Nolan Style

Just 'cause he's so cute...

This is what Nolan wore to stake conference 2 Sundays ago...

Yes, that's a reindeer on his tie... Phil, in his wonderful wisdom was combating the usual fight to get dressed in "church clothes" by dressing up Nolan's friend Baby Bear... This is what that looked like.

It worked, so well Nolan wanted to wear what Baby Bear had on! (Just in case you didn't know my husband is a genius!) And although it drove me nuts, I had to go with it because Nolan actually wanted to wear a tie.

Then a few days later, this is what Nolan wore all day long...

He decided it was a "rebel trooper" helmet, and wore it everywhere. Still, how cute is he? Gotta love kids!!!

Wicked!

I got to go and see Wicked a week ago today... A super fun, wonderful and dynamic lady I know from church called and bought group tickets and got us amazing seats. (THANK YOU CHERI!)

So... a group of us went together. (Unfortunately, most of them had family members with them, but not me... :( fortunately, I had great company (thanks Linda!)...) We went and had dinner at this excellent Italian buffet before (so yum!) and then headed to the show. It was great! I had a wicked, wonderful time! I thought it was really neat how they worked the whole story of Oz into this play, so it all made just a little more sense. Bottom line, two thumbs way up! =)

Mother's Day (a LOT late...)

So, I had a pretty interesting Mother's Day. Nolan was sick, so Phil stayed home with him so I could go to church and collect Youth Conference forms... Yipee! For some reason, I was really grumpy that day, and ended up crying through most of the talks at church, not because they were touching my "mommy heart", but because I was feeling like a total sham and failure as a mom (and in general...). Not a great feeling to have on Mother's Day. Anyhow, when I got home, things totally turned around. Phil had picked up the whole downstairs, washed all the dishes, made me a heart shaped cake that said "we love you" and put a big bunch of beautiful flowers in a vase for me. How could I not smile and feel waaaaaaaaaaaaay better?

Then after a quick and yummy Linner

(yes I typed Linner... it's what you call a meal at 3:30pm...) of Chili Dogs, potato salad and chips... I got this!

Yes it is as delectable as it looks! And yes, my Mother's Day ended much better than it began. (How could it not?)

Oh, and just so you understand... Phil made the little cakes, and formed the ice cream patties and had them sitting in the freezer ready for this gooey concoction... I was totally impressed with all the thought and effort, and did I mention it was delicious?

I would also like to take this opportunity to wish all you amazing Mom's I know a belated Mother's Day. Since we never get a day off, and are Mommies 'til we die (...and beyond),

I don't feel to bad wishing you a happy day and telling you you're great, you should hear it often! So just consider this a continuation of thankfulness for the examples you are and the sacrifices you make to be the wonderful Moms you are!

Love ya'!

For Your Musical Enjoyment...

Things I love about having boys #4 & #5

#4
They ask questions like...

"Mom, what's your favorite insect?"


#5
I actually had to think about the answer. Not because I find insects disgusting & rack my brain trying to think of the least offensive one... no, because I actually find them fascinating. (Don't get me wrong, I don't necessarily want to hold any, but I can bug watch with the best of 'em.)

I did still answer with a pretty girly, "Butterflies." I guess I still have a way to go with the boy thing...

Ode to a Little Blue Car

Oh little blue car,

You've been so grand.

Your Honda name -

A stellar brand.




You were the first car

I ever bought.

I've always been glad

It was you I got.




Your heater works,

Your air does not.

I guess you could say,

You're smokin' hot!




You were there

for courtship and marriage,

And gamely hauled

Our baby carriage.




You were the first ride

Of my two sweet boys.

And for years had a trunk

Full of sand and toys.




You've seen us through many a life altering change.

Not seeing you in the garage will be strange.

I am thankful for all the years you've given,

I know you will make it to Honda Heaven.




Oh little blue car,

Rest now and know,

We'll miss you, we love you,

And now off you go.

Our First Tornado Adventure...

Well, we've been here 2 1/2 years, had several severe thunderstorms and watched tornado producing storms split and either go North or South of us, but last night was the first time we heard Tornado sirens and headed for the basement.

It was really no big deal... the boys were fine. Nolan wanted to play golf. (In the winter months I sometimes let Matt play in the basement with his putting machine, so there was a putter and a ball down there - I'm sure Papa Dale is grinning about that one...) Phil brought his laptop down and we watched the live weather cast online.

There were several funny quotes gleaned from the evening. Matt kept saying "Ah, the adventures of Team Armadillo!" Asked me if the Playstation would be OK. Was relieved "At least we still have our Christmas stuff," we store it in the basement... "& can celebrate Christmas!" And when it was all over asked... "Are we still alive? I thought this was Heaven." I told him, "I sure hope Heaven is a lot nicer than a dirty old basement..." Funny kid.

We waited until the Tornado warning expired and then headed back upstairs and tucked the boys in again. Then Phil and I stayed up and watched the incredible storm that unfolded. It was CRAZY. There were winds reported at 70MPH... tons of rain, and wild lightning and thunder. It all subsided around 2:30 AM and Phil and I were finally able to go to bed. The boys - slept through it.

Ah, the adventures of Team Armadillo.