Six Years Old

Very rarely do I post without a picture, but there is a good reason. Alaina turned six on Monday--and has been sick all week. Over the weekend she broke out in hives-which caused us to cancel her birthday swimming party on Sunday. Then she got a little cold which turned into the flu. She pretty much slept all day today, but seems to be doing better. We had a 'family' party planned for last night which we also had to cancel due to sickness. We are looking forward to feeling better, and a redo on two birthday parties for our little girl. Also, I need to take her six year old portraits (as soon as she perks up!) Happy Birthday Baby Girl! You'll feel better soon.

Just a picture of my family--nothing more. I'm not one of those bloggers who can write 3 paragraphs of poetic jabber about my family--now, don't get me wrong, I COULD ramble on with the best of them. To say something profound or meaningful, might take a lot of thought-too much thought. So here I am, just letting you have a 'sneak peak' of our Christmas Card. No, this is not a set, it was an actual place with gorgeous leaves and tree trunks in Durango. The enhanced version of the picture is way better-that's the one that's on my wall right now, and now I'm looking at this one thinking the picture I actually posted looks pretty flat and dull. Normally the 'front' we put on is the enhanced and the reality is flat and dull. Hey, there's something, not profound, but something to think about anyway. Be Real--People will appreciate it. You should try not to hurt their feelings though, don't be mean. You can be honest and not a jerk. Just another random rambling thought. We got our tree up on Sunday-we put up the one that is different sized wreaths(in progressive size order) that hangs from the ceiling, a very novel idea in my mind. They'd probably sell pretty well. Okay, that's all for now, I guess. Can't keep up with the rest of the bloggers, so I'll just stick with my one, random paragraph.

Thanksgiving

We have so much to be thankful for. A couple weeks ago I was reminded to not take anything for granted. Something horrible happened to some friends of mine, and it just puts things in perspective. Everytime I lose my patience with my kids--or wish I was somewhere else instead of listening to their whining, I'm reminded of the baby that they lost. I thank God for what I have and say a prayer for them. Please continue to pray for the Fleeners. This will be a long rode for them.

Trick or Treat or Trick

Alaina dressed up as Hannah Montana this year. She didn't sing for anyone, but she sings for us sometimes. She got to wear this costume to school too. I was dressed as Hannah's friend Lola. People said I looked really cute with the short purple hair, but I still prefer my long hair--maybe someday, who knows.? Jonah went as Tigger--didn't really need the costume, he's pretty bouncy on his own.

Jesse went as a rascally cat catcher. He didn't ever find that rascally cat! The cat is Alaina's favorite, and it "bites" Jesse all the time. He calls it the Rascally Cat, Alaina informed us it's name is Kitty Mitten Lips. She's always chasing him with the cat. It's a fun little game they play.

Why I love my husband....

Cause he plays with his kids. He's an amazing Dad. He's so patient and thoroughly enjoys spending time with Jonah and Alaina.

What?

Has been happening with us? It's been awhile, as usual, since I last blogged, 3 weeks to be exact. So, nothing much is really going on. I take Alaina to school everyday, wait for her to get off the bus in the afternoon, and in between I'm chasing a little boy around the house while trying to clean up--doesn't work very well, but at least I try. Alaina still loves school-I think she really likes the routine of it. She is VERY tired when she gets home, so we try to have DOWN time every day after school. She's working on controlling her emotions when she is overly tired. (a little side-note: I have NO :) idea where she gets that little problem! ) Jonah is BUSY, BUSY, BUSY! Boys take WAY MORE energy than girls, at this age anyway. I love it though, he's so fun, so full of laughter. He LOVES to laugh, which makes me laugh, and I hear, from a very reliable source, that laughter is good for your health. Jonah is keeping me healthy. Here are some recent pics of my good looking kiddos.

No picture this time, just a mom totally in love with her little boy. We went for a 4wheeler ride yesterday and stopped at the river to throw rocks. He'd pick up a rock and throw it in, grunting every time like it was something really hard and tough to do. He conquered the rock throwing every time! :) Today he picked up a stick and was splashing it in a puddle, grunting every time he hit the water. When Jesse gets home he runs toward him laughing and growling, ready to wrestle with Daddy. I am the mother of a TRUE LITTLE BOY. I am blessed because not only is he "tough", but he loves to be snuggly with mom. Earlier today we were watching cars, he was sitting in my lap with his head leaning on my chest, just watching the TV. I relish every minute with him, and I melt every time he smiles at me, hugs me, snuggles me, or tries to tackle me down, while grunting.

Jonah is 18 Months Old.

Jonah is always on the move...which makes picture time lots of fun.

He's such a sweet boy--loves to snuggle and give hugs.

He's very curious, loves to walk around exploring things. This picture was taken sitting next to the creek throwing rocks in.--a favorite past time for him (and all boys, I think.)

Camping

We went camping at Berri Park a few weeks ago. It was fun! Our first time camping. I got a little cold, but everyone slept good. We got up and went on a four wheeler ride. Jonah's favorite thing was to hold the stick out over the fire.

Our Swimming Pool.

We have a little pond in our backyard. We went 'swimming' one day. (It's more mud than water, but still fun. AND COLD.)

Good Looking Kids.

Smile Penelope!

What's That?

Handsome Boy!

At the Playground.

She really does love her brother. She likes to feel like the 'big girl' helping him. They had lots of fun going down the slide together.

Hair Dye and Hair Cuts

Self Explanatory...
I will say, I like it better than my natural color. Too bad it's only supposed to last 30 days.

The 4th of July started with my '10 year' high school reunion...

and ended with a 'bang!' (Yes, I know that's dorky.) Here are my 2 favorite fireworks shots that I got...

Brooke and Patrick came to visit in June. It was awesome having them here. We had a blast together. I haven't seen Brooke in almost 10 years. Alaina loved them, and kept them laughing the whole time they were here.

On the 10th of June, Jesse and I celebrated our 9th anniversary. We went out to dinner at Tequila's (a mexican resturaunt) in Durango.

More Random Shots

Sweet Boy--he loves being outside and crawling around in the dirt and pine needles picking up pine cones.Trying to get him to walk to me-I made him take 6 steps total before he finally got down and crawled. So much for walking by his first birthday! That's where I thought he was headed way back in January. Anyday now he'll take off-when he wants to. :) My Pretty Puppy. She rolled in goose poop-we were trying to keep her away from us-while letting her roam free. She's never been so snuggly!My handsome husband--starter and keeper of the fire.

Alaina roasting a marshmallow.

Alaina on her swing. A boy in the bath with beautiful blue eyes. A boy on a rock with beautiful blue eyes and cute smile. A mom and her kids. A dog and her ball. Dirty Face-Cute Face-Happy Face.

A boy on the four-wheeler. He wants to drive it so bad!

Random Shots

Alaina is riding her four-wheeler all by herself. She is doing so good, and takes it very seriously. She'll be riding like a pro before long. This is one of my Mother's Day presents-pictures with my kiddos. Jesse took them for me.

Jonah's First Big Boy haircut.

Before....

After.....My Beautiful Puppy....

Hiking along the lake...