Reminiscing on the Magic

A glimpse of our trip to Disney-- okay maybe more than a glimpse-- but I couldn't limit the pics-- I had so many to choose from

My Everything

"and in this crazy life, and through these crazy times, its you, its you-you make me sing-you're every line, you're every word, you're everything" ~Michael Buble

Happy Anniversary Joe!!!!

-- I love you --

Thank you for making this the best 9 years of my life!!!

The Magic COUNT DOWN

One week from this exact time-- we will be boarding the plane and off to the happiest place on earth....

Halloween 2009

It may sound funny when I say --I LOVE Halloween-- and for all of those folks that think that makes me creepy or something-- I don't mean I love the reason for Halloween-- if I think to much about it I get a little weirded out --What I love--is the tradition, the trick or treating, the excitement I remember from being a kid and the excitement my kids have--but most of all I love picking out costumes, I start the beginning of September planning....

This year for some reason I just wasn't excited about the costumes-- maybe because they are getting to an age where I can't pick out the costume I like-- or maybe because they are not the big cute fluffy costumes that I use to love to put them in-- you know the zip up ones that only show their faces-- Anyway-- this year's costumes hung up until the day they wore them -- we didn't even try them on for a preview....

But then Halloween came and they put them on --and I ended up really liking them, they were pretty darn cute-- especially Payten's-- I liked the little Hippy Chick Costume, especially with the handmade go go leggings (btw not handmade by me-- Mrs. Marge made them-- we love when crafty grandmas are in town).

K--nuff rambling-- here are the pics......

Getting in the Spirit

Of Disney that is

Less than a month to go!!!

Yippeee

Oh and by the way.. Happy Halloween

Too Much Nick At Nite

Yesterday's Conversation:

Payten: Mommy when you were little was the world Gray?

Me: No Payten, why do you say that?

Payten: I saw it on the T.V.

Me: Payten, that is just T.V. it was black and white but the world was not black and white

Payten: Oh

Joe said we should probably just blame the question on the flu :)

His first apology letter

Carter had been doing oh so well at school recently and for some reason this week he's had several rough days. Not listening and yelling--I think he has lost his mind-- anyway --so tonight I made him write--well really say out loud an apology letter that we will give to Mrs. Victoria and Mrs. Brooke tomorrow.

Not sure if you can read it so let me blow it up for you:

Mrs. Victoria and Mrs. Brooke,

I'm going to be nice everyday and I'm going to be nice to Mrs. Victoria, and I'm going to be nice to my friends.

I love you and I miss you and I'll be nice. I'm sorry and I'll let you come to my house. I love you and I miss you and I still want to be nice. Love you and I'll give you hugs.

Love
Carter

I have a hunch that his first apology letter will not be his last.......

Bit by the Flu Bug!!

Poor Pay Pay-- she has the flu bug---although her test came back as not having the flu-- the Doc says the test is only 50% accurate-- and I believe it-- considering all symptons point to the flu she described.

I don't think it is the "Hini" flu (that is what my mom calls it --she said some little old lady called it that because she thought the 1's were I's.--sorry for that sudden ramble)

We are giving Carter lots of Vitamin C drops -everyone cross your fingers that the rest of the house stays clear of this-we have the so important Halloween coming-- we have to get well and stay well so Hippy Chick and "Storm Shrooper" can go Trick or Treating.

First comes love then comes......

"Carta Bown " was reunited with a little friend from his old school on Saturday--(News alert: we changed Carter's school this summer-- sorry for being a blog slacker).

Little did I know that this little friend-- Emelia--(a.k.a mela) has plans for "Carta Bown"--I mean nothing real specific-- she just tells her mom she is going to marry him at Disney World with a Carriage and drive a minivan-- but that's all.

When Carter is questioned about his feelings for Emelia-- he simply responds... "I'm gonna marry her up one day."

We will have to keep a close eye on these two in future play dates

Sweet Dreams....

When I think of most four year old boys dreaming of Star Wars-- I would think they dream of action, adventure, dueling lightsabers, space ships, Luke Skywalker--not my little boy-- okay--maybe he dreamed of Luke Skywalker but Luke wasn't being all heroic or fighting--

See...Carter sat up straight in bed last night and laughed out loud-- it scared me --so I said-- what is wrong-- and he said

"That Star Wars guy just pooted..."

Amateur Picture Changer

Okay another little talent I wish I had in my talentless world-- is the ability to FIRST take really cool pics and SECOND enhance them. The below is an amateur attempt at taking cute pics and enhancing them-- I found Piknik online that allows you to do limited enhancement-- hence the pictures below--

Anyone got any advice on good picture taking or a good enhancement programs????

Original Pics:

Enhanced Pics:

Accessorizing

I find it kinda interesting when the kids decide to start accessorizing. See Carter's watch and Visor-- his idea today and he wore all day-- he has worn his watch two days in a row.

See Payten's sunglasses... she wears them most of the time now-- either on her eyes or on her head, she also always wears homemade braided bracelets like I use to make as a kid-- which I think is cute

For years I've tried to get her to wear sunglasses, and get Carter to wear hats and nothing-- I think it is funny they all of a sudden decide they want to accessorize.

One day I am sure I will wish I hadn't wanted them to accessorize so much, just more $ to add to the outfit.

Just 4 short years ago....

This little boy was born...

now look how much he has grown..

Happy Birthday baby boy-- you have a special way of always making me smile.......

I LOVE YOU SOOOOOO MUCH (A bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck)!!!!

Happy Birthday Baby Girl!!!

She's great

She's Payt

She's not the best bedmate

But for her brother she is a sweet little playmate

Her cute little hair is straight

For her hugs I can't wait

Her sweetness is first rate

My love for her you can't debate

When she smiles my heart inflates

For me no other girl equates

Can you believe my little girl is 8!

Carter-nary.com

a⋅dic⋅u⋅lous pronunciation: [a-dik-a-luhs]

Adjective:

causing or worthy of ridicule or derision; absurd; preposterous; laughable

Synonyms:

nonsensical, ludicrous, funny, droll, comical, farcical.

Antonyms:

sensible.

Used in a sentence:

Payten: "look at all of that bunny poop"

Carter: "That is adiculous!"

Cars, Trucks and......

SOB's that is what Carter said when we passed the Toyota dealership the other day.."look mommy-- there's cars, trucks, and SOBs"-- I said I think you mean SUVs son--

As I called mimi to laugh about it he said-- "dats not funny guys"

Party Like a Rock Star

Random Rock Star Pics.......

Speaking of Rock Stars-- Check out this "Fohawk"-- it is Carter's new favorite do-- and Daddy actually makes it look pretty cool-- It will work right now as long as he is little and doesn't want some crazy color added, sides shaved, or a rat tail to go along with it--that is where I draw the line

Love Love Love Him

Watched the kids while I went on an all day shopping trip for Mother's day--and still bought me a computer bag, computer game, fried chicken and took the kids and I out for a picnic in the park and took me out to a special restaurant for dinner

Let me go to the beach for Memorial Weekend (while he watched the kids)

Saved money (from his little monthly lunch $) and bought his little boy a special RC car--

Built his daughter a bunny cage and surprised her with a cute little (nameless) bunny

Wrote the most beautiful poem for his wife

And all of this in the matter of 2 weeks-- I mean really could I ask for more???

Look at him building-- isn't he great :)

And Bunny Makes 5

Payten's first fluffy pet-- she has been wanting a pet so bad-- but we can't have dogs due to Carterboo's allergies so we got her a bunny--she is such a good kid and is good at taking care of things including her brother-- so we thought she deserved something to love on. And boy does she love it--she told me she missed him all day today (their first day apart) and she and Carter gave it kisses before bed and told him they loved him

We are still working on names--we tried to see if he would respond to any names tonight when we called and he had no reaction-- guess that's what bunnies do-- so he has been called:

Hoppy
Lollihop
Snuffy
Knuffle
Eeyore
Sniffy

We will eventually figure out the name that is most fitting--until then we will just make funny bunny sounds to communicate with him.

Any suggestions for this cute little thing?

Activities have come to an end...

Gymnastics and Soccer are over (hence one of the reasons I am playing catch up)-- last Thursday we had our celebration for each --

Just a little commentary on the children and their activities-- Payten has aced her roundoff--and starting a hand stand-- Carter was the soccer star for at least one game and played a fierce last game when Mimi and Poppi came to watch-- scoring two goals and was focused and determined the whole game--- below are a couple of pics from the last ceremonies.....

Gymnastic family night and trophy ceremony...

That was over at 6:00 and off to the Soccer ceremony at 6:30-- typical activity Thursday for the Brownies --

Now we are activity free and ready to enjoy the summer.....

Making her own decisions..

She got bangs-- it was her own decision-- it is weird when they start making decisions about things like--how they want their own hair cut--but she decided she wanted them and we went with it--it is cute-- it works for her- I am sure there will be more of these decisions to come---- can I take her growing up????? :(

Playing Catch up--

I know at least my faithful readers--Aunt Debbie and Aunt Linda are wondering where my blogging has gone-- well it is coming back -- at least for the next several days-- I am going to play catch up with several blogs that I write tonight but I I have this thing about posting them all on the same night-- I don't like for them to be back to back on the same date-- there is like no break between each blog-- and I just have a thing with that-- so I am going to write them tonight while there is time-- and set them to post on future days--

I know call me a little weird-- I am-- but at least I will be caught up....

Pay Pay on two Wheels

With a little determination

the comfort of daddy by her side

A sidewalk between lots of grass (for better falls-- her idea)

a brother following giving positive affirmation like "that was a good job sissy"

and only 45 mins......

she did it-- rode on just two wheels

today was her day-- first day of trying and she accomplished her goal

and all of this on mother's day-- as I walked behind teary eyed so proud of her and thinking about how sweet her daddy was for staying right by her side-- and man was he hot and tired--but he didn't stop he kept right by her side until she got it-- and boy did she get it -- YEAH PAY PAY??

Super Stacy

Payten has a chipped front (permanent I might add) tooth thanks to a recorder and a brother's flying foot. But no worries (well besides a tooth that will forever have a filling) Mrs. Stacy was there to the rescue.

Thankfully we were at the right place at the right time-- see my bud Stacy is a dental assistant and we just happened to be at her house-- and she was even still in her scrubs- so she was able to calm the situation and looked professional while doing it. But not only did she do that-- she called her boss and asked if he could come in if necessary on Friday (his day off) which he agreed, and she offered to do some smoothing herself if needed (on her day off).....

Fortunately we didn't need any of it -- just a little fluoride to keep it safe until the first available appointment on Tuesday---which of course Stacy set up for us today-- (on her day off).

Thanks so much Stace for being my SUPER DENTAL ASSISTANT-- I really appreciate you making all of the effort to get Payten comfortable. YOU ROCK!!!! I'll be sure to get you a present on Dental Assistance Appreciation Day :)

All I can say is awwwwww......

Tonights conversation with Carter after dark...

Carter: "Mommy you go get my ipod out da car?"

(ok for anyone that may get stuck on this first line (like I may have) and thought we may be crazy for buying a 3 year old an iPod--- that is not the case-- it was Joe's old one we just filled it up with CB's music and he actually loves it--ok that is settled now you can read the rest-- :))

Me: "Only if you go with me to protect me?"

Carter: "But I might be scared--is it weally weally dark?"

Me: "I don't know"

Carter: (as the door opens) "oh, It's not too dark, it is blue outside"

Me: "I still might be scared"

Carter:(while holding my neck and rubbing my hair) "no you not I take care of lou"

Me: "Aww that is sweet are you my big boy?"

Carter: "Les I was protecking you"

A little commentary on the picture, he watched some martial arts demonstration last weekend at the street fair we went to and has been trying Karate moves ever since-- that is his hand AYYYE Yahh above-- I feel very safe :)

Can't say we're not green....

Payten wore her Earth day shirt today did you?..... it says:"Save the trees give less homework"

Happy Earth day!

The Middle Name Mystery

I was wondering......... do you think we were given middle names just for when we get in trouble?? I mean seriously that is the only time I use Payten or Carter's middle name --when I am getting on to them-- and come to think of it-- I only remember my mom calling me Ashley Dawn when I was in trouble-- Maybe we should test the theory-- if we don't give a kid a middle name-- would they be a good kid-- they would have to be -- we would have nothing to call them--Georgia-- maybe you should consider this for your little boy---

And just to compare my two kids- I don't think Payten knew her middle name until she was 5 or so--- Carter walks around now almost mocking me saying "Carter Jofes"--and I can't decide if I am more worried that he is mocking me (ok except for Jofes-- I don't quite say Joseph like that)--or that he knows his middle name at 3....

Happy Easter!!!!

Today was a perfect spring day for Easter, so nice outside. The kids had a great day they really enjoyed the Easter bunny gifts and finding the eggs that the Easter bunny hid. But they wanted nothing to do with sitting on his lap at the mall last night-- they just waved and ran-- both of them.

The best story of the day came from church-- really after church--see every time we leave church I ask the kids what they learned-- Carter normally says we learned "bout Jyesus"--

Today I asked Payten and she told the story of Easter and told it perfectly--word for word. I said that is so great that you learned that Payten.

I then asked Carter what he learned-- he was very non-chalant and said "um Jyesus again"-- it was almost like --duh mommy

Happy Easter Everyone!!!

10 Things I learned while playing Partini

10. Joe and Brad are good at gossiping like two sorority girls

9. Mindy loses neck mucles when she hums--her head gets lower and lower and I end up looking at the part in her head while trying to guess what she is humming

8. Brad makes a pretty good bull rider-- spastic but good

7. When given an option the boys always choose the bouncing game-- (brawn over brains-- I'm just saying)

6. Mindy is NOT NOT good at the "what not game" (had to use the double negative since we couldn't in the game-- stressful)

5. Switching games is a little hard on Joe's memory

4. My trailer park days have really made an impression on the Horners

3. Kermit the Frog is hard to make with Clay--come to think of it a lot of things are hard to make with clay especially when Joe is shaking the timer

2. Joe found out that if you put BFF in a sentence you fool Mindy everytime-

1. Put the four of us on a new game and there is always tons of laughing and fun to be had........

(oh and I would have put that girls rule-- since we won 2 out of 3-- but I already knew that :))

Carter's First Soccer Game

Carter had his first soccer game today-- and we were very proud of him-- I mean being his first little game and the fact that he is one of the youngest -- we thought he did well-- here are a couple of pics from the day--

We all think he is #1

Although his Jersey says he is #4

One thing is for sure--he is the shortest squirt on the team (see him right in the middle)

He liked the water - and snack breaks

and he liked to kick the ball hard

He listened to his coach very well

And I know your next question-- did he score?? Well if you count the one he scored for the other team, and the almost last one that he and his teammate both kicked and it went in -- then I guess that would be kinda yeah--- but who is counting??

And he did sit the bench some--- to get a little rest--after all even David Beckham needs a break every once in a while

And the story wouldn't be complete without giving a shout out to the cheerleader-- look at the sign Payten made for Carter and notice she wanted to make sure everyone knew the right Carter-- She wrote on her sign "#4 C back of shirt" :)