I Should Have Known

I should have known it was going to be a bad day when I woke up at 3 am and there were 4 in the bed instead of 2.

I should have known when I got all the kids up this morning, fed them breakfast and then found out there was no school.

I should have known when after a sustained amount of silence (I know, I should know better) I walked into the kitchen to find this:

I should have known when all this happened before 9:30 am.

If that wasn't enough to give you a laugh try these...

Savanna: Mom! I won't go to bed unless I have candy!

Mom: Savanna, I don't listen to ultimatums.

Savanna: You don't listen to tomatoes?


After Mark made some sort of smart comment Jackson said, "Dad, you've got smarties in your pants!"

Resolutions Revisited

Okay, I think I'm ready.
There are two things that I would like to do better this year. The first will allow me to improve a lot of other areas in my life such as exercise, scripture study, cleaner house, etc. And what is this miracle resolution? Getting the kids to bed on time. You see, the reason Mark and I don't accomplish the things we want to is because by the time the kids are asleep (notice I did not say in bed.) all we want to do is veg in front of the TV or just talk to each other (I know, a novel idea). So, by the time we go to bed it is midnight and then we don't want to get up early enough to do anything worthwhile. So, with the kids down by 8pm we have 2 whole hours to do non-constructive stuff and then get up before the kids and do the constructive stuff! What do you think about that?! The hard part is actually doing it, but it's a great theory.

The second thing I want to do this year is be more involved. I want to practice what I preach and "stand strong and immovable" for what I believe in. I thought I'd start by sharing some websites with you that I feel are worthwhile.

www.cp80.com This is an organization that fights internet pornography by pushing for change in legislation so that you could choose whether you want porn on your computer just like you choose if you want HBO on your television. I love this idea of protecting freedom of speech while also protecting my right not to have unwanted sites in my home. I think with enough people fighting for it it could happen.

www.purefashion.com "Pure Fashion is a faith-based program that encourages teen girls to live, act, and dress in accordance with their dignity as children of God. Pure Fashion focuses on guiding young women ages 14 to 18 to become confident, competent leaders who live the virtues of modesty and purity in their schools and communities." (I love this!)

I am completely out of my comfort zone with this. It's not something that comes naturally but I feel like it's something I need to do. Please feel free to share ideas and encouragement, that's what blogs are for, right?

Resolutions

Resolutions. That word brings fear and dread to my heart. Actually, I take that back. It all depends on my mood. Today it does. When I'm feeling overwhelmed. When I feel in control and hopeful I love making resolutions. Maybe I should wait...I think I will.

Merry Christmas from the Chapins

Here is a little taste of our Christmas Day. We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas as well.

Luke loves his new Buzz costume...

...except it really itches!
Jackson and his remote control boat. No, not a dachshund.
I love Luke's face. I'm not sure what's got him all excited, but he's happy! Over at Aunt Donna's and Uncle David's

I had no say in the acquisition of this!

Letter to Santa

Jackson brought home from school this letter to Santa. I thought it was so cute, funny and typical of my wonderful 7 year old I wanted to share. I have corrected the spelling for your reading ease.

Dear Santa,

Merry Christmas! I have been a good boy this year. I want a few things this year. First, I want a robot dog. Next, I want a dachshund. Finally, I want a remote control boat.

P.S. Eat the cookies

Sincerely, Jackson

I was going to ask Jackson why a dachshund? Then I found this Christmas wish in his backpack and my question was answered.

My Christmas wish is to get a dachsund. One reason this is my
Christmas wish is because I like dogs. Another reason this is my wish is because some dogs are funny. Santa can make my wish come true by putting it next to my bed.

Never Trust a Quiet Toddler!

I think these pictures say it all. I figured I could freak out like I normally do or use it as blog material, so I ran for the camera. Just so you know, I was not laughing as I went for the camera.
Notice the empty toilet paper roll. It was full before the below incident. On the up side, could this possibly be step one towards potty training? At least he knows where the paper goes.

How to Catch a Turkey - a story by Jackson

How do you cach a turkey?
First, you find the turkey you want. Then,
take a bow and arow. After that, showt
it in it's intestins! Yum! Yum! Yum!

(there was no editing done by a mom in this reproduction.)