This is Halloween

In honor of all the Halloweens that we've spent together, I decided it would be fun to take a trip down memory lane.

Xander almost didn't

make it in time for

Halloween. He wasn't

due unitl the midle

of November, so we

whiped him up a

sidekick outfit

(though he didn't

actually go

Trick 'or' Treating)!

Go Dogs Go!

The other day I found Xander sitting on the stairs,

reading one of his favorite books GO DOGS GO!to our dog, Lilly.

We read it so often that he has it memorized.

I love that he was taking the time to make sure she could see the pictures.

Taco Chicken Rolls

Every six weeks or so, I get together with a wonderful group of ladies, and we make freezer meals. Dinners that we all help make, then freeze until we need them. I wanted to share a recipe for one particular dish that is a little different but good.

Taco Chicken Rolls

3 lbs chicken breast
1 c. finely crushed Dorritos (I like nacho flavor)
1/2 pack taco seasoning
3 oz. Montery Jack cheese(cut into 2in sticks)
4 oz. chopped green chilies

Poud Chicken to flatten it. (If it is very thick, you can also cut it in half horizontally.) Place a cheese stick and1 Tbs chilies on each piece of chicken. Tuck in ends and roll up, secure with toothpick. Coat chicken with dorritos and seasoning mixture.

Bake 350 degrees for 1 hour.

Kids tested,

mother approved!

And by the way, you don't have to freeze it ,but if you do it will keep for months.

Opening Ceremonies

Today when I took Kaylee and Warner to school they were having a special ceremony for the start of the school year. First of all, since I know I can trust all of you not to think I'm a sissy, I will confess, I did cry a few times (and I'm not even pregnant). When I heard all 900 kids along with the teachers and some parents, saying the Pledge of Allegiance, it really hit me, that even though I do not appreciate, the direction our country is being taken in, I really do love our country. I think that I had forgotten how blessed we are to be "one nation, under God".








Then the kids sang a song about Nevada being their home and how beautiful it is here, and I thought, ...they're right...then I cried a little more.

So for the start of the year kick off, very student and teacher released a balloon of school color in to the sky. I tried to get some good picture but they really don't do it justice; it was an awesome site.

As a special guest former Nevada Senator Joseph M. Neal (who the school is named after) gave a speech about how proud he is of the kids and the goals for the upcoming year. I was touched when the principal told everyone about all the wonderful things he had done to contribute to education. I really miss having elected officials with strong morals, and kids and families at heart.

Lilly

We seem to have a shaky track record when it comes to pets.

Let me explain. When Kaylee was a little older than one, we had two dogs, dark brown, lab/chow mixes named, "Twix" and "Rollo." We only had them for a month or two, then about two weeks before we moved to California, someone broke into our apartment and stole them. Nothing else was taken but a note that said they would be well taken care of and have a big Yard to play in. What could we do? We had to move, and leave them behind, as we were driving the bad guys called (they got our number from a room mate)and said sorry and we could come and get them if we wanted, but we were already 500 miles away.

A few years latter we had two kittens, so cute and sweet, (well actually sort of brats, they were like ornery teenagers with attitude knocking things down to get attention and taking and burring anything shiny like wedding rings)and we loved them. "Arial" was orange and white and she belonged to Kaylee, very cuddly. "Jasmine" was dark gray and a little nervous and she belonged to Warner. Six months latter when we were given the opportunity to rent a house we were so excited to finally get to expand but we were not allowed to bring cats, since the owner was allergic. So we gave the cats to a friend who moved out of state.

A couple of years after that we wanted a quite, easy, pet; so we got a bunny,two actually since we were permanently babysitting my sister's rabbit. "Hunny" and "Denise" so cute, pooped alot but not too stinky. Anyway, turns out Warner, Xander and I were very allergic, so bye bye bunnies.

In July we adopted "Lilly" She is a Black Lab, so sweet, and such a handful. All she wants to do 24/7 is play, it's like having another child. Which is ok in a way since I was feeling baby hungry. She is so patient with the kids and Tom wrestles around with her alot. During the day she follows me around the house with different toys and various shoes, wanted to play chase, tug-o-war or fetch.


I know what you're thinking "how long before we give her up," But for realls, we're keeping her.

First Day of School

All three of the kids are back in school, full day.

Kaylee is in 3rd grade, which is especially crazy to me beacause I can remember alot from my 3rd grade year, she is just geting to be so big. Her class is a "single gender class" and believe it or not, she chose that is very excited. I'm nervous for her, she's never really gotten into any of the girl drama, and I'm a litle worried, since in the past she has hung out mostly with the boys. The school uniforms really cramps her style and she's green with envy that Xan gets to chose his cloths. She spends most of her free time reading or creating, in fact she designed and created the backpack you see in her picture.

Warner is starting 1st grade, and he too is in a "single gender class." He is very happy, and has always been the type to easily adjust. The past three days he has come home listing the new friends that he's made. As a side note, he is really digging the school uniforms. He wakes up every day excited and suprized to wear the same two colors of polo shirt.

Xander is in the kids program at a different school and gets to ride the bus every day. At first he didn't want to go, after meeting the teacher (who really is wonderful), he announced that he hated me, the teacher, and school, and that he wouldn't go. But after we went school shopping and got a weeks worth of tractor shirts, he was excited to show everyone, including the bus driver, office staff, and his teachers, his new shirts; finally there is something for a three year old to live for!

Post to announce a Post?!?!

This may sound a little silly but I am completely overwhelmed at the thought of posting an update. The past few months have been crazy for us starting with Tom getting laid off! that was such a bummer and lasted for so long that I didn't want to post anything for fear of doing nothing but compaining. Then I satred an intense summer training at the college to getting my CNA linsence to hopefully get a job. To say that the school took up most of my time would be understatment!

When my school was finally finished, we had over a month worth of travle plans (no where exotic or too exciteing). We had a few good adventures along the way and two new additions to our family. But I dont know where to start. So when I finally straighten my brain out I will give a better update, including pics of the new house, our new sister, and our new dog.

I try to tell myself that I will be glad that I have recorded these things later and that its worth it because I know my Grandmother reads this, buts lets be honest; I want to know who else cares... If you are reading this and care about updates on our family, will you let me know