Pierced Ears

We have a rule that our girls need to be 8 before they can pierce their ears. Princess has been anxiously waiting for her time to come. On the way home from Utah we stopped in Des Moines, IA to get some pillows at the mall there, long story, and decided we were close enough to her birthday. So, we spontaneously walked into Claire's and got it done. It worked out great because she didn't have time to panic about it. She picked out Hello Kitty earings. There was a little girl there (about 9 years old) that offered to hold her hand. It was cute.
I love these pictures!

We have blocks?

When Dude was a baby my grandparents bought a huge set of wooden blocks for him. They are fantastic and have been very loved and used over the years. For some reason, though, they have been forgotten. At least until a month ago when I pulled a few out for a mid-week activity. The kids have been having a blast with their new/old toy. Here is a cute pic of Honey Bunch and her block wall, and a castle that Princess made this weekend.

Tribute

The same weekend that Doctor's grandma passed away, my Aunt lost her battle with cancer also.
She was incredibly talented and sang with the Seattle Opera for many years. When I think of Patty I think of thoughtful and treasured Christmas presents for both me and my kids, her beautiful voice, her lovely home on Queen Anne hill, and the time we shared getting to spend time with her and her husband. She was graceful and refined. I am also truly grateful for her gift of handkerchiefs owned by her grandmother. They are a priceless treasure.

Tribute

The third weekend in September was a difficult one for us as we lost both Doctor's beloved Grandma and my Aunt Patty.

The first time I met Grandma Izzy, she told me I couldn't join the family unless I played Canasta. You better believe I played, and to make it easier, I won. :-) Izzy was an amazing mother and wonderful grandmother. I love Doctor's stories of staying with his grandparent's each summer. Fun stories of stealing chocolates from the "spider room" and gushy cinnamon sugar toast. We stayed with her on the way to and from Boise this summer. She climbed up to the top of the playground at Megaman's request and loaded up the kids with extra coins. She gave Princess a beautiful necklace to wear at her upcoming baptism and shared with Doctor that she didn't think she would be around when we moved back west. Her funeral service was beautiful and we thoroughly enjoyed our time with family.
Here is a picture of Izzy's family, one with Doctor and his siblings, and one of the grandkids with a couple of their favorite cousins. (Thanks to my sisters-in-law, I stole these pictures from you.)

Where do you read the Friend?

A magazine that my kids love to read is called "The Friend." They recently had a call for pictures of kids reading it. One Sunday, I walked in on this. Love it!

1st day of School

I know I am way behind on this post, but the computer crash through me off.

Dude started 4th grade this year! His teacher is super positive, and he responds to her really well. She is having a baby in November, so that will be interesting, but I'm looking forward to a good year.

Princess is in 2nd grade and is an amazing class. There are only two or three kids in her class that she didn't already know pretty well. One of her good friends that isn't in her class has recess with her so it worked out great for her.

Honey Bunch is in Kindergarten! Crazy how fast she has grown. She didn't know any kids in her class, but she is amazing at making friends.

Megaman started preschool, and he LOVES it! He is having a great time. He hugged me the first day and said, "Oh mom, I am going to miss you!" Then ran off to play. Melt my heart!

Hallelujah!!!!

For 9 1/2 years of my life I changed diapers. Every day. For 9 1/2 years. Except for the 2 times I went to Cancun. So 9 1/2 years, every day, minus 2 weeks. And as of August, we are one of those families that don't have a single diaper in the house!!!! Hooray!!!!! My life seems so much more grand and glorious. Well, maybe not, but I'm not changing ANY diapers. YES!!!! And I can add to my list of accomplishments: Potty Training 4 children. Good on me. Ha!

Cute Pics of My Boys

Here are some random cute pics of my handsome boys.

Another One Bites the Dust!

Princess labored through another tooth loss. Same story as the first only she lost this one while eating. It's gonna be awhile before these baby teeth are gone. :-)

The Crash of '11

Several weeks ago I was out and about when Doctor called and asked what was up with the computer. I had no idea what he was talking about. In about 30 seconds we realized that our computer had crashed. I don't know why and don't understand anything about computers so I'm at a loss for how. Anyways...my husband is awesome! After several painstaking hours spread over the last several weeks, we are about 90% functioning. We lost all of our music, SO SAD!!! And about 10% of our pictures (could be so much worse). Since we are mostly up and running again I get to get caught up on the abandoned blog. Keep your eyes open for several posts in the making!