New York Mellons

Time to Close this Chapter

2009-08-09T17:44:00.000-07:00

It is time to close this chapter of my life. But look for a new one to begin. I am in a better place, finding myself again. Life is good, and it is only going to get better. Pay attention and you will find me somewhere else!

Wicked in New York

2009-07-17T19:29:00.000-07:00

Off to NYC one of my favorite places to go….not that I would want to live there. It started off an early morning….Camille, Cindy, Terrie and I piled in the car and headed out around 6:00 am. Straight to China Town, one of my favorite places to shop. I can’t leave there without a pair of sunglasses. We found some cute jewelry, a purse for Cindy and a camera bag for Terrie (a purse, but don’t tell her that is what they are called.)

Before you know it Camille was rushing us out, we had reservations at Serendipitiy’s and so she hailed us a cab. You would think she was the one driving. Yummy food, and yes the Frozen Hot Chocolate is to die for, minus the whip cream, I didn’t care for it too much. Then off to Dylans candy store. I am glad we went there after we had eaten, although I did find the cutest Diet Coke bottle I have ever seen. Time flies when you are having fun and now for the main event….WICKED!
I had seen this once before, but it was just as good I was able to sit back and take it all in now that I knew the story (side note, my mom was seeing the same day in Tempe, AZ). A trip to the city isn’t a trip unless you make it to the M&M store, find out your color mood, use the restroom and pick something up for at least one kid. Then to the Hershey store. We were beginning to see a theme….Do you? Camille had to shop at her favorite store, obviously it wasn’t ours. JK.

Then sadly it was time to go, we headed home but then when we came to a screeching hault in front of some orange cones… we had to take the next exit which happened to be the IKEA exit. A quick pit stop and we called it a night. A lot of fun and a lot of laughs….my stomach and back hurt…..much needed!

Hiking

2009-07-14T11:39:00.000-07:00

The boys and I found a cool little place with easy hiking trails last summer. We went there a few times last year and had a blast this day we went. Chandler was the photographer. We ran through paths, pretended we were airplanes, we danced and we sang, we balanced on broken tree limbs and even hugged a few. My favorite picture is of the three youngest walking towrds the light...no really is was a street, but let's pretend! Unfortunately the weather has been wet and we have had a lot of other appointments so the trails will have to wait until we return from Arizona!

4th of July

2009-07-14T11:20:00.000-07:00

Well it was a crazy fourth of July.....We started out our morning with a ward Pancake Breakfast. The weather was questionable and although the women and I were fine to set it up outside the men were a bit whimpy...ha! ha! A few injuries got things going but lucky we have great people at church and it all worked out. This year was the first time that I can remember being cold, wrapped in a jacket and walking to the gas station to buy Hot Chocolate...LOL We had a good time though. We arrived at the Commons with KFC around 5:00 pm. We ate and the kids ran around with whoopi cushions, swords (made of foam) and bubbles. By the time the fireworks started we had a large group-10 families. It was a lot of fun!

It has been a bit crazy!

2009-06-18T04:53:00.000-07:00

I am always amazed at how quickly time goes and things get away from you! Maybe it is the end of the year, or my crazy life. The kids have one more week of school, they are excited! Me too! I am ready for them to be home for awhile, the older they get the more social they are and the less they are at home. I really have been missing them a lot! And on top of it summer means a trip to Arizona. YEAAH! We are all very excited, the boys are getting in touch with their friends and making plans, I should be doing that too! My family is excited, they have all kinds of plans. I don't expect a lot of sleep - a lot to do and a lot of people to see in just a short amount of time. But I will savor every minute! I am realizing life is too short to not do that!

Thanks to all of you who sent me birthday wishes, I don't think you know how much it meant to me, and I know I didn't tell you! I am so blessed to have such good friends and family! Love to you all!

How is my baby 6 already!

2009-05-27T04:56:00.000-07:00

How time flies, I can't believe that my youngest is already six. I am the luckiest Mom to have such wonderful boys. Preston being the youngest has been a different experience. We have had the opportunity to spend more one on one time together and how great that has been. Although being the last has it's drawbacks too!

We started the morning off with doughnuts and chocolate milk. Then off to school.

Half Day Kindergarten allowed me to take him to lunch with MaryJane and Jade at one of Preston's favorite places Moe's.

Then the whole family went to Friendlys for Dinner and IceCream. He couldn't wait for them to sing Happy Birthday to him. When he got his icecream he didn't want a Sundae only a single scoop. Me I went for the works! Yummy!

I had his birthday party the following day. It was a backwards party theme. When the kids arrived we had them turn their shirts around. We decoated them in streamers. We started out opening presents and then headed off to cake and ice cream where we sang Birthday Happy to you! Then instead of breaking a Pinata we made our own. Then outside for Goose, Goose Duck and backwards relays. We finished with Pizza. The kids had fun. Chandler was a huge help he ran most of the games for me and Jake kept the crowd under control.

Mother's Day

2009-05-14T04:39:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day!

I was the first awake this morning. I think the boys forgot what day it was until Geoff reminded them. They quickly retrieved the gifts and cards and ran to my room. Nothing was more beautiful than the smiles on their faces as I read each of the handmade cards they had made at church and at school, their eyes lit up so big as I read them one by one. Nothing is better than a love for a child. It was quick to get ready and off to church. We were all so tired.

When we got home they sent me to my room to rest while they made breakfast for lunch. I don't know how many times they came in asking what I would prefer (so cute, but little rest)! About an hour later breakfast was served, waffles, eggs, hashbrowns, bacon and sausage. Oh and don't let me forget my appetizer, some sort of milkshake they made in the mini food processor with icecream and assorted other ingredients. The food was good, but what I enjoyed more was their effort and desire, although in the end I did have a rather large mess to clean up!

We spent the afternoon playing on the driveway with train tracks and Lincoln Logs, until the rest of the nieghbor kids came over and I was freezing. A simple dinner and a game of Apples to Apples ended the day. These are the memories I want to keep from this day.....forever!

An unexpected visit by mom and some markers

2009-05-13T16:32:00.000-07:00

My mom made an unexpected but welcomed trip from Arizona. The boys were so excited they went to bed at 6:30 so they could go to the airport to pick her up. And as soon as we picked her up they went right back to sleep, I was so happy! I got a lot of rest, it was cute the first afternoon I woke up and walked down to see her surrounded. Later the boys were asking her to draw on their feet, while she was occupied looking at their feet she was unaware of the artwork they were creating up above. Some of the marker was not washable. LOL it took a few baths. The boys were sad to see her leave, Jake in particular shared his emmotions!

Feels like AZ

2009-04-25T13:27:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we were wearing sweatshirts, today we were sweating. According to the weatherman this morning our high would be the same as Phoenix, but Phoenix is a dry heat! What is up with the weather. Well today was a beautiful day, Chandler is on his first Scout campout, I am assuming all is well because I haven't heard from him. I am glad that I packed his zip-off pants. Jake is playing with Charlie, last time I checked with squirt guns. The two younger boys and I went to the park this afternoon and then they spent a lot of time with the hose today. They made our driveway into a lake and pretended to surf. I love them using their imagination and being outside. What a great day for them! It makes me happy!

It's the Little Things

2009-04-21T04:45:00.000-07:00

I must say that despite everything I am going through I am on top of the world for this moment. It is those little things, that mean so much and today my boys shined. I was up early this morning, 5:30 (out of a alarm clock habit) so I was ready before I had to wake them up, well mostly. So I began putting away some clothes and cleaning upstairs a bit. Taking my time, no rushes this morning. Jake comes upstairs and asks if he can take leftovers for lunch, then he tells me he will make it, that has never happened. Then I notice he has made his bed, I didn't have to ask. Hayden made his lunch. They unloaded the dishwasher and even started loading it. There was not one fight or argument this morning, only brothers helping each other out. It is these things, small acts of service without request that mean more than anything. I wouldn't have minded making lunches, I do it almost every morning. But it brought tears to my eyes. In life's trials you are blessed!

Easter

2009-04-16T12:02:00.000-07:00

The last holiday I spent in Arizona was Easter.....I felt that a lot this year. We did the usual, colored eggs the night before. The kids were very creative. We were all exhausted and went to bed early. The boys were excited to see what the Easter Bunny had left them and to hunt for eggs. They did a pretty good job, although I have found a few around the house lately! It was ham, spinach souffle, corn, mashed potatoes and rolls for dinner. I am thankful for what this Holiday represents and I am learning how to apply it in my everyday life.

It's Spring

2009-04-03T04:46:00.000-07:00

Nothing like a beautiful day at a park with my youngest who adores me to remind me I am loved and that is what it is all about.

I think since moving to New York, spring has taken a whole new perspective on me. As the seasons change your environment changes. The green leaves turn beautiful shades and fall to the ground, and then everything becomes, in my opinion, ugly. It is cold, I gain weight, the kids are stir crazy, and then it is spring. The grass starts to turn green again, the trees grow new leaves and the tulips are peaking out of the ground, the kids are outside again enjoying nature like it is intended, the TV is off and the video games are put away. It is a new start, a fresh start, more to me than New Years.

I am observing all the damage from the icestorm, the trees with broken limbs still hanging from them, and the clean up crews everywhere picking up the piles of devastation along the roadsides, in my neighbors yards. Spring is my time to ring in my New Year! To start fresh, to begin a new cycle, and make it better than the one before. This is my year!

Great Escape Lodge

2009-03-27T18:18:00.001-07:00

The kids had a day off school today, so thanks to a good friend Camille who invited us to come and then the luck of great neighbors who had already booked a room we were off. It was a great time. I picked the kids up a bit early from school and we checked in about 3:00. We spent 2.5 hours at the waterpark and then headed to our room for a rest and to wait for our friends. They got there just after 7:00 and with onl 1 hour til the park closed we were at it again. Then back to the room for pizza. 10:00 am the park opens and the kids are at it again, well all except Preston who was exhausted and needed a nap, so he did!

We all tried the Boogie board, the boys all showed some "moon" I was a wreck, but it was fun!

A quick NYC visit with a dear friend

2009-03-21T20:17:00.000-07:00

It was great to get back to the city and even better to have some time to visit with an old friend. The time was short and it went fast but we managed to see the Statue of Liberty, The New York Stock Exchange, walk down Wall Street and through Little Italy and Chinatown. Then some time in Time Square. It was good to catch up, how I do miss all my friends from AZ. Anytime you want to visit the city let me know!

Positive Week

2009-03-18T14:20:00.000-07:00

Back in Arizona I had a great group of friends that quilted together. We had a lot of fun, and could be very silly. At one time we laughed all afternoon about our attempt to make it on Deal or No Deal, we then moved on to trying to gain enough weight tobe on the Biggest Loser. Diana reminded me the other day about her trying to eat my sandwich...lol, JK Diana. But besides the great friendships that I made, I can't remember for sure but I think it was Linda and I decided on making every other week a Positive one, and well that meant the opposite one was the negative one.

Now for the point. I want a positive week, so if you have any ideas let me know!

Almost Spring

2009-03-15T12:21:00.000-07:00

It has been a busy weekend in the Mellon household. Living back in the NE you learn that once it reaches high 40's low 50's the scooters and bikes come out....The kids say they are sweating in their coats. Hayden had a science project due, he choose Saturn, I didn't realize how many moons it had. Hayden did a good job painting Saturn and coming up with interesting facts.

The older boys took out the summer sleds, for those in Arizona you know what they are, here people don't have a clue. The ground was a bit muddy-not too much luck, but in a few weeks when the rest of the snow is gone and we have a bit of color to the grass.

But the most exciting news is Preston learned how to ride a bike....not really planning on it, we pulled out the little bike for a neighbor to use so I asked Preston if he wanted to try, thinking for sure he would say no, but he didn't and it took no time at all. The first time I let go he went a few feet, the second time he had it. He doesn't want to stop. The best is his first full trip around the culdesac he screams out wooo-hoooo.

Hayden gets baptized!

2009-02-28T09:22:00.000-08:00

What a special day for us. Hayden was baptized today. Something that he has been very excited about. He was able to choose the program and asked me to talk on Baptism, Chandler to talk on the Holy Ghost and for his Dad to perform the baptism. It was the first time that I have participated in one of the Boys Baptisms, more than just being a mom, and in charge of refreshments. It was very humbling to look into his eyes as I talked to him. I am grateful for that opportunity. Chandler, although he started out his talk saying he couldn't top that, did awesome. He sounded so mature, he handled himself so well, his hands in his pockets, not always reading from his paper. At one time he asked Hayden to come up. When Chandler sat down he told me had ad-libbed half of it. I would have never known. The whole things went well. Chandler was ordained a Deacon and will proudly pass the sacrament tomorrow as Hayden takes it for the first time with full meaning and purpose. I am proud of these boys, of all my boys.

Hayden turns 8

2009-02-26T11:22:00.000-08:00

Holy cow....another milestone. Hayden turned 8 today. He has been so excited for his birthday. Last night he couldn't sleep. He came downstairs and said I am just so excited for tomorrow. It took a few extra prayers but he did finally fall asleep. Geoff was home this morning so he was able to go in with me to wake him up by singing Happy Birthday, he jumped out of bed so fast. I think he was actually already awake, but he had the Happy Hayden Grin on. He was ready in no time. It was torture to wait to open his presents but finally everyone was ready. He tore through them all. I brought him McDonalds to lunch for school. He kinda knew I would so that wasn't a huge suprise. He handed out sour stix to his class. He has let me know that he would like to go back to ring pops.

It was also the Blue and Gold Banquet for Cub Scouts so that is how we celebrated his birthday. The boys had to decorate a cake that represented the state they were born in. They had fun!

For the final part of his birthday I placed a underwater webkinz on his pillow. His face lit up and I knew he had a great day. And that is the most important thing of all. He is a great kid, and I love him so much!

Prestons 100th day of School

2009-02-25T10:35:00.001-08:00

I can't believe my baby has been in real school for 100 days. I was able to go in the classroom today for the celebration. It was fun to go with MaryJane because we normally trade off. The kids made crowns with a 100 dollars on them, they counted out a 100 pieces of cereal and made a 100 day necklace, they read a story and had a 100 dollar treat. It is always fun to be able to go in the classroom and spend time with your child. As they get older you get less and less of an opportunity so I will take anything I can get. The teacher also printed up large one hundred dollar bills, put their faces in the middle of them and laminated them, oh so cute!

Chandler

2009-02-16T09:14:00.000-08:00

It is hard for me to believe that my first born is 12. I remember the day he was born, and it seems like yesterday. My little blue-eyed blonde baby boy in the ICU hooked up to IV's and oxygen, is now a preteen, hooked to his MP3 player and his laptop. He has always had an amazing personality, a fun loving, easy going, entertaining kid. When he was little he used to squish his face up and make silly faces, he loved to hold his bottle with his feet. He was a little charmer. He was fascinated with Godzilla's at age 2 and called them zilla's, at 3 he loved Blues Clues and wanted to be Steve, he also loved Mulan and wouldn't answer to his real name. I would ask, "Chandler, are you hungry?" and he would say, "I don't know, ask Mulan." He quickly moved to the Superhero era of Batman. Then he entered school and his passion for reading took off like the Space Shuttle to the moon. He has a book with him at all times. He is a people person and has many friends. He loves to write and he loves to sing. I am proud to have him as my son. Happy Birthday Chandler, I love YOU!

Chandler's big Party with Noah

2009-02-14T10:47:00.000-08:00

Well after much persistence and planning on Chandler's part and his accomplice Noah a joint birthday party dream became a reality. The final count 8 boys each. We figured since it was the begenning of the winter break not everyone could come. But they all made it. So 18 boys. Saron was great she made the invitations and tye-dyed the shirts, boys choice in colors to create teams for capture the flag. We started at Noah's house for Pizza, Capture the Flag, Cake and craziness. Then off to my house about 10:00 for games, movies and some sleep...just a little bit. I don't think anyone got more that a few hours if that. The boys had a good time. But in the morning when I asked Noah about it, he said it was too many people. Chandler could have had more.

Chandler gets his Scouting Badge

2009-02-09T13:40:00.000-08:00

Well Chandler managed somehow to get his scouting badge. We started cub scouts on a good foot, he received his Bobcat, Wolf and then his Bear...but as we moved into Weebelos we fell off somehow. Life got busy. Chandler has enjoyed the 11 year old scouting. Their Den competed in the Klondike Derby last month, in the freezing cold. He turns 12 in just a few days and will move onto Boy Scouts.

Simplify

2009-01-30T12:36:00.001-08:00

Yesterday I went to Target to buy storage containers. I have a lot of things that I don't use, that take up a lot of room. A good chunk of it is fabric and scrapbooking supplies that I hope to use someday. Then I went to a class last night on Simplyifying our Lives, I felt pretty organized but thought what the heck...Well I learned a lot that I am not as organized as I think I am and that it doesn't mean I have "simplified" my life.

So now my back hurts after filling my garbage can, thank goodness today was garbage day, although I don't know what I will do with this weeks trash. I decided to throw out those things that took up more space than worth saving. I had several idea books, and catalogs for scrapbooking, I didn't really use them that much when I did it, they are gone. I went through the piles of all my kids papers I thought I needed and found I didn't really them all. I emptied and filled bins all morning. I am not done, I am achy and I need a break, but it feels good.

Now I need to simplify my emmotions. I wish I could remember the quotes on the board, but I know they got me thinking, maybe too much. I hope to get my life in order, all aspects. I know this will make me a happier person and a better mom, wife, daughter, sister and friend.

Pinewood Derby......

2009-01-22T17:56:00.000-08:00

Well another year for the Mellon's at a Pinewood Derby, year 5 to be exact. We have learned a bit over the years.....mainly that our cars should look good because we won't win. We didn't procrastinate as much this year, which made the whole process a lot better, less stress.....less mistakes. Actually the boys did better this year than any other. Hayden placed 4th...he was thrilled. Jake knows he didn't loose every race he was in, so that is a plus. Jake wants to build a track at our house so he can race his previous cars, which unlike Chandler's are pretty much in tact, minus the weights we had to peel off his first year car to use as a last minute fix to last years car. This was Haydens first so he has some more time.

Brrrr....It is COLD outside!

2009-01-17T15:39:00.000-08:00

This is our third winter away from the sunny, warm, desert! We have had more snow, colder temperatues so far than the first 2 winters combined and we are only half way through January! I have worn gloves to bed! I have found that sometimes the only way that I can warm-up is by a "HOT" bath. Notice I didn't say warm bath....that doesn't work for me! The kids have enjoyed the snow a bit, but even just a few rides down the hill is enough sometimes. Preston's chin was freezing, Hayden couldn't move his arms (I had to carry his sled) and Jake couldn't feel his legs so he plopped himself on our snow covered front lawn and layed there, Chandler was MIA, he is becoming a preteen and prefers his MP3 player. The last few days have been particulary cold and now event he snow has frozen and turned to ice. I hope all my family and friends in Arizona are enjoying there record highs as I survive my record lows. We will compare again when it is summer.

Things Learned

2009-01-16T12:10:00.000-08:00

I think we often take the begenning of a new year to reflect on the last! For me it is the Lessons Learned and what I can take from them! In no particular order:

Never judge a book by it's cover.
It's not what is on the outside that counts it is what is on the inside.
Family first!
True friends will stand by you through it all.
You don't always have to be right, just heard!
Go with your gut!
You may not initially understand but in time you will come to figure out.
Do what is right, even if it is not popular, you will be blessed.
It is okay to ask for help!
Things aren't always what they seem, make sure you really understand!
There is always someone out there who loves you!
Make sure you tell the people in your life how much you appreciate them!
Life is short, live it, learn by it and respect it!

Maybe I will come up with more later...thanks to my family and dear friends, I love you all very much!

Christmas 2008

2008-12-30T18:27:00.000-08:00

It is hard to believe that Christmas has come and gone already. It is a woderful time of year to think about all that we are blessed with. I really need to do that more often. It was beautiful this year our first "White Christmas" following the Ice Storm that taught me many valuable lessons...maybe I should look at that as my first Christmas gift.

We spent quite Christmas Eve with a new Tradition of take-out! This left me with patience and time to bake and decorate cookies for Santa.

We did have one Christmas Eve tradition of opening one gift and the gift is always new pajamas. The suprise is what they will look like. The boys were so excited that they wanted to go to bed early. And they tried, but I think the visions of "sugarlums" dancing in their heads kept them awake longer than they wanted. Finally they dozed off and me not far behind them.

Christmas morning Geoff and I were awake by 5:ish. The boys still asleep, so Geoff ran up and down the stairs a few times very loud making mention that someone had broke into our house and left stuff....the boys were up in no time, but had to wait at the top of the stairs so I could get the camera's (yes plural) ready.It didn't take long to open the gifts, and in no time the floor was unidentifiable and everyone was having a good time.

Off to the kitchen for the one standing tradition....a large breakfast. It took me 2.5 hour before I was done. Normally I throw the Ham in as soon as we wake up but this year I was in no hurry....We ate and played the rest of the day.

We had a few visitors that evening which was a pleasant suprise. Thanks! We ended the evening with the Nativity....I liked that, it summed up the day!

We survived the Ice Storm of 2008

2008-12-14T14:14:00.000-08:00

We survived! Friday morning 1:17 am a flash of light and then the power is off. All night I was up, I could hear trees cracking, breaking and falling to the ground. The emergency sirens were going off all night, and I was fearful the big oak that leans over our house would fall through and land in the boys room. Finally I wake them up and move them all to one room, and I go down stairs so that I don't hear everything that hits the roof. No suprise - "Snow Day!" When Geoff gets to work he tells me our town is under a state of emergency. It looks beautiful outside, but it was a mess.

Thanks to our wonderful neighbors the Hopeck, they hooked us a line to their generator and we were able to plug in our fridge, keep our cell phones charged, and Geoff's laptop provided our movie screen! That was day one. Our thermostat read 59'. This wasn't so bad yet. Could be kind of fun. We put up a barrier between our kitchen and family room to keep the heat in. The power company said we should get power by 4:00 am Saturday. Unfortunately we had called before the snow hit the frozen trees.

We wake up Saturday morning, no power. I decide to cook eggs on the pancake griddle, but shorted out our power when I went to make toast! We go for a drive, but this time we could really see all the devastation. The roads were a mess. The houses behind us had a tree that fell on a power line and it was all laying on the ground. Broken trees and limbs everywhere. Power still out to most of the area. We find a McDonalds open-we have to drive thru because we haven't showered in 3 days. All hope fails that night when Geoff talks to the men working on the transformer and they can't locate our neighborhood on the grid. Reality sets in, we are hooked to the neighborhood with the tree and power lines still on the ground. Our thermostat now reads 47'.

I can't sleep so at 4:00 am on Sunday I take a cold bath, and wash my hair. I feel much better. When the kids wake-up I torcher them by washing their hair in the cold water of the kitchen sink and then warming up baby wipes for a quick clean off thier bodies. I am able to blow their hair dry. We sit down to watch spongebob. The neighbors call to offer us showers, I tell her my torture story and then hang-up. Boom, the power is back on, nearly 60 hours later. I was so excited, then I cried. Oh how thankful I am for electricity!

Thanksgiving

2008-12-02T11:47:00.000-08:00

What a wonderful time of year that snuck up on me so fast this year! This is our third one away from Arizona. Wow, it doesn't seem like time can go so fast, but it really does. It makes you think about a lot and how important every minute is and what you do with it.

This Thanksgiving I am thankful for friends who took our family into their home and fed us and entertained us. I am thankful for my family, for my husband who works hard so that I can be home with our kids, for the kids and their smiles, hugs and kisses, who make each day worth getting up for! I am thankful for my knowledge of things greater than this earth.

For my final thought I am thankful to each and everyone who has touched my life. You know who you are...Happy Thanksgiving and an even better Holiday Season!

Twilight

2008-11-21T05:01:00.001-08:00

Well I don't ever think I have been as excited about a movie coming out. When Geoff first gave me this book about vampires to read I thought he was nuts, but I read it and couldn't stop. My eyes would be closing but I wanted just "one more page." And then I heard it would be made into a movie!

My friend in Arizona got her tickets to the midnight show almost a month ago and up until last week I didn't think we would have one here in Upstate New York, so I was settling for the next best thing. Friday night, after Chandler got home from school, but then luck would have it I found it. I bought tickets on Wed. which proved to be a good thing. It was playing in 3 theatres each holding almost 300 seats. We got there at 10:30 pm and still had to sit in the last row of the bottom seats.

We ate a lot of popcorn, candy and diet coke after our Burger King to keep up our strength. The movie began, at first I was a bit nervous I wanted it to do well, I instantly loved the Bella character but a few others took me awhile. I still have a bit of an issue with Dr. Cullen and Rosalie. But all in all I enjoyed the movie. The books were better.

Sorry Camille, you were buying popcorn when I took out my camera and then I forgot! But I am glad you could come.

Chandler and I are both very tired this morning, he still has to go to school, for me I am going back to bed until Preston gets home from Kindergarten!

Another Weeblo

2008-11-21T04:56:00.000-08:00

Jake signed off his bear and has now advanced to Weeblos, we are very proud of him! He was so excited, he can not wait for his belt so he can start getting the belt loops! I think he may be our first to get his arrow of light!

November 4th!

2008-11-04T18:47:00.000-08:00

What a long day! It begins with Parent Teacher Confrences.....All the kids are doing well, although a few need to clean their desks....no suprise!!!! Then off to Vote, fortunately for us the lines were not to long and we were able to get in and out. But most important today is Jakes 10th birthday. It was a bit different this year. Geoff took the day off, the kids had no school, except Chandler. We didn't have a big party, but se did celebrate Jake. We opened a few presents this morning, but Jake had asked for stuff to sculpt, he was asking for playdough but we felt he would enjoy modeling clay a bit more. We took him to Michaels to help us pick it out...and the look on his face was priceless...He had the biggest grin! He wanted to go to Chili's for lunch because that is the only place you can order pasta with marinara sauce and the ask them to replace the sauce with brocolli cheese soup! This was something I used to do when Geoff would bring the boys in to eat when I was waitressing. We then took him to get something from my Dad, by the time we got home it was almost 4:00 and he spent the next few hours putting together a Kinetix RollerCoaster. Then it was time for Scouts and off we left! Jake had a great day and it makes you realize you can plan all the parties you want, buy the biggest gift, but the most important thing is just making them celebrated and we did this by spending time together! I am proud of the "double-digit" boy that he is!

We made it...doubt and all!

2008-10-26T09:09:00.000-07:00

It's one of those things that thank goodness you made plans with someone else who is going because you said you would go and you are going because you said you woud go, despite the weather report, and waking up to rain. So what am I talking about. A day trip to New England to visit six flags. Tiffany and I watched the weather this week and knew we had a good chance of rain but each said we were game if the other was, and both were. Saturday morning things are looking dim, but a plan is a plan and we all agree to give it a try. Well thank goodness we did because we really coudn't have asked for a much better day. The weather was good, a light jacket, but the clouds kept a lot of the crowds away. We all headed different directions at different times with different people, but all tall enough were able to ride the Superman ride, which is a thrill....can't wait for the death look photos from Walker. Ohhhh and Tiffany is a screamer. I think I was too afraid, my legs wouldn't quit shaking! The little ones had a blast at anything, even running around a table. Thanks to Walker my new black coat is a bit grey, but the powdered sugar was really yummy! Geoff made sure the kids were well aware of how fun the rides were going to be! We left just in time for a down pour and were tired enough that we might have just slept in those coffins!

Monster Mash

2008-10-26T09:00:00.000-07:00

Another Halloween approaches and you would almost think this is the holidays of all holidays, so many parties and events. Although I truly enjoy dressing up my kids, and walking through the crunching fall leaves as we collect candy, in some ways this Holiday has become too much. But despite that fact, we had a great time at the Monster Mash this year, unlike last year when the kids were asking when we could leave and we opted for Burger King. I was hesitant to go, but with much begging and pleading from 3 boys who deserved to go I agreed. A last minute costume for Jake, and Chandler offered to go and help run booths and so he too a last minute creation (death by asthma)! Preston danced up a storm, Jake socialized like he was living the last minutes of his life, Hayden who was hard to spot with all the other Storm Troopers was up somewhere in the crowd below the state, and then Chandler who knows he is getting too old to hang around mom, although he doesn't mind, he just has better things to do! Home from the Monster Mash and out to Hish School Musical 3! I don't remember the boys being dancing and singing so well, but hey I am getting old! OH and if you want to see a cute 1.33 minute video of an amazing dance performance by the Hulk aka Preston check out my facebook videos!

My Hairdresser is Blind

2008-10-18T19:53:00.000-07:00

No not you Steffani...you are awesome. So my hair grows so fast. It has been just under 3 months since I had my last haircut, so I figure how hard can it be to follow the same lines just bring it up a few inches and thin it out. I bring a picture, actually a stack of them and show her.
The first picture is the picture I show her, I tell her this is what I want. The next two are what I got. Not even close, this haircut makes me make stupid faces!

A Long Weekend

2008-10-14T05:03:00.000-07:00

Well since Geoff had to work all summer we decided that we would take the first school holiday weekend and go somewhere. Well that was just a few days ago, Columbus day! We debated between heading towards Salem, MA. or going up to Niagra Falls. We decided on Friday night we would head North. We booked a hotel in Canada for Saturday night but left Sunday open. We got up early and headed out. It is a beautiful time of year to be driving. The leaves are so vibrant and full of color. I did sleep the first hour but that is okay because it was still dark outside.

We arrived at the Falls around 11:00am. I thought they were beautiful. The whole area is. I did understand why everyone says you need to go to the Canadian side. The American side may have some better access to the falls but the view by far is better from the Canadian side. We took the maid of the Mist boat ride. Mainly you get wet! Really wet! The park around the falls was a nice place to sit back and take it all in, and a good place for the younger boys to wrestle!

We had a great hotel, the biggest one that Jake has been in!!! We went swimming and crashed at bedtime. Well at least me. We slowly got moving and checked out and headed to Rochester to The Strong Museum. A great place, we were having a blast. One last stop the Harry Potter area and the boys were making magic wands. I sat my hand full of stuff down so that I could assist in the many demands on me (how do you roll this, i need tape, where is the paper, I want a silver one). Finally, not only have we made magic wands but wizard hats too! Now, I need to get a picture. Oh! wait I can't because someone has stolen my camera, and most importantly all the great pictures from the day! I mean I really had some great pictures. Well I let it ruin my day for awhile, I am still sore about it! So no pictures but it was a great place.

Off to our next destination. Palmyra. Now we haven't ever been to this area and we don't know where we are staying. The miles are getting closer and we are yet to see a Hotel. We get into Palmyra and pull over to a gas station. I go in an ask and they tell me that there is one hotel in the town. We cross our fingers (so far we had been lucky, managed to get over the border without my birth certificate) and yes we pull up to the Palmyra Inn and they have a vacancy! McDonald's drive-thru is dinner. And to the hot tub the boys and I go!

We get up the next morning (yesterday) and get going, by 9:30 we are out the door and headed out. We start at the furthest church history site and work our way towards Hill Cumorah. It was all so amazing. Beautiful, interesting and well amazing! We saw a lot of great things, and I learned a lot too! It was 3:30 and we hadn't stopped yet, we know we have about a 3.5 hour drive a head of us and the kids have school so we head out! Thankfully we bought a new camera and have pictures to show of this day! Words alone don't do justice!

A Lesson Learned

2008-10-09T17:10:00.000-07:00

So I ask you a simple question. You are asked to go on a fieldtrip to a museum....What do you wear and what do you take? Last year when I went to the Children's Museum we had snow outside so naturally I wore a heavy coat. On the bus it got warm, so I took it off. At the musem they took all the kids coats and threw them in a bin so I opted to carry mine, along with my purse.

So Monday we wake-up and it is very cold, the grass is covered in little specs of ice. So I put on Jeans and a long sleeve shirt, but forgo the Jacket. My car will have heat, the bus will have heat and the museum will have heat. Ohhh did I make a mistake, the Museum was not entirely your typical museum. This was on Native Americans, that were native to this area. Most of what we did was outside. Now despite all of the shivering, I did find this an interesting place. When we first arrived we did go inside, now at first the room had a chill, but of course I had just been on a heated bus. The rain was coming down pretty hard. We learned how the Indians made food, fortunatley or unfortunately due to the weather we did not tour the garden but all tried to peak out the door to see what she was talking about. Now it was time to go outside to the Wigwam, very cool, and cold, but yes I was amazed at all the hard work that went into these, and how well they used their resources. Next to the fire starting station, I had wished one had already been started. We were under a canopy and again it was very interesting but at this point I can barely feel my toes. For the last part we go back inside, now this time the room did feel nice. We were told a very cool story and we went home. Lesson learned, ask!

For Julie but feel free to browse!

2008-09-30T14:09:00.000-07:00

OKay Julie here are the pictures of the rooms. You can click on them to get a bigger picture. The first is the hallway just to show the trim, then the family room, next kitchen and then our front room! Ignore the mess, the stairs are still under construction and so is Jake's puzzle.

Is Chandler heavy enough to drive the lawnmower?

2008-09-17T13:56:00.000-07:00

Geoff thought it would be fun for Chandler to try and drive the lawnmower, he left him a small patch of grass in the front yard. After full safety and driving instructions he let him go. He was doing fine, I was a bit surprised at how well he seemed to be handling it. Then "bang" what the heck was that. He tries again!Again he is driving smooth and then the mower starts to stutter and "bang" again. What the heck is going on? This never happens when Geoff or I drive the mower, and then we realize...a safety factor has been built in to the mower, if you get off the seat it shuts down the mower. Well Chandler is so light that the mower wants to shut down but he is pressing on the gas! Lucky kid it will be awhile before we can make him mow the lawn!

More on the Stairs

2008-09-16T16:24:00.000-07:00

Well I know this isn't the most exciting thing to read on my blog, but since this is a mini diary for me and these stairs are taking up most of my life...that is what you will get.

Although I might add that I am having a very difficult time finding jeans that will fit me now. A big problem...it is starting to get cold and I donated all my clothes from last year, cause of course they don't fit and I don't ever want to fit into them again.

Well back on the real reason I am blogging. We are now on a new phase of the stairs, all of the trim is painted white, and the banister is sanded, and we are finally rid of the green walls that I have very much disliked for the past 2 and some years. YEAH! Now Geoff is a bit tired of his time off spending on this project, and their is so much more to be done. Home Depot is not done with us yet! Stay tuned for the final reveal, or maybe something else exciting will happen first. One never knows!

The Stairs

2008-09-13T18:52:00.000-07:00

One of the bigger projects that we have taken on in this house. When I did the molding it was a lot of tedious work. I wish that I would have taken pictures of the stages but I didn't. This time we are working on the steps. The carpet on the stairs looked awful, and we have wanted wood steps ever since we moved in....Geoff did his research and we had a few options, one we could have hired someone, but what fun would that be and what would we be teaching our children...lol, another was to do them ourselves and again more options. When we pulled up the carpet we had nice pine planks, so we are attempting to use them. At this point Geoff has removed all the carpet, staples, etc. and has sanded out all the watermaks, stain drips and any of the other major flaws. We taped them off and begin priming the baseboards and the backs of the stairs so that we can paint them white. That is where it is now...lots of blue painter tape, white primer and very pretty raw pine. The boys want to keep the blue tape, they think it looks cool. Oh I forgot to say this was Geoffs first day of his vacation....you should see his list!

Picking Fruit

2008-09-13T18:46:00.000-07:00

One of the greatest things about living in upstate New York is all of the fresh veggies, and more importantly the rasberries and apples. Preston and I went with Mary Jane and Jade to pick some rasberries and then we grabbed some apples. Preston didn't really like the rasberries but I really did and I so I picked and picked. I brought them home, half were put into a sealed container and the other half I left in the cardboard box...2 days later I pull them out to chow down and they were on their way to being antibiotics. I was able to salvage the rest but without hesitation threw them into the freezer. Good news is the 15lbs of apples are just fine and I will be making apple crisp Sunday night.

My Baby is off to Kindergarten

2008-09-08T11:09:00.000-07:00

I can hardly believe that Preston is off to kindergarten. It really feels like just yesterday I was taking Chandler. Preston was very excited. Last night I said it was time for bed, that he needed sleep for his first day off school and Preston took off like a lighting bolt up to his bed. It took him awhile to fall asleep, he was so excited. The first thing he asked when I woke him up this morning was if we were going to a store today. Then he remembered it was school and he quickly got ready. And off to the bus it was. He has a good day, unfortunately due to his surgery has to sit out at recess and PE for 2 weeks.

Preston gets his ear fixed....we hope!

2008-09-08T11:01:00.000-07:00

On Prestons first birthday he got tubes put in his ears. When he was four he was at the Dr. and he noticed he still had tubes so he referred us to a ENT, and we had them surgically removed, Sept. 07. At a later Dr. appt the doctor noticed he had a hole in his ear, so back to the ENT. He said he wanted to watch it for a few months, but it was obvious to me that it wasn't healing, anytime he got any water, even a splash in his ear he cried. So off to surgery again. This time they took cartilage from his ear and stiched it in. It took longer this time, the surgery and for Preston to wake up. The first thing he did was stare at his hand which had an IV in it and monitos. Then he asked me if he got his shot yet? He was in a lot of pain. He is doing better now, very protective of his ear.

Note the firt two pictures, (the ones with the yellow arm band and the sports blanket) are from last year. I can't really tell a big difference!

Back to School

2008-09-04T15:36:00.000-07:00

Well that time is finally here...back to school. I must admit I really miss the Arizona schedule. The boys were all ready to go back to school themselves. This year Chandler is moving on to Middle School. I can't believe that I am old enough, and that time has flown that I have a child that age. He was a bit nervous but loved the first day of school. He has a lot of his friends on his team so that is a plus. We hope that he can stay organized this year. Jake is in 4th grade this year, he has the same teacher that Chandler had so I know what to expect. He is also excited to be back in school. Hayden is in 2nd grade and has Mr. Parker the first male teacher that we have had. He thinks it is funny because one of his closest friend is named Parker. Preston will start on Monday, he did get to go to Kindergarten Orientation where he met his teacher. She was suprised to see that he can write and color equally as well with both hands. It depends on what side of the paper he is working on. When he wrote his name he wrote the PRE with his left hand and then changed the pen to his right hand and finished the STON! We will see how he does the first day of school, after an hour he wanted to go home.

I got a new Car!

2008-09-02T17:05:00.001-07:00

Well after much thought and hesitation...we went ahead and bought a new van. We used a car buying service through the credit union and when I gave him what I was looking for I said I did not want a black car. Well if you can tell it is black. And I know you can't see much of the car because we didn't think about that, but black is nice looking, a bit sporty. The Sedona is gone and I must say I am not that sad, after the alternator, breaks and AC went out all at about the same time we were a bit done. Not to mention the amount of times it froze up last winter and I was unable to turn the steering wheel.

Wow...I can fit into my wedding dress....

2008-08-17T05:12:00.000-07:00

Wow, I can fit into my wedding dress. Just for fun I thought I would try it on. And I was extremely surprised to see that not only could I get it on but that I could zip it up. So now I just need to work on toning up my body like it was when I was 21. Because there is now way that I would comfortably run around a beach in my swimsuit playing volleyball like I did in Jamaica.

American Idol

2008-08-07T16:31:00.000-07:00

Hey Diana and my Idol fans this is for you. Last minute Terrie gets 2 tickets to the tour concert and not just tickets but backstage passes. We had floor center stage 5 rows back. It was great. Ummm both Carly and Seisha were sharing their "sisters" with the audience. It was a fun show. My battery died while recording David Cook singing Billie Jean. So when Terrie sends me her photos I can show you our picture with Brooke, my favorite.

Maine

2008-08-07T08:36:00.000-07:00

A weekend trip to Maine. The boys and I had just got back in town from visiting Arizona and Geoff whisked us up to Maine for the weekend. It is beautiful up there. Rock and sand. A bit chillier than the west coast beaches. The boys had a great time playing in tide pools, looking for crabs, skipping rocks and being at the beach. Hayden and Jake loved the waves crashing over them. Preston spent a lot of time building a wall of sand. Chandler did a bit of this and a bit of that.

Phases of my hair

2008-07-25T10:10:00.000-07:00

Well I decided to get a change in my look, after loosing over 20 lbs I was ready. We started in Wed. loved it but Steff wanted to make a few more cuts...so on thurs. we took a lot more off, and then on firday she wanted to adjust he color. So here it is at this point we are still waiting for the color. OK so I have had the color for awhile but here is a pict.

What Hayden did on Summer Vacation

2008-07-25T10:05:00.001-07:00

Just a few days into our vacation Hayden started feeling ill. On Sunday he asked me to take him to the Dr. Four hour laters we were admitted into the hospital. It was so hard and so sad all he wanted to do was see his family and friends. We spent 2 nights there and happy to say he is doing better.

Down on the Farm

2008-07-25T09:58:00.000-07:00

Well a last minute trip to Az and the boys finally get to see the farm like setting at my Dad's. He has horses, chickens, roosters, dogs and cats.

Chandler graduates Elementary

2008-07-25T09:57:00.000-07:00

Can't believe it.....my oldest is movingon to jr. high. It seems like just yesterday we were dropping him off at kindergarten. They make a big deal at his school, the kids had a picnic, got class shirts, pictures, video, then a semi-formal graduation ceremony. Chandler is looking forward to Jr. High. He will be in honors programs.

Goodbye Preschool

2008-06-06T06:48:00.001-07:00

It is hard to believe that my "baby" is done with preschool and moving on to kindergarten. He has truly enjoyed his preschool. Before he started he really did not want to go. Thank goodness he was able to go with Jade. The two of them helped each other out. He grew a lot this year, and has become somewhat independent. His favorite thing about preschool was learning "the Frog Song" and building with blocks and I know he loved making new friends. He is a bit like his mom that way. At the picnic they brought in ponies, goats and bunnies. Preston's favorite was the bunnies, he kept going back over to hold him. The look on his face, was priceless.

Happy Birthday New York

2008-06-02T07:19:00.000-07:00

Well it is that time of year again...Birthday or New York, well both. This year for my birthday and for Terrie's (27th) we were told to go to New York. So without any prior planning except for a booked hotel room and some train tickets bought the previous day we headed out.
Again we had a great time! We walked and walked and walked in flip flops and rain. I just kept reminding us both to suck in our gut and butt....we would burn more that way.

We arrived at Penn Station, checked our bags at the hotel and headed for China Town and Little Italy. Now remember we have no plans, no purpose except to have fun. We decide that we will find the little odd things in NYC to see. We saw the statue of Senor Duarte, founder of theDominican Republic, a way cool mural, some random cutout, and some Saint.

No purse shopping but did find some cute sunglasses, a necklace and a baseball cap. We had a slice of pizza and some gelato...yummy. After about 4 hours we decided to head back to Time Square and then made a pitstop down in the fashion district, walked by Macys and managed to get a new pair of pants and a tshirt (much needed due to unfortunate weather.) Then back to the hotel where we soaked our aching, filthy feet, cleaned up and headed to none other than Sbarros for dinner...such a yummy place. Then to Mama Mia. I loved that play. Then some more walking around Time Square. Tire and exhausted at midnight we returned to the hotel. My heavy, almost magnetic hands (I was delirious) found myself asleep rather quickly.

The next day we headed for Greenwich village, on a mission to find the Magnolia bakery-famous for their cupcakes. Found them a few hours later but on our way managed to walk through NYU a childrens science festival and some really quaint little streets. The cupcakes were boxed (4 for $10) and began their (yes the cupcakes) trek back to Manhattan, where we were shocked to be drenched when we walked out of the subway, the poor cupcake box was getting soaked and when the umbrella sales lady took them away I thought she might run. No, she put them in a bag to protect them from the rain, now we had to buy the umbrella, well to speed up some details we end up back on the subway and exit by the Theatre were Rent was playing. Terrie has always wanted to see this, I had no idea except she said I would hate it..but some ladies friends never showed up and at that moment we walked by and she asked if we wanted to buy the tickets for $40 so we did. We saw Rent...I liked Mama Mia.

From there back to the subway we had just left in the pouring rain, up to Serendipities that was way to crowded so an early dinner at California Pizza Kitchen. YUMMY! Then some last minute trips to the M&M store, Hershey Store, Dale & Thomas Popcorn Store (All these a must each time you are there) then off to the train station. Where we finally opened our cupcakes. OOPPPSSS, I think they felt like our feet did.

I did leave out details but I bet you get the meat of it. Had a great time. Thanks for reading.

Boston

2008-05-27T06:00:00.000-07:00

Another Bus Trip for the Mellons. This time to Boston. I have been here a few times on Business only and never got the opportunity to explore or sight see. We weren't really sure what we were going to do but headed out for an adventure.

Our first stop was the Aquarium, at first I didn't think that this would be a great place, especially since their is so much history in Boston, but I was wrong and we had a great time. The boys got to handle star fish and sea urchins. We went to the top of the tank during one of the shows and they opened it up for questions. Hayden kept raising his hand and the guy would scan and when nobody else had a hand raised he would call on him again. About the fourth time Hayden asks, "What is the name of the baby turtle?" The guy goes on to explain that this is not a baby turtle and more about size etc. Hayden immediately raises his hand again...finally he calls on him one more time and Hayden says, "You still didn't answer my last question, what is the turtles name?" Well the name is Scoop.

We then went over to Quincy Market, this was a huge mall, we had lunch their, it was crazy...five different stops. We then went over to a park and watched the harbor while we planned our next move.

We decided to go ahead and walk the freedom trail. It was interesting for me. A bit of a hard walk with 4 kids and a broken toe....but still fun we make it to the USS Constitution, Bunker Hill was not too far away but we could easily see the monument and at that point it was enough for us.

We began our descent....tired, draggin and took the kids to get icecream. We walked in the shop and the flavors looked so yummy and they had all these crazy dipped cones. So we start to order and the guys says, "ya know, those cost extra"...I said fine, and then looked the other way to the price board.....and then to the notice that says cash only. We begin to stress. I dig through everything I can...$32.00 later for 6 cones. WOW!

Well we ended back up at the museum and the headed for the bus. It was a good trip but we were exhausted.

Ordinary Mary's Extraordianry Deeds

2008-05-27T05:55:00.000-07:00

Both Jake and Hayden were in the schools K-3 school play. It was written by staff members who did a really great job. Initially Hayden had a speaking roll and Jake was a ribbon dance, (he wasn't so happy about that), and then I got a call asking if Jake Could take a speaking roll as Dr. Tom. He was thrilled and played both rolls. It was cute because he interacted with Hayden's character, a patient named Peter.

Jake learned his lines in a week. Hayden had plenty of time...3 months. It was the night of the parents performance and Hayden wheels himself onto stage and then you can see him stretch his neck out and search the audience for us. It took him awhile and he was very intent on finding us that he forgot to listen for his lines. But he caught on and did a fine job.

Oh and Jake managed to hide himself in the back of all the ribbon dancers.

Preston turns the big "FIVE"

2008-05-27T05:53:00.001-07:00

It really doesn't seem possible to me. My baby is 5, and I guess he really isn't a baby anymore. I was thinking about it the other day and when Chandler turned 5 I thought that he was so old...it is so the opposite for me now.

We celebrated his birthday on Monday with a BBQ. Our friends the Derricks, Helsoms and Balogs came over. He was thrilled. He got what he wanted, and that is because he really didn't know what he wanted except for the Diego Legos that he specifically explained to Terrie that he wanted, "ya know, the one in the box that has this and not the one that has that." When he opened it up...he yells "I knew it!

On his birthday I took him and his closest friends to McDonald's he was thrilled and called it his party again. Then when he went to preschool he told all of his friends there..."too bad you didn't get to come to my party!" I stayed and helped at his preschool for the afternoon...He was a ball of fire..I think the cupcakes right before preschool did him in.

Geoff had meetings that night so I put the kids to bed and watched David Cook win Idol. Well almost...I had it on DVR and so I was a few minutes behind when my friend Camille called and said, "I am so bummed!" I told her I hadn't seen the end yet. We laughed. But it was a good thing because the show ran over and my DVR quit recording when it said..."And the winner of Season 7 American Idol with more than 12 million votes is David......"

Dad lives my Week

2008-05-27T05:44:00.000-07:00

Well it was good to have my dad here for a visit. I think that it was the longest that he has stayed. He got a week in my life. It was a bit crazy, let's see he got here late Friday night or maybe Saturday morning after his plane was delayed. It was a nice day Saturday and we just hung out around the house. On Sunday we went to church but had to leave early because Hayden couldn't breathe so I took him to Urgent Care and he had Bronchitis. On Monday we head out to do some errands and we sit down at Burger King and my cell phone rings. It is Chandler at school and he has just thrown up. So we scrap errands and go to school to get him. On Tuesday we clebrated Prestons birthday we took him to get a present at Toys R Us and then he wanted Moe's for lunch. Wedenesday we had Jade over before preschool and then dropped the kids off and went up to Saratoga for lunch. On Thursday I was signed up to help in Haydens classroom so Dad came with me. He helped me help the kids paint T-shirts. Then we went to lunch again at Paneras. The boys wanted to have Icecream Thursdays with Papa before he left and we took them to the park. On Friday morning he left.

It felt like a quick visit, but I think that is usually the case.

Mothers Day TEA....

2008-05-27T05:10:00.000-07:00

It was really fun to go to Preston's preschool for a little Mothers Day Tea. Well actually it was punch and some really yummy strawberry bread. The kids sang some songs for us and then we sat down for a snack. Preston made me a really nice card and a bouquet of flowers.

It has been awhile....

2008-05-27T05:08:00.000-07:00

It has been awhile....I have been so busy it is hard to even keep up with the laundry and the bathrooms. I am just glad that it is spring and that things will be winding down a bit before they wind back up.

Well yes, I did want David Archuleta to win, but that is okay....He will be fine and I will buy his CD. I do enjoy David Cook too...but I probably won't buy that CD...I can download one song and pretty much hear the same thing over and over.

Well this is just the begenning of catch up........

Preston posing....

2008-05-08T04:10:00.000-07:00

A couple of really cute pictures of one spoiled little Mellon boy. When we lived in Arizona Papa would take the boys out shopping for their birthdays and to lunch, well since my Dad is here and Prestons birthday is in two weeks he got the "royal treatment." My dad wanted to pick up lunch and go to the park, when we asked him what he wanted to eat, we were expecting McDonald's and I was already preparing ways to convince him of either KFC Or Subway when he said he wanted MOE's, which if you haven't had it is like a Chipolte. So I was excited, and we followed his wishes. Geoff's birthday was the night before and so my Dad suggested we pick up cupcakes and sing to the two of them (I failed to do anything like that the night before, but Geoff and I did manage a nice dinner alone at PF Chang's, still prefer Pei Wei's). Well anyways thanks for taking time to read my chatter and look at some pictures I think are pretty cute.

OUCH!

2008-05-08T03:45:00.000-07:00

Sunday morning I decided to do some towels. My Dad is in town and Becca is staying with us and so we go through towels really quick. I decided to clean the water drain out in hopes that the mildew smell stays out of the towels. About an hour later Hayden tells me that the carpet under the pool table is wet. Immediately I want to know who took water downstairs. He said, "Mom, there is no cup down there, I really think you should come look!" So a bit irritated, because I am reading my Sunday School manual I get up. Well he was right and instantly I knew that it was the washing machine and I must not have tightened the drain enough. I start dragging things out of the basement and my feet are soaked and freezing, the boys were helping and doing a great job. After about a half hour I realized I need some extra help and Geoff and my Dad come down. It took us another 2 hours to finishing soaking up the water. Well sometime I had banged my toe and that night this is what it looked like. It is now purple all down the top of my foot but the throbbing has stopped. And good news the carpet is finally dry and I was able to put things away. YEAH! Lesson learned........Don't do laundry on Sundays! Oh and don't forget to tighten the drain.

Wow it is in the 70's...It is HOT

2008-04-24T06:51:00.000-07:00

Well last Sat. we were in the 70's and the kids were "sweating" so the neighbors put on the sprinklers and the kids had a blast, the crazy thing was the Saturday before we were still wearing winter coats and jackets, the heat was still on the house and everything was still twigs and brown.

It is amazing how fast spring gets here, just over the weekend I have watched all of my plants come to life, little buds are now full bloom and my tulips are peeking through...I see some purple, I am so excited for that. I planted 100 tulip bulbs last year and about 75% of them have broke through the surface. ..but not all faired so well. I was watching Jake run through the walkway and I said, "Jake, watch for my flowers." He replies, "Mom, I am so sorry. I didn't know they were flowers. I thought they were weeds so I have been stomping on them (that is the ugly picture)." Well spring is beautiful. I think that it is my favorite time of year, new growth, new beginnings, clean air...all is beautiful.

Preston gets a Mohawk

2008-04-20T11:50:00.000-07:00

Well it is that time of year...SPRING! Time for haircuts. Hayden prefers a BUZZ that way he doesn't have to do it. Preston liked the idea...so that is what I started, and then I realized I had given him a mohwak, so I greased it up with kitchen soap...(with all intentions of cutting it off) and sent him outside to show Geoff. Well Preston loved it, so I trimmed it down a bit and said he could keep it for a few days and then we will have to cut it off. He loves it and him hamming it up. I know...I am crazy.

Backyard or Bust

2008-04-20T11:46:00.000-07:00

Well it is spring and for 2 years we have said we were going to try to clear out the woods behind our house...well cause part of it is actually or property, we have 3/4 acre but about 1/4 acre is in the woods, down in a gully. We hope to clear it out and get some grass and make it into a hill. It is a lot more than we thought....and I am sure there will be some expenses that we may or may not be able to handle...for one we need some fill. But we will see what happens, hopefully I have some more pictures to update with in the next few weeks.

And Pink WINS it....

2008-04-15T19:33:00.000-07:00

Okay so it was amazing and as my friends and I sat around eating pizza, and Boston cream pie we were so excited. The whole show was great....can't believe Bernie beat Mark by 1 pound. Way to go I mean Mark won every other competition, or so it seems.

And Ali, well she looked simple amazing. I must admit I was nervous when I found out that America picked Roger, I mean he looked great, and then when I saw his percentage......but the girl did it....not only did she win, but she had the greatest percentage of weight loss out of everyone. I love this show.....maybe this time I will be motivated.

GO PINK!!!!! I am so excited. I love it.

And the Biggest Loser is.....

2008-04-15T10:55:00.000-07:00

For Linda, a thought on The Biggest Loser...and since we know that I have been working really hard to get me a spot on this show....(I think another 20 lbs should do it). Ali will kick some butt...I have already crunched the numbers and the only way that I think she might not win is if Roger goes up against her, but with all my intense research I have done it will be Mark, and since Ali and Mark have both lost so much weight and I dont think they can loose much more it will be close but Ali can take him. I am very exicted for the finale tonight.

Pink Rules!

American Idol

2008-04-15T09:36:00.000-07:00

Well I have been hooked on American Idol since season 1......I have to agree there are a lot of talent this season. Although we still have 7 potential Idols left...I predict Both Davids, Jason and Brooke in the final 4. Although many polls have Archuleta taking it I think that the others still have time to step up and WOW us all.

And in case you are wondering I am a Brooke fan!

OHHHHH Gross

2008-04-09T05:47:00.000-07:00

Well we have a lot to say about Chandler lately. He has had a cavity for over a year now, the dentist keeps watching it because it is a baby tooth. About a month ago that tooth cracked and for the last few days he has been complaining about it. I took him to the Dentist yesterday and they pulled the tooth. It was gross. They showed me the hole it left....way Gross. I already knew the tooth looked bad because I had looked in his mouth and that is why I knew I had to take him to the Dentist. I decided this is a great way to show children why they should brush their teeth. The good news is the rest of Chandler's teeth are great.

Oh so we pull the tooth and as soon as it is out I remember that Chandler's school play is that night and he has speaking lines and a few song solos. We gave him ibuprofen and he did great. This morning he woke up with his head hurting and a big red bump, a tick burrowing into his head. GROSS again.

Who's Kids are These?

2008-04-08T14:18:00.000-07:00

Hayden came downstairs the other day....It was like an 80's flashback to Saturday Night Live, I can't remember their names, but I do remember the 2 guys dressed in sweat suits flexing their muscles. This is totally a Hayden thing to do.

These are pictures of Chandler from Crazy Feet Day at school. At Karigon only the fifth graders particpate in Spirit Day. Each Thursday is a different theme. Chandler usually forgets but his friend Jonah helps him out, like on Crazy Hair day he brought rubber bands on the bus and when it was cowboy day he brought Chan his sisters boots, but this day Chandler remembered. He wore my valentine toe socks and my pink high heels. He was a hit. He definetely is not shy....and likes to be noticed.

Easter

2008-03-24T06:35:00.000-07:00

Well we have officially had 2 of each Holiday since we left Arizona.....and sometimes it seems that we have been here forever and sometimes it seems like just yesterday.

Well it is still cold here, but signs of spring are showing up...almost all of the snow is melted, at least in our yard! The kids are really "itchin" to get outside.

Well as for Easter the kids woke up at about 7:00 and waited patiently at the top of the stairs so that I could get downstairs with the camera. They were so excited...they ran around the house crazy looking for eggs and they did not find them all, we were finding them throughout the house.

The kids looked very handsome....of course I am a bit partial!

Preston preparing for his Mission already

2008-03-18T04:24:00.000-07:00

I have to post this really cute story for all of my LDS friends. Last weekend our friends invited us to their church (Lutheran) for a kids Easter Activity, so I took the boys. I thought it was going to be a big Easter Egg Hunt and stuff like that, but it was more like what we would do at church. They had a lot of little classes and activities that talked about Jesus Christ. In one class the teacher was telling the story of Jesus being buried in the tomb and when she was done she asked how do we know that what I am telling you is true. And Preston yells out I know you read it in The Book of Mormon. Well the teacher pretended she didn't hear him and held up the Bible. Well the boys had a good time and when I asked them if they noticed any differences about their church and ours Hayden says, "Yes, they have carpet in their gym."

Arrrrrrrrr Matey Hayden

2008-03-04T14:30:00.001-08:00

Well we finally had Hayden's birthday party. I say finally because he was so excited, and now it is over. We did a pirate theme, no particular reason except I found this really cute kit where you could paint your own pirate ships and well that is how it started. We played pin the patch on the pirate, musical islands, we went on a treasure hunt and played pirate pop...we tied balloons to the kids ankles and they chased each other around. They all got sweaty Hot and the next thing I knew they had taken off their shirts. Hayden had a lot of fun...and is looking forward to turning 8 when he can be baptized.

For Dad

2008-02-27T14:32:00.000-08:00

Each year when the boys had a birthday they would go shopping with their Papa. Well miles makes that a problem and so this year I stepped in and took his place. Chandler said it was cool and all that he got 50 bucks but that was only half the present the other half was getting to spend time with his Papa. Well here is the pictures from the shopping trip and I had no say in what they picked out. The marble roller coaster has been a hit....it took a few hours to construct but the time was well worth it. Chandler named the Tiger "Mighty" who knows why....but oh well. They both also picked out a DS game, but who really needs a picture of that. Stay tunned for more birthday updates when Hayden throws a pirate party on Saturday, well really I will throw it.

We have PINK in the house

2008-02-27T14:29:00.000-08:00

Hayden had a project at school. He was told to make a 3D pig. This pig is for a unit at school and they will be using them all month to make comparisons, add, subtract, you name it and if the teacher can use it she will. He has a great teacher. Anyways Hayden planned the pig out and he did the majority of the work. He was so proud of his pig and he can't wait until he gets to bring it home.

Chans a Big 11

2008-02-20T14:17:00.000-08:00

Oooppppsssss......this should have made it in before the Carrie concert, thank goodness Chandler pointed it out to me. This year for his birthday he wanted a sleepover. I said okay. When the parents called to RSVP they said Thank You, I didn't really understand this at first....but at 3:45 in the morning when Rockband started up again I knew what they were saying. I don't think too many of the boys got more than 30 minutes of sleep. they ate, sang, rocked-out, ate, talked, rocked-out some more, watched a video, ate, and rocked-out some more. Chandler had a great time, despite his 4:00 am in the morning breathing treatment (don't worry I was right there with him). I think next year we will take it easy.

Wunderwood

2008-02-20T05:32:00.000-08:00

So last night was the BIG Carrie Underwood concert here in Albany, NY....warning right now this could be a long post....I have a lot of stories.

Part I: For those of you who don't know, my friend Terrie is a HUGEEEEE fan. She even went to Nashville last year to see her. She is a member of the Carrie fan club and so she knows the inside scoop and gets special priveleges, one of which, is presale tickets. So she gets our tickets. Another privelege is the opportunity to be entered into a lottery to attend a meet and greet before hand. As smart as she is she decides if she signs me up, there is a better chance of one of us getting to meet her.....so guess who wins the lottery....ME!

Part II: So we get there early to get my tickets from the will call booth and they have tickets for a Mellon but not me....we are freaking and don't know what to do. There is another couple, Tom and Cheryl behind us and they have the fan club number, but they can't find it. So I give the employees my email and password so they can retrieve my email with the winning invitation and instructions... Guess what it worked after consulting with the "Carrie" people they realized they had made a mistake and my name was not Peter.

Part III: So Terrie goes with Cheryl to have a drink while they wait for Tom and I to go to the Meet and Greet (Cheryl even bought Terrie a Pepsi, very nice people for another part later). We go backstage to a small room with about 20 other people, we line up and realize that Tom is the oldest person in the room, but I was the oldest female...we laugh. Time to meet Carrie, so I open my cell phone with a picture of Terrie holding the Carnival CD the day she bought it and I explain the whole situation to Carrie and ask if she will sign a CD for Terrie (we were only supposed to get 1 autograph and of course I would have got it for Terrie but 2 would be better). and Carrie says Sure and takes the CD, she goes to open it and we have forgotten to take of that tape....Embarrassing so Carrie says, No Problem....well it was and she had tape all over her fingers, and never once complained, she laughed and when the security guard wanted to take it from her to finish (he had already taken the tape of of mine) she said, I almost have it.

Part IV: The concert was great she was a rockstar. Terrie called it with the opening and closing songs. Her outfits were great, nothing awful. I was envious of how she could dance around the stage in super-super tall heels. Another great part of the concert was Tom and Cheryl. Tom is a huge fan, him and Terrie both. We met them initially at the will-call booth. They are fans and We met them at intermission and again after the concert, we were gonna go to the Crowne Plaza for dinner with them afterwards but had to get home to some kids. But that is okay because we have each others phone numbers (I already called them once during the concert) and hopefully we can meet for lunch in Saratoga.

PART V: The Wrap-Up-It was a great night, and the ride home was even a blast. I had to use the little potty so bad that I don't know how I managed not to wet my pants with all of the laughing. Well for all of those who read this entire blog...you are true friends. For those of you who just scanned it, well I don't blame you!

DARE

2008-02-04T06:14:00.000-08:00

Chandler graduated from the DARE program at Karigon. His essay got runner-up and as soon as we get a chance to read it ourselves we will post it. He is growing up so fast and it is hard to believe that he will be in middle school next year. Watch out world here he comes. Since I am speaking of Chandler, him and I are in a book club at his school together. We read Al Capoane does my Laundry...which was a really good book. Right now we are reading The Bridge to Terabithia, well just me cause Chandler has already read it. It is nice to read with him, he loves it and it gives us somthing to talk about. He is reading my books, The Twilight books by Stephanie Meyers.

Race Day

2008-01-30T04:22:00.001-08:00

Race car fans it is that time of year again......Race Day!

This was Chandler's last Pinewood Derby and Jake's second. Each of the boys decided what shape car they wanted. Geoff cut them out then the boys sanded and painted it all themselves. Neither car took home a trophy but surprisingly enough Chandler's mini van style "Tails" car came in 5 out of 16. The car was already heavy and only required 4 screws in the bottom near the back tires. Jake's car although a bit more "racey" might have been slowed down by the 1 oz weight we managed to set down in the car like an engine. Both boys had fun and were proud of their work, which is truly all they needed to do.

Upcoming events.....Chandler will get his Arrow of Light!

Finished quilted Pillows

2008-01-09T11:31:00.000-08:00

Well they are done and I must say that I was more than impressed with the boys desires, dedication, and accomplishments. They each picked out their own fabric, and although I did try to persuade it did not work. I then let each of them decide what they wanted to do. When it came time to cutting I insisted on helping. Jake sewed much of his by hand and he did a really good job. Hayden started his by hand, but he soon decided to wait for the sewing machine. Chandler from the start knew he wanted the sewing machine. I showed them each how to use the machine and they took it from there....with the exception of Preston who held on to my hands as we sewed (is that a word and did I spell it right?). Well they are already contemplating a family quilt. Jake and Hayden watched the sunrise this morning and think that for sure it would be a good idea to do a quilt with a sunrise, daytime and a sunset. I think they might be a bit more ambitious than me....but we will see what will comes next.

PS I had to post individual pictures because they each showed the kids personality....and Chandler's "unique" taste in fabric. Hayden says....."Take a picture of me," like he is Donkey from Shrek. Preston does his shy pose and Jake is as proud as can be.

Boys can Sew

2008-01-09T09:35:00.000-08:00

Well as most of you know I began quilting 3 years ago. The boys have watched me make several quilts and liked looking at them and using them. Hayden and Preston were often my compaions on trips to Joanns, where they too, at times would pick a fat quarter of fabric to take home....Hayden would unwrap it and sleep with it.

Well, while I was in California the boys went to a church activity focused on preparing for a mission. Here they learned basic skills and one of them was sewing a button on to a piece of fabric. Well that is all it took and the boys were hooked. They called me and wanted to know where needles and thread were.

Well for over a month they have wanted to "sew" "make a quilt" so I finally took them to the fabric store and decided we would make a quilted pillow. So here it is, the process. I helped them cut and they sewed. We will have finished projects soon. Next posts.

New Years Day - Sledding

2008-01-03T09:00:00.000-08:00

Well the snow has been in abundance this year about 15 inches over the average and 30 inches more than we had last year. New Years Day we took the three little boys sledding, Chandler was busy at a friends house making a caramel pecan cheesecake. The snow was great, the hills perfect....but let me tell you it was so cold.

Well I think that I fianlly got caught up today.....I will edit later. To all of our Family and Friends Happy New Year...Let's Make this one GREAT!

2007 Christmas with the Mellons

2008-01-03T08:49:00.001-08:00

It was another good Christmas for the Mellons.....our first White Christmas. We were exhausted by Christmas and we had to wake the boys up at 7:00am. But once they were up we couldn't get them down. I think they enjoyed the entire day. We built Lincoln Log houses (yes the ones that Preston was smelling) we built Lego's and more Lego's, played music...of course Rock Band, we danced around remote control cars and jumped out of the way of Heelys. I am looking forward to my relaxing day at the Spa. Note....this tree is not ours, but it is the only picture of Geoff and I that is decent.....let's hope the next time you see a full view picture of me I am 20 lbs lighter.

Prestons Party

2008-01-03T08:44:00.000-08:00

Of course I too had to be in two places at once.....I rushed from Karigon to Country Knolls Nursery School for Preston's party. He had a lot of fun making a gingerbread house...I think he had more fun liking his fingers. We sang some Christmas songs and ate some goodies. The other picture is of his friend Jade and her mom MaryJane.

Jakes Class Party-Fieldtrip

2008-01-03T08:37:00.000-08:00

As Jakes class mom it is my responsibility to help with the class parties and field trips....So I guess I should say that I was fortunate to spend the last 2 days of school before the Christmas break helping out. We had a grinch holiday party. The boys and girls did a gift exchange where they read this cute story and passed the presents back and forth (left and right). The next day we went to the science museum...We learned a lot about atoms....and liquid nitrogen....let me tell you that 3rd graders are very loud.

Mellons in NYC

2007-12-16T09:19:00.000-08:00

Well yesterday we took a bus trip to NYC with the four boys, and it was an adventure. We began by taking a subway ride to Battery Park where we hoped on the Staten Island Ferry and got a great view of the Statue of Liberty. We then walked to "ground zero" and saw St. Pauls church. We ate lunch at a little Deli and took the subway back to Time Square. We went to the Toys R Us store that was insane. We took the kdis to the M&M store, where they got to find out what color of M&M they were. We also bought a few M&M's there. We then headed down Broadway with all the people and went to Rockefeller cener-INSANE! We went to St. Patrick's cathedral, and then headed to Central Park when we ran into the Disney Store, we spent a little time there and then headed back to our bus. It was a great trip Presont walked the entire day.

Jakes quote of the day....when we saw Santa taking pictures near Rockefeller Santa Preston wanted to go see him. When I had to pay him to take a Picture Jake says, "He's not the real Santa, he wouldn't charge you!"

Jake in the Spirit of Christmas

2007-12-16T09:16:00.000-08:00

Jake went outside to make a snowman. Half way through he decided it was looking more like Mary and baby Jesus, so he decided to finish his masterpiece that way. He was very excited about it. We got another snow storm last night so his sculpture is currently another pile of snow, but he is anxious for it to warm up a bit so he can go outside and dust it off.

SNOW and this time I welcome it!

2007-12-14T05:32:00.000-08:00

Well we had a real good snow storm yesterday. It started at around 10:00 am and snowed until about 10:00 last night. The snow was beautiful, light and fluffy....not so wet like last year, although I am told it will get that way. I finally let the kids go out at 4:00 (they had to finish chores and homework). Well it gets dark around 4:30 but the kids did not want to come in. I think that they will have a blast this winter with all the snow we are expected to get. Preston was playing with his friend Jade, while Chandler was busy making snow angels.

No, I am not a terrible photographer and your eyes aren't playing tricks on you ....It was still snowing when I took these pictures.

Mellon Boys Just Because

2007-12-13T07:30:00.000-08:00

Just an updated picture of the four boys. This is about 3 weeks old, just before church. How hadsome they look, I know I am a bit prejudice. I am just thankful for each one of them. It is amazing to have 4 boys that come from the same family but have such different personalities and behaviors.

How to determine what your present is.....

2007-12-13T07:22:00.000-08:00

Well I must say kids say and do the strangest things. I can remember doing a lot of the same things when I was a kid. But I have a new one for you all. This year we decided to try something different, to put the Christmas presents under the tree with name tags on them (in the past I have disguised them and don't put them out until closer to Christmas). Anyways the kids are excited and looking at which ones are theirs and trying to figure out what they are. Well Preston tells me, "Mom, I know what that big present is." I asked him what it was (and to make a long story easier to type) He says, "Lincoln Logs." I asked him what made him think that....he said...."I smelled them." He was right!

Bah Hum Bug

2007-12-13T07:12:00.000-08:00

Chandler Played Scrooge in his school play this year. I know yoyu are all thinking wow....well it was really a play on the life of Charles Dickens so his part was very minor.....but he did a great job. He also got to play the part of the anonimous show host. I think this is one of Chandler's many calling in life. He loves to perfom, he loves to have people watch him, he will be a star. He is a star, mine!

We are getting ready for Christmas. We will definetely have a white one this year as we have 2 storms preparing to hit this week. It is cold. Today's high will be 22. I have three pairs of socks on, 2 shirts and a sweatshirt. Mom, I turned my air up 2 degrees.

For Mom!

2007-12-08T06:04:00.000-08:00

This is for mom. I know that you wanted to see this picture and it is easier to post it here than to email it. And for those of you who are curious.....this is me and Terrie at the Vicarious Visions Holiday Social Gathering. I do have a picture of Geoff and I but we both agree it should be deleted. Mom you can leave a comment and tell me what you think....

Who is this masked man?

2007-12-08T05:58:00.000-08:00

Hayden gets a hold of a marker......he was extremely proud of all of the artwork. The face was a last minute thought. When I told him I didn't think it would come off he said, "Don't worry mom, it's Crayola." Well he then asked what day we had church. Well today is Saturday and although it is Crayola it didn't completely wash off, we will have to see what it looks like tomorrow, but I think people are going to think he has a couple of black eyes.

Winter Update!

2007-12-05T04:28:00.000-08:00

Well it is cold here. We got snow on Sunday and a lot of sleet and ice on Monday morning. School was delayed by 2 hours. It looks like we might get our first White Christmas. It definetely helps get you in the holiday mood.

Yesterday I did spring cleaning, my dad asked if I had mey seasons mixed up. I explained to him that in the spring you want to get outside, you have been trapped in your freezing house all winter. In the winter you have to find things to do, inside your house.

Well I wish I had something more exciting to post. Just watch though...in 10 days we will be taking the boys down to NYC...should be lots of fun!

Suprise Riley

2007-11-16T05:18:00.000-08:00

Well I just returned from California. My Brother in Law Brian had a 30th Suprise party for my sister. I think she was suprised. It was a good visist and so good to see them. They will be moving to Phoenix the begenning of the year so I don't expect to get back to San Jose again.

I arrived on Friday night and stayed with my Mom and Cary and Steffani at a hotel. We couldnt let Riley know we were there. It was hard not to see her but great to spend time with the others since they would be leaving the next day. We went to the Winchester Mansion, very bizarre place, doors that open to nothing or to the second floor below, and stairways that lead to nowhere.

I got to spend a bit of extra time with the Palmers (my sis). Madison is a crack-up she let me sleep in her bed. She also likes to show you her naked bum. Riley and Brian both look great!

Extra! Extra ! Read all about it. Chandler cuts his Hair!

2007-11-07T05:43:00.000-08:00

Well I must say that I was a bit sad to see all the hair gone. I liked the longer hair, but he was ready....I think he really wanted the shock factor. It took me over 45 minutes to cut it. He has a lot of hair. So here we have a before and after (the before is actually a few days earlier-but will work). He really didn't want me to take his picture so he kept making ugly faces so I decided to choose one of those ugly faces to share. What a mom I am. I know!

Jake turns 9

2007-11-07T05:40:00.000-08:00

A big event at your house Jake has turned 9. Actually it was a pretty easy one this year. Jake didn't want to do much and he really didn't want much. He had 3 friends over to spend the night, he wanted to make pizzas and have rootbeer floats. The boys all had sports the next day so the last one left at 7:45 am. I took him shopping on Saturday and pretended that I was PAPA cause thats what my Dad would do with them for their birthday. Sunday was his real birthday. We went to church and then the Balogs, Derricks and Helsoms came over to help us celebrate. We had stuffed shells cause that is Jakes favorite. All he really wanted was Webkinz and puzzles so that is what he got. I think he now has 6 Webkins. He carries them all with him.

You didnt know I had princesses.

2007-11-07T05:36:00.000-08:00

What cute little princesses....I always wanted a girl. Okay real story for Halloween I was Galinda from Wicked...well kinda and Terrie was supposed to be Elphaba....well anyways she wouldn't paint her face green, so I bought her a Tiara and a wand (as a joke). Well Preston and Hayden opened the gift and proceeded to dress themselves up. They had a lot of fun, and looked so cute. Geoff wasn't so thrilled with the cute pictures but I thought that I should share anyways. I hope to save these to share with their girlfriends.

Halloween

2007-10-29T09:50:00.000-07:00

Well Halloween is here. We have been busy. I think that Halloween may be the craziest Holiday. The kids had Monster Mash at school on Friday night. A big party at the local Fire Station on Saturday. Today Preston has his preschool party. Tomorrow is Trunk or Treat and then of course Wed. is Halloween. So we will have plenty of pictures. These are from Friday.

Chandler wanted to be Fudge but their wasn't much to a costume so he was a Jedi. He called himself RanDom the Jedi (random....because he wasnt anything specific) it was really cute. Ever since Hayden was 2 he has wanted to be something scary. This year I asked him if he wanted to be a Dr. (I bought the costume last year - cheap) He said only if he could be a vampire Doctor. But we had to stick to Dr. blood for school. Jake is a Zombie, and he stayed in character all night long. Preston of course was Diego. He says he wants to be Diego every year he says. He looked so cute.

Geoff carved this really cool pumpkin. It took him almost 5 hours. Next year we should have quite the display. Trick or Treating was fun. Preston started having problems breathing so Geoff took him home. On Our way home Jake went with a friend and his bag broke. He found some of his candy but was disappointed in all his hard work. The kids have been trading candy. I am trying to stay away.