Mommy Ava Afternoon and Green Goblins

Ava doesn't get much Mommy time lately. So to counter that, I created Mommy Ava afternoons. Every Friday, after lunch, I put the baby down for her nap and it is time to spend time just with Ava. She gets so excited for these afternoons, I know it was desperately needed to have some individual time with her! I also haven't had as much time to teach her like I did Michaela and Payden, so I incorporate that as well. We always start out by reading stories to practice Ava's reading skills, then do a few pages from a learning activity book. Then we do some kind of activity. Ava loves to paint, so we do that often. We have made jewelry, and played games. Today we made Green Goblins in honor of the upcoming holiday.


I made this "vampire" for Jason in honor of his Twilight addiction. Oh, did I really say that?

These little guys are so cute; they are basically rice crispy treats made with Kix and green food coloring. I got the idea and recipe from "Gourmet Mom on the Go" blog. It is listed in my blogs I read; if you haven't checked it out you should!

We had so much fun with these. I mixed them up and formed them into balls, and Ava put them on the feet. Then we decorated the afternoon away!


Ava loved the creative freedom, and it didn't hurt that she got to sample along the way! Of course, we ate one when we were done.

We are going to do this as a family because it was so fun. I love my afternoons with my little "Tiny Kay"! (Ava's middle name is Kay.)

Puppy Update

Ok. So. The puppy.

I have been reading this book that will help, I think, in training him, but is also freaking me out.

The authors of this book are very strong in their opinion that you should find the right dog for your situation.

Our situation is, of course, 4 noisy children, 2 indoor cats and one outdoor cat.

What dog would be good given our situation?

Well, aparently NOT Kylo. Kylo is dominant, engergetic, shows some aggression, and does not appear to enjoy training.

You should, according to the book, find a dog without dominant characteristics that enjoys being around people.

All the signs that a dog could display that would make him wrong for family life Kylo happily displays.

I keep telling myself that the authors don't know everything, Kylo is only 10 weeks old, he will be ok.

What I want is for Kylo to be happy, not aggressive, and train well. I want him to be a family dog. I hope this is possible, because even though he won't stop biting, he nips at the baby, he won't submit to me when I try to train him and I worry that he will be bad with the kids, I still am loving this dog. I know, who knew.

So please, someone tell me that he is just being a puppy. Calm me with stories of how your wonderful, well adjusted dogs were this bad as pups. Tell me to not worry, this is just a phase.

Please.

And don't worry, mom, this doesn't mean I am going to get rid of him. I am in it for the long haul. Even when he pees on my floor.

Just. Adorable.

Happy Birthday Jason!

Jason celebrated his 34th birthday on the 2nd. I had the girls tease him all day that he is getting "old"! We had friends and family over for dinner and cake and ice cream. We had a barbeque of steak and chicken, potato salad, jello salad and green salad. I made a German chocolate cake per Jasons request.

Not really sure what Michaela is doing in this picture! Jason got two cards that made obnoxious sounds; the kids had fun driving us all nuts all night long opening them up!

Our friends got Jason this neat hat; it has lights built into it. We all had fun trying it on and shining it in everyones eyes. Jason also got a blood pressure monitor (he really is old!) and we all tried that as well.

It was a nice birthday, and we were all reminded how glad we are to have Jason as a husband, father, and friend. Happy Birthday, honey!

Look who's walking!

Corrine took her first steps at fourteen months, and now at fifteen months she is near cruising. She still falls often, but can walk many steps before she does. And the smile of accomplishment on her face is priceless to behold.

I love newly walking babies. I love the way they move their legs from their hips, not their knees, and how they look up at you to make sure you are watching. We are watching Corrine; keep going!

Meet Kylo.

Our family aquired a new member on Saturday. We bought him when we were at the farmers market; we couldn't resist. Really, it just felt right.

He is much luuuuved in this house, held often like a baby. The real baby likes him, but doesn't like to touch him.

Ava is in ecstasy, she loves dogs. She has told me many times, Mommy, I wish we had a dog.

Now we do!

Pocatello Kids Triathalon 2009

Saturday was a big day for us, as the girls participated in their second kids triathalon. This was Ava's first year, Michaela and Payden's second. The older girls improved this year, and Ava did so good!

Our three triatheletes!

Here is Payden swimming,

and Michaela swimming.I thought both of them did really well, especially given that they haven't had any swimming lessons or swim team this summer. The older girls went after the older boys, then the younger girls went after the younger boys. Ava was in agony waiting to "go swimming!"

After the swim, it was out to their bikes for the next event. It is so funny watching them trying to get socks on when wet and rushed.

Michaela was out of the pool and on her bike before I even made it outside.

After much waiting, it was Ava's turn in the pool. She was so excited!

The older girls had to do 4 laps, the younger 2. So Ava had to swim down and back twice. I hadn't explained to her that this was a race, but I did say she had to swim without playing. She did so good, even though she was the last out of the pool she swam the whole time!

It was so cute watching her swim.

Then outside for the bike. I ran the whole course with her, expecting to have to push her on the bike or carry her for the run. I didn't have to push her on the bike at all, and I have to say she looked just adorable with her number on her shirt, pedaling along.

By the run, she was tired and a little grumpy. I carried her a little, and up the stairs, but other than that she did it all by herself. I was so proud of her!

She didn't want the lady to put her medal on her; she wanted to do it! Last one through, but I think she made the biggest accomplishment.

Michaela and Payden had their pictures taken by Grandma, so when I get those pictures I will post those. They both had good time. Michaela felt sick to her stomach afterward because she pushed herself so hard, but after some refreshments she felt better. Payden really enjoyed the food table afterward! Both girls said they felt they did much better this year than last. Last year, Michaela said she never wanted to do it again; this year she said she wants to do it again! Last year, Payden said she had fun, this year she said she didn't want to do it again. I give up trying to figure my kiddos out. I have a good time watching them do this, and I am so proud of them for pushing themselves and doing something amazing!