This weekend was brought to you by toilets

Seriously...I'm so sick of dealing with toilets from this past weekend I'm about to just put everyone in diapers and make them deal with themselves. 

Hazel...my little bitty Hazel...clogged her toilet on Friday night.  I was RIGHT there with her so it wasn't because of too much TP.  I don't know how they come out of her...honestly it's frightening.  And it clogs...therefore sending not so clean water flooding the bathroom upstairs.  So that is one toilet down.

Hagen...my little bitty Hagen...clogged our toilet.  Again, not an overuse of TP...he also has some impressive "moment's"...overflow #2...so 2 bathrooms out of commission.

I woke up from a nap with Hazel on Sunday only to find out that a 3rd toilet was out of commission.  Hagen was changing the TP roll and accidentally dropped the plastic tube that hold the roll on into the toilet.  He told Ryan and Ryan said for him not to flush it and he would get it...Hagen didn't hear the NOT part.  So it was lodged.  Like we tried to get it out many ways and it was not budging. 

So we bought a new toilet.  It's purty...and clean...

We also had to buy a new pot and pan this weekend because the non stick stuff on our older ones was coming off so bad we were afraid we may die of some kind of non-stick poisoning, so I am really feeling like a true adult in the shopping area...

Cheers,
Carrie

Tattling

The kids have mastered a new annoying trait...Tattling.

I swear they tag team just to get me all in a frenzy!

The worst time of day for this ridiculousness is at breakfast.  This is usually when they eat and watch a short show while I finish drying my hair and put makeup on.  I kid you not that in about a 15 minute time frame they each have at LEAST 2 trips...if not more.

"Mom, Hazel stuck her tongue at me"
"Mom, Hagen touched my pancake"
"Mom, Hazel said "No Hagen""
"Mom, Hagen told me no"

And so on...

My response each time?  "OK"  I don't even ask for details...I just blow it off and hope it will stop.  So far it isn't...but I am holding out for a miracle.

Hagen is pretty good with Hazel but she is so mean to him and he is just sick of being treated badly so now he is yelling at her and getting in her face.  Not proud of that and I WILL step in if I see that going on, but I don't blame him for telling her No...which I hear about each and every time he does.

Carrie

Ryan is a bully

Ryan LOVES to scare the kids...I mean he really loves it!

I have told him numerous times that it is cruel and that he is really going to raise a pansy and needs to stop.  I mean, every once in awhile is fine but he likes to often.

Take last night for example:

I was putting Hagen's clothes away and he was reading out loud to me from his easy reader bag.  He didn't want to but I told him that I didn't want to do laundry so let's just get our chores over with and be done...fine.

When you walk into Hagen's room his bed is on the wall right in front of your face.  Hagen was leaning on his bed with his forearms holding his book and his feet were on the floor...so he was standing with his back towards the door. 

Ryan creeps in...I give him the "I will cut you" look and he smirks.  I give him the "I'M NOT KIDDING LOOK" and he smirks.

I figured he got the point.  So I got in Hagen's closet to hang up some clothes and put his basket back and it happened...he did it...he scared Hagen while he was sweetly reading to his Mama.

I was LIVID!  Hagen was shaking he was so scared and screaming at Ryan.

This is not the first or even the second time this has happened.  Ryan does this ALL the time...mainly to Hagen.  It was sad...

I told him he needs to fix it and went to Hazel's room to play with her and her new Dollhouse before bed.  Ryan was talking with Hagen but Hagen told him to leave his room so Ryan came into Hazel's room.

"Why do you do that?"

"What?!?"

"Do not what me...you know damn well what"

"I'm only joking"

"Well, it is getting to the point of being cruel...and I told you not to do it because he was doing his homework"

"(silence)"

"Do you even feel bad?"

"No!  I was just having fun!"


Maybe the reason why I was so mad is because I HATE being scared!  Oh and what's worse than being scared?  Someone grabbing you while scaring you.  EVEN WORSE THAN THAT?   on your love handles where it tickles so you are laughing but are really pissed and scared.

Carrie

Funny "isms" lately

Kids say the funniest things sometimes.  Hazel was having a hard time with her speech.  At her 3 year well visit I discussed it with her Doctor and she recommended doing some speech therapy…of course after that I thought she was improving a lot so I never called about it.  She seems to be getting better…especially in the potty talk and bad mouth areas.

We just got done with the Christmas break and Hagen is back at school as of this morning.  On the way to school Hazel likes to look for dogs and count them.  It is BITTERLY cold here right now so we didn’t see any.

Hazel: “Mama, I don’t see any doggies out today”

Hagen: “I do…your face”

Me: “Hagen…that was not nice”

Hazel: “Not nice Hayen”

Hagen was playing with Hazels new Leap Pad that happens to be pink.

Hazel: “that’s mine!  You not yike pink so you can’t play with it!”

Hagen: “sharing is caring Hazel” (because he is such a model sharer)

Hazel: “(yelling) Sharing NOT caring!!!”

This morning on our way to drop Hazel off at Daycare I was talking to her about something and ended with “Okey Dokey Artichokey?”

She responded with, “Okey Dokey Chokey!”

What a weekend

Saturday morning I loaded up the kids and headed to the gym.  Hagen is always up and ready to go but Hazel is a little sleepy head and was dragging.  I always bribe them with a burrito from Sonic if they get up and get dressed quickly. 

I love taking Hagen to the Gym.  At the end of the workout he usually joins me for a few burpies and push ups.  He is really strong and getting really fit!  I hope he is fast and enjoys working out like Ryan. 

Hazel usually curls up in a beanbag chair with her baby and watched TV while we are there.

After we worked out we went to Nana's to pick up Hagen's coat he left over there.  While I was there I helped Tom take down her Christmas trees and Nana was busy pumping the kids FULL of sugar.

I am not opposed to sugar...hell, I love it.  But on January 1st we all picked a treat that we could eat and then all of it was going in the trash.  I chose Mint Chip Ice cream, Ryan chose Chocolate PM chunk ice cream, and the kids chose gummies...sour patch kids and gummy spree.

SO I told Nana no more sugar.  She gave them (I'm not kidding) Starburst, jelly beans, york peppermint patties, Tootsie pops, Carmel's, and frosted flakes.  After I said no more and we were leaving Hazel came up with 2 tootsie pops in her hand.  I said, No Nana!  She left with one...oh and they each had a bag of Frosted flakes thrown at them walking out the door.  I don't like being under minded...at all.  I look like I am depriving my skinny kids.  I don't, but I do take notice of the amount of sugar they have...cavities?

Anyway on the way home I needed to get a flu shot.  The kids were so excited that I had to get one and they didn't.  Hazel was so sweet and held my hand and said she was going to protect me.  Hagen was off acting like a complete sugared up crazy kid. 

We stopped by the park to run off some steam...the wind was CRAZY.  I wanted to go so bad and then it happened.  Hagen fell off a thing and scratched his leg.  It was not bad but I used it as an excuse to head home so we could wash it.  It would have been such a beautiful day out if it wasn't so damn windy!

Cael came over and watched a movie with the kids and played football while Hazel rode around on her trike.  She LOVES her trike!  So glad that we found one that she could actually reach the petals.  Hagen never rode one because I never got him one that he could reach...poor guy.

Then Sunday came and it was COLD!  I'm talking Ryan even complaining about it which he doesn't really get cold.  The windchill made it in the teens...

Tomorrow we head back to Daycare.  Hagen has had 2 weeks off and they schedule a teacher inservice day?!?  All of us do better on our normal work/daycare/school schedule...it's time to get back to that!

 Cheers!
Carrie

random Fall Photos from Rebecca's shoot

Fall 2013 family photos

The kids played Santa alot this season!

At Hagen's school they foster a school for Christmas.  A school that has some kids that are less fortunate than most or their families are just flat out having a tough year.  So kids were encouraged to bring a new toy.  Hagen was SO excited to pick out something.  He ended up picking Twister...and I snuck one in for him for Christmas as well. 

 At Hazel's school they had a Toy Drive and we were encouraged to have our kids pick a toy that they would like to have and donate it.  Hazel could not decide between a baby doll she picked and a stroller.  They were both not very expensive so we got both.  She was so excited to give a baby doll (which I was shocked at).  Hagen wasn't there so I picked out a skateboard for his donation.  He thought it was pretty cool...he doesn't have one...it will probably never enter our house.  Coordination is not one of Hagen's strong suits yet...BUT I think it will be!

Another thing that we do is a tradition that I got from my Dad.  We had 3 envelopes this year all holding $100 bill.  I picked 3 people and gave them the envelope and said Merry Christmas and drove away.  Hagen and Hazel were in the car with me and I explained that I would drive around and seek out someone that may look like they are walking to the store...or are at the bus stop...just someone that I think would really have a happy heart if they got some money to spend on their loved ones for Christmas. 

Well, later that night Hagen handed me a wadded up piece of paper and said we need to go.  I asked why and he said he had to give a gift away.  I opened it up and it said "Merry Christmas" and had $6 from his wallet in it.  I melted...I told him that he can keep his money and I would give him some of my money to give and he insisted he wanted to use his own money.  We didn't get around to giving it away but I was so proud.  They do watch and learn. 

Mom and Dad got the kids an ant farm for Christmas.  Not just ANY ant farm but one that has clear gel and LED lights that make it glow.  Our ants arrived yesterday and are now starting to dig their tunnels so that should be interesting...I taped  the top down just in case...they are quite big for ants!!

Today Hagen had bring a friend to school at his Day Care.  He chose to bring a long time friend Logan.  They have been in daycare together since they were one until about 4.  Logan's Dad is the coach of their baseball team.  Logan also has a little sister Addison (Addy) that is Hazel's age.  Hazel was a bit jealous that Addy couldn't come to her school...that was hard to explain.  I distracted her by telling her Mr. David was coming.  Logan and Hagen are going to see Frozen at the movies.

Tata Casey (since you are the only one that reads my blog)
Carrie

Let's try this again...

So, it has been a whole year since I last posted and I kinda missed it!  I mean, I am not a writer by any means, but I missed documenting the kids lives.

What's new?  Alot...well not alot but since it has been a year, alot.

Hagen:

• 6 1/2 years old
• loves video games and iPads
• getting pretty good at baseball
• starting to really talk back
• loves Hazel but knows how to push her buttons pretty bad
• still quite sensitive
• still naps on the weekends for 2 hours...not sure if he is sleeping the whole time
• VERY picky eater
• Sprite is given once a week and he loves it
• Really into his money and always wants to go shop with it
• Loves man weekends hunting and fishing.  He is a GREAT fisherman!
• Cropdusting is a favorite...farting out loud really...gets OLD
• Still hanging at 39 pounds...can't break the 40 pound mark!!
• Still fully believes in Santa and Hazel looks to him for information so she is excited too!
• 1st grade is going good...his penmanship is not great...in fact it is pretty bad so we are working on that.  It is fine when he takes his time.  Doctor maybe?
• Really good at Math and reading...reading?  Really?  Must be from my Mom...

Hazel:

• 3 years old
• Sassy pants
• Loves to talk about toots, poop, anything potty related...so it is confirmed she is mine
• LOVES to put "makeup" on...very girly
• when dressing her she will start off great if you put her in something with pockets...she loves them
• Drawing is a favorite
• Likes to be a mama...she has lots of babies.  Cory is our new addition and she loves that baby.
• Picky eater...only wants cheese!  LOVES cheese...and milk
• Trying to stop biting her nails.  I paint them when they are long enough to look like she hasn't bitten them...blue is the current color
• Got a tricycle from Santa and loves it
• Takes long naps on the weekend with me...2-3 hours! 
• loves to go shopping...even if it is to Kroger.  She can last a good 3-4 hours at the mall no problem as long as she is in a stroller...
• She likes to sing...
• She is in a twin bed!  No more cribs in this casa!!

Dapper:

• he is 11 years and 4 months old and is starting to show his age
• Having knee surgery in a week due to torn ligament
• loves eating grass and then immediately barfing it up...most of the time in the middle of whatever room he is in. 
• Hazel has been loving on him recently.  Hagen wasn't as close to him, but Hazel is...it's cute
• FINALLY likes a dog bed...never been a fan until he hit 11.

Ryan:

• Last year he drank the cross fit juice and is hooked...
• Because of above, his behind has hit an all time "HOT" factor...seriously
• Because of above he eats palio...which makes meals even more random (my food, kids food, his food)
• Work is going well and he still loves what he does

Carrie:

• Still love my job
• worked out alot this year but took the last 3 months off...WHY did I do that.  Now I am struggling with getting back into it and it is hard.  :(
• My eating habits have fallen to a BAD place...new year!
• I cut a bad habit this year that I am SO proud of...been since June.
• I'm really hoping my car dies this year...not wanting the expense but I'm so over my old Pilot!

This past year we had to have the front yard re landscaped...it was a big job so we outsourced it and it looks GREAT!!!

Hopefully I will be better about this blog this year.  I hate that I skipped a year.

Cheers!
Carrie

Pumpkin Patch

It's tradition to visit the pumpkin patch every year.  The kids have a blast!  And to be honest, I love going too.  We go on a hayride, hay maze, pick out a pumpkin in the patch, feed gross drooling animals, take a billion pictures, and end with a hotdog picnic. 

Most of the past years the weather is either so hot or cold and wet.  This year was PERFECT!!!  No coats were needed and it coulsn't have been a better day!!

Hagen hunting with Ryan...mans trip

Ryan and Chad have been friends since High School.  Chad was there for Ryan when his Dad died and so has Chad's Dad Charlie.  Chad is like a brother to Ryan and I love that they have boys that are close in age to enjoy man things with together.

 

 There is lots of fishing.  There was another guy there with his son and daughter that I don't know.

 This is what memory building looks like...two guys in their elements.

 Lots of eating junk and staying up late...you know, the good stuff...

 Lots and lots of fish catching...

 Peeing in the pond you are swimming in...I have a picture of him peeing on every man trip he has been on...thanks Ryan...

 Friends that don't even care what you just did and love you anyway.

 Grasshopper netting...

and more fishing..

 Here is Ryan and Chad with their boys Hagen and Christian.  Hagen is 6 here and Christian is almost 4

 the kid crew...

 Nightly campfires to discuss politics and the worlds problems... and reading with a good friend...since you now know how to read.  ;)

 To say he is exhausted is an understatement...he loves these trips and comes back sweet and more mellow.  For a day...I mean, I wish it would last longer but it doesnt.

Here's hoping for many more years of this!

4th of July - part II

We left off at the best wings in the world...it was Uncle Rick, my Dad and Mom, and Auntie L.

The kids had fun playing on the beach there and enjoying virgin strawberry daiquiris

 Hazel promptly fell asleep on the boat.  We were worried about her over heating so I unzipped her...she looks like the guy from weekend at Bernie's!!

 This is a HUGE catfish!!!  That's as close as Hagen was getting!!!

 This is more his size...

 Picture of the lake house from across the cove...

 Papa always gets good pictures with the kids...

 Man boating trip...

 So, this may not look like a good parenting move but it was big.  Hagen had his first shot and I took one with him!  I could NOT believe he was really going through it and so I had to follow through too!  It was a shot of sprite with...a minnow in it.  A live minnow...

 Mom's face says it all...he was SO proud of himself and was shocked I did it too!  It is way better than doing an oyster or something...ugh...

Hazel got to drive the best boat on the lake.  This is Bruce...married to Vicky.  The own Mimosa and lived above the small store for years.  He told her for a long time that he would someday build her dream home.  he did...and damn is it ever a dream home.  2 lots...on a point...just simply beautiful!!! 

 This man worked hard his whole life and deserves anything he gets...well done

 Mom and I...tipsy after dinner and drinks...

 here's the crew.  We are heading out in the morning so we are about to say our goodbyes and pour ourselves in bed.

 The lake is just awesome.  I have such a feeling of calm there that I can't explain.  No schedule...just chilling.  It will be even better when the kids can make food for themselves!  That is the only "scheduling" we have to keep on.  Why do they eat all the time?!

C

 

Lake of the Ozarks for 4th of July - part I

Lucky us we went BACK to the lake for our own little family vacation.  I got an extra week off this year from my company for being there for over 5 years so we took it!  We were actually here for 1 1/2 weeks...it was WONDERFUL!!!

 

We started off where we normally do...drinking...run runners to be exact.

 

 I love these ladies...

 There was a place where the kids could feed the fish...giant carp and catfish...yuck.

 Hagen was stoked to drive Uncle Tommy's boat.  This is a big deal...Tommy is very particular about his boat...it is the cleanest boat I have Ever been on...

 I got a family picture on the swing at Mimosa...trip complete...

 Hagen's first sparkler...he burned his hand right after this pic was taken...the cup was to protect from the sparks, but the end of the sparkler came into the cup...parent fail...

 These two love to fish...Hazel's is a fake rod and reel but she will just sit and follow Hagen around...WHICH is unsafe so we have to watch to make sure she isn't in the line of fire if you know what I mean.

 Evening time is just so beautiful at the lake...the water is calm...the ducks are out for dinner (we feed them bread)...and it is just peaceful...I LOVE this time of day at the lake!!

 Hazel's turn to drive!  This time she is driving Uncle Rick's boat...I don't think she likes it do you?

 Snuggling up to Auntie L

 So Uncle Rick brought this over from his dock (right across the cove) and Hagen was in HEAVEN!  See him disappearing over the back?  it was a blast!!

 I let him get his hair cut however he wanted since it is summer and it will grow fast.  It is BUZZED! Shelley kept asking me if I was SURE I wanted it...I said not a problem. Now I know why she was making sure.  And No...it didn't grow back fast like I thought!!  Lesson learned

 Hazel in fish heaven

 

 Papa in Fish Heaven!

 Hazel in her won little fishing world

 Due...this is the best vacation EVER!

 hitting the club...

 It is another restaurant on the lake that has by far the BEST wings I have EVER had in my life...honestly they are making my mouth water just thinking about them...so damn good!!

 Sweet baby boy with pretty blue eyes... and...No freaking hair...