Thursday, November 17, 2011
Christmas Crafts
I found myself with some "free" time the other day (ignoring the dishes, laundry, errands, and kids for a few hours) and was feeling crafty...
I'm not allowed to really display them until after Thanksgiving, but I'm getting ready for Christmas!
I'm not allowed to really display them until after Thanksgiving, but I'm getting ready for Christmas!
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
One Thing I love About These Kids...
Sometimes I forget that I love my kids, that I'm lucky to have them. I'm thankful to be home with them, but its not easy, so lately I've been trying to get ready for Thanksgiving my trying to remember what I'm thankful for. So this past week I wanted to capture a moment with each kid that is special to me...
I clip coupons, and when I pull out the paper to get started the kids get really excited to help, I let them cut up adds and stuff that I won't use. The other day the Special Target Toy book came and Tucker snatched it right away (I also love that he waits to see the picture of "the football guys" on the sports page and snatches that up right away every week) He spent at least an hour carefully checking out each and every page. What I loved, is that he didn't ask for any of the toys, he didn't say "I want this" about anything. He made comments and he showed me the things he thought were awesome, but he was just studying the toys. He's such a sweetheart, but we rarely have moments of peace and calm, and this was so special to sit with him and work on our paper together.
Riker is getting so much personality and is determined to be independent. Lately, this has manifested itself with clothing. He's trying to do more and more himself. In this case he was wearing one of Tucker's shirts and trying to put on one of Maeli's shirts as pants. I found him and said "what are are you wearing?" and he said "Pretty." He was quite determined to wear this outfit to do our errands, my only saving grace was that its so cold he wanted "more" clothes on. I love watching him grow and become more of an individual and so much just a generic baby. He's so cute.
Miss Maeli has so much attitude. A blessing and a burden. She's very stubborn and quick tempered (a bit like her Daddy). I love that she is confident in herself, I love that she has a strong belief in right and wrong and won't let anyone get away with what she thinks is wrong. Including me. She reminds me daily of all the things that I can work on, but she's also always willing to help me be a better mom, and help me hold it together when things are a little too crazy. She knows me so well and picks up on all my cues that I can't handle another moment. She tries to help the boys stay busy so I can try to be productive, but she really only wants to help with whatever I'm working. I love my sweet Maeli, and in spite of the doors slamming and screaming how Daddy is better than me, I know she loves me too.
I clip coupons, and when I pull out the paper to get started the kids get really excited to help, I let them cut up adds and stuff that I won't use. The other day the Special Target Toy book came and Tucker snatched it right away (I also love that he waits to see the picture of "the football guys" on the sports page and snatches that up right away every week) He spent at least an hour carefully checking out each and every page. What I loved, is that he didn't ask for any of the toys, he didn't say "I want this" about anything. He made comments and he showed me the things he thought were awesome, but he was just studying the toys. He's such a sweetheart, but we rarely have moments of peace and calm, and this was so special to sit with him and work on our paper together.
Riker is getting so much personality and is determined to be independent. Lately, this has manifested itself with clothing. He's trying to do more and more himself. In this case he was wearing one of Tucker's shirts and trying to put on one of Maeli's shirts as pants. I found him and said "what are are you wearing?" and he said "Pretty." He was quite determined to wear this outfit to do our errands, my only saving grace was that its so cold he wanted "more" clothes on. I love watching him grow and become more of an individual and so much just a generic baby. He's so cute.
Miss Maeli has so much attitude. A blessing and a burden. She's very stubborn and quick tempered (a bit like her Daddy). I love that she is confident in herself, I love that she has a strong belief in right and wrong and won't let anyone get away with what she thinks is wrong. Including me. She reminds me daily of all the things that I can work on, but she's also always willing to help me be a better mom, and help me hold it together when things are a little too crazy. She knows me so well and picks up on all my cues that I can't handle another moment. She tries to help the boys stay busy so I can try to be productive, but she really only wants to help with whatever I'm working. I love my sweet Maeli, and in spite of the doors slamming and screaming how Daddy is better than me, I know she loves me too.
Kicked out
I've been kicked out of the office/Maeli's room...I've moved myself in to the closet, still getting used to the set-up and figuring out the best way to arrange everything. I think it'll be okay.
Trick Or Treat
Could we be anymore excited!?
We were lucky enough to have Grandma Terry with us for the whole weekend before Halloween, she was so much fun! She's a devil for leaving us with most of a cake though....Devil indeed!
We went to Trunk or treat at the church, and then our little town had a small trunk-or-treat at the park. Just enough candy to feel like a ton without actually having to eat a ton...perfect!
We were lucky enough to have Grandma Terry with us for the whole weekend before Halloween, she was so much fun! She's a devil for leaving us with most of a cake though....Devil indeed!
We went to Trunk or treat at the church, and then our little town had a small trunk-or-treat at the park. Just enough candy to feel like a ton without actually having to eat a ton...perfect!
Friday, October 28, 2011
Here Comes Halloween, Here Comes Halloween!
We've been trying to get into the Halloween mood at our house! These are some of the crafts ideas of I got of Pinterest: The Ribbon banner-the lady actually used tissue streamers, but I opted for ribbon hoping it'll last a while longer. The "BOO" letters in the middle are paper mache letters covered in ribbon, they are really cute! Maeli and I did the eye ball frames together during our girls weekend.
Its not Halloween without candy corn!
And for weeks Maeli has wanted to be an evil witch. We had trouble finding a costume that was modest and in our price range, so we pieced it together from a few different places.
Riker can't voice his opinion so the other kids voted for him to be a Handy Many/Bob the Builder kind of guy. This was what we came up with:
And had there ever been a more excited Buzz Lightyear any where in the world? Tuck got the wings for his birthday, so we only had to buy the official jumpsuit. He looks awesome and is so ready to rescue everyone!
The only thing we're missing is Pumpkins. Somehow this year the pumpkins just didn't make it to our house.
Its not Halloween without candy corn!
And for weeks Maeli has wanted to be an evil witch. We had trouble finding a costume that was modest and in our price range, so we pieced it together from a few different places. 
Riker can't voice his opinion so the other kids voted for him to be a Handy Many/Bob the Builder kind of guy. This was what we came up with:
And had there ever been a more excited Buzz Lightyear any where in the world? Tuck got the wings for his birthday, so we only had to buy the official jumpsuit. He looks awesome and is so ready to rescue everyone!
The only thing we're missing is Pumpkins. Somehow this year the pumpkins just didn't make it to our house.
Just Some Pics
Maeli was very concerned about Riker falling asleep during lunch, on this particular occasion he actually was snoring and I had this vision of years and years to come in church.
Sometimes Maeli and Tucker are just the best friends in the whole world. Sometimes.
Sometimes Maeli and Tucker are just the best friends in the whole world. Sometimes.
All Aboard!
For about an hour, with a ton of team effort and being lead by their fearless sister--The McLain Kids were able to successfully build and ride on their own Dinosaur train.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Props to my handy man
Despite his best efforts to spend the summer fishing, Jeremy did manage to sneak in a few projects here and there. He ripped out the carpet in our dining room and replaced it with this hardwood that matches our entry way and hall. Awesome! I don't know why thought carpet under the table was a good idea.
He did a few jobs off my honey-do list (I really do have a list for Jeremy on the fridge where I put the things that are bugging me so I don't have to nag, I just keep making his list longer...He's okay with it...I am super glad he doesn't have one for me though). On the list: replace broken fan in bathroom-CHECK!
And he made this awesome beachy fence for my sister's wedding. I'm waiting for the real photos from the reception and I'll post the finished product. This doesn't do it justice at all. It was a ton of work, and he really stressed about making it perfect for her on her special day. It meant so much to me that cared so much for my sister, and he did an amazing job! This was the "see if my idea would work" trial run. The actual fence was in two chunks and went all the way across the gym. The boxes were full of beach sand and had tall wild grass coming out. Looked awesome!
He did a few jobs off my honey-do list (I really do have a list for Jeremy on the fridge where I put the things that are bugging me so I don't have to nag, I just keep making his list longer...He's okay with it...I am super glad he doesn't have one for me though). On the list: replace broken fan in bathroom-CHECK!
And he made this awesome beachy fence for my sister's wedding. I'm waiting for the real photos from the reception and I'll post the finished product. This doesn't do it justice at all. It was a ton of work, and he really stressed about making it perfect for her on her special day. It meant so much to me that cared so much for my sister, and he did an amazing job! This was the "see if my idea would work" trial run. The actual fence was in two chunks and went all the way across the gym. The boxes were full of beach sand and had tall wild grass coming out. Looked awesome!
True Story
So I spent a morning cleaning the boys room. Really cleaning-dumped out every bin, cleaned the bins, resorted every single item in their room into the bin...a big deal. So I get everything put away and go to get the vacuum. Down the hall, to the closet, back to the boys room...maybe 45 seconds, and this is what I return to:
Now as soon as I said , "Are you kidding me?!" (and went to get the camera to prove my exasperation to Jeremy) Tucker puts his hands on his hips (just like me) and says, "oh, Riker, why did you make this mess?" Cute. Maeli comes running in to see why mom is mad, and she puts her hand on my arm, nodding in disbelief and says as she shrugs her shoulders, "A boys gunna do what a boys guuna do." Clicks her tongue and walks off.
Now as soon as I said , "Are you kidding me?!" (and went to get the camera to prove my exasperation to Jeremy) Tucker puts his hands on his hips (just like me) and says, "oh, Riker, why did you make this mess?" Cute. Maeli comes running in to see why mom is mad, and she puts her hand on my arm, nodding in disbelief and says as she shrugs her shoulders, "A boys gunna do what a boys guuna do." Clicks her tongue and walks off.
18 Months!
Our "Baby" isn't a baby at all anymore .
weight: 24.5 lbs (30%)
height: 32 in (42%)
head: 19.9in (98%)
All About Riker!
Riker is an early bird. He's a light sleeper, so any noise after 5am and he's ready to play. Luckily, Tucker is also an early bird, and they're pretty content to watch cartoons together for a little bit while Mom wakes up.
He still naps, and prefers a mid-morning nap unless there is something really exciting going on, then he won't miss out for anything. He has no problem sleeping in the car, but isn't great at transitioning from a car into the house. If he can get 2 hours in around 10:30 he's good to go for the rest of the day. Bedtime at 7. 
He's very silly and loves to play! He'd prefer it if Maeli and Tucker would let him participate in their game without making him the "bad guy" or the "monster" or the "evil witch." But when they're not including him, he's pretty good at entertaining himself. He does LOVE an audience though and is happy to hide and flirt all afternoon if you let him. 
His favorite thing is the bath. He can't wait to get in! If anyone is in the bath or shower, he'll join you if you leave the door open. 
He doesn't usually sleep through the night yet, so Riker ends up snuggling with Dad in our Bed (Dad loves this and will be really sad when no one gets in our bed anymore). Mom does not love this. 
Riker recently saw the ocean for the first time ever. He liked digging in the sand, but didn't like touching the sand. He hated the water and once he got his feet wet he was ready to be done with the whole situation. 
He is such a great helper! One thing I have noticed and just love about Riker is that he doesn't ask to help, or wait until you ask him to do a specific job. If I'm unloading the dishwasher, he starts handing me plates. If we're picking up blocks, he starts scooping them into the block box. He pays a lot of attention to how other people are doing things, but gets super mad if he can't do it the same way. He's always happy when his helping goes well, and you can tell by the silverware, he's a very organized little guy. 
We love our sweet Riker and I am thankful every day that he is part of our family. I thought Heavenly Father was crazy for sending these boys so close together, but if he hadn't taken matters into his own hands I don't know that I'll every reach the point with Tucker where another one seems like a good idea. Riker is always at 100%. If he's playing its 100%, if he's mad its 100%, and if he's hugging its 100%, maybe 110%. The boy gives a great hug.
weight: 24.5 lbs (30%)
height: 32 in (42%)
head: 19.9in (98%)
All About Riker!
Riker is an early bird. He's a light sleeper, so any noise after 5am and he's ready to play. Luckily, Tucker is also an early bird, and they're pretty content to watch cartoons together for a little bit while Mom wakes up.
He still naps, and prefers a mid-morning nap unless there is something really exciting going on, then he won't miss out for anything. He has no problem sleeping in the car, but isn't great at transitioning from a car into the house. If he can get 2 hours in around 10:30 he's good to go for the rest of the day. Bedtime at 7. 
He's very silly and loves to play! He'd prefer it if Maeli and Tucker would let him participate in their game without making him the "bad guy" or the "monster" or the "evil witch." But when they're not including him, he's pretty good at entertaining himself. He does LOVE an audience though and is happy to hide and flirt all afternoon if you let him. 
His favorite thing is the bath. He can't wait to get in! If anyone is in the bath or shower, he'll join you if you leave the door open. 
He doesn't usually sleep through the night yet, so Riker ends up snuggling with Dad in our Bed (Dad loves this and will be really sad when no one gets in our bed anymore). Mom does not love this. 
Riker recently saw the ocean for the first time ever. He liked digging in the sand, but didn't like touching the sand. He hated the water and once he got his feet wet he was ready to be done with the whole situation. 
He is such a great helper! One thing I have noticed and just love about Riker is that he doesn't ask to help, or wait until you ask him to do a specific job. If I'm unloading the dishwasher, he starts handing me plates. If we're picking up blocks, he starts scooping them into the block box. He pays a lot of attention to how other people are doing things, but gets super mad if he can't do it the same way. He's always happy when his helping goes well, and you can tell by the silverware, he's a very organized little guy. 
We love our sweet Riker and I am thankful every day that he is part of our family. I thought Heavenly Father was crazy for sending these boys so close together, but if he hadn't taken matters into his own hands I don't know that I'll every reach the point with Tucker where another one seems like a good idea. Riker is always at 100%. If he's playing its 100%, if he's mad its 100%, and if he's hugging its 100%, maybe 110%. The boy gives a great hug.Friday, September 30, 2011
The Clark County Fair
Tucker was so excited to get to drive!
And then he got to fly with "the big boy cousins!"
We got to try a fried snickers bar, deep fried oreos, and a fried twinkie!
Tuck and I got some quality time at the Monster Truck show. He loved the smaller trucks and cars that "drove into the dirt and the mud" the huge monsters trucks were super exciting, but a bit on the loud side for him.
Tyler and I rode the sling shot! Awesome! The deal was I got to puke and he got to scream like a girl, but we switched it up a little once we were up there.
Miss Maeli and Kaitlyn had lots of fun together!
And its not a trip to the fair until you eat, and Riker LOVED frozen strawberry lemonade!
Later in the trip we got to play with my sister's Roy...we played hard on vacation!
And then he got to fly with "the big boy cousins!"
We got to try a fried snickers bar, deep fried oreos, and a fried twinkie!
Tuck and I got some quality time at the Monster Truck show. He loved the smaller trucks and cars that "drove into the dirt and the mud" the huge monsters trucks were super exciting, but a bit on the loud side for him.
Tyler and I rode the sling shot! Awesome! The deal was I got to puke and he got to scream like a girl, but we switched it up a little once we were up there.
Miss Maeli and Kaitlyn had lots of fun together!
And its not a trip to the fair until you eat, and Riker LOVED frozen strawberry lemonade!
Later in the trip we got to play with my sister's Roy...we played hard on vacation!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)