Jerrick's Basketball

Jerrick is playing Jr. Jazz basketball this year. He's a lot of fun to watch. Unlike the older two boys, he is super aggressive and fights to get his hands on the ball. He loves to take shots and occasionally hits one! This game he got his first 'called' foul. He was going for the ball and ended up pulling the kid to the ground. The look on the other kid's face was priceless - but the look that Jerrick gave his coach was better. It was the 'oh, I'm dead' look. It made me laugh to know that someone else gets that look too!!
Jerricks' Foul

How do you know it's a bad day?

It's been quite the month. January is always an overwhelming month - work is insane, home is always insane and everything else seems to try to fit in the cracks. I have been working long hours to try and get W-2's out. It makes it more complicated than previous years due to the added properties we pay, as well as a government FICA tax credit that has been my nightmare. This was one of those crazy days that I got up, late as usual, headed out to work and was there for almost 2 1/2 hours before I realized - my shoes are not the same color..... I looked down and thought, "crap, I wore wrong color shoes." Then looked at the other shoe and realized that they were two different shoes. Well, the same sbrand of shoes, just different colors.... Once you notice something like this it's hard to forget and not point it out to everyone. I'm super lucky I work close to home so I could run home and change my shoes at lunch.

 

Fast foward to evening, when I see two dollar coins in Ryker's shoe. I immediately check in the baby buggy in my cabinet to make sure all the other coins are there. It's empty.... I gather the four older boys and grill them about who took the money. No one admits to anything - denial everywhere. I tell them they're all grounded until someone fesses up - looking directly at the youngest who lies very convincingly. I ask, plead, beg, please put the money back. Finally after NOTHING - I send them to bed. I am beyond irritated. Sure it's about the money, but its really about the coins that are hard to come by and I wanted to keep for them.

Then I had a thought - I already thought about someone taking the money and I moved it, about 6 months ago. That was a 'oh crap' moment. I have to go and apologize..... then Jared says, "No wonder Ryker looked so innocent - he was." Sure, add insult to injury..... sometimes it doesn't pay enough to be a mom.

Christmas

Christmas Eve

We always open one present on Christmas Eve. Tuns out - it's always pajamas. This year, pillow pets were included with their pajamas. The kids had a great time.







Christmas Morning

Every year we set a trap for the kids that they have to navigate in order to see the tree and the presents that Santa left. This year, instead of a trap, they had a treasure hunt. The kids let us sleep in until 7, but then couldn't wait..... We had a great time opening presents and hanging out together. Hannah came over around 7:45 to hang out. We had breakfast casserole and then watched a movie and had a nap! What a great Christmas!!

Snow

We typically only get one big snow storm - but this year we have had several already. Cannon is facinated with the snow and wants to go outside all the time - even without shoes. Snow is a kids best friend, mom's nightmare with all the muddy/wet shoes that go through the house. Good thing I don't stress about having a clean house!! Well, maybe it's because I have so many kids (including the neighbor kids!).

Decorating the Christmas Tree

The kids were eager to set up the Christmas tree. We had a great time putting up the tree and decorating it. I have to admit that I was glad to have it done (one more thing checked off my list) - but now that it's up, I'm somewhat reluctant to take it down. There is a peace of having the tree lite up and enjoying the time with the kids.

November Updates

It seems like this time a year gets super busy. Sometimes I wonder how we manage to get anything accomplished! I missed posting about Ryker's birthday, which was on Thanksgiving this year. We went to California and had a wonderful time. The only drawback was that Jared couldn't go with us. Here are the highlights!
Seeing Santa at the Christmas Bizaare.
Seeing Picaboo the turtle in California. The kids thought this was amazing. I thought the weather was amazing - mid 60's. BEAUTIFUL!


Ryker had a great time celebrating his birthday on Thanksgiving. We had lots of family and lots of help to sing happy birthday and celebrate! His favorite gift was from Melissa - a HUGE set of lego's....

6 Year Olds

One of these days I'm going to get caught up..... but until then I have to share what Ryker did last night.

We are in the kitchen cleaning up dinner, Ryker is at the table coloring. At least what I thought. I watched him walk over to the wall and draw a line on the wall. I asked him why he drew on the wall. He looked at the crayon in his hand and said, "Weird." Then he looked truly perplexed, on purpose..... Jared told him that he would be wiping down all the walls if he colored on the wall again.

It's not like he doesn't know better. Six year olds!