Disappointment!

Oh the disappointment! When we were newlyweds, we bought a set of "as is" slightly damaged couches at the RC Willey warehouse in Provo. They were only $300 for the set, and we figured we would just keep them until we had an actual income, and then dump them. Almost 9 years later. . .

We FINALLY have worn them out enough that we actually only have the love seat left, and it is falling apart. We decided to replace it! We ordered a new microfiber sectional for our bonus room, and were told it would be 3 to 5 weeks. I was delighted when it came in 2! But, after Gordon picked it up and drove it home from the store, I discovered they built it wrong. The main sofa is left facing, and the small love seat is right! So they have to start over!!! UGH! 3 to 5 more weeks. . . Oh the disappointment!!! My buns will have to wait a little longer to lounge in luxury!

A Dinnertime Success!

I mentioned a while back when I talked about breakfast that we had also tried a new approach to dinner, and I think it's finally fair to say, after 3 weeks, that we have a success on our hands! Our kids are eating more, complaining less, and behaving better (probably due to the fact that they actually have food in their tummies!)

I think I mentioned before that things were getting ridiculous. Complaints at every meal. "I don't like this" at every turn, unwilling to try things, being sent to their rooms hungry for getting too obnoxious about it. . . the list goes on and on. So what was it that worked for us?

Appetizers! Every night before dinner, we have our appetizers. I started with the "yuckier" veggies, slices of tomatoes, green peppers raw, things they don't like. But, we didn't put any other food on the table, only the appetizers. No more food would be served until they were all GONE and everyone had tried at least one of everything. And, amazingly enough, they started to eat them. Reluctantly at first, but now, they just know it's the drill. We have cucumber slices, carrots, pears, peas, bananas, whatever we have in the house that is fresh. I put out some salad dressings for dipping, which they previously turned up their noses at, but have discovered actually taste good! And the most amazing thing has happened! Not only are they eating their veggies without complaint now, but they are eating so much more dinner! (and lunch, and breakfast!) For the first time EVER we are running out of food at our meals, and I feel like I need to start fixing a little bit more. It is heaven. Especially because they seem happier! So Hurray for appetizers! My kids eat their veggies!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

From my Little TURKEY!

Ethan has entertained me quite a bit the last few days with his requests for turkey costumes (which I refused to make out of fabric like he wanted, but helped him construct out of paper) and his silly turkey poetry, and even play-doh turkeys! I hope this holiday lives up to his expectations! Thanks Ethan, for entertaining me!

A Poetry Sample:

Turkey,

my sweet turkey,

gobble up your feathers,

all night long. . .

Also. . .

"Cooked Turkey"

You smell like a hamburger,

but you turkey!

The Super Slider

Chandler makes quick exit's down the stairs these days. He's definitely the fastest we've ever had!

Getting Ready

Well, I've been keeping myself very busy in the crafting department getting ready for the arrival of Miss Emilee Jane. (yes, that was pretty much a name announcement) Emilee is my middle name, Jane is my mother's, and we've always wanted to use it! Very fun. Anyway, I've finished the bumpers for her crib. I fell in LOVE with this fabric when I saw it (Michael Miller 'kids toille'), and I love the bumpers so much! I've been waiting for a sunny day to take photos of them because it's been so dark and rainy, but it's not looking like there is even one in the forecast, so, here are some kind of dark photos. There will be a quilt out of the same fabrics to follow. I LOVE it! (Yes, I am well aware I have three months left to wait!)

I know they must be cute, because Gordon is suddenly suggesting we paint the nursery green! An idea I am all for. He even suggested we could do frogs on Chandler's side, and this on Emilee's. I love it Gordon! Don't be too surprised when I come home with the paint hunny! :)

Here is one more sneak peek at some sunshine that's being cooked up for a little girl. . .

Daddy's Littlest Helper

Well, that it's actually help or not, is debatable. But Mr. Chandler LOVES to get right down and dirty with daddy. Lucky for Chandler, we had the dishwasher and the garbage disposal have problems this past week. And Daddy can't even so much as take a peek without a little helper by his side. For the most part he just climbs all over dad and tries to look at what he's doing, slowing down the job of course. But, it's pretty cute. They managed to fix the disposal last night. (Hurray for Handy-men!) but the dishwasher is still leaking. Maybe a job for this weekend. . .

Wiggle

Ethan has a loose tooth! His first one, and he's very excited because everyone else in his class seems to have already been through this. He's so excited to join the club! We'll let you know when it comes out!

My little helper

Aidan is an extremely helpful child. I have another child who shall remain nameless for the time being, who likes to grumble and moan and groan when asked to do so much as pick up a shoe off the floor. But for the time being, Aidan is a great helper! My legs were hurting yesterday, and laundry had become impossible. I asked Aidan if he would help me out, and he said, "Sure mom!" So, I set him to work emptying the washer. I was sitting on the couch when Gordon came home and saw what was going on and said, "Um, what's going on here?" I didn't realize he had to get IN the washer to get it emptied (as I was lounging on the couch). But, he was having a great time! Gordon took the following film. . .

Thanks Aidan! You're a great helper!!!!

A Breakfast Success

Meal time at our house has slowly become an out of control, hectic, and VERY frustrating time. It started with breakfast each morning, when every kid wanted something different. Ethan always orders Yogurt, Oatmeal, and then Toast (in that order). Aidan sometimes wants granola, sometimes yogurt, sometimes shredded wheat. . . you get the picture. Chandler eats whatever we give him pretty much, so that's a relief. Gordon and I had hot oatmeal lots of times, but it just was getting to be such a pain! Yogurt, Oatmeal (instant), Oatmeal (steel cut), Toast, Cold Cereal, Bananas, Milk, OJ. . . all for one little meal. We were ready to lose it. Not to mention that our children were getting obnoxious. "Um, mom, where's my toast?" when it's not there RIGHT when he finishes his oatmeal. As you probably have as well, we grew tired of being the short order cooks.

SO. . . .

We put ourselves on a "breakfast schedule." And so far, so good! Sure, it means I have to get downstairs a precious 20 minutes early to cook something up, but we all sit down together, and there are no choices. You eat what's on the table. It's a bit more work for me, but it's heaven so far. And, because they actually LIKE breakfast food, it's really probably our most pleasant family meal of the day. We've been doing this for three weeks now and it's been a big hit. So if you're ever in the area and up at 6:55 a.m., stop on by for. . .

Monday - Whole wheat pancakes and scrambled eggs

Tuesday - cold cereal and yogurt

Wednesday - French Toast and Sausage

Thursday - Cold Cereal and Eggs

Friday - Whole Wheat Waffles and sausage

Saturday - Yogurt, Oatmeal, Toast (ala Ethan)

Sunday - it's a free for all!

Now we're working on getting dinner to run as smoothly, without all the grumbling. More to come on that in the days to come (after we actually have some consistent success!!!)

Getting Behind

Or at least it feels that way! Since my last post, we've all had the stomach flu, which generally slows down family life a great deal. We're all generally over it now, which is something to be grateful for! I was happy it hit on the weekend so Gordon and I could double team the kids. This is pretty much how the weekend was spent, snuggled up on the couch. . .

Since getting healthy, we've had a crazy week. School, pre-school, Activity Days girls for me, YM for Gordon tonight, carpet cleaning, a dead dishwasher. . . the list seems to go on and on! I'm hoping for a little rest this weekend!

Fancy Frilly Fun

So I've only ALWAYS wanted to make a little blessing dress for a little girl, and our little girl (I know, I know, she's not coming for 4 months!!!) has provided the perfect creative outlet. I designed this dress from several I looked at, combined two different patterns I had, added some embellishments, lengthened the skirt, and Voila! I did it! I am in love with it and can't believe how fun it was to sew a dress. The first of many I predict! Aidan says it's "wow beautiful." I agree! Can't wait to put her in it!

Happy Halloween!

Enjoy some pictures of our trick-or-treaters. . .

Here is Aidan the Pilot headed to pre-school

Ethan and Ms. Swanno at his class party. . .

Later that night, Ethan has on a bit more armor

Happy Halloween!