Kent, Mariam and co.

K is such a girly girl.  While at the park she gathered a big bouquet of leaves and was so excited to show me her "flowler leafs".  I asked her to hold them up for a picture, and she put them on her check.  It still ended up a cute picture.  She is such a little sweetie.  

Uncle Mark, Aunt Cassie and family came to visit us this last weekend in October.  One of the items on their to-do list was a trip to the zoo.  We were more than happy to go.   Here is little K looking at the Golden Lion Tamarin monkeys.  She likes them because they are really little, really playful, and most of all they have bright red hair, just like her's.  It's not that I like this picture, I just wanted to prove to all of you that I exist.  It turns out I am taller than a gorilla, but I need longer arms.  (+ I am sooo glad that I am thiner than the gorilla, oh and that my legs are longer too, and that I have a neck, and I am not covered in black hair.  I guess I'll stop) So, this is what happens when you take kids someplace fun.  They find a place to sit where they cannot see anything, and have a blast.  There is D, cousin G and K. The obligatory photo opt at the zoo.  Can't leave without it.   Eventually the kids wore out (the BEST part about the zoo).  K tried to...

Kent and I have been working really hard to get the basement bathroom finished. We have been really tired, but this...... Kent went to read K a story while I finished cleaning the grout on the newly tiled floor.  When I came up, it seemed really quiet, I thought Kent was reading or something.  Finally after 30 min or so, I thought I should check. No Kent in our bedroom.  "Hmmmmmm" I though, "could he really still be with K?".  Imagine my surprise when I opened the door to find a completely out husband, and a very awake little girl.  Kent's legs were hanging way out of the bed, and K was having a blast playing with her toys.  Apparently, he fell asleep while reading to K.  Then, because she is such a little sweetie, she covered him up with a blankie.  

My sister-in-law and I have this horrible (but fun) little game where we buy awful presents for each others children.  (And by awful I mean, noisy, messy, and a general pain) So, when I came across a wonderful sand art kit, I was thrilled.  I thought, "Oh, the messes little S will make" and "Ohhhh, this one is above nasty".  Even Kent thought it was a delightfully nasty present to give a child.   Imagine our surprise when we discover sweet little K dumping and sprinkling the "fairy dust" sand EVERYWHERE.  All over her, all over Kent's laptop, all over.  (I even ate a little sand last night)  The sand does not clean up well, there are still little bits of it everywhere.   I think Kent summed it up best by saying, "Wasn't this supposed to mess someone else's house?"   Hope you get a good laugh Deak.  

We made our annual trip to the pumpkin patch this year.  We went a little later than usual, so the pickings were slim, but the kids still had lots of fun.   K wanted a little pumpkin.  She was very excited to pick up the first little pumpkin she saw.   D wanted to find the perfect pumpkin.  He looked at every pumpkin before choosing this one.  He was pretty excited when he finally found it.   On the way back to the car, D found this straw bail and thought it would make a great picture.  (Poor kid, he must think I always have the camera out, and I do) Here is D and K on the bail.  K is being dramatic for the camera.   We took Kirby too, he loved it.  He ran up and down the rows, jumped over pumpkins and smelled everything.   Overall, it was a fun family trip to the pumpkin patch.  It is fun little things like this that make living in our little town fun.  

For those of you who don't know, Grandma has advanced althzheimers and has been living with my parents in Idaho since Grandpa's death this spring.  We have enjoyed our time with her, but the disease progressed very quickly.  Her care needs soon exceeded the families ability to provide for her.  Mom and Dad were able to find her a fantastic home in Arizona, and she left for her new home last Tues.   It was very hard to watch this wonderful woman dwindle daily.  She has been such an important part of my life, and it was hard to say goodbye, especially since it was probably the last time to see her in this life.   This is a picture of my 3 Elizabeths.  I knew I wanted to take this picture months ago, I just wish K could have been more cooperative.  (BTW, K's middle name is Elizabeth). I am so so glad I had the opportunity to say goodbye to Grandma.  It was healing to give her a big hug, tell her that I love her, and that I will see her again.  She was so excited to leave, my l...

I thought I would try a Tuesday Tell all , and this weeks topic was "What reality T.V. show would you want to be on, and why"  Well, to be honest, I don't think I am cut out for reality T.V. I do NOT do well under pressure, and I am positive I would spend episode after episode crying in the bathroom.  That said, If I had to be in reality T.V., I would Love to be chosen for an "Extreme Makeover:  Home Edition" (see in this situation, the build me an awesome new home, and I don't have to be on camera much, or go through extreme emotional distress) The down side, I think you have to have a really, really, REALLY sad story to get a new house, so I guess it is not worth it.  I will just stay happy in my little grandma house, and accept the drafty windows, plaster walls, and all the other joys of owning an old house.   I think I have enough drama for real, I don't need to add to it.