Circles

I found this lonely guy floating in my bathroom sink.  I'm not sure where he was off to.  I'm thinking he just kept going in circles wondering if he was ever going to get where he was going.

I can totally relate to him.

And, I had to take a picture because at some point I had a child that was telling this whole story in his head and had to make it as real as possible.  This was the very cute and creative result.  I wanted to hang on to the memory.  :)

Let's face it, my time for finding lego guys in my sink is ticking fast.  I am going to enjoy it!

Party on Bells

Well I know I'm taking it pretty easy here on my blog so far this summer.  But I just had to add a few things for today. 

First of all, I was SOOOO  happy to see my boys that came home from camp.  I missed them so much!!!  They are literally extra left and right arms for me.  Bella just kept going from one boy to the next just cuddled up to them.  I loved it.

Bella is the main reason I wanted to write here quickly.  We had an eventful evening around here.  Derek was gone tonight so it was me and the kids playing "littlest sweat shop"  (my favorite game  :)  )  While the kids are I were working, Bella hopped up on the table and started shaking her little backside to some music on the TV.  She was really into it.  Nothing like a table dancing one year old.  I wish I took pictures.

The next part was really the best though.  She went into the bathroom and gave herself a swirly in the toilet.  Yup, a real swirly. 

Isn't this the kind of night you have when you're twenty?  Table dancing and swirlies?  Just sayin'.  Should I be worried yet....?

Chili Recipe

I've had a great summer so far.  Resting, relaxing and catching up on life.  I made some chili today.  I was really easy and very tasty, so I thought I'd write it down here on my blog.

Easy Chili

1 pound ground beef
1 packet chlli seasons
1 can Ranch Pinto Beans  (Ranch brand)
1 can Hunts Fire Roasted Tomato with Garlic  (I pureed it before I put it in)
2 small cans tomato sauce

Brown the ground beef, season with seasoned salt and garlic salt
Drain the beef and pour into crock pot.  Add the rest of the ingredients and cook on low about three or four hours.  It is so good using the preseasoned beans and tomatos.  Enjoy!!

Character Counts

I am so proud of my family!

Today, Julianna was chosen by her teacher to be the "Character Student" in his class.  Mr. Severt  said so many great things about her.  He said she is always caring of others and she helps them no matter what.  He said she turned out well even though she had four brothers beating on her all those years before she finally got her sister, Bella.  Derek and I got a kick out of that, especially since he was able to name each of our children.

Then Michael had a "sweeps" day.  He came home with awards in nearly every class.  And then not only did he win "Character Student" of his class, he also won for the school!  His teacher, Mr. Howard said to the judges that there was nothing he didn't like about Michael.  He also said to me earlier this year, "Michael is one of the best people I've ever met.  I mean, adult or child."  What an awesome thing to hear.

And I need to mention Tyler's excellent character.  When they were getting ready to announce the "Character Student" of the school, Tyler was saying, "I'm so nervous and excited, I know it's going to be Michael or Charles."  And when Michael won, Tyler was on his feet yelling "Yeah Michael!"  He kept saying over and over to Michael that he was so happy for him.

It was a great day for my little family.  Maybe sometimes, we do something right around here. I just love them all.

Summertime...

I am so ready, bring it on. 
Do you think the teachers notice when the kids wear the same clothes one or two (give or take) days in a row? (And would you believe even the dirty clothes were hard to find!)
Matthew was wearing crusty socks to school.  He only wore them one other time.
That's my story and I'm sticking to it!
I've been so tired and busy lately, last week I signed myself out of eighth grade instead of my son. 
Then I called Matthew in sick.  So his teacher was lectured by the front office for counting Matthew present.  "Well, I am looking at Matthew right now, could it be one of her other children?"  Of course, it was Michael.
See, I need to be done for a while, and I am excited to hang out with my kids!

Proceed with Caution

Here is a recap of the conversation that my children had yesterday when we went to the pool.

Josh:  Mom, do you want me to take Matthew through the men's bathroom?
Mom:  Yes Josh, that would be great.
Josh:  Matthew, stay close to me and hold my hand, it can be pretty disturbing in there.
Jules:  There are hairy men, huh.
Josh:  Yes, there are and sometimes they are changing.
Josh:  And Matthew, don't wash your hands in the toilet.

I guess this is how boys become men.  That hand washing part, very important information.  It makes me wonder how Joshua learned this important lesson....  (Some things, I guess a mom really doesn't want to know...)

Thumbs Up!