Roo's Graduation!!

Andrew graduated!!  well okay, he graduated from room 5 at his school, but still, he graduated.  I think he'll actually move up to room 6 at the end of summer. 
He wore a cap.  And walked the "blue line" between the crowds.

I have a ton of pictures of the ceremony.  The kids did two numbers:  a rhyming song and peanut butter & jelly song.  It was so cute!!  Yours truly cried - the whole entire time.

He looked so cute on stage with his friends laughing and dancing.  I couldn't help crying.  I wish I would have thought to get pictures before the ceremony. 

My boys gravitate towards the prettiest teachers.  Mo-Mo is a family favorite.  ALL of my boys love her.

Amber is holding Colton.  She is another favorite.  Who am I kidding?  All of the teachers are our favorites!!  :)

This picture just makes me smile.  Two of three Goode boys and School Staff.  The other Goode boy was probably harassing another staff member. 

Special Delivery!!

I received a special delivery in the mail a few weeks ago.  I've been a little busy lately:  traveled for work for a week (getting ready to travel again in a very special location), working, going to t-ball practices/games, cleaning, planting and loving on my new vegetable/herb gardens, and the usual - watering flowers, painting my nails, and experimenting with new hair styles.  tee hee hee  Sooo, I apologize for not blogging lately! 
The anticipation killed me!!  I had to walk from the mailbox to my kitchen (which is not a very far walk, but it still was agonizing!).  I looked at each side of the package and I knew I was going to love it!!

 See the little happy face??  I was all smiles opening my special mug from Mackenzie.  Check out my  Online Mug Swap for more details.  It was hosted by Suzels Says!

Mackenzie even included an adorable little card which is still in my kitchen!!

Mug reads:  Mommy needs sleep!!  But she'll settle for coffee!

Pink is my favorite color.  I love pink.  Perhaps it's because I see blue and green everywhere with three boys.  Who knows.  All I know is that I. Love. Pink.  I also love coffee -  much needed caffeine.  So thanks, Mackenzie!!  She is my first blog-friend! 

And plus, anyone who thinks I'm a rockstar mom - is awesome!  :-)

Another Favorite Pink??

I blogged about Zoya Nail Polish last weekend (here is the post in case you missed it:  Zoya Nail Polish Special Edition.)  I love love love pink.  And now, I love love love the color in the special edition.  It is called Belle (by Capital Hill Style).  Belle is the perfect blend of pink and sparkles and sheerness (is that even a word?).  I love it.  Well, I painted my nails Sunday night.  I was bored.  I had my white crackle nail polish with me.  I decided to try something different and it was an epic fail.  I saw somewhere to use a paper clip to add detail to the nail.  I only had a thick paperclip with me, but I didn't think that would matter.  Apparently, it does.  I used the paperclip to add "dots" to my nails with the white nail polish. 

It didn't turn out well.  The paperclip was too large.  I wish I had a tooth pick and a design in mind.  My plan was to add dots just on the tips of my nails.  I had to fix it. I couldn't go to a training for work the next day with a weird nail design.  BUT I didn't have nail polish remover.  So, I added a coat of crackle nail polish.  What do you think?  I have received a few compliments from co-attendees of the training.

AND it just so happens to match my purse!  I'm really not that coordinated.  No one here needs to know though.  Happy Wednesday!!

Distractions.

I. Dislike. Hate. Distractions.  Jason can validate that statement.  I can't stand anything that distracts me.  It's like the people in the back of a movie theatre whispering loud enough to hear them, but not understand them. (Nat - remember that? Ugh.)  In a training environment, the person who is constantly clicking their pen or chewing potato chips during a presentation - drive me crazy.  Yesterday, two guys behind kept talking during the presentations.  And one of them constantly clicked a pen.  Imagine how awesome it was when I found out the training facility rearranges the assigned seating!  Woo hoo!!  I loved it.  I couldn't wait for this morning.  The training facility states it increases networking, blah, blah, blah - I say it saves my sanity. 

Everyone but three people were moved from my table. I was one of the individuals not moved.  The pen clicker was not moved.  The loud whisperer was not moved.  My freakin' luck.  Better luck tomorrow.

Traveling for work isn't that great.  I enjoy the peace and quiet, but yet I crave noise.  The television is always on in my hotel room.  However, I can't watch my normal t.v. as I'm not current on my episodes.  My DVR is a little backlogged.  So, I always put on USA.  And I watch Law & Order: SVU.  I love it.  I went away last year for two weeks.  It just so happened there was an SVU marathon on the weekend between the two weeks.  Outstanding.  Nothing is different this time around.  USA is on right now with SVU. 

What's in Your Purse?

I left today for a work training.  I'm gone all week.  Sunday through Friday.  Kinda sucks, kinda okay.  I miss my boys and hubby.  On the way here, I panicked a little when I thought I was on the wrong road.  But then I saw a bunch of Virginia tags, so I figured I must be going in the right direction.  My company credit card has been giving me troubles since yesterday morning.  It wouldn't work when I picked up rental nor did it work when I had to fill up the rental gas tank.  How do you pick up a rental with only a 1/4 tank of gas, by the way?  Good news is that I only need to bring it back with 1/4 tank, but still. 
Anyway, on the way here, I kept hearing a dinging noise.  After a while, I realized what was dinging.  It wanted the seat belt on the passenger seat to be buckled!
I laughed.  It reminded me of the "What's in Your Purse?" series over at Kate at The Small Things Blog.  (Kate has an awesome blog with lots of hair tutorials!)  My purse is so heavy my rental wants it to put on a seat belt!!  ha ha!  Do you think it's time to clean it out??  :-)

Happy Mother's Day!!

Happy Mother's Day!!  I love celebrating mothers.  I have a few great mothers in my life.  I love hosting parties and holidays.  I love having company.  Luckily, so does Jason. 

Take One:

Take Two:

Take Three:

Anyway, mother's day is a holiday I can dress up.  I can make it my own, but I can't this year.  This year, I have to leave for travel.  I didn't realize when I booked my training for work I would be leaving on mother's day.  Darn it.  Oh well...I was dreading it until...

THIS BECAME THE BEST MOTHER'S DAY EVER!!  I consider myself a pretty creative person.  And I love getting home-made gifts.  Handprints/footprints are my favorite.  I always bug Jason to do something crafty with the boys instead of buying or getting me something.  He always tries - things just never go his way it seems.  He got in luck this year - the school helped him!!!  Each boy did something different.  I love each of their gifts so much!!

Colton:
Colton's teacher painted a flower pot pink and put his thumb print all over the base.  She then made the thumb prints into little lady bugs!  It says:  Colton Mother's Day 2012.  I love it!!

Tyler:
Tyler picked out a color and painted a vase.  He picked out one of my favorite colors!!  I love pink!!  He did such a great job!  It says:  Happy Mother's Day 2012 Love, Tyler.  I love it!!

Andrew:
Andrew made a jewelry box with ladybug fingerprints!  I love it!!  He is so proud of it!  I can't wait to start using it!

From all the boys:
Jason got a necklace with each boy initial.  Their birthday is on each initial.  I didn't get a close up of it, but I'm wearing it in all the pictures.

Zoya Nail Polish: Special Edition

I introduced you to Birchbox the other day.  Birchbox has the best points program.  For every product I review, I receive 10 points.  For every 100 points earned, I receive $10.  The points expire one year from earned date.  The money can be used towards products AND SHIPPING!!!!!  I had $20 in credits and wanted to get something.  Believe it or not, there are tons of products under $20.  BUT the item I had my eye on was a Zoya Nail Polish: Special Blogger Edition.  The colors in the pack are orange, pink, and pinky-reddish.  Pink and reds are my favorite.  I wasn't too fond of the orange.  I had the credit, so I decided what the heck.  I spent $2 for the collection since the polishs were free shipping this month. 

I received the collection later part of last week.  I tried out a Sally Hanson nail art thingy, so I didn't want to change it up yet.  I finally let Andrew pick out the color I try first.  I should have known what he would choose - the ORANGE!!  I love the way the nail polish went on my nails, but did not like how many coats I needed for it to be noticable.  However, it is considered to be a jelly nail polish.  Anyway, I'm excited to try out the other colors within the next week!

Did I mention the day I painted my nails orange happens to be the day the Baltimore Orioles won?  :)

Worst. Feeling. EVER.

If there was an award for the most horrible mom - I WOULD BE THE WINNER!!  I was feeling really good today, too.  Received my most awesome mug today from the mug swap (post to be continued...) and it was just awesome!!  The family and I went to support the boys school at Chuck E. Cheese.  Surprisingly, the food was not that bad.  Pizza was alright okay.  Salad bar was actually pretty good.  It is comparable to a Pizza Hut salad (yes, I'm comparing a Pizza Hut salad to a Chuck E. Cheese salad).  Everything seemed fresh and it was clean.  I was impressed.  Anyway, everyone had a good time until we get home.  I'm getting the boys ready to bed.  Taking their blankets out of their school bag and I realize...

UH OH...WHERE IS TYLER'S STUFF??  UH OH.  JAAAASSSSOOOONNNNNN!!!  Oh no!!!!!

Yep - that's right, I left my 2 year old favorite blanket and two three stuffed animals at school.  The stuffed animals are his "ah-ah" (a little blue bean bag monkey which we've tried to get a spare of and it's like $60 or something crazy online) and 2 "boots" (ya know - boots from Dora).  He has a regular Boots which I'm not even sure where he got it from and a baby boots.  Tyler has a thing for monkeys.  hm...that might be a good theme for his 3rd birthday party in November - a jungle.  hmm...that might work.

So, I'm the worst mom cause I left them at school.  Ya see, I got distracted.  Each boy made a Mother's Day gift for me.  Tyler's was the first I saw.  And yes, I cried.  (surprise, surprise)  So, I grabbed it and ran outside to hug his teachers thank you.   I came back in and got Colton where I got another Mother's Day gift.  And teared up again.  (Andrew gave me his earlier in the day, but his teacher cleverly wrapped it, so I won't get it until Mother's Day)  I will be posting pictures later of the actual gifts.  I love them!!!! 

The worse feeling EVER is realizing you left your son's security blanket and snugly animals at school.  I still can't believe I left them....  :( 

Birchbox!!!

I love the beginning of the month.  I also dislike the beginning of the month.  Majority of our bills are due in the beginning of the month.  BUT, I also get a nice treat in the beginning of the month:  Birchbox.  I love it!!  The Birchbox website states:  "Birchbox is the best way to discover new grooming, beauty and lifestyle products. Sample top products from high-end brands, get expert advice, buy new favorites and earn points with every purchase". 

It all started when I found out my third was a boy.  I wanted a girl so bad!!  I couldn't wait to do all the girly things with my daughter.  But as luck would have it, I had the most precious little baby boy.  Colton is the most amazing little boy EVER and I would not change him for anything.  I am 98% sure Jason and I are done having kids.  I knew I needed to keep the "girly" in me so I promised myself I would keep up with my hair/nails and stay abreast of all the girly things in life.  So hard to do with 3 little boys and a husband!!  Then I found Birchbox.

I've received a few nail polishes, face wash, lotions/creams, make-up, hair products, and even accessories!  I will start posting every month a picture of each of the items and a review later in the month once I've had a chance to try them. 

May Birchbox:

Presentation is everything!!  Birchbox really has that down!  I usually hope for make-up or hair stuff.  I tend to not like the higher priced face wash.  I don't mind lotions.   The extra this month was the XOXO post card.  It's cute.  I'm not sure when I'll use it though.  I'll have to get creative. 

From left to right:  Ojon Volumizing Shampoo, Color Club Nail Polish in Disco Nap, Algenist Eye Renewal Balm, and Dr. Jart face cream.


Birchbox always provides a brief description with price for full size bottle.  I always go right for the price - is that wrong?  For example, the eye cream is $65 for a full size.  I completed a survey in the beginning explaining I don't spend a lot of money on make-up, hair stuff...  Even if I liked the product, the chances of me purchasing the product are slim.  I made the mistake of not looking on the website to see how to use the product a few months ago.  So, I'll be researching that tomorrow!  :)

Product I'm most looking towards trying: THE NAIL POLISH!!  I'm siked.  I love nail polish.  I've started a collection.  Okay - who cares if my collection only has 5?  Everyone has to start somewhere, right??  Because of Birchbox, I actually started using Zoya nail polish most of the time.  I like the colors and the easy way the nail polish glides on my nails. 

Product I'm least looking towards trying: face cream.  I've never been a big face cream person.  Apparently, this cream is a 4 in 1.  It is a moisturizer, serum, sunscreen, and skin-perfecting tint.  Do you know what else is a 4 in 1?  My son's crib.  Or maybe it's a 3 in 1.  Either way, I'm not so sure of products boasting about having multiple benefits.

Happy Birthday, Mom!

 

I find myself wondering...
Did I give you your due..
For all that you've done for me
Did I ever thank you?

For all of my childhood memories
For helping me deal with life's stresses
For helping me accept my defeats
And celebrate my successes?

Or for teaching me the value of hard work,
Good judgement, courage, and being true
The laughter, smiles, and quiet times we've shared
Did I ever thank you?

If I have forgotten, I'm thanking you now
You taught me right from wrong....
I hope you know how much you're loved and appreciated
I hope you, instinctively, knew all along.

Happy Birthday Mom (Mum)!!

Teacher Appreciation Day!

It was Teacher Appreciation Day at the boys school the other day.  I had so many things I wanted to do, but I ended up not doing any of them!!!  I just couldn't get the "supplies" I needed in time.  So, I opted to do the following...
-Made four banners (that's right, FOUR banners! one for each boys classroom and then one for the main hallway).

The banners for the boys classrooms were all different colors and only said thanks.  I used my cricut to cut the letters.  I wanted to go with more of a color scheme in the main hallway.  Black and white always looks good, but I didn't have enough black sheets.  I thought of their main colors and decided red and blue letters would look good.  I think my favorite is the blue as it looks like it stands out more.  The night before I went searching for something else to add to the banner.  I wasn't sure if I wanted to cut something else out; finally, deciding on the ribbons.  I think it turned out great!!!

-The parents committee decided on a "dessert lotto".  This is where parents would bring in a treat for the teachers.  The teachers would then choose a number and choose a dessert based on their number.  I think it went over well.  We had a great turn-out of desserts. 

I really think my banner and "other project" really made the table stand out! 














-And finally - THE PENCIL VASE!!  I got the bendable flower from the dollar tree a while ago.  I knew I wanted to use them for something, but just didn't know the exact project.  I saw the pencil case a while ago on a blog - can't remember the exact source at this time.  So I decided to make it my own. 
**I made this craft before thinking about documenting it step-by-step.

Supplies:

-empty toilet paper roll
-bendable flower
-20 pencils
-hot glue gun
-hot glue sticks
-ribbons (optional)
-gift tag (optional)

Make sure all toilet paper is off roll before starting project.  Make one line of hot glue on the roll and place a pencil on it.  Add another line of hot glue above the first pencil and place another pencil on it.  Continue putting hot glue and pencils until complete.  It took me 20 pencils per roll.  I added a cute ribbon and a tag (made with my cricut).  On one side of the tag it said who it was for.  The other side said:  Thanks for helping me bloom!  -Andrew, Tyler, Or Colton.  I made a total of 12.  It was a little crazy, but I think they liked it.  Don't forget about your "lunch lady"!  I'm sure there is an official, more political term, but I can't think of it right now.  Mrs. Cindy who handles the food at my boys school does an amazing job.  I think she does more work than most people realize.  I like to thank everyone!!  :-)

Team Pictures

Andrew had team pictures last Saturday and his second game.  It. was. freezing.  I thought it was spring?!  Today was not spring weather at all.  I want warmer weather, please.
At first, we couldn't find where the team photos were taking place.  Lack of communication...The pictures were probably ruined though.  Their team mom was in the picture (YUCK!!).  I'm hoping I didn't completely ruin the pictures.  

I posted our banner behind home plate.  It looked awesome!!  I'm still proud of it!  What am I going to do if all three of my boys wants to do sports?  I was thinking maybe two of them will be on the same team every year (with my middle rotating years between Andrew and Colton).  I wonder how other parents handle multiple teams.  I still have two years before Tyler can join, but I like to plan ahead.  AND I probably wouldn't be able to do more than one team mom at a time.  I guess - we'll see.

Opening Day!

Opening Day 2012!!  What a blast!!

Andrew is currently participating in T-Ball through the local rec council.  He LOVES it!  I love how fast boys make friends.  We were not even at the first practice for more than 5 minutes and he meets his "best friend".  I volunteered to be the team mom even though I wasn't sure what the role entailed.  I asked around and got the following similar answers:
-make drink/snack schedule for practice and games.
-take pictures.
-help coach with any paperwork (picture papers, fundraiser)
-help organize kids.
-make t-ball banner.
-organize end-of-season party.
I did the schedule right away - that was easy.  I love taking pictures and Jason got me a fancy camera for Christmas, so that was good.  I'm detailed-oriented and don't mind paperwork (as long as I have it under control!).  I think I'm fairly good with kids and I love planning parties.  I was only worried about the stinkin' banner.  What the heck am I going to do??  I did what any other mom would do - I googled and pinterest'd it.  I only got ONE good hit.  Disappointing to say the least...but the banner was good and it gave me a starting point.  I couldn't believe there were no other blogs discussing banners for baseball which I could find!  I thought opening day was the most important part of baseball!?!?! 
So I wanted to do a paper banner for the 4, 5, and 6 year olds to display.  I had a couple of great decorating ideas in mind.  But the paper banner was quickly nixed by a teacher at boys school.  She said "do you think the paper banner would hold up with a bunch of 4, 5, and 6 year olds all trying to hold it?".  Good Point, Mrs. Laura!  I went to Joann's and gathered my materials.
I grabbed a yard of red felt, a couple sheets of black, grey, and white felt (the stiffer felt), a package of dimensional fabric paint, and 3 yards of baseball ribbon.  I followed the directions for cutting and sewing the banner from my ONE good hit.  Then I used my cricut and cut out the team name:  Muckdogs.  I chose to cut the name twice - once in black and once in grey to match the logo.  The cricut also cut the bat and baseballs.  I drew "laces" on the baseballs.  My advice - don't worry about the laces matching.  No one will notice.  Don't use a pencil to draw it first - just do it!  It took the longest to figure out the positioning of everything.  It just had to be perfect!  I used spray adhesive to glue everything down just to find everything coming off the next day.  I ended up using hot glue and it worked good.  Their names are around the outside of the banner with their number on the inside.  The kids were very proud carrying their homemade banner on opening day!!

Opening Day was a blast!  The Rec Council did an amazing job.  There were games, food/drinks, music, and even bouncy houses!

Maybe I'll start documenting step-by-step instructions in future crafts...

I leave you with some brotherly love...

Oh boy...

Boys - 3 boys - oh boy!!  I have my hands full.  I love talking with my boys teachers and hearing what crazy things they do.  Here are a few recent stories:

-Ty tells his teacher, "Moe-Moe" to "get-em" when she turns around and finds all the toys she just cleaned up, all over the place.  He now is egging on his friends at school.  Keep in mind - Ty is 2. 
-One of Andrew's teachers Dad stopped by earlier in the week.  He tells her "my mommy has your dad's picture on the computer".  His teacher thought it was hysterical.  Good thing - wouldn't want her to think I'm stalking her Dad.  ;)
-Andrew made God a hat one day with his snack food.
-Colton drags EVERYTHING out from under the cribs into the center of his classrooms.  And just laughs and laughs about it.

In a few weeks, their school is hosting a graduation.  I have tears in my eyes just thinking about it.  Each "graduating" class does a performance.  A's classroom is the only For the past few weeks, they have been practicing their routine.  I caught a glimpse of it (and was yelled at for watching) today!  I can't wait!  I love all of their teachers.  We are the luckiest family!

Medifast.

One of my chapters I need to close out this year is my weight loss journey.  I recently stopped nursing C and knew it was time.  It was time to make a change.  I needed to do this for me, my boys, and my husband!  I decided I needed to lose 55 pounds.  I started researching different weight loss programs: Jenny Craig, Nurtisystem, Weight Watchers, and Herbalife.  I've done Weight Watchers before.  I loved it!  I enjoyed going to the meetings and preparing the fifteen thousand packages of snacks. Okay I'm exaggerating a bit, but it really did feel like fifteen thousand.  I was successful a few years ago before I had three kids.  I knew I couldn't do it again.  I don't have a lot of time as it is and I'm working on time management.  Herbalife I did about 2 years ago.  It was okay.  Shakes were okay.  But I got a stomach bug while on herbalife and was sick a lot.  Can't stomach it now, so that was out of the question too.  I was researching the other 2 programs when I came across Medifast.  I was hooked.  I asked around and decided this was the best way for me at this point in my life. 

I joined and started a few days later.  First week was an emotional roller coaster, but I made it through and lost 6 pounds.  Second week was horrible!  It was Easter and I cheated.  I gave in mostly.  I only lost .5, but I tried to stay positive.  I didn't gain.  Third week I stuck to it and lost 4.5 pounds!  I started exercising and feeling great!  I even mowed the grass!!!  Who is this new person!

I'm on week five and lost almost 15 pounds.  My actual weight lost is 13.5 pounds as of last Sunday.  I wonder what tomorrow's weight will be.  Have I lost any additional weight?  Inches?  I think my total is like 3 1/4 inches so far.  My clothes are feeling completely different.  I'm even in a new bracket of poundage (is poundage a word?).  :)  I'm almost to a lower size.  I can't wait to continue my lost weight journey and get back to the old me (or new me with 3 kids!).  If I can do this, anyone can.

An Online Mug Swap?

The other day I was searching around on some of my favorite blogs and I came across a mug swap on From My Grey Desk.  At first, I didn't understand how it could possibly work.  How do I swap a mug with someone online?  And then - it hit me. 

THE INFORMATION SHARING IS ONLINE - NOT THE ACTUAL MUG SWAP.  Duh.  Wow - a complete blonde moment.  Way. to. go.  :-)
Susan with Suzels Says is hosting the mug swap.  Go visit her blog for all the details!

Anyway, I thought, what the heck.  I'll join.  It'll give me a chance to meet another blogger.  So, I sent the email.  I received probably the fastest response EVER.  She joined me with another new blogger, Mackenzie.  Mackenzie and her mom started the blog, M & M. So far, I'm lovin' her style.  I can't wait to read more of her stuff.  I'm off to blog-stalk her.  I need to get a good feel on things so when I go shopping for her mug, I can get her the perfect one! 

(whoah - I figured out how to post the picture.  I wonder if it will work)

Munchie Monday!!

T's classroom had Munchie Monday (MM) in April.  It is scheduled for a Monday (not sure which one) every month.  I wanted to keep with my theme and do something unique.  It had to have something with a cute saying of course.  I decided to go with...

M&Ms!

Do you know how hard it is to find the right colored M&Ms right before Easter?  Let me tell you - it is very HARD!!  All the Easter Pastels were out.  But I finally found a few bags.  I took about a cup of M&Ms and put in a plastic baggy. I wanted something the teachers could grab and go.  I changed the cute M&M poem to fit this gift!  Message me if you want the file! 

Green is for inspiration.
Blue is for your patience.
Orange...
I love the poem!

I placed all the baggies in this cute basket!  I received a TON of compliments!  AND it was easy!!

Teacher Gifts!

Wow - I didn't post at all in March??  I'm slacking.  I haven't been a blogger for two months and I'm already slacking.  I guess time is not my friend.  Let's face it - I've never been too good with time management! 

At the boys school, they have something called Munchie Monday (MM).  Once a month, one of the seven classrooms bring in munchies for the teachers.  Given I have three boys there, I figured, probably 5 times a year.  I think Andrew's classroom had it in March.
I wanted to make the teachers something semi-homemade.  And I knew I wanted something with a cute saying.  I wasn't feeling my creativity vibe, so I thought I needed to think of something simple where I can "play" on the name of the food. 
I saw somewhere about a "s'more" teacher appreciation gift; I thought - how cute! I love the s'more idea (and to be completely honest - how hard can it be to think of a saying with "s'more" in it)!! Well, a lot harder than you think!  I decided to skip the saying part (for now) and think of a s'more recipe.  And then...I remembered Mom-Mom making a s'more recipe with Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, popcorn, and a few other ingredients.  So, I asked her for a copy and made several batches. The S'more Recipe was simple and easy! Most of the ingredients I had on hand (I did not add the tootsie rolls).   I simply bagged about 1 1/2 cups of the s'more mix into baggies.

Then, my next dilemma.  I wanted to draft a cool saying for the s'mores.  I thought all weekend and drove Jason CRAZY!  Everything he came up, I didn't like.  I finally settled on:

"S'more thanks for teaching us!"

I found the cool font on word and put everything together.  I think Andrew was most proud of the gift!  Message me if you want me to email you the file - I haven't figured out how to post the file! 

Tyler's MM was this month!  Wait till you see what I made for that...

New School!

The boys started a new school a few weeks ago.  We were really nervous with the change.  The transition is finally over.  AND THE BOYS LOVE IT!  I can't believe it.  Andrew and Tyler love going to a school.  The boys do a different craft every day and always bring home something.  The teachers are all wonderful!  Each month, a few of the teachers host a "kids night out".  The kids get to stay at school until 10p.m. on a Friday night.  They make a craft, eat pizza, and watch a movie.  Andrew and Ty participated in February and are already looking forward to the night out.  Weird, huh?  It also happens to fall on my RDO.  So I will have a whole day (and night) to myself!!  Yahoo!! 
Ty is making an "all about me" book.  I'm not exactly sure what is in it, but I know he is enjoying making it.  Plus, I get hand/foot prints (which I'm a sucker for) every couple weeks. 
Andrew never wants to come home.  Think about it - he gets a whole classroom all to himself with a ton of toys and crafts.  Also in the classroom are at least a dozen kids his age.  It does make me sad that he doesn't want to stay home with me though.  I guess - I can never be completely happy!! 
We have been invited to two birthday parties already.  I'm excited to meet the other parents.  I also hope to participate in the upcoming family committee meetings and be a room mom!  I can't wait!  Am I being way too excited about this?  I have been spending as much time there as I can.  When I drop off and pick up, I'm there probably at least a half-hour talking to the teachers/directors.  I ask a lot of questions.  I hope I'm not being annoying.  I even want to go in there for a whole day!!  I think that might be a little too much.  I don't want to be one of "those moms", but I just love it.  I know - stop it already.

"LOOK - a sea turtle!!"

he he!  That is probably my favorite "saying" from our cruise last week.  Jason swears he saw a huge sea turtle.  We had a great time!  Here is Andrew and his "best buddy".  Best Buddy would come over every night and make the kids something.  Andrew is worried how his Best Buddy would make it without him on the big ship.  How sweet!!

On the last night, Ty fell asleep under the table.

Colton had some ice cream (courtesy of Uncle Todd) and mashed potatoes (courtesy of Nonna).  I'm not sure how he liked the ice cream, but he loved the mashed potatoes!! 

I think his favorite part was eating Nonna's chin. 

Craziness.

Even though I haven't posted in over a week, it doesn't mean I haven't been thinking of the blog world!  It has just been crazy!  Okay, here is what's been going on:
Movie Reviews -
"Dinner for Schmucks" Not really sure what to say.  In fact, words can not describe this movie.  Best part is noticing Jeff Dunham in the movie! 
"One for the Money" My mom, BFF, SIL, MIL, and SIL's MIL (got all that?? BFF = Best Friend, SIL = Sister in law, MIL = Mother in law, & SIL's MIL = Sister in law's mother in law!  he he!!) all went.  We have all read the Janet Evanovich series and LOVED them!  Well actually, BFF and I listened to them.  I was disappointed, but liked it.  Some of the cast just didn't seem right.  By the end of the movie, I was okay with the staff.  My favorite?  Lula. The boxer dude was exactly what I pictured - scary!  I was most looking forward to Morelli and Ranger (prior to knowing who plays them).  I'm still not 100%, but they might grow on me.  So far, the book was much better!!!
Dinners -
Have I mentioned I {heart} pinterest???  I've We've made two meals found on pinterest.  How do they look??

Crunchwrap Supreme!

Oh my goodness!!  Crunchwrap Supreme made in my house?!?  I didn't have to go into town!  Woo hoo!!! 

French Dip Crescents

I fell in love with french dip sandwiches from Quiznos.  I never imagined they could be made at home!  It was so easy that Jason even made it!  We have NO leftovers from either meal.


The crunchwrap supreme's were so simple - I couldn't believe it.  I thought, this is not possible.  It is not going to turn out.  I browned 1lb of ground beef and added a taco season packet.  I warmed the tortilla's in the microwave for a minute.  Spread about a tablespoon of sour cream on the warmed tortilla and top with some ground beef and cheese in the center.  I used velveeta cheese (as opposed to shredded cheese or nacho cheese).  I would have loved to try nacho cheese, but I can never figure out where to find it in the store!!  Place a layer of tortilla chips, then lettuce and tomatoes.  Wrap it up and put on a skillet (face down).  Brown it up!  It was amazing. 

Hubby loved it!!

Colton was NOT very happy; he wanted some!

The french dip crescents were just as amazing!!  I can't tell ya if we did anything different, because Jason made it!!!  The au jus sauce was a packet mix.  AMAZING! 

 I love Andrew's purple thumb from school! 

Poor Tyler couldn't get the thumb part right and used his index finger instead!  I love these little guys!

New Beginnings:

We decided it was time to put our boys in a new school.  It all started a while ago when we started discussing preschool for our oldest.  I didn't know what to do - both Jason and I work full-time.  Did I really want to go to two drop offs in the AM??  I dreaded the decision.  I really don't like change; I like a schedule and knowing what's going to happen next.  But I knew I had to do something, so we've been looking and asking for MONTHS!!!  Finally, we found a school who offered us everything - one drop off, school programs, reasonable pricing (through a reimbursement program), and close.  The boys met the teachers and we loved everyone.  I wasn't sure if we would be able to get them all in at once (ages 4, 2, and 6 months), then we got the phone call.  ALL OF THEM CAN GO!!!  Woo hoo!  So, we arranged it all, and they started this week.  Monday and Tuesday only for a few hours, but today - ALL DAY!  I'm nervous.  I've already called a few times and of course, they are great!  Can't wait to get back into a routine!! 

Dead Man Riding...

My mom, mother-in-law (MIL), and I all took Colton to a GI specialist today.  Our pediatrician has been worried with Colton's weight gain - err, lack of weight gain, that is.  The appointment took almost 3 hours, but only saw the doctor for about 15 minutes.  My mom left to go get the car while my MIL and I  made the follow-up appointment.  The lady answered the phone about 10 times while I'm trying to make the appointment.  VERY RUDE, right??  I wasn't just crabby, because I was hungry, right??  So, now I've made the appointment and all we have to do was ride the elevator down to get to the lobby.  Guess what?  We waited another 7-10 minutes for the elevator.  We thought about taking the stairs, but I had Colton in his carrier and it is heavy!  The elevator door opens and MIL notices it is going up.  Shucks - we want to go down.  Then, a different door opens going down, and there are three men standing next to a stretcher.  I do a double-take and see a body bag on the stretcher.  I walk on the elevator with my MIL behind me, and I say "is that a-a...".  She answers "yes".  We ride the elevator in silence.  Two men get off and it's just me, MIL, Colton, body bag, and one man left.  The man (who by the way, has an ear piece in like the secret service) says quietly "we don't normally use the main elevator, but the staff elevator is broken".  I couldn't believe what was happening.  MIL, Colton, and I exited and could not stop laughing.  I think we would in shock.  I can not believe that we rode in the elevator with a dead guy (or girl for that matter).  Does that freak you out??

"I'm sexy and I know it"

I found a status update for Jason on his facebook account.  I'm explaining the status update to Jason and it ends with "and I'm sexy".  Immediately, Andrew started singing "I'm sexy and I know it".  I love it!  I didn't even know he knew that song - I guess he really does pay attention.  Everyday he comes up with something different and it just amazes me! 
Have you ever seen the show "Impractical Jokers" on truTv?  If not, you must start watching it ASAP.  J and I watched two episodes last night.  I couldn't stop laughing.  The show is about four guys playing jokes.  I can't even explain it.  It is just hysterical.  Look it up. 
In other news, I woke up to breakfast this morning.  I know what you are thinking - aww how sweet, Jason made breakfast.  Wrong.  Andrew made breakfast - that's right, my 4 year old son made breakfast.  He got up, went downstairs, and made waffles.  The toaster was already on the counter AND plugged in (not a normal practice AT ALL).  He took the waffles out of the freezer and put them in the toaster.  The waffles even had spray butter on them.  I had to grab my camera and take a picture - it was way too sweet.

He had a little plate out for Tyler and big plates for everyone else.  It was so cute.
We watched Friends with Benefits tonight.  It was a great chick flick.  I was surprised at how well Justin Timberlake acted.  Even more surprising was that my favorite part was him rapping!  :)