an Hour or Two of Work Will Get Ya

2011-12-20T21:06:00.000-07:00

The crafting continued this evening, and JR and I knocked these Christmas ornaments out in record time.

(Even with Kyle and Reed's "help".)

Grandmothers, act surprised when you open these Christmas Day.

What 5 Months Work Will Get Ya

2011-12-19T19:29:00.004-07:00

After JR finished up his latch hook dog pillow, we went out and bought a Christmas rug project.

I never dreamed we'd cut it this close, but five months later we're finally finished.
And when I say 'we' I, of course, mean:

JR, me, and this little helper.

It's so freshly finished we haven't even cut it into its rug shape yet.

And though it is technically a rug,

JR and I'll both have a heart attack if somebody actually steps on it!

And there were Costumes!

2011-12-18T20:33:00.001-07:00

We took the kids to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science today.

It was a big hit with all of them.

And opportunities for costuming abounded:

Astronaut

Mule Deer

Scientist

And my favorite...

the red version of a blue man group member.

(That's Kyle's imprint in the giant pin art.)

Fashion Fabulous Friday

2011-12-16T16:55:00.002-07:00

He sees you when you're sleeping....

Light Up the Night

2011-12-15T19:13:00.000-07:00

I guess I should start by saying that we aren't home.

We're in that far, far magical land called Denver.

Chuck E. Cheese and Nordstrom are right down the road.

Like I said, magical.

We took the kids to Zoo Lights last night, and when they say lights, they mean lights.

It's kinda hard to impress me when it comes to Christmas decorations, but impress me they did!

Of course pictures of lights don't ever turn out, but I do have pictures of us.

a 100%, a 1/2, and two 25% Norwegians.

(Kyle and I decided not to ruin their gathering of the blue-eyes.)

JR finds Mecca

They look like they almost like each other.

And I was there too!

Where Ya Been Hidin'

2011-12-14T21:52:00.000-07:00

Sam the elf has been super busy since last you saw him.

He's been tending to our home livestock by...

riding peacocks

babysitting the ducks

And, of course, alligator wrestling.

And if you think alligator mouth sittin' might be a little dangerous...

How about a little trapezing from the chandelier?

Or the even scarier...

too much caffeine and sugar!

He's Come a Long Way

2011-12-13T19:15:00.000-07:00

Just check out Kyle before his mall (I mean, "North Pole") visit with Santa.

Big difference from a week ago when he was hiding under chairs!

Day 1

2011-12-11T20:28:00.000-07:00

It was the first day out on the mountain for Jason and JR.

(I stayed home with the little people, who had they known skiing was going on, would have been furious.)

Jason said JR did great and had his ski legs back right away.

Not a bad way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

Fashion Fabulous Friday

2011-12-09T08:53:00.001-07:00

I'm not often the subject of Fashion Fabulous Friday, but move over Kyle, I'm taking the coveted Friday spot away from you today.

Last night was Cassidy's ugly Christmas sweater party, and though everyone didn't participate in the ugly sweater wearing, everyone did proudly prance around in awesomely bad headwear.

Speaking of headwear, I made the conscious decision to fashion a headband a la Khloe Kardashian out of my remaining tinsel.

Obviously it was a lot of look...

And lesson #1 learned: this is why nobody says they want to look like Khloe.

Bad sweaters and headwear weren't the only tackiness represented.

Shelly raided her mom's (a retired elementary school teacher) jewelry box for the perfect "teacher gift" necklace.

You can see my "sweater" the best in this picture. Yep, I broke out the hot glue gun and tinsel.

And yes, I realized I looked like I weighed 300 pounds just looking in the mirror.

Lesson #2 learned: Outlining your body in fluffy tinsel is not flattering.

Lesson #3 learned: You look a lot cuter for the pictures if you don't wear an ugly sweater, and come dressed fashionably.

But you don't win the ugly sweater contest!

(Did you really think I'd let anybody else win?)

We're #2!

2011-12-08T08:41:00.001-07:00

Last night was our annual Cub Scout Father/Son Cake Bake. The competition was even more fierce than last year, and all the dads (and scouts, but mostly the dads) brought their A game.

You can see all the cakes (and you really should go look at them) on the scout blog.

For the 2nd year in a row, JR won 2nd! (And we'll take it!)

Themes could be Christmas or Cub Scouts, and JR was desperate to combine them.

His little sign says "A Cub Scout Christmas Breakfast"

An aerial view

A close up of their "hot, burning coals".

Awaiting results

(We have outside judges and cakes are judged by numbers for fairness.)

The pastry chefs and their winnings!

(JR's trophy is blending in with his shirt.)

Elf Highlights

2011-12-07T12:01:00.001-07:00

We've been doing our version of Elf on a Shelf for a week now.

(We don't have the "official" $40 elf, just an antique one I already had.)

The boys named their elf, Sam, and besides Kyle wrestling with him,

(and being furious Sam won't talk to him), things are going great.

Sam the elf goes to the North Pole each night to give a behavior report to Santa, and comes home to a mischievous location each morning.

Here are some of Sam's highlights:

Playing Candy Land with Blue, Wolfie, and a sombrero wearing Tom.

Coloring at "Reed's" desk. (This was my desk as a little girl.)

Sam puts himself in Bethlehem.

Toward the end of the day the boys asked me to take Baby Jesus out of Sam's arms.

I don't think they could handle THAT much pressure to be good.

Sam helps himself to a snack.

The funniest part of this was when the boys found him. Kyle jerked the cookie out of his Sam's lap and ate it as fast as he could.

JR and Reed are still talking about it. They're certain Kyle's on the naughty list for sure!

I'll have more Sam highlights soon!

New!

2011-12-06T14:47:00.000-07:00

So I thought I'd show you what I did new this year in the Christmas department.

This is my favorite tree.

My mom loaded me down with gingerbread men, and then I added the yard ornament candy canes. Kyle is my Christmas tree light turner on-er, and he tells me every night, "Mommy, this is my favorite tree."

And though Kyle hasn't tried to eat the giant candy canes, he has engaged in quite a few "sword fights" with Reed.

This bookshelfy thing usually sits behind my couch, but I moved it into my kitchen this year. It's been a perfect place to display all my smaller trees.

Soooo glad my DELI sign is red. It goes perfect with Christmas decorations!

I call this my Snow Baby Tree. I picked these blue ornaments up at Pier 1 after Christmas and had no idea what I'd do with them. I love how they look with the icicles.

I surprised JR with a Cub Scout tree for his room. He squealed when he saw it, so I guess that means he likes it.

And finally, though it's not a new tree, it's in a new location.

Jason had to move the mountain lion to our room so we could put up our big tree in the living room.

I figured the lion wouldn't mind wearing a Texas cowboy hat, even though he's a New Mexican.

Christmas Photo Booth

2011-12-05T08:26:00.000-07:00

We had our annual Christmas Open House this weekend.

We did it a little different from past years, and only invited our close friends.

I set up my camera on the tripod for a makeshift photo both since I never seem to get pictures of the party.

And I'm so glad I did!

JR was my tester. I figured if an 8 year old could do it, we adults could figure it out!

The 3 Amigos

(I've told you before Kylie is 6 ft tall, but this might be the first time you could see it.

And you can be sure Cassidy and I are wearing heels!)

Brad and Jason

(Of course I had a selection of hats to choose from for props.)

Shelly and Mark

You can see all Shelly's pics from the party over at her blog.

Niki and Coy

I'm still so confused why the Tech graduates didn't want to wear the UT and A&M Santa hats. Hummmm.....

Liz and Melissa

more Liz with Steven

We didn't get a picture of everybody (we had 19 guests), but I got waayyy more than I have other years! (Especially since I've never taken any before.)

Serious Situation

2011-12-04T11:43:00.002-07:00

Jason's office had their annual kids Christmas party at Big Bounce this weekend.

The kids were having a great time, and were loving bouncing, golfing, eating pizza/popcorn/slushies

UNTIL.....

Santa walked in.

I said, "Kyle, Look! Santa's here!"

And that's when Kyle hit the deck.

And when I say "hit the deck", I literally mean he dove under a chair and assumed the Texas tornado drill position.

But come to find out, Kyle's not really that scared of Santa.

He was just embarrassed to see him since he's on the naughty list.

You see, we've been doing Elf on the Shelf, and if you touch the elf you're automatically on the naughty list.

JR and Reed wouldn't touch that elf with a ten foot pole.

Of course, not only has Kyle touched it, he actually body slammed it to the floor and had a full on wrestling match with it.

We finally convinced Kyle we could get him off the naughty list, and Kyle decided the embarrassment of facing Santa was totally worth it if he could get a candy cane out of the deal.

(Mr. and Mrs. Claus are actual Exterran employees.

Santa dyes his beard just for this party!)

Fashion Fabulous Friday

2011-12-02T09:48:00.000-07:00

Only a child of mine would think a decorative Christmas tree doubles as a festive hat.

Loves It!

2011-12-01T14:15:00.000-07:00

December 1st.

Loves it!

Today we officially started our advent calendar, Elf on a Shelf, and Kyle and Reed's school had Polar Express day.

Yes!

I think I'm going to try and have all my December posts be Christmas themed, we'll see.

Kyle and Reed wore their pajamas for Polar Express day. They were slightly confused when they changed out of their night time pajamas into different pajamas, but since they're my children, were thrilled when I brought out of the bag of Christmas themed headwear.

The kids were asked to decorate a stocking "as a family" (you know what that means) and bring it to school today.

How did I do?

(I'm pretty impressed with myself for letting Reed write his name on a "mom" project.)

Finally Finished

2011-11-30T20:02:00.002-07:00

We're finally finished celebrating Jason's birthday.

He can say he didn't have 5 parties, but Happy Birthday was sung to him 5 times...

so yeah, he had 5 parties.

For party number three we went to Benihana for the sole reason that it's the "fanciest" restaurant where all our children will:

1. behave (they are completely entertained by the "cooking show")

and

2. eat

Not that you'd know there was good behavior from Jason's souvenir birthday picture.

True to form, Kyle can't stop eating his ice cream long enough to say "cheese", and Reed's furious I took him away from his ice cream to pose for a picture.

While we were there we kept talking about how we knew we had another Benihana picture somewhere.

Of course, I found it.

I'm assuming this was for my birthday (since I'm wearing the hat) and it was in the 2002 photo album.

You'll notice that Jason and I have turned much blonder and/or greyer in the past 9 years .

It's a Secret

2011-11-29T19:43:00.001-07:00

So I'm going to give you the top, top secret recipe for my kids' favorite cookies.

Barn Cookies

Toll House cookie dough (make sure you get plenty of the dough on your face as you shove more in your mouth than you get on the cookie sheet)

Smashed as flat as you possibly can

(Not sure why they think that's part of cooking making.)

Supervised by Paw-Paw in his barn.

And Voila!

Seriously, who wouldn't want to make (and eat) Barn Cookies when the barn looks like this?!

(Yes, Freddie decorated it for Christmas.)

Ready For My First Show

2011-11-28T22:01:00.003-07:00

When JD and I spent the day together in Houston he took me by his "office".

While waiting to become a famous opera singer, JD is currently the assistant director at the John Cleary Photography Gallery.

And being that I'm buddies with the assistant director of the gallery, I had a personal and private tour.

And now that I'm well versed in the art of photography, I'm totally ready for my first show.

(JD, I'll await your call for my booking.)

I'm calling this show: A Boy and his (Grandparents') Dogs

Because We Are Home

2011-11-27T18:48:00.000-07:00

Because we made it home today, means we were in Amarillo last night.

And if we were in Amarillo last night, that means we were at....

The Big Texan.

And thankfully, it was just as cheesetasticly awesome as last year (and the year before that).

We almost had a major mishap when Reed decided to play with the Texas flag toothpick that was stuck in a jalapeno.

Poor boy, raising him in Colorado he doesn't know about the "dangers" of jalapenos.

He now knows not to rub one of his eyes after touching anything that's even been near a jalapeno.

But as you can see by his chocolate syrup mustache, he was fine by dessert.

A photo op with the big rocking chair and we called it a (Big Texan) night.

Lots O' Reynolds

2011-11-25T08:21:00.001-07:00

The official count for Thanksgiving at Windy Hill Farm was 49, but I'm sure we missed somebody so I'm gonna say there was an even 50.

We tried to gather everybody on the porch for a picture, and here's what we came up with.

(My little family alone is missing Jason, Reed, and Granny Sherry. You can spot JR on the front row wearing a hoodie, and my parents on each side of the back row.)

It was the biggest turn out we've had in years (though we think a small turn out numbers in the 30's) and was the first time all the 1st cousins have been in the same place for many, many moons.

There's a 34 year age difference between the oldest and the youngest, and though I'd love to claim youngest, I have to settle for youngest granddaughter.

With this many "Reynolds" in one place, it's easy to be thankful for family!

Nothing Says Thankfulness...

2011-11-24T07:15:00.002-07:00

like a pair of Froot Loops turkeys.

A Bunch of Fuzzy Pictures

2011-11-23T08:52:00.002-07:00

I didn't realize until I was putting this together that every single picture is fuzzy and/or out of focus.

Oh well, you'll get the idea.

Sunday I went to Holy Spirit Episcopal church in Houston to hear JD sing.

I couldn't help but giggle thinking about how two children who were raised in Baptist churches every time the doors opened were "Sundaying" with the Episcopalians.

JD came to greet me before the service started and I actually had to quote Dolly in Steel Magnolias to make myself feel more comfortable, "Oh, honey, God don't care which church you go, long as you show up!"

The service was full of readings, responses, kneeling, and crossings (which I think were blessings). I did my best to blend in, but felt like a total heathen when I stayed firmly seated during communion. (I was very uncomfortable with their lack of mini Saltine-looking wafers and tiny plastic cups of grape juice.)

But I did get to hear JD sing, (I hadn't heard him since my wedding) and he sounded amazing!

And, of course, I took pictures during the service for you.

Choir processional

He's famous!

When we got back to Jason's dad's house we tried to have JR take a picture of us.

Fuzziness aside, in case you were wondering just how tall JD is, and just how short I am...

My most famous and favorit-est former student!

How Hot Is It?

2011-11-21T10:12:00.002-07:00

So hot the shirts came off and the guns came out.

The Shorts Give It Away

2011-11-21T09:13:00.001-07:00

So you know if there's Christmas decorations combined with shorts we're definitely not in Colorado.

The humidity's about 90 percent this morning here in Houston, which means my skin looks amazing!

My hair? Not so much.

Fashion Fabulous Friday

2011-11-18T07:43:00.000-07:00

If you can't find your snow boots....

Water shoes work just fine too.

Authenticity is of Utmost Importance

2011-11-17T07:59:00.003-07:00

As you may have noticed from Jason's birthday picture, the house is decked out in all its Christmas glory.

I've mentioned before what a good decorator JR is, but now the little people are trying to get in on the action too.

This one has Kyle's design aesthetic written all over it.

Country church- Check

Dickinsonesque carolers- Check

Nativity Scene- Check

and, of course....

Monster truck parking lot- Check and Check

The Hot Glue of the Food World

2011-11-16T08:07:00.001-07:00

The hot glue of the food world?

Oh yes. Just like hot glue, it's a fix all.

And thy name be....

Chocolate Frosting.

I was telling Cassidy all about how I made Kyle and Reed's cookies for their Thanksgiving feast and I said, "Yeah, and I just hot glued them together."

Oops.

But with chocolate frosting's magical stickiness, it's easy to see how I could make the mistake.

I found these cookies on Pintrest and they were a huge hit with both the kids and the moms (my two target demographics).

The most time consuming thing about these "acorn" cookies was unwrapping the Hershey's Kisses.

Take a mini Nutter Butter, chocolate frosting a mini chocolate chip on top, a Hershey's Kiss on the bottom and you're done.

The kids went crazy over the turkey cookies.

I saw some cuter ones online, but these were the simplest.

And you know my motto passed down from my mom: "make it easy on yourself."

The "recipe" called for the body to be made of a chocolate covered cherry, but I thought these toasted coconut marshmallows would be cuter. (And I was right.)

Why all the turkeys with a half tail?

Well, letting 3 year olds help carry in the groceries resulted in a package full of broken cookies.

This one is just as easy as the acorns: a package of Fudge Stripes, toasted coconut marshmallows, and candy corns. Glue together with chocolate frosting.

Kyle and Reed went on and on about what a "good cooker" I am.

Maybe I should start telling them how beautiful and thin I am too!

2 Down 2 To Go

2011-11-15T13:24:00.000-07:00

Jason's birthday isn't until the 25th of this month, yet we've already celebrated twice.

Party #1 was Saturday night.

It was right up Jason's alley.

4 girls making up the 6 party guests.

Then we celebrated with the kids last night.

Why celebrate on a Monday?

Well, we're leaving for Texas on Friday and we certainly wouldn't want a perfectly good ice cream cake going to waste!

Cake on Monday means leftovers the rest of the week.

Reed's non-smiling face only represents the entire crowd's displeasure at my taking a picture and holding up the cake eating process.

So, with two celebrations under our belt, I'm guessing we only have about two more to go.

Parading and Proud

2011-11-14T14:38:00.001-07:00

Friday was Veteran's Day, and I couldn't have been more excited that JR remembered (from last year) that both of his grandfathers are veterans.

They also had a little Veteran's Day lesson at school (and from what I can gather) JR told the class all about proper flag etiquette. (Thank you, Cub Scouts!)

Of course, those flag respecting Cub Scouts hit the streets for the annual Veteran's Day parade again this year.

I dressed Kyle and Reed in camo thinking it was Veteran's Day-y, but when they decided they needed to wear the flag bandannas too, I couldn't help thinking they looked just like Rambo!

Kyle was refusing to have his picture made, until it was time for a Scout group shot. And wouldn't you know it...he totally snuck in! (Sorry for the X-rated portion of the picture, Kyle's Miss Muffin Bear seems to be mooning you.)

Liberace Revisited

2011-11-13T16:38:00.000-07:00

I'm pretty sure it would be impossible for me to be anymore proud of JR when he plays the piano.

The way I carry on you'd think he was recital-ing at Carnegie Hall, and not St Mark's Episcopal church.

His teacher is leaving for 3 months to go play on a cruise ship, which, of course, JR thinks is the coolest thing he's ever heard. (Hence the reason for a recital in November.)

And if you want to hear the virtuoso/child prodigy/pianist at work, here you go.

I'm pretty sure the tongue wag is just another sign of his piano genius.

Fashion Fabulous Friday

2011-11-11T07:55:00.000-07:00

Happy Veteran's Day!

A Plea For Help

2011-11-10T07:49:00.000-07:00

Notice a theme here?

Poor Hunter.

No place is safe from Reed's "love".

Almost as Fun as Waterboarding

2011-11-09T07:38:00.001-07:00

Kyle and Reed thought their game of running around shoeless on the back porch screaming "barefooted! barefooted!" was a blast.

In the summer, maybe.

While covered in snow?

Sounds like torture to me.

You can see they made Hunter play too.

I'd Probably Have Done The Same Thing

2011-11-08T08:15:00.002-07:00

We got our first biggish snow on Saturday, so by Sunday the boys were dying to make a snowman.

With Jason gone on a deer hunt, and me being a Texan and not an engineer, our snowman wasn't anything to write home about.

But we (JR, Reed, and me) got through it. (Kyle went inside after about 2 minutes.)

Here's our finished product, my kids chose to forgo arms and make him a hunter instead. That big stick is supposed to be his gun.

But my children making a gun toting snowman in the middle of liberal Durango isn't even the best part of the story.

Being a snowman novice, I decided the best way to make-up his face was to use some of the ridiculous amounts of candy we have.

Those eyes are big Halloween sized Tootsie Rolls.

As it was getting dark Sunday night, Kyle came to me and said he was going to play outside.

I said "Okay" knowing it was cold and he wouldn't stay out more than a few seconds.

A few minutes later I heard the front door shut, Kyle's feet coming up the stairs, and then as he approached me, the faint smell of chocolate wafted through the air.

I looked, and there was Kyle standing in front of me with some chocolate smeared on his cheek.

I asked him, "Did you get in the Halloween candy?"

But knew he hadn't since I hadn't heard the candy drawer rolling open or the pantry door shutting.

And then it came to me...

"Kyle, Did you go outside and eat the snowman's eyes?"

Yep.

This is probably one of those occasions when a teachable moment about how your shouldn't eat a snowman's face should have occurred, but I thought it was so hilarious I just laughed.

Our snowman looks like this now.

Winning!

2011-11-07T08:39:00.012-07:00

So with all the candy you saw in our house, you might be wondering how I keep my girlish figure.

(ha!ha!)

But, it just so happened that in the six weeks leading up to Halloween we had a partner weight loss contest in the circuit class I attend at my gym.

It also just so happened that in the week leading up to those six weeks, I had three different "helpful" comments from the gym trainers/teachers/guys that fold the towels.

In a week's time I was told:

"Oh, it's so hard to loose weight when you're shaped like a gymnast." (Meaning: Oh, it's so hard to loose weight when you're super short and stocky.)
"You've got a body that puts on muscle easily." (Meaning: You also put on fat easily, and you'll never be lean.)

And my personal favorite...

"Wow! You've got muscular calves. Do ski boots even fit over them?" (Meaning: Wow! How do you function in our amazingly fabulous Durangoan lifestyle with those giant Texas legs?)

Needless to say with all those "words of encouragement" I figured I better participate in the circuit contest.

I complained nonstop to our trainer about how unfair the contest was since it was strictly measured by weight loss. I argued that there was no way I could ever win a weight loss contest and it should be measured by weight loss percentage, attendance to circuit class, or measurements. Our trainer told me we were doing it his way, and I better find a partner that could loose weight if I wanted to win.

So that's just what I did.

I ~~forced~~ recruited my friend, Kylie, who at almost six feet tall is the complete opposite body type to me, to be my partner and.....

Voila!

Kylie went on the HCG diet and lost 12 pounds.

I worked my tail off in the gym and lost a pound and half.

But no matter, with a 14 pound total loss (they rounded up for me) we were the overall winners and each won a free 60 minute massage!

Ohhh yeah!

This is Ridiculous

2011-11-06T09:46:00.001-07:00

This picture was taken this weekend.

They gorged themselves all week, and we still have this much Halloween candy.

I finally had to clear a drawer.

I think we're set for awhile.

An only child can only bring home so much candy.

It's amazing the haul three of them working together can score.

BTW, lots of Durangoans are health conscious even at Halloween. Much to my kids' chagrin, there's a lot of organic selections in there.

I can promise you the "EnviroKids-Organic-Whole Grain-Gluten Free-Crispy Rice Bars" will be the last to go.

Fashion Fabulous Friday

2011-11-04T10:38:00.001-06:00

You'd think celebrating Halloween for 5 continuous days would result in some great photo-ops.

Instead I completely failed, and have next to nothing to show of our costume clad crew.

You've already seen Reed as Popeye, but Kyle was just as excited to be a motorcycle rider.

I had to hide his costume from him so it wouldn't be torn up before the big day(s).

JR loves the movie Zookeeper, and he's supposed to be Bernie the gorilla.

Not that you can see his face, or his friend, TC's.

But when you're 8 and there's a party to attend and candy to be had, standing still for mom to take a picture is seriously exasperating.

Thankfully Cassidy snapped this one before our neighborhood hayride so I have at least one of his face.

K9

2011-11-03T08:21:00.002-06:00

It was a real treat when the entire Durango K9 unit came to visit our Cub Scouts.

Of course we live in such a small town that the entire K9 unit happens to be only one dog.

But still, everybody was seriously impressed.

Though I'm positive there was one little Scout brother that was the most impressed.

Check out who was trying to crash the Pack group picture.

Don't worry, he got plenty of face time.

Who Has Time To Blog....

2011-11-02T12:13:00.001-06:00

when pink Christmas trees are naked, and need to be dressed in fabulousness?!

They're not just gonna decorate themselves, you know.

Freddie Strikes Again

2011-11-01T08:12:00.001-06:00

I know I have two other children that participated in Halloween.

But this post isn't about them.

This is mainly about my dad. And Freddie.

(If you're a regular reader you might remember Freddie as 'Farm Hand Freddie'.)

Reed decided to be Popeye (or 'Pie-Pie' as all my kids refer to him) for Halloween.

I happened to mention to my mom, "I wish I could find a little toy plastic pipe for Reed's costume. Seems they used to make pipes that blew bubbles when I was little. I don't think they make them anymore."

That, of course, sent my mom on a toy pipe finding mission, in which she turned up empty handed.

The next time I talked to my parents, my dad told me he and Freddie were busy carving an actual corn cob pipe for Reed. (Of course they were.)

My dad was in shock Freddie didn't know how to make a corn cob pipe, so they were making it together.

But really, I was kinda surprised too, I mean, the man figured out how to latch hook.

Truth be told, If my dad knew how to use the Internet better he probably could have found "corn cob pipe making instructions in Spanish".

The pipe arrived, and it couldn't have been cuter.

Unfortunately, this is the only picture I have of it as Reed lost it on last night's trick-or-treating hay ride.

Halloweened Out!

2011-10-31T08:31:00.000-06:00

I never thought I'd ever, ever, say this in my life...but here it goes...

I'm costumed out.

I know. I know. What's wrong with me?

But I've been putting Halloween costumes on my children since Thursday (and since they're all so skinny it takes lots of pinning and altering).

I have to say, I'm so glad it's finally Halloween!

And even though I've had children in Halloween costumes since Thursday, I still haven't taken any pictures of them.

Oops.

I do have a picture Cassidy took of the two of us from last night.

I went as "Cher as Cleopatra".

I couldn't find a Cleopatra wig in our teeny-tiny town. So a Cher wig had to do.

Which really just made me want to do my impersonation of Jack from Will and Grace doing Cher.

Poppin Good Times

2011-10-30T12:34:00.000-06:00

This is what my garage looks like.

That's $7,000 worth of cub scout popcorn.

Our scouts only sold $1,500 worth last year.

So I made Jason the popcorn "kernal" this year.

$7,000! Obviously we had a pack full of mini Jasons hitting the streets.

Fashion Fabulous Friday

2011-10-28T09:54:00.000-06:00

I may or may not have been dragging out boxes of Christmas decor since Monday.

You be the judge.

Goals and Game Faces

2011-10-27T12:45:00.000-06:00

Kyle and Reed had their last soccer game of the season on Saturday.

Unfortunately, Jason and I missed it since we were in Sedona.

As usual, Kyle scored all his goals for the other team.

(But hey, a goal's a goal, right?)

And Reed did what he did best...push/shove/run/make serious game faces.

I didn't buy the "professional" pictures since I figure my camera is just as good as theirs, so here's their unofficial-official pictures for the season.

Um, We're Missing Some Doors Here!

2011-10-25T14:02:00.002-06:00

Our "celebrity" weekend continued as the guys planned a helicopter ride for us.

I totally felt like I was on The Bachelor and was just waiting for Chris Harrison to pop out to interview me about what an "amazing connection" Jason and I have.

And though there were no roses to be handed out, the ride was great.

(I now know why helicopters always make an appearance on Bachelor dates.)

You might be noticing the helicopter has no doors.

'Doors on or off' is an option, and obviously the guys picked off!

Jason and I sat in the back.

The front seats had shoulder harnesses, but all we had was a lap belt.

I quickly pointed out I'd had more restraint on a merry-go-round.

We also learned not to stick your arms out the nonexistent door. (As Jason is doing here.)

Traveling at 115 miles an hour, your arm almost gets blown off your body.

I was trying to take a picture showing how high up and doorless things really were.

I thought my foot would be a good marker.

But then I got scared.

This was a close to the edge as I could handle.

Eek! We're really high!

And here we are landing.

Helicopter hair and all.

All kidding aside, it really was a great experience.

And honestly, I was more nervous/scared on our back to school jeeping trip than helicoptering...with no doors!

A Spelling Test With Paris Hilton

2011-10-24T09:02:00.002-06:00

Jason and I finally got around to celebrating our 10th Anniversary this weekend.

(You'll remember I forgot about it back in June and scheduled roller skating for the Cub Scouts that night.)

Of course with both of us being only children, and needing to be the center of attention, we had to ask people to come along.

Steven and Liz came with us, and it was quite the "celebrity" weekend.

We stayed at the Hilton in Sedona, AZ and were greeted with what I'm absolutely positive is a handwritten note from celebutante Paris Hilton herself.

Wow! Thanks Paris.

Jason and I did have a wonderful Ann-er-ver-say.

I know you didn't sign the note, but I've never seen a word that resembles "anniversary" less than this one. That was sweet of you to let us know it was written by you in such an obvious way!

Fashion Fabulous Friday

2011-10-21T08:09:00.000-06:00

We've got our eyes on you!

WHO, WHO's that making yummies?!

2011-10-19T13:46:00.000-06:00

I am so itchin' to get my Christmas decorations out I can hardly stand it.

I literally lie in the bed at night thinking about rearranging my furniture and where my trees will go.

So I decided to busy myself with this little fun food project I saw online.

I'm taking these to cub scouts tonight for their Halloween meeting.

Aren't they cute?!

And yes, I totally did this for the other moms to oooh and ahhh over.

I have 3 boys,

I'm well aware the scouts would be just as impressed if I threw them a bag of M&M's.

I Should've Paid JR a Quarter for This One

2011-10-18T17:10:00.002-06:00

As I was heading in the house from the back door, (I had gone to get something out of our freezer, so I was gone merely seconds) I heard muffled squeels coming from the front door.

Then I saw this.

How The Puppetmaster was able to lure them outside, lock them out, and run back to the couch to act like he was watching TV so quickly I'll never know.

But...Good one, JR! I'll pay you the quarter this time.

And yes, I totally left them locked out on the front porch while I took a picture of them.

I call it payback for refusing to nap today.

(Don't worry, I let them in right after.

And since JR did it, they thought it was wonderful and hilarious.)

What Boys Will Do for a Quarter

2011-10-17T09:36:00.001-06:00

We went for a bike ride on The River Trail yesterday afternoon.

The kids always like to stop for a little break near the library.

There wasn't much "breaking" yesterday since JR told Reed he'd give him a quarter if he'd ride his bike down the hill.

Let's take a little look at that hill, shall we?

I've labeled everybody for you.

Reed at the top of the hill, Kyle halfway up thinking maybe he'll score a quarter too, and JR (AKA:Puppetmaster), safely under a shade tree.

We didn't really think Reed would do it.

But then he pushed off and all Jason said to me was "this isn't going to end well."

I don't have any pictures of the actual ride down since I was frozen in terror, but here's what the ending looked like.

We started cheering for him as soon as Reed....I'm gonna go with the word "landed". I guess I could also go with "face planted".

He was a little stunned, but decided not to disappoint his cheering fans. He didn't even cry.

But he did ask if Jesus was proud of him!

Outta This World

2011-10-16T16:03:00.004-06:00

JR's school has a fun run for a fundraiser every year.

They have to have a fun run since (And Texans, the following are all seriously true, told to Cassidy by a teacher at the school):

-They can't sell magazines since paper is bad for the environment.

-They can't sell cinnamon rolls or other food products (that sell well) because they're unhealthy and make you fat.

-So the kids run since it's good for their physical fitness/Durango-ness.

(Okay, okay, so the teacher didn't say 'Durango-ness'.)

Maybe next year they'll strap trash to the kids' backs and make them run to the recycling center. A true win/win for everybody wouldn't you say?

Anyway, this year's theme was outer space and I promised myself I would not buy any costuming for the event.

And I didn't!

This came straight out of the kids' prop closet, my leftover craft supplies, and a Halloween goody box my mom sent.

That's Kyle's Mexican wrestler mask we picked up on our cruise, an "eyeball" made out of a white squishy ball, and a fuzzy pom-pom pipe cleaner arrangement.

Add the crazy glasses my mom sent underneath, and you've got "the best alien in the class", as JR put it.

I even safety pined the top portion on so the alien mask can go right back to Mexican wrestler in a snap.

Cause with this pack of boys you never know when you'll need to be an alien, Mexican wrestler, or Smurfette.

Fashion Fabulous Friday: Respect the Mullet

2011-10-14T08:18:00.000-06:00

If you're looking to add a few classic pieces to your own personal prop closet, you can't go wrong with a mullet wig.

We bought one last Halloween (Jason went to a work Halloween party as Joe Dirt...although Joe Dirt's mullet was blonde...but I didn't plan his costume) and it's made many appearances since.

But best of all, the kids love it.

And really, who doesn't love a good baby mullet?

Maybe if I let them wear the tattoo arm sleeves enough when they're little they'll get tired of them and won't want to do this to themselves when they grow up.

The mullet will be making another appearance this Halloween. JR is going as a gorilla in a safari jacket, (Think the movie Zookeeper, which he loved.) and asked if he could wear the mullet. Not sure why he thinks a gorilla needs a mullet, but who am I to deny his costuming stylings?!

Why I Don't Teach Preschool

2011-10-12T15:59:00.003-06:00

Kyle and Reed are loving their T/TH morning preschool.

They come home with lots of crafts (which they love) and many seem to involve food.

Just check out this squirrel that came home yesterday.

The tail is made of Cocoa Pebbles.

I didn't realize this at first, but as I was carrying it to the car I caught a whiff.

I thought: I'm so glad I don't have to craft with Cocoa Pebbles. I'd eat the whole box before the kids even got them glued on.

And as I was writing this post, Kyle, (child after my own heart) walked right up to the squirrel you see before you, picked off some Cocoa Pebbles....and ate them.

Of course he did.

I'll Get Phone Calls For This One

2011-10-11T20:37:00.000-06:00

Fair Warning: This is one of those posts I'm writing mainly so I won't forget the things I find funny that the kids say/do.

Kyle was insistent that he needed to sleep with his Bible. (He is such a good Baptist.)

I humored him, and he then showed me how "Maw-Maw dos it when she's looking for her glasses." (Yes, I meant to write 'dos').

I had to run get my camera and have him reenact since this cracked me up. I've watched my mom rest her books open on her stomach my entire life.

I then asked him if he was going to read his Bible or just sleep with it.

Kyle: I'm going to read it to Jesus. (The Baptists are loving him.)

Me: You are?

Kyle: Yeah, I know all the funny parts. (Oops, the Baptists are getting a little concerned.)

Me: The funny parts of The Bible? I can't wait to hear this.

Kyle: ("Reading" from The Bible) If you take a mouse to school.

...And there's my phone ringing with the Baptists inviting us to Prayer Meetin'!

Orange You Glad I'm Posting

2011-10-10T13:29:00.001-06:00

This medium sized Texan almost froze her tushy off at Kyle and Reed's soccer game Saturday.

So much so, that there are no pictures of Reed pushing/shoving/making serious games faces or Kyle taking the ball all the way down the field to score in the other team's goal, jumping up and down, and screaming "Mommy! I won!"

I do however have a picture of them enjoying their after soccer snack since:

A. I figured my hand wouldn't freeze off in the few seconds I had to snap these pics...and if it did I'd have the heater on soon enough.

and

B. Who doesn't get a kick out of a good orange slice smile?

Look What I Got!!!

2011-10-09T14:53:00.000-06:00

A restaurant down the way from us is going out of business.

I guess I should be a little more somber about their situation, but...

Check out what I just scored!!!

Jason couldn't understand why I had to have it, but poor Jason doesn't know fabulous even when it's a blazing neon sign staring him in the face.

My kitchen and I are so loving it!

Fashion Fabulous Friday

2011-10-07T12:16:00.000-06:00

Dear Kyle,

Just because it snowed does not mean we can go skiing.

Message received that you're ready to go.

Love,

Mom

Really???

2011-10-06T20:32:00.000-06:00

I got a text from Cassidy this morning that just said:

"Really???"

I couldn't figure out what she was 'really-ing' about.

Until I went outside.

It was snowing.

Snow.

(Not "Snow! Woohoo!" but "snow...meh."

Snow on October 6th.

Really???

I'm not ready.

Mainly cause I don't want to give up my flip-flops.

I mean, I just gave up Cokes yesterday, and then today my flip-flops!

Wow. It's been a rough two days.

I'm Back on the Wagon Again

2011-10-05T14:19:00.000-06:00

Remember how I gave up Cokes for my New Year's Resolution?

I had a good run.

I really did.

I was Coke free until the beginning of June.

June 4th to be exact.

(Not that I was counting or anything.)

And then I fell off the wagon.

And I fell hard.

Because honestly, I wanted a Coke every. single. day.

It never got easier, and I never felt any different.

I didn't feel healthier, have more energy, or even sleep better.

All it made me feel was that I wanted a Coke.

I've had a good 4 months of Coke-full bliss.

Lots of visits to Sonic, plenty of refills...

so I figure it's time to (grudgingly) climb back on that wagon.

My goal is to make it to around Christmas...and then totally OD until New Year's!

Leafy Hike

2011-10-04T14:42:00.003-06:00

Cassidy, Kylie, and I had been talking about loading up the families and driving over to Silverton this past weekend to see the leaves changing color.

But then Kylie had the much better idea of going up to Spud Lake for a hike and picnic.

This turned out to be a perfect plan since there were plenty:

dogs to hug,

limbs to be used as walking sticks,

and Doritos to eat.

The hike was even family friendly enough for our smallest and laziest family member to tag along.

(Can you spot Hunter between Reed and Koen?)

We were even able to get a picture with the entire family looking at the camera.

Now that's a successful day!

A Night at the Races

2011-10-03T09:26:00.002-06:00

Kyle and Reed are still begging me every breath to take them to the "dirt bike track".

Coupled with Jason taking them a few Friday nights ago to see JR's friend, Steven, race his BMX bike, they haven't stopped asking to go.

We had a free Friday night this weekend and decided to take them to the races.

We weren't sure they'd let them race (being that Strider bikes don't even have pedals) but the BMX folks were very welcoming and Kyle and Reed couldn't have been more excited.

Race #1 (Kyle's the green bike, Reed's is the yellow)

Serious faces at the start

Reed started out with the lead (these races showed us just how competitive Reed is)

But after wiping out 3 times, Kyle got the lead on him.

And finished in 1st!

(The nice thing about only having 2 racers in your division is you know you're gonna win 1st or 2nd!)

After his big 1st place win, he thought he was one of the big guys.

Race #2

Reed was not going to let Kyle beat him this time. Just look at Reed's face compared to Kyle's!

And this time, Reed was way out in front

And was able to hold on to his lead for the win!

JR congratulating his brothers.

And then, just when they thought the night couldn't get any better, they were presented with trophies for their big wins.

Which means they're now totally hooked and in love with with the BMX track.

The Decor is Up

2011-10-02T17:27:00.001-06:00

I think the kids were as excited as I was to get the Halloween decorations out.

JR's still the best decorator in the house (I've taught him well).

And Kyle and Reed thought they could actually go trick-or-treating as soon as the decorations went up.

The black cat and pumpkin motif is back in full effect this year in all its 360 degree glory.

That's why you get two pictures.

I had a moment of sadness this year when I realized I didn't have any new pieces I'd picked up at 75% off last year. (I've given this some great deal of thought and decided that I must have gone shopping, but the selection of black cats must have been nonexistent.)

Thankfully I did have these two new additions I bought a few weeks ago (and had forgotten about) to cheer me up.

JR decided to strip (most of) his shelves and go for full Halloween.

His favorite?

The giant spider, of course.

And the outside is almost ready too.

Just need some real pumpkins!

Today's The Day

2011-10-01T15:39:00.001-06:00

Are you ready?

You can see we are!

Halloween decorations go up today!

Which means my house will be fully decorated until December 26th.

(Except for the crazy Halloween to Christmas transition period that will probably begin happening before Halloween. I love having at least one Christmas tree up for Trick-or Treaters to enjoy!)

Fashion Fabulous Friday- A Very Special 80's Episode

2011-09-30T09:07:00.001-06:00

First things first. I have to plug our Murder Mystery Party. If you ever want to do one (and I highly suggest you do) check out Night of Mystery. All the work is done for you, and they have every theme you could ever think of. Amazing.

And now to the fashions...

Each person is given a character and costume suggestions.

Here are our interpretations for 80's High School Reunion:

Danni Drums-marching band member and Steve Spielson-AV Squad turned famous movie director

My costume is a new addition to the prop closet, but Jason is wearing his sequined Vegas shirt from our casino night in Beijing, his blonde Fred (from Scooby Doo) wig, and a necklace I made from 3 pipe cleaners and leftover 'jewels' from our Royal Wedding Watching Party hats.

Joe Nebraska-class jock turned PE teacher and Natalie Nebraska-cheerleader

Brad's jersey is an actual football jersey he borrowed from one of his co-worker's sons, and Cassidy is wearing a cheerleading uniform from the Ingy prop closet.

Cindy Crawfish-Class Flirt

I'm not sure what I loved most about Kylie's get-up; It's all so totally 80's!

Nick Nixon-class president turned presidential hopeful and Molly Ringworm-class drama queen turned Hollywood actress

Rocky and Kim were certainly our most elegantly dressed couple.

Judd Jensen-the class stud and Pamela Abdul- the dance team captain

Coy's shirt actually said "McStud", and I'm pretty sure it was Niki's leg warmers (you can't see them in the picture) that gave her the edge to win "Best Dressed" that night. (Of course we had awards!)

Bobbie Bright-Class Valedictorian turned Harvard Law graduate

Brooke reminding us "I'm smart. See, I went to Harvard."

Bailey Babble-the class gossip and Byron P. Keaton- math team captain turned (what else) accountant

Ocea and Sterling both walked away with Best Actor/Actress honors. They were hysterical!

And what would a Murder Mystery be without our hall monitor turned traffic cop to keep order to the party?

As you can see, Peter is telling us to remain calm after he taped off the body. And who is that lying there? Oops, Jason got murdered.

But that's okay, it gave B.A. Barricade, the class punk, a chance to come to the party

The mullet wig has also been a great addition to the prop closet. I think this is its 3rd or 4th public appearance. (We're still not sure who Jason's high-fiving in this picture!)

I won't tell you who the murderer was (in case you ever happen to do this party) but I will say only 4 people figure it out!

All Things Cowboy

2011-09-29T13:34:00.001-06:00

It's Cowboy Poetry Days here in Durango, so the kids were supposed to dress up 'cowboy' for school.

Of course, I always associate this with Go Western Day in Houston (which is in March), so I tend to get confused why the kids are dressing up so early in the year.

And to add to my confusion, I don't think it's possible for Kyle and Reed to have been more opposite while celebrating.

When I told them they needed to dress up like cowboys for school, Reed told me he wanted to be Woody. Kyle said he wanted to be Jessie.

And the opposite-ness doesn't end at the picture above.

Just check these out:

Reed's cowboy hat

Kyle's cowboy hat

Reed's painted boot

Kyle's painted boot

Reed's cowboy hat color sheet

Kyle's cowboy hat color sheet:

Picture not available since Kyle didn't even color a cowboy hat.

And if you're wondering if any of this surprises me?

Nope, not one bit.

I Love The '80's

2011-09-28T13:01:00.000-06:00

We had one of the most fun parties I've ever attended for Cassidy's birthday this past weekend.

It was an 80's high school reunion murder mystery party.

And it was soooo what Willis was talkin' 'bout!

I'll have to save all the awesome 80's costumes for a Very Special 80's Episode of Fashion Fabulous Friday, but I'm totally excited to show off our decorations.

We were most proud of our lockers. Cassidy drew them out, and I helped embellish.

Little known fact I learned about Cassidy: She doesn't have a hot glue gun! I don't know how she functions.

The lockers served as great photo backdrops!

And what would the 80's be without Pac Man?

You could find them scattered about the room.

Of course we had some classic movie posters on the walls.

(Footloose, The Breakfast Club, and Ghostbusters were represented too. Plus an MJ Thriller poster in the bathroom!)

The cake atop a Rubik's Cube

You'll find out who was murdered on Friday, but here's the crime scene after it was "cleaned up".

I LOVE THE 80's!

Pointin' Bubbly Fingers

2011-09-27T20:10:00.000-06:00

During bath time last night, we were trying to investigate who was the culprit of splashing water out of the tub and all over the wall.

Reed: It was Kyle.

Kyle: No! It was Reed.

Reed: No! It was Kyle.

Kyle: It was Reed.

Reed (in his most serious and mature tone): I'm pretty sure it was Kyle.

All I know...

Being an only child myself, these kids better thank their lucky stars they have somebody else to blame!

Timmmberrrr

2011-09-26T20:34:00.000-06:00

Kyle and Reed have had the same babysitter, Lacey, since we moved here.

They call her "Miss Lacey".

And though Miss Lacey is in college, she has a baby sister who makes appearances here too.

Her name is Timber, but Kyle and Reed call her "Miss Timber", which I think is hilarious.

Kyle and Reed were begging to hold Miss Timber the other day, and they did a pretty good job. Especially since they only weigh about 5 pounds more than she does!

And the second after this picture was snapped, Reed dropped Timber.

So...

You know I'm gonna say it:

Timber went timmmberrrr!

Over the Edge

2011-09-25T18:00:00.002-06:00

On Friday Jason participated in "throw your boss off the side of a building day".

His employees raised over $1,000 for Special Olympics for Jason to go...over the edge.

We drove down to Albuquerque for the big event and the whole way I was reading all their suggestions about 'working out', 'rock climing', and at a minimum 'squeezing a stress ball' to be ready to repel down a 16 story building.

Of course, Jason had done none of this, and I was petrified he wasn't going to be able to do it.

The official picture before the decent.

Jason said the worst part was leaning back to get started.

My view from the street.

Almost to solid ground

I shouldn't have been worried, Jason handled the repel like a pro.

Yet again, I was shocked. Don't know when I'll learn.

He always surprises me with his 'never worked out since I've met him' superior athletic ability.

He also handled the interview portion like a pro.

Receiving his medal from a Special Olympics athlete. You'll see a little mop of blonde hair by Jason's hand ready to lay claim to the gold. Jason got to wear his medal for exactly 2 seconds.

It was a great day for a great cause, and if you think something like that might be an adrenaline rush...Jason's hands were still shaking 15 minutes after he was finished!