New life, new blog..

After a substantial break that entailed many life-altering changes, I have decided to start a new blog. For those that are interested, the address is http://brooke-journeyofmylife.blogspot.com

I decided it was time for a change, as I am no longer "delightfully dishman." I'm closing a huge chapter of my life, please join me for the next one...

Cousin/Sister Night, 4/2/11

Last weekend, my fabulous cousin, Teresa, kept my kids Saturday all night so I could take a night away to Branson with my sisters and cousins. I had an absolute blast! It was quite the road trip. I picked up Chelsi and Kyla in Marshfield, Mariah at her house, then we went to Hartville to get Heather. Then we were off! We made decent time, only a couple of bathroom breaks on the way (Mariah!)...

The first picture is of my sister, Mariah and myself.

The next one is my sister, Chelsi and cousin, Sharyn.

We went to a coffee shop near Jodee's house to see a jazz band play. It was fun, but we got a little giggly and loud for the jazz scene, so we headed back to the house for some karaoke and guitar playing and singing (...and maybe some booty shaking by courtesy of Jodee and myself). It was SO MUCH FUN! I don't get away from Clint and the kids that often, so every couple of months I need a night off.

This is Jodee and Kyla, then Heather and Mariah.

I hope the rest of the girls had as much fun as I did, It was wonderful to hang with an awesome group of ladies.

Sunday morning we went to the 9:00 service at Jodee's church. She is usually singing in the choir with my Aunt and Uncle, but being the fantastic hostess that she is, she sat by us.

We (minus Jodee) had some lunch at Wendy's after church (and a hilarious communion incident, you know who you are...) and then began the journey home.

I was so excited to pick up my little monsters. Speaking of, here is a shot of Laica from earlier today. We were over at Harold and Becky's (Clint's dad and stepmom) and she was playing on the deck. There is a gate at the stairs, making their deck the best (and biggest) playpen I have ever seen. :)

Hope everyone has a fantastic weekend, looks like the weather will be nice and HOT! Caden starts soccer this week, we are all very much looking forward to it!

Brooke

We've been busy!

Here is Mr. Caden Harold after his bath this evening. His Mimi (my Stepmom, Patty) gave him a hair cut today and he looks so handsome! Haircuts are frequent and usually a not so pleasant experience. He usually cries the whole time and I have to physically hold him and his head still. Today, on the way to the salon, Caden and I had a little chat. I told him that If he was very good, did not cry, and sat still while Mimi was cutting his hair, I would let him get a toy barn and animals at the store. (Somehow out of the millions of toys these kids have, a barn and the corresponding animals are not in the inventory). The funny thing is, we ended up with the backpack from Dora. It sings comes with the map and accessories. Caden and Laica both love Dora, therefore this toy should be worth the $20 (I hope so, anyway. We don't usually buy toys that often. They accumulate quickly and seem to multiply.)

He did a fantastic job. Zero tears. Zero resistance. Patty and I were both amazed and so proud of him. He is so very smart. Knows his letters and the sound they make, numbers, can count forward, backward, and in spanish. He also has had his shapes and colors down for some time now. I am constantly amazed at how well he remembers things and how quickly he learns something new. He plays very well with Laica (most of the time) and is just turning into such a big boy so quickly. In the second photo, he is howling.

Here he is still howling, with our biggest baby, Kenzie, in the background. She is the pitbull that Clint had when I met him. She got a bath tonight too, (much needed) but I think the photo was taken before that.

Ahhh... and we certainly cannot leave out little miss "Teeka". Laica will be called this by many people for years to come, probably until she tells us to stop. :) She, too, is growing right before my eyes. I swear that she changes a little every day. She is a climber and a little smarty-pants. She always wants to keep up with her big brother and makes sure that we are paying attention to her, too. She is very talkative and even putting two words together. The other morning in the car she was singing. I could tell that it was the alphabet song, even though she wasn't pronouncing the letters correctly. I love, love, love that my children are showing so much potential at an early age. They both love to read. Reading is one of my favorite pastimes and I think of it as exercise for my brain. When reading, one encounters so many words that are not used in everyday conversation. It enhances vocabulary. I mostly read comical fiction novels, reading is an escape of mine.

We have had a busy week so far. We got Caden signed up for soccer, and Clint is going to coach his team! I have a feeling I will be helping out with this a lot, but I am looking forward to it! Clint is very athletic, and Caden is showing potential that he will be, too.

Today I got Caden's hair cut, went to the grocery store, made dinner, cleaned up, did laundry and the only dirty clothes in the house is what each of us is wearing!!! Had a super-productive day, and I am glad for that.

I am looking forward to Saturday, I get to escape to Branson for a night to spend some much needed girlie time with my sisters and cousins. So freaking excited. Well, after I finish this mug of warm green citrus tea, I will be off to bed (clean sheets and blankets--yay!). Until next time...

Brooke

I'm baaaaccckkk!

I fixed our computer! Don't ask me how I did it, but I did it! Whoo-hoo! Have to upload all of my pictures again and downloading antivirus software as I type this. This makes my week. I have felt super disconnected. I will return soon.

Brooke

Ahoy!

We are all alive and kicking, but sadly, our computer is not. Hoping to take it somewhere this week. Anyone else ever feel like that to-do list never ends?! I will get some new photos up soon.

Brooke

Random thoughts on a Thursday...

This is Ms. Magnolia, aka, Maggie. Caden's best bud. We love having sleep overs and they have spent a ton of time together. Caden is just a couple of moths older than her. The painting in the background was done by Clint's step-grandma, Annette Osbern. She is such a talented artist!

Miss Laica and myself, back in August. She is growing soooo quickly!

Self-shot with the glasses on.

Love my little Stink....(for some reason this nickname stuck for Caden.. Ha!)

Hot blog, hot blog, hot bliggity blog... any moms singing with me? :) Until next time...

Brooke

blah, blah, blog...

Caden being a little stinker, like always. We have loved playing outside recently. It is great for them (and myself) to get a little exercise and sunshine. We have been busy the past couple of weeks, with cleaning and doctors appointments.

Caden will be three in a couple of months. I cannot believe it! Time is really flying right now.


Kenzie, one of our pit bulls. She is such a baby. She always gives me this pouty face and she is inside most of the time. She and Sky (our other pit bull) cause trouble when they get together outside. Today I was letting them play together for a little bit and turned my back for a few minutes. The fence that we paid over 3,000 dollars to have installed around our back yard is useless. Kenzie can climb over the four foot chain link, and Sky is a midget dog and can worm herself under it. They busted out and were headed to chase our horse, Samara. Doggie fun time over.

Caden thought that he should put a rock in his mouth because Laica, for whatever reason, thinks it is cool to put rocks in her mouth. ANNOYING.

This was taken a few days ago, my little "teeka" is growing into a big girl... :( She gets smarter and prettier every day. I can't wait to see how her personality develops over the next several months. She is a little spit-fire right now, and going to be way more mischievous than Caden is. We love these little monsters! Forsee them getting into lots of trouble together for a long time to come.

We don't have much out of the ordinary going on right now, just living life! Be back soon...

Brooke