My little sister

My little sister came to visit us yesterday with her boyfriend, Cody. WE had so much fun! Cody wrestled and played with the girls. It was fun to get to know him. When I got home from church, we all hopped in the car and went to Cabela's. That store rocks! It's like visiting the outdoors, a museum, and a store all in one. Very cool. If you've never been, I suggest checking it out. When we came home we had a nice Sunday dinner. Pork roast, mashed potatoes & gravy, corn, and rolls. YUMMY! After dinner we went to an ampitheater here by us and took some cool pictures. It would be a fabulous place to have our family pictures done. Annie wanted to have some pictures to do a scrapbook of her and Cody. It was freezing cold outside. We needed our coats! When we got home, we had some of the homemade oreo cookies that Annie made for us, and then sent them on their way. It's hard to live away from my family, but it sure is fun when they come to visit.

Leaves are falling all around

Our back yard is covered in leaves. It's going to take us hours to pick them all up and bag them. The mountains don't have any leaves anymore. Winter is almost here. I can't believe that Christmas is only a few months away. All three of my families have started drawing names so that we can begin our shopping. It seems like yesterday that it was July and we were watching fireworks. Time goes by so fast. (does that mean I'm having fun??) So, last weekend when my mom and grandma came they brought me some decorations. Fall leaves, gourds, colored corn, and pretend apples to put in a basket on my little bench. I decided to make it my little studio. For Christmas I'm going to make Mikaela's mom a cd with all the pictures that I've taken of Mikaela throughout the year. They turned out cute eh?

Busy, busy, Busy

Yesterday, grandpa came to spend the night with us. He brought his dog, Cricket, and a blueberry pie. *yummy* He also brought a package from Grandma with all sorts of fun things. The girls each got a trick-or-treat bag filled with Halloween socks, candy, and games. And what do you know? A new orange sweater just for me. I can't wait to wear it. Before bedtime, the girls hopped in bed by grandpa and gave him hugs and kisses so he could have sweet dreams.
We have been busy doing fun fall stuff. We decided to paint our pumpkins this year. It was fun.. and messy. Abby had her first real field trip last week, and I got to go. My friend, Jamie, watched Emma and Mikaela for me. I got to ride the bus and everything. It was fun. We went to pumpkinland. There was a corn maze, animals, playland, and a light alley. When we were finished, each child got to pick out their own pumpkin. It was super fun. Abby especially loved sticking her head in all these things. We had a great time and it was good for me to be able to spend time with just Abby. Okay, I take that back. I was in charge of 4 other kids, but Abby felt pretty cool having her mom there and her sisters weren't there to take away her glory.
The clown fits her well. Don't you think???

The fun just never stops

I have had a crazy life the past few days. On Wednesday, Tayvens mom called and told me that she wasn't going to be bringing him anymore. She made a few excuses, but I know the real reason is because Emma scratched him. My life will be a little less hectic, but we need the money. Thus begins my quest for a new child to tend. Emma hasn't scratched anyone since, so maybe I scared her enough that we're done with that. I was on the phone yesterday and went upstairs to get something and when I came back down, Emma had found her big sisters scissors and had cut her bangs clear to the top of her head. She looks ridiculous. It could've been worse, and I knew it, but I still had to freak out and let her know that it was not acceptable. Then today I was getting ready for the day. (make-up, hair, etc.) Her and Kaydien, (another little boy I tend) said they were going to play in the playroom. After about ten minutes, I go downstairs to check on them and Emma had gotten into a brand new box of cheerio's and they were spread from one end of the basement to the next. I feel like I am losing my mind! I do not know what to do with this child. I took her on a "date" last night, thinking that maybe she just needed some attention. Didn't work I guess. Maybe she needs T's memo, but I doubt she'd listen either!

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Visitors

Tonight my mom and grandma are coming to spend the weekend. I am so excited for that. Nobody ever really visits us, and it will be a welcome break for me. Tomorrow my church is doing a super Saturday. Basically, that is where all the women get together and do fun crafty things like paint, quilt, sew, and have lunch. They have a nursery provided for the little kids, so my kids will be occupied from 9-1. I ordered some new embroidery patterns. I'm excited about doing those. Tomorrow night Ray is going to watch the girls. The big girls are going to go to a movie. Then on Sunday, my girls are in a primary program. They have parts that they've memorized and everything. It will be fun for them to have their grandma's there to watch them. It should be a fun weekend.

Does anyone else have anything interesting going on???

Love Thy Neighbor

As bad as our world can be sometimes, if you pay attention there are all sorts of good things going on too. I have awesome neighbors. They are so friendly and always willing to share what they have. Today our neighbor across the street from us brought us a whole big grocery sack full of yellow apples. They are so yummy! We don't know them super well. They are an older couple with grandkids. Glenda and Herbie are their names. Glenda tells me sometimes of how she watches my kids out the window. She laughs at all the struggles I have and remembers how her kids used to do the same things. They watch our house for us when we are away, or just when I am off taking the kids to school. Glenda has had to come several times to shut the front door because one of us forgot. Two weeks ago our neighbors, Brent and Noreen, had planned to put a couch they got from a friend down in their basement. When they learned it wouldn't fit, Brent came and asked me if we wanted it or knew anyone who did. The couch we had was old and worn. This one is in great shape and even has a hide-a-bed. Jack and Idona Barnes are another couple in our church who I just love. They remind me of my great grandparents. They have an awesome garden. They planted quite a few tomato plants and have been so willing to share them with our family. I LOVE tomatoes. Their generosity has fed our family many tomato sandwiches and lots of homemade salsa. We've gotten peas, peaches and all sorts of good stuff from other neighbors. I just feel so blessed to live around such giving people. Just when I start thinking how bad things are and how rotten people can be, someone shows an act of kindness and reminds me that the world isn't so bad and that there really are angels among us!

Terrible three's

Why is it that when it comes to age, two year olds get a bad rep? I have never had problems with my two year olds. My trial begins when they are three. At least when they are two they are still little enough that they don't know they are doing something wrong, or at least don't quite understand the consequences. Emma, it seems, turned into a monster about the time she was turning three. She is always scratching and pinching everyone. Today she scratched Tayvens face. (he's one of the little boys I tend.) His mom was pretty upset, which I don't blame her. I'm pretty upset about it too. The two older princesses have scars from their encounters with their little sister. I just have no idea how to stop her. She even does it to her dad and to me. Spanking, time outs, long talks, and threats have not solved the issue. If she keeps doing it, Tayven's mom will stop bringing him. The most frustrating thing is that most of the time she is a sweetheart. I don't know what could be bringing out this naughty side of her. Is it just her age? Whatever it is, she's not going to like the consequence that happens next time she does it. I'm going to scratch her back and I won't be nice about it. We'll see if that tames the little beast!

Blowing Some Smoke

This morning my littlest princess, Emma, woke up at 7:30. She came into my room and crawled into bed with me. She wrapped her little arms around my neck and said, "I'm fweezin." We cuddled under the blanket for a minute to get warm. We had only just begun to get cozy when she says to me, "mom, I hear the garbage truck." I knew it was only the road construction, but today was garbage day and I never know quite for sure when they are coming. Sometimes it's 8:00, sometimes later. I crawled out from under my warm blanket and put my shoes on. "Whatcha doin mom?" I explain to her that it is garbage day and we need to take the garbage cans to the road. "I want to help!" We zipped her coat up, and put her Clifford the Big Red Dog slippers on and went outside. You know those moments when your child does something so cute and for a moment you just get this overwhelming feeling of joy and you could just squeeze them, never wanting to let go. This was one of those moments. As I pulled the garbage cans out, she grabbed onto the handle and helped me pull it all the way out to the street. On the way back into the house I chased her and picked her up. We were looking at the snow on the mountains and she starts giggling and says, "look, I'n blowin smoke." It was so cold outside you could see your breath. It continually amazes me how things are so fascinating when they're viewed from the eyes of a child. I wish moments like those were like the ground when it snows. It freezes and nothing changes. It makes me want to slow down, not be so busy and worried about having a clean house, or the errands that need to be done. I wonder how many things I miss because I let other, less important, things get in the way. I need to pay more attention, be more aware, because then I wouldn't have to wonder. I would know, and I'd be ever so grateful that I didn't let it pass me by.

Is it December?

It was freezing cold here yesterday. It rained all day. I think that fall lasted two whole weeks. It wasn't too long ago that I looked up and saw all the red leaves. After yesterday, I can't see any leaves at all because there is snow covering the mountains. SNOW! Holy cow. That means, unless it warms up, that winter will be at least 6 months long. We pulled out all of our winter coats last night and I had to go buy my oldest princess a new coat because all of a sudden she went from a size 6x to a size 8/10. How and when did that happen? I can't believe how fast they grow and it's right before your eyes. We had a fun time picking one out. She ended up picking one that is two zipped together. The inside of it is fleece all over, so she should be nice and toasty when she goes out to recess. Today I am going to buy another tote for all of their summer clothes. My toes are cold, and I had to turn up the heat. I think I will go write Santa Claus now. Maybe I will ask him for summer. *hee, hee*

BUT MOM... I REALLY GOTTA PEE!

We were out shopping tonight for the girls' halloween costumes. We were almost finished when Abby came to me telling me she had to pee. "Okay, just a minute.." which usually is fine. I continue to help Whitney pull her costume off to put it back on the hanger and all of a sudden I hear this sad little cry and here comes Abb with a trail of pee behind her. I felt so bad. I could tell she was so embarrassed. Luckily, my hubby was with her and took her out to the van. On the way home, it was late, and so the three of them fell asleep. When I woke Abby up, she started just crying. I didn't know if it was because she was wet, or just sleepy. Turns out it was neither. She said that she was sad and embarrassed because the people at the store were laughing at her. I didn't see anybody, but it must have been horrible for her. She's never done that in her life, but next time I don't think I'll tell her to wait a minute. For her sake and mine...

Worn right out

Today Abby came home from school and gave me the books we bought from this months book order. We sat down to look at all of them. One pack is a little monsters set by Mercer Mayer about manners. They were my favorite when I was a little girl. Abby sat next to me and we started reading. Once or twice I glanced over at her and her little eyes were so heavy. When we got done reading I ran downstairs to start a movie for Emma and when I got back upstairs I found a very tired, sleeping little kindergartner laying on the couch. Shhh...

I've never met a bigger horses butt!

Okay, I didn't actually "meet" him, but I talked to him on the phone and I'll tell you what--steam has been coming out of my ears ever since. Last January we bought a van from an auto plaza in S.L. City. We did all the normal things, signed papers, etc... In about April we get a collection notice from some agency telling us we owed the auto plaza $600.04. We had no idea what in the would it could be for, so we call them and it turns out that the dealer who was working with us never actually called and got the payoff amount from the van we traded in. So, they didn't calculate $600.04 into our new loan amount. My problem? No, but thanks. That's their freaking fault for not doing their job. We've been fighting with the auto plaza ever since and they finally agreed to only making us pay half. Okay, still irritating, but whatever. We ask for them to send us paperwork stating that we have come to this agreement. A month goes by, then two, finally I call and the lady says that "Tina" has quit and she will send something out on Monday. That was 2 weeks ago. Yesterday I got a collection notice from the same agency telling us that if we don't pay now, our account was due in full. I called the agency, and this guy named Chris answers. I tell him the situation and he chuckles and says "well, have you paid them off?" I go on to tell him that we were waiting for paperwork, and he says "I'll call them and see." All of it was being said with such an arrogant, I'm better than you, tone. Then hangs up on me. My husband calls him and confronts him with how he treated me. Chris says, "were you a part of that conversation?". Then goes on to say that "all of you are alike. I could look up your credit report and tell what kind of people you are. I don't have debt collectors calling me. I pay my bills. What's your problem?" Hubby proceeds to tell him that he has no clue what kind of people we are and that he doesn't know the situation. All we
are trying to do is inform you. The last thing this guy says is "you have pushed the wrong buttons with me today, I'm going to e-mail my attorney and there will be a judgment on this account." Then he hangs up. What a jerk! I better not ever meet this guy. I'll rip out his tongue so he can't speak. Good thing for him that I don't know where he lives. Good thing for him that once I cool off I will forgive him and pray that he won't treat anyone else as poorly as he treated us!

We'll see you someday...

I got a call this morning from my dear friend, Jamie, telling me that her mother had passed away last evening. Her voice was shaky, she is so sad, and is trying to be brave. In all the things that I believe, the one thing I am most grateful for is the knowledge and belief that we will see our loved ones again someday. Death is not an easy thing for anyone...especially me. I don't fear being there, it's how I'm going to get there that frightens me. But the conviction that I have of life after death is strong, and it gives me a sense of calmness, knowing that when it is my turn I will be met and welcomed by those who have gone before me. I didn't know Jamie's mom very well. I know a lot about her by talking to Jamie and hearing the stories the kids have to tell. She will be missed tremendously by everyone who knew her. Please pray for my friend, that she will have the strength to go on and be able to feel peace during this time in her life.

Happy Birthday to my sister!!!

This morning I woke up and remembered it was my sisters birthday. For me, that is remarkable, seeing how I have 7 sisters and 4 brothers. My parents divorced when I was a year old leaving me with the wonderful blessing of having a lot of siblings, since they both remarried. I've loved it! I am close to them all (some more than others :) .... Anyway, in one family there is Becky* *happy birthday!**, Holly, Nicki, Dustin (who passed away as an infant) Jamie, and Michelle. In the other family I have Brandon, Kassie, Matt, Annie, and Josh. So, on with my morning. I talked to Emma and told her it was Aunt Becky's birthday. She looked at me and said "liar, liar, pants on fire!" Then immediately after she said, "lets call her!" So, at 8:30 in the morning we called her and sang Happy Birthday with Abby ending the song with "cha, cha, cha". We got to visit for a minute and catch up a little. We live two hours away from each other and don't see each other often. So Becky, from the May family, Happy Birthday to you! We love you and miss you! Have the best birthday ever!

When to excercise?

I woke up this morning, looked in the mirror, and decided I really do need to excercise. Not that I'm obese or anything, just flabby. It's really driving me crazy. My question to myself is this, "when do I excercise?" My husband leaves for work at 5:30 in the morning. The kids come at 6:30. The problem isn't that I'm not willing to get up at 6:30, it's that all the rooms are taken by sleeping children. By the time they wake up, it's time to get my 2nd grader ready for school and my day begins. Night time rolls around, hubby doesn't get home till 7:00. Homework has to be done, baths given, and kids put to bed. By that time I am so exhausted, excersing is the last thing I want to do. Priorities. That is what it all boils down to I'm sure. I've never LIKED to excercise, but I think I'm at a point in my life where I either do it, or get fat. That doesn't sound like a good option to me. I keep telling myself 20 minutes a day. When to take that 20 minutes--that is the question.

My favorite things

This morning I woke up to thunder and lightening. I love the sound of thunder. I love the smell of rain, especially in the spring. My grandma used to sit with us on her porch and we would watch the rain. My mom did it with us too, and does it with my kids when we are there to visit. Here is a list of some of my favorite things. Not necessarily in order of importance.
1. My girls' laughter
2. Date night with my hubby
3. Going to book club
4. Eating at P.F. Changs
5. Reading a good book
6. A clean house (although rare, I love it)
7. Going to church
8. A call from a friend, my mom, my grandma, my sisters, or my daddy.. :)
9. Flowers for no reason
10. Jets flying low (another of my favorite sounds)
11. Family vacations
12. Girls night out
13. Family reunions
14. Fireworks
15. The 4th of July (my Favorite holiday)
16. Visiting family--even my in-laws
17. Getting pictures
18. Getting a day off work
19. Swimming
20. Embroidery
21. snuggling with my kids (sometimes it's the only way I can fall asleep)
22. babies and that new baby smell
23. milk
24. a good nap, for me and the kids
25. alone time

THE BOOBY SISTERS
Saturday I was downstairs cleaning my house. As usual, I am frantically trying to get everything done so that I don't spend the whole day cleaning. Just as I turned off the vacuum, I heard some mischievous giggles coming down the stairs. "Oh no," I wondered. What were they up to. All of a sudden my youngest princess turns the corner and to my surprise--BOOBS! Whit had spent all morning blowing up small water balloons. I had no idea what she wanted to do with them, but it kept her occupied, so I didn't ask. Then the next two came around the corner. BOOBS--again... Whitney had even put on one of her undershirt bras to hold those balloons in place. I took one look at them and had to stop and grab the camera. This was for sure a Kodak moment. They all stood in line for their picture and Whit and Abby said, "We are the booby sisters! Do we look grown up?" I'm afraid I have a looong road ahead of me.

God Bless America

I just watched a prayer service for the Hurricane victims on c-span. It brought tears to my eyes! Our President, who everyone is belittling, gave a remarkable speech. He loves our country and the people in it. It infuriates me to hear people talk about him the way they do. Who are we to judge? Could any one of us say what we would do? Certainly not. You never know what you would do, until you are put in that situation. We need to learn to not blame others for things that happen. God is in charge of our world. Nobody could've stopped the hurricane. President Bush is doing the best he can with what he knows and what he has. We can not ask anything else of anyone. We all do the best we can. So, lets be proud of the things he does right. Lets be glad that the leader of our nation believes in God and in prayer. Lets unite, instead of fight. If we can't unite, then what are all of our soldiers fighting for? I'm proud to be an American. I love this land. It's the people in it who make it less than perfect. So, I, along with President Bush, say "God Bless America". Let's all work harder to make it the great nation that it is.

Workin' like a dog

My husband, who doesn't have a nickname yet because he doesn't like sunshine like I do, so I can't call him Mr. Sunshine, works his guts out. He started a job in June as an Asst. Mngr. at Arctic Circle. His hours are so long! He usually leaves our home at 5:30 a.m. and doesn't usually get home until 7:00 p.m. That is just a long freakin day. I am so proud of him though. This is his first time being a manager and he's doing a great job. Hopefully, the experience will pay off and it will all be worth it. I miss him though. He's not around a lot and I feel bad that he misses out on so much at home. What a great guy! It just goes to show how much he loves his sunshine girl and his 3 little princesses.

Your blogs been highjacked!

I whipped this up real quick tonight. Going to work on another one right now. But i wanted to do this real quick b/c I love love this pic of the girls.

Love ya and miss ya,
Misti Lee

Aunt Shelley's fabulous hairdo

Aunt Shelley's fabulous hairdo,
originally uploaded by sunshinegirl3princesses.

I'm testing how to do all this stuff, so excuse the thousand posts today! This is Abby's princess hairdo that her Aunt Shelley did up at our grandpa's cabin. A crown. How fitting.