Wii had a great Christmas!

The kids patiently waiting to open presents! (Anna wasn't being patient!)

What Santa left....

Wow- Christmas always comes and goes so fast! Sometimes I forget to stop and enjoy all the magical parts of Christmas (like leaving milk and cookies for Santa:( oops)! The kids did great this Christmas- they got all they ever wished for... and more! Of course... they got a Wii! Well, maybe I should say, WE ALL got a Wii! I think Ryan and I have enjoyed it just as much as the kids! My arms even hurt the next day, just because of the Wii- it is great!! Thanks mom for the awesome gift!

Garrett got a basketball hoop, some games, some clothes, and lots of other things! Claire got 4 Hannah Montana dolls:), a baby doll, some handmade doll clothes, some makeup and of course, her fave, clothes! Anna wasn't really sure what to think about Christmas. However, she had fun with her new table and chair set, her new dolly, and LOTS of stuffed animals!

We celebrated Christmas Eve with Ryan's parents, then Christmas morning at home. I told the kids that they could get up at 7am... well, at 4 am, Garrett and Claire came in the room saying they weren't tired anymore... The horrible mean mom that I am- sent them back to bed... until 6:52am

We did celebrate Christmas with my dad and Connie and her family on Saturday after Christmas. We had a great Christmas this year! I love how excited kids get during this time-even when they are climbing the walls, it brings me back to my memories as a child during Christmas! What great memories!

Snow pictures!

I am not sure why he needs the goggles... but he likes them!

There is nothing better than watching kids play in the snow! I think there is something magical about it... kinda like Santa! Better than watching the kids play in the snow are the pictures... So here are some pictures of the kids playing in the snow!

All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth...

The song "All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth" is appropriate for Garrett this year! He lost his first front tooth a few weeks ago, but just today as Ryan and Garrett were doing what boys do best (wrestle), Ryan knocked out his other front tooth! After many minutes of searching for the tooth, and having a conversation about what happens when you swallow a tooth, we found the long lost tooth! You should have seen the look on his face when I explained to Garrett he may just have to "poop" the tooth out! Fortunately we found the tooth, before Anna did and before he had to actually think about it... Here is a picture of Garrett with his missing teeth!

A parade in December... are we crazy??

We ventured out into the cold, one December Saturday night! Why? You ask... well, after I thawed out my toes, fingers and nose, I could answer that question! We went to the Caldwell night Christmas parade. It was fun, but probably not worth the freezing cold EVERYTHING! The older kids enjoyed it, but from the look on Anna's face, you can tell how she felt about it (I was feeling the same way, but someone told me once that I was an adult and needed to act like one!) However, it was a nice start to the holiday season!

I think I have raised a MONKEY!

Every time we turn around, Anna is climbing! Not just onto chairs and tables, but onto counters, in sinks and making her own stools! I came into the kitchen the other day, and she had pulled out the drawer under the stove and used that as a stool to completely demolish my silverware drawer! The very next day, as I was cooking dinner, I heard silence. Well, anyone that knows what my house normally sounds like, knows that silence is very odd (and someone should be worried!) I knew that Claire was at a friends house and Garrett was with Ryan feeding horses, so I was concerned about what Anna was getting into, eating or dumping out... well, what I found was my little monkey had crawled onto the toilet and up into the sink! She had the water on and a toothbrush in her mouth! What did I do you ask? Well, I ran for the camera- what else??? She is pretty cute- but very BUSY!!!

Not mother of the year... but close!

So I will not win mother of the year this year... Let me tell you why! There was a gingerbread house making night at the school on the Monday after Thanksgiving- and being a teacher at the school, one might think we would go... well, to make a long story short, we stayed home instead! We did make gingerbread houses, but instead of going out into the cold, foggy night- we stayed at home in our jammies! I know I missed "mother of the year", but I guess I also missed "teacher of the year" :)! We had fun anyway, listening to Christmas music, eating yummy treats and making houses!

We are still here...

Yep, I haven't posted in over a month... I know! Honestly, not much has really been going on in our lives. Garrett has had basketball games every Saturday, but pictures of that aren't so exciting! Claire is busy being all girl! My neice came over to spend the night the other night and they decided to do make-up! Well, needless to say, my sister was not so pleased! In Payton's words, "My mom will FREAK!" I just laughed! and then there is Anna...She is BUSY! That is all the words I can say about her. She is climbing and pulling out everything possible as fast as possible! I don't remember the other kids being such a little terror! I am sure they were, those memories just fade fast! She is still very cute- just a pain! She also isn't really talking either! Just this weekend, I got her to say "momma"- but she just says it not knowing what it means! I am pretty sure that she is just pulling a "Kacy Ann"- I didn't talk either- mostly because I had a big brother and sister that talked for me!
We had a nice Thanksgiving- we have so much to be thankful for! My mom and stepdad came for the long weekend. We had a wonderful dinner at my sister's house, then woke up at 4am to go shopping! Even Ryan went shopping at 3:30 am!! My mom and I had a blast and got lots of great bargins! She was such a trooper- having knee surgery 2 weeks previous and was sick on top of it!
Tonight, we made gingerbread houses- it really got us in the Christmas spirit! I can't wait to put up the tree... oh wait, remember my comments about Anna? Yep- not sure we are going to put one up! She will be climbing it when we aren't looking! YEEK! We will have to see! Stay tuned for the latest pics!

Happy Halloween!

This is the scary bush!

We had a great Halloween! Claire was a black cat, Anna was my little bunny and Garrett was the infamous, Rodeo Clown- the costume he has worn for the past 3 years! But, he loves it!!

We first went to the church for their Harvest festival- the kids had fun playing games, decorating cookies and running around. Then I took Anna and Ryan home (Anna was tired, and Ryan was sick), then met the Rea's (the old neighbors) back at the church where we drove to a neighborhood to do some trick or treating! I really think the kids had more fun running from one house to the next gathering candy. Claire's friend, Emily would come running down each driveway saying "I am a winner daddy, take my picture!" after everytime she got candy from someone! It was pretty cute! The kids had fun, but there were a few houses that were scary too! One house, the bucket of candy was on the porch sitting next to a bush- but everytime the kids went to get a piece of candy- the bush would talk and move. Garrett was the only brave one that actually stayed up there and got candy from the bucket (we realized it was actually a guy dressed up like a bush- it was a great costume!!) Garrett may be in therapy for years talking about the scary bush!! We had a fun night!

Pumpkin Patch time!

The girls and mommy on the hayride!

Miss Brandi (Claire's preschool teacher) and Claire Bear!

Claire's preschool class


It has been a week of pumpkins and the pumpkin patch! First on Tuesday, Claire's preschool class went on a field trip to the pumpkin patch. I took the afternoon off to go with her (and have some GIRL time!). First we stopped and had pizza, then we went to the pumpkin patch to meet her teachers and all her sweet little preschool friends! We went on a hayride, went through a hay maze, picked out her own pumpkin and even got a snack! It was a fun time!

Then on Saturday- Garrett was dying to go to the pumpkin patch for his own pumpkin! So, this time we went as a family! What a beautiful day to do so- however, EVERYBODY else in the state of Idaho thought that is was the right day to go as well! It was so crowded! And, if you know my husband at all, he doesn't do well with lots of people!! So it was a fast in and out trip! We went on the hayride, went to the petting zoo (complete with camel and zebra!!), and searched all over for the perfect pumpkins! Ryan was getting impatient waiting for the hayride to come back, so he put the 2 heaviest pumpkins on his shoulders and started hiking back! If I didn't have my hands full of Anna and 2 small pumpkins- I would've taken a picture of it! It was classic! We had a great time!
The next day, the kids woke up wanting to carve the pumpkins... I really dislike carving pumpkins, so I tried to sidetrack them as long as I could... well, at 4:00 we couldn't hold out any longer! The problem with carving pumpkins is the kids love the idea of it, but really can't do much! So after the second handful of oopey, goopey, slimy pumpkin guts, they lose interest and run off playing! So, who is really left with the chore of carving? Yep, you guessed it, mom and dad- the ones who didn't want to do it in the first place! Ryan and I had a little competition to see who's was best! I am sure I won- but he would probably give you another story!

The end is here!

The Flaming Fireballs!

(Garrett had lost 2 teeth the day before- he hasn't figured out how to smile!)

Saturday was Garrett's last soccer game of the season! Although I will miss the Saturday games and the look in Garrett's eyes when he gets to play defender, I won't miss the freezing cold mornings! Garrett had a wonderful season and made some new friends. He really started to improve by the end of the season and was running much faster! But all good things must come to an end! However, our Saturdays are not boring- we have now entered Basketball season! Who knows, we may have the next Michael Jordan on our hands!

Girls weekend in Seattle!

The high school girls at the infamous bar in Issaquah! Some of us have been friends since 3rd grade!

Last weekend, I had such a great, fabulous weekend in Seattle. I went ALL BY MYSELF!! I know- it was a one of a kind trip. I didn't even know how to act in the airport without my 3 children running, screaming and wanting everything! I was able to go through the "no kid" line in security and I read my book without ever looking up during the flight (well except for the last 15 minutes when I almost wet my pants- I had to have some memory of my children).

My weekend was great, fabulous, wonderful and did I mention I had the time of my life? Did I mention I traveled ALONE???

When I got to Seattle, my mom picked me up from the airport and we drove straight to the mall to shop and eat lunch (what more could a girl want?) We had lunch at Cheesecake Factory and then met Heather (my best friend from high school) to go shopping. We shopped at lots of fun, new places, but we also went to the traditional ones too!

We soon left my mom and headed to Mexican food with Heather's husband and 3 adorable children! After returning to her house, we rummaged through all of our great buys and compared notes.

The next morning we woke up, had coffee and headed out the door to get my very first pedicure (yep, first ever!!) It was wonderful and we had such a great time talking, laughing and watching the Ellen show- it was hard to leave. But we were on a time crunch- since we had a lunch date with our old friend, Martina. We had lunch with her and sat and chatted for a bit. Then off to shopping, shopping, shopping in Issaquah! When I first moved to Issaquah there wasn't even a stop light- now it is a real city with Target, Costco and lots of fun shops! We had a blast trying on clothes, purses and looking at kids clothes! We even stopped for coffee! Our next stop was Pogatcha's for dinner with the high school girls. One might think we would be tired- but we were ready for a party! We had a fabulous, yummy dinner with great conversation until the band started. Then our conversation became a screaming match- so we decided to head for the infamous Issaquah bar- the Joker! I was dying to see someone from high school!

In the pouring down rain- we headed to the Joker. We had a good time (we FINALLY saw someone we went to high school with)- had some beer, but then we started to fade!!

The next day was the day to celebrated Heather's big birthday- she was turning 34! We were also going to watch her little boy play his soccer game and then head to Salmon Days in Issaquah. Unfortunately, it was pouring rain- so we watched the game then headed to Mexican food for lunch. (almost as good as Salmon Days:) ) Then off for more shopping!!

All of our fun had to come to an end when they took me to the airport. I got on the plane and flew home! However, I was very excited to be greeted at the door by my 3 wonderful children and great husband!

What a great weekend- one I will remember and cherish forever! I am thankful for the great friends I have back in Seattle- but also thankful for my wonderful friends Ihave here in Idaho!

Student of the Week!

The nice part about working at the same school your child attends, is you really know what is going on all the time! Which is exactly how I want it to be (maybe not to Garrett- but I love it) On Friday's they announce Student of the Week- each week they are looking for a different character trait. Today's student of the week was "forming good habits"- and Garrett was chosen to be this weeks student! (and I didn't even pay his teacher!) It must have been the week to have teacher's kids picked- since 3 of the kids were teacher's kids!

The funny part of the whole thing was after school. I was so excited for him and told him "I am proud of you Garrett for getting Student of the Week!" His reply was "What's that??" Obviously, he really didn't know what it was all about- so it goes to show you maybe student of the week should be called "parent of the week!"

Just turn off the machine...

We woke up today to a large, unsuspecting thunder and lightening storm. As I awoke to the loud clash of thunder that I was sure was in my pillow and flash of light that light up the room very clearly, I wondered how many minutes it was going to take for the kids to be in bed with us. Before I could finish my thought- the door was flung open and my two oldest children were shaking like leaves. All I could do was smile and tell them it was going to be alright. Anna- the baby, slept just like one throughout all the clanging and clashing that was going on right outside her window. Unfortunately the Fireballs had a very early game planned this morning-9am! At 8:15 we recieved a call to tell us our game was cancelled due to the lightening- they didn't care about the buckets of water that were falling from the sky- just the lightening! It was a happy/sad occasion for us. I was more than happy to not go sit in the rain (but if you ask my mom, she will tell you part of watching your son play soccer is the rain)- but I also enjoy watching Garrett play soccer. So our Saturday went on without the soccer game.

Claire, Anna and I went to run errands, as Ryan and Garrett took the horses out to Ryan's parent's house. As Claire and I were driving down the street- Claire asked if there was a machine that made thunder and lightning. I told her no- that actually God makes the thunder and lightning. She proceeded to tell me that she was going to ask God to turn off his machine that makes the thunder and lightning! I just smiled, knowing that any explanation of thunder and lightning won't make any sense to her- so she should just go one with the vision she has in her head about God's large machine!

We did get home from our errands just in time for the awesome BSU game! They were not slated to win- nor did I have the confidence in them- but they played hard and beat the highly ranked Oregon Ducks! I stand tall and proud to be a BSU alumni! Go Broncos!

To end our nice day- Ryan, Anna and I were able to go enjoy a yummy dinner at Outback. Garrett stayed with the in-laws and Claire went to the neighbors birthday party. We had forgotten how easy (OK not easy- just different) it is to have just 1 child! But I wouldn't change my 3 kids for anything in the world!

Soccer season has started!

Fall brings lots of fun things, including school and soccer! This is Garrett's third year (fifth season) of playing soccer! In the past years, it has been very low key (no refs, coaches on the field, co-ed, etc.), however this year it is the "pros"! We now have refs, the coaches can't go on the field and the parents can't sit with the players! It was a huge shock for the us the first game (last weekend), but we are slowly getting used to the way "big kids" play sports! Garrett had the same coach and team for the last 2 years, but this year everything changed! He now has a new coach (a mom!) and a whole new team! I think this is probably harder on me than it is him! I no longer have the same moms that I get to talk to at practice- but I also no longer know the coach! I am sure that this coach is great- but I do miss the old one! Garrett loves the new coach because she give incentives for playing hard, showing up and being a good teammate! They get little soccer balls that they can iron on their uniforms- it is a great "bribe"- but it is certainly working for Garrett!

The "Fireballs" played a tough game on Saturday- we aren't supposed to keep score (but everyone does), however we lost (5-3)! I think we learned some good techniques they will practice on Monday! He is improving every day, but I have noticed the longer game times really wear him out! I told Ryan he should start taking Garrett for a jog every night to build up his endurance... notice I didn't volunteer for that one (I will save my energy for homework help)! It would make me sweat!! Well, to let you know-our next couple of Saturdays are spent at soccer games- cheering on the "Fireballs!"

Our last "first birthday" celebration...

As I was cleaning the house this morning, getting ready to have family and friends over for Anna's first birthday celebration, sadness set in. Sad for a variety of reasons, but mostly because I realized today's celebration will be my last... not her last birthday, but my last "first birthday". Many of this last year, has been my last firsts- first step, first tooth, first word (but she really isn't speaking yet :( ), first smile, first laugh and now first birthday celebration. It really is a bitter sweet experience. There isn't a bone in my body that wants another baby, it is just sometimes hard to realize that I will never have another tiny baby that belongs to me in my arms, or my stomach for that matter!

We had a wonderful birthday party. I realized that this birthday party is more for us- not her (I know it took me 3 kids to figure this out!) So, I decided to make it fun for us- relaxed but fun! We had cake and ice cream and played some games for the big kids. We first did a pinata, played my favorite party game as a child- eating donuts from a string with no hands, had a water balloon toss (some had a fight!), and had some yummy cake and ice cream. And of course we opened gifts (OK- so Anna didn't want to open gifts, so all the older kids ripped into them!)

We had a wonderful time seeing some people we haven't seen in a while- the Luthy's and the Rea's! Of course the family was here too (not mine- we already celebrated last week in New Meadows). A wonderful time was had by all!!

4 1/2 is close to 10!

Claire has been a "chicken" for new adventure since the day she was born. She has never been the first to do anything and is scared to try anything new. When asked about taking off her training wheels, she has always replied "I will do it when I am 10!" Well, she has decided that being 4 1/2 is close to ten! So, yesterday, she let me take off her training wheels. Now, remember she is still my little chicken- nothing like Garrett ever was at this age. He took off his training wheels and never looked back- he had it mastered in 1 night! Claire is a work in progrees- she practiced for a little while last night, but still was a little scared. We worked on it more tonight- but it will take some more time to master this new task! I think she is a little bit too big for her bike- but Ryan says she will get a new bike when she can learn to ride this one by herself... it might be when she is 10 afterall!

A great weekend!

We spent the long Labor day weekend up at my dad's house in New Meadows. It was such a fun weekend (except for the trip up there when Claire got car sick twice :( ) We went to 2 parades (and got enough candy to last us all year), went swimming, went on 4 wheeler rides, and hung out with family. It was a great time to see my dad and Connie, and her 2 sons and their families were there as well. Garrett and Claire loved playing with all the boys (yep- no girls for Claire), riding their bikes, exploring in the weeds, playing frisbee and Garrett even climbed a rock wall 2 times! We also celebrated Anna's first birthday with presents and chocolate cake- while watching the BSU Broncos win their first game of the season! We had a fabulous weekend- we will have to do that more often!

Happy Birthday Baby!

Happy first birthday baby Anna! Wow- I can't believe how fast the past year has gone! It feels like just yesterday that I was in the hospital having my third and final baby. Knowing it was my last, I have tried to not wish her life away, since those precious firsts will be my last. Now little Anna isn't so little any more- she is one year old! She is walking, running, dancing and climbing everywhere. Her favorite things to do are climb onto the foot stool and dance, open drawers and pull out everything as fast as possible (giggling the whole time), picking up rocks and trying to carry as many as she can and last but not least, she has learned to give the best hugs ever! Nothing is better than a hug from a one year old! Claire and Garrett still think the world of her and cherish every minute they get with her. Sometimes they even want to come home from Nana and Papa's house early just to see her. I wonder how long that will last! When she was first born, my mom said the newness will "wear off" in 3 weeks! Well, the newness is still there- and I hope they continue to love her everyday!

Well, Happy birthday my baby Anna- you will always be my baby!

School has started...

It seems that every summer goes by quicker than the last! And, this summer went by way too fast. We had a long list of things we wanted to do, but only got to a handful of them! We did successfully do swim lessons (unlike last year), play with our friends, started going to church, shopped and we made it to Seattle not once, but twice! Now it is time to settle down, go to bed early and get up early. With all of those things also comes a schedule, which gives me some sanity (as well as the kids too!)

Here are some pictures of the kids on their first day of school. Garrett is going to the same school I teach at- he is in the first grade this year! Wow, am I old enough to have a first grader? I have always been the one to critic others parenting skills- now I am on the chopping board! Claire has started her second year of preschool (the same preschool Garrett went to- and we absolutely love!)

101 things about me...

Here are 101 things about me that you may (or may not) have known about me...

I have lived in 5 states.
My parents divorced my senior year of high school.
I make a green salad every night with dinner.
I dreamed of being a pediatric nurse practioneer when I was growing up.
I absolutely hated fresh tomatoes until very recently.
I have 1 brother, 1 sister and 4 step brothers.
I volunteered over 500 hours at the local hospital when I was in high school.
When I met my husband I was wearing wranglers and cowboy boots!
I taught 9 years and 5 days of 2nd grade in Kuna, Idaho.
I went to Washington State University for a semester and only spent 2 weekends there.
I have never played a musical instrument.
I took tennis lessons when I was in 8th grade.
I am addicted to Myspace and Facebook.
I love to go out to lunch or dinner.
My feet grew one size during my last pregnancy.
I am scared to death to throw up.
I love Nicholas Sparks books.
My parents remarried someone I knew from my childhood.
I have a VERY deep belly button.
My house is never clean!
I don’t like sleeping with a top sheet.
I was married for 2 months before I became pregnant.
I had 10 cabbage patch kids (one named Claire)
I lived (for a short time) with my boyfriend in college
I can’t take a shower without shaving my legs.
I love birthdays (especially mine and my kids)
I can’t remember anything about my 2nd grade experience.
I changed the spelling of my middle name (not legally)
I have had my ears pierced several times- but don’t wear earrings.
My first kiss was when I was 13- on vacation in Chelan to a boy named Ken. I ran away from him the next day when I saw him.
I can’t stand eating pizza without salad.
I don’t like any kind of soda.
I am a Ranch dressing snob.
My first job was at a stuffed animal store.
I don’t have any tattoos- and never will
I hate going to the dentist.
I love fresh brewed ice tea with lots of ice and a straw.
I don’t like to be hot.
I delivered 2 babies with no drugs (not by choice)
I babysat for the same family every Saturday night when I was younger.
I love to buy new shoes.
I get lost in movies often.
I can’t stand being serious for very long.
I took a parenting class in high school and had to carry around a bag of flour as my child.
I will only buy Huggies diapers.
I love taking pictures of my kids.
I am a rule follower.
I was a bigger partier in high school than in college.
I love to catch up with old acquaintances from high school.
I went on one date with a guy that had one arm- and he ended up picking up on the waitress.
I didn’t date anyone from my own high school.
I really want to go to Paris one day.
I am not good at saving money.
I got a parking ticket almost every day when I was in college at BSU.
I am not a morning person.
Lots of my memories revolve around food.
I am the baby of the family.
I love Mexican food.
I don’t like watching TV
I read the obituaries in the newspaper every day.
I met my husband on a blind date.
I don’t cook dinner on Friday or Saturday night.
I have to work for adult conversation and friendship (the money just an added benefit)
I really don’t like dogs.
I had a bird when I was in 2nd grade- it got sick and made me sick too (it died, I didn’tJ)
I don’t like yard work and kill all flowers!
My coffee table is older than me.
I cry when I hear about babies being born- but didn’t cry when any of mine were born.
I am very self conscious when guests are at my house.
I would rather get money for Christmas so I can go shopping at all the sales the next day.
I love iced vanilla lattes with 2% milk
I have only been in the hospital to have my babies.
I do all the cooking, my husband does the cleaning.
I can’t stand when my kids are dirty.
I have to shower and wash my hair daily.
I don’t like showering with the door open.
I don’t like taking a bath with the door closed.
I love to talk on the phone.
I went to Scotland when I was a sophomore in college.
I actually enjoy going to rodeos.
I love to hear about labor and delivery stories.
I like watching baseball in person, but not on TV
I loved high school and would go back any day!
I don’t iron.
I have an eggo waffle with peanut butter and honey every morning for breakfast.
I am not a good decorator.
I don’t like popcorn.
I would rather have a juicy hamburger than dessert anyday!
I am an emotional person.
I don’t like rap music.
I like to know about current events.
I didn’t go to church as a child
I have never broken a bone.
I think my mom is a fantastic cook (she even makes better PB and J sandwiches than me)
I went to college to get a MRS degree- I ended up with an actual degree!
I don’t like wearing clothes again until they are washed.
I am a better mom when I work
I really don’t like open casket funerals
I love newborn babies, kittens and new shoes.
Drama drives me nuts.
I visit Seattle every summer.

New to this stuff...

So, I have loved reading everyone else's blog for the past couple of months, but always thought "I don't have time". Well, I have come to realize "You have time for what you want!" and what I want is memories for my children. Poor little Anna does not have the baby book, or scrapbook like the older two- so maybe this will do! Hopefully I can keep up with this and let others see what the Dines do on a daily (or weekly) basis!