Christmas Traditions

Every year my mom comes over to make gingerbread creations with the kids. This year Jake wanted to do the whole bit, house, sleigh, and train - oh my. My poor mom was hounded for days by Jake who wanted a definite day/time when the gingerbreading would begin. Once he gets an idea in his head there is no sidetracking this boy.

A good time was had by all - here's the final product - another successful year wouldn't you say?

Funny Jarrett story:
I was putting some vicks and socks on his feet last night to help with his cough (old wives tale not sure if it actually works). He was just busting a gut laughing - he's super ticklish.
Joe: "Well, Jarrett, you may get some whoopin's but you can never say you weren't happy as a kid." (He was exceptionally naughty yesterday)
Jarrett: "Yeah, my 'whoopin's'" (he says while holding his hands in the air)
Jen (confused trying to decipher 3yr old speak): "What do you mean your 'whoopin's'?"
Jarrett: "These my whoopins"
Jen: "Your what?"
Jarrett: "These my whoopins" (now acting very Chuck Norris like)
Jen: "Your weapons?"
Jarrett: "Yeah, my whoopins"
Public service announcement - Watch out for Jarrett and his "weapons"...

(OK - this isn't as funny written out - oh well)

Snow Day

I'm not sure if it's global warming or a sign of the apocalypse, but it SNOWED in Vegas today!! Big snow! 'Pennsylvania snow' as Joe called it. The boys were chomping at the bit to get out and play, unfortunately, mom is under the weather (no pun intended) today so they had to wait until Joe got home from work. By then we had a good 3 inches in our front yard. In all my years living in Vegas, I have NEVER seen anything like this... The kids LOVED it!! I think Joe had just as much fun (if not more) as the kids. He is so funny because he wanted to take a walk in the snow like he used to in PA, so he took a stroll to Walgreens and picked me up some TheraFlu and ginger ale - that's true love for sure! Jocelynn was very unsure about the whole thing, but doesn't she look cute all bundled up!

p.s. No School tomorrow - we are really having a "Snow Day"!! So weird...

O Tannenbaum (aka Buddy)

Well, we finally got the tree put up (we are so behind this year). Special thanks to our great neighbors who had a relative selling trees so we go it for FREE & you know I'm all about saving the cash these days! I digress...
The kids had an amazing time putting all the ornaments on the tree. Jarrett however, our little funny man, has taken an extra special liking to the tree which he has named "Buddy". Not only was he giddy while decorating "Buddy", but also gave 'him' a kiss goodnight! I can't imagine what a boring place our home would be without Jarrett - he's such a nut!

Super Saver Club

OK - So I went on my first round trip couponing expedition tonight/morning... I got $300 worth of groceries (good stuff too) for $150!!!! I scooped up 12 boxes of cereal (Kix, Special K, Frosted Flakes, Chex to name a few), enough meat for at least 10 dinners & enough vegetable sides and salads for twice that many. And if cereal gets too boring for breakfast, we have a bunch of muffin mixes, sausages, eggs, and fruit for a morning pick-me-up. Needless to say, our pantry is FULL of good food as well as flours and sugars for baking yummy Christmas treats.
I know this sounds totally cheezy to post my grocery success, but since I took that coupon class I am so EXCITED to be saving 50% of my grocery bills (our biggest monthly expense)!
p.s. My friends Melanie & Keri and I will be hosting a coupon class on January 22 so mark that date and get ready to save $$!!
p.s.s. would have taken a pic of my loot, but since it is quite late/early I just needed to put it away (or hide it in some cases) - next time though

FUNNIEST VIDEO

My good friend Rhonda sent this to me in an email and it was so good I just had to post it for my posterity... I needed a good laugh before heading to bed! Thanks Rhonda!!

So great right! My ward better watch out... if we are still on the activities committee next year we may have to add a talent show - olympic theme perhaps???

New Family Pics

My dear friend Anna-Liisa Sansing took some family photos for our Christmas card... So, those of you lucky enough to be on our list, you get a preview.

If you don't get a card from us, it's not because we don't like you....chances are I won't actually send any out. I have a Christmas box with about 150 cards that I bought last year to send out... I am SO bad at cards - thank you, Christmas, birthdays... I have great intentions - I will buy the card, then not send it - serious personality flaw.

My beautiful girls! It's a good thing they have brothers and daddy has a shotgun.

The boys aren't bad looking either ;-) These two just melt my heart.

My kids crack me up! Jillian is always paying attention to every detail of everything going on around her... Jocelynn just here to have a good time... Jake is in a world all his own... and Jarrett just wants to go go go...

Here's one for the blooper reel... We were trying for a cute shot, but Jake was pretty much done with this whole sharade. He needed a little tap in the butt to keep him in line - just so happens I was caught in the act. Sometimes it is more work than worth it to get pics done, but then you get some photos like the kids' new profile pics and it makes all the fussiness worth it.
Thanks again Anna-Liisa!!

Turkey Day

I just love Thanksgiving! I love being around family, eating yummy food, and just relaxing. We did dinner twice this year. Thursday we spent at my dad's, ate turkey and watched the horns whomp on the aggies. A good day at the Mahoney house.
Friday, I cooked another meal for my mom and Joe's sister's family who were driving through Vegas back to Cali. I have to say I was pretty proud of myself for pulling it all together (I even made 3 pies). Although, I overestimated the size of the ham so it was a bit overdone but still tasty.
We only had 2 injuries - I got a good burn on my arm from the roll pan & Jarrett dislocated his elbow again. I got a band-aid & Jarrett got a trip to Urgent Care. He is such a trooper. We have to follow up with an orthopedic dr now to check his ligaments since this is the second time this has happened on he same elbow.
Hilight of the weekend: Jillian said the prayer on Friday & I about cried. She said a beautiful prayer of thanks for our 'shelter' and all the things we need. It was one of those I-can't-believe-that's-my-kid moments. She spoke way above her years. I guess I don't totally stink at this mom stuff.

Jarrett is 3!

I cannot believe it was 3 years ago this very night, Joe and I were packing up baby stuff and planning to spring Jarrett from the NICU no matter what they told us. He had been there for 10 days and I wanted him home so bad! He had already been moved to level 2 and was keeping his blood sugar up on his own for a few days, but one nurse didn't think he was taking a bottle well enough (he prefered the boob - he's no dummy). I had a speach all prepared about how I was taking him home, and if they wanted me to fax his weight in after every feeding to prove he was gaining weight I would do it. I was ready to do whatever I needed to bring my baby home!! I didn't sleep well that night. Joe and I got up the next morning, car seat and diaper bag in tow and headed for the hospital -- prepared for a fight. We arrived and the nurse saw the car seat and said, "Oh, you must have gotten my message. That was fast." Apparently, she had called after we left to tell us he could come home. Good thing for her because there woulda been a smackdown in the NICU that day. So, our little 4lb 11oz squirt came home on December 1, 2005 & our lives have not been the same.
Jarrett is so full of life and spunk. He loves to make people laugh which is apparent by his extensive array of 'faces'. If he is really excited to see someone, he doesn't say "hi" like a normal person... He will contort his face in the newest fashion to get his preferred reaction (giggles). Such a character!! I am so proud of our little champ!!

We just had a little family party this year. Grandma Janet made a cupcake Lightning McQueen (or iting a-ing) cake. We just had cake, ice cream, and presents at the park - such a beautiful day!!
"Ooh, ank you oomy.... ank you oomy.... ank you oomy" Jimmy's gift got the best reaction!!

Even better than when he saw his B-I-K-E. He just got this grin and hopped right on... and yes, we did get him a helmet.

And the Winner Is.....

It never ceases to amaze me that I am part of an extraordinary group of immensly talented individuals. One of these days I will post the story of how I became a member of the Saints Unified Voices choir - almost by accident. Anyway, last Wednesday was the Pearl Awards. Here is the article with the list of nominees:
http://www.mormontimes.com/arts_entertainment/music/?id=4867
I think it is worth noting that we were nominated for a Holiday Song, and Holiday Album for our Christmas album from 2 years ago... Good music never dies I guess.

And the winner is..... Gladys Knight and the Saints Unied Voices for Best Group Recording Artist (second year in a row now). http://mormontimes.com/arts_entertainment/news/?id=5008 Well, I am just a little proud of my little group of friends. I know we don't do this work for fame and glory, but it sure feels good to be recognized every now and again.

p.s. I just told Joe about this on the phone and he says, "This with the Grammy... you really are my trophy wife." Sheesh

VOTE!

Joe just got back from the McCain rally with Jake and Jillian (it was at the Henderson Pavillion)... After warming them up with some hot chocolate, I asked them what they liked the best.
Jillian: Rolling down the hill- listening to the people talk - getting 'Joe the Plumber' stickers
Jake: Rolling down the hill - and screaming really loud
What a cool experience for the kids to see perhaps the next President of the United States!!
We are going to pray VERY hard tonight!

p.s. I am asking everyone to remember to pray for the people in California voting on Proposition 8 - such an important election! Here are my neices doing their part - what beautiful girls! I am so proud of them for standing for what they believe!

Twilight Ta Da!!

My dear friend Molly just told me about a premiere party/early showing of Twilight at the South Point Hotel.... Click on the link below and get your tickets... Let me know if you want to caravan! WHoO HOoOOoOO!

Check the bottom of my blog for the countdown... I can't wait!
http://www.southpointcasino.com/twilight-movie.php

SUV Test

Please disregard this post...

My friend Steve from our choir has an unusal passion for googling any and all items regarding the Saints Unified Voices choir... So I am conducting a little experiment to see how long it takes him to find this... Word on the street is that he uses the full term Gladys Knight Saints Unified Voices and whatever place we have performed recently - for example: Seattle, Baltimore, San Jose, Dallas, St. Louis are the last few I think.

OK - I think my ramblings have given him sufficient search options - so let's mark the time at 10:14 on 11/1/08... and GO!

p.s. I'm also curious to see how many other choir members have joined Sven's crazy google obsession... Love you guys!!
So imagine about 4 more ladies to the left on the second row up and there's me ;-)

Owls, owls, and more owls

Jillian's 2nd grade class has been learning about owls for the past few weeks. Each child researched a different type of owl (I didn't realize there were that may, but there are lots). Their weeks of work culmunated in yesterday's "Owl Expo" complete with a reader's theater done in English & Spanish!
This is the hallway where all their projects were displayed. Each child was under their project so they would be easily accessable to demonstrate their owl's call (trust me when I say this was well rehersed). I'm not sure where she gets her 'cheesy' from??? ;-) Here is a close up of my, I mean Jillian's, final project.

Popsicles..mmmmm

So, the kids tried to share their popsicles with Jocelynn... you can't imagine the faces she made... so here are a few...

Apparantly she liked it in the end...

Pinewood Derby

So, we have officially experienced our first family pinewood derby... Can I just say, I have seen the movie, but to see it happening first hand is something to behold. Jake's Papa Tony helped with his car (and when I say 'helped' you should know that Jake picked out the paint color)... It was tricked out with a TON of weight and groovy flashing lights in the back - no rules! We were so proud of our little car. Jake waited for weeks to pick it up and finally the day arrived...

We entered the cultural hall and knew we were in trouble! The ramp was computerized and hooked up to an electric score card that projected on the wall! These guys don't mess around!!
Needless to say the boys were in awe!So Jake's car is the one closest to you - "BumbleBee" notice the Transformer stickers! He was up against "Tank", "Taz", and the little red one that was one of the fastest of the night. NOTE: His car won the first run... and that was all... We had to explain to him later why he didn't receive a trophy because he saw his car win... awwww

Of course, we can't go a day without taking a cute pic of Miss Jocelynn... GO JAKE!

Halloween Funny

This kinda goes along the lines of our other post about Jarrett's view on the economy... Happy Halloween!!

Proposition 8

This post is gonna be a doozy so brace yourselves... My BFF (can't believe I actually used that) Kara sent this to me last week regarding Proposition 8 on the California ballot - If you know anyone who lives there, please pass this info along. The story following was one I received a few times in the last few days - SHOCKING that people are still so opposed to gospel standards! I just don't understand!

Hi everyone,
I know that we have already sent out emails to a few of you, but we wanted to let everyone know what is happening here in California. In 2000, with 61% of the vote, Californians decided that same-sex marriage should not to be legal in their state. Later, the CA Supreme Court overturned that decision (3-4) saying it was unconstitutional. Proposition 8, which is on the ballot for this November, would make 'only marriage between a man and a woman valid and recognized in California'. This measure is an amendment to the CA state constitution and would therefore have the staying power Proposition 22 did not.

Rich and I feel that it is very important to involve everyone we can on the matters that are happening right now in California. The effects are huge and possibly nationwide, as we have seen in other state like Massachusetts and Florida. Last week we attended a broadcast given by the leaders of our church regarding Proposition 8. Elder Ballard, Elder Cook and Elder Clayton spoke. They said that Proposition 8 is 'a major concern of the leaders of the church.' They encouraged us to tell family and friends to register to vote. We hope all of you who can register to vote in California will do so. They asked the young people and young married couples to get involved in the conversations on the internet about Proposition 8. They encouraged us to use the new website: http://www.preservingmarriage.org in our blogs, websites, conversations, etc. It is a wonderful website with videos and information regarding the sacred union of marriage between a man and woman and the church's views on Prop 8. The purpose of this email is to ask and encourage each of you to get involved in some way. I know some most of you are out of state, but there are still so many things you can do. Maybe you could email friends, donate money or perhaps you can put this website (www.preservingmarriage.org) or some of the things it has on it on your blogs for others to read. Spreading the word is very mportant. We have spent 3 Saturday mornings going door to door, and many other hours making phone calls from our home, trying to talk to people about Proposition 8 and the consequences of its failure to pass. Many people I talked to are simply confused/uninformed and wanted to vote no to preserve marriage when a YES vote is for the preservation of traditional marriage. So, just getting the word out is important.

The consequences of Prop 8 not passing are great. I have attached a website listing some of those consequences. Reading them was a turning point for me and realizing that they can and actually are starting to happen is part of what motivated us to get involved. We don't wish to discriminate against same-sex couples, and Prop 8 does not (under CA law, 'domestic partners shall have the same rights, protections and benefits' as married spouses [Family Code 297.5]) ...it simply preserves our rights to traditional marriage and to teach our children such. Rich and I were also asked by the bishop to teach a lesson to the ward about the importance of the passing of this measure and preserving the family. It was a great way for us to read the words of the prophet about how important this issue is and how urgently our action is needed. The 1st Presidency wrote in a letter dated June 20, 2008: 'We ask that you do all you can to support the proposed constitutional amendment by donating of your means and time to assure that marriage in California is legally defined as being between a man and a woman. Our best efforts are required to preserve the sacred institution of marriage.' Area authority Elder John C. Dalton referred to this time as 'a battle we must win!' Unfortunately, in a state as liberal as CA it will be an uphill climb. Rich and I both feel that greater things are at stake than it may seem.

There are many things we can do here in CA, and we feel that one of the ways we 'can do all we can,' as we were asked by the 1st presidency, is to network with friends and family. We hope we can all work together to be a 'mighty army' as Elder Ballard said last week. We have attached links to some pivotal websites if you would like more information:

LDS.org newsroom gives the church's official stand on Prop 8:
http://www.newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/news-releases-stories/church-readies-members-on-proposition-8

The consequences if Prop 8 fails:
http://protectingmarriage.wordpress.com/2008/09/14/six-consequences-the-coalition-has-identified-if-proposition-8-fails/

The Best Gift, a beautiful video about the family produced by some members in our ward:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmZaHbGgXH8

The experiences of a family in Massachusetts who's 5 year old was taught in school about same-sex marriage: http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1352578267/bctid1784521903

An article from the San Francisco Chronicle telling of a first-grade class taking a field
trip to witness a lesbian wedding:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/10/11/MNFG13F1VG.DTL

A non-religious website giving more info: www.whatisprop8.com

Thank you for your help, especially your prayers! We love you all and hope you are well.

Kara, Rich and the fam

Current story:
Dear family and friends,

I had a very disturbing experience yesterday that I would like to share with
those of you that live outside of California (or outside of the San Francisco Bay Area).

This weekend we have stake conference. Our stake conference always begins with a stake temple session on Friday or Thursday night. Early Friday morning I received a call from the second counselor in our bishopric to let me know that there would be numerous protesters outside the temple, and to remind everyone to stay calm and to drive carefully. The beautiful Oakland Temple is located right across the bay from San Francisco , very close to the city of Berkeley. Apparently the opposition to proposition 8, the amendment that seeks to make marriage in CA between a man and a woman again, has realized the deep involvement of the church and begun to protest right outside of the temple and harass temple patrons. The fastest way to get to the temple from our house is to take the 680 freeway, but the exit is a bit tricky. The off ramp is extremely short and straight uphill. You then make an almost blind left turn, an immediate right and another left into the parking lot. As we! approached the off ramp, I realized there would be trouble. There was a backup onto the freeway from cars stalled on the off ramp. As we moved forward inches at a time, we realized this was due to a large group of loud protesters who were standing on both sides of the street, yelling, screaming and waving signs. When we got to the top of the offramp, ready to make our turn, one protester jumped out right in front of our car. It took my husband all his self control to carefully maneuver around him to the left and proceed to the temple. I tried not to listen to all they were shouting at us, but I was shaking as I got to the temple front door. Several of the sisters, especially the ones driving on their own, were crying (which made me snap out of it and go into RS President mode to comfort them). Later, as I was sitting in the perfect quiet of the chapel, I couldn't help but think of Lehi's dream, and the people who mocked the Saints from the big spacious building but 'we heeded them not.' It was a truly surreal experience, I'd never thought that I would have to go through an angry crowd to get to the temple. As we left late at night, the protesters had dispersed, temple security (who all looked very large and Tongan) stood by the gates. I never saw a single police man.

Please pray for those of us in California fighting for prop 8--it's getting
kind of scary out here!

Susanne

Let's all keep these folks in our prayers & PRAY that the Lord works His miracle in a few weeks...

Little Nuggets

I have several random ideas floating in my head & they just need to be dumped:
~ The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have.
~ Life isn't about how to survive the storm,but how to dance in the rain
(These will be my mantra today as I 'make the best' of my place a.k.a. Scouring Day - ugh)
~ Jocelynn popped another tooth this morning...whoo doggy is she cranky
~ Boys are crazy - enough said.
~ And just a general huge 'SIGH' for all things that are overwhelming me at the moment.

On we go...

Economics by Jarrett

I know we are all concerned about the economy these days. Joe and I are baffled by the whole 'wealth distribution' thing and I guess we have been talking about it a little too much around the house. While it would be great to get a little extra cash, it is simply ludicrous to tax those who 'make too much' and who are providing jobs! I digress... It's simple economics to me & apparantly to Jarrett too (he will be 3 next month)....

This morning Joe got hurt really badly (we still don't know if he threw his back out or tore something, but he is in a lot of pain). Jarrett was in the room when he had to call into work saying he would not be there today (which NEVER happens).
His response: "Daddy no work?"
Joe: "No son, daddy can't go to work today"
(brief contemplating pause)
Jarrett: "Oh, Daddy no money?"

And there you have it - economics that a 2 year old can understand. You work hard and you get your OWN money - DUH!!

Do you maybe have this in a blue?

I am so excited today because Jocelynn got her bows from my friend Corrine (CCBaby, Inc one of my 'fav things'). DANG Cute Stuff!! So cute in fact that Jarrett decided he would try one on!! Such a character, but I don't think they were meant for boys - even though he is one cute boy!! I took him to a mirror so he could see what he looked like. The following conversation took place: "Jarrett, do you like it?" (brief pause) "No. Me blue one"!
Apparently he is not opposed to the bow, just the color...

So, Corrine, do you have any flower bows in Blue??

Joe is gonna kill me for posting this!

Dear Jake,

To my dear sweet son Jakob... Sometimes I just don't know what to do about you! I thought I had gotten used to your new ... 'comments' ... these past few weeks. I know the only reason you started, and continue, to share them is because I specifically told you that you should NOT be saying that to your mother. In my lame attempt to stop this nonsense, I have been trying to just ignore it - thinking you still appreciated my foul reaction too much. I have gotten so good at ignoring it in fact, that if it wasn't for the immediate roar of laughter by my friend at the park I may not even have noticed you screaming at me, "Mom, I love you! ...... You're HOT!"


Son, that's just not right.

Love,
Your Mom

Twilight is coming!!

Twilight HD Exclusive Trailer


Whoo hooo!!! This new trailer came out officially last night (I know kinda sick that I know this stuff - I told you I was hooked)!! OK - So any other 'Twilight Mom's' wanna join me at midnight on te 21st?? I have never gone to an opening show, but could force my eyelids open to saciate my TW addiciton! Any takers?? (the Diet Coke will be flowing in abundance that night)

one little word...

So, today I am amazed that one little word can change my whole perspective on life. Jocelynn started to ramble 'mamamama' a few days ago, but today it seems that she has linked her ramblings to ME! If I put her down or walked away from her, she cried, "mamamama" - of course I could come running back to her (I am such a sucker). After about half a dozen times she started to call my name without the crying. SHE KNOWS MY NAME!!
I don't care about what is going on the world today, I don't care how terrible I feel today, I don't even care that I didn't finish the laundry today... MY BABY KNOWS ME!! YIPEE!!

p.s. did you see how I figured out how to underline in html - look out - i'm getting all technical up in here!

Who will you be voting for??

Just in case you are unsure on who you will be voting for in a few days (or even if you want confirmation)... ABC news has a little 'matching-game' that will help you...
http://abcnews.go.com/politics/MatchoMatic/fullpage?id=5542139
(I just liked seeing Obama fly off my screen)
Another 'fun' fact that Joe brought to my attention today as he was reading his NRA mailers... Obama, IF elected, would be the most anti-gun President in American History! My FAVORITE tidbit was this: Obama voted to ALLOW the prosecution of people who use a firearm for self-defense in THEIR OWN HOME! (Illinois Senate, S.B. 2165, vote 20, 3/25/04) Seriously!! I'm not allowed to defend my family!!! This REALLY freaks me out!!
You can check out the other votes & quotes from him at www.GunBanObama.com

That's my political rant for the day... I am Jen Morris and I approve this message.

Introducing Miss Jocelynn Elizabeth!!

Here's my baby...only she doesn't much seem like a baby anymore... Her first tooth started poking through today - ahhhhhh - I'm not so happy about this!! Ah well, I can always reminisce...

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Bathtime Fun!!

Ok - you'll have to forgive my indulgence. We had some fun giving Jocelynn a bath for the first time without her seat (she is getting so big - sniff sniff). We did not expect her to have so much fun, so of course, we had to capture the moment... Hope you enjoy...

If only baths were still this fun for grownups!

Jarrett loves trying to make her laugh...

In the end, it's hard to tell who was having more fun - you can't help but join in this one...
Happy October!

Oh, Well!!

Today has been quite an 'ah ha' day for me. It started out as crazy as always - rushing to get everyone to church on time. My theory still stands: I can either eat breakfast or take a shower, but if I attempt both - we are late. Anyway, besides a large breakfast for Joe's birthday (Happy B-day Honey) I knew we were going to have some trouble when Joe started to get sick. Luckily the boys were bathed before that happened & since he was going to be staying home, so was the baby. At this point I am thinking, "Great! We are going to only be a few minutes late & I can actually sit through all of Sunday School & Relief Society!"

I jinxed myself. The boys started fighting, Jillian wanted her hair braided just so, I still had to put some makeup on to cover my dark circled eyes, and Joe was still in the bathroom. At about 9:20 we finally got the bag packed - minus scriptures of course - and headed out the door. Jarrett was walking down the stairs in front of me and I that's when I noticed a strange white substance in his hair. Apparently, he wanted his hair "spikey" (like it can be fixed any other way). I quickly grabbed him in a football like hold and rushed to the bathroom. I had a dilema: he is already dressed & there is no time for a bath. Quickly, I stuck his head in the sink and began to furiously rinse whatever that was out of his hair.

Crisis averted. We arrived at church at 9:35 for 9:00 sacrament. At this point I was just happy to have made part of the meeting. The kids settle in to coloring books & as soon as I take my first sigh of relief I notice it: Jake had his pants on BACKWARDS!!

My great epiphany (aka "ahh ha" moment): OH, WELL!!! No matter how much I prepare NO day will go the way I plan. AND, going to church is so necessary no matter how easy it is to throw in the towel and ditch. It was a really great meeting today!!

Why boys need parents...

My cousin Wendy sent this to me - Joe & I just died laughing... we felt obligated to add a few of our own at the end...

You find out interesting things when you have sons, like.....
1.) A king size waterbed holds enough water to fill a 2000 sq. Ft.
House 4 inches deep.
2.) If you spray hair spray on dust-bunnies and run over them with
roller blades, they can ignite.
3.) A 3-year old Boy's voice is louder than 200 adults in a crowded restaurant.
4.) If you hook a dog leash over a ceiling fan, the motor is not
strong enough to rotate a 42 pound Boy wearing Batman underwear and a
Superman cape. It is strong enough, however, if tied to a paint can,
to spread paint on all four walls of a 20x20 ft. Room.
5.) You should not throw baseballs up when the ceiling fan is on. When
using a ceiling fan as a bat, you have to throw the ball up a few
times before you get a hit. A ceiling fan can hit a baseball a long
way.
6.) The glass in windows (even double-pane) doesn't stop a baseball
hit by a ceiling fan.
7.) When you hear the toilet flush and the words 'uh oh', it's already too late.
8.) Brake fluid mixed with Clorox makes smoke, and lots of it.
9.) A six-year old Boy can start a fire with a flint rock even though
a 36-year old Man says they can only do it in the movies.
10.) Certain Lego's will pass through the digestive tract of a 4-year old Boy.
11.) Play dough and microwave should not be used in the same sentence.
12.) Super glue is forever.
13.) No matter how much Jell-O you put in a swimming pool,you still
can't walk on water.
14.) Pool filters do not like Jell-O.
15.) VCR's do not eject 'PB & J'sandwiches even though TV commercials
show they do.
16.) Garbage bags do not make good parachutes.
17.) Marbles in gas tanks make lots of noise when driving.
18.) You probably DO NOT want to know what that odor is..
19.) Always look in the oven before you turn it on; plastic toys do
not like ovens.
20.) The fire department in Austin , TX has a 5-minute response time.
21.) The spin cycle on the washing machine does not make earthworms dizzy.
22.) It will, however, make cats dizzy.
23.) Cats throw up twice their body weight when dizzy.
24.) 80% of Women will pass this on to almost all of their friends,
with or without kids.
25.) 80% of Men who read this will try mixing the Clorox and brake fluid.

p.s. I did forward it, and as I was reading #25 Joe chuckled and admitted he was thinking about what that would look like (boys will be boys)

Here are the MORRIS BOYS' ADDITIONS:
26.) Play-doh & fish tanks are NOT a good combination
27.) Baking cocoa makes great "dirt" for hot wheels
28.) Cocoa footprints come out of the carpet well... baking soda, baby powder, and paint do not
29.) #28 happening in one weeks time makes for one crazy mama!!
30.) Mom is NOT happy when you paint your baby brother! (see photo)
31.) Nail polish remover takes sharpie off of just about anything.

Oldies but Goodies...

Well, since the camera was miraculously found, we now have access to our precious pictures & videos... so here is an oldie that is one of my favorites...
Jarrett wanted to take Jocelynn for a ride when he came to the hospital for a visit. I have never seen a 2 year old more ready to be a big brother. He truly loves her!

Oh Happy Day!!

So you know the preverbial 'hole' in every house that slowly accumulates socks, toys, and random items. Well, today I found 3 such holes!! Thanks in large part to Jarrett (the master horder) my wallet was found behind his dresser along with several spoons, cars, and crayons... (that is his second wallett theft - I'm just happy that I found it 4 months quicker this time). The second spot is behind the couch where there was a plethera of capri suns and fruit snack wrappers. Not to mention one of my purses and a few favorite toys.

The BIGGEST culprit was also aprehended - the hid-a-bed!! It has been broken for some time now so we haven't used it for company in a while. However, I had a thought to pull it out and vaccuum under there & what did I find!? Our new CAMERA & the other phone handset... and at least 5 socks!!

So, if you have ever thought that there may be a nymph or some other random force keeping your precious things just out of reach... Here's hopin' you will have a "HAPPY DAY" soon enough!!

Twilight Crazy

OK - So I have now read the Twilight series - - - TWICE! I am having Edward & Bella withdrawls! I now find myself searching for anything movie related as I count down the days until it comes out... In my searchings I stumbled upon www.twilightmoms.com & quickly realized that I am no where NEAR as obsessed as other 'grown-ups'! Such a nice feeling to know there is someone out there more crazy than you.... (it is a cool website if you have 3-4 days to check it out).

So, I have decided to pacify my twilight needs with another romantic series: Barrington Family Saga by Anita Stansfield. It is a fictional story of a girl who literally stumbles on a Book of Mormon and her journey to America. I am done with volume 1 and my ocd is kicking in so I will be raiding my friend Molly's house VERY soon for volume 2. If these don't last me until November, I will be looking for more suggestions... so let's see what ya got.....

Now multiply that by 4 and that's almost portrays how i'm feeling these days!

We're in Trouble!

Well, I promised some good stories, so here's one for the books...

The other night Joe & I caught the boys raiding the kitchen for Capri Suns. I caught Jarrett walking down the hall with one behind his back and we waited, listened to the plot - Jake was sending his 'minion' for the loot, and watched as Jarrett came out for more...

While he was in the kichen, Joe hid in the hallway to catch him by surprize.... Jarrett came around the corner, and instead of being caught off guard, it took him all of 1/2 second to slip the evidence behind his back and turn on the charm with his trademark "I-am-too-cute-to-do-anything-wrong" smile (a close replica seen here - not quite as potent though)....

I truly am dreading the day that boy starts school...I am so afraid he will be the kid disrupting class when the teacher isn't looking and will be the one with the angelic & mischevious grin trying to look innocent....

p.s. after catching the boys in their raid, we realized that we were a bit late anyway... they had already devoured 5 of the drink pouches!! Sheesh!

Here we go....

As if I didn't have enough to do as a mother of 4, I am entering into the world of blogging.... Oh boy! This blog will most likely contain stories of my crazy kids and their unusual antics... hope you enjoy!!