Mother's Day...

It is all because of these three little ones that I get to celebrate Mother's Day! They are so fun and such great kids! It is also becuase of these kids that it is 8:15 on Mother's Day morning and I am sitting at my computer with time to blog. Mike had to work last night so he won't be home for a bit. The kids of course were up at 6:30 a.m. McCall was really sweet and wanted me to "sleep-in" Well her intentions were sweet, but that didn't go over too well. She wanted Spencer to come into her room so that she could watch him. Well the second that he realized that he was going to be trapped in a room with his slightly overbearing sisters he screamed and screamed. So that didn't work to well. McCall also wanted to wait for dad to get home so that they could make me breakfast in bed. Well when you are up at 6:30 waiting until after 9:00 for breakfast is just not an option. So I went to the kitchen and made myself a scrumptious Mother's Day breakfast. Hootenanny Pancakes, fresh fruit, and fresh orange juice (O.K. so that wasn't so fresh, but anything but crystal light in our house tastes like freshly squeezed oranges). So needless to say that the dishes are done, the kids are already fighting, changed a poopy diaper, the day has officially begun. I did decide to keep my bed unmade for Mike to make for me. Hopefully he will be home soon so I can pass the little ones over to him. I hope that everyone has a fabulous Mother's Day!!!

I was at the store Friday with Katie trying to get my mom something for Mother's Day, when what beholds my eyes but this great pan. Can I say Happy Mother's Day to myself! This was on the clearance table for $27.00. What a bargain. I love it! I even had to make spaghetti last night so that I could use it! (you know you are sick when you even like to wash it) The only thing that I would change is its color, but it is still stunning. I also picked myself up a 16 quart stock pot in cherry red. It is soooo cute. This was on clearance for $12.00. I set it on my stove and realized how much I am going to enjoy all of my canning this summer with my new red pot! I can just imagine all of the stewed tomatoes, homemade salsa, spaghetti sauce, Oh the possibilities are endless!

Now I need to go and get some cleaning done and get the kids dresses ironed etc. Have a great day!

Beans, Beans, Beans...

So I have had ENOUGH of beans! I had to teach a provident living class on beans from your food storage. Our family has had beans at least 4-5 times a week over the past 1 1/2 months. I even have a very stained crock-pot to prove it. Who knew that multiple soakings and cooking of beans could stain porcelain. There are also some huge repercussions to cooking that many beans... Can you say digestive distress (that is the nice term that we use). Needless to say we are all thrilled that we no longer need to have so many beans. And through it all I have found some great recipes to use. Mike keeps saying that he won't even know when an emergency hits because he will be eating exactly the same (not true). We will in the meantime be stockpiling at our house large quantities of: Beano, Pepto Bismal, and any other anti-diarrheal medications...

Oh what a week!

We have had a great week. On Monday night we went to McCall's kindergarten program. It was soooo well done. Every kid had speaking parts and knew the words to all of the songs. They had props, music, dancing, etc. Everything that a great program needs. (also it only lasted about 35-40 minutes) McCall was front and center, and one of the biggest hams in the show. It was so funny. Mike got part of it on video, if I were really good I would know how to post it...but I'm not!
Also Spencer...My lazy little guy, who has only taken a few steps (but only when he had to). He woke up yesterday and just decided to walk. It was pretty funny...and he is getting more used to cruising.

McCall's Ballet Recital...

McCall performed in her first real ballet on Thursday night. She was soooo excited. Her ballet studio put on the production of Snow White. The performance was up at the U at Kingsbury Hall. It is a huge stage and an amazing building. I thought that she would be nerveous, but she said that she wasn't at all. This I was glad of. She was a bubble in the Cottage scene. Her part was so cute. She said afterwards that she was very proud of herself. I would post pictures of her, but there was no flash photography allowed. The studio took photo's that they will post, so I will see if I can attach some when they do.
This was a great night! Grandma and Grandpa came and Grandma Midge also. She was thrilled to have them there. Grandpa even brought her a bouquet of flowers. It was a lot of fun.

McCall doing a serious pose. And like always, one big highlight of the night was that she got to wear make-up.

We Love our McCall!!!

McKinley's School Program...

McKinley had her "spring sing" last night. She was sooo excited, and loved her special night. She was so happy that the whole family was going to come and watch her. She did a great job and sung her heart out!

Sorry for the fuzzy photo. My camera wouldn't work well with the school lighting. Here she is with her class.

McKinley with one of her teachers named Miss Christine. She loves school!

Prayers for Ava...

Our sweet little niece Ava went in for open heart surgery AGAIN. In her 2 1/2 years she has had way to many surgeries. But it sounds like all went well so far.
WE LOVE YOU AVA!!!

McCall is now "6"

My beautiful McCall has turned six years old. I can't believe it.
We have a "friends" party every other year. This was the year for her party. She wanted to do a cooking party which turned out to be a hit. The kids decorated aprons, had chef hats, made homemade pizzas, and decorated cupcakes. McCall was just thrilled!

Sorry the photo's are a little fuzzy. Here is our adorable group of girls.

We love pizza...

Some even got creative. It was a great day!