The other day...

grandma and grandpa asked if they could keep Jess and Brandon overnight. I had taken my camera in hopes that the little cousins would be there. I like to try to get group pictures of them whenever I can.

Ray had woken up from his nap not too long ago.

Dylan wasn't having too much to do with having his picture taken.

The caterpillar held his attention more than my camera.

And our group shot.

I had the little kids looking right at me, and had to keep calling MY big kids to look.

Notice that it is the little ones now looking at the TV; I'm sure to see what all that fuss was about!

And lastly, our little friend Grace.

She is 5 months old now.

Sleep over

This past Christmas, as part of our gift to Uncle Alvin and Aunt Shannon, we gave them a "coupon."  It is good for an overnight stay with us. Saturday night, they "redeemed" their coupon. Ray came over after dinner. Much silliness was to be had!

He was a very good boy for me. When it was time for bed, we got his jammies on and brushed his teeth. I let him go into Jess and Brandon's rooms to tell them goodnight. So cute when they hug and give kisses. Ray went to bed without a peep and slept soundly the whole night through.

I have been told several times this afternoon, "I liked having Ray stay at our house!" It is really warm fuzzies to have my kids love their cousin so much AND enjoy spending time together!

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Cookies

I have made cookies today! Yay! EXCEPT.... they are not for us. I had a request for "some of those strawberry cookies your wife makes"  from daddy's coworker (can also go here for another flavor). They are easy enough to make, but I did need to get the cake mix. And since I had a bag of dark chocolate/mint chips in the cupboard, I decided to make two batches. The strawberry chocolate chip (as requested) and devil's food with the mint chips. Hmmm.

I took a few pictures... silly, I'm sure. But they look pretty yummy.

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The kids say that they look like little scoops of ice cream as I put them on the cookie sheet. I have to agree, they kinda do. :)  I also realize that I did not get a picture of the finished chocolate mint. But since the plan is to visit daddy's work with cookies in hand, I best not take them out of the bag again!

Outside my door

A little bitty post since it has been so long....

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My Shamrocks...

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Ray's Birthday

some of the birthday fun...

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Who is turning 2?!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RAY!!!

2 today!!

turning 1....

the day he was born...

Up to date

I think the picture slide show will bring us up to date. A few pictures from the Monster Truck pit pass, Gabe's birthday. He turned 9!! Wow! With all the snow we've had lately, the kids have loved playing out in the snow, helping to shovel the driveway and staying in their pj's when school had been called off.
I celebrated a birthday. Daddy had to work the whole entire day. When he finally made it home, he brought Oreo Cookie ice cream cake. I think that the kids had been so wound up about "daddy's surprise," that Brandon threw up after eating his dessert. Daddy tried to clean it up, but I don't think that daddy tummies handle that sort of thing the way a mommy does. My birthday and I'm cleaning up the kitchen floor.... moving on...
The kids stayed at Grandma and Grandpa's house last weekend. Ray and Dylan were still there, so I grabbed a few pictures of all 4 kiddos. We grabbed dinner and tried to catch a movie. I did not check listings, so we couldn't plan accordingly. We were back home pretty darn early. Saturday was sunny and nice, so were out and about all afternoon. Sunday we went back to the bowling alley. It was just the four of us, so we played using one lane. That worked out pretty great. I got to use bumpers also! Needless to say, my score was MUCH improved!! :) The kids did better too. This was only their second time out and their scores improved also.
The last couple of days have been great! The kids have loved playing out in the sun. Scooters, sidewalk chalk and frisbee. Although, I don't think that Brandon will be playing frisbee with me anytime soon. He told me I had to "lean over" when I throw it because he can't catch it. So, the next time I throw it to him, he gets busted in the nose. Poor boy. Game over.
Earlier this week, our little friend Grace was not here. So, I spent the morning with Brandon's class. I did some "busy work" for his teacher. He was very excited to have me there and stopped by my table a couple of times. He was a very good boy; paying attention to his teacher and not being all silly. He especially liked being a "pick up kid" and riding home with me instead of the bus.
We've just been going about our business. Everyday stuff.

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the smilebox should be "random"... opps.

M.I.A.

I know, I know.... missing in action around here. It will be my job for tomorrow to put up a post. If anything, I do have pictures.

bad blogger, baaad blogger!