'Twas The Day After Christmas

'Twas the day after Christmas, and all through the house,
Every creature was hurting -- even the mouse.

The toys were all broken, their batteries dead;
Santa passed out, with some ice on his head.

Wrapping and ribbons just covered the floor, while
Upstairs the family continued to snore.

And I in my T-shirt, new Reeboks and jeans,
Went into the kitchen and started to clean.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the sink to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the curtains, and threw up the sash.

When what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a little white truck, with an oversized mirror.

The driver was smiling, so lively and grand;
The patch on his jacket said "U.S. POSTMAN."

With a handful of bills, he grinned like a fox
Then quickly he stuffed them into our mailbox.

Bill after bill, after bill, they still came.
Whistling and shouting he called them by name:

"Now Dillard's, now Broadway's, now Penny's and Sears
Here's Levitz's and Target's and Mervyn's--all here!!

To the tip or your limit, every store, every mall,
Now chargeaway-chargeaway-chargeaway all!"

He whooped and he whistled as he finished his work.
He filled up the box, and then turned with a jerk.

He sprang to his truck and he drove down the road,
Driving much faster with just half a load.

Then I heard him exclaim with great holiday cheer,
"ENJOY WHAT YOU GOT ... YOU'LL BE PAYING ALL YEAR!"

Author Unknown

Happy Birthday Baby Doll!!

10 years ago today our little red head came into the world! It has been a fun 10 years with her. She makes us laugh and smile. She has the pretties smile that can brighten any room. Her laugh is so contagious. She cracks me up with some of the funny things she says and the silly things she does. We sure do love you Natalie. Thanks for coming to our family!

Muppets + Sesame Street = Angry Birds???

My kids always tell me I'm not the smartest when it comes to math...but this math I can do! Very interesting!!

He's Making A List, Checking It Twice

Gavin decided he was going to be Santa's littler helper this year and make a Naughty and Nice list. Ashley was acting Naughty the other day, so Gavin had to write this letter. He called her Asher because he knows that she hates being called that. I love that he sounds out and spells words by himself. So if you're acting Naughty, Gavin's not afraid to let Santa know!

Crazy Gavin

I've got a word of advice . . . don't leave your camera lying around, or this is who you may have random pictures of.

Our lives wouldn't be the same without Gavin. We sure do love him and he can definitely make us laugh with the silly things he does.

1st Day Of School

This is a little late, but the kids started school on August 17. That meant that I also went back to work. It has been a fun and busy summer, but all fun must come to an end:(

It was hard to see my Gavin all grown up going into the 1st grade. He came home and said he loves 1st grade. Now that he's been there for a little over a week he doesn't like it as much. He said he loves the cool homework, but hates how long he has to be there. He wants to go back to kindergarten, but have the fun homework. He sure does crack me up!

Natalie loved seeing her friends she hasn't seen all summer. She hasn't changed too much from last year. Her teacher sends home a homework packet that is due the following Friday. She still comes home and does must of it on Friday, just so she can play the rest of the week. Natalie makes me smile everyday with the silly things she does!

Ashley has grown up the most over the summer. A couple weeks before school started she broke her arm. She wanted to wear a long sleeve shirt to school, but I talked her out of it since it was going to be like 90 degrees. She had an eye appointment the 1st day of school just to find out that she needs glasses. We should get them this week, then I'll post a picture. She loves her teacher this year. She actually teaches me how to do her math because I don't remember much. I didn't see her much the 1st day, she was too busy with her friends. I'm so proud of Ashley and the young woman she's growing up to be!

Harley/Canada Trip 2011

Dave and I got to see the most beautiful place in the world (so far) on our Harley trip. We went to Canada with 3 other couples and had an amazing time! We drove over 1600 miles. I was lucky to ride in a car about 30% of the time, but Dave on the other hand, has a sore bumkin:(

We drove to Kaispell, MT on Thursday. It started to rain and all the boys got wet. Thank goodness for a hot tub at the hotel! Woke up Friday morning and went to Canmore, CANADA. Talk about a wonderful drive! Saturday we woke up early and went on a helicopter ride. It was amazing! Then we drove through Banff to Lake Louise. I don't think I've been anywhere as beautiful as there. Sunday we went through Glacier National Park on our way back to Kalispell. It was funny to see kids in flip flops and shorts playing in the snow. It was about 80 degrees and we got to play in the snow! What perfect weather!

Thank you Jaci for watching our kiddos, we owe you! Thanks Dave for taking me with you on this trip! Thanks to Brad & Sara for putting the trip together! Thank you Brad & Kristen for taking the car. I don't know how I'd be able to pack 6 days in a small duffle bag!

Washington/ 4th of July 2011

We got to spend the 4th of July in Washington. My wonderful husband built a room in Kara's new house. He's such a good man who is willing to help anyone out. That's one of the many qualities I love about him!

The weekend was filled with lots of cousin time, laughing, eating, and of course fireworks! The kids, especially Larry loved lighting the fireworks. He was the biggest kid of us all. So many beautiful colors filled the sky. We 'oohed' and 'awed' all night. I'm so proud to be living in this country and I'm thankful for the soldiers who fight for our freedom.

Dave took off on Tuesday, so the kids and I stayed out a few days longer. That meant more cousin time! I barely saw Gavin, we was too busy playing with Beckett. Those two were funny little boys. We took the kids to JJ Jumps and let the kids run all their energy out. But I don't think they got it all out. They were still go, go, go!

I was more than excited to get home. I missed Dave so much! It's been forever since we've been apart. It made me realize just how much he means to me. He's an amazing husband and a wonderful dad. Thanks babe for always being there for me. I love you!

Bored Kids + No Van = Craft Day

The trusty mini van was in the shop today. The kids were getting bored stuck at home with nobody to play with or anywhere to go. So what is a mom to do? I looked in my little craft bag and found some paints, glitter, yarn, and googly eyes. A not so fun day turned into a fun craft day! They made pet rocks and did some bubble art. Thank you craft bag, you were a life saver today!

Happy Father's Day

To my dad,

Thanks for teaching me how to keep a head on my shoulders. I will always remember all the daddy/daughter dates we went on. You always made me feel special! Now, watching you with my kids, I can see what mom saw.

To Dave,

Thank you so much for being a wonderful dad to the kids. They really look up to you and admire you. You set such a good example for Gavin on how to treat his future wife. You also set a good example for the girls on what to look for in a husband.

To my father-in-law,

Thanks for raising such an amazing son. I see so much of him in you! He makes up the same silly songs and stories as you do. Dave treats us respect, you should be really proud of him. Thanks for making me feel welcome into the family. I feel like I've known you for more than 13 years.

Thanks again to all the wonderful dads in my life. I love you all!

Happy Birthday Gavin

Gavin turned 6 years old on the 17th! What a milestone showing how old you are using 2 hands. I put trick candles in his cupcakes. He was getting a little mad because they kept sparking and relighting. It was fun to watch him blowing them out. He got Bay Blades. He has to battle Dave just about everyday! I love my boys!

San Diego Trip

Day 1

Flew into Long Beach, played in the sand, and drove to San Diego. It was so nice and sunny! I don't know who was more excited to be in California, Dave or the kids.

Day 2

Went to Sea World. All of us kids loved seeing Shamu and getting wet. The dolphin show was closed:( The kids got to feed seals. We couldn't have asked for a nicer day! The girls and I went on River Rapids and got SOAKED!

Day 3

Dave had to work all day:( The kids and I went to the beach for a couple hours. It was a little cloudy and cold, so we went back to the hotel and swam for a few more hours. That night my dream came true. We went to see the San Diego temple. It's more beautiful than I imagined.

Day 4

It's so nice that Dave takes us on his business trips. He works all day and we go play all day. The kids and I went back to Sea World to see all the things that we missed, or that we wanted to see again. The dolphin was open so we got to see it. It's amazing to see all these animals and see what they can do!

Day 5

Had to pack up and head home:( We drove down to Long Beach and did a little shopping before heading to the airport. Gavin kept waving bye to the ocean. Let the laundry begin!

Angry Birds Come To Life

There's this new game that we all play on our phones, Angry Birds. Not only do we play that game, but I'm a victim of Angry Birds. On my run in the morning black birds chirp at me and follow me.

This weekend the girls caught a bird. He wasn't angry, but hurt. They took this bird for a walk in the wagon, carried it, and fed it. They named him Camo. He finally felt better and flew off. Although today he came back 'hurt' again. Can a bird pretend to be hurt? It's so cute see Ashley and Natalie caring for a hurt bird, Angry Bird or not.

Minnesota Trip

We started out our summer vacation by heading to Minnesota to see G-ma & G-pa Billings. Gavin is addicted to fishing. He caught at least a dozen fish. He was getting sick of throwing back, so he kept the smallest fish he caught. He named him Fred and put him in a ziplock bag. The fish died 2 days later, so Gavin put him in the garden to help the veggies grow.

We went to Duluth to do some deep sea fishing, but it was too windy:( So we took the kids to Fun Zone. It was also Ashley's 11th birthday. She's been wanting Oxy Clean for a long time. So guess what she got?!

Dave & I went 4-wheeling with my brother Justin. So much fun! On our way back to the cabin we got pulled over for driving on the road. I didn't know it was against the law in Minnesota. We had to be with him when he told his wife. Love you Justin!

Brad Merrill was up for a few days, so we went to the Sand Dunes and went for a ride on his sand rail. The girls loved it! Gavin, well not so much. I almost lost my cookies hitting a couple jumps. Thanks Brad!