Emily's Baptism...Remembered!

Yes, I'm back to the blogging world...again! My kids love looking at our very outdated blog and frequently ask when I am going to post something new! Today, my children! Today! Not sure about tomorrow, but here's to trying to remember (and blog about) the events in our family that were too big to pass by!

Emily's baptism definitely fits into this category!







We had a few special visitors that flew in for the occassion! Thanks Grandma and Grandpa Dent and Katie and Lizzy for coming!



Emily opened a picture from Grandma and Grandpa Kellett--we sure missed them but are grateful for the webcam!




We love you Emily! Congratulations!

First Day of School!

I love having my children home for the summer...I really do! But with that said, there is something about sharpened pencils, fresh glue sticks, and new sneakers that makes even the best of mothers let out a sigh of relief as the school bus makes it's way down the street! Especially when the kids are so ready and excited to go!






Here's to a great new school year!

Eight.

No need to spread out excitement at our house--we like to fit it all in one day if possible. That was the case this year--Emily's birthday and the first day of school were all rolled up into one very exciting day on the calendar! Enduring a night of spongy curlers was a must! No need to drag her out of bed--she popped up bright eyed and with a smile from ear to ear! (Let's just hope that happens again tomorrow!)

She is eight! This is the birthday she has been waiting for for a very long time. Not only filled with presents and cake (my nightmare that somehow was still intact in the morning...what a relief!), but in a few short days she will be baptized! This birthday was truly cause for celebration!

NO MORE FONDANT!

I tried it once.


I just used it again.



Third time WAS NOT a charm!



So I must say...Goodbye Fondant.

It was a short relationship to say the least.

Maybe the pressure of two cakes in three days put me over the edge. Maybe I'm meant to be an tipper. All I can say is that after the nightmare of the rubix cube. I'm throwing in the towel and glad I have 6 more months before I have to decorate another birthday cake!

I do know the root of the problem--not enough black fondant. I rolled it too thin. It stuck. I tried a little Pam and she changed the consistency into...well, a BIG MESS! (Warning all ye cake decorators--nonstick spray and fondant do not mix!) Husband went on a late night adventure to buy frosting. Fondant went into the garbage. Black frosting went onto the cake. And then I prayed that those heavy fondant squares would stick!

Somehow they did!!! And were even still there in the morning!

It was a miracle. A real miracle!

Happy Birthday Logan!

Birthday celebrations started a day early for Logan! Imagine that. Opening a present the day before your birthday...surely a dream come true for any (almost) 5 year old! The dream only got better when he discovered the early gift was Yankee tickets for that afternoon!




It turned out to be a gift for me as well! While the crew was enjoying the magic of Yankee Stadium, I was home running last minute errands and decorating his birthday cake. Usually this chore is done after the kiddos go to bed, but determined to get more sleep--I started early! It worked! By the time they arrived home from the game--presents were wrapped and the cake was done!

Dad had early morning church meetings, so we celebrated...a little...without him. Unveiling the cake is a tradition in our house--the routine goes like this--we light the candles and beckon in the birthday boy to come and see what crazy creation mom has come up with this year! All to the tune of Happy Birthday, of course! The little Jedi in him was thrilled!



He was allowed to open one present--the big one! For weeks, months, maybe even years, our children have been begging for a pet. Something to call their own. Something to love. Something that I am not ready for, because I know that after the newness wears off, it would be something else for me to take care of! I'm not ready for that kind of commitment! However, after a long discussion--I caved...I compromised...and agreed that Fish...I could do (especially with a filter and not a little fishbowl!) Logan was the lucky recipient! He opened his new aquarium!



We had to let the filter run for a while, so it was fishless when he received it. We got a kick out of the kids just sitting there watching the acquarium--even without the fish!

Monday morning we went to Petco. A while later we left with Yankee, Swish, Cotton, Ruby, and Oliver. Welcome to the family!




Happy Birthday Little Buddy!

Naughty Naughty!

I walked down stairs and to my surprise discovered that someone had been into the flour! I didn't say a word. Not even a gasp escaped my lips. Little Laurie saw me and burst into tears! I guess the guilty just know when they are guilty! It's good to know she has a conscience! I must admit--it was hard to keep a straight face! Oh well...what's a little flour! (Did I mention they were mixing it with water?!?)



So naughty...but so cute!

Almost Left a Few Kids in the Pillory!

Have you ever been to Williamsburg, Virginia?

It is a magical place...
I'm sure for someone.

I think it would have been for us, had we not a carful of grumpy kids. Not sure what went wrong. Maybe it was the result of hours in the car. Maybe sunburns. Maybe the heat and humidity. We may never have the answer!

However, as we toured Colonial Williamsburg we ran into this...The Pillory!




Our kids thought it was enticing. We thought it was fitting and a perfect punnishment. Fortunately for them, they were rescued by other tourists waiting in line for a photo op!

We did experience a little of Colonial life amidst the grumbling!


















It is true, there were glimpses of enjoyment during our visit to this great historical site--but don't let their smiles fool you!

Never fear.
We will be back Williamsburg.
Someday.