A Little Behind???

I knew it had been a long time since I'd last posted, but didn't realize it had been SINCE JUNE?!?!?!?

Sorry.

We've actually done quite a bit since then, but settling in with having 3 kids (not 2 kids and a baby) has kept things steadily busy and its just life now.  I haven't taken nearly as many pictures!  But there are a few classics that need to be blogged.  And I am right now making a goal to take about 100 times more pictures than I have in the last 9 months. (which won't be hard considering that number is, like, 2.)
So for your sakes and mine, we'll do a quick rundown.  Enjoy!

Emma's Preschool Graduation 

 Wilson's Visit:  Good Times!

 Cousin Mia and Emma:

Cousin Luke admiring live baby shark

Nate's Ninja Birthday Party: 7 years old!

Cross country trip to LA and Orange County for Harris Family Reunion

Roasting marshmallows at the family reunion

Emma's first day of kindergarten:

 Nate's first day of 2nd grade:

Nate's 1st day of 2nd grade                                              

Emma's 1st dance lesson

Link, a dragon, and Repunzle on Halloween 2011

Nate joined the school cubscout pack and earned his Bobcat badge

And one of my FAVORITE moments of 2011: Family Pictures on Holden Beach

More on Christmas and 2012 to come...

Life is Rough at Our House

Julie to Nate and Emma: Why are you two being so naughty today?
Emma: Because we don't get to do fun stuff. All we get to do is play.

Pure Genius!

Today I was chatting with my awesome sister-in-law Hillary. We were comparing stay-at-home-mom notes and bouncing ideas off each other. Although we both LOVE our day job, sometimes situations arise that stump us both and seem overwhelming.

One of my situations is our play room. It is a constant mess and for the past week I have been battling it out with my kids to get them to clean it. I've threatened, rewarded, punished, etc. You name it, I tried it... to no avail. It was still a huge terrifying mess. Honestly, I'm really surprised no one has twisted an ankle or broken their neck stepping foot in the chaos.

Hillary mentioned that she has paid her kids 1 penny per item picked up.

AHA!!!


THIS WAS MY SOLUTION!!!

We ended our conversation and I immediately gathered the troops. I told them I was going to go to Dollar Tree after dinner and they could buy anything they wanted. The catch: they had to earn any money they spent and they would get 1 penny per item picked up in the toy room. I'm not kidding when I say they jumped up and down, then ran upstairs! I followed them up and when I saw how quick they were working and how much money was adding up, I joined in to bring down my costs...wink,wink. 30 minutes later I have a super clean and organized playroom, 1 happy momma, and 2 happy kids...All for the price tag of $4.90. (Kind of crazy to think that we had 490 items lying around...but those army men, legos and matchbox cars add up fast!!)

Pure Genius! Thanks Hillary!

Hard Worker

Our conversation on the way to school this morning:

Nate: I wish we had robots that would do everything for us. Then we wouldn't have to do any chores or anything!

Me:(recognizing a teaching moment) Sure, but work is actually good for us Nate. It makes us stronger and makes us smarter.

Nate: Is dad not very smart then?

We're Diggin' It!!

My dad, Grandpa Hansen, always loves to send the kids science gifts. One time we got an awesome ant farm, another time a remote controlled flying saucer. Most recently, he and Nana sent an Easter package filled with eggs...dinosaur eggs!! Nate and Emma had to chisel and brush the dirt away to reveal different tiny dinosaurs. They absolutely love this and will sit for hours unearthing the little creatures. If it weren't so messy, I might consider bringing these on our coast to coast airline trip this summer.
If you're interseted in these wonders for your little crew, check this link!

THANKS GRANDPA!!

These pics are from the last time Grandpa came to visit and brought some eggs with him:

Happy Easter

Here's a quick picture of the kids before church in their Easter attire (minus a vest and shoes!)

And here's a more accurate picture of how they were behaving
all loaded up on the treats the Easter Bunny left if their baskets!!!

Where Did You Last See It???

It's no secret that *sometimes* things go missing at our house. I mean, come one, who WOULDN'T think to look for their shoe...or the tv remote...in the oven drawer?

I caught Brandon in the act! I have completely given in and this drawer is now his favorite kitchen spot. My sad pots and pans had to find another home. And don't worry, it doesn't get hot when the oven is on.