More snow!

Well, when I woke up this morning we did have a lot more snow. I knew I wouldn't be able to get my car out of the garage. My mom said the road to my house was only one lane which kept getting drifted in fast. There were multiple slide-offs and she didn't want to risk the road. Can't say I blame her. My wonderful father in law came and plowed us out. I called my boss and before I said anything she said, "You're stuck." I said, "Nope but my babysitter is!" She just laughed and said, "Good for you! You can stay home and not even feel guilty. Have a good snow day." Isn't she awesome!

***

We had a fun day off. Eric was able to make it home from work although visibility was near to none. We got Collin bundled up and he headed out with dad to help plow out his great grandma Jensen while Carlee and I enjoyed some one on one girlie time. Unfortunately after lunch I had to get busy and box up the Christmas decorations that I have been putting off forever. Oh well, it can't all be fun and games! And besides, do moms ever really get a snow day?

Here's just a quick peek at the snow!

Snow, snow, falling down!

(The snow is starting to pile up!)

(Collin tasting the snow)---(The kids watch the snowfall out back)

I absolutely love watching the snowfall. It's so peaceful and quiet. The snow covered our satellite dish so I had a cartoon free afternoon of serenity. The children took naps while I snuggled in with a book, blanket, and of course some m&m's. It's very hard to find personal free time without children constantly asking me for one thing or another so I cherished this afternoon. It was made all the better with stolen glances out the window to see the snow fall. We are supposedly going to get alot more snow tonight and tomorrow. (A snow day for mommy? I can only hope.)

Hmmm...maybe it's time to take down the Christmas lights.

Our weekend

This weekend we finally broke out the pirate digging set I gave Collin for Christmas. It's a good thing we did it when daddy wasn't around because it was a messy dig! Collin had dust and sand everywhere from hammering so hard. He dug out a treasure chest, cutlass, skull, coins, and a gun.

When he was done digging he made a pirate tower and we read the pirate book that came with the set. He thought it was funny that pirates called their loot "booty". He also loved hearing that after bad pirates were hung their bodies would sometimes be displayed in cages to send a message that the life of a pirate wouldn't lead you anywhere. He loves hearing about morbid things for some reason.

Then he made me play pirates with him, chasing around rescuing the princess and treasure. He also kept on bombing my ship but got mad when his ship was bombed. Knucklehead. Later that night he said, "Mommy, that was so much fun! Can we play pirates again?"

Oopsi Poopsi

Little miss Carlee was playing in the tub,
having so much fun.

When I heard a grunt and tried to grab her,
before the deed was done.

Alas it was too late, I saw the floater
and had to fish it out.

I set her on the little potty seat,
and with a Carlee shout,

she stayed on that potty, finished the job,
and was ever so pleased.

She yakked and had fun, even tinkled a bit,
knowing her mommy was teased.

I guess it might be time for my lil' Carlee,
to be a big girl on the potty.

That would be better than oopsi poopsi's,
'cuz little floaters are naughty!



Collin had to add his two cents below (luckily he wasn't in the tub at the time!)
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Let it Snow!

Finally! A storm that gave us some actual snowfall! I hope it just keeps on coming.

We got all bundled up Saturday morning and headed out for some snow fun! Eric took Collin on a quick snowmobile ride but Collin didn't really like it. He said it was too fast. He loved sledding down grandma Jensen's hill though.

Up and down, up and down they went. Carlee only went down the hill once before her hands were too cold and she had to go inside. The wind started blowing a little and before they knew it the sled blew across the field! It was hilarious watching Eric hop through the snow and plop down on it to get it to stop.

After we came home from grandma's Collin stayed outside our house for a few more hours. He did not want to

come in, but I'm glad that he was actually enjoying outside in the cold.

This was Carlee's first real time out to enjoy the snow since she was too little last year. She wasn't too sure what to think about it at first. She had a hard time moving around in her pink bundled up outfit. She just flopped down on her knees and started pushing the snow around with her hands and exploring.

*Collin's cute rosy cheeks when he came inside.*

We had a great time together this weekend. I love it when we do fun things together and not just me and kids.

What the...?

Yesterday Collin got in trouble for not sharing (again!) and huffed to sit on the chair. Then with his arms crossed over his chest he said, "If you don't let me have that I'll just die." Where does a 4-year old learn phrases like that? That's more of a tween statement isn't it? Over a month ago he even started putting his fingers in his ears and saying, "I'm not listening!" It's gonna be a long road ahead...

Happy New Year!

This new year's eve was a blast! We had my countertop completely filled with food like mini sandwiches, bean dips, veggies, cookies, fruit, and more. I think I probably ate the most (and the first!). What can I say, I love food. This is the first new years that we actually didn't play cards. We probably would have if grandma Brewer was there but instead we ended up gaming on the x-box. The guys set up Halo 3 upstairs and even got Larry to join them. The girls would rather dance with the new DDR game Collin got for Christmas.

***

We ended up staying up until 3:30 in the morning although most people were gone by then. I'm amazed that Carlee lasted past midnight. The kids were all having so much fun together that there was no way we would be able to get them to sleep.

Larry the Halo Player?

2007: A Year in Review

2007 was quite an up and down year. I hope to forget the bad and remember the good. The following are some of my favorite things about 2007.

Most Memorable Experiences:

• Copper Basin trips
• Blackfoot fair
• Idaho Falls Zoo
• Bowling with Collin

Best Laughs:

• Collin falling off folding chair while saying a prayer
• Matt lighting his own farts around the campfire
• Collin trying to make up his own jokes

New Discoveries:

• Blogging
• Actually loving motorbike rides
• 100 calorie packs
• Dance Dance Revolution
• Carlee learning to walk
• First Haunted House experience
• http://www.hungrygirl.com/ Daily Tips
• New video camera

Movie Favorites:

• Pirates of the Caribbean-At Worlds End
• Hairspray
• Shrek the Third
• Forgotten Carols DVD

Authors I've Loved This Year:

• Sariah S. Wilson
• Rachel Ann Nunes
• Greg Luke

What I've appreciated the most:

• Support from my family
• A husband that loves me
• An awesome boss
• The best in-laws in the world!

Worst of '07:

• Resolutions not kept
• Finding out Collin had 5 cavities on his first dentist trip
• Carlee's impatience in lines
• Diagnosis: lupus, fibromyalgia, venous reflux, endometriosis, need I continue?

What I'll Appreciate in '08:

• Trip to Arizona
• Ryan home in July
• Indiana Jones Sequel
• 10th Anniversary
• Collin turning 5 and heading to school!

Resolutions:

• Gain muscle and exercise more
• Limit desserts to 2 or 3 a day
• Teach Collin to read
• Make time for friends
• Not let my health hold me back