2012 Interview with the Kids.

On my best friend's blog she had posted interviews with her daughters and I thought it was so cute I had to copy the idea. What better way to capture who they are and what they want to be at this point in their lives than to simply ASK THEM? I have left answers UNEDITED! Here goes.....

HOW OLD ARE YOU?

Tracy: "Seven. What are you doing?"

Everett: "Mommy I'm five. Why do you ask?"

Summer: "Three and a HALF!"

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BOOK?

Tracy: "Books about Army and Aircraft Carriers."

Everett: "Transformer."

Summer:" Beauty and the Beast."

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE?

Tracy: "Cars 2."

Everett: "Despicable Me."

Summer: "All of the Princess movies."

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE TV SHOW?
Tracy: "Mighty Machines."
Everett: "Dinosaur Train."
Summer: "Ooooh. Strawberry Shortcake and Angelina Ballerina."

WHO IS YOUR BEST FRIEND?

Tracy: "Max."

Everett: "Sam and Dominic."

Summer:" Sam likes me. He goes to Challenger too." (Note to self: check out this Sam fellow. He is a different Sam than Ev's friend.) 

DO YOU HAVE A BOY/GIRLFRIEND?

Tracy: "Noel." (She was in his class last year. She is a cute blond with big blue eyes. She is really sweet too. When Tracy first told me they were dating a year ago I asked what that meant. He said it means you like each other. After witnessing what the 5th and 6th graders do when they are "going out" I was relieved!)

Everett: "Uh uh."

Summer: "Milo". They have in fact been dating for over a year now. He is a cute kid. We approve. ;)

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?

Tracy: "Lego Engineer."

Everett: "Mad Scientist hahahahaha!"

Summer: "Princess."

WHERE DO YOU WANT TO GO TO COLLEGE?

Tracy: "University of Utah."

Everett: "BYU" (He always chooses the opposite of what he thinks we want him to say thinking he will cause a commotion. Sorry buddy. I don't care WHERE you go to school.)

Summer: "I don't WANT to go to college!!!" (Um, this answer WILL be changing in years to come!)

WHERE IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO VISIT?

Tracy: "Places where there is water. Then I can boogie board."

Everett: "Arizona."

Summer: "The beach." (That's my girl!)

IF YOU COULD GO ANYWHERE, WHERE WOULD YOU CHOOSE?

Tracy: "Lego Land and the Grand Canyon."

Everett: "Disney land and Lego land."

Summer: "Another Disney cruise."

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO PLAY?

Tracy: "Legos."

Everett: "Legos".

Summer:" Sleeping Beauty dress-up."

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE TOY?

Tracy: "Legos."

Everett: "Batman toys."

Summer: "I like all of my toys!"

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE MUSICIAN/BAND?

Tracy:" Bruno Mars and Michael Jackson."

Everett:" Michael Jackson."
Summer: "Taylor Swift, Justin Beiber and Avril Lavigne."

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SONG?
Tracy: "Going off the rails on a crazy train." Ozzy Osborne
Everett: "I'm Bad." Michael Jackson
Summer: "Hey, hey, you, you, I don't like your girlfriend." Avril Lavigne

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DO WITH MOM?

Tracy: "Play legos and do crafts."

Everett: "Go to the library."

Summer: "Play games."

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DO WITH DAD?

Tracy: "Play legos."

Everett: "Get prizes when he comes back from out of town."

Summer: "Go potty!!!!!" No joke! This was her answer. HAHAHA!

*Mike and I discovered the sentimentality of Summer's comment this week. We went our to dinner twice and BOTH times Mike took her to the bathroom she had to poop. She was in there for at least 15 minutes each time. She would say, "I have six more poops" or something along those lines. Ahhh. My little princess. 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SCRIPTURE STORY?

Tracy: "Alma the Younger."

Everett: "Alma."

Summer: "Baby Jesus."

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FOOD?

Tracy: "Quesadillas, tostadas and nachos."

Everett: "Macaroni and pancakes." 

Summer: "Hot dogs."

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FRUIT/VEGETABLE?
Tracy: "Apples and carrots."
Everett: "Clementines, bananas and broccoli. I like edamame too."
Summer: "Clementines, grapes and edamames too."

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ANIMAL?

Tracy: "Crocodiles, alligators, wild life animals and iguanas and lizards and snakes."

Everett: "Every animal, but I like T-Rex's the most cuz they can eat stuff. I like turtles too."

Summer: "Elephant!"

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CAR?

Tracy: "Ferrari, hot rods, sports cars, and police cars."

Everett: "Hot Rod."

Summer:" Dune Buggy."

WHAT THEME DO YOU WANT FOR YOUR NEXT BIRTHDAY PARTY?

Tracy: "Transformers again."

Everett: "Hot Rod."

Summer: "Rapunzel".

WHAT DO YOU WANT FOR YOUR NEXT BIRTHDAY?
Tracy: "More legos."
Everett: "I want one of those Fin boats where when Fin from Cars 2 jumps onto the bad boat and he's on the side and he goes to get the bad guys. You can get it at Target."
Summer: "Um, uh, a monkey stuffed animal. I'm getting tired of telling you things." LOL

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SPORT?
Tracy: "Basketball."
Everett: "I like a lot of sports but mostly I like baseball."
Summer:"Basketball".

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SUBJECT IN SCHOOL?

Tracy: :Science and math and reading."

Everett: "Science". (Hence, wanting to be a mad scientist I suppose.)

Summer: "AIRPLANES!!!" (They just finished a section on transportation.)

WHAT CAN'T YOU SLEEP WITHOUT?

Tracy: "All of my stuffed animals and blankies."

Everett: "My teddy and my aliens and my space blankie."

Summer: " My purple blank." (translation=blanket)

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY FROM 2011?

Tracy: "Skiing."

Everett: "Cruise."

Summer: "Cruise!"

WHAT DO YOU LOOK FORWARD TO IN 2012?

Tracy: "Going skiing again."

Everett: "Going to be an East Midvale Eagle."

Summer: "Looking for dinosaur bones". (Not sure where that came from but I will have to keep on eye on the sandbox.)

Well, there you have it. The Bollinger legacy in the works. I can't wait to ask again next year.

I want a hip hop hippopotamus for Christmas.

I love this part of my life partly because I enjoy being a "soccer mom". I love going to my children's sports games, recitals and school events. On December 14, I attended the dance recital of Trace and Summy. Summer began a jazz/ballet class in August and Tracy a hip-hop one. They both worked very hard and had a FUN, FUN, FUN time at class as well as during their performances.

I have to give props to Tracy's instructor, Brandon. Managing seven rumbustious, hyper little boys was no small feat! The class consists of a half hour of tumbling and another half hour of learning routines. We had a few.....ehm....missteps along the way. Let's just say Tracy was a little TOO rowdy on more than one occasion and sat in the corner for part of the class. I bring this up because as time has passed I have seen much growth in Trace. He has learned to control himself (most of the time) and is often the teacher's assistant during class.

Summer's teacher, Miss Tami is adorable and so sweet with all of the little girls. Summer behavior is completely OPPOSITE her brother's. She takes it so seriously I keep asking her if she is enjoying herself. When Miss Tami does kicks across the floor and asks the girls to follow, most of them give up half way and start playing with each other's skirts. Not Summer! With a serious look on her face she kicks her little legs the whoooooole distance. At the end of class she is smiling and jumping around and chatting with her friends. Maybe I am just used to rowdy boys and I assume because she isn't yelling and causing chaos she isn't having fun.

Summer's class was one of the studios selections for the Festival of Trees. She was LITERALLY jumping for joy at the chance to perform. I will have to post the video. She was not only dancing her little heart out, she was singing the words! We didn't know what to expect when she got up there on that stage. Little did we know we have a little diva on our hands. She had facial expressions and everything!!! It was awesome.

It has been an exciting few months of dance and I look forward to the next recital come spring. Everett has just joined Tracy's Hip Hop class. So far, so good. I am just pleased my kids have found something active that brings them so much joy.

Reflections 2011

The theme this year for Reflections was "DIVERSITY". Tracy said he wanted to enter and came up with an idea all on his own. He drew a picture of himself with his friend Tino and wrote "Buddies". Such a simple drawing on one level, but with deep roots into who Tracy is. He loves everyone regardless of what they look like, what they wear, where they live or what they believe. There is a reason he makes friends everywhere he goes. He has an open heart and puts himself out there in the world. I love Trace for many reasons, this being just one of them.

As it turns out, I wasn't the only one who thought Tracy's entry was noteworthy. He moved onto the next level and was a finalist for the whole district!!! I am proud of this accomplishment, but mostly I am proud to know the sweet, open-minded boy who created it.

The things we learn from our children...

I thought that as the parent I would be the one to provide teaching and guidance. I have since learned that I am often the student.

This last Thanksgiving, Mike's father learned an old schoolmate had nowhere to go for Thanksgiving. Being the generous man that he is, he invited him to join our family for the holiday. It was a tasty, enjoyable and LOUD feast followed by some down time before pie. I had noticed that the "friend" didn't join us for dessert and figured he just needed some quiet away from our rambunctiousness. Come to find out, Tracy had asked him to join us and he had politely declined. Tracy then asked if he would just like someone to talk to and spent some time keeping this man company. I was too wrapped up with filling my belly with pumpkin pie to notice my sweet seven-year-old showing love to a man he met only an hour prior. 

My father-in-law later told us about what had happened and I feel very touched. I am so proud of his unprompted act of kindness. As this time of year we turn our hearts toward gratitude, I am grateful for my children. I am thankful for the love they show to me, to each other and to others. If you know me well enough, you know crying is not in my lexicon. However, each time I read this post or think about Tracy sitting with this gentleman, I get a little choked up.

Tracy turns SEVEN!!!

On the 29th, my not so little Trace turned seven years old! Where has the time gone? I swear we just brought him home, having no idea what to do with him. JK He has turned into such a smart, strong-willed, creative and friendly person. He makes friends wherever he goes. And once you are his friend, he cares about you forever! I admire his strong sense of what is right and wrong (even though he doesn't always act accordingly). He is like his father in his unwavering testimony and I know he will be ready to be baptized next year. DID I JUST TYPE THAT? I love you Trace and I am proud of all you are, all you do, and all that you will become.

Trace wants to be a Lego engineer when he grows up so I thought I would use my cake engineering to build him a lego.

Yep, he of COURSE got a lego from Mike and Melody. It was apparently more exciting than the DS some of us went in on for him. Who knew? :)

Just a few of the crew who came to celebrate our awesome man. We let Trace choose whether he wanted a big party or to have a few friends go somewhere fun.......to my disappointment he chose to take three friends to classic. I soooooo love throwing parties. At least I still have Summy and Ev for a few more years right?

Should I throw it? Seriously, is he not the cutest little man?

Piano Man

For over a year Tracy has been BEGGING for piano lessons. He began taking from his Grandma Kelley in February and performed in his first recital a few weeks later!!
Trace was nervous at first but when it was his turn he walked right up to the stand, announced his pieces, and played them perfectly! Then he sat down and asked how much longer after EVERY song. Haha.  I am proud of his efforts to practice and improve his technique. He is lucky to have a patient Grandma willing to educate him in all things piano.I look forward to the day we can play duets together. I suppose I need to practice more too. LOL

Back to School Fools

School Days, School Days, Back to School Again......

This year Tracy started Kindergarten and boy was he ready! When his ADORABLE teacher, Mrs. Aune, tested him at the beginning of the year he let his "Traciness" shine through. She asked if he knew his letters and numbers and he raised his arms up gangsta style and replied, "BRING IT ON!" LOL He is such a character. We are lucky to have all day KG at our school. 

I am too cool to smile.

I'm gonna rock this place!

CUTEST teacher EVER!!!

I am working in the third grade again this year. Tracy's class is down the next hall so we run into each other a lot. I still adore my job and my students. Those of you on FB know some of the hilarious things that come out of their mouths. Once I am caught up I will post some of them. 

Everett began his second year of Preschool with Miss Anna and Miss Ginger. He has developed quite the singing voice and his teachers called the day of his performance very disappointed he was sick. They said he was their "star". :( He is always happy to help out and his smiling face brightens our days. It also brightens the face of his girlfriend, Jocelyn. He has come a long way with his "CK" and "T" sounds so no more asking him to say he loves KITTIES!!!!You know who you are. 

It's an off-roading kind of Birthday for Tracy!

So, in years past we have done a race car party, a monster truck party......this year Trace wanted an off-road party. I came up with all these plans for a Baja 1000 themed shindig but Trace opted for a Moab theme instead. Fortunately we had gone to Moab recently so I had a few ideas fresh in my head.
On the invitations I had mentioned we were "going to Moab" and must apologize to all those who thought we were REALLY going to Moab for the party. LOL I thought having the address for the ward pavilion was clear enough. I wish we could have gone too.
Tracy's party was a day after we came home from Powell so I decided to not have the party at our house knowing it would be covered in boating/camping gear. Having it at the church worked out perfectly because we laid out a "slickrock" bike trail in the parking lot and had the kids bring their bikes and scooters. Easiest party game EVER!!! The kids had such a great time we had to BEG them to come eat cake.
I thought it would be fun to have the kids paint their own petroglyphs but it was SOOOOOO windy only a few kids got to try it. Most of their pictures blew off the table-AS DID THE PAINT! Ha ha. At least it was washable paint.
Pinatas are so fun we have them at most of our parties. I was grateful I had a hot handyman to rig up the pinata creatively when there was nowhere to put it.Tracy's cake was super easy this year. It incorporated all of our favorite aspects of Moab: off-roading trails, hieroglyphics, and Delicate Arch. The wind kept blowing over my motorcycle man which left me quite displeased. :(
SPOILER ALERT:Cutest nephew ever!!!!
Is he not simply adorable? Tracy has been telling people he has a new little brother. It has raised a few questions but I would be happy to claim him as my own.
We celebrated with family at a separate party and the cake turned out much better second time around-HOORAY!
Unfortunately for Trace, on his ACTUAL birthday he PUKED all morning! Poor guy. He kept saying, "This is the worst birthday EVER!" He felt better as the day went on and even went swimming.
I cannot believe I have been a mother for six years. I enjoy Tracy's insight daily. Whether it's , "Mom, judges are principals for grownups" or "Legos are broken toys we put together", or "Wow mom, it's amazing you are still alive after 30 years".....I could have a blog solely based on his "wisdom". Look out kindergarten, here comes Tracy! I am just glad I will be one hall over so I can sneak a peek once in a while. I couldn't ask for more in an eldest son. Love you Trace!

Back to School

Hi-ho-hi-ho, it's off to school WE go. Originally I had planned on sending Trace to Kindergarten this fall, but in April I had a feeling that maybe we should wait. His teachers thought he was ready, we had gone to orientation, he had picked out his new backpack, I had signed up for PTA....... I don't know why I suddenly felt like waiting one more year. Tracy's birthday is at the end of June, so he would have been the youngest in his class. As an August birthday myself, I didn't foresee it being a problem. I prayed and prayed and got advice from friends who have/had children in the same situation and ultimately decided on one more year of preschool.
Since making that decision I have not regretted it AT ALL! I figure, what is the rush for him to grow up anyway? Now he can drive all through High School and, if you know Trace, you know that getting to drive is like receiving the keys to the castle. Another plus is that he and Everett go to preschool together. They are obviously in different classes but it is cute to see them walk in together and sing their school songs in unison. On the first day Tracy put his arm around Everett's shoulder and walked him to his class. It was such a sweet moment. I have had several people, namely teachers, tell me that boys with late birthdays do better if they wait to go to school. So, I am glad I had that motherly "feeling" and that I followed my gut.

Tracy informed me this is his new pose because he is a "cool kid".

Everett is in a phase in which he copies EVERYTHING Tracy does. Thus, he made the "cool kid" pose too.
If you are wondering why I mentioned off to school WE go it is because I am back in school too. Not as a student, but as an "intervention specialist" which is basically a fancy way of saying teacher's aide. I work with third graders and I am so in love with my class I look forward to seeing them every day. I also love that they get excited to see me and give me hugs. Although, after orientation I am PARANOID ABOUT LICE!!!!! It is weird to be called Mrs. Bollinger but fun as well.
The teacher with whom I work is also FANTASTIC! I couldn't have been paired with a better person. She is organized(YAY!), doesn't take crap from the kids and has so many creative ideas. It is her first year out of student teaching so we are sort of learning the ropes together. I know I will learn a lot from her. Another benefit is that I get to see the inner workings of the school before Tracy begins next year.

Tracy's Fall From Grace

Two weeks ago Mike and Melody invited us to their ward party at a park out in Taylorsville. We went looking forward to some volleyball, yummy food and fun. Little did we know we were in for quite the surprise. While climbing up the outside of a tunnel slide, Tracy fell at least ten feet to the ground!!! He seemed to be okay with just a few bumps and bruises until I noticed his cheek.
These pictures do not do it justice! He had a HUGE goose egg for a week and the bruise is still there two weeks later! Poor little guy. You would think he learned his lesson but what did I see him trying to do last week? Yep, trying to climb up the outside of a slide again. Boys will be boys.

Da-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-Happy Birthday BATMAN!!!!

You are invited to a gathering of all secret super heroes...................


Up until a couple of months ago Tracy wanted a Star Wars theme for his birthday party. When he suddenly decided he would rather have Batman I WAS ECSTATIC! That meant we could all wear our Halloween costumes again and ya'll know how I love any excuse to wear a costume. But, this is not about me it is about Tracy.
I let him write his own guest list and when it reached 20 I said, "what the heck?" It is summer and most people will probably be out of town. Boy was I wrong! We had about 20 kids in our bat cave, I mean backyard. and I wouldn't have had it any other way. I decided that old rule of inviting the amount of kids as the child's age was bunk. When have I been a rule follower anyway.
Mike was still sexy as the Joker but to the kids he was a little scary. He even TONED DOWN the makeup. I guess our kids are so used to seeing us in makeup and costumes we forget most kids have normal parents. Thanks for indulging me babe. I know you were roasting in the costume.

I wasn't quite as scary as Harley Quinn but many kids avoided me anyway.

You can't really tell but this is supposed to be a bat cave. The kids (mostly Jami actually) made batplanes and we took turns trying to fly them into the cave. Thanks for your sweet airplane skills Jam. Then it was time for "Batman Says" and our favorite tradition -the pinata!

Aren't these the cutest little super heroes you have ever seen? I loved that everyone dressed up. My cute friend even made her girls princess hero capes. Not long into the party the costumes came off piece by piece. It was pretty darn hot. I filled the pinata a little too much so with one smack it ripped down and we just bashed it. I had drawn the Joker inside his "escape car" and let everyone beat on him. I hope none of your children have anger issues now. Sorry.

Time for singing and cake!!!! Trace was very excited about his cake and I was excited to attempt fondant for the first time. I want to post some pics of Trace through the years but that will have to come later.

Now, to get the right shades of yellow and blue I used A LOT of gel coloring. Everett ate spoon fulls of both and if you are wondering, the answer is: YES! Blue and Yellow frosting make very bright GREEN poop. Luckily Ev pooped it in the potty.
Thanks to everyone who came to the friend and/family parties. It is great to see so many little ones that have grown up with Trace. I have made some dear friends through Tracy and he has gained some cool buddies from the fabulous friends I have. It is such an enjoyable time of life.
Oh, Tracy. You are such a wonderful ball of energy and emotion. You are our firstborn and have always made us proud. You are so entertaining and animated whether you are singing in primary, putting on a school show or just playing in your room. Your use of hyperbole makes you a great story teller. Just try not to elaborate on the truth so much. :) You are the best big brother to Summy. She lights up when she sees you and I know you will always look out for her. Even though you get sick of Ev shadowing you it is only because he looks up to you. I love that you two have become buddies and I appreciate you always helping him put on his shoes and getting him band aids for his owies. We love you Trace and all that you are. Your interest, no, obsession , with cars, transformers shoes and now legos. Your strong testimony amazes me. You are just like your father and have faith in whatever the Lord asks of you. You sweet prayers over the last year worked and you were so humble. "Well, yeah, I asked Heavenly Father for help and he helps us if we believe him". You put me in my place Trace. Now every night when you pray for Melody and her baby (and even Uncle Mike) to grow healthy and strong I see the sincerity in your voice and I know you are truly such a loving person. Tracy, you are a special kid. I am amazed at all you learn and remember. You are so friendly and make new friends wherever we go. You are non-judgmental and I hope that quality always follows you. Always see the good in others Trace because there is so much good for them to see in you. I love you bug! MWWWWAAAA (kiss)
Everett was put in time out and in the process he showed us his dejected face from the window. The funny thing was that it looks like he was using the quote bubble stuck to the window. I made a bunch of cheesy comic book signs that read:BAM, and KABLAB, "To the Batmobile", and CRASH..etc....

No party is complete without an appearance from Bat Girl!

A Mother's True Calling

The other day Tracy discussed occupations at school. As we were driving we discussed different careers people have and what they do at these jobs. We talked about what Daddy does and what firemen do etc. I then asked Trace what Mommies do and this was his response:

PLAN MY BIRTHDAY PARTIES!

I was expecting cooking, cleaning, playing, teaching, hugging, ANYTHING other than that. At least he appreciates all the work that goes into planning his birthdays. I think it is pretty funny that my son thinks my purpose in life is planning parties. I have to admit it is one of my favorite things about being a mom. I love a good themed party. Especially if it involves dressing up.

Dino-Mite!

I love watching my kid's personalities develop and watching them grow and mature. A couple of years ago Tracy was so annoyed at the thought of participating in a school program. This week he had his spring preschool program and did a fantastic job! He is so animated and dramatic. I often tell Mike I can picture Trace in musicals because he hates sports but loves to sing and dance. His dancing was not always on the beat but as his mother his performance was PERFECT!

My favorite part was when he stood up to say his favorite dinosaur. That and his partner dance with cute little Sophie Bella to "Dinosaur Rock". I cannot believe he will be in kindergarten next year. Wow, how time flies! I am so proud of my little dino guy and all he has learned and how much he has grown. I apologize for the blurry photos. Everett was sitting on my lap. When I say sitting I really mean trying to run up and talk to Tracy, play with the toys or grab the camera.

From the mouths of babes.

It is no secret I love politics and often talk about them around the house. I didn't realize, however, how much attention my kids pay to what is said. The other day I was driving out of the Trolley Square parking lot when we saw a man holding a sign on the street. Tracy said, "Mom, that guy needs to get a job." Now let me clarify. I am all for helping those in need and willingly donate money to organizations through whom I know money is going to give aid. That said, there are too many people milking the system. I have watched too many investigations following these so called people on the streets in need that go home to their decent houses and brag to their friends about how much money they got that day. I have also offered food to someone begging for money downtown and gotten a rotten look because I didn't have money. So, Tracy asked me once why someone was standing by the side of the road and I replied "because they need a job."
Back to the story. So, Tracy says" He needs to get a job, but President Obama doesn't think he needs a job!" I thought it was hilarious, but I know many of you will think it is awful. I am not trying to indoctrinate my children and I have never attacked anyone's character. I just differ with certain people politically. And not just democrats, if that is what you are thinking. Republicans are idiots too.
I thought this was worth writing down. The picture has absolutely nothing to do with this political rant. I just thought it was cute to see Summy and Trace working on their cars together.

Everett the politician

We often joke about Everett having my personality: he is incredibly stubborn, sneaky and no form of punishment seems to faze him. I recently discovered another thing we share:POLITICS. Lately when I ask him what he wants to watch he says, "I wanna watch a Mommy show. Watch seen and enn". Initially I put it on because I thought he was being silly, but he actually likes it. I don't let him watch it for long because it can get depressing and new is skewed anyway, but it is fun to watch him point out political figures and news anchors. Once he likened Wolf Blitzer to Santa. (Sorry buddy, he's Jewish.)
He is doing much better with world leaders than his big brother. When we were watching the inauguration, I told the boys "That is our new President. His name is President Obama". Tracy gave me a disconcerted stare and asked, "What about President Monson?" He also asked if the parade of Senators were Apostles.
Silly boys.

The Joys of Little Boys...

Recently we played musical chairs with the rooms in our house. We are pretty much done, but there are a few details left to tackle. One of these things is putting a lock on our new office door. When I got out of the shower the other day I was welcomed by two very colorful little boys.....






Tracy painted his face as venom and Everett's as "PooPoo Panda" (Po Panda from Kung-Fu Panda actually). The cute thing is Tracy colored on a soul patch like his Uncle Mike whom he adores. The not so cute thing is he got to sport it at church the next day because it wouldn't wash off. It was one of those moments I had to decide whether or not to scream or laugh. I chose the latter. Life is short and Tracy was very proud of his work.

Let's do Another one Papa!

Tracy was so sad when we told them he wasn't going over to my parents' on New Years so they slept over the next night. Tracy ended up being sick and throwing up all night but that's another story. Mindy Made this.

Converstations with Tracy.

Mom: So Trace, what should we do on Christmas Eve?
Tracy: Hmmmmm. How about we make cookies for Santa?
Mom:That is a great idea.
Tracy: Well, actually Santa eats a lot of cookies on Christmas. It's not good to eat cookies all the time, so maybe we should just leave him some carrots.

I would love to say his response was due to great parenting on my part but I think it has more to do with the fact he got into a bag of cookies a couple of weeks ago and got REALLY sick. We now have a lock on our pantry.

A Romp in the Snow

On Wednesday it snowed quite a bit. Well actually, it started on Tuesday and continued through Wednesday, but that's beside the point. The point is it snowed, and it was my day off so I was lucky enough to be home during the first snow! The kids couldn't wait to go outside and play so after about 45 minutes of tracking down mittens and gloves, taking a picture of "Tough Guy Everett" finding snow pants and getting them all bundled up, and trying to get them to hold still for a picture on the couch, we made it outside! We had a blast and the boys ganged up on dad in a snowball fight. Also Everett decided to take his gloves off and play in the sand while I was taking the Gargoyles from Halloween off the roof. Then he was crying because his hands were cold, but I couldn't just put the mittens back on because he now had sand stuck to his cold, wet hands. So I cleaned them off and put them back on, and he still was cold, so he sat under the carport on the steps for a minute until he was warmed up.

Lost Pictures of the Elusive Artist

Once apon a time, we were uploading pictures from the camera to the computer, and we accidentally left the camera on the bed afterwords. Mysteriously, it disapeared for a time. When finally it resurfaced, (interestingly enough in the boys' room) only the camera was found, the case was nowhere to be seen. After a few weeks, the case was once again found and reunited with the camera. Time passed and as I was looking through some pictures I had just taken, I stumbled upon the lost photos (and videos) of the Elusive artist. Take a look and see if you can figure out who is the Elusive Artist. Listen closely in the video and you'll here commands like "hold still". Also notice other things that have gone missing, like someone trying on one of Mom's shoes.