Kids Say the Darndest Things - December '09 Edition

Taken from the sidebar...

Matt was talking to me with the kids around and he used some "code words" by saying, "Dot...dot...dot..." Haylee started smiling at this...
Matt: "Do you know what 'Dot...dot...dot...' means?"
Haylee: "It means you're going to be kissing all night long!" 12/09

We were looking at some of our toy princess figures that are breaking...
Me: "This one is missing it's feet."
Haylee: "And this one is missing her arms." (pauses & thinks) "If I had to be missing something, I'd want it to be my hair!" 12/09
(Well, that'd surely take care of the hair brushing battles! ;))

Hallelujah!

This made my "Gratitude List" for the week on the sidebar, but I think this deserves it's own post, as well...

Sunday marked THE VERY LAST DAY of our wretched church schedule this year!!

The time I am talking about is 2:00 - 5:00 p.m.

No - that is NOT a typo. That is the REAL time.

That church block time does not even exist in most stakes in the church, so others frequently question me or try to correct me when I tell them what time our church is.

As if they think I don't know what time my own church is!

Even our extended families keep "forgetting" about our time (since, obviously, it's so unheard of, not to mention despicable) and try to plan activities on Sundays that would overlap or cut it too close to our church time.

We have been counting down from 48 weeks left (taking into account 2 General Conferences during the year and 2 Stake Conferences - although as luck would have it, we got assigned the 2:00PM time for Stake Conference, too! But, at least it was done by 4:00PM!)

Back before I ever experienced the 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. block, I thought the 9-12 block was the one to dread. Now, I ask myself, "WHY?!?" Anything is better than what we "took our turn" with in 2009 and what we've endured every 3 years before that. Well, at least, starting in 2001 when we arrived here. Hmmmm, maybe we need to move before 2012 when the rotation will come around again! ;) I'm serious. And, just in case there are any out there who would argue that any other time is "the worst" - believe me, THEY'RE NOT! You don't have a case. (I don't have strong feelings about this, at all, do I?!!)

Here's my "case" against the 2-5 block:

• It feels like you don't even have a Sunday - it's over by the time church is out.

(You may ask "What about the time between when you wake up and 2:00p.m.?" Well, just because our church worship services don't start until 2:00, anywhere between 1 to 3 of us have church meetings starting at 9:00a.m. and and go until the block start time.)

• The baby's afternoon nap is RUINED!

(Of course, we had to be on this schedule during the time Miss B was 12 to 18 months old!)

• It's getting dark by the time we come out of church!

(And we rarely actually leave at 5:00p.m. since we stay after to do "stuff," so daylight is definitely gone.)

• Dinner is an absolute JOKE! There's no way we can eat at a decent hour when I start making it at dinnertime! I guess we could have cold cereal, but it's "against my religion."
• The Primary Children are on their "best behavior" during that last hour for my Sharing Time -- NOT!!
• Our kids have ample time to ruin their church clothes and hair before we ever make it there!
• We can't ever do anything that our family normally would like to do together on Sundays.

So, what church schedule do we have coming up in 2010, you ask?!?

9:00a.m. - 12:00p.m.

And I am sooo looking forward to it:

• All meetings happen before church, so once the worship services are done, it's DONE!
• The whole afternoon is ours!
• Maybe a chance of a Sunday nap for us?
• But, definitely, the baby gets her nap.
• Sunday Dinner - normal time & adequate prep time - it'll be possible to make rolls again (without sending someone home from church.)
• Family game night
• Our family can go on Sunday afternoon/evening walks
• We can go visiting - even if they live far(ther) away
• We can get back to making our "Sunday Night Treat"
• We can be better prepared for Monday? (No more Monday morning, "Ohhh, I was suppose to bring a 4-foot Castle clay model to school today!") ???Maybe???
• We can have good feelings on (& about) the Sabbath!

Oh! I just remembered something. I'll retract one little thing I said earlier. I was living away at college up until the time I went on my mission, so my family's home ward was not really "my ward." Thankfully, I only experienced this once, but when I had my Missionary Farewell at my parents' ward back in 1991, their church time was 3:00 - 6:00p.m.

That time would most positively qualify as being "the worse."

Who Knew It'd be such a Hit?

This is what Haylee has been wearing for the past 64 hours!!

Yep, she opened it on Christmas Eve and hasn't taken it off since. If we didn't have church today, she'd most definitely extend that 64 hours even longer.

Once upon a time, Haylee casually mentioned to me that she liked how the girls in The Brady Bunch had robes and that they were able to put them on whenever they had to rush out of bed - for various reasons - in the middle of the night. So, I took that bit of info and stored it in the "gift idea" section of my brain.

Maybe back in September, I saw these nightgown/robe combos while shopping at Costco one day, so I bought it for Haylee's "Christmas Eve pajamas." And I checked that off my list - didn't think about it much after that.

When Haylee opened this present and saw what it was, she looked up at me, and in a soft, sweet, sentimental voice, said,
"You got me a robe?!?"

And then she jumped to her feet and threw her arms around my neck and hugged me. And held on, and on, and on. Still hugging. And then she was overcome with emotion and started to cry, still not letting go of the hug. The other people present looking on didn't quite know what was happening (I, myself was very taken aback), but then my eyes got watery, too. Quite a scene it was! She did eventually release me from her hug and sat back down, but exclaimed no fewer than 10 times during the evening,

"I can't believe I got a robe!"

Sure, I thought that she would like it. Did I think she would absolutely LOVE it so much? Not necessarily.

Did I ever imagine it would TRUMP this quilt I made her? (since she has coveted and is continually "stealing" her Dad's) NO.

Did I know the American Girl Doll (it's a knock off, but shhh! she doesn't know the diff) she got from Santa would pale in comparison? The same "American Girl" doll which she has fantasized about while poring over the AG catalog pages FOR MONTHS now? The "American Girl" doll which was chosen to look like her: brown hair with no bangs, brown eyes, tan skin, and does ballet? And the "AG" bathtub & accessories she got to play with the doll? NOT A CHANCE!

Shows you how much I know, huh?!?

Post Note: She came home from church and put it back on - she now looks like the 1st photo again! She may be wearing it 'til next Sunday, too, since there's no school this week!

64 hours (with a 3 hr. break) and counting!! :)

It's Official!

The Christmas season must be here...

I got my traditional Christmas pedicure.

(by my "in-house" pedicurist)

It's a definite sign of the season for us.

My next door neighbor, Heidi, makes an awesome Christmas Tree-shaped countdown chains to start the Holiday!

My prior neighbor friend, -she went & rudely moved on us! :) -Angie, decorates Gingerbread houses with her kids!

Our Relief Society President, Julie, makes homemade Christmas gifts every year for the sisters she visit teaches!

My friend, Kristen, has a marathon baking weekend and makes something like a 100+ dozen gourmet cookies & goodies and packages them up all professionally in craft boxes & baker's twine (who knew that even existed?) for the many people vying just to be her "friend" in order to be a recipient of her culinary genius!

My cousin, Melissa, has an interactive/animated reindeer that sings, "Grandma Got Ran Over by a Reindeer!"

My friend, Mandy, arranges to have Santa Claus come to her house for their Christmas Party!

Me?!? I just lay back [while being fanned & getting fed grapes] and get a Christmas pedicure! :)

And I call it, "good" on getting the Christmas Spirit!

What does this say about us...

when we receive a Christmas card in the mail from these guys?

(but not from other "friends" & family)

{front cover}

{Inside of card}

I didn't think our "pizza habit" was too excessive. 

We're definitely not doing it multiple times a week! 

It's not even like it's once a week or anything. 

I don't even think it's once a month - I don't think....but, I've discovered (thanks to Big Mouth little sisters) that the kids secretly order pizza sometimes when Matt & I are out on a date...so, maybe I don't know what to think! :)

Random Question of the Week

When do girls stop crying EVERY DAY?

I keep wondering when this "magic age" is.

And when my oldest daughter will reach this milestone.

On numerous occasions, we have given the challenge, "Let's see if you can go a whole day WITHOUT crying!"

It has yet to happen!

Every day of the 7 years, 8 months, and 6 days of her life, she has cried.

The tears most often flow when she gets, "No" for an answer. But, there's also tears when it's time to get ready. Or when it's time to do her homework. Or when it's time to go to bed. Or when I pick up Miss B from Nursery (instead of her.) Or when she loses in a game. And very frequently on the way to school - and if not on the way - at home, before she goes. And most definitely when she gets teased by her brothers.

I kind of thought that after you reach a certain age - say 5 yrs. old, which means my middle daughter should be there, too - you only cry when you suffer physical pain.
Or severe emotional pain...which apparently all of the above mentioned items (& more) are just that, to her!

Ya gotta LOVE Jr. High -- NOT!

1. Here is my son, Ryan.

He is in Jr. High. (I can hear all the inward groans, now!)

One day he wore his baseball shirt, from a team he played on a few years ago, to school.

Here is what the front of the shirt looks like...

And here is what the back of the shirt looks like...
No big deal, right?
WRONG.
Another kid came up to him and asked, "Why are you wearing a shirt that says, 'SEX' on it?"
"Is it because you like sex?"
"And what does that '7' mean on the back?"
"Are you telling us all that's how many times you've had sex?"

Dude, Can you say Chicago White Sox? (Duh!)


2. Ryan tried out for the Jr. High boys basketball team again this year.
And didn't make it. :(
Ryan went up to the coach afterwards and asked,
"Just give it to me straight, Coach, what could I have done?"
The Coach replied, "Well, you need to lose at least 10 pounds!"

Ouch. Double Ouch!

3. Recently, Ryan & I had a meeting with the School Counselor to make his schedule for next year and
map out his track to High School graduation.
To assist in "planting a seed" in Ryan's mind about the importance of Continuing Education,
(and to decide what kind of classes to take in the future) the Counselor asked Ryan what he'd like to be when he grew up.
I could tell that Ryan had something on his mind, but was hesitant to say it.
He mulled around for several seconds and then said "a Pharmacist."
The Counselor wrote it in his "records" and responded quite positively to this, which, I think,
gave Ryan the necessary confidence to reveal more.
And he did.
He said he'd like to be a Professional Athlete.
The Counselor [very noticeably] did NOT write anything down, in fact, her pen stopped, frozen in mid-air,
and then she said, "Let's go for the Pharmacist!"
Way to shatter a boy's dreams!

Why Can't Family Pictures Ever Go off Without a Hitch?

Inform my whole family about Family Pictures (so there would be no protesting/complaining they "didn't know!") -- check.

Laid out 3 different wardrobe options for each child (so there would be no meltdowns because they "hate that!") -- check.

Asked Matt to come home from work early (so we could have enough daylight left for pictures) -- check.

Allow one hour before "showtime" to double check &/or fix everyone's hair/face/clothes -- check.

Back out of our driveway ON TIME -- check.

Have the gas tank full enough to get us to the picture location -- *@$#%^+%!!!

Yep, we ran out of gas on I-15 on the way to our picture appointment!

I don't even make it a habit to check the gas gauge, so I wasn't even aware.

Matt, on the other hand, had noticed we were on empty, but because he knew how hard I was trying to make it on time, he didn't say anything, let alone stop to fill up.

So, there we found ourselves stopped on the side of the road. The relative who lives closest to this "incident" was the lucky one to be called to come help us! :) Matt's brother (Thanks Mike) went and filled up a gas can (and his own car, too, since he was at risk to also run out!) to bring to us/come to our rescue.

But, this all takes time - and the minutes (& daylight) were ticking away...and I could not get a hold of our photographer (turns out, her cell phone had fallen out of her pocket and was laying in the grass in her yard.)

Meanwhile, as we were waiting on the side of the freeway, a Highway Patrolman pulled up behind us. He got out of his car and approached my [passenger] side. Since the car was dead and we couldn't unroll the automatic window, I had to open my door.

He asked what was going on. We told him we'd run out of gas and had already called someone...and, with great timing, right then our "help" pulled up behind the cop car!

BUT, instead of commenting on how well we were taking care of our "situation," he says to me,

"You know I could ticket you for this!"

I said, "No, I did not know that."

He said, "Yep, it's called a 'voluntary emergency stop.'" (or something to that effect)

Then he goes on to lecture me about how dangerous it is to be on the side of the road, and especially with all my children in the car. AND then he asks,

"I mean, really, how many gas stations did you pass on your way here?
Probably 3 or 4." (it was actually only one.)

He was really trying to lay it into me how much this was my fault & how careless I was! (I know, I know!)

(He let us go without a ticket, but reminded me again that he totally could give us one!)

So, here we are totally late for our appointment and I'm trying hard to hold back the tears -- unsuccessfully.

So, what d'ya do when that's happened and you're suppose to get Family Pictures taken?

You just get a creative photographer to cut Mom's face out of the photo...

Or you just take one of these handsome boys only...

(that Matt -- I tell ya, he IS a sight for sore eyes! :) Wooo!)
And, of course, you stay out of the picture again by just throwin' the kids in to pose...

There's always the option of looking away and just catching the family photo from behind...

OR you put "the center of attention" in the mix -- the one who makes everything all better -- who has the ability to draw a smile out of EVERYONE (even a frazzled, upset, emotionally disheveled Mom)...
Again, I ask, "What would we do without Brookelle?"

Reject!

A few weeks ago, our city delivered our NEW, big, blue recycling cans for us to start using. This created some excitement among the kids. We even got an additional garbage can in our kitchen, so we could separate the garbage inside: recyclable garbage & regular garbage -- then we would empty it into the big can outside when it was full.Well...yesterday was the first official recycling garbage pick up day since our city started the program. We were glad to set it out since it had gotten VERY full (fuller than our "regular" garbage can!)
Then, much to our surprise, we got this note attached to our can:

Apparently, we are "recycling rejects!"

And we've been called on it - even accused of "contamination!"

First of all, did they REALLY go through our recycling can and examine each & every one of it's contents? Did they do this to everyone's can? Do they really have the staff to do that?

And second of all, What are they talking about? We continually referenced our "Acceptable Recyclable items" list that came with our can over the past few weeks - in fact, whenever we were deciding about throwing something away, and weren't sure, we checked the list!

I did not throw any carpet, paint cans, light bulbs, dirty disposable diapers, or ceramics, etc. in there - and we did not bag it - so what's the problem?

But then again, we do have an 18-month-old living in our home....

who knows how to throw things away...

Hmmm....

Maybe that explains a few missing items around here:

the pencil sharpener

my lip balm

the girls' dance skirts

Haylee's Christmas stocking

1 pink slipper (mine)

our mailbox key

Kyle's November reading calendar (due today, of course!)

flip flops

the glasses repair screwdriver

socks & tights

fingernail clippers

a check

And maybe that explains the reject note from the recycling company!

(which I'll be sure to throw away in our recycling can) ;)

Kids Say the Darndest Things - November '09 Edition

Taken from the sidebar...

I was bragging to Ryan about something VERY NICE that his Dad did for me (trying to instill an "example")...
Ryan: "Well, you sure didn't marry a SLUT, Mom!"
Me: "SLUT?!"
Ryan: "Or...I mean 'sluffer.'" 11/09
come again?!?
(I think he meant "slacker"?)

I was brushing down Katelyn's newly cut bangs...
Katelyn: "Oh, Mom, that tickles my brain!" 11/09

We were talking about a friend's step-family...
Haylee: "Why have you guys never divorced?"
Matt: "What did you say?!?"
Haylee: "Ya know, so then I can have one more each of a mom & a dad!"
Matt: "You don't talk like that!"
Haylee: "Well, in case your REAL mom & dad aren't being as nice....you can have somewhere to go..."
Me: "That's what Aunts & Uncles and friend's parents are for!!" 11/09

Singin' the Praises of Nursery

Today was the Big Day...

It's the day every Mormon parent counts down to - starting at about their baby's 1st birthday - and lasts for SIX [exasperatin', Sunday School missin', reverence disruptin', baby wrestlin', church hall walkin', hair pullin' out] MONTHS.

It's the day the child reaches the ripe old age of 18 months AND is eligible to go to Nursery!

(YEAH!)

Doesn't Miss B look so HAPPY to be going?

She just couldn't get in that Nursery Room door fast enough!

She makes it 5 for 5. All of my kids have been eager to go to Nursery.

Not a problem.

Mine were never the ones crying/screaming/going into hysterics when dropped off at nursery. Or having tantrums on the floor. Or chasing their parents out the door. Or standing at the door, banging on it, hoping it would make their parents reappear.

I mean, what's not to like?
Play
Look at pictures
Color
Read stories &/or "rest" on a blanket
Sing & Dance
Snacks
Play
{I think I'm jealous!}

It's way better than the alternative - having to sit still & quietly through [very-uninteresting-for-an-infant] Gospel Doctrine class OR go sit in an empty, boring classroom with only Mom or Dad doing nothing but being silent!

I think Nursery Leaders should get automatic Sainthood!!!

Maybe if the adults got a "Nursery" kind of class, we could get more of them to come to/stay at church!! ;)

*I think Elder's Quorum & Primary conducting/lessons/Sharing Times will go a lot smoother for Matt & I now!!

pheeww! We made it! :)

Thoughts about My Weekend

It was my Annual Girls' Park City Shopping Trip this past weekend.
I didn't even take my camera, so I've got no photos to share - only thoughts:

1. You SOOO don't have to pay full price for anything! In fact 60-80% off is very possible.
   
   


2. It is SOOO much easier shopping without a baby (like I did last year) but we're thinking about bringing our strollers in the future just to hold all the "stuff!"

3. Chocolate dipped Mint Oreos are SOOO good!

4. You must try on bras. Last time, I just got measured & bought without trying on. It SOOO didn't fit! This time, I got measured and tried on - and then ended up buying a different size than was recommended to me!

5. I think I'm the only one in the universe who didn't have this on their mind...
6. I need to remember that the Arby's in Park City has Diet Dr. Pepper!!

7. There IS such a thing as "Retail Therapy."

8. I have a 12 year old girl on my Christmas shopping list. So, I went to Justice for the first time in my life. Can I just say that I was SOOO out of my element while in there? I DID NOT know what to get. 0 to 8 year old girls - easy peasy! Tweens - I'm just not cool enough!!

9. When the Landmark Inn says that "breakfast is included," it is NOT false advertising. Some other hotels try to get away with that marketing line when all they throw out is toast, danishes, & coffee. Not these guys. The stay is worth it just for their breakfast. Bacon, sausage, ham, pancakes, biscuits & gravy, breakfast potatoes, scrambled eggs, eggs w/ cheese, ham, & vegetables, fresh fruit, yogurt, cottage cheese, juices, Hot Chocolate, hot oatmeal, cold cereal, muffins, bagels, cinnamon rolls, PLUS what those other hotels serve for their "breakfast."


10. I don't believe in decorating for Christmas BEFORE Thanksgiving is over (and don't get me started on it happening around Halloween time!) In fact, I have a real problem with it. I really feel sorry for Thanksgiving - it always gets the shaft. But, I found such a delightful Gingerbread House luminary to buy, that I'm almost tempted to break my "Before Thanksgiving" Rule.

But I will resist!

11. And, last but not least, Friday night was our Stake's Youth Culminating event.
They were putting on the Production of Cumorah's Hill.

I had planned to drive down from Park City to see Ryan in it and then drive back up.
As the time to go came closer, however, I just DID NOT feel like driving all that way back down. Alone. In the dark. It would mean I would miss going out to dinner with all my girlfriends and an extra couple of hours of shopping, which I felt kind of bad about. I started to rationalize that I didn't need to really go - since I was "out of town" and all. And, anyway, the performances were originally scheduled for Wed. & Thurs. evenings, so there were no conflicts when we planned our shopping trip. I couldn't control that the date was changed! And on & on my thoughts went....
But, I did drive down and see the performance.
And IT. WAS. WONDERFUL.
Like really, really wonderful!
I was SOOO glad that I went! (And I heard that the performance I went to was by far the better one!) I felt the spirit so powerfully - I asked Ryan if they (the performers) could feel it as much as we (the audience) did. He said they felt it MORE! I was uplifted & my testimony strengthened. It was reconfirmed to me that the Book of Mormon is TRUE. I knew that my Heavenly Father loves me - and also loves all those incredible youth who had taught us that evening (& had dedicated a great amount of time over the past several months in preparation.) I felt like Moroni in the last book of the Book of Mormon,
"I will not [cannot] deny the Christ."
And to think that I was toying with the idea of not going. How many times does that happen? I just don't feel like doing something, but if I do, I am richly blessed! And because of that, I think it's safe to say that Satan didn't want me to go! ;) And that's why I get these doubts & wavering feelings.

Driving back up to Park City afterwards didn't even seem bad at all!

Should This make Me Proud?

This morning when I was picking Katelyn up from Preschool, her teacher came out to my car to speak with me.
She asked if I would be able to help Katelyn learn a really big part for their Christmas Program.
Honestly, in my mind, I thought my ability to complete that task was questionable, at best. But seems as I'm already on their "unreliable/flaky/bordering-on-unfit mother list," (I "spaced off" picking up Katelyn & her friend from preschool one day and they had to call) I thought it wise to avoid solidifying her opinion any further, so I nodded my head in agreement.

The teacher went on to say, "She will have a part all by herself and, also, she will have another part while all the angels are singing. It is one of the hardest parts in the program...."

(I'm starting to feel better - I'm thinking, Have I redeemed myself as a trustworthy mother in her eyes?)...

But, then she continues with the real reason, (here's the "make me proud" part)...

"And she is the one with the loudest voice!"

What's Your Verdict?

Several years ago, I made this sign/check list to hang in the kids' bedroom - complete with pictures/drawings in case someone didn't know/"forgot" how to read...

It was necessary because I was always getting a "Yes" answer when I asked the question, "Is your room clean?" But, then when I went to examine it, I realized that their interpretation of a "clean room" and mine were worlds apart!

One of their favorite things to do was to pick up everything off of the floor and put it:
a) under their bed,
b) on top of their dresser, or
c) on the window shelf.
That's "clean," right?!? (WRONG!)
Thus, those specific points were included in this "11-point checklist."

You'll notice I also had to list paper and wrappers in addition to just plain "trash" that needed to be put in the garbage can (as opposed to somewhere else) because "trash" is just too vague, apparently. Frequently, during my examination of the "clean room," I'd ask, "What about those?" pointing to various snack wrappers and paper clippings around their room. Their response was, "I didn't know that was part of it!"

Just like they "didn't know" that merely throwing their blankets in a heap on the bed did not look nice, either.
And they really "didn't know" that just because shoes were IN the closet, but buried under who knows what, completely unsure IF each shoe had a match or not, it didn't get a "pass."
And then, of course, there's those times when they "didn't know" they were suppose to do ALL of the list that week. WHAT?!
Etc., etc., etc.

So, now when I ask "Is your room clean?" (and I get the "Yes" answer) I follow it up with, "As in, completing everything on the "11-point check list?"

So, how do you think the check list hanging in their rooms as a reference is working?!?

I thought it would be such a good idea to install a built-in desk for my child to do their homework at when we finished these basement bedrooms....(sigh!)

I also thought it'd be such a great idea to get the child one of those 3-sectioned laundry hampers that you can sort the clothes by color with. Then, on "darks" day, I just reach in that section and pull 'em out in less than 2 seconds flat!

One of the complaints about this child's "old room" was that there just wasn't enough space & shelves to put "stuff" and that was the problem with the messy room. Well, taking on the "If you build it, they will come" thought, we made this fine closet in the new room, too. Do you like how they're utilizing all the space?!?

So much for my "Good Ideas!"

**These photos were taken just a couple of days after "Saturday Jobs" were completed (which means it's in better shape than normal!) I won't reveal which child's room this actually is (to protect privacy & all, ya know) but there are clues...and maybe "airing their dirty laundry" on the blog will motivate them....**
What d'ya think?

Do they know what a "CLEAN ROOM" looks like?

***

Post note: After I wrote this, I found a blog post about this very subject. Maybe I need to be "teaching by the Spirit" to get results!?!

Inquiring Minds Want to Know

It was Haylee's Spotlight week at school. We, as her family, got to come and talk about Haylee a little bit and she showed the poster we (I with Haylee's commentary) made about her.

After we got done talking, the teacher opened it up for questions (about Haylee) from her classmates...

We got the "usual" questions:
"What's your favorite color?" (red)
"What's your favorite book to read?" (One fish two fish red fish blue fish)
"What's your favorite candy bar?" (Reese's PB cup)

And then a little awkward question:
"Who's your best friend?" (I tried to intercept this question & "coach" her on a P.C. answer like "I enjoy all my good friends here at school!" but it didn't work & she announced her BFF to the class - which got a pleased look from the child who she named, and not-so-pleased looks from the others!)

And then a bit unusual of a question:
"What is your favorite shape?" (My thought was, Am I suppose to have a favorite shape? Oh no! Cuz I don't, I've never pondered that & decided on one!)
(Haylee did come up with "oval.")

And then a weird question:
"Which is your favorite strand of hair?" (Again, Does everyone else except me have a favorite?)

And then the completely strange question:
"What is your favorite kind of BOMB?"
(Needless to say, he got a scolding from the teacher on this one, "Billy, I told you you couldn't ask that question anymore!!")

And apparently, that is HIS favorite question to ask. :)

**Just because it's hard to see the details of the poster in the photo, and I probably won't keep that big thing around forever, allow me to record it here.**
On Haylee's poster, we made a list of "Things Haylee Loves."
Making that list are:

• Stuffed animals
• playing the guitar
• eating cookies
• hot dogs
• flowers
• presents
• Sports - baseball & soccer
• The ocean & beach
• Cooking with Mom
• Fruit - pears, apples, grapes & watermelon
• snow
• ballet
• pets
• babies
• dessert
• ice cream
• friends
• watching movies & eating popcorn
• coloring

What about her family or her mom who slaved over that dang poster?!? I guess a family photo made the poster - does that count for anything? ;)

Disneyland -- 4 Ways

Have you heard? You probably have...but THIS YEAR, you can get into Disneyland FREE on your birthday.
So, THIS YEAR, instead of the usual birthday thing, we decided to take all of our kids individually to Disneyland on their own birthday - since we can fly for free & all. Instead of adding to our kids' growing toy mess...er...uh...collection, we would make memories! This would replace the usual presents, parties, decorations, desserts, & Family dinners out (it almost cost the same amount.) Matt & I got our tickets on eBay each time and saved 50% or more over buying them at the gate for 1-day. We either flew out the morning of or the night before our child's birthday, depending on the flight times, and then we stayed at Disneyland all day/evening on their birthday, stayed at a hotel that night, then flew home the next day. On the first two trips, we took Baby Brookelle with us since she was still nursing. She made it to Disneyland TWICE before she saw her first birthday! When you check in for your "Disneyland Birthday," they give you a button to wear that let's everyone know, "It's My Birthday!" and it has your name on it. The "cast members" must have all been trained to notice you because they wish you a "Happy Birthday!" by name all day. We told our kids that This was their day...and they got to do whatever they wanted, and we would follow!

We just got back from our last trip and I'm happy to say our 2009 Birthday Plan was a success! I had a little nagging fear that something would happen (you know me & Murphy!) that would get in the way of fulfilling this for everyone! And then that child would be discussing it with their shrink later in life.
Even though we went 4 times this year, I'd have to say that EACH time was a different experience...because - and I learned this even more on these trips - EACH child of mine is different, too!

1st Trip - February 25, 2009 - Ryan's 13th Birthday

Hours of operation: Disneyland - 10:00a.m.-8:00p.m., California Adventure - 10:00 a.m.-6:00p.m.

hours we were there: arrived about 11:15a.m. and stayed until the final moment.

His "Plan": "I'm not even stepping foot in Toontown!"

"We are passing right on by the Tiki Room!"

"I'm going on all the BIG RIDES at both parks!"

(We didn't even go into Fantasyland either since Matterhorn was closed!)

The Rides/Attractions: Autopia

Space Mountain x 2

Star Tours (and then back again since my cell phone fell out on the ride - and it was still there! phew!)

Indiana Jones

Splash Mountain

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Pirates of the Caribbean

California Screamin' x 2

Soarin' over California

Grizzly River Run

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Maliboomer

Mulholland Madness

While Matt & Ryan went over to California Adventure, I stayed in Disneyland (we only had 2 "hopper" tickets, the b-day one is a "1-park" ticket) and took Brookelle on King Arthur's Carrousel, Storybook Land Canal boats, & "it's a small world." Then when I went to California Adventure with Ryan (to go on the rides Matt can't handle), Matt slept w/ Brookelle on a bench.

What We Ate: (He didn't want to waste much time doing this)

Chicken @ the Golden Horseshoe

Dole Whip

Steak Dinner off-property after closing

What We Did: Rides, Rides, Rides! Go, Go, Go!

Our Experience: Disneyland seemed smaller to us -- because we were getting places so fast. We didn't stop the whole day, we decided to go somewhere and we went straight there! (None of this waiting around for all the little kids - something I had never experienced when with my whole family in the past.) We were just trying to "Beat the Clock" all day. When Matt walked by crowds gathered around Disney characters, he said, "I'm so glad we don't have to stand/wait in line for THAT!" When others said, "Happy Birthday!" to Ryan, he responded with an enthusiastic, "Thank You!" He even started wishing others with the birthday badge on a "Happy Birthday!" There was not a ton of people there, so they were running their rides on a "skeleton crew" - like fewer cars/trains/sections of the ride were operating, so we still had some lines because a lot of people couldn't get through quickly. It was warm in the day (capris, shorts, & short sleeves) and cool enough for a jacket at night.Obviously, we were too "busy" to take many pictures on Ryan's day, so I'll include one of him at the airport.

This trip describes Ryan's Personality: risk-taker, fun-driven, intense, sociable, carefree, over-the-top, gutty, comfortable being in the lime light

2nd Trip - April 8, 2009 - Haylee's 7th Birthday

{Does that date scream, "Spring Break!" to you? It was. And I've never seen that many people there before!}

Hours of Operation: Disneyland - 8:00a.m.-12:00 midnight, California Adventure - 10:00a.m.-9:00p.m.

hours we were there: 9:00a.m. to 9:20p.m. (and that was pushing it to get her to stay that long!)

Her "Plan" - "We get to do what I say!"

She bragged ahead of time that she was going to go on Space Mountain & California Screamin' (but she didn't since we wasted...er..uh..ran out of time.)

She'd say, "I wanna go to _____________" (and then change her mind on our way there or when we arrived.)

Help Brookelle have a good time, too!

At one point she said she wanted to stay in Toontown ALL DAY.

The Rides/Attractions: Pirates of the Caribbean (with her head hidden in my lap)

Splash Mountain x 2 (using the child switch pass)

Jungle Cruise

Chip 'n Dale Treehouse

Donald's Boat

Goofy's Playhouse

Mickey's house

Minnie's House

Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage (1 hr. 5 min. wait) - but Haylee "changed her mind" half-way through when she saw the "Star Wars Training Academy" starting next to us. Matt took her to see that while I continued to inch my way forward in line. They came back to enjoy the ride without the full wait.

Pinocchio's Daring Journey

Mad Tea Party

Alice in Wonderland

Matterhorn x 2 (child switch pass)

"it's a small world"

Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough

Storybook Land Canal Boats

Disney Princess Fantasy Faire ( 1 hr. 30 min. wait!)

Monsters, Inc

When Matt & Haylee went into California Adventure, I stayed out while Brookelle slept in her stroller.

What We Ate: (I started to wonder if this was what she thought you do at Disneyland!)

Pizza in Toontown

Churros

Icees

All-Day Lollipop

Nacho Cheese Doritos

A Big, honkin' Turkey Leg

What We Did: We spent the entire morning in Fantasyland. She was disappointed that the only 3 princesses she got to see after the hour & a half wait were Princess Ariel, Snow White, & Mulan. We spent the next few hours in Toontown. She only went over to California Adventure for one single ride. We "shopped" in gift shops x 4! We saw/watched baby ducks & their mommy in 3 different ponds - and she begged for a pet duck...or 15.
She wanted to play with Brookelle - I told her I had it taken care of because, afterall, she was suppose to be enjoying her Day at Disneyland! We had to make a rule that she couldn't buy a toy 'til the end of the day (since she might change her mind.) When she did buy her toy, she wanted to go to the hotel and play with it - we had to remind her that We Were At Disneyland!

Our Experience: We moved along slowly. It took us 23 minutes to walk to/from our hotel that was only a block away! When the baby couldn't go on the ride, she chose Matt to go with her every time. We had to force her to agree to go with me when we got a "child switch pass." She wanted to leave early - we saw the fireworks on our walk back to the hotel -- but she was "asleep" in Matt's arms already. She wanted to keep getting treats. When others wished her a "Happy Birthday," she shyly smiled & giggled, but was very pleased. It was cooler weather - we wore a jacket or long sleeves most of the day/evening.

This trip describes Haylee's Personality: distractable, sentimental, brave, wants instant gratification, cute, attention-seeker, fanciful, Daddy's Girl

3rd Trip - October 20, 2009 - Kyle's 10th Birthday

Hours of operation: Disneyland - 9:00a.m.-9:00p.m., California Adventure - 10:00a.m.-6:00p.m.

hours we were there: 10:45a.m. to 8:00p.m.

His "plan": "I'm staying away from Toontown & Fantasyland" (but much to his dismay, he found out that the Matterhorn was technically in Fantasyland and so he DID enter!)

He did not express much else (true to Kyle form.)

The Rides/Attractions: Pirates of the Caribbean x 2

Jungle Cruise x 2

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (kind of "tricked into" this one)

Pirate's Lair (explored there for over an hour!)

Matterhorn

Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters

Star Tours

Innoventions (hung out in there for over an hour!) My absolute 1st Time ever in there!

"it's a small world" (only because I "pretty please-d" him)

Soarin' over California

Grizzly River Run x 2

Indiana Jones - as the "Grand Finale"- and because we made him! ;)

What We Ate: Corn on the Cob

Dole Whip

Kettle Corn

Dinner at Rain Forest Cafe in Downtown Disney (as he put his head down on the table & almost fell asleep)

What We Did: We moved through the park casually & INefficiently (we went on ONE ride that was on one side of the park & then would walk across to the other side for the next ride.) Kyle studied "the map" for ONLY rides/attractions that interested him. He "passed" on many. Matt & I waited as Kyle "explored" different caves & hideouts in the Pirate's Lair until he'd gotten his fill. In Innoventions, Kyle found a touch screen chess game that he played for a good long while. He played a game of "computerized" soccer with me, too. (Even though he says that's not HIS sport anymore - and explains why I won!) We asked if he wanted to go on numerous different rides - and he declined....We COULD NOT get him to go on Autopia, Splash Mountain, Haunted Mansion Holiday, or Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy (for Halloweentime) even though we asked over & over again. We also spent time in Downtown Disney (even though that didn't require an admission pass & our Disneyland hours were ticking away - but it was HIS day, right?!?) and visited Kyle's dream store - The Lego Store.

Our Experience: This is my first time ever in my adult life going to Disneyland WITHOUT a child 2 yrs. & under AND WITHOUT a stroller. (It was very free-ing, but no stroller = no place to put your "stuff.") It was "Halloweentime" at Disneyland. Kyle didn't even want to wear the "birthday badge" for everyone to see (but we made him.) When others wished him a "Happy Birthday, he kept a straight face, looked down or away, & softly mumbled, "Thanks." (because his mom made him.) Kyle asked questions about the intensity/recklessness of the rides FIRST - he definitely wanted to make "well-informed" decisions about this. Whenever we were somewhere that they needed a "volunteer" from the audience, they called on the "birthday" people a lot, so Kyle would always cover up his "birthday badge" with his hand when they started calling for people. Kyle always chose Dad to ride with him. Kyle opted to leave early since there was "nothing else he'd like to do and so we might as well go eat dinner." The fireworks must've gone off when we were in the restaurant. The weather was 80 degrees! We only put our jacket on the last hour or so (but hauled them around all day!) The lines were pretty much all 10 minutes or less.

This trip describes Kyle's personality: meek & mild, thoughtful, cautious, humble, introvert, does not like to be the center of attention, imaginative, strategic

4th (& final) Trip - November 4, 2009 - Katelyn's 5th Birthday

Hours of Operation: Disneyland - 10:00a.m.-8:00p.m., California Adventure - 10:00a.m.-6:00p.m.

hours we were there: 10:00a.m.-8:00p.m. (The whole entire time!)

Her "plan": She got our past Disneyland maps out of my scrapbook stuff and studied them. She had a list all ready of the order she was going to do things, starting with the Tea cups, then Dumbo. (although we did make an "executive decision" to start off with Nemo to avoid a longer wait!) If we ever made a suggestion, she replied, "It's MY Birthday!" to remind us of our deal.

The Rides/Attractions: Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage (a SHORT 25 min. wait)

Disney Princess Fantasy Faire (a shorter 50 min. wait)

Disneyland Railroad x 2

Pirates of the Caribbean x 2

Splash Mountain

Dumbo

Mad Tea Party

King Arthur Carrousel x 3

Peter Pan's Flight

Pinocchio's Daring Journey

Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough

Snow White's Scary Adventures

Roger Rabbit's Car Toon spin

Gadget's Go Coaster

Mickey's House

Minnie's House

Goofy's Playhouse

Donald's Boat

Autopia

Monsters, Inc x 2

Francis' Ladybug Boogie

Flik's Flyers

Tuck & Roll's Drive 'Em Buggies

Heimlich's Chew Chew Train

Soarin' Over California

Matt went back to the hotel to get our jackets for the evening (we didn't want to carry them all day this time) while Katelyn & I went into California Adventure.

What We Ate: (She didn't ask for any food)

Lunch at the Blue Bayou (I had never eaten here before, but heard so much about it, so another "executive decision" was made & I made reservations a couple of weeks before we left.) We got a table RIGHT ON the water, at the point that jets out the furthest - we couldn't get any closer - without waiting for it, either. The food filled us up so much, we didn't need to eat the rest of the day at the park.

Then we had dinner & ice cream at an off-property DQ after closing.

What We Did: A Lot! She was like a kid in....Disneyland!! :) We did do the Disney Character thing in addition to rides. Katelyn got to see Cinderella, Princess Ariel (her new favorite), and Jasmine in the Princess Fantasy Faire...and then when we were in there, they did a switch with Sleeping Beauty & Snow White, so she got "5 Princesses for the price of 3!" She also met Mickey, Minnie, & Goofy, but she passed on Mr. & Mrs. Incredible. We happened upon the parade route in California Adventure right before it started, so we stopped and watched the Pixar Play Parade (on the front row) - and she chased the bubbles afterwards.

Our Experience: I've always said that 5 years old is THE PERFECT age for a child to go to Disneyland. In fact, we have always planned our family Disneyland trips around when we have a 5 yr. old up until now (and we will make sure to go when Miss B is 5, also.) It's perfect for a few reasons...1) It's just more "magical" for a 5 yr. old than any other age, I've noticed. 2) They are tall enough to go on just about EVERY ride (except Indiana Jones & California Screamin'.) and 3) They can actually WALK around the Park by themselves - no stroller, no parent carrying them needed! (and that's a BIG reason alone, right there!) So, true to my "5 yr. old Theory," Katelyn had an absolute MAGICAL time. I don't think she ever walked, though. She skipped, and lept, and ran in place in excitement! She jumped, and clapped, and pretended to fly like an airplane. She twirled, and did some dance movements, and boy, did she ever GRIN!! She even was talking like a "baby" - not sure WHY she was doing that, except that maybe she WAS our only "baby" with us for the moment? Whenever she spotted a character, she made a LOUD announcement about it and pointed. When she was told, "Happy Birthday!" she would smile BIG, maintain eye contact with them (for a while) and sweetly say, "Thank you."
In some places, the Park was empty! I'm serious! It was empty, I tell ya.

Probably because they are "in between" events. There were a couple of Halloween decorations/props still up and some of the Christmas stuff was going up, too. In fact, "it's a small world" was closed for the "holiday revamp." (much to our disappointment.)
We literally walked on to both Splash Mountain & Pirates - not just walked to the front of the line, but walked straight onto the boat that was ready & waiting for us - without stopping - now, that's never happened to me on those rides before! Of course, Katelyn always chose Dad to ride with/sit by as well. Because of daylight savings, the sun set quite early, so jackets were needed earlier and we didn't have a lot of warm hours in the middle of the day. There were no fireworks at all that night. Katelyn is the child who needed Disneyland to stay open 'til midnight on her day because she could've made it! We ran onto the last ride at 2 minutes before closing and then as we exited the Park, tears filled her eyes and were brimming over - she just was so sad to have it all end! This trip describes Katelyn's personality: bright & happy, passionate, loud, enthusiastic, tender-hearted, easy-going, friendly, craves justice, affectionate, doesn't forget.

So, after 4 trips in 8 1/2 months, we think we got a pretty good handle on the freeways, shortest line secrets, hotels in reasonable walking distance and we found some favorite places to eat.
We also enjoyed having this alone time with our children - amazing how well-behaved they can be when they have all your attention & time...and there's no one to fight with...AND they get to "call the shots" and pretty much get to do whatever they wanted! :) The kids totally loved their time with DAD! They just don't get to be with him as much as they are with me...or is it that they just find me plain repulsive?!? :) Only when a child [Ryan] needed someone with a tolerance for "thrill rides" was I good for anything! (And orchestrating/planning/following through with this whole PLAN in the first place, of course!)

As far as the best time to go to Disneyland? October & November were a "tie." October had better weather & longer daylight, but November had better lines. (As long as Oct. is a non-UEA time a.k.a. "Utah Escapes to Anaheim" & November is a non-Thanksgiving week.) I'd rank February as 3rd, and April (Spring Break) was 4th (last). But, I've been there during "Halloweentime" three times over the years, so I kind of want something different.

*****

There's still a little time left of this Birthday offer...so, hurry and go before 2009 is over (if you have a Nov./Dec. b-day, that is!)