Festival of Trees

Haley is the second one from the right! The kids had a dance performance at the Festival of Trees. They all did so good. They danced their little hearts out. Then for the next 4 hours we walked through the trees and did the kids crafts thing until I forgot where I lived and began to think I lived there, in the South Town exhibit hall.
Here is a video of the boys dancing. Bless Max, he tries. This gives me Christmas cheer!

Happy Birthday Haley !

Twelve years ago today, our sweet, little Haley was born. At 9:17 a.m. on a snowy November morning, she arrived and we fell in love. She was so little, 6 lbs 9 oz, had all this black fluffy hair, a little bump of a nose, skinny long fingers, and big skinny feet. She was perfect. My angel-baby. She looked just like Troy and she was(is) so beautiful. She made me a mom. The job I love most in the world. The job that is the most challenging and rewarding. I couldn’t have asked for a better daughter than Haley. She is sassy, energetic, exhausting, loving, kind, crazy, smart, thoughtful, sweet, happy, friendly and so much more. I wouldn’t have her any other way. Happy Birthday Haley!
Here is my baby going to a new year's eve part. So pretty !

I love this photo. She kept falling over. Everytime she would start to tip over. I would push her back up. Look at those cheeks!

Each of the kids picked out their own pumpkin and what character they wanted. Haley designed her own, Max wanted Tigger and Josh... of course... Hello Kitty. The boys helped a little bit, but I question who's big idea it was to let little kids jam a knife into a gourd and not kill themselves. So we caaaarefullly carved the pumpkins and luckily had no trips to the hospital.

Aunt Bee and Dad were happy to see the kids in their costumes. They made a big fuss over them.

Happy Halloween

As you may know, Halloween is not my favorite holiday. In fact, I think it is my least favorite. I think I even like Flag Day better. But, I have children, so I deal with it. Haley went with her friends, and I took the boys, and Troy "Mr. Candy" handed out candy. Max was a transformer "bumble bee," Josh was a dalmation and Haley was a 50's girl. It was lovely weather, no need to bundle the kids up. I gave the boys the instructions on how to ring the doorbell, say trick or treat, say thank you and walk away. What screwed the whole thing up is the old people in the neighborhood who think it is nice for the little kiddies to pick out their own treat. NOOOoooooo!!! As I slap my forehead. My children don't understand the "take one" treat concept. So as Max and Josh were just taking handfulls, I am saying from the curb, just one, just one ! So as we walked down the street we discussed the rules again. Then the next old lady said, oh you can take two. Good God people. Just give them one candy bar and let's move on! We made it to the end of our street and around the corner, when Max had his first meltdown. He layed on the grass, saying "I can't do it." It's a struggle for Max. So we went a few more houses and Max screamed at me, "I am done with Trick or Treating." So we went home. Josh was ready too. Max was home and out of his costume before Josh and I even made it in the house. They had fun, got to wear their costumes, and had a parade at kindergarten. Haley had fun with her friends and got to go to IHOP after. It was a very happy halloween.

Dancing With the Stars

I am grateful that the fall TV schedule has started so I can update my blog. It seems the summer is too busy to watch TV and that is when I update this page. We like Dancing With the Stars (DWTS). Max, Haley and I watch it and say who is our favorite. Of course, I like Lance Bass (such a NSYNC fan) and Haley likes the kid from the Disney channel. Max sometimes will re-enact the dance. Sometimes we have to watch certain dances over and over (he found the rewind button). It takes a while to watch it. Derek Hough is my favorite to watch dance and Julianne Hough is just gorgeous. But Warren Sapp? Oh Hell yes! I love him. So hopefully I will get to update my blog more as more shows come on that we like to watch. That is if Max will let me on the computer long enough to type.

Josh and Max start Kindergarten

Yep, its true, the boys started Kindergarten. Josh was very excited to begin. What is not to love at Kindergarten for Josh. New friends, new clothes, new backpack with new crayons, snacks, glue and of course, glitter. Max was not as excited as Josh. He made it through the first day, but when we picked him up and asked him about his day he said, "Kindergarten is too long." The second day, when Troy took him and it was time for him to go into class, Max threw down his backpack, folded his arms and said, "I quit!" Oh this is going to be along 12 years! Josh, skips he is so happy to go to school today, loves doing his homework, and is friends with everyone. Max was recently allowed to go into the workroom at school so he could work alone. Apparently, the other kids were bothering him while he did his work. Max tells me about the kids that are on his list of "bothering him." He points them out to me, "that's the one I was telling you about" he says. He loves being at home, with his TV and internet searches for toys, and cheetos. Why go to school? The "you have to go or mommy will go to jail" story doesn't seem to be working.