Reward or punish?

Anyone who knows Sydney knows she has a little extra spunk. That is one of the reasons I put her in Kindergarten at 4. I wanted some older kids to keep her in line. She had to move her behavior clip down today for playing in the bathroom. Part of me is proud of her that she made it 34 days without a behavior paper. I have been waiting everyday to get one, but each day I was disappointed with her perfect behavior. So today I was relieved when she finally got one. How do you keep a straight face though when her bad behavior is playing in the bathroom. I tried hard not to laugh as I told her this was unacceptable. I said "For someone who likes to play in the bathroom so much your punishment is cleaning all the toilets!!!" To which she responded "Great!!! I love playing in the bathroom." Dang it...another failed parenting moment.

safety swim goggles

The past week I/we have been cutting wood for crafts. This is a little image of what I would see in my garage. At first glance it reminded me of the doc from "Back to the Future". My first thought was, "What are you thinking?" Then, my next thought was I love you. (Yes, those are swimming goggles and yes we do have normal safety goggles. This is as close to Michael Phelps as my sweetheart will ever be.)

My wish on your Double digit birthday

On her first birthday, I planned a Teletubby birthday. All she wanted was La La. This year, all she wants is clothes. She is so excited to reach the double digits of 10.
Every birthday the kids get to measure themselves on my huge ruler I made. Each year we mark how much they have grown. It is so fun to compare who was taller at what age. I didn't want to mark up my wall and this is something I can keep forever. Taylor, I wish I could keep you forever. As these ten years have flown by I realize that our time together is getting shorter. I will remember all the moments you brought into my life that have made me a better person and the many smiles you forced onto my face. My birthday wish is...I hope the next 10 years are as pleasant as the first 10. I know your birthday wish is that you will always remember how smart your Mom is and you will do whatever she says through your teens!!! Happy double digits! I love you

Kickball...a real sport

Many of you have heard Scott tease me about playing Kickball. Yes, it is a real sport...not just on the school playground. I was really good and would travel all around Texas with the all-stars on a huge luxury bus. Over the past 12 years I have tried and tried to explain to him that people would strike out and we did not use the huge red ball. There is an official kickball. (see photo) Scott would ask me if we would tell the pitcher if we wanted "slow baby bouncies". Mock, mock, mock is all I would get...no respect. http://www.nwakickball.com/ This is the link to my old league in Texas just in case I need some proof. Notice it says "Where Champions Play." He would reserve the right to always tease me. Well after 12 years a higher power has stepped into my life...divine intervention I would say. I was on my way to church (divine intervention) and a ray of light was shining on this sign.

All I have to say to you now, Honey...BRING IT!!!!!! Time to do a little less talking and lets see what you are made of. Maybe now I can have some RESPECT once you see me in action...he's still laughing.

I'm watching you

BRODY...where are you?

What? Am I doing something wrong?

That's right you better come out!!!!

Soccer, Soccer, and more Soccer

If you can die from too much soccer than my death is near. This year we have all 3 girls in soccer. Someone has soccer practice every day and always at different fields. Of course our Saturdays are full of games. I have given birth all by myself but I can't handle soccer season all by myself.

Sydney was the most excited to start her season. I get a little nervous seeing her out there with some big girls.

Her Coach taught her the ready position. Her shorts are so big I can wear them. The bows look cute though. ( I made them)

Look at her sweat! I love it. It must mean she is playing hard.

Carly at Goalie. I hate it when they play Goalie. When other kids play Goalie I blame that kid for the goal, so I know they do the same for mine. Too much stress for me. She even busted out with a drop kick.

Look at her face.





Great...more stress...another daughter they asked to play Goalie. Now more parents blaming her for goals. Luckily both Goalies won their game. It was a great day and I was proud of all my soccer girls. It is so fun to see them get better every year.

What does Brody do at the soccer games...He is the water boy. He fetches the water bottles for the girls...just like his Dad!

It's an obese world after all

Yesterday we went to Disneyland one last time before our passes expired. It was a great day. We have not been able to go all summer since our passes have been blacked out. I am sure many people have noticed that the "Its a Small World" ride is closed down until 2009. I just assumed they were repainting and freshening up a bit. No, apparently they have to re-dig the area where the water flows so the boats can pass through. I learned that people are so fat now that the boats were dragging the bottom of the canal and getting stuck. I know lots of research has been done about how our nation is becoming more obese. I think they can stop all the research. Doesn't re-digging the boat canal at Disneyland give us all the confirmation we need?
Oh wait, could giving an 8 month old a turkey leg lead to obesity? I guess I am part of the problem. I am off to the treadmill. It is not a small world after all. Do you think they will change the song during the ride?