That's how I've felt lately - beLATEd. Like there is no time to do the things I want to do because of so many things I have to do. Like I can't even get to some of the things I should do. Like I'm running behind. So I'm taking a moment to do something I want to do (post some photos) so I can go do some things I need to do (mop my kitchen floor, oh and get dressed) and maybe I'll get to some of the things I should do (use my treadmill and hem Rachel's pants so she has something to wear - wouldn't it be easier if she just grew an inch or so???) Here are some belated New years and b-day pictures.
New Year's Day riding scooters at Grandma's house. Blake has really gotten the hang of it quickly, and Caleb is trying :)
Rachel and Emily used her Christmas present cake pan to make my cake. Grandma picked them up from school, and went to her house to decorate the cake and put up decorations. My mom had asked what I wanted for my b-day dinner, and I answered "Something the kids will eat." We went to Sweet Tomatoes. Thanks mom and dad!
I love a b-day picture each year with all four of these kiddos. It reminds me of how truly blessed I am!!!
My neighbor Kim and I tried a huge experiment ...32 meals in 1 day. Man, what a lot of work. But also a lot of fun. We now each have 16 meals frozen and ready to go. Broccoli and Beef, Chili, Pulled Polynesian Pork, Cranberry Chicken, Taco Soup, Baked Pasta, Hawaiian Chicken and Navajo Taco Casserole. We had 4 crockpots going and walked back and forth between each others stoves for several hours. The kids had a blast playing so that worked out well. Our plan is to do another 8-10 recipes next month. Wish us luck!
Such happy faces - Of course Blake is about to take out his sisters, but I love their expressions!
Christmas eve at my cousin's house - All the kids put together a Nativity. Tallest girl played Mary and the shortest boy played Joseph. Rachel was a wise man, Emily and Angel, and Blake, a shepherd, who took his part most seriously. Caleb was a wanderer.
Piano student of 3 1/2 months played a rousing version of Jingle Bells.
Merry Christmaaaaaaas - That's exactly what Emily and Blake are saying, and that's why their mouths are open. This picture is so much better than last year's, which I wasn't even in, where we all had stomach flu.
Cheesy grin - this was his reaction to every present. He was equally thrilled with his scooter and geotrax stuff. Jon was thrilled with Caleb's light saber so that he and Blake can have battles.
Rachel - the baker, saw this in a catalog and begged. It makes a giant cupcake, and the way she is holding it, it makes for big boobs. And yes she did it on purpose.
Emily's Barbie house - she is in love - it is filled with some of my old Barbie furniture.
Jon finally gets something that says ASU not BYU
Caleb's favorite - They had something similar in nursery and it was the only reason he'd go in. I knew this would be a hit.
Mom got me a pressure cooker/canner. I was way surprised and excited.
We didn't go to the mall last year to see Santa, and now I know why....$$$ I couldn't believe what they were charging. And they used to let you use your own camera, which they said I could... if I stood behind that gated area - so all of my pictures were a little dark since I had to be back so far.
We have had the same fake tree for years - I had it before we were married and my parents had it before that. It was a BEAST to put together, each branch had to be put in separately, and there were almost more needles on the floor than on the tree. Last year I was at Target and saw a tree on clearance (after Christmas) and it was $40 - a lady standing near by testified to it's beauty and that she had one and had come to get one for her sister. She told me of the ease with which it went together - 3 pieces instead of 50 or 60. She told of the lights I wouldn't have to string. I was sold. What she didn't tell me (or maybe she didn't catch on my particular box) was that it was a 'slim'. It is a beautiful tree, but it is SKINNY!! Jon says I have to get at least 3 years use out of it. It is growing on me, and at least I can see the tree skirt now really well!
Golfing with Andy and Ashely at Thanksgiving time.
All the kids dancing to the Grinch song. Has to be one of my favorite Christmas shows ever!
Gingerbread houses. Kids had a blast, but I think next year I'd like to have 4 small ones so they don't fight. You can see that Caleb has a mouthful of candy.
The end results!
I had to make my own this year - one that was pretty and matching and not overloaded with every candy that wasn't eaten.
Blake, Heath and Caleb
Jared gave all of his cousins wagon rides. He kept adding kids to see how many he could pull. This load did not budge!
Dinner with 49 people - that was just Mom and Dad Alger and their kids, spouses and grandchildren - no extended family other than our hosts Mom and Dad and brother. That is quite a family they have!
Having fun on the bouncer - Emily is attacking one of her cousins in the back
Girls enjoying their dinner!
Blake and his cousin Taylor - They are 1 month apart (although she speaks years ahead of him)
Caleb finally happy - Jon was joking with him on the hour plus drive out to dinner and Caleb thought he was getting a lollipop, which we didn't have. It took him about an hour to get over it - ah, 2 year olds!
This is why Caleb said, "I like the park Mom"
November has flown by - and I figured I better post something before it's gone. First my brother is our her right now. We were getting ready to shell out $800 or more to replace our oven and possibly computer, and my brother fixed them both!!! THANK YOU! OK, I kind of wanted the new oven, but not something we wanted to do with all the Christmas expenses.
Caleb helping me make orange rolls for Thanksgiving.
I teach art in both the girls' classes. This lesson turned out really good for a change. This month we did a monochromatic painting. Each kid was given one color and black and white (to make tints and shades of their original color) The turkeys were really cute. Rachel picked orange.
When I got home from art I walked in on this cute scene - my dad reading stories to the kids. Emily had stayed home with a cold (and was playing dress ups - post Halloween $4.00 go-go girl dress!) Of course Blake is wandering around - not listening.
Rachel lost another tooth! She has 3 missing and none of them are showing
Emily's family Turkey project - we covered him in everything edible - paprika, curry, cinnamon, poppy seeds, lentils, thyme and redhots. He smelled great. I'm wondering if he'll keep for 2 years so Blake can turn it in when it's his turn???
Killing two birds with one stone -Rachel has to read every night for 20 minutes, and Emily needs to be read to. Love when they get along so well, and Rachel feels so important and Emily loves getting attention from her big sister.
Caleb has really taken to having a bedtime story. Since he is now off his sippy cup, he really needs a routine to go to bed, and stories are his favorite part.
.JPG)
