Another (gross, yet funny) Jackism...

The day started out like any other Sunday... we lazily got up way past any normal or acceptable time for most families.  We spent the day playing games and sledding, making hot chocolate and popcorn.  I tended to some neglected duties such as laundry, sweeping, mopping and finally tackling the stripes I'd wanted to add to Jack's bedroom walls.  He asked if he could help and I told him "no", this was more of a "big person" job.  Then he asked if he could watch and I said "certainly".  He seemed content with that answer and let his boyish imagination run wild while I painted.  There were a lot of noises coming from this sweet little boy that sounded like motorcycles exploding and trucks getting pulverized by some invisible creature from a far away planet.  I smiled to myself as I listened and thought "how cute", either he's always like this when he plays alone in his room or the paint fumes are making him high... either way, I was enjoying the company of my short friend.  Then out of nowhere Jack announces that he is going to go to the bathroom.  I hesitantly said "okay... thanks for the news flash" and continued on with my painting project wondering why I always need to be informed of such things.  The next thing I wish I never had to have heard was Jack shouting to me from the bathroom:

"Mommy!  A sloppy joe just fell outta me!"

"What?!" I said a little unsure of what I just heard.

"A sloppy Joe just fell outta me -- cuz it smelled like one, that's why I said that!"

So first of all I got to thinking that this was some new joke that daddy decided to teach our impressionable youngster, but when I went to the living room, Josh was just as bewildered as I was!  I asked if he heard all of that and he nodded his head, but clearly had no part in this.  Secondly, I must tell you that I don't make sloppy joes...at least I haven't in years so I'm curious as to whose sloppy joes his doo doo actually smelled like.  I'm hoping it is from the schools cafeteria and not grandmas...cuz I think she'd be a little upset and possibly offended!!!

It Turns Out...She's Funny Too!!!

So often I think of Jack as the "funny one" and Kate as the "responsible, reserved one".  Well it turns out that she has quite a bit of humor in her too! Today she brought home a form she filled out at school regarding her new year's resolution.  This is how it looked:

My new year's resolution is.......

Starting a career on guitar hero and play more on it and punish my dad.

When I pulled it out of her backpack and read it (laughing out loud), she was in the bathroom.  When she came out I said, "That is hilarious Kate!  You're going to 'punish' dad?"

She responded in the most even, quiet tone, "I already have..."

OMG!!!  I was laughing so hard!  I called Josh on the phone to confirm what she said was true.  He didn't deny that she beat him on several songs already.

Just Mom and Me

After Kate's swim competition was over, I needed to get back home to take are of some responsibilities there.  Josh wanted to stay to finish up a poker table that he and his dad were building (I'll post pictures of that later...it turned out GREAT).  Anyway, I gave the kids the option of staying with dad or coming home with me.  Kate wanted to come with me and Jack decided to stay.  He wanted to finishing painting a birdhouse that grandpa made for him.  On Sunday, Kate and I did our hair all fancy and painted our nails.  Then we went and saw Marley and Me.  I kind of regretted that because it had a lot more adult content than I was expecting!!!  She said that a lot of other kids had seen it and loved it, so I didn't see the harm!  Luckily for me, there were no questions I needed to answer afterwards.  We both cried into tissues and she said she really liked the movie.  She now wants to read the book.  After that I treated her to some custard from Culvers and then we did a little shopping.  It was a great day.  We definitely need to do more of those...

Here's us getting pretty...which really isn't a pretty process! LOL

The finished product!

She's a FISH!!!

Kate participated in her second swim competition this weekend in Rhinelander.  She did AWESOME!!!  She even came in first in two of her heats.  Once she learns to dive from the block, I think she'll really be a force to be reckoned with!  She had fun getting her "war paint" on.  I think it encouraged her to go faster.  By the way, she did win a second place medal in her last competition for the 100 relay.  We saw her gain ground, so we know she was an asset to her team.  They made her the anchor this time...which is probably why they came in first during their heat.  Way to go Kate!!!  Win or lose, we are so proud of you!

Her war paint

Sooooooo CUTE!

She was surprised that I could make her hair look so cool.

It's so hard to get a good picture of her in the water, so this will have to do.

Displaying her "heat winner" ribbons

Happy New Year 2009!

Boy, I can't believe that another year has come and gone!!!  So much has happened this year and I only suspect that 2009 will bring just as much excitement!  Here's hoping that all your dreams come true in '09!

The kids decided to put on a New Year's Eve play.  I got a kick out of the invitation to the show.

Kate was the narrator and the boys were the (crazy) actors.

Peyton was barely hanging on as the clock reached 12:00.

Of course my kids, aka "the party animals", were not going to let a little thing like midnight keep them down!  Party on Garth.  Party on Wayne.

Ahhhhh....

Kate is still getting her groove on!

Despite being soooo tired, we were able to get a smile out of Peyton.  His first for 2009.  Let's keep those coming!!! ;-)

Could that cheek be any bigger???  Could he be any cuter???

Who's The Guitar Hero?

The kids got a Wii for Christmas and the BEST accessory by far was the Guitar Hero!  It is  so much fun to play.  It will be rather embarrassing when I have to into the doctor's office and explain how I developed carpal tunnel syndrome...but I can't help it!  It's soooo addicting.  Oh.  I suppose I should see him about my addiction problem too, which will be equally embarrassing. But they say admitting you have a problem is the first step towards recovery... yeah right! ;-)

Josh is trying really hard to look like a guitar god here, but as I see it, he only tapped into his guitar nerdiness.

Chloe and Jackers getting crazy.

Chloe and Myah rockin' it out!  

(I believe Josh is biting his fingernail and not picking his nose in the background...but I could be wrong).

Even Jude got into the action!  You go rocker chick!

Rob and Lanette harnessing their inner guitar hero.

I'm really regretting not doing my hair today... you can't be a guitar goddess without perfect hair.  Oh poo :-(

Christmas!!!!!!!!!

We had a glorious Christmas this year.   We were so fortunate to spend it with Josh's parents, his sister from Utah and her family.  The cousins are all close in age and they had an absolute ball together!  The kids were spoiled rotten as usual, but they're at such a fun age...how could you NOT go overboard???

Jack and cousin Myah.

Kate and cousin Chloe

(Chloe and Myah are absolute dolls!)

The whole gang.

I even spotted Rudolf!

The kids and Aunt Becky busy making gingerbread men.  They all ran away like they did last year, but this time they never came back.  I wonder if someone will come across a science project one of these days...

Excitement was in the air.

She doesn't even know what's in those presents, but she sure seems happy to have them!

Jack was so happy to add onto his Thomas the Train track.

The kids each got to help write a note to Santa and Rudolf. 

Josh is sporting the first hat to ever fit Jack's big noggin.

Mater was a good boy this year and Santa brought him a new doggie bed, letterman's jacket, new toys and bones.  It looks like being good has worn him out!

The girls haven taken the wheel...literally.  Kate and Myah are playing with Jack's new race track.  Pretty cool, huh?

The kids tried skating for the very first time and did pretty well...with one exception...

...shortly after this picture was taken.  Kate was taken inside for a nap due to a first class meltdown.  I think all the holiday excitement had finally caught up with her and she was done.