Elf Mischief

Bennett wrote a letter to Santa requesting an elf.

So of course, Santa complied and sent Jingles to keep watch at our house.

I didn't know that elfs could be so mischievous.

We came home from Walmart tonight to find our Christmas tree had been toilet papered, with Jingles holding an empty toilet paper tube.

The kids shrill giggles confirm they love having an elf that is just as naughty as they are.

Here Comes Santa Claus

Why is it you have everything on track and ready for Christmas...think you are ahead of the game...then your kids throw you a curve ball that upsets everything.

All 3 of my children have been begging for Happy Nappers. That is what they want, and that is what Santa better bring if he was to see happy smiling children.

So when we went to visit Santa I was completely thrown for a loop when they all put their orders in for something other than a Happy Napper.

The current requests:

Jemma: A princess doll

Jacks: A robot bug (Hexbug)

Bennett: A Nutcracker

Hmm...Santa might have to do a little readjusting. Especially since he promised them to their face their wish would be granted.

Thanksgiving 2011

No, I did not take any picture of our actual Thanksgiving Feast (either of them). I was too busy trying to consume as much food as possible.


Matt had to work Friday after Thanksgiving so our trip to Idaho was a short whirlwind.

In our small allotted time frame we were able to pack in a little shopping, make Christmas pillow cases for each child, and consume 2 Thanksgiving dinners in.

We packed up and headed home just before all the crazies came out for the Black Friday Deals. (No offense to any who participated, I desperately wanted to join in on the festivities. I personally think Black Friday should become a federal holiday so I will never have to miss another one again due to Matt's job).

However, on second thought, after hearing Michelle had been trampled by a group of teenage boys in the Xbox game section, and Heather was rammed in the rear end by a fast moving cart when she paused to look actually look at something, I think being warm and safe in my bed as I send my sisters out to do my shopping just might be a better option.

Friday night when Matt got home from work we pulled out our Christmas decorations and went to town. (And of course, I did not get the camera out. Oops.)

Milestone Oversight!

This summer Bennett lost his first 2 teeth.

Unlike most kids, Bennett refused the right to be visited by the Tooth Fairy.

He choose to keep his teeth instead, in a little plastic bag, with the thought of stock piling all his baby teeth, just in case he needed them at a later date...

Go figure.

Halloween

This year for Halloween we had a kitty.
A dragon (for the 3rd year)
And a pretty darn scary werewolf

Pumpkin Carving

We carved our 13 pumpkins the night before Halloween.

It was quite a big task since there were so many.

Apparently, my kids are as addicted to pumpkins as they are candy.

Winter

Every year I dread winter.

I realized this morning a big part of this dread is having to dress my children appropriately

A skiff of snow requires me to dress them in warm clothes, warm socks, snow pants, hat, gloves, boots, and coat.

10 minutes later they are done with the snow and I begin the routine of carefully setting the boots, gloves, coat, and hat out to dry. And then serve the required hot chocolate to warm them from the inside out.

10 minutes later they are warm and wanting to play in the snow. This requires me to dress them for the outdoor weather, once again.

10 minutes later....

Ahhh! The insanity of it!

Jacksen

Every morning Jacks gets up, takes a shower, then does his own hair.

He spends a good portion of his morning in front of the mirror.

When he is done, he gives a big smile, points to himself in the mirror, and says "Lookin' good."

Bennett's First Day of Kindergarten

August 22nd was Bennett's first day of Kindergarten.

He is a full time student now.

School is from 8:15 am - 3:15pm Monday thru Friday.

It's a little sad that he is gone from home so much now, but he as a great teacher, Ms. Hitch, that he really likes.

He is enjoying school so much. The first week was a little rough. He kept asking to stay home, but now he's in a routine and is use to school he loves it and is always wanting to be there.

(On a side note: I started my preschool on September 6th. Jemma and Jacks are both attending. I think we all like it...you'll have to ask Jemma and Jacks how they really feel about it. But I was so busy the morning we started that I didn't get any pictures of us on our first day...sad. I'll have to try to recreate the morning as best as possible sometime)

Bennett's 6th Birthday

Bennett's 6th Birthday started out with him being sick! That's right. He was sick for his 5th birthday with pneumonia, and this year he had a fever, cough, and was sleeping all day long on the 17th. I thought for sure he would have a repeat this year. But he pulled it together and was able to enjoy his birthday.

Happy Birthday Bennett!