I'm Bulbasor

Parker still talks less than motor mouth Emma, but when he does talk about something he likes, he doesn't shut up. He's hooked on Pokemon since staying and G and G B's house. He actually hasn't watched the movie a whole lot since we've gotten back, but he did want Pokemon Macaroni at the store and told everyone at the store about it. He actually ate it and then has been talking about all the characters on the box all week. "I'm Bulbasor, Mom you're Mew, Daddy you're Picachoo." He's also still hooked on Xmen and all of its' characters. We've been playing quite a bit of Sorry and Monopoly this week. I had to move his piece once because he said his arms were too long. He's also been reading books alot this week. He can read most of his Scooby Doo book and tries to sound out the words he doesn't know. Today was zoo class again (last two did not go well, but I think alot of it is because a parent has to be there, so then he acts up). We told him that if he didn't behave, listen or participate, then no computer games today. He was an angel! We made bird's nests and ice cream and he even touched a ferrett, an alligator and a salamander. My work was having a picnic today. With a 110plus heat index, we passed! The zoo in the shade was hot enough.

E is still yapping up a storm. She took a late nap today, so we could hear her on the monitor awake for quite a while tonight talking about everything including her chew corners. She loves her "chew corners." Usually the corners on her pillow (actually it was one Mom made for Parker, but I doubt he'd want it back now) and sometimes her kitty blanket. I even made up a song about her chew corners and had to sing it at bedtime tonight. I also had a blankie with chew corners, it's funny how much alike we are in so many ways. Steve says we're both moody, really???? Parker had Kiddie College Thursday night (he loves going to that, but I think it's because Mommy isn't there so he doesn't have to act need), so Daddy, Mommy and E went to Walmart. We were in the checkout line and there was some kind of candy that Emma called chalk. She started talking about it, "I love candy, it's so yummy... and so on." We looked down and she was rubbing her stomach, rolling her eyes and licking her lips while she said that. She's always doing goofy stuff like that, she's such a ham. She'll be a hoot at Sunday School and Kiddie College I'm sure. Not sure how good her listening skills or inside voice will be, but guess it'll make her work on it. Once P starts all day, everyday preschool in August, we won't have him go to Kiddie College anymore since he'll be doing that kind of stuff all day. Plus he'll probably have some sports stuff some nights. Emma can go though and so she'll be happy. Plus probably better if both of them weren't in the same class! I think we'll wait another year for dance for Emma (can't imagine her listening and paying attention yet). This year she can do tumbling thru Parks and Rec this winter. Not sure if P will tumble yet or not. In another year I think he can start Boy Scouts and sometime we want them to take piano, but I know right now, no way they'd sit still that long, but both do love to play on it. Plus preschool is expensive, so the next year when we don't have preschool, we can maybe afford dance lessons! Poor kids, I have them do all this stuff, but I think it helps them socialize.

Here's the recipe for the ice cream, it was really cool.

You take a sandwich sized plastic bag. Put 1 Tbl spoon sugar in it. Add a dixie cup of milk and a lidful of vanilla. Seal and put in a gallon sized bag that has a few handfuls of ice and a couple Tbls or so of rock salt. Shake by hand for about 3-5 minutes and you have ice cream! I'd think if you used chocolate milk or strawberry milk it'd work, then just leave out the vanilla?

We went to Tom Petty Monday night (poor kids had hardly been back from vacation and left them at night with Katy) Black Crowes were kind of loud and I don't think he was wearing socks which I thought was weird, but the Tom Petty portion was quieter and music was better. Apparently they are still ironing out the wrinkles at the new Events Center since the seating seemed to be messed up and a lot of the restrooms weren't labeled. Steve and a number of other guys ended up using the women's bathroom during the course of the night. Then while we were leaving they'd only let a few people on the escalator at a time because it was new and they didn't want to over load it. It was a huge escalator, so I'd think you could put more than 10 people on it at a time! Last night was Women's Poker and I was victorious. It was not looking good for me at all, but I played tight and then finally started getting cards at the end and could get aggressive. What really helped is that I had 4 of a kind and Marnie had a full house and I got quite a few chips on that one. Already spent most of my massive winnings on some new scrapbook magazines. Almost had P shoplifting gum while I was getting them. He had wanted gum, but I said we have some at home. Going out the door he said, I want some gum at home and looked down and he had it in his hand.... ooops! No one at the store had noticed and I know he didn't realize he was "stealing" but I explained you have to pay for things before you leave with them when we put it back. Fortunately he hasn't figured out he'd really embarass me my throwing a tantrum in situations like this. Plus he doesn't even like gum.

I'm sure I've missed a bunch of stuff, but that's what I get for procrastinating. The kids are heading to other Grandma and Grandpa's for the week. I won't know what to do with myself! Then Saturday/Sunday my sisters and Mom are heading to Council Bluffs for an girls overnighter. Plus Friday night I'm going to a scrapbook crop and it'll be Marnie's bday. Poor kids, I'm not going to win any good mom points this week!

I'm Just New Boot Goofin'

Finally checking in after the Hansen Branson Family Vacation. I'll just highlight some things, as otherwise I could type forever and I'm pooped and still need to clean a bit as a babysitter is coming tomorrow night when we go to Tom Petty.

* Drove a go kart for the first time. Came in dead last both times I think, but it was way cool. Did watch a girl give Scott and Brad soft tissue damage when they were completely stopped and she ran into the back of them at full speed. They were just new boot goofin! (It's funny cuz it didn't happen to me!)

* Fishin' - Even if we didn't catch anything huge it was a lot of fun. Hurricane Dennis (Roof) we think messed up the lake. Captain Scott Stupid drove us around the lake. Once we were out the door to fish by 6 in the morning, the other time fished late at night past midnight. Scott and I stared at the minnows swarming at the light forever. They were just new boot goofin!

* Dixie Stampede - Food and show were great. Even if you did have to eat everything with your hands! Especially funny was when Brad and Joc had to race a stick pony around the arena in front of the entire crowd. They were just new boot goofin! (It's funny cuz it didn't happen to me!)

We also had fun at Shepherd of the Hills, the Buzzard Bar (where Jocelyn made a new friend with the singer), shopping, all the great prizes from Scott and Judy for fishing, golfing, and gokarting, rocking out in the Freestar to Big and Rich, and Marilyn's Bucket-o-Margaritas. The place we stayed at was awesome. Huge rooms and the place was gorgeous. Still queasy from all the hills in Branson and Steve taking every corner so fast, but tomorrow it's back to work, ick!

The kids had a great time at G and G B's. They road horsies, watched Pokemon, drove the (Ali)Gator, went shopping etc. They also loved seeing Brad and Joc a bunch and that Unc Brad read them the Scooby Doo book. (I know Gma B also had to read it a number of times, they totally have it memorized).

So rippin hot today. The kids played in the pool quite a bit. I splurged and got them new suits at Walmart today. Scooby trunks and a pink Tweety Bird bikini. (I can't believe Steve is letting her wear it). She also road around on her "Barbieque" (her Barbie bike) a bunch this weekend. I'm still worn out from vacation as Parker kept wanting me to play board games and I kept falling asleep on him, poor thing.

Happy Birthday to Me!

I haven't checked in much lately, but to be honest not much funny happening around here. Kids are still cute as ever and Emma's burn is healing nicely. Another week without work ahead for us! Usually the last work day before vacation is the longest day ever. Instead, I was super busy and the day was a blur. I'm still kind of in the learning process on my new position on some things (while still doing a bunch of my old stuff yet) and since I'm going to be gone next week, I had some things that had to be done yesterday. I then headed to scrapbook with Marnie and gang and that goes till midnight. Parker has zoo class in a bit. I'm hoping it goes better than last time. He got upset and didn't want to go. I haven't even mentioned we're going yet. I also need to start packing, finish packing, do laundry, clean the van out, clean house etc. before leaving tomorrow for Council Bluffs for Peyton's Bday party. (He was born one day after my bday). Then on Monday bright and early we're leaving for Branson with the Hansen Gang. This should be a lot of fun - shows, fishing, shopping etc. P and E are going to Gma and Gpa B's for the week. Emma will love the horses and Parker will love the banana bread and cookies!

I was awakened to "Mommy, Mommy, happy birthday!" Must say they did good on the presents. The Plano Pro Rolling Station (a tackle box used for scrapbooking) and some punch out letters. Emma has about fully stocked the box with her trains.

Well better start getting things ready for the trip. Ciao!

I'm a He

Parker for a long time has been calling Emma a he. It can get confusing sometimes trying to figure out who he's talking about. Finally tonight he said, "Emma is a she." He's also decided that he will only use the Meno bathroom. He doesn't use the Wemo, that's where Mommy and Emma go. This can be a bit hard when it's just Mommy and P!!

Last night of TBall tonight. He has a good time, but still is chasing butterflies most of the time. The tee thing really confuses him, but pitch a ball at him and he's fine. He loves to field the ball. We'll work on throwing and catching, so next year we're ready!! Emma of course had a huge messy stinky while we were there. Now I must try to get yet another poop stain out of shorts. Still haven't gotten it out of the last pair this happened to.

Well I think I'm off to eat a Cookies and Cream ice cream cone, Fareway had Blue Bunny on sale, yeah for me!

Red, White and Ouch!

We survived another 4th of July. It gets easier now that the kids are older, but there usually still some bumps in the road. I'll try to make this too long since I'm pooped and should probably try to do something with the rest of the stuff we hauled in from the van. It seems like we come home with more than we left with. After getting back about noon on the 3rd and with E down for a nap, we all helped with the decorations for the party. Thankfully no one fell off the ladder again this year. Also note for future reference.... do not put streamers on a portapotty... it stains! After a few minor adjustments after Judi surveyed everything, the party began! The kids were loving the poppers and sparklers. Suddenly there were 3 accidents in quick succession. Emma was one of them. She went to throw a sparkler down and grabbed the hot part right between her thumb and second finger, huge blister! She started to cry and held ice for a few minutes. She didn't cry very long though and I think mostly was upset she was away from the action. Plus people kept looking at it saying, wow that must really hurt. A Veggie Tales bandaid fixed everything and she was off and running again. Parker played soccer with Peyton and Branden forever and they were all a huge sweaty mess. Then the fireworks were ready to begin. At first P was a bit scared (although he was maybe more upset, that it was too dark for soccer), but then he was ok with them. Emma nearly had a stroke she was soooooo excited. "Wow, they're so pretty. Wow, I love purple! Wow, they're so beautiful!" and on and on. Parker was a zombie at ten and begged to go to bed. Emma went down less willingly, but still must have passed out soon after. They slept in, but were excited because they knew the parade was coming. After waiting at home, then we had to wait another 1.5 hours at our spots on the route. It's a necessity though, or you get a crappy spot or you end up having to walk forever. Emma wouldn't stop waving and everything again was "Wow" and "Hi firetruck. Hi horse. Wow, look at the candy, I love candy." Towards the end though her waver was tired and she just pointed to the candy that was thrown and wanted one of us to pick it up. P is never into the waving, but did like the candy. He had a minor meltdown during the parade, but then was refreshed and liked the rest of it. We skipped the rides this year since we were just at Adventureland. After helping Judi at the shop, while Daddy and Emma napped and P watched Popeye, we headed back home. (Poor E's blister popped on the way home. I think P may have bumped it. She said owe a few times and then held a wet wipe and that seemed to have fixed everything. ) They were a bit confused though because they couldn't understand why we didn't go to Grandma Beymer's house. We said don't worry, you'll get plenty of time next week! T minus 7 days and counting till vacation, but I'll say 5 because I'm just ready for the weekend. Dreading work tomorrow as I'm doing new stuff now (well and still doing a bunch of my old stuff) and I'm still don't 100 percent know what I'm doing yet on my new stuff. It's month end stuff, so hopefully won't have to stay too late tomorrow night as P has hit last TBall game tomorrow night.

Oops ended up being long anyway.

Sonic!!!!

Daddy (who claims to be less of a pushover, or as Parker calls him a shovenpush), when Parker asked to go to Sonic this afternoon, he said yes. I'm glad we got to somewhere today as I was going stir crazy since he didn't want to go back for the 4th until tomorrow. I mean I could have cleaned, packed, etc, but what's the fun in that? At Sonic you can't eat inside, so we sat at one of the outside tables. The kids seemed to enjoy it. There was music to dance to and popcorn chicken to eat (Emma called it pop pop pop chicken). He kept asking to go in, but I have a feeling he thought that is where the Sonic video games were! Then of course he had to go potty, so we headed to the mall to shop. Parker has been needing some short sleeve shirts (Emma has a ton and poor P alot are too small anymore) and also some summer pj's. Some had become belly shirts. Did get some cute shirts for $3-$4 (of course had to get some that were red) and also splurged and got him a red spiderman shirt for $6. Also got him pj's, but you can never seem to find those cheap anywhere. Even on clearance, still $8-$10. He got some Spidman, Sponge Bob and some cheapy with space stuff on them. Poor E wasn't going to get a thing for once, but then she spied some My Little Pony undies, so Mom was a shovenpush and let her get them. Caught up on the laundry finally (ok last load is in the dryer), so I'll be running around packing in the morning as usual. Should hit the Hansens around noon and help put the final touches on for the big Fireworks BBQ tomorrow night. The blue matching shirts are packed already!!