To Infinity and Beyond, or at least bed by 8:30...

Crazy! Things are crazy! Rowan started going to school at my old elementary school and so far she loves it! She has made a few new friends, Tacey and Makayla (who is actually an old friend from daycare). Right now she acts like a 13 year old, and while sometimes, it's funny, there is the 'attitude' that goes along with it. I try to be patient with her, since, fingers-crossed, it's just a phase. It's quite a trip to go into your old elementary school. Things looked so much bigger when I was 6 years old. It's amazing where time goes! Rowan is reading like a champ. I quizzed her on her spelling test for today and she got done, "Well, that was easy..." I'm so proud of her. She never ceases to amaze me! Merrick is still in his fun stage. He loves everything and anything to do with Buzz Lightyear. He goes around pointing his wrist at everything, acting like he's shooting a laser. I try to run him around on a daily basis, saying 'To Infinity and Beyond!!!' He loves it. He's been saying new words every day, and I try to make sure my profanity is kept to the bare minimum around him. Somedays, I'll just look at him going about his business and he makes the funniest faces... definitely my kid.

Thanksgiving... is a special night...

Here are some things I am thankful for...
1. My kids, they show me what is important in my life.
2. My husband, for all that he does, and for being so understanding, especially this year.
3. My family, for being there for me, even when they don't understand me.
4. My friends, for listening to me and accepting me for who I am.
5. My health. Even though it's not the best right now, it could always be worse. (knock on wood)
6. Technology, mainly the internet, and my phone. Makes life easier.
7. Questar... they heat my house..
8. Plumbing. Toilets, showers...
9. My imagination... I crack myself up over the dumbest things.
10. I know I already said it, but family and friends!

Madly in love...

I'm madly in love... My main man is cute, fun and totally unpredictable. He's polite and curious, and completely a ladies man. And, he's 2! These past 2 years have flown by! Merrick is one of the funniest little boys that I know. He definitely got my sarcastic sense of humor, even though he's a physical clone of Alex. We've been trying to break him of his binky fixation problem, so any tips would be nice. Merrick loves trucks, animals, chocolate milk, M&M's, family and his blankie. And his evil binky... grrr... Merrick also loves to be outside, go for walks, dancing, slides, otter pops, and riding the little pony at Gardner Village. Merrick also thinks that sometimes, clothes are optional. He's a big helper and loves throwing away stuff in the garbage, even if it's not garbage. My prediction for the future... soccer/football player, musician, mountain climber, CSI investigator, actor, or stunt man. I love you Merrick! I hope you have a Happy 2nd Birthday!

Trick or Treat!

I love Halloween! This year Merrick was Yoda, and Rowan was a witch. We went to see Rowan do the Halloween parade at school and then went around my parents neighborhood to trick-or-treat. We had a blast, and the weather was perfect. My sister made me dress up too, which was fun. I am not sure what the costume was but I looked like an 18th century mortician.Merrick ate candy as we wheeled him around in the wagon, and when he did get up to trick-or-treat, he was very polite and said "thank you" when he got candy. All the little old ladies loved his costume. Trick-or-Treat!!!

Pumpkin guts galore...

This year we didn't have our annual Pumpkin Carving Party with everyone, we just had a small get together at my mom's house. I know it's usually for the kids, but the adults get so into carving pumpkins. My pumpkin was covered in stars and swirls, and my sister carved a bat for Rowan. Rowan carved odds and ends and hieroglyphics on hers.

Rowan... professional tooth extractor!

Rowan had a dentist appointment on Friday. Her two bottom teeth were both lose and the hygenist told Rowan to twist on them to get them out. They gave her a little ring that looks like a ring pop, which is actually a little container for teeth for the tooth fairy. Later Friday night, I was on the phone, and Rowan came into my room, freaking out that her teeth were bleeding. It's funny to see someone soooo scared but totally excited at the same time! She ran back downstairs and about 2 or 3 minutes later she came back up with her tooth in hand. She was so proud of her accomplishment! I got off the phone and came downstairs and Rowan was in the bathroom working on her other bottom tooth. She was in there for another couple of minutes and then came out holding her other tooth! She was so excited! I was just happy I wasn't going to have to pull her teeth out! That just gives me the willies! I can't believe Rowan is old enough to be losing teeth! Where does time go?

Good times...

My mom's work had their annual work day at Boondocks on the 8th. I took the kids and we had a blast! We slid down the big blow up slide, got drenched on the little boats, and played some mini golf. Merrick loved the huge lizard that shoots flames out of his mouth when you get the ball in at the end. Merrick was too little for the race cars, so he had to sit out with Nana and Grampa. Those are my favorites! We went on them twice! When we were done outside we went in to play some arcade games. My sister and I won over 650 tickets for Rowan to redeem for prizes. Needless to say, it took her forever to pick out all the fun little things she wanted. And, like last year, we were the last to leave, but we had a great time!

We went to the Children's Museum on the 12th. I have never been and my mom got a pass to get us all in. That place is pretty fun! It was my nephew, Logan's 3rd birthday that day, so my sister-in-law Tiffany and her family came. The kids loved playing in the water and Merrick and Rowan loved 'shopping' in the little grocery store. My sister and I had a lot of fun too, playing in the little treehouse, climbing the rock wall, and making a movie with little action figures. The kids loved the helicopter on the patio outside! Merrick's favorite, by far, was the little cop pedal car. I thought he was going to hyperventilate when he saw it! Thanks for a fun day out Nana!