Little Lad Loves 'L's!

Wanna make Addison smile? 

Just give him a word with an "L" in it, and you've made his day!

Right now he's so hooked on that sound, especially in a consonant blend.

(sounded so teacher-y, but I couldn't figure out another more relaxed way to say it..sorry!)

His favorite words right now are:

Blinds!!

Blinks!! (his blinking shoes)

FlashLight!!

Bread...prounounced "Brled!!"

Bright...pronounced "Brlight!!"

{Air}Plane!!

Plate!!
Balloon...pronounced "Bloooon!!"
Light!!
Plain!!

He looks for these things JUST to be able to say the word and clap! In fact, he used to like butter on his toast, but not anymore.
"Addie, do you want toast?"
"TOAST!"
"Do you want butter?"
"PLAIN"!...

then he ususally wants butter in the end, but BOY did he want to say that word!)

What a thoughtful boy!

What's up with my kids and their affixiation with letters?  Carter is still claiming "P" is his favorite letter!

Spring Break Ideas?

Perfect Spring Break Week: 

Starts in the 50s, ends in the 70s. 

Let's share ideas of what we can do to entertain ourselves and the kids!

Here's what I have so far:

• Zoo--Cosley, Brookfield, Lincoln Park
• Lake Michigan to play in the sand and park
• A picnic in the park
• Garfield Park Conservatory--never been
• Morton Arboretum--never been
• This morning we painted:
• first finger paints,
• then with cars making tracks,
• then paint brushes,
• then we made chalk paint (crumbled up sidewalk and added some water for paste) to paint with on construction paper, and we'll take the extra outside when it gets warmer
• Bubbles, colored rice, water in the sensory table as the weather gets warmer
• Story times at the library

What ideas can you share?

All work and No Play...okay, some play

On Friday we drove to Minnesota (Click Here for pics).  What did we do there?  What didn't we do?  We did so much that we've been back for 2 days, and STILL haven't caught up on sleep.  We moved Cheri into her new place, including laying new carpet in the basement which got flooded 2 days later, we held a Cello recital for Jonathan which was his first EVER, we put on an amazing Eagle Court of Honor for our amazing Nathan, we bonded, we worked, we talked, we played games, we caught up on the ins-and-outs of our lives...with tears and laughter.  Enough of that.  And while we all feel like we just worked our weekend away, we now reflect on some of the funnier things that happened:

~Story #1~

Home Court Advantage does not apply to embarrassing moments

We were all at church together on Sunday.  With Shaun & Susan's family of 5, Cheri's family of 5, Our family of 5, and our parents of 2, we were quite the entourage coming in.  So Steve and I opted to sit a few rows back, as there was no room in the inn--or rather, the pew.  As the meeting began, I left to feed Alana, and the following embarrassing moment ensued.  Susan leaned over to Cheri and asked, 

"Did Kerri & Steve make it?"

Cheri motioned to where we were sitting, and to Susan's amazing, she found poor Steve battling a wiggly Addison, while Carter was waving a big bright yellow wrapped PAD in the air loudly saying, 

"What's THIS, Daddy!"

{ahem!}

Thank goodness this did not happen in our home ward, otherwise I may not ever show my face there again.  Mortified.

Moral of the story:  It's better to embarrass ourselves out of state than on hometurf.

~Story #2~

Brother or Sister?

Being Cheri's first Sunday in her new ward, Shaun--the Bishop--was reviewing her records with the counselor who was conducting the meeting to make sure he had their names right before he read them to the congregation.

Counselor: “Okay, we have BRAD-en.”

Shaun: “No, its BRAY-den”

C: “Okay, and Leslie.”

S: “She goes by her middle name.”

C: “Oh, so Sherrie”

S: “No, it’s Cheri.”

C: “Then Key-are-uh”

S: “No, it’s Keara.”

C: “Then TAR-inn”

S: “No, it’s TARE-yn”

C: “Well, at least I know Avery.”

S: “Oh, no, it’s Av-ARE-ee…just kidding.”
 

That alone is worth a chuckle when you know Shaun's quick and funny humor!  But, apparently it was too quick for this counselor, for when he rose to introduce them, he was so focused on pronouncing their names correctly, that he introduced
 

Brother Braden Moore and Brother Cheri Moore.

{Awkward Pause}

OH!  I MEAN SISTER!

This gets even funnier if you remember 19 years ago when Heidi introduced herself at Shaun's wedding as Shaun's brother.  I guess it's all in the family.

Moral of the story:  Do not be too witty with the feeble minded after a 6AM meeting.

~Story #3~

Is Puke Cute?

Saturday night, Mom, Susan, Cheri and I were still busily unpacking boxes while Braden, Shaun, and Dad worked in the basement.  It was nearing midnight when I got a call from Steve (who had stayed back with the sleeping kids) to announce that Taryn had just thrown up all over. {an interjection--8 out of 17 got sick from this trip--so far.  Now, back to the story}.  So I told him we would be right home to help.  When I told tried to tell Mom it was time to leave, I sure had a hard time getting the message across.

Kerri: Mom, we have to go now.  Taryn just puked.

Mom: Oh that sweet Taryn.

K (realizing Mom didn't really get the message): Yeah, I know, but she just puked.

M: Oh, Isn't she cute.

K (yet again) : Yes, Mom.  But Taryn PUKED, Threw up, Tossed her cookies, Barfed.  

and in the midst of trying to find MORE synonyms for vomit, we were finally all in hysterics laughing at my sweet mom who had not quite gotten the message.

Moral of the story:  There are ways to have selective hearing to only hear what you want to hear.

The weekend's Centerfolds

Stopping for a fuel stop, Steve bought A&W Rootbeer floats "To make Memories".

Jonathan's first Cello Recital.  He did SO great--nearly 20 songs, all for memory!  This is Carter's best friend and his cousin.  And his house IS Carter's favorite vacation spot. 

(True story, he declared it while being interviewed about his favorite things.)

When was the last Court of Honor you attended with a live orchestra accompanying the songs?  Joseph's in the middle, playing the violin, and a pic of Nate the Great on his bass.

The proud Family of 3 Eagles, a Super Mom who holds it together, and a Cub who's following close behind.

SOO glad to have my awesome sis so close!

SOO glad to have awesome cousins so close (Avery was sleeping)

And we all had a great road trip!

America Voted

It happened to Archuleta with Cook.

vs.

Edward did it to Jacob.

(although the results aren't really official)

vs.

and last night, it happened to me.

vs.

It's okay, though.

I'm a happy Silver Medalist.

More than I could brag about ever before.

Plus, having close to 200 votes was AMAZING!

Thanks for voting, and bookmark Julia's photo blog to keep up with her awesome portfolio!

Last day to vote!

Last night we were in 2nd place, down by 20 votes.  This morning it LOOKS like we're in first place, but up by only 2.  It's so close, and my fierce competitor is the other Family portrait, Rebekah, who has SUCH a beautiful family, they all look like models.  So if you haven't voted yet, please do!  Voting ends at midnight eastern time, tonight.

Did you vote?

How about your dog, or your goldfish?

They count, as long as they have an email address...

and a believable name.

Remember Goldie Hawn and Butch Cassidy.

Probably named after pets.

Click Here to vote

We're Finalists!!! Vote for us!

Guess What!!!

We were selected to be finalists for a professional photo shoot

but will only win it if you vote for us!!!

Voting ENDS on Tuesday at midnight--EASTERN time. All you need to do is:

1. Click here, or copy this: http://www.julia-wade.com/blog/2010/03/14/top-15-finalists/ 
2. Scroll to the bottom, and you'll see "Leave a Comment" above the comment box
3. Put in your name and email--she won't be sending you anything, it's just for verification that people aren't duplicating votes
4. Type "KERRI"
5. Vote again with another email address

Please send this to ANY friends, family, anyone you know to help us win this contest!!!! Blog it. Facebook it. Whatever! The more people we have is the only way we'll win! THANK you for your help! 

We can't win without you! The only way we'll win is if you vote and you get someone who doesn't know us to vote!

  

So, that's what you can do for us, now WHAT can we do for you?

You're the BEST!

Kerri, Steve, Carter, Addison, Alana

P.S.  She posted this pic of us on the site...
What else screams "Please help these dear people!"

Voting Ends on Tuesday at midnight, eastern time
Please do it Now :)

Clean up Their Act

Well spoken by my sister:

I have been struck by how easy it is to DO THIS to help your community stay "clean", no matter where you live.  All you've gotta do is open your mouth.

Sorry for such an ugly subject, but have you noticed the current Sports Illustrated issue?  The cover is a half-naked woman, and I'm not talking the swimsuit edition.  Nate and I have successfully been able to get them off the shelves at Malama, Foodland Wahiawa and Foodland Pupukea {in Hawaii}. I'm not sure if this publication is still running, but more "traditional" magazines are using porn on their covers.  

Next time you're grocery shopping or in any store that has magazines, if you see an inappropriate magazine cover, ask to see the manager.  What I have done is, while showing the manager the cover, I say, "I am surprised that a store like this would carry porn."  Usually that's all you have to say.  If they start giving excuses, you can say, "For the sake of the children, and all your other customers, will you please have this removed from your shelves?"  Usually, that's it.

And you know what we've found?  Usually the manager is apologetic and grateful that you've brought it up and they remove the magazines immediately.  When you have success stories, I'd love to hear about it!  If you have friends or family that could help "clean up" the publicly displayed magazine racks, please ask them to do the same!

 

What a fantastic plan, Heidi!  Thanks!  Now, let's get busy cleaning up what our children are exposed to.

Does this happen at your house?

Child wakes up crying in the middle of the night.  

You go to comfort him and ask, "Why are you crying?"  

"I just Don't Know!", he cries in despair.

"Well, then, let's just lie you back down."

ZZZZZZZ.

Total time spent in room: 8 seconds.

Taste the Rainbow

Here it is!  My very own Rainbow Cake!

It was so much fun to make, and made it such a sunny, fun, silly day!

Isn't that cool?

So, it isn't the prettiest, but it was such a happy cake!

I never post tutorials on my blog because

a) I got the idea from someone else, probably you

or

b) I haven't really found anything that new and exciting to "tut" about.

BUT

here goes:

This cake is only made with Cake Mix and Soda Pop!  I thought "NO WAY" but it totally worked!  Lower Calories, Lower Cholesterol, Lower Fat

Mix 2 boxes of Cake Mix with 3 cups (or 2 cans) Soda Pop.

Divide batter evenly into 6 bowls (about 1 1/4 cup each).

Add food coloring...the Gel colors are so much more vibrant than traditional liquid drops.

Grease and Flour 2 round cake pans.

Add the colors in rainbow sequence.  To start, scoop about 2/3 of the Red (about 1 cup--if you use more, the top color will dominate, as did my RED in the top layer), and drop it in the center of the first pan.  Do the same with Orange, then Yellow, trying to keep cocentric globs of yumminess in the center of the pan.

After your first 3 colors, start the next pan in opposite Rainbow Order:  Purple, then Blue, then Green.

Drop the remaining colors in order on your colorful globs.

Bake as instructed, checking with a toothpick at the end.  Because of the density of the cake, it will take longer than called for, but not too much (5-10 mintes).  Also, bake with a cookie sheet below the cakes in case they spill over a little.

Allow cake to cool completely, then remove from pans.

Now do your dishes!

I frosted it with a whipped cream frosting.  Beat 2 cups cream, 6 Tbs sugar, 2 tsp vanilla.  Stir in1 large package instant Vanilla Pudding.

Decorate with sunshine, and voila!  Edible Happiness!

PS...ANY cake recipe will work.  I was just so excited to attempt this new one, as I thought: 

"REALLY?  Pop in CAKE?  You've got to be kidding!"

And Amazingly, "you" weren't!

To see other amazing cakes , you should see JaNae's fondant cakes.
PS.  I got most of these pics from the original post, but because of some adult language, I've saved you the trouble of having to go to that site.  You're welcome.

What in the World?

I'm having SUCH a fun time with this baking creation I'll show you tomorrow...

In the mean time, Any Guesses what I could be up to?

Hint: Recipe Swap.  11 AM.  Melissa's House.  You going?

Carter's In Preschool

Carter's Reaction:
He LIKES it! He thrives on having a new schedule and enjoys all the new things he is learning. He is in a great class with 15 boys and 5 girls (GREAT for his active personality). He and his teacher adore each other.

Addison's Reaction:

YEAH for MOMMY & ME TIME!

But I miss Carter, too, and sometimes cry when we drop him off!  Then I remember that Mommy is going to do puzzles with me, play games, be silly, cook, and all sorts of things just for me, and that's AWESOME!

Alana's Reaction:

I'll just sleep while he's gone, so I'M GOOD.

Mommy's Reaction:

I'm VERY GRATEFUL because I knew Carter needed more than I could currently be offering him here at home with my responsibilities with the other two sweeties.  When an opportunity opened up, a friend of mine paved the way and got both our children in the same school at midterm.  It's a great curriculum that focuses on the NAEYC standards and has and does everything that a focused school should have (word wall, emergent literacy programs, lending library, math manipulatives, centers time, music, etc.)  Happily, they're not just teaching the ABCs and 123s, --good, since Carter has known those since before he was 2.  There's only 10 more weeks until the end of the year, so it's a nice time committment to see if it works out for us.  Plus, I have the flexibity to still take him out to go do adventures together.

I'm SAD to not be sharing EVERY single minute with him, and to be missing out on the funny things that come out at perfect times (like the side comment when they were talking about why we brush our teeth, and he told the class they HAVE to brush their teeth, or they'll turn yellow like a pirate's).  Each day after an hour of him gone, my heart breaks because I wonder 'What is he doing RIGHT now?' 

I'm LOVING the new rhythm of our family's new morning routines.  Up at 6:30.  Showers.  Get dressed.  Homemade breakfasts (so far). A little play time. Then out the door shortly after Dad goes to work.  It's a great way to start a happy and productive day for all of us.

And I'm FREAKED OUT!  Really?  Are you sure we're at this point already?  No way. My kid? Off to school? When I met with the principal and teachers the week before I wondered if they would take me seriously--I barely take myself seriously. Am I really here? Old enough to be doing Parent/Teacher Conferences, Volunteering in classrooms, packing lunches, chaperoning field trips, ordering corsages for Prom? AHHHH!

-----

  Somehow this doesn't feel real.

Do you ever feel like you're just playing house? 

Speechless

Happy Birthday

To my BFF Sister Cheri Please, click here to go to her blog and leave her a compliment. You don't even have to know her, because anything kind that comes to your mind, no matter how generic or cheesy, is true about her.
She's incredible.
Looks for the Best in People.
Allows you to Be Yourself.
Creative.
Positive.
Uplifting.
Optimistic.
Realistic.
Supportive.
Hard worker.
Doesn't Give Up.
Trustworthy.
Forgiving.
Genuine.
Creates Deep Connections with People.
If you're in her life, you know you are special to her.
Great listener without Judging.
Wise.
Great memory for facts, advice, and stories.
If she doesn't know how to do something, she'll figure it out.
Nurturing.
FUN!
Easy to laugh.
Encouraging.
Faithful.
Family Centered.
And lastly, She's 27!!!!!!!!!

I know you don't know her, but she's so cool and would get a kick out of a bunch of random comments. Just click on her latest post, and leave it there. If you don't do it, I'll look dumb...you don't want to do that to me, do you?

And for the record, it is also National Pig Day...Sorry, Cheri; I had to.