fUnNies

it’s Friday, I am sure we could all use a good laugh so here are some direct quotes from Payne.

and because the picture is funny too!! This was in JUNE, yes his hair is pink from Wylie party the night before and he has snow boots and a jacket on, why, who knows.  But he is his own man;)

As we are driving through who know where, my husband says to Payne. “look there is a corn field, where corn on the cob comes from. Payne, “WHAT  corn comes from a FARM!!” (city life, we should work on expanding his horizons)

Me, “Payne we have a surprise for you.” Payne, “Are we going to St. George?” (not quite, but I guess he misses his cousins)

About his name tag from school, he said “ I am glad I didn’t get BLUE!” Why? “Because BLUE is cougars, ugh…” (as if I was just supposed to know, but man his dad has him brain washed, in a good way of course)

Me, “Payne do you have your seat belt on?” him:“NO!”  me: “Why” him: “cause my brother is screwing with ME!” (no, comment.)

as Payne came upstairs, I could tell he was upset. I said “what is wrong” he reply’s “ I just think its FUNNY that they won’t let me turn off the light.” (I just think its funny, direct quote from me!) I guess he really does listen sometime.

I went to pick him up the other day from his friends house. After going to preschool with her, being in the same class and  going to her appointment at Primary Children’s to take a tour of the Hospital, I said come on Payne, lets go.” in his saddest voice “But I haven’t seen her all day!” (he has it bad! ha ha)

Last but not least, yesterday in the car he was talking to himself and I hear him say, “today is my lucky day” so I chimed in and asked him why? “because I didn’t have to go to school!” (it is going to be a LONG 14 years!)
Happy Friday!!!!

cAtcHing UP part II

Next, We were able to go to the Pioneers Day parade this year. Thanks to our favorite friend Nicole for letting us invite ourselves and our neighbor and to her very sweet husband who slept out to save a spot, the perfect spot I may say.

Best Friends:)

Payne’s Favorite, of course, was the Train

He kept calling the floats with the city’s royalty on them, “the Princess floats”

Our hero’s

Watching through a child’s eye was such a magical experience.

 

Also, Payne learned to ride his bike without training wheels literally within 30 minutes of taking them off.

To which his dad saw fit to run out and get him a NEW big boy bike. I love that the next morning he ran out the door to ride in his PJ’s.

Payne couldn’t be happier and he spends most of his day riding. I would say he is officially pro!

 

And lastly, Payne has found a new love, our neighbors snake. Yes snake… ugh! I am not fond of it but he is truly  fascinated with it.

We have “snake” sitting time. They let him bring their snake to our house when he wants to play with it. But they had to tell him that he can only come over twice a day otherwise he was over there every half hour or so. It was hilarious!

Our brother even likes it….

and of course the dog wanted to see what it was all about too.

cAtcHing UP!!

I feel like it has been months since I have visited, let alone posted something in the blog-o-sphere.

I am not sure where summer has gone, although I know it is not “officially” over. Today I have a glass half empty attitude.

I am sad that tomorrow I will register Wy for JR. freaking high, will attend orientation at Payne’s preschool :( and soon enough be buying new school shoes and getting hair cuts for the school pictures. I am sad that I can feel the days closing in until we are back to the same routine of homework, dinner, bath and bed.

Right now we are living it up with late bedtimes, days full of sunshine, nights with late walks around the neighborhood and evenings on the deck.

So what have we been up to, well lots!

We started out the summer by adding lots of color to our porch, Payne always takes great pride in the fact that he “helps” plant some flowers.

Wylie got a rip stick for his b-day and has convinced Payne that pulling him around is pretty cool.

(I have got to figure out night shots with my camera)

Payne had LOADS of fun at swimming lessons, that were taught by his favorite Ms. Lisa and of course having his BF Syd there helped too.

We had some of our favorite visitors come over…

His mug….

We played hard with our cousins…

not sure where he is going backwards?!?

all I have to say is, these two!

oh, how I luv this face….

We tore it up at Incredible Pizza…

that is form I say….

and just cause he is that cute….

I may or may not have KICK Chase’s butt

at the go carts!

and wished our sweet Laney a very

Happy Birthday!!!

Yep that’s right, Payne choose the princess

crown for his “ticket” prize.

we’ll be back for part two… stay tuned.

(promise sooner than later)

aRt woRk…

over the last couple of days I have collected some new pieces of art work for my office..

Nothing fancy or expensive but to me they are priceless.

I had asked Payne for a picture to hang in my new “office” right after I started my job. He must have remembered because when I came home he said “mommy, I have a surprise for you” and above are his masterpieces. As much as I miss him through out the day at least I get to look up and see his creations and think of the smile and pride he had when he showed me what he made. Oh, do I love that boy.

Just incase you are wondering what these are, his hands are turkeys and the pink creation are snow flakes… maybe he is ready for fall and winter?? I am just saying…..

gIaNt mArshmaLLows….

I have a husband who loves to indulge my children's sweet tooth! After returning from the grocery store for milk, he surprised us with GIANT marshmallows, chocolate and gram crackers. I love a good roasted mallow over a campfire but since we  have no fire, we turned to our trusty gas stove. I lit those baby’s up and we roasted our mallows over open flame in the kitchen. It was fun, quick,  yummy and super sticky!!!

If you see these in your grocery store do not pass them by,

because you would be missing a really gooey goodness!!

dOg-gone tired……

This is Payne in his Halloween costume from two years ago, yes he still wears it… all the time, however it does not fit quite right but that doesn’t stop him. He cant get enough. He loves to pretend that he is a dog just like Norman. The thing is made to keep kids cozy in the fall weather while they trick- or- treat but he has it on in the COOL 100 degree weather we are enjoying, can you say hOtt!! After he is done crawling around on all four, wrestling our dog, jumping off couches, he is dOg-gone tired and smells just like one too:)

Progress…

Looking back just about a month ago I mentioned our struggle with getting Payne in his own bed, well I am overjoyed with the progress that he has made in such a short time.

I have been very consistent with bed times and routines , I would contribute that to much of our success. It wasn’t easy but all good things come with hard work, right?

What makes me most proud was last night he looked at me and said “mom, its time for bed” Oh my gosh… Music to my ears. I told him that I would get him a drink and be in to read. I got in there he was getting his pajamas on himself and jumped in bed with a smile on his face.

Our next goal is going to be getting him in bed a little earlier, this may have to wait until a little closer to school starting because we are soaking up every moment the sun is out:)

and it’s ONLY Wednesday…..

I feel like this has been the longest week of my life.

I have been waiting to hear back about a job I had interviewed for last week, they had more interviews this week but I keep checking my phone to see if I missed a call.

It is the first full week both of my kids have been home together now that school is out. I pretty much want to SELL them!! Payne wants to do everything and go ever where Wylie does and of course Wylie wants no part of that deal.

Payne’s BF down the street is gone on vacation so he really has no one to play with. Though he thinks she will magically appear if he keeps knocking on her door. No lie he will ride to her house, knock, come back home and say Syd is still not home. Then I explain AGAIN that she will be home after 3 sleeps. When do kids understand the concept of time??

Mr. Strate is BUSY with work and I won’t see much of him this week which means no break for me:(

Wylie needs a new phone because he got his wet! We went to the phone store and they told me that he was over is text allowance by 550 texts!!! My heart sank, but good news is that they were able to back date my plan so that I don’t have to pay $$$$$ and of course just in the knick of time, our cycle date ends today at midnight!!

I think this picture sums up feeling on this  week so far! Typical Payne and poor Wylie just being accommodating.

the Aquarium

I am glad that I have given this place a second chance. I went when it first opened Payne was just a baby and Wylie didn’t really seem interested. But these two and a half are taken by the whole place. It’s worth buying a pass so you can go for a quick afternoon visit.

not the greatest pic, but I love how all three are together.

Best Friends!!

Payne trying to be the size of the penguin.

Syd, trying to be the size of the baby.

and of course the real penguins are pretty cool.

bitter sweet…

life that is, not chocolate :)

Last Thursday was Payne’s last day of his first year of preschool. Last week was Wylie’s last year of Elementary and my nephew graduated from High School

I seem to be fairly emotional about miles stones that come up in life. My husband, seems to think I am crazy. He can’t wait until everyone can provide for themselves (maybe, I exaggerate?). I, on the other hand look at these moments and wish I could freeze time.

My nephew for instance, he is not my eldest nephew but the first one I remember when his mom was expecting him, I couldn’t wait until he arrived.  I was 14 when he was born, I adored him, I was old enough to help out when he was around, not just be his playmate. I still adore him, he holds a special place in my heart.

 

Congratulations, another “Digger” in the family :)

Wylie, the first LOVE of my life….

(Wylie and his 6th grade teacher)

This kid, he is soooo smart, funny, witty, kind, handsome, unique, confident I could go on… But I have to say, I am so lucky that he is mine!!

and of course Payne,

(Payne, Lucy his BF and Ms. Traci his teacher)

My baby, he has come full circle this year. He was such a shy guy so when I enrolled him in preschool my only hope was that he would break out of his shell a little and he has. He instantly had a bond with Lucy but as the year progressed he started playing with a few of the other kids and is even playing with new kids in the neighborhood.  I am so proud of him!!

I am so proud of all three and only wish them the best of everything. Now I will wipe my tears and go finish the laundry, LOL!

one step forward, two steps back…..

Payne and his bed have a real love hate relationship.

 

We decided that the only way to get him in was to be stern and persistent. He has not been allowed to sleep in Wylie’s bed for about a week now. Each night starts the same way a story to coax him in a little chit chat and then I try to leave. Of course this is followed by a melt down and I give him the choice,  you can sleep in this comfy bed or on your floor. Those are his only options. The first night was LONG, but he did it. The second night I thought was a success until I woke up to check on him and found him in Wylie’s bed, I put him back. Third night his own bed all night, again last night started in his bed but once again found him in his brothers room. Last night he asked nicely if Wylie could come in his room and sleep in one of the bunks, I negotiated that he could come in and watch a movie for thirty minutes. It seemed to help but this is getting old and I am thin on patience. I hope we have success SOON!!

hoWdY, paRtNer!!

Payne was invited to his friend’s birthday party a couple of Saturday’s ago and boy did he have a  root in’ toot in’ good time. As always I was a little over the top and he came dressed as a “real” cowboy, which made him so excited and made him the perfect partner in crime to the birthday girl.

He said that it was the best birthday party EVER! I would have to say it was pretty fun. They played pin the tail on the donkey, had horse races with their cute stick horses, decorated goodie bags, played a game of bean bag toss and there was even a piñata!! Followed up with everyone’s favorite, cake and ice cream.  Her mom made the awesome cake and the whole party was perfect for a little cowgirl.

calling in sick!

The other day, I thought to myself , I wish I had a vacation day/sick day I could use. Well SAHM don’t get that benefit and my heart goes out to all of you, cause ladies I need a day off.

Maybe somewhere like this!

But this morning at 4:45 to be exact. I heard a little tiny voice say “mommy, my belly hurts.” I asked if he was just hungry since he didn’t eat much for dinner . He said, “yes”. So we went in the kitchen to make a waffle and some chocolate milk. While he was waiting he said, “I am going to throw up” and low and behold he did followed by the other “stuff.”

So today is my sick day, lots of laying around, lots of cartoons and maybe some time for me to get caught up on things around the house, on second thought scratch the getting caught up idea.

POST EDIT: the day did not go as glorious as planned, there was a LoT of demands, whining and flat out boredom. Payne did not have any other symptoms or episodes so by 2:00 I started getting caught up on house stuff and sent Payne out to play. A girl can always dream, right??

How do you start your day?

8:40am

please note: the pj’s that are total floods, no socks, CRAZY bed head and a soda before breakfast.  when did I become “that” mom;)

BROTHERS

These two had a rocky start, Wylie was 6 at the time and the youngest at his dad’s and the only one at our house when I found out that I was expecting Payne.  He loved all of his friends siblings but has no desire to be a big brother. 4yrs later I think they are starting to warm up to each other.

 

Well, at least sometimes……………………..

and sometimes NOT!!

Wylie hated that Payne wanted to do everything he did, but once he realized that he was just being IDOLIZED he came to terms with being so cool and started to let Payne “hangout” with him.

Even while waiting for the school bus…

and at night when he is scared to sleep in his own bed.

I LOVE and ADORE these boys and hope that they will always remember to love each other too!