Day 31: January 31, 2012

Modge Podge: check.

Scrapbook paper: check.

Photos: check.

Scissors: check.

Paint brush: check.

Bathroom tiles: check.

These are the supplies I gathered for a project this afternoon (sadly, I had all these things on hand. I might have a craft-supply-hoarding problem). And I must admit, I'm more than a little obsessed with Modge Podge.

It's been years since I used this glue, and until now, I think I'd only ever used it to glue a puzzle together (why did we think that was cool?).

But, thanks to my new favorite website, PInterest, I have discovered there are so many other uses for this wonder-glue.

I can't show you the finished project, mainly because there is no finished project yet... but trust me, when all those layers of Modge Podge finally dry, this is going to be one great finished project!

Day 30: January 30, 2012

Lizzy and Morgan share a room, and a bed.

This is how they're sleeping tonight, and it's actually pretty typical.

These two couldn't be more different, not only in how they sleep (Morgan loves to be snuggled under blankets, Lizzy can't stand being hot Morgan uses a pillow, Lizzy sleeps upside down, etc.).

There are so many more ways these two are different - just two completely different, special, and unique little girls.. each with their their very own personality.

But for all their differences.. there is way they are the same: they both insist on MOM laying down with them at bedtime. Dad just doesn't cut it.

I'm flattered, really.. and on busy days like today, it's great to have an excuse to lay down and snuggle with my best little girls!

Day 29: January 29, 2012

We spent the weekend watching basketball games.

Two days.

Eight games.

Two bored little girls.

So when we discovered an empty hallway, Lizzy and Morgan couldn't get enough.

They ran up and down this hallway about a thousand times while waiting for Jake's game to start.

My very favorite picture of the entire weekend (and I took a lot of pictures!)

Day 28: January 28, 2012

The Golden Rule: Treat others how you'd like to be treated.

It's a lesson I've been trying to teach Lizzy for a very long time.

Tonight, she finally got it.

Until tonight, there were two girls on Lexi's basketball team that Lizzy refused to like: Michaela and Cara.

But when Michaela, Emma and Emily came over to hang out with Lexi tonight, The Golden Rule finally clicked with Lizzy.

Instead of being angry and rude and screaming at Michaela, she calmed down and realized Michaela isn't so bad afterall.

In fact, she discovered she even kind of likes her!

Now, tomorrow's mission: use the golden rule on Cara!

Day 27: January 27, 2012

T.G.I.F.

And to finish off the week, a slutty brownie.

That's right.

I said slutty brownie.

Damn you, Pinterest.

The recipe is simple: chocolate chip cookie dough, oreo cookies and brownie mix.

Yep. Totally not good for you.

Oh well. You only live once, right?

And, in my defense, I did do the Diet Coke trick with the brownie mix... because I ran out of oil (and in case you're wondering, the Diet Coke trick does make a delicious, low-calorie brownie, just not when used in this bazillion calorie recipe).

Still, the best part about these brownies: making them with Lizzy and Morgan. They were so cute - they wore their aprons, pulled their hair back (you know, because who wants to find a hair in your dessert?), and measured and stirred their little hearts out. Those would have been better pictures (of course I took those pics... someday I'll scrapbook them.. I could probably do it sooner if I'd quit wasting my time trying recipes I find on Pinterest!)

Best part of my day.

Hands down.

And much better than the "slutty brownie".

I probably won't make them again.

But if you'd like to, here's a link to the recipe (follow it, and you'll also find out why they're called "slutty brownies"):



Source: thelondoner.me via Jody on Pinterest

Day 26: January 26, 2012

Now that's tired!

Lizzy obviously had a busy day.

Lexi was telling a fascinating story (really, it was interesting) while we ate supper, when we noticed poor Miss Lizzy struggling to keep her eyes open.

This isn't the first time she (or any of my kids) have fallen asleep at the table - Jake used to do it all the time. You can tell she's a seasoned pro at sleeping during meals, because not only did she keep chewing for awhile after her eyes closed, she also never fell forward into her pizza.

The bad thing is, she's been sleeping since 6:30.

Tomorrow morning may come sooner than I'd like.

Day 25: January 25, 2012

I hate pickles.

It's weird, I know, but I think they are gross.

My friends and family know this.

And to be honest, it's one of those things, that only those closest to me, and those I spend a lot of time with, know.

I realized that my new co-workers (ok, not that new.. I have been at my job for 10 months) don't know me that well.

Check out one of the birthday gifts I got at work:



Yes, that's right.

Pickle bandages.

Classy.

But I am shocked at how many gifts I got from co-workers. Besides the pickle bandages, I got chocolates, cute sticky notes, a sweet tupperware, pens, and more.

I guess that's what happens when you work with all women!

It's pretty cool, actually.

And, as for the bandages, they will get used.

Lexi and Jake both asked if they could have them. And Jake has already used one, to cover a cut on his finger, that, ironically, he said really hurt when he stuck his hand in the pickle jar. Apparently pickle juice stings on an open wound. Who knew.



Day 24: January 24, 2012

Just a reminder: two year olds see everything.

 And they copy what they see.

Case in point:

Lizzy learned to use chopsticks last week.

We didn't really think Morgan was paying attention.

Tonight, she proved she was, as she took two forks from the drawer, and used them as chopsticks to eat her lettuce.

Day 23: January 23, 2012

If you're not on Pinterest, you should be.

The site is full of great craft ideas, recipes, exercises, inspirational quotes, and funny stuff.

It's seriously the best website ever.

It's an invitation only site. I have no idea why, but if you need an invite, let me know. I will totally hook you up. This site is that cool.

Today's picture is another reason Pinterest rules:

Jayce Lee and Jake Kerzman.

Brothers.

These two are so much alike it's scary.

They both love sports, the Vikings, making paper guns, video games, making videos... the list goes on and on and on.

But until tonight, they'd never hung out.

Jayce's mom and I have been talking for years about how we need to get these two together.

We knew they'd be fast friends.

Finally, tonight we succeeded.

Thanks to Pinterest.

We decided to get together once a month to eat food made from recipes we found on Pinterest, and make cute crafty projects we found on Pinterest.

Tonight was our first night.

And while our project took waaaay longer than we anticpated (five hours and we didn't even finish), the boys didn't seem to mind.

They're already planning for next month's Pinterest Night.

Yay Pinterest!

Day 22: January 22, 2012

I can't even tell you how many times I've wished I could just lay down on the bleachers and take a nap...

Ah, to be two again...

Let's just say Morgan didn't see much of the 7th grade championship game this afternoon.

Which, by the way, was just fine with me... and probably with everyone else in the gym too!

A side note: Yay Sparks! Champions! Good job girls :)

Day 21: January 21, 2012

Two words:

Bleacher.

Butt.

Seven games today.

Five for Jake, two for Lexi.

I have to confess, I skipped a couple of Jake's, because they weren't really "his" games... he was just a sub, in case they didn't have enough players.

Still.... bleacher butt.

But there's no rest for the weary.

I'll sit through at least two more tomorrow.

Day 20: January 20, 2012

One of my most low-key birthdays ever.

I took the day off from work. Brad took the big kids to school. The little girls and I slept in, then spent the morning watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and drinking coffee (just me... coffee and Lizzy and Morgan would be a terrible combination!).

Then we met Mary, Chrissy and Jorja at Hu Hot for lunch. That's when Lizzy and Jorja learned how to use chopsticks.

Correction.

They rocked the chopsticks.

Totally impressive... and definitely the best part of my birthday!

Day 19: January 19, 2012

My beautiful dates.

Two of my favorite people in the whole wide world.

Lexi and Chrissy were willing to hang out with this old lady tonight. We went to the BHS basketball game and then to Olive Garden for soup, salad and breadsticks.

Best. Birthday. Gift. Ever.

Even though Lexi ditched us for most of the game :)

We had awesome dinner conversation, which totally made up for the ditching. Sometimes I forget Lexi is only 12... we have the best talks! And Chrissy, well I'm just so glad she's here! I've missed her the past eight years. We need to have many more girls' nights to make up for all those years!

Day 18: January 18, 2012

I asked the kids to clean up the kitchen after supper.

I then made the mistake of leaving the room, assuming they knew how to clean up the kitchen.

I was wrong.

Here's what I found... after they assured me they had finished the chore:

This picture doesn't include the overflowing bag of garbage no one thought should be taken out.

In their defense, the table was cleaned off. Maybe I didn't say "clean the kitchen".. maybe I said "clear the table".

In which case, they actually did what they were told.

However, I'm pretty sure I didn't say that.

What's sad, is you'd think four people could do this job in about five minutes flat.

But that would require working together, something my kids apparently don't know how to do.

I loaded the dishwasher, washed the pans by hand, swept the floor and wiped down the tables and counters by myself in less than 15 minutes.

I timed myself, just to prove a point.

My next mistake was cleaning the kitchen while the little girls were in the bathtub.

So my victory in the kitchen quickly turned to defeat in the bathroom, as I mopped up a gallon of water that mysteriously spashed out of the tub and onto the floor.

A mother's work is truly never done.

I wonder what they've managed to destory while I've been writing this?

Stay tuned.

Day 17: January 17, 2012

Today I had one of those "proud mom" moments.

During the months of November and December, and in between basketball practice and homework, Lexi did a duct tape fundraiser for charity. Her charity = Designer Genes, a group that provides support to families of children who have Down syndrome.

This was all Lexi's idea. She wanted to "give back to the community". Seriously. Her words. Love this kid.

Tonight, she presented Designer Genes with the money she rasied - all $318 of it - and a special duct tape pencil bag.

I was so proud, listening to her explain to the group how she got her idea and why she wanted to donate to Designer Genes.

Because she is almost 13 years old, I was not allowed to take my very nice camera to the presentation. That would have been embarassing. She did let me take a picture on my cell phone though :)

The coolest part, was hearing that the money she donated will be enough to buy supplies for two informational packets for families to take home from the hospital with their precious babies. We had no idea it cost that much to give families that valuable information.

I'm so proud of my daughter!

Lexi was featured in a KFYR-TV news story in December. Here's a link to that story:
KFYR-TV Duct Tape Story

And here is the video she made to promote her idea:

Customize your own free digital slideshow

And, in case you're wondering, she's still taking orders.... and still hoping to "give back to the community."

Yep. So proud.

Day 16: January 16, 2012

Days off from work and school are both a blessing and a curse.

Today was one of those days.

It was also one of those days that I was ready to put the little girls to bed at 6:00 pm.

It wasn't long after that, Lizzy crashed while watching tv.

Ah.... one down, three more kids to go!

Day 15: January 15, 2012

My file titled "Crap I Do For My Kids" is getting full.

The latest addition to that folder: these cake pops.

I dropped Lexi off for basketball practice just before 4:00 this afternoon. She had asked me to make brownies for a sleepover with her team tonight.

As I was driving home, I thought about making cake pops instead and was mentally going through my cupboards, making sure I had everything I'd need.

When I got home, I checked my phone, only to find a text from Lexi that read: "They want u 2 make cake pops 4 the party."

"They" would be her teammates.

How could I say no to that?

So... I whipped these up in record time,while also making supper and finishing up the laundry.

I'm obviously insane.

In her defense, Lexi helped.

A little. She cut the sticks and took over the sprinkling job from Lizzy.

Did you notice the sprinkles?

Hearts, stars and butterflies.

All Lizzy.

But.... the smile on Lexi's face, and her friend's face when she came to pick her up, made it all worth it.

Day 14: January 14, 2012

Winner, winner, chicken dinner.

Times two (athough only one was home to pose for a picture!).

Every year, Brad organizes a freethrow contest for the Knights of Columbus.

Every year, we have to recruit kids to compete.

That means, our kids have to compete no matter what. I believe Jake even competed in the ten year old division when he was nine!

Finally, this year - two victories.

Lexi won the 12 year old girl's division, and Jake took first in the 10 year old boy's division.

They each got a medal, and can now compete at regionals.

More important, maybe now they will make their freethrows in games!

Day 13: January 13, 2012

Movie night!

I thought I'd take a picture of my "perfect" children, enjoying a bowl of popcorn and a movie together.

But don't let the picture fool you.

There was nothing relaxing about our family movie night.

But, ten years from now, when I look back at this picture, I'll smile..... and remember how naughty Morgan was, about the popcorn in the carpet, and the parts of the movie I missed.

By the way, we watched the ABC Family movie "Cyberbully". Excellent show. Every parent and pre-teen/teen should watch it. And then talk about it. Serious topic.

Day 12: January 12, 2012

A sad picture today.

And a lesson not to let the oven door slam shut.

Poor Brad.

He will probably never cook supper again.

But as Jake pointed out, at least we don't have to look at that stain on the glass anymore.. now that the glass is gone! Always the optimist!

Day 11: January 11, 2012

Some may call it selfish.

I prefer to call it "being a smart shopper."

I like to think I was "being a smart shopper" when I bought my dad's Christmas gift this year.

I bought him Tim Tebow's book, "Through My Eyes", because I thought as a Denver Broncos fan, he'd enjoy the book. I also bought it because I thought I'd enjoy reading it too.. and I secretly hoped he'd let me borrow it when he finished.

It almost worked out as I planned.

Dad loved the book.

He brought it to my house when he finished reading it.

But I haven't gotten to read it yet, because Jake snatched it up!

Jake is enjoying the book. He may be a Vikings fan, but he also secretly likes the Broncos, and he really loves Tim Tebow. At least twice a day, he tells me what's happened in the book so far. (He's up to the part where Tim chooses his college).

I will patiently wait my turn to read this book.

It's what Moms do.

You see, I grew up cheering for the Broncos, but when I became a mom, I quit watching football. There were too many other things to do on Sunday afternoons. And, because my husband and kids cheered for the Vikings, I started rooting for the purple and gold too.

But deep down, I'm still a Broncos fan.

And Tim Tebow has reminded me of that.

But what I like even more than the Broncos, or Tebow, is the fact that finally there is a professional athlete with a positive message.

How can I possibly be mad at Jake for stealing the book I wanted to read, when it's about a man who loves God?

Jake is so interested in Tebow's life story, he is soaking up each page and sharing the story with anyone who will listen.

No matter what you think of the Broncos, or even of Tebow's ability as a quarterback, you have to respect his story, his pro-life message and his love for God.

This is the kind of professional athlete I want my kids to have as a role model. 

Go Broncos!

Day 10: January 10, 2012

My coupon stash and grocery list to match!

I have resolved to save money in 2012.

That means making a grocery list (and sticking to it) and using coupons.

Today, while Morgan napped and Lizzy made the most amazing craft projects ever (there are stickers in stuck in the carpet and on the walls... but she had fun), I clipped coupons and made my grocery list accordingly.

I found the coupons online, then found even better deals by matching them with Target coupons, and checking the ads at the local grocery stores.

I know.

Geek.

But, I'm super excited about this pile of coupons.

It will take me a few days to get to the different stores, but that's ok.

I did stop at the grocery store this evening to pick up a few things for supper.. and thanks to my coupons (and much to Lexi's embarassment) I saved more than $26!

Day 9: January 9, 2012

Ah, the joys of having a big family.

For Lexi, that means, when your partners for a group project flake out, you're still ok, because you can get your brother and sisters to help.

Tonight, Jake, Lizzy and Morgan (until she got distracted by a nookie) starred in Lexi's music video she has to make for choir. It's a parody of some popular song (sorry.. the title is totally slipping my mind right now.. but trust me, you'll recognize it when you hear it.)

This is one homework assignment I actually enjoyed helping Lexi do! We made Jake's crown from card stock, tin foil, gems and hot glue (thanks to the neighbors for giving us some tin foil... someday I will go to the store). And we dug through the Halloween stuff to find costumes for "da prince" and the princesses.

Believe it or not, Lizzy is a fabulous actress.

It's going to be an award winning music video.

Or maybe it will just keep Lexi from failing choir.

Either one works for me.

Day 8: January 8, 2012

We spent our weekend watching the kids play basketball.

Four games Saturday.

Two games Sunday.

Bleacher. Butt.

Totally worth it though.

Love watching them play... I took lots of pictures this weekend, but this is one of my favorites: Lexi jumping! Go #5!

Day 7: January 7, 2012

Sometimes a girl just needs new shoes.

Lizzy realized during Lexi's first game of the day that her sparkly shoes were too small. So between games, we went to K-Mart and found these beauties for $9.99. They kinda scream Lizzy, don't they?

The only problem: Lizzy doesn't know how to tie her shoes.

Correction: Lizzy didn't know how to tie her shoes.

During game #2, Madonna taught her how to tie.

It took less than 15 minutes.

New shoes.

New record for learning to tie new shoes.

Oh, and Lexi's team won both games today!

Day 6: January 6, 2012

I had a really hard time picking a picture today.

I had the day off and it was a beautiful January day, so the little girls and I got chicken nuggets, apples, and chocolate milk and headed to the park.

I mean really, who has a picnic...in a sweatshirt...in January...in North Dakota?

We do.

Oh yeah, and we play on the playground, with no gloves or hats, too!

And if you're Morgan... you also fill your diaper on a beautiful January day at the park :)

Happy January!



Day 5: January 5, 2012

Day 5 = Bob.

I went into Jake's room to shut his light off tonight, and found Bob sprawled out on the floor. Jake was kind enough to give him a blanket :)

Bob is looking pretty rough - he just turned 11 and he's getting grayer, slower, and a little more "out of it" everyday.

I dread the day he's no longer here.

It's going to be so hard on the kids.

And on Brad.

And, yes, even on me.

Bob's been a part of our family since before Jake was even born. He was named after Bob the Tomato (Lexi was in a Veggie Tales phase when we got him!)

He's a great dog.

And a great picture for day 5 :)

Day 4: January 4, 2012

Day 4.

I was not inspired all day.

Sad.

It's only been four days.

Only four pictures.

So, this is the best I've got today:

It's The Rock.

I love him.

Love.

And after an icky day like today, it really is the little things that can help turn the day around.... I turned on the tv while I snuggled with the little girls this evening, and there he was.

I couldn't help but smile.

It might have been the first time I smiled all day.

I smiled because I have loved The Rock since his days as a professional wrestler.

But I smiled mostly because of what Lizzy said:

"Hey Mom! Let's watch this show! That guy you have a crush on is in it!"

Day 3: January 3, 2012

Such concentration.

Such determination.

I love it.

When it comes to cracking an egg, Morgan is a natural.

Seriously, she was born to crack eggs.

But there is more to today's picture than just Morgan's amazing egg-cracking talent.

Today was kind of a bad day, but I was determined to enjoy a few hours with the kids. So, I had the little girls and Jake help with supper (Lexi wasn't home). They were each supposed to crack one egg for the meatloaf. Of course, they argued, and we ended up with four eggs in the meatloaf instead of three.

Not a big deal.

Until we sat down for supper, and Lizzy took a bite of her meatloaf:

Lizzy: "Hmm.. it is really good, but it is a little eggy...you know, like there are four eggs in this instead of only three."

Love that kid too!

Day 2: January 2,2012

Picture #2.

Morgan dancing.

She pretty much danced on the coffee table off and on all day today.

With one shoe on.

One fancy dress-up Belle shoe.

I think she likes the sound it makes.

I focused on her feet because that's what made me smile today. But I really do love the way this girl dances - she gets her whole body moving, especially her little diaper butt.

As for the coffee table, that's another story. Each one of my kids has spent their fair share of time dancing on this table. It really is amazing the table is still standing - we've had it since 1997, and it wasn't a very expensive coffee table in the first place.

And, just as I did when the other kids were in their dancing on tables phase, I pray this phase ends soon!

Day 1: January 1, 2012

My first picture.

It's our church, St. Mary's.

As an adult, it's the first church I've attended where I feel like I belong. And, it's a beautiful church.

Too bad we missed Mass today.

Memo to self: when New Year's Day falls on a Sunday, there's probably not an evening service!

The Challenge

I've been reading a lot about the "365 Challenge" and I must admit, I'm intrigued. But I'm not sure I'm ready for strangers to criticize and critique my pictures, and my life.

So instead of joining one of the sites, I will document my project here. And yes, I meant to type "366 Project" in the title.. there are 366 days in 2012!

Here's the challenge: Take a photo every day. Every. Single. Day. The photos can be of anything: kids, pets, events, objects, places. Anything.

My idea is to take a picture each day that represents my life that day.

On a Monday, that could be a picture of the blue building where Lizzy goes to speech.

On a Saturday, it could be a picture of the bleachers where I will sit for hours, watching my kids play ball.

On a Tuesday, it could be a coffee cup as I enjoy a cup of coffee with a friend on BOGO day.

I hope this project will help me appreciate the little things that are my life.

I already take a lot of pictures, and I think I do a pretty good job of documenting my kids' lives. But I don't do a very good job of documenting my life. I hope to do that this year.

And I also kind of hope it will make me a better photographer. I don't want to be a professional, I just want to take great, creative pictures that help me remember 2012.

I'd love your feedback.. as long as it's positive! Just kidding... all comments are welcome :)