She's crafty

Last night Dyan and I went to a scrapbooking class at The Green Tangerine's in Rocklin. We made the cutest Advent Calendar and had so much fun. The only things I have left to do is to put our names on the list (days 3 and 8) and tie ribbon around it so I can hand it on the wall if I want to. Once the kids learned there will be treats in the little boxes, they were super excited.



Now I want to go to more classes. If I only had more time and money, right? Oh well, I know that I am very lucky and truly blessed.

My personality test. I'm an inspector.

I took a personality test tonight and it says I'm an ISTJ. Introverted, Sensing, Thinking, Judging. If you want to take one, click the gadget on the right. Is this me? About the ISTJ

Expert Quotes & Links

"ISTJs are often called inspectors. They have a keen sense of right and wrong, especially in their area of interest and/or responsibility. They are noted for devotion to duty. Punctuality is a watchword of the ISTJ. The secretary, clerk, or business(wo)man by whom others set their clocks is likely to be an ISTJ." - ISTJ Profile (TypeLogic) "ISTJs are very loyal, faithful, and dependable. They place great importance on honesty and integrity. They are "good citizens" who can be depended on to do the right thing for their families and communities. While they generally take things very seriously, they also usually have an offbeat sense of humor and can be a lot of fun - especially at family or work-related gatherings." - Portrait of an ISTJ (The Personality Page) "...characterized by decisiveness in practical affairs, are the guardians of institutions, and if only one adjective could be selected, "super dependable" would best describe them." - The Portrait of the Inspector Guardian (Keirsey)

"...private, does not appreciate strangeness, not adventurous, not spontaneous, follows the rules..." - Jung Type Descriptions (ISTJ) (similarminds.com) "At work, ISTJs get things done on a timely basis. They honor deadlines, and they believe in thoroughness. A half-finished job is not a job well done. They established procedures and schedules, and are uncomfortable with those who do not do the same. ISTJs put duty before pleasure. As long as they can fulfill their responsibilities, they feel useful and thereby satisfied. Their work does not have to be fun, but it has to count toward something productive. ISTJs believe that vacations are something that one takes only when work has been accomplished; thus, at times they do not take vacations even when they could and should." - ISTJ - The Reliant (Lifexplore)

Where a kid can be a kid.

I learned a very important lesson today. Don't ever go to Chuck E. Cheese's on a weekend. It was a mad-house. They had dozens of birthday parties going on and the noise level was way up there. I had promised the kids that we would go because we took them to get their Christmas pictures taken on Friday and they were so very patient and good (twice... long story) so I owed them.

M has said a few very sweet things lately. We were at the park yesterday and I was freezing so I told him it was time to go home. He cuddled me a few times because I was making a big deal and saying how much he was helping to keep me warm and then he said, "do you want me to take my shirt off so you can wear it?"

Today I was saying something about money (can't remember what off hand) and he said, "you can have the money out of my piggy bank, mommy." Too sweet.

Some not so cute things he said out of anger today. He napped yesterday and finally fell asleep at 9:45 pm last night. Need I say more?

1. You're being a BRAT to me!!
2. If you do that, I'm going to pull your hair!!
3. I'm never going to let you watch YOUR shows!!

He loves this one because you get a lot of tickets.

K loves this one but she always misses the ducks.

Air Hockey!

They played each other. She did pretty well but quickly lost interest.

It's all about the tickets!! M put a token in a came and hit the jackpot. We didn't even know it until the tickets just kept coming out. He won 50. It was the highlight of his day for sure.

She loves the tickets too.

Spider Stompin'. I love watching them play this one. It's behind you, K!!

Off to pack lunches for the kids. I have a root-canal to look forward to in the morning.
Lucky me. :(

Baking cookies

The kids helped me make chocolate chip cookies the yesterday. They turned out so yummy. We used the Ghirardelli Chocolate Chips and recipe on the back and I have to say, they turned out so much better than when I use the Nestle Tollhouse ones. They may be the best chocolate chip cookies I've ever made. I don't have much else to say but here are a few pictures. Of course.

Are they eating or helping?

My cute boy. He has had excellent behavior lately as well. See the flour on his cheek?

Is K reading the recipe?

My favorite part... the cookie dough. M likes it too. This picture wasn't posed!

K wasn't crazy about the batter. She at 1/2 a spoonful and then decided to go outside to play.

Off to bed, I work an extra shift this week so I probably won't be blogging much.
Melissa

Discovery Science and Space Museum

I've been too busy/tired to blog. I'm working a little extra plus my mom came for a visit and we've been busy doing projects around the house. My new bedroom furniture is in and just beautiful. It's almost fun to do laundry now. Almost. We've been stacking our clothes up in the corners of our bedroom for years because we were both sharing one VERY SMALL dresser. Now we each have our own dresser with plenty of storage and a nightstand. My dresser even has 2 shelving units on the sides. Maybe I'll post pictures. The only thing is, of course I couldn't have my ugly white/gold ceiling fan or my horrible wall lamps with my beautiful new bedroom set so we had to get new lamps and a new ceiling fan. It just snowballs from there. Now I want to paint the room (it's white, yuck) and I just have to have new bedding. Mine is so frumpy. We really should get a nice comfy chair for the sitting area and it just goes on and on.

Mine, all mine! It's even bigger than it looks in the picture. See how white the walls look now?

The sides, I don't have the shelves in yet.

Brians. The drawers are nice and big. See the clothes piled up everywhere?

I need the big comfy chair, accessories, pictures on the walls, paint, fresh flowers... etc.

Last week Brian and I took K to daycare and spent the day alone with M. Boy was he excited. He must have asked me a dozen times that morning whether he had to go to school or not. I told him we were going to tell a little fib and tell K that he was going too (not that she cares) and it sure made it more fun and special for him. He told K on the way to drop her off, "mom and dad are going to pick me up from school too, right mom?" We went to the Discovery Science and Space Museum. It's all hands on stuff for kids just his age. We had a good time but he had a tummy ache and at one point had to go into the bathroom and try to throw up. Then we went to Toys R Us just to look around. He had never been there. I ended up getting a phone call from Willy (my daycare provider) about 3:30 saying that K had thrown up also. They were fine that evening and he went to school the next day.

Funny one.

Finally a picture of M and I. He wouldn't look at the camera though.

My Astronauts.

K's started to say, "that's not OK." Usually to M but she's given it to me a few times also. She also says, "whatever." She came back from Aunt Sue's and Uncle Jim's saying that. Although Sue says she must get that from me. Whatever!

Last night when I was giving M a bath, I asked him how he got potatoes/french fries in his ears. He said, "I just put them in my mouth and then they come out my ears"... and looked at me like, duh.

Will write more later. I have a few pictures of the kids from yesterday. Hopefully I'll have more energy today.

M - Stylist to K

This morning I overheard the kids playing together in K's room so I decided to peek in on them. I found M looking in K's jewelry box and dressing her up in all her costume jewelry. I think he really wants to play in it but realizes it's a "girl toy". They were just too cute. He put on several necklaces, bracelets, earring and even a barrette in her hair and then told her how pretty she looked. She kept saying, "thanks, M" after every piece. Priceless.

Hmmmm, what should I put on? M's still in his jammies.

She wasn't so sure about it at first.

Time for earrings.

Putting a butterfly barrette in her hair. I wonder if he could do a better job than Brian
at doing K's hair? See this post.

I just like this one.

I couldn't get a picture of the finished product because all of a sudden she said, "all done" and started taking everything off.

I have a date tomorrow with M. He's out of school for Veteran's Day so I thought I would send K to school and enjoy some 1 on 1 time with M. He's excited and keeps whispering not to tell K. Not sure what our plans will be yet.

Tea Party and funnies

Why are some days just easier than others? It all depends on M's mood and I usually know whether it's going to be good or bad by 8:00 am. Today was a great day. We were up, all showered, dressed and fed by 9:00 am. I even had time to pick up the house and make beds before we headed out the door to Bouncetown at 9:30. The kids had a blast there ... they actually played together. We stayed for about 2 1/2 hours and they ran the entire time so the rest of the day was easy... we just hung out around here. M and I baked Pumpkin Bread while K napped (in her pack-n-play which she's too big for) .... but she loves it and stays in it!!

Some funnies...

K kept getting out of her chair during dinner. I asked her repeatedly to get back into her chair and eat. Then she said, "I'm enjoying it." I always tell the kids to slow down and enjoy their food (usually it's with treats... my kids don't eat). She pays attention to everything I say, doesn't she?

I asked (nagged) M to be careful with something today (a delicate pumpkin decoration). He groaned under his breath, "do you ever stop talking?" I'm not kidding! I said, "what?" He said, "nothing." It was too hard to contain my laughing.

I absolutely have to throw K a party for her birthday. She talks about it all the time. Tonight while we were reading a book where all the animals were hanging around each other and she said excitedly, "the animals are having a party." Then she asked if she could have a birthday party tomorrow with "cake and candles." I can't wait until April to throw her a big bash.

I hate to post without including pictures so here are a few pictures from a tea party we had last week. The kids loved having me as their servant (not that it's any different than usual) and had Chocolate Soy Milk and Granola Bites. (tea and crumpets)

M's serving K. I must have filled the teapot up 5 times.

I should have done her hair (don't look).

He really was that excited.

I just love her pretty face in this one (and those eyes).

Look at those cheeks.

Goodnight.
Melissa

Miscellaneous

No matter your party affiliation, race, religion, or gender... exercise YOUR RIGHT to vote.

Freedom is a BEAUTIFUL thing!

I can't help but post a few more pictures from Halloween and the MOMS Club Halloween Party. Most of the pictures from Halloween didn't turn out because it was too dark. Next year I'll just video. The kids had a blast on Halloween. Thank goodness the stormy weather held out until Saturday. We had a few scattered sprinkles but the weather was pretty warm... in the high 60's I think. We went trick-or treating with Dyan, Monte, their kids and Brian's parents. They were visiting from So. Cal. The kids RAN door to door of course and K was no exception. She kept up very well. After about 20 houses or so she got tired and rested in the jogger (with her fie). M however NEVER gets tired anymore. Nothing wears that kid out. I think he could run a half-marathon and then would say, "now what are we going to do?" He had so much fun... but was a little bit of a stinker. Not listening very well, not saying thank you, not wanting to carry his own bag, running through people's decorations, etc. I just kept telling myself that he's only 4. I think he was just overly excited about all the treats he was getting. All of my friends say that 5 year olds are much easier... I'm counting on that.

The MOMS Club Party was at The Club and was a lot of fun as well. They had a huge turnout. It started out with snacks and activities and then the kids lined up for some trick-or-treating (some of the Dad's handed out candy). Brian was working. Here are some pictures. Sorry, lots of pictures coming up. I just love them all.

Look at that pouty face.

Aaaargh!

D (Dyan's son) had the best werewolf costume. All the babies were scared of him. My kids are tickling him and having a great time.

The werewolf was hungry for sheep.

D and K. Cute one.

My super-cute pirate eating at the MOMS Club Party.

Trick-Or-Treating at The Club.

K too. Dyan took this good picture.

The one decent picture from Halloween. All 4 kids together.

M didn't want to wear his hair while we were Trick-Or-Treating (don't get me started on that) so Grandpa wore it most of the night. Here's his pirate face.
(you knew I was going to post that, right?)

Ooops, I forgot to include some pictures from M's party at school.
Here are 2. (like I said, long post)

They Trick-Or-Treated at 3 banks and a hair salon. The kids loved it.
(Look at the kids face behind him... the racecar driver)

Their pizza party.

K ate huge tonight for once. She must be growing. She ate 2 helpings of lasagna, an entire banana, grapes and then asked for raisins. That kid absolutely loves fruit. Would eat a whole bowl if I let her.

K's favorite things right now...
1. Music - Especially the Laurie Berkner Band (Laurie's got a pig on her head song). She loves all of them though. We have 3 of her CD's. If you have small kids, run out and buy them! Both kids also love the Spiderman song by the Ramones. (You can find it at Playlist.)

2. Food - Raisins. Any kind of fruit. Macaroni and Cheese, english muffins with peanut butter and pancakes are her favorite. She doesn't like sandwiches!

3. Favorite show - For sure is Tom and Jerry. She also likes WordWorld, Clifford and Curious George. We took the DVD player out of the car so they haven't been watching movies lately.

4. Favorite book - Llama Llama Mad At Mama. She wants me to read it every night at bedtime.

5. Toys - She loves playing with these small realistic animals we have (most of them were given to M by Brian's sister, Sharon). She puts them in her dollhouse, Little People Barn, everywhere. She loves animals. She enjoy's puzzles very much also.

6. Miscellaneous - She loves pajamas!! Especially "comfy, cozy" ones. I got some new footed PJ's today at Costco (the soft Carters ones) and she couldn't have been more excited.

M's Favorite Things Right Now...
1. Music - His favorite songs are I've Been Working on The Railroad by Laurie Berkner and The Spiderman Song. He also loves this Halloween CD that I got from Target that has The Batman theme song, Scooby-Doo theme song, Monster Mash, I Want Candy and a different version of the Spiderman Song.

2. Food - Carbs!! Bagels, bread, crackers, chips, etc. Today on the way to school he asked me out of nowhere when I could buy him some Cheetos. He's only had them once or twice but sure loves them. Still loves PB & J's.

3. Favorite shows. He loves Transformers and Curious George. He is still really into Scooby Doo also.

4. Favorite book. Even though Halloween is over he still wants to read Ten Timid Ghosts every night. I even enjoy this one. It's very cute.

5. Toys. Anything very boyish although sometimes I'll catch him giving K's dolls a bottle or something (sorry M). He loves Spiderman, Transformers, Batman, TMNT's, IronMan, Star Wars, etc. With all of the new commercials for toys (with Xmas coming) I hear a lot of, "Mom, you gotta come and see this, hurry!" from him.

6. His favorite place to go is the California State Railroad Museum. It really is fun. Anyone with kids should check it out. We belong to the Caboose Club (annual membership) so we go often. We can't wait for the Polar Express Train Ride along the Sacramento River in December.

Off to clean up.
Melissa

Sneak Peek

Here's a sneak peek of my trick-or-treaters. I've been busy with company this weekend and working day shift today. Too tired to blog but here are a couple (OK 4) pictures of my little ones in their costumes. Day shift just kills me, not because it's busy or anything but because I had to get up so EARLY (5:15 am). By the way, another thing that's killing me is the time change. K was up at 5:15 also!! Here they are.

M has wanted to be a pirate for a long time. He wanted to be Captain Skunkbeard off of Scooby Doo Pirate's Ahoy but that didn't exist. Then we saw the costume at the Disney Store and just knew it was the one. It glows in the dark and came with a scary mask but we liked the hair better.

K has wanted to be a sheep for long time. We looked at about 10 stores and couldn't find a sheep costume anywhere. We found them for babies but not older kids. I tried everything to get her to wear something else... "how about this one, K?" She replied with, "I be a sheep, I say baaaaa" over and over again. When I found in on the internet she jumped up and down and said... "can you get it!!" Here she is.

A picture of the 2 of them before the MOMS Club Halloween Party. He was actually trying to put his arm around her and of course, she wouldn't let him so he TACKLED her! I'm surprised they're still smiling.

Sheep down.

Will blog more tomorrow.
Everybody get out there and vote!
Melissa