Bowling

On Saturday I took my kids bowling. Bill worked all weekend, so it has just been myself and the kids out and about. We were joined by my sis and brother in law along with 3 of there 4 kids and also there friends Breanne and Derick. It was great fun, but I think we played too many games. The kids got done before us, and as we were trying to finish up our last game, the kids started to get a little cranky. Over all though it was a good time. Brenna and Lex had so much fun together... I don't think I have ever seen them play together like they were. Reese and Sam found there fun pretending to drive the race cars for the majority of the trip, and if they weren't found there they were sliding down the wheelchair ramp. Ahhhh the joys of family outings!

Family Fun at Papa's

Thursday all the kids went over to my dads for a little family time. The kids had so much fun just running amuck! Brenna and Benjamin played so well together... they were cute to watch!















































The newest additions to the cousin's! Little Anderson





























I think they were playing ring around the rosey....















Then they all fall down!












I just love it when we get all the kids together... they have so much fun!

Innocence....

Just a few things I found that suited my thoughts, and protective nature as a mother. Not quite able to understand a persons need to belittle an innocent child. Anyone who can't see what a blessing every child is, doesn't deserve the happiness they bring into the world. And anyone who can betray the trust and innocence of a child, doesn't deserve to exist, as an equal, amongst those who are great.

A YOUNG PERSON'S BILL OF RIGHTS

I have a right to live rather than merely exist.
I have a right to personhood rather than being an object of possession.
I have a right to equality with every other human being regardless of age.
I have a right to be respected as a human being.
I have a right to be uniquely myself with my own identity.
I have a right to speak my thoughts and feelings, and to be heard.
I have a right to ask "why?" and to receive and answer.
I have a right to receive discipline without insults, yelling and put-downs.
I have a right to be encouraged to grow to maturity at my own pace.
I have a right to be free of physical harm at the hands of others.
I have a right to be loved for who I am.
I have a right to think for myself and, with guidance, to make my own decisions.
I have a right to be responsible for myself.
I have a right to feel joy, happiness, sorrow, bereavement, and pain.
I have a right to my acheivements and a right to my mistakes.
I have a right to care and be cared for, to give and to receive.
I have a right to develop my own convictions, beliefs and standards.
I have a right to know and experience personal freedom.
I have a right to my own body, mind, and spirit.
I have a responsibility to recognize and accept the rights of others regarding their Bill Of Rights.
~~ Author Unknown ~~



A LITTLE PRAISE

"I got two A's," said the little boy, his voice was filled with glee.
His father said, "If you studied more," "You might have gotten three."
"Mom, I've got the dishes done," the girl called from the door.
Her mother answered sharply, "Well I hope you swept the floor!"
"I mowed the grass," the tall boy said, "And edged the sidewalks too."
"I hope you improved," his father said, "On the job you usually do."
The children in the house next door, seemed happy and content.
The same thing happened over there, but this is how that went:
"I've got two A's," the small boy said, his voice was filled with glee.
His beaming father said, "That's great!" I'm so proud you belong to me!"
"Mom, I've got the dishes done," the girl called from the door.
Her mother smiled and softly said, "Each day I love you more."
"I've mowed the grass," the tall boy said, "And edged the sidewalks too."
His father answered "Thank you!" "For all the helpful things you do!"
Give a hug, or thanks or praise, for the tasks your children do.
If they're to lead a happy life, so much depends on you.
~~ Author Unknown ~~



A BUTTERFLY IN THE WIND

A child is...
A butterfly in the wind,
Some can fly higher than others;
but each one flies the best it can.
Why compare one against the other?
Each one is different!
Each one is special!
Each one is beautiful!
~~ Author Unknown ~~

Round #2 on my Tattoo

Okay so Wednesday I went in and had my tattoo worked on for the second go around. I was hoping to have it completely finished this time, but because I wasn't fully healed from the last time, there was some stuff we couldn't finish. DANG! Oh well... the tree is done, the sky is done, and the rocks and ocean are also done. YAY! Next time all I have to get done is the light house and the grass/hill. Then the finishing touch ups on the dragon. Getting close... and I love it!

A Real mom... (Thanks for this one Steph)

A Real Mom
A real mom uses baby wipes to clean more than dirty bottoms.

A real mom uses her shirt sleeves as napkins and Kleenex.

A real mom allows others to see that she doesn't 'have it all together.'

A real mom picks her kids' noses.

A real mom puts dirty socks on her kids when the clean ones run out.

A real mom has moments when she wishes she wasn't a mom.

A real mom goes potty with an audience.

A real mom sometimes wears makeup, and when she does, her kids say, 'Wow! Mom, you look different!'

A real mom counts chasing a toddler around the house as exercise.

A real mom thinks that occasionally the television makes a wonderful babysitter!

A real mom sometimes feeds her kids cookies for breakfast.

A real mom makes mistakes on a daily basis but keeps on chugging along, trying to get better.

A real mom feeds her children lollipops (or just about anything) so she can complete a phone conversation.

A real mom realizes that she learns as much from her children as her children learn from her.

A real mom knows that childhood passes so quickly- but not quick enough some days.

A real mom needs other real moms.

Have you been Tagged?

I was tagged by Tasha ...so here we go!

The Rules (copied and pasted like a true champ):
1. Link the person who tagged you.
2. Mention the rules on your blog.
3. Tell about 6 unspectacular quirks you possess.
4. Tag 6 following blogger by linking them.
5. Leave a comment on each of the tagged blogger’s blogs letting them know they’ve been tagged.

ONLY 6..... Gosh you aren't asking for to much ! lol

1.First and Foremost.... Shopping!!! That is most definately my biggest guilty pleasure. I could shop all day everyday... even if I don't buy anything... I just love looking and wishing. Brenna is now just as bad... she says "Mom, I'm bored, lets go shopping!"

2. Folding Laundry. I don't mind washing the laundry, but I hate folding it and putting it way. Mostly because it doesn't do any good... especially in my room. Seems that when I do put it away, Bill can't find what he is looking for so he tears it all out the next day anyway, and where does it end up... in a pile on the floor... I guess it is easier to find things there.

3. Dishes... I know this is a bad one! But I will clean my entire house before I do the dishes... I swear as a kid I had that chore for months at a time... so now I despise it!

4. I am addicted to tattoos... I don't know if this is exactly a bad thing, but some may think so. I always only wanted 2 tattoos... one on my stomach (which was my first) and one on my foot (which was my 3rd). Now, I am onto my 4th... as most of you know... it is a half sleeve. I love it! And for some reason I have an odd like for the pain of it all.

5. Being home alone. I can't sleep worth a damn when Bill is on his night shifts... My family finally got to the point that they were majorly annoyed with my frequent weekly, sometimes daily, afternoon visits. If they only understood how much I HATE being at home alone.

6. I love the smell of diesel fuel, grease, gasoline on my man. My dad was a machanic growing up, so the smell became a pleasant, soothing smell to me. I love to wrap my arms around him after a hard days work and take it all in.

I now Tag.....Stephanie, Kelly, Jessica, Heather, Amber, and Aunt Barb.

Reading Time

One of Brenna's favorite things to do is to sit down and "pretend" to read a book. This morning Sam decided he was going to join her... so he climbed up on top of her and listened to her story... although he really wanted to go through and flip the pages.

















































Sam loves his sissy so much... he decided it was appropriate to lay a big wet one on her to show his appreciation to her for reading to him.
















Brenna quickly turned away, but then decided she didn't want to hurt his feelings. I love these two and when they have these loving sibling moment. It just melts my butter!















SO TENDER!!!!