Halloween

This picture makes me laugh. Sophia is over doing a bit I think!

Ever confident Natalie!

The wicked witch of the West!

A witch, Cinderella and Thumbelina graced our home this year for Halloween. Jose took the kids out while I stayed home to pass out the treats. (At least it wasn't raining!) I decided not to do candy but popcorn. The kids thought it was great. I bought 80 bags and had 3 left over. Our kids went out for a while but Sophia called it quits before the other two. She said she was cold and got working on her candy right away. We'll see how long it all lasts!

Thanks Great Grandma and Grandpa

Just before Halloween this year my kids and Betsy's kids received a package from their GREAT Grandparents. Inside were some coloring books for all the kids. As you can see they went straight to work on them and have enjoyed them ever since. Thank you Grandma and Grandpa Garner for thinking of them! They love to get their own mail. Sophia always reminds me that Grandpa has an elevator. His is probably the only man in Malheur county with his own personal elevator. I need to post video of it at some point. They love to take rides on it. What a life my kids have!

Thoughts from Isabel

The other day we were driving down the road and talking about jobs and what our kids wanted to do when they grow up. Natalie says she wants to be a police woman with a dog. Isabel has changed her mind from being a doctor and now wants to be a teacher. But then things started to get interesting.

Isabel: When I grow up I want to have lots of money and have a limo.
Mom: Why do you want a limo?
Isabel: Because when I am in the car I can write letters to you and dad.
Mom: So you want to spend your time wisely.
Isabel: Yes and I want to buy stuff for you.
Mom: What kind of stuff? Do you think we need something that we don't have now?
Isabel: Well you know, in case you run out of shampoo I can get some for you. And maybe some conditioner.

I just love the practical side of my kids. At least I'll always have clean hair!

Natalie's workout class

Jose and I work out from home. We try to be healthy and stay in shape. I think our kids have watched us a little too closely. Natalie is usually awake when I am working out. Sophia will sometimes sleep through it but obviously has seen enough to know what is going on. Isabel likes to tell her dad that what he is doing is easy and jumps in and works out for 5 minutes and then is done. Jose and Casey have been doing P90X. For those of you who don't know what that it is, it's an insane workout schedule with a goofy instructor. I must say that he does get the job done. You work out for an hour 6 times a week. Jose wanted me to do it as well but I am not that motivated and don't have time for an hour. I just stick with my Jillian Michaels 30 day shred and Biggest Loser Yoga.

Anywho, the other day I was talking to Jose on the phone and Natalie starts putting this routine together for her sisters to follow. She has incorporated moves from both different work outs but I think my favorite is when she says "hit it" (and all the grunting)! That is what Jillian says. Maybe she'll be a personal trainer one day. She's learning all the moves early!

Horses

If you are lucky enough to know my kids well (how confident am I?) you realize they have this thing for horses. So I discovered that Lee Farms right down the rode from us does pony rides for not very much. So we hopped in the van and got our kids on some ponies. Natalie's smile says it all. Of course they really wanted to ride a pony out on the range but give it some time and maybe it will happen. They are already planning which pony they want to buy and keep telling us we need to get a barn so we can have horses. Were my kids born in the wrong century? They would have loved to have been pioneer kids when that was all that they had. Then maybe Natalie wouldn't beg to watch a movie every day.

Too much mothering

The other night I was getting myself a little snack and thought a glass of milk would be the perfect accompaniment. Without hesitation I went to the kids cupboard and pulled out a sippie cup with lid. With the milk in my right hand about to pour into the sippie cup in my left, I suddenly thought, wait a minute, this milk is for me! I sighed and returned the child's cup and got out an adult cup and pour myself some milk. Does it only get worse from here on out? Will I be cutting my husband's meat when we are 64? I need a mom vacation!

Natalie's birthday

It seems as though Natalie has been waiting FOREVER to be 6! This years creation was an ice cream cake. Chocolate cake, vanilla ice cream. Very delicious. And of course, cupcakes on the side. You're only 6 once!