The Root of ALL Evil

OK, I gave into my son (yes, the son who looks just like his Dad and knows all he has to do is smile and tell me that he loves me and he will get what he wants), well actually Santa gave into my son and got him a DS for Christmas. It was hard, the cute boy only asked for two things for Christmas, a DS and a pair of glasses. I personally do not think a five year old needs a DS, but Isaac and his father thought differently. It was brought to my attention that it is an extremely effective "discipline tool" (thanks Jennie), so I went with that. Of course, to keep things "fair" we had to get one for Allison too. Granted, she never once asked for one, but we knew come Christmas morning she would be sad if Santa did not get her one too. So now, this is what we see EVERYDAY. He does do a pretty good job playing with other things, but uses it when he is bored and needs to "calm down". Isaac needs that. He has some problems when he is bored so I have to say for the most part it was a really good purchase. See the below pictures gets a little old, but at least they are doing it together...right?!?!?

She can't even play DS without her teddy bear blanket. I am not sure what I did to my kids to make them so insecure that they have to have teddy bear blanket, Eeyore and those STUPID thumbs!!!!

Mothers

My friend Johanna emailed me this and I really liked it...

MOTHERS
Real Mothers don't eat quiche;
they don't have time to make it.
Real Mothers know that their kitchen utensils
are probably in the sandbox.
Real Mothers often have sticky floors,
filthy ovens and happy kids.
Real Mothers know that dried play dough
doesn't come out of carpets.
Real Mothers don't want to know what the vacuum just sucked up.
Real Mothers sometimes ask 'Why me?'
and get their answer when a little
voice says, 'Because I love you best..'
Real Mothers know that a child's growth is not measured by height or years or grade... It is marked by the progression of Mommy to Mom to Mother...
The Images of Mother
4 YEARS OF AGE - My Mommy can do anything!
8 YEARS OF AGE - My Mom knows a lot! A whole lot!
12 YEARS OF AGE - My Mother doesn't really know quite everything.
14 YEARS OF AGE - Naturally, Mother doesn't know that, either.
16 YEARS OF AGE - Mother? She's hopelessly old-fashioned.
18 YEARS OF AGE - That old woman? She's way out of date!
25 YEARS OF AGE - Well, she might know a little bit about it!
35 YEARS OF AGE - Before we decide, let's get Mom's opinion.
45 YEARS OF AGE - Wonder what Mom would have thought about it?
65 YEARS OF AGE - Wish I could talk it over with Mom
The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair.
The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole, but true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows, and the beauty of a woman with passing years only grows!

This is for you Hien

I was informed by my friend Hien that this week was the Chinese New Year. As she explained, it lasts for many days and they have many very cool traditions (and stories!). I love to hear how others celebrate, especially when there is a story behind it. Too cool!!! Anyway, one of her traditions is to buy a watermelon. The color of the "redness" determines the type of year you are going to have. Something fun I thought the kids would enjoy. Let me say, the watermelon was very red...good news! The kids loved to eat it and they even remembered to tell their teacher it was the year of the (earth)ox (which symbolizes new beginnings and prosperity...I like that!). It is amazing how these little people actually listen to what I have to say and repeat it to others. Thank God, I was saying good things...this time:)! Thanks Hien for letting us "borrow" a few of your traditions. Happy New Year to you!!! Now everyone go get a watermelon!!!

Yes, my daugher is wearing pj's at 2 pm. This was her 3rd set of pj's after her 4th outfit. She likes to change her clothes!!!

It's Contagious

Our white trash way of sledding is contagious. The neighbors are now getting involved. I told the kids it was too cold to play outside on Saturday, but after a cute little red headed boy came to my door and asked if Alli and Isaac could come out to play...how could I resist??? They bundled up (so I thought, but really not so much!) and headed out. Todd tied them all to the 4-wheeler but never made it more than a few feet without someone falling off their sled. Tying them in a long "string" works so much better. He'll get there:)! Ash was my smart kid, she stayed on the 4-wheeler with her Dad...yes, Jimmy could not-not be out there...it's a boy thing. In fact, I actually pulled him on a sled...driving the 4-wheeler, couldn't take pictures too! Sorry!!! The girls lasted about 20 minutes and went inside for hot chocolate, Isaac about an hour. When he came in, I though both his face and feet were frost bit. It was way to cold to be outside!!!!



I LOVE this face!!! Only Iz smiles this much falling off a sled!!

The boys "working out" a plan.

The kids actually getting pulled, notice how they are all facing backwards..."it keeps the snow from blowing in our faces, Mom"...in case anyone was wondering:)!

Tude cold and wanting to go in. Poor girl!!!

Duke...Help Mama T

I am not sure if any of you readers out there are racing fans or not, but to be part of Camp Chaos you must have a LOVE for racing. With that said, over the years I have learned to really love racing and all the drama that goes along with it. They use to have a show called NASCAR 360 that followed their lives...very soap opera like...loved it!!! My favorite NASCAR wife is Delana Harvick. She supports her husband by wearing matching fire suits to the racetrack. Yes, it is very corny, but there is just something too cool about it that I think I need to do the same thing.

Duke, help a girl out. Put a fire suit for Mama T in the racing budget. I need one my size:)!!! Don't you think???

New Loves...Big News Cont.

As referenced in my last post, I have BIG news which leads me to think of my new loves. I guess you could say in honor of Valentine's Day, I am going to share my three current loves. Obviously, I love my family and friends (husband, kids, etc), every one is healthy, we have jobs, roofs over our heads...I guess I am talking about huge likes...things I could live without, but currently am very glad that I don't have to.

First, for some reason, my sister has a slight obsession with my eyelashes...which now includes Jennie. Let me say, I, too, have blond eyelashes. If you remember (way LONG ago) I have/had blond hair, albeit, it has been awhile.

So my first love is mascara...two coats with an eyelash curler (so to be technical, I guess I love eyelash curlers and mascara). See...look at what these two wonderful products can do for a person:)!

~sorry about the bad picture...it's the end of the day and I have a cold...I just took off the mascara from one eye...I guess I should have done a "little something" to myself")! Also upon further notice, this new mascara makes my lashes look kinda "spidery"...oh well...still love mascara~

My second love is this...

I have had a bird love since before lovin' birds was cool and in style. I like birds and owls (especially owls with eyes that don't match...they tug at my heart:)!). I was at Target and saw this candle holder on display in the back with their "new stuff" as a "see all our cool stuff, now buy" option. I went back a few days later, still could not find it ANYWHERE, so I took the display. There was not a sign telling me I could not have the display model and it had a price tag sticker on the bottom so I went with it!!! I really don't know why I love it so much, but I really do!!

My last current new love is something that is brand new to me and will only last for a little while. It is something that has been in the works for years, but only first brought to my attention on Friday and brought 100% to my attention today...

Bet you are guessing what the BIG new is...

I drop Ashley off at Shelly's after school (arriving a little later than normal), get ready to leave when I see the bus. I know better than to leave right as the bus is getting there, so I pull back in and wait at the bus stop with Shelly. Off come my two cute kids...sorry had to throw that cute in there!!! Alli looks upset and Isaac is screaming. No, Alli wasn't really upset, she just happened to loose her first tooth at school. Turns out, her semi loose tooth that I thought I had weeks to prepare for, "fell out" in her apple when she took a bite at snack time. I guess that is the joy of having two kids in one class...you get more details!!! I was afraid that the tooth would fall out while we were in New Orleans. My mom assured me that she had it under control, she would take lots of pictures and knew the tooth fairy would have the situation under control (aka find her at Grandma's!). So, I am glad that I was home and got to witness it first hand, but the thought of my baby no longer a baby...loosing all that makes her a baby brings a tear (OK, more than 1 tear)...LOTS of tears to my eyes!!! I am so proud of the girl she is becoming!! I love the first ever missing tooth smile more than mascara (and eyelash curler) and candle holder.

How could something this small missing from my baby girls mouth melt my heart like it does???

P.S.

Sorry if my BIG news disappointed anyone...it is HUGE news here at Camp Chaos!!!

Big News

I just have to say that I have BIG news to share with everyone. I have to post a photo with the news...so you will all have to wait until I get home and get my camera...shhh don't tell anyone Shelly:)! AND NO, I AM NOT PREGNANT!!!!!

For Kelley and Christina...

I just want you to know (because everyone around here already does!!) that it was -14 degrees this morning. No, that is not with a wind chill...it was actually -14 degree is Whitehall Michigan at 8:30 am. What is that??? Good news...at least we were not getting 20+ inches of snow with it:)! Bad news...it was probably to cold to snow!!!

Future Employees of ESS

This past weekend we went to check out Jinny's new building. It is starting to fill up fast and the walls are all painted. Dave decided that this "salmon" colored paint would match everything very well. Salmon-pinkish color is not the first color I would choose for a mainly man office with neutral things and a blue floor, but hey...who am I???? The kids LOVE to go and play. I tend to freak out a little bit with them running wild. Jimmy always says their fine and who is going to say something to the owner...but still?!?!? So I really like to go when no one is around and they can be as crazy as they want to be.

Allison wants to grow up and be a fork lift driver, well at least honk the horn 1 million times in a row!!

Isaac has huge goals of "curing" the salt shortage one bag at a time! Our own special blend, patented and all.

Isaac, already movin' in...watching and helping!!!

Ash was too busy just running around in the warehouse to even be photographed...not to worry, we did not leave her at home with Brady. Brady is getting close to being mature enough to watch the kids, but not quite yet!!!

White Trash Baby

White trash or maybe pure laziness, but we do not sled with hills at Camp Chaos. We tie sleds to a 4-wheeler and have at it!!! Sometimes, we live a little and go down the hill at Aunt Jodi's pond, but only sometimes:)! Because I am a crazy mom and the kids get cold easy, I make them wear their helmets. They are going down our road and if the "roll out" (which they have been known to do a time or two:)!), their heads will be protected!!!

Ashley is not a bid fan of the snow, so she rides shot gun with her dad.

Even Brady gets in on the action!!! Everybody needs a little fresh air every now and again. Of course, right now we are all getting a serious case of cabin fever...not being able to play outside due to sub zero wind chills is having a severe influence on Camp Chaos.

oh Ash

When I went to Chicago with my "fab five" girls back in November, I succombed to the pressure, I bought Ashley an American Girl doll. I never really understood the point of these dolls...to be honest still don't...but you get in that store and you want to buy everything!!!! Allison is not really a "doll person", but Ash, she is my baby doll lovin' fool. I did manage to be somewhat cheap and only buy one of the bity twins. Wouldn't you know it, a few weeks later we get an American Girl catalog in the mail and she looks through and finds these twins...a girl and A BOY, that she just can not live with out!!! Thanks to Mandy, I think I might get her the boy for her birthday!!!

Anyway, here she is...the no name baby who looks a lot like her "mommy"...don't you think?

Here they are, in their matching outfits AND hair!!!!

They even do gymnastics together!!!

Like mother like daughter...right Jodi?!?!?

One last picture of my baby sleeping. I am not sure why, but I love this picture.

Have a happy day!!!

New Year's Eve

Did you know the human brain weighs 7 pounds????

I think that is the right line from Jerry McGuire. Does everybody remember that movie with that adorable little boy? I HAVE THAT BOY...

Original...

My version, a much cuter version if I do say so myself:)....


Thank you Shelly for talking to Tom...thank you Tom and Lea for making Isaac's Christmas and Jimmy and I's day. He is too cute!!! It was a little tough when the kid had two things on his Christmas list and one of them was a pair of glasses. It all worked out...thanks again!!

Party

Let me see if I can remember how this story went...it was December 20th and we were having our annual Northland Christmas party (for the first time at the MAC...it's super good, go try it out...girls, we will have to schedule another date:)!). We were all drinking and being merry playing wii, when one thing leads to another...Steve starts stripping and my husband starts to like it...



Which leads me to whisper sweet nothings in Keith's ear...

and he liked it...

Which led to Steve having to defend his new love, Jimmy, and me having to "pop him one"

Which led to Steve not being able to see out of his right eye...and for some reason made his tongue stick out...

Which led me to find a new love...Lynn

Which freaked her out and made her start to pray...

OK, so none of this really happen...well, the drinking, laughing, wii playing good time did. Thanks Northland for another great party!