Just when you think the messes are done ...

Ryan has done really well and not gotten into things for a LONG time. I thought we were past all the crazy messes when I found this.
He said that he just wanted to see if he could take it all down. I guess I needed to reorganize the panty. I wouldn't tell him this, but I was really impressed that he pulled the glass platters down from the TOP shelf without breaking anything. Hopefully Ryan just needed one last hurrah as a 5 year old. =)

Hand-Me-Downs

Here's Brenna in a darling hat and sweater combo that I WORE AT HER AGE!!
It was freezing outside at a cousin's birthday party but I squeeked a smile out of her. Now I just need a picture of me in this outfit, Mom, and we can do some comparing. =)

Why no dessert

To finish up the story of my bad little boys: see here

I like to think of myself as a dessert moderate. Sure, little Ryan had no idea what a doughnut was at the age of 4. When he had one at a party he referred to them as "tasty bagels." But we are at least no stranger to ice cream and the occasional cookies or cake. While we do not have dessert every night, it graces our counter quite often. I feel (hope) that if my kids are around treats with moderation it will not be such an obsession with them later.

So you can imagine my surprise when one afternoon I notice Ryan's cheek is smeared with something chocolaty. When confronted he pointed to the side of the couch. There between the wall and the couch (of course the perfect little hiding spot) are not one but TWO melted creamies! The chocolate was half gone and still in a somewhat solid state while the ORANGE creamie was a nice little melted pool of food coloring and sugar.

As I pulled back the couch to get in a better angle to attack the mess, I discovered the treasure trove of all troves. There is a nice little run-way along the back of our couch and wall that is perfect size for 2 little boys. I was aware that they would play back there but had no idea of the vastness of their shenanigans.

When what to my wondering eyes did appear but the remains, nay, the evidence of naughtiness. There were no less than the wrappers of 12 creamies, 6 string cheeses, a few pudding cups, and fruit snack wrappers!!!! Besides the garbage there was ice cream and pudding splattered on the carpet, back of the couch and the wall. I was shocked that my boys could be so sneaky, so devious, so quiet! And then I realized ... the box of creamies HAD emptied more quickly than normal, and the boys HAD been picking at their meals, and they HAD been spending more time behind the couch lately.

While I might have spoken a bit hastily the words "No dessert for a MONTH" came out. I was so upset that they had 1. taken food in the living room 2. sneaked food without permission and 3. made such a huge mess all over the carpet. Later I felt bad about the month comment but knew I had to stick to my guns after sentencing them, or I'd get wheedled down to a day. I consoled myself that it wouldn't be too bad for them since the holidays were a ways a way. And then 3 days later it was Brenna's b-day. =( Hence the frozen Yoplaits for the celebration while the rest of us had cake and ice cream.

Yes, I think the punishment was a bit strong, especially for their age. And it was hard when we went to Sunday dinners at the grandparents and all the other cousins got dessert. But the asking lessened considerably after the first week. And now when I make my check behind the couch (which is much more often now) Ryan is quick to assure me that there is nothing back there cause he doesn't want "to miss dessert for that long ever again!" And Kevin nods his head. Sure made the impression!

Ultrasound

I've had a lot of questions about this and yes we've had it last week. We told the technician that we didn't want to find out what we were having. But Jeff and I feel pretty seasoned after 3 other ultrasounds and might have seen something ...
So "officially" we don't know what we are having, but Jeff is pretty sure it's a boy and I"m still holding out for a girl.
The importatnt thing is that the baby is healthy and has all the required parts. It's always such a miracle to me to have a healthy baby when there are so many parts growing and forming.

Happy Birthday, Brenna - 1 year!

August 1 (she was born on her due date)
Brenna was far from shy or dainty when it was cake time. She was in it with both hands and loving it. Grandma Bitter made her a doll cake from angel food. I made an ice cream carmel dessert for the grownups. After the parties for the boys (see below) I took it easy for her party.


Notice my darling boys with their delicious . . . yogurt??? Yes, they were not allowed to have any dessert for a few weeks; not even for the party. Gasp!! But that is another story...

Pirate Party

Ryan really wanted a pirate birthday party and I had seen a great cake on Christy's website that gave me some ideas. We had a treasure hunt, a gold coin search, face painting, and they made their pirate hats. It was more work than I have ever put into a party but it was so fun to see the kids get excited.
Plus I'm am pretty proud of my cakes. I know they don't touch yours, Loralee, but they're about as fancy as they'll get for me



I used Charleston Chews for the fish in the water and rolos,whoppers, and chews on the ships. Notice the 5 candles in the "oars" and the blue happy birthday wrapping paper for the water? Grandma Bitter picked that out.



Pirate Brenna with a little feather



Captain Ryan

Happy Birthday, Ryan - 5!!

OK, so you're seeing the trend. =) May 29 Here is Ryan, bright and early on his birthday morning. We've decided to start the tradition of breakfast in bed with a small gift on their birthdays. (Kevin missed out this year since we hadn't started it yet, whoops, but he was oblivious to it.) Ryan was really surprised since we had never done that before. I just love this kid!