Playing Cars and Trains

Over the last couple weeks my couch and T.V. stand have turned into Charlie's place of play. He literally spends his whole day playing with his cars and trains, well actually most of the cars are from when Carson went through this same phase at this same age.  The first thing he asks to do when he wakes up is to play with his cars.  Anytime we go anywhere he has to take some of them with him.  I have to say that I'm thoroughly enjoying this phase.  Charlie entertains himself for most of the day which makes my job much easier.  Love this kid!  

Cars

When Carson was 2 the movie Cars came out.  To say that he loved that movie is a major understatement.  He wore out the movie he watched it so much.  Recently Charlie has become equally obsessed with Mater and McQueen.  He watches Mater's Tall tails on my Ipad almost daily and more if I'd let him.  When he's not watching Mater and McQueen he's playing with the toy versions.  Tony and I had planned on replacing our copy of Cars for Charlie for Christmas this year.  Last night at we were at Walmart and I saw the movie with a Bluray, DVD, and digital copy combo...score!  I pointed it out to Tony, but not discreetly enough.  Charlie got hold of it with no intention of ever letting it go.  So we bought it.  To the major disappointment of Charlie I made him wait until this morning to watch it.  I sat down and watched it with the kids and remember how much I actually enjoy the movie.  The good thing is we have multiple copies this time around, ,maybe it'll last us longer.  Here's to raising another car loving boy.

Carson Turns 9

For our kids we alternate between party with friends or activity with a friend (movie, bowling, etc.) for their birthdays.  Honestly I prefer the later.  It's easier, less expense, less time and planning, and not nearly as exhausting.  But I do it because I love my kids.  I'll say that I will most likely never throw a party like the ones you see on Pintrest with banners, matching candy bowls, matching water bottles, pre-posed pictures of your kids etc.   Carson and I went to the dollar store and bought a bunch of party stuff and planned the party around that, race-cars.  Carson had 5 boys over.  We played the typical party games along with a bunch of races.  Then had pizzas and cupcakes.  I think the boys enjoyed themselves and that's what counts.    

 Getting ready for the party.

 The birthday boy.  I know I say it every year, but I can hardly believe how big he's getting.

 The boys

Birthday party means no extravagant cake on mom's part.  Sorry.

Halloween 2013

I've always wanted to do coordinating costumes for my kids.  This is the first year we did and it was the first year we didn't buy the worthless costumes from the store.  I made Alaina's cheer-leading costume.  I altered a jersey of Tony's for Charlie.  Carson's jersey we bought last year on sale.  We borrowed the pants and helmet and used grocery bags for his padding.  I think they all looked so cute.  Too bad the weather was less than ideal so the kids really didn't get a chance to show off their costumes.  Oh well.  I'm still pleased with the way it all turned out.

 Our two football players and cheer leader.

Mack the mighty hunter came over to trick or treat with our kiddos.

Crazy Hair Day

Last week was Red Ribbon Week at school.  Thankfully this year the school did doable dress up themes.  Last years were weird and hard to do.  Monday hat day, Tuesday Crazy Hair/Pajama day, Wednesday mismatched shoes, Thursday Halloween Costumes, and Friday Spirit day (wear school colors).  Crazy Hair was hard to do with Carson but Alaina I'd say we were pretty crazy.

Pumpkin Carving

Yes, just like everyone else we carved our pumpkins last night for FHE.  

 Alaina actually cleaned out her pumpkin for the most part this year.  

 Carson did his own pumpkin this year.  The only thing I helped him with was tape the pattern on his pumpkin.  He did a really good job.

 Charlie painting his little pumpkins.

 The finished projects.  My "Boo" pumpkin.  Carson's "Happy" pumpkin.  My other, er I mean Alaina's "Spider" pumpkin.  And Charlie's little painted pumpkins.

The kidos showing off the pumpkins.

I have to be honest that I have mixed feelings about carving pumpkins.  I enjoy the time with the kids.  But I don't enjoy the mess or trying to meet the demands of three excited kids.  I'm glad they're done and now onto the excitement of Halloween and Carson's Birthday/party.  I'd say that I'll be glad when it's all over, but that just means moving onto preparing gifts for 3 little nieces and a nephew to make their appearances in December.  Along with Thanksgiving and Christmas.  I don't know why I ever think I'll catch a break...because once one thing is done it's time to start another one.  Ahhh, the life of a wife and mother.

True Love

True love is going to the store to buy one can of "Princess" chicken noodle soup for your girl whose been complaining about a yucky tummy all morning for her to only take three bites of said soup.