Balloon Tutorial

On the way home from the bank today the kids were playing with the balloons they were given. They love to blow them up and make them squeak, much to my chagrin. Isabelle hasn't figured out how to blow hers up yet so Ryan was trying to teach her. He wanted to show her how to breathe in air through her nose while holding the balloon with her mouth. These were the instructions that I heard from the front seat: "You just have to pretend like you're sucking snot back up your nose!" This is another instance of differences between the sexes - a girl surely could have thought of a different example that didn't involve snot.

Time out, anyone?

Scott just reminded me of a funny Izzy moment. A few days ago Izzy hit Ryan for some reason and Scott walked her up to her room saying, "You're going to be in time-out for two minutes." (the big softy) She looked up at him and said, "That's not very long."
She apparently needs to learn when to keep her mouth closed!

I just love you

It is nearly 11:00 pm. Scott and I were just reorganizing a bit after moving in a new kitchen table (thanks to Steve Scoresby for the help) when we heard a yell from upstairs, "Mom!" We ran up to find Izzy in the hall. I said, "What's the matter?" She replied sleepily, "Nothing." I hugged her and she mumbled something. I asked her to say it again and she said, "I just love you."
I laughingly led her to the bathroom and then back to bed. (sigh) I truly have a wonderful life!!

Isabelle and Pearl Seraphina Sparkles (aka Kitty)

Isabelle decided the other day that Seraphina needed a new name. I told her that it was unneccesary considering the fact that she named her in the first place. However, she was quite adament, so as far as she is concerned, Seraphina is now also known as Pearl. I asked her where she came up with that name and she looked at me seriously and said, "It came right out of my body."
So, while to the rest of us she remains, Seraphina, Kitty or Kit, I now present Miss Pearl.

Got Style?

Who buys her clothes? Oh wait, I do! Maybe I should buy her clothes only in solid pink or purple, then she would always match!

Where's the good in "Goodbye"?

We said goodbye to my sister Katie and her family today after staying with them in Las Vegas for a long weekend while Scott was at a conference in AZ. We are on our way home and Ryan just said to me, "I miss Haisel and Taylor already!"
If I could have packed them all up in our car I would have brought them all home with me.
Here are some highlights:
Playing games with Kate and Ammon (new fun one – Ingenious)
the trampoline (my kids think they are in heaven on a trampoline)
the weather (I'm wishing we weren't coming back to winter)
lots and lots of cuddling -

Little(ish) Millie is adorable and squishy I didn't want to put her down.


Lexie is so sweet and so cute to talk to and she likes it when you tell her the three little pigs.


Taylor is loving as always and really didn't want us to leave. Every day we were there he got a little panicky if I put my shoes on and went out the door. He would ask "Are you leaving, Sunny?" When we finally were leaving he wrapped himself around my leg and grinned up at me. He said, "I'm really going to miss you" and "I wish you lived close to me!" Amen, Taylor!! Amen!

Haisel was so good to my kids, she did a pretty good job of balancing Ryan and Izzy who wanted her complete attention doing different things.


We went to a museum near there house that made me very thankful for my indoor toilets and my washing machine. I'm glad that my washing machine is more that just a wooden tub with a churning crank. How spoiled we are!!
Needless to say, it's hard to come back to real life. I am relieved though that my children still love me after living with another mom who Ryan admitted is the best cook ever. As I just put in a movie for them to watch before they fall asleep (in the car) Izzy said, "You're the best mom, and the most beautiful mom, and the kindest mom..." It has been a good trip.

Izzy's lateover

So in honor of Izzy's birthday, I bought myself a new camera. I hope that I love it, Scott usually does this stuff for me.
Izzy's party is going strong right now, they are watching the much requested (by Isabelle) Hello Kitty movie. We did a small party this year because it's the "off" year. Otherwise I think we would have had a dozen or so girls, Izzy kept wanting to invite more. I had to remind her that we are sticking to her cousins and Hannah.