Berry Patch Farm

A couple weeks ago (for Stephanie's Bday), we went out to Berry Patch Farm, out in Nevada, Iowa. While we were there, we took a hay ride, we picked apples, picked raspberries, and even got some baby pumpkins to paint at home. It was a fun day!

Onyx

Guess what?! We got a cat! Can you believe it?! I am mildly allergic to cats...and I sneezed for about 3 days...and now i feel immune to him. Luckily, he barely sheds, so that helps!
We adopted him from the shelter. He is actually a great cat. He is older, so he is quite mellow. He even lets the kids near by...sometimes. Kaden is the worst with him...but as Kaden says, "But Mom, I love him!" But the 2 best things about him: 1- He is quiet. 2-He knows how to use the litter box! Phew!

Sydney, Sydney, Sydney...

So I took Sydney to the hospital today! Yes...AGAIN! Can we say accident prone??!

Tonight's Adventure in 4 Acts

The Background:

Austin and Sydney decided to "golf" with a junior-sized golf club (yes, a real one). I was cleaning out the garage, and didn't notice this fabulous (*note sarcasm*) activity. So yay to me... I get the "inattentive mother award" for the evening!

The Injury:

Austin takes a swing at his tennis ball, and hits Sydney in the head on his back swing. The shrieking alerted me that something was amiss...I look over and Sydney has blood dripping down her face. After the bleeding stopped, I saw that the impact split the skin on her forehead pretty good...and I informed her that we would make a trip to the hospital.

The Post-Injury:

Sydney was crying a lot...obviously it was painful...but when I mentioned the hospital, the wailing increased in intensity. I told her that it wouldn't be like last time...I explained the joy of stitches, band aids, and stickers....and luckily, that won her over. In the mean time, Austin is crying too...wanting to know if I am giving him a time-out. The poor boy was a wreck (and it didn't even happen to him)! After explaining that I wasn't mad, I knew it was just an accident, and that Syd Syd would be okay--he calmed down to a whimper. Oh I almost forgot to mention, Nick had left the house to run to the store (about 20 minutes prior)...and he gets a cryptic call from me. I calmly, yet abruptly say: Nick, Syd got hurt. She is okay, but she needs stitches, so come home so I can take her to the hospital. *click* (By the way, you got to love the one car family situation!!)

The Hospital:

Sydney whimpers the whole way to the hospital, and the moment we walk in the door...it is all grins and giggles. I even had to remind her that "she needs to sit down" and "she can't skip in a hospital." We were at the hospital for about 45 min to an hour. You gotta love small town life!! We were the only ones there, in the ER at 6 in the evening. Sydney was awesome during the whole stitching up thing...only some minimal whimpering at the end (I wonder if the doc didn't numb it all over). Everyone was so impressed. I guess she had a lot of practice, right?!

The moral of the story:

Hide the golf clubs...it is never a good idea to let children (and even some adults) play with, let alone swing, a golf club!
I'll attach pictures tomorrow!

I don't know...

I really don't know what to blog about. Sorry. I am at a creative lull. sorry. how is everyone out there?!

Not Yet 30!

So the day before my 29th birthday, we celebrated...Ames style. What does that mean you ask? Well, we went to Hickory Park, of course! They sang and all. According to the waitress, Kaden was way more into their singing than I was. Not surprising!

My actual birthday was a super day too...full of food, pampering, and fun! It started with breakfast out with the ladies. I sent out a mass email to ladies in the ward, and asked people to come celebrate with me. We went to the Cafe and I enjoyed my favorite apple french toast! Yummy, yummy! (Sorry to cause pangs of jealousy to you Erin!) After I got home from breakfast, I skipped a church meeting (shhhh!) and went Garage Sale-ing with Sydney instead. I spent way too much money...but got some pretty awesome stuff (including 2 floor lamps for $2 each, a $5 acoustic guitar with bag, 8 shirts and sweaters for myself, just to name a few)! I love Ames and its plethora of weekend garage sales. Let's see...after that...Nick surprised me with an appointment for a pedicure and manicure. He knows that he always wins me over with that present! Stephanie came along...and we enjoyed the pampering. And then that evening, Madison came over to babysit...and we went out to PF Changs in West Des Moines (and no, we didn't see Shawn Johnson, DARN!). What a fun Night!!! Bonus Points to Nick for throwing together a fabulous birthday.

We had to continue the celebration...since we didn't celebrate at home with candles and cake with the kids. Why this matters, I don't really know...but Sydney thought it was essential! So...The next day, we had the "BYUI Gangsta Pimp" missionaries and friends over to celebrate with the family. Luckily, my cake was "ferg-i-licious!" (Sorry, inside joke...sort of!) It was an all-around party, as far as those sort of parties go! Austin even helped me blow out my candle! What a stinker!! He thought it was hilarious! Funny Kid!

Well, I am 29 now...and so lucky!

For Ellie...

This was the birthday cake that I was making when I talked to you!

Mini Ego Stroke Moment!

Yes...I am that proud! I worked hard on these Mary Kay facial boxes...and they turned out nicely! At least, I think so! Thanks for letting me stroke my ego a little! The End!