Brooke's cleaning rampage

Brooke generally prides herself in being extremely independent. She knows how to vacuum (battery operated sweeper) and how to put things away. But this is the first time she put it all together (without being asked to do it). Brooke started taking everything out of her room, including the rug and got out the vacuum. She expected that everyone would put away what belonged to them (what else would they do? - she left them in the middle of the hallway). It just proves that the long drawn out suffering we go through pays off, right???

Sage's 7th Birthday: Part 4 (Final)

Winning tickets playing Skeeball
Counting tickets at the "ticket muncher"
Climbing to the top
Riding the helicopter (only flies when you put your seat belt on)

Having divorced parents can be used to your advantage. Since you split your time between parents, your birthday takes all month to celebrate. Take Sage for example, she was able to celebrate with both parents at separate times increasing her amount of time to be the center of the universe. How lucky is that? On Monday, I celebrated with Sage. She decided that this was her birthday present this year instead of a party with friends. Sage wanted a day with me at Chuck E. Cheese. Yes I do feel special that she had such a wish. I picked her up from school a little early, purchased slurpees (her favorite), got her nails painted (a first for her), shopped at Toys R Us and got ice cream at Rite Aid. Chuck E. Cheese lasted 3 hours. She even got me to climb to the top of the structure with her (my knees are killing me today). The smile on her face made it all worth it! Until next year...

Sage's 7th Birthday: Part 3

Yes, I do let birthdays go on for practically an entire month. Last Saturday, Sage chose to go shopping with Grandma and mom (me) for a birthday present. This was her first "real" girl shopping trip. I don't know about you, but I don't usually put myself through the torture that shopping with children is to me. Sage has made it as a big girl. She can come shopping anytime. We started the day at a pizza parlor for lunch (she loves pizza almost as much as me). Grandma was leaving it all up to Sage. She decided on Target as the shopping destination. First she picked out clothes and had fun trying them all on in the dressing room. Then she must have tried on at least 15 or so pairs of shoes. She probably could have picked any of them, except she has a long, slender foot that slips out of most shoes. She picked out a toy that has entertained the entire family: a claw grabber thing that picks up a toy and drops it down a chute to you. Yes, just like the ones you see at movie stores, Denny's, etc. We stopped at the new Dollar Tree to buy things to fill it up with (candy, small toys, etc.) Sage also picked a new Littlest Pet Shop thing that all the girls enjoy playing with. Please don't think that Grandma was spoiling her, she also spent birthday money that Grandpa Reynolds gave to her. So now I can officially call her a shopper.

This picture just cracks me up. Please take a look at her style. Sage loves clothes and being fashionable. I guess she watches how people dress on TV, etc. Anyway, she got a bag of hand-me-downs from the Astles (friends). She thought the little green velour dress (Brooke's size) could be worn as a baby doll shirt with these jeans. Sage has always hated jeans, these are the first pair that have ever felt good. Isn't that funny, somebody else had to break them in for her? Thanks Chloe! I think we will pass the dress to Brooke, what do you think?

Living in LBC

What would this year be without a little trouble on the street. A few weeks ago, our Saturn was shot with some kind of gun. I'll let you figure it out from the picture what gun makes that kind of hole. A neighbor a few doors down, who also parks on the street was also hit. What do you do? We never found the bullet. The window has been replaced. End of story, I hope.

(remember to click on the picture if you want to see it close up)

Sage's 7th Birthday: Part 2

The kids being entertained by the car hops.
Grandpa Reynolds dancing on the floor with Sage, Brooke and Noah.
Grandpa Reynolds before the night began. By the end of the night, he was all smiles.

As part of her birthday celebration, Sage wanted Grandpa Reynolds to take us out to dinner. She picked Frisco's car hop, where the waitresses are on roller skates and Tony sings live. We invited some friends for more fun and entertainment. Every child, including Perry eventually got up and danced. Chloe told me that she was just going to watch, but the music got to her as well. The Klines, Astles and Hardeys grooved with Grandpa. By the end of the night he even danced with a maybe 20 something girl. He saved a dance for me as well. Sage loved all of her gifts (not necessary). Brooke was so fascinated by the skirts of the car hop girls, she actually reached out and touched them (more than once I'm afraid). Some of you may have heard that Libby wants to be a car hop when she grows up. Perry informed her that "that is not a career". Kids are funny. This was a great way to get the kids to eat (not a leftover to be found). Another precious moment: Libby and Jeremy were caught dancing.

Sage's 7th Birthday!

Yes, my eldest (biological) was born on Cinco de Mayo. She had a great day at school, Brooke and I even stopped in at lunch. She passed out some cookies and Blow pops to her classmates. at dinner, she had all her favorites: macaroni and cheese, cheese quesadillas, and teriyaki chicken...don't forget the raw carrots. Perry pointed out that you have to eat veggies, even on your birthday. I did let her out of making her bed today! Instead of cake, she wanted mint and chip ice cream with cookies. Lee (the great baker) made the cookies: peanut butter cup. She was excited that my brother, Scott, gave her soccer stuff (ball, shin guards, cones and outfit).

Village People

Last week, the children created a village. I thought it needed to be remembered as a great family fun night since they worked so hard on it. Perry created a house out of this box. It included a chimney, a door that stayed closed with screws and a rubber band. Genius!