Catching up with the break

Well.  At least I'm almost caught up into the year 2013.  That's good.  Here is just a little recap of our "Winter Break."  For those old schoolers, like myself - I'll refer to it as "Christmas Break."

There was the ever popular, ginger bread house decorating.  This was the first year I actually made ginger bread.  Five small houses, and one big one for the center of town.  I had some candy I brought from the states, and then thanks to my candy trip to Tamimi's a few months ago - remember the overload??? - well, we had lots of fun things to decorate with.

There was A LOT of crafting!  Christmas break always brings out the crafter in us all.  Doesn't it? 

There was lot's of talk of Santa Claus and presents. Lots and lots of snuggles and fun.

Happy New Year!!!

 We had a Fondue party on New Years Eve, with about 25 people;  no kids.  It was so fun.

Overall, the break was uneventful.  The highlights were going to the beach -a lot.  Parks and walks.  Someone gave us their old wooden play set.  We put it right up under a tree and my kids spend hours on it.  It's 15 years old, lived here in the middle east, and very worn.  But I'm telling you - they are loving it.  It has been a bus, a pirate ship, a submarine, a fire truck, a kitchen, a school room, and I'm sure much more.  They are loving it.  They have tied all kinds of things to it.  Ropes, nets, hammocks.  It's fun.

There was  A LOT of drawing and lego making.  And the last week, my two oldest made almost every meal.  My goal was to teach them how do the basics of cooking, and get them to the point where they could open a cook book - and make a recipe on their own.  And they can!  They made cakes, bread, tacos, grilled cheese, pancakes, waffles, and most anything their little hearts desire.  Or that I can stand being made into mess in the kitchen.  But as I tell them - cleaning up is part of cooking!

Break is like this for me.  I love it...then I want it to end...then I love it and never want it to end.

The end.

Roo is Seven!

All Ruby wanted for her birthday this year was an American Girl doll.  (as if 'that's all' - sheesh!)  While we were in Seattle she got to go and pick her out.  But she was wrapped away and kept in my closet until the day.  She opened her right before we left for Europe, a couple of days before her birthday. 

She was VERY excited and LOVES her doll, which she named Elizabeth.

They didn't have a red hair, blue eyes, AND freckles.  But this year - their girl of the year has all three requirements.  Guess who want another one?  Guess what I said?  "Start saving your money!"

Since we were out of town for her birthday, before we left we celebrated at our Branch Brunch after church.  Mmmm.  Delish!  On her birthday we ate lots of Gelato, threw coins in the Trevi fountain, and enjoyed the Colosseum.  She wanted a pair of boots from Italy - so those came while in Florence.  (sounds fancy, I know, but they were just from some little shop in a mall)  If you ask me - a girl couldn't have had a better 7th birthday.  (Or 17th OR 70th, if you as me!)

Love this Goo!

Brothers

This isn't the greatest picture of the boys - but they LOVE to ride this bike around the house.  (until it recently died)  But it has gotten it's money worth - for sure.  It's noisy and clicks along the tile.  They laugh and scream as they turn the corners as fast as they can.  It makes me laugh.

Yesterday, Chach was telling me how much he loved me.  "I love you more than anyone else in the family.  I love Ruby a little - okay, well, medium.  I love daddy the most too.  And Giddie.  I love you, and Daddy and Giddie the most."

I hope he always loves Gid this much.  They are perfect little partners and I love them both - the most.

(and all the other kids the most, too)

What's in your laundry?

I have been saving this card/sticker from a laundry basket for, like, two years.  Sheesh.  I finally am posting it.  I think it's so funny.  Read it carefully.  "Dirty clothing of basket".

While we're talking of laundry - I found this in my washing machine the other day.  Gid had been working hard.

I found the cat in the dryer recently, as well.  I have a picture... somewhere.  But really.  I hate when people post cat pictures - so use your imagination.  A-choo!

Do you find everything under the sun in your washer and dryer?  I do.  For Christmas the kids got some Bucky Balls - those little magnets, I find them stuck all over the inside of my washer.  Also, besides buckets of sand from the beach, I regularly find sticks, army guys, LEGOS!, cars, tiny pencils, legos, paper clips, candy wrappers, did I mention legos?  Having kids is wonderful - I think I will actually miss finding their little treasures during the drudgery of laundry.  It always makes me smile.

Snow in the Middle East

Before we went to Italy, the kids were talking about what they wanted to buy while we were there.  I told them I hope they were saving their money, because I'm not buying them 'junk'.  (I'm a good mom like this - ha)  So they asked how they could earn some money to save.  After a little thinking and talking things through - we decided to open a little Hawaiian Shave Ice stand on the weekends.

I had brought a bunch of kool aid flavors back with me last fall, so this helped with the flavors.  We offer 17 in all.  I had to buy gator aid through the nose, just to get the bottles.  (which, btw, cost more than anything else involved)

The first week was a little slow.  Then things picked up pretty well.  We were just open on Thursdays (Saturday), for four hours.  Some weeks were really busy and others very slow.  But the kids loved doing it.  I made us all Hawaiian print waiter aprons.

Most of the clientele just happen to be our kids friends.  Nice.  We set up shade and chairs in the driveway.  Post signs around camp.  Each kid takes a turn on different duties throughout the hours of work.

We're closed for the winter - as it is just too cold.  (74 is freezing around here! - haha)  Each kid earned 100.00 for their trip, and I think they all spend every penny.  (Mainly on medieval weapons.)  But over all, I think we all had lots of fun.  They ask all the time when we will be open for business again.  Maybe we'll try again soon.  People love the little treat from the states, and the kids love working the business.  Don't get me wrong, there are lot's of "That's not my job!" It's your turn to take orders!"  And , "Hey!  Quit laying around - we're supposed to be working" - amongst each other - but that has been fun to watch them learn to work, and realize what is expected of them.  It's been a fun little business and we hope we can keep it up for a while.

Halloween

Halloween was hot and muggy - as usual.  But the King still rocked!

Japanese Princess and Gladiator

But, Roo wanted to be a witch at night.  Check out her shoes and socks; guess who she is.  I'm looking SWEET in my '70's' get up.

Here's a nice picture of trick or treating at night.  95 degrees and HUMID.  The camera didn't like this.

Happy VERY belated Halloween!

Adios Twinkies

You didn't think you were the only one to feed your kid a twinkie before they are gone, did you?

I had to.  I even paid 10 dollars for the box - and I didn't care.  Only Samuel had had a twinkie before this.  Honestly, no one was the impressed, though.  But they haven't grown up with them in their lives like a good child of the 80's did. 

I'll tell you what I'm really going to miss though...Tiger Tails.  Those raspberry soaked twinkies covered in coconut.  Mmmmm.  I love them.  Farewell, you evil treat.

Bouncy

Just in case you wonder what we do when it's REAAAAALLY hot here.

We BOUNCE!!!

Yep.  We bought a bouncy house last fall, that has been nothing but fun.  It fits in our TV room, and has been great during this cooler winter weather as well. 

Hop.  Hop.  Hop.

First Day of School 2012

This week I am playing catch up.  I have to document life around here someway or another.  So here we are way back to the beginning of school.  Samuel started 7th grade this year and actually is enjoying school.  Okay, maybe not school, but what it has to offer.  Here, well into the school year, are some of the things he's up to:  Got a part in the school play, "Clue".  (he's the Cop)  He just made an exciting cut with the school choir and gets to go on a three day trip to the other side of the Kingdom in an all Kingdom competition.  (he was very excited to be the only 7th grade boy to make it)  He's running cross country and actual really likes it.  He's very busy in Boy Scouts, Young Men's, and hating- or I mean - taking piano.  And, he's VERY proud to report that he has a B in math, that is the first time above a C, in middle school history for him.  He's REALLY growing up and such a wonderful help.

These two cuties are getting bigger each day.  Simon is in 4th grade this year - but seems like he should be in 9th.  And Ruby is the perfect 1st grader - nothing but ooohs, aaaaws, and giggles.  Simon played baseball in the fall and decided to sign up for drama club twice a week during the lunch hour.  He reads.  A LOT.  And then some.  He also builds anything and everything you can think of.  Between legos and his all time favorite book "Mini Weapons" he's very busy.  And trust me, don't blink, because he will quickly swipe any kind of paper clip, string, pencil, pen, rubber band, empty box or anything else he can get his hands on to build something with.  He's still the brightest bulb in our lamp - and still the most loving and easy going child.  A delight.

Ruby is a true red head, as we've some to find.  She is sweet and kind, and feisty and fiery.  She loves to read, as well.  (Sam does too, just not as obsessively as these two)  She reads every chance she gets, like Simon.  If she's not reading, she's looking at herself in the mirror.  She LOOOOOVES to admire herself.  Who wouldn't?  She IS adorable.  She loves American Girl dolls and babies, and still loves to dress up.  Right now she is playing soccer, her dad is her coach.  She is fast, but needs to put the full fire from her red hair into the scuffles.  She doesn't want to hurt anybody, so she backs off a little.  But she's the tallest and cutest first grade soccer player I know.  She also takes Yoga one day a week after school and LOVES this!  She's still in Girl Scouts and  - again - loves it.  This year I am one of her scout leaders and am really enjoying being with her in this part of her life.

Oh Chach.  He's is SO cute.  Sorry to say.  But we can't get enough of this stinker.  His cheeks still jiggle when he runs.  I mean?  Does is get cuter?  No.  He is loving his pre-K program at the elementary school, and loves being with Roo and Si at school.  He has a gazillion friends and has more play dates than anyone I know.  He is such a fun person.  We call him "The Great Gambini" as he is always, tumbling, flipping, and karate kicking.  (Gid is hot on his heels with this same behavior)  Sol's teacher tells me he's such a very nice child at school.  He includes others and plays with everyone.  Maybe that's why he has so many friends?  I get to be with my four youngest each week in Primary, and Sol never ceases to crack me up.  He only sings every fifth or so, word.  And that's with his big yell.  Yesterday, Giddie was sleeping during sharing time, and Sol had him lay his head on his lap, and let him take a little snooze.  It was so cute.  Those two LOVE each other.  Chach is in soccer for the first time this year.  He scored a goal his first game, on his 5th birthday.  And he scored three goals this past weekend.  He's fast and aggressive.  It's so fun to watch him play!

Giddie is 'home schooled', as the older kids like to tell him.  Next year he will be in preschool, and I am loving having home so much.  He is such a fun and loving child.  He always checks up on me.  If I look serious, he says, "Mama?  You mad?"  He loves to kiss, but NOT cuddle.  When I lay down with him for his nap, is the only time he snuggles.  He twists and turns until he is directly as close as can possibly be.  Then he sticks his thumb in his mouth and rubs my cheek with his snuggie.  I love it.  As of late, he has picked up whining - a lot.  I have to walk away, as it makes me nuts."Why? Why? WHY?!" His favorite word.  He also ALWAYS wants a snack - so does Chach.  Giddie is a total Mama's boy.  He wants me ALL the time.  And since he's the youngest, get's it WAY too much.  He will be three in April, this is the longest time I have ever gone without having a new baby.  It's strange, and sad, and kind of nice.  But I do love the babies.  Gid will just have to stay little longer - that's all.  In recent news with him, he moved out of his 'baby bed' and is in a big boy bed.  I felt sad seeing the crib go.  Almost 13 years of a crib in my house; that's a long time.  But a good change.  On other news - Gid has no interest, at all, in potty training.  Dang it.

There you go.  Pics from the Fall - update from the winter.  I love each one of these monkey's SO much.  I am so proud to be their mom.  I am a very lucky woman and feel so blessed each day to have them in my life.  People tell me this time will go so quickly.  Most days, I can't believe that - then I look at Sam and think by the time Gid is that age, Sam will be long gone from our little life here at home.  And those years have flown by.  I remind myself to enjoy each fleeting moment.