March 1 at 5518 105th Ave N.

Today was a really good Monday, the sun was out, I got some things done (paid bills, laundry, etc.). Talked to a few neighbors and had a few kids over, including Lola who convinced Jonah to steal my money and put eyeliner on. I sat in the sun for a few minutes just enjoying the sounds of snow melting- but there is still 2 feet out there to melt! I am not really a winter hater - because in the winter I don't feel guilty for staying in all day and baking! But I am excited for the seasons to change, and to see green grass and to send the kids outside. I love the change, whether it's from winter to spring or summer to fall. I bought some new cushions for the porch that give me a little satisfaction when I drive up and see cheery fabrics on our bench. I am excited to sit on them and watch the kids run around barefoot. Jonah is a little speedy squirt on his scooter. He rode Brooklyn home today, and then back again to take Jake his hat. He is my little happy guy, I am glad he is around with me for another year.

There were a few sad moments tonight when Ethan and Eli got home from school. They have been getting in the bad habit of calling people names, and today they both came home with a little bit of an attitude and called me names. And Eli actually told me he hated me.That is not the first time. I was sad about that. How can you hate someone who loves you so much and takes care of you and kisses your owies. That is a sad thing to hear. But then I started getting mad. That is not ok for a boy to tell his mom. I told them to go to their rooms, that I needed to think of a consequence. I called Curtis who was on his way home, and he came home and thought of one. I thought it was kind of tough but good. So Curtis made Ethan and Eli both a PB sandwich, and that was all. They ate in their room and went to bed. They missed dinner and would have missed Family Night but we will have it Tuesday so they can come. They missed buttermilk pie. It was sad and weird to not have those two around for the night. I went up to check and Eli was asleep already. Ethan was in his bed, and he gave Janie a kiss. I think he is ok. It is hard not knowing what to do, but feeling frustrated that home is not a fun place to be when certain people are there. I hope that consequence will help them learn a few things. And if not, we have tomorrow to do it all over again!

Florida with the Frugones

We had a fun week in rainy, windy Florida (at least we missed the snow!) We loved going to all the parks, going on rides, eating out, and mostly spending time with Megan, Carlos, Gio, Angelo, and little Christiano. Janie Kate got to spend the week with Kim and Todd, Lala, Sofi and Hogan.
Sunday: Flew into Orlando. We didn't tell the boys where we were going, we got up Sunday morning and decided to go to the airport and take a trip. We gave them a few clues, like: there are lots of oranges, borders the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico... Then after about 50 people at the airport asked them if they were going to see Mickey Mouse, they guessed Disneyworld. We got in about 5, got all checked in and took a 'water taxi'- over to Downtown Disney:
At the Lego Store (of course!)






Monday: Animal Kingdom - We also didn't tell the kids that we were meeting the Frugones there, so when we got off the bus at Animal Kingdom, they were there waiting for us, and it was a big surprise.

We met Baloo at Animal Kingdom:

Dinner was at the Animal Kingdom resort which is on the Savannah, so we walked out and saw some giraffes up close. I love this picture of Ethan and Gio.

Tuesday: Magic Kingdom- This is my favorite place, it is so clean and beautiful and fairy-tale-ish, we walked down Main Street, then through Cinderella's castle, Eli has a thing for Cinderella, we will find out more about that later.

Yes those are rain clouds

Ethan and Minnie have a moment... that Minnie is such a lady!

Wednseday: Magic Kingdom- We decided to spend another day and I'm glad we did, because we filled up another day with Tom Sawyer Island, Big Thunder Railroad again, Peter Pan's adventure again, The Swiss family Tree House, Turkey legs and...

Eli got to meet Cinderella! He was so excited to meet her, and when it was his turn, he ran up and gave her a big hug. He has been asking questions about Cinderella for two days, he wanted to know if he could go into her castle and what room was hers and on and on. Eli is always a surprise, I never have him quite figured out, he is just unpredictable.

Thursday: Hollywood Studios- Ethan went on a really big, really fast Aerosmith roller coaster with Curtis. I was really worried but he loved it. Curtis finally has a roller coaster buddy! Groom them young. Indiana Jones stunt show:

Friday: Came home- Eli threw up on the airplane. We got to see our little princess who we missed all week, it is good to be home! (But we miss you Frugones!)

Quiet on a Sunday Night

I am enjoying the quiet. Finally all the loud ones are asleep. This was today:

Wrestling/convincing kids into their church clothes (depends on their age).
Ethan at 8:30 am: "I'm NOT going to church and YOU can't make me!"
Eli: "Me neither! I hate chuwch because..." (at this point I drowned him out by saying 'serenity now' to myself over and over).

Enjoyed Sacrament meeting with a 16 month old who will not sit still, and 2 boys who insist on following me, while I am following her! (Curtis and Jonah are in Utah)

Listened to said 16 month old, who took a 20 minute nap in the car, holler the afternoon away in her crib. No, she never fell asleep!

Made dinner alone, and enjoyed dinner with the usual conversation. Lately, though, my cooking has been getting more mixed reviews like this:
Ethan: "What's IN this... WORMS?? I HATE onions. And I don't like cheese either. Why did you have to put cheese on my salad? Do I HAVE to eat the cucumbers? I think I'm going to DIE if I have to eat those cucumbers.
Eli: "This looks like POOP. "

Put them to bed. And then did the dishes in 3 different shifts. I'm not complaining. I just want to remember this so I can be the one saying this: Oh, ENJOY it honey! It goes by so fast!

Thank you Anita for the delicious cake. I ate both pieces by myself, after the kids were in bed:)