Mommy thinks this is funny.
I don't.
Get that camera out of my face!!!
The Thorn
7 years ago
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Merry Christmas to All!
Some highlights:
The week of Christmas's are finally over. I took about 4 pictures the entire time. Bad mommy!
Maeve with Poppa
The kids and the giant shark tent
What is Christmas without some good old fashioned dress up?
The mayhem of opening presents
The kids got more toys than we know what to do with. I am itching to organize (aka - clean out and get rid of) all the old toys that are no longer "special".
Maeve now is pulling herself up to standing, and spends most of her time pounding on the slider door wanting to go outside. This little one wants her freedom!
Here is a good one of my one and only son... He brings joy to my life, that is for sure.
The week of Christmas's are finally over. I took about 4 pictures the entire time. Bad mommy!
Maeve with Poppa
The kids and the giant shark tent
What is Christmas without some good old fashioned dress up?
The mayhem of opening presentsThe kids got more toys than we know what to do with. I am itching to organize (aka - clean out and get rid of) all the old toys that are no longer "special".
Maeve now is pulling herself up to standing, and spends most of her time pounding on the slider door wanting to go outside. This little one wants her freedom!
Here is a good one of my one and only son... He brings joy to my life, that is for sure.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
They Match...How Sweet!
Here is a run down of my Christmas Eve Eve...
I dropped the kids off at the mother-in-laws. She has agreed to watch them until about 1pm so that I can do all those "last minute" things that don't come up until the "last minute"!
I run to Walmart to return some splurge items that I really don't need, or even want for that matter. I get to Walmart at 9:25 am. Its a MADHOUSE! The return line is ages long! Are all these people returning "splurge" items like me? (I hear that approximately 40% of Americans will have a budget for Christmas this year. This doesn't seem strange to those of us on a constant budget, but for the rest of the nation, I guess this is shocking!)
I get a text from my hairstylist (Oh yes, finally a haircut!) and she has had a mix-up at the salon, can I come in later, etc. Fine, fine. I have all day!
I get another text, this time - Can you come now? I am overbooked! Still fine, I am flexible, and I really need to get my outgrown mullet cut!
Haircut goes well, 10:00 appt.- check!
Off to Target to pick up baby food. I have to circle the lot a few times, but I do manage to find a great spot that will not only fit my huge SUV within an inch of the two next to it, but also give me my 30 minutes of exercise for the day. Yes!
Target errand - check!
Off to my next appointment. I get ANOTHER text. This time from my next appt., letting me know that she is running a little (meaning more than a few minutes) late. Fine! I spend some time window shopping on 4th street, looking in all the stores that I never go into because the kids are liable to break something, and I sure as heck can't afford to buy it.
11:30 appt. - check!
Off to the bank, library and my hubby's work to drop off some Christmas cards.
I think to myself, "Things are sure going smooth today, I think that I deserve a coffee!" So I find the last spot on the street across from the coffee shop and hop out to pay the meter.
As I stand there, a car comes creeping around the corner and (yep, you guessed it) smashes into my car! I just stood there with my mouth gaping.
The man pulls over (mind you, he is traveling at about 2 miles an hour) and gets out. I realize that I should probably check the damage (and close my mouth). I walked around the car, and saw that my drivers-side taillight is broken, and there is a nice scrape on the side of the car. Bummer....and merry Christmas to me!
The driver approaches me, and I realize that he is pretty old. Now when I say pretty old, I mean that he was born in 1925. Literally. (That is what his license said....)
We exchange info, I call the hubby, he talks to the man, we work out some sort of deal (of course he doesn't want his insurance company to know..) and I am off to get my coffee. I even wished him a Merry Christmas - cheerfully!
So, here is the kicker! 5 years ago, Rich jackknifed a trailer that he was towing into the back of the car. It happened to break the passenger side taillight. We ordered one off the Internet so that he could repair it himself. It cost us about $80. Turns out that he accidentally ordered one for the drivers side instead! Do you think that we kept that one? Of course not? He threw it away (with gusto!), and put clear packing tape over the broken passenger side taillight (as a "temporary" fix, of course...). Sure would have come in handy now! Oh well, I guess we will just put clear packing tape over this one... Hey look - they match!
I dropped the kids off at the mother-in-laws. She has agreed to watch them until about 1pm so that I can do all those "last minute" things that don't come up until the "last minute"!
I run to Walmart to return some splurge items that I really don't need, or even want for that matter. I get to Walmart at 9:25 am. Its a MADHOUSE! The return line is ages long! Are all these people returning "splurge" items like me? (I hear that approximately 40% of Americans will have a budget for Christmas this year. This doesn't seem strange to those of us on a constant budget, but for the rest of the nation, I guess this is shocking!)
I get a text from my hairstylist (Oh yes, finally a haircut!) and she has had a mix-up at the salon, can I come in later, etc. Fine, fine. I have all day!
I get another text, this time - Can you come now? I am overbooked! Still fine, I am flexible, and I really need to get my outgrown mullet cut!
Haircut goes well, 10:00 appt.- check!
Off to Target to pick up baby food. I have to circle the lot a few times, but I do manage to find a great spot that will not only fit my huge SUV within an inch of the two next to it, but also give me my 30 minutes of exercise for the day. Yes!
Target errand - check!
Off to my next appointment. I get ANOTHER text. This time from my next appt., letting me know that she is running a little (meaning more than a few minutes) late. Fine! I spend some time window shopping on 4th street, looking in all the stores that I never go into because the kids are liable to break something, and I sure as heck can't afford to buy it.
11:30 appt. - check!
Off to the bank, library and my hubby's work to drop off some Christmas cards.
I think to myself, "Things are sure going smooth today, I think that I deserve a coffee!" So I find the last spot on the street across from the coffee shop and hop out to pay the meter.
As I stand there, a car comes creeping around the corner and (yep, you guessed it) smashes into my car! I just stood there with my mouth gaping.
The man pulls over (mind you, he is traveling at about 2 miles an hour) and gets out. I realize that I should probably check the damage (and close my mouth). I walked around the car, and saw that my drivers-side taillight is broken, and there is a nice scrape on the side of the car. Bummer....and merry Christmas to me!
The driver approaches me, and I realize that he is pretty old. Now when I say pretty old, I mean that he was born in 1925. Literally. (That is what his license said....)
We exchange info, I call the hubby, he talks to the man, we work out some sort of deal (of course he doesn't want his insurance company to know..) and I am off to get my coffee. I even wished him a Merry Christmas - cheerfully!
So, here is the kicker! 5 years ago, Rich jackknifed a trailer that he was towing into the back of the car. It happened to break the passenger side taillight. We ordered one off the Internet so that he could repair it himself. It cost us about $80. Turns out that he accidentally ordered one for the drivers side instead! Do you think that we kept that one? Of course not? He threw it away (with gusto!), and put clear packing tape over the broken passenger side taillight (as a "temporary" fix, of course...). Sure would have come in handy now! Oh well, I guess we will just put clear packing tape over this one... Hey look - they match!
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Christmas Letter 2008
Sit back in your chair, and I’ll tell you a story-
Of the Andre’ family in all of their glory…
2008 started off really nice,
With a week-long vacation in Hawaiian paradise!
In February lots of activities took place,
Indoor soccer, library time, and “mommy and daddy” dates.
March brought us Rich’s 31st birthday
And gymnastics fun filled with tumble and play.
April arrived with our 7th anniversary,
We spent the rest of the month awaiting the arrival of baby #3.
Cannon turned two on my “official” due date,
But Maeve Leanne decided to join us two weeks late.
June was a month of fun summer activity,
But we also lost our dear Omi.
Brynn turned 4 with Tinkerbell fun,
We spent the rest of the month enjoying the hot July sun.
August brought a wedding in the family
And weekend trips in the tent trailer camping!
Brynn started preschool September this year,
She is 4 going on 14, Rich and I fear.
In October our family reaped harvest this year,
Brynn received Christ through a simple prayer.
In November Angie turned 31
With Maeve crawling, and holidays, the month was really fun!
This brings us to December with Christmas activities galore,
I have had another wonderful year with the family I adore!
I hope this letter finds you healthy, happy and full of good cheer,
From the Andre’ family to you, Merry Christmas and Blessed New Year!
Of the Andre’ family in all of their glory…
2008 started off really nice,
With a week-long vacation in Hawaiian paradise!
In February lots of activities took place,
Indoor soccer, library time, and “mommy and daddy” dates.
March brought us Rich’s 31st birthday
And gymnastics fun filled with tumble and play.
April arrived with our 7th anniversary,
We spent the rest of the month awaiting the arrival of baby #3.
Cannon turned two on my “official” due date,
But Maeve Leanne decided to join us two weeks late.
June was a month of fun summer activity,
But we also lost our dear Omi.
Brynn turned 4 with Tinkerbell fun,
We spent the rest of the month enjoying the hot July sun.
August brought a wedding in the family
And weekend trips in the tent trailer camping!
Brynn started preschool September this year,
She is 4 going on 14, Rich and I fear.
In October our family reaped harvest this year,
Brynn received Christ through a simple prayer.
In November Angie turned 31
With Maeve crawling, and holidays, the month was really fun!
This brings us to December with Christmas activities galore,
I have had another wonderful year with the family I adore!
I hope this letter finds you healthy, happy and full of good cheer,
From the Andre’ family to you, Merry Christmas and Blessed New Year!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Potty Training??????
No, not really, but we love to try! Daddy is way more anxious for this day to happen than Mommy. Mommy is ready to be done buying diapers, but not ready to clean up the carpet every time there is an accident. Daddy is tired of changing poopy diapers. Mommy is going to wait until summer to really commit to potty training. Daddy is just going to have to deal with it!
Night of Fun
The cousins got together last night for some play. I never pictured myself enjoying 6 kids running around in the house, but I really do! I love hearing the laughter, the conversation, and chatter that occurs when you get them all together. The age range is 7 years to 6 months, but they all love to play together. The older ones love the younger ones, and the younger ones love to be with the older ones. Its a great time for me, and a great time for them. I want to treasure these time, and I really hope that the kids fondly remember all of these times too!
Snack Time
The one in charge...
The smart joker..
The one in the middle...
The rambunctious love...
The tank
The baby.
Watching a Christmas movie before mom and dad come pick them up.
Snack Time
The one in charge...
The smart joker..
The one in the middle...
The rambunctious love...
The tank
The baby.
Watching a Christmas movie before mom and dad come pick them up.Monday, December 15, 2008
All I Want for Christmas...
Cannon said...
Bear
Chicken
Camera
Sister
Rope
Luke*
Peyton*
Uncle Billy*
Hose
New Car
Brynn said..
A new barbie doll
A new doctor set**
Helmet
New Stuffed Animal
Shoes for my Barbie
My Little Pony
New bouncy ball
Some shoes
Barbie House
Basketball hoop**
Maeve said (via the kids)...
New stuffed animal
New Luke***
Other New Luke***
A teacher
A doctors set***
Toy house that she can live in
*I think Cannon really wants these people to come live with him...
**We actually already have these toys. I don't know what she is thinking.
***Can you tell who suggested this item?
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Christmas Catch-up
The Christmas madness has already begun!
Our tree is up and decorated. It's small, beautiful and perfect!
Christmas music is constantly on thanks to free Pandora Radio!
We have started the last minute trips to store to get the presents that we forgot to get "way back when we were shopping for Christmas.."
The kids are on a permanent sugar high that will continue until March.
Rich and I are tired, but so excited and ready for "the big day" to come!
The kids have picked up a little bit on the idea of Santa Claus, and its fun to listen to them talk about him. Rich and I talked about how much emphasis we were going to put on Santa, given that sometime gifts, and Santa take over and completely cover up the real meaning of Christmas. We have come to a happy conclusion that includes him, while we focus on the birth of Christ. I love the joy and excitement and happiness that this season brings!
St. Nick came a few days late and brought a shoe-full of goodies for the kids. They loved that!
My mom, sister, Brynn, and myself caught a matinee of the local Nutcracker show. Brynn loved it, but lost interest in the second hour of the ballet.
The kids are amazed at the lights up in the neighborhood, and can't wait to drive at night to be the first one to spot a brightly decorated house.
Maeve has mastered crawling, and her two little chicklet teeth are now visible to everyone! She is smiley, happy and content to be on her own.
I am off to write a Christmas letter, wrap presents and bake some goodies for neighbors! Merry Christmas!
Our tree is up and decorated. It's small, beautiful and perfect!
Christmas music is constantly on thanks to free Pandora Radio!We have started the last minute trips to store to get the presents that we forgot to get "way back when we were shopping for Christmas.."
The kids are on a permanent sugar high that will continue until March.
Rich and I are tired, but so excited and ready for "the big day" to come!
The kids have picked up a little bit on the idea of Santa Claus, and its fun to listen to them talk about him. Rich and I talked about how much emphasis we were going to put on Santa, given that sometime gifts, and Santa take over and completely cover up the real meaning of Christmas. We have come to a happy conclusion that includes him, while we focus on the birth of Christ. I love the joy and excitement and happiness that this season brings!
St. Nick came a few days late and brought a shoe-full of goodies for the kids. They loved that!
My mom, sister, Brynn, and myself caught a matinee of the local Nutcracker show. Brynn loved it, but lost interest in the second hour of the ballet.
The kids are amazed at the lights up in the neighborhood, and can't wait to drive at night to be the first one to spot a brightly decorated house.
Maeve has mastered crawling, and her two little chicklet teeth are now visible to everyone! She is smiley, happy and content to be on her own.
I am off to write a Christmas letter, wrap presents and bake some goodies for neighbors! Merry Christmas!
Monday, December 01, 2008
Christmas Tree Hunt
The fam got together yesterday morning and set out to capture and "kill" the perfect tree.We shared breakfast, and then headed down the street to the nearest tree farm. Within minutes we found our tree.
You can almost hear the Charlie Brown Christmas Tree theme in the background.
The tree cost us a whopping $9. While we were at the farm, I was hoping it was due to the economical crisis. When we got home, I see that it was due to the shape, size and stature of the tree...
Each of the kids brought their monocles to spot the perfect tree. Cannon found his immediately, and Brynn had to look for a few minutes to find hers. We ended up coming home with the $9 tree instead.
The family pic turned out classic. The 6 month old was looking at the tree trying to grab it, the two year old was trying to comply - but caught slightly off guard (just slightly...), and the four year old was making a face. I had nothing with me to bribe her with to make a nice smile for the pic. Ugh. I am over it.
On our way back to the car to load up the 5 lb tree, I saw this bumper sticker. What can I say. Pretty funny, and pretty classic of the area!
We came home, decorated the outside of the house, and will work on the tree tonight. Let the Christmas music start, and the countdown begin!I (heart) Christmas!
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Crawling Premere
In addition to mastering mobility, Maeve has popped out two bottom teeth. Now starts the nursing nightmare!
I'm Thankful for...
Here is this years list of what we are thankful for.
Brynn:
Beautiful Trees
Birdies that Sing
The grass
The swing and slide
The plants that you can pick
A nice day that we can play outside
Sunshine that shines on us so that we wouldn't be cold
The rain that gives us water
My friends and my family
Christmas
Cannon:
Mommy
Rocks
God
Gigi (Grandma Gisela)
Poppa Bill and Poppa John
Bama (Grandma Jana)
Jesus
Dad
Nuggy and Binky
Auntie Christi
Maeve:
Milk
Clean diapers
Crinkly toys
Snuggling with mommy
Ability to crawl
Monkey Nuggy
Bath time
My bottom two teeth
Mommy:
My mom
My family (nuclear and extended)
Warm house
Warm hugs
Reality TV
Rich's Job
My morning coffee
My growing relationship with Jesus
My friends
Quiet Time
Daddy:
A wife that makes dinner all the time
Healthy and happy kids
A church that is growing and thriving
Friends and Family
A really good job
My house
Treks is going to make it another year
Treks:
Food
Water
Warm bed to sleep on
Walks around the neighborhood
Car rides
Happy Turkey Day!
I made turkey dinner this year for our small family and some special friends. I had the chance to use my china for the second time in our 7 years of marriage. It was pretty exciting.
Here is the dinner table, minus all the food. Do you love the ghetto fabulous paper napkins next to the fine china? I also was short a salad fork, so the silverware setting only included the basics of a knife and fork. I also think my utility pint glasses add an elegant touch!
Martha Stewart would be so proud....
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
She's Done It!
Maeve is crawling!!!! Video soon to follow. She is by far the earliest crawler we have had, and Daddy is holding out that she is going to be the athletic one. Keep hoping daddy. They do have 1/2 of my DNA too you know!
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Wish List II
Ok, here are some more things that are truly loved...
Split Bag Nancy in Green
Candy Cane Jo-Jo's from Trader Joes. They are only here for a short time, and I am truly taking advantage of them.
I cant seem to get a picture of this super cool thermos with hidden storage underneath. Its from aladdin-pmi.com, and called the commuter special. I don't commute, but it would be fun to use if I did...
These comfy walking shoes... or a pair of Born Adore in tan will do.
These shoes to help work off some of the Jo-Jos!
Ok, enough dreaming!
Split Bag Nancy in Green
Candy Cane Jo-Jo's from Trader Joes. They are only here for a short time, and I am truly taking advantage of them.
I cant seem to get a picture of this super cool thermos with hidden storage underneath. Its from aladdin-pmi.com, and called the commuter special. I don't commute, but it would be fun to use if I did...
These comfy walking shoes... or a pair of Born Adore in tan will do.
These shoes to help work off some of the Jo-Jos!Ok, enough dreaming!
Friday, November 21, 2008
Christmas Wish List
My cousin inspired me to post of few of my current favs. These are all things that I would love to find wrapped up in shiny paper and bows, under my christmas tree on Christmas morning. But, unless Santa Claus pulls through, chances of actually getting them are slim to none.
These super cute and cozy looking MukLuk Fair Isle Slippers would be good.
I am loving the Caribbean blue Le Creuset Cookware. I will take a dutch oven, baking dish and cover, and anything else that is practical!
This is more of a sentimental gift. I surprise myself that I actually even want to start a "collection" of any kind. The simplicity of these just appeal to me.
It seems that all of my water bottles have "mysteriously" disappeared. (Rich has broken one backpacking, lost one surfing, and I had a dish washing accident with the last.) One of these would do. I prefer the green one in the front!
This one is for the family. We are tight on space, and I just thought that this would be nice. Come on, a girl can dream can't she???? This one seats 7. That means room for you to ride along!
And last for now the green necklace pendant is something that I have had my eye on for a few weeks. (Heidi, I love Lily Pottery too!!!!)
There might be more to add to my wish list, but for the moment, I have to get crackin' on the dishes...back to reality!
These super cute and cozy looking MukLuk Fair Isle Slippers would be good.
I am loving the Caribbean blue Le Creuset Cookware. I will take a dutch oven, baking dish and cover, and anything else that is practical!
This is more of a sentimental gift. I surprise myself that I actually even want to start a "collection" of any kind. The simplicity of these just appeal to me. It seems that all of my water bottles have "mysteriously" disappeared. (Rich has broken one backpacking, lost one surfing, and I had a dish washing accident with the last.) One of these would do. I prefer the green one in the front! This one is for the family. We are tight on space, and I just thought that this would be nice. Come on, a girl can dream can't she???? This one seats 7. That means room for you to ride along! And last for now the green necklace pendant is something that I have had my eye on for a few weeks. (Heidi, I love Lily Pottery too!!!!)There might be more to add to my wish list, but for the moment, I have to get crackin' on the dishes...back to reality!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
November Beach Trip
The weather has been amazing, so we took advantage of a warm day and went to the beach. The kids played in the sand and waters egde, Maeve took in the sights and sounds, and Rich and I had a moment to be friends with the kids, instead of just "in charge". Every day I struggle with the concept that my kids will be my friends later, if I can commit to be a parent now. Saturday gave us an opportunity to let loose, to play, laugh, and discover things together. I love days like that!
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