Father's Day 200?

This is one of those things that I've meant to blog about for ages and don't think I ever did.

After so many holidays of trying to come up with creative gift ideas for "Daddy", this was my best one yet. I traced the kids hands on paper and then cut them out. I then let them loose with crayons to decorate their respective hands. After finding this great frame, I had a masterpiece! It's still hanging in Jim's office but after a few years the hands have started to slide a bit. Oh well!

Tattooed

I want this one tattooed on my tush! (Not really but it's a great thought that makes me laugh so hard I have to cross my legs and practice Kegels)

Knowing Me

Anytime my husband says (such as explaining more as to why he despises glitter~ with three daughters and one wife it's hard to avoid the stuff and sometimes he ends up with a speck or two on his face or clothes and gets unmercifully teased by the guys at work) or does something cute or funny and/or I get a picture of it (like when we were playing a very competitive game of Wii Bowling after the kids had gone to bed and he thought I was going to take longer at my turn so he ran in to change his clothes and then it WAS his turn so he took his turn mid-change~ white t shirt, boxer briefs, and dark dress socks! It was so hot! How I was quick enough and stopped laughing long enough to get a shot of that is beyond me!), he ALWAYS backs it up by saying something along the lines of he better not read about it on my blog tomorrow.

Really, honey!?!?? I thought you knew me better than that!

Sharing a Bed

I am amazed by little space she needs to sleep.

Cooking a la Cattigan

When you pull dinner out of the freezer and it looks like this....



You toss it and pull out this....



And find out you can make this~ ALL BY YOURSELF!



I put my beautiful cream sauce over pasta and then realized I didn't make enough and was out of milk to be able to make more so needless to say, dinner was not received with overwhelming enthusiasm.

But DID YOU SEE MY CREAM SAUCE I MADE ALL BY MYSELF!?!?!?!?

Natural

I wish my hair did this all on it's own or even at all. I would kill for those curls!

Holiday Treats

Because of the snow and the EXTRA WEEK of Winter Break the kids had, a lot of Holiday treats and projects are coming home now.

This being one of them......



Made by Natalie~ cute, huh?!?!?

A ice cream cone covered (and I do mean COVERED) in green frosting decorated with M&M's and cinnamon candies.

I promptly set it in a safe (and high) place only to come back an hour later to find the cone toppled and stripped of all of the M&M's. I guess it could have been worse- I could have found the cone clean of frosting!

Just a Suggestion

A MUST MUST MUST read!

Trees

My sister lasted a year in the Pacific Northwest when my mom moved up here and ended up back in the sun of "home". So, my niece is a born and raised Arizonian. Madi is not quite three.

M and Madi will be here next weekend. The conversation on the phone with M last night went something like this...

In the background:
"Mama, who you talking to?"

M: "I'm talking to Auntie Cattigan"

Madi: "Auntie Cattigan?"

M: "Remember when we talked about going to visit Grandma and Auntie Cattigan and your cousins?"

Madi: "MY cousins!!"

M: "Natalie...... Gracie........ Cameron....."
(I found out afterward that they were looking at a picture of the kids when M was saying each childs' name)

Madi: "AND TREES!!!"

I rock!

This year for Cameron's birthday he said he wanted a Cars "birfday". Because that's been the theme of previous years, I influenced him to go another direction and gave him the Birthday Express catalog.

He picked Hanny Manny.

He has a crazy love of tools. It must run in his blood. He comes from a long line of builders. He has just about every play tool. My mom even gave him a few real ones (but we won't discuss that right now!). So Handy Manny seemed perfect.

Except I found out the hard way that Handy Manny birthday supplies can not be found in any of our local stores... just online. I found this out two days before his planned party. What's a mama to do but get creative!!!

I bought red plates, yellow napkins, green cups, blue and green streamers. I ordered a cake from the grocery store with intention to decorate it myself but the cake decorator called me that morning to get some clarification. And after we added the figurines, this is what we had....



I was so thrilled I called to thank the decorator and just about kissed her over the phone!

Now onto decorations......








Amazing what I could do with markers and poster board!! Yes, I drew these free hand. I used a small picture to go off of but it's all me. Jim was really impressed! I was so impressed with myself that I may leave them up until his next birthday!

I wonder if this at all makes up for my lack of cooking ability....

Four years ago today...


Happy Birthday, Sweet Baby Boy!

Grandpas

What to say about a great-grandpa who gives his grandchildren five dollars a piece then influences them to blow the wrappers off their straws in McDonald's?!?!?!




So much FUN!!

Fox

In talking to Jim, I used the term “studs” to refer to our daughters. I was told that girls are not studs. A friend of mine Googled the term for females and the only one that wasn’t derogatory was “FOX”. Foxes it is then…

I regularly go through the girls’ backpacks. It's where I find week past birthday invites, left over popcorn from Popcorn Day, and a library late slip for a book that I swear was just in their backpack yesterday. About a month ago, Natalie’s also contained a letter, written in 2nd grade handwriting, apologizing for the “inappropriate” letter that was previously written and wishing her a Merry Christmas. HUH?!?!!?!?

In addition to talking to Natalie (the letter was written by a boy in her class, Allan, and he had tried to give her another note only to have it taken away by her teacher), I emailed her teacher to get the scoop. "Simply a followup on a little boy in class who had written a note of affection and realized that we don’t share like that in second grade. Truly innocent and all taken care of with no long term repercussions" was what I got back. My daughter is such a stud... oh I mean, FOX!

Natalie’s (level headed and wise beyond her years) reaction to it all…. “I kinda figured he liked me. When he did the lunch count, he always picked me.”

Her younger sister (the wood nymph/fairy in a previous life, wears her heart on her sleeve, telling it like it is) was picked up from a play date, only to take the boy in the next room to plant one on him and caught by her mother. Evidently, she is involved in a bit of a love triangle. Her and her friend, Isabella, both like Levi. I was told by the boy’s mother that he had a play date with Isabella and something similar had happened. Can I remind you that these are kindergartners?!?!? This is the first time I’ve ever had to deal with this…. And from my six year old!!

Levi’s mother was amazing in talking to the kids about “not kissing until dating age and saving the best one for when they are married” ( I wouldn't mind to each other. He’s a cute kid and his mom is super sweet). I stood there dumbfounded by the situation. His mom also did great in handling me. I was ready to call their teacher, their fathers, the National Guard.

The next day was the class field trip to the fire station. During the class picture, there was a bit of a power play on who was going to be standing next to Levi. One minute it was Grace. Next thing I know, Isabella comes out of no where to be standing next to him.

I laughed with Levi’s dad after the picture and he said that he was going to have to talk with his son. He said he didn't have girls talk to him until college.

More words to live by

My favorite and the one I most often have displayed is the one about not giving a hoot!

Words to live by

One of Christmas presents courtesy of my brother and sister-in-law

Apples

Where do they get their love of being photographed? They are so photogenic and quite gorgeous, if I do say so myself.




The apples don't fall far from the tree.

My baby

Our youngest doesn't get time with his parents WITHOUT sisters very often. He did recently and we had a blast! We took him to lunch downstairs from Jim's work. He was amazing! Best behavior and best table manners! I was amazed by this young man who took my red headed crazy boy's place when his sisters weren't around!

He loved the soup, tea, and the Vegetables and Prawn we split. It was a bittersweet moment that my baby is vanishing and in his place is this little boy.

His first lesson in chopsticks:

Pee

I am thirty- two (32) years old.

I have been married almost nine (9) years.

I have four (4) children.

Emma (female) is ten (10). I became her mom the day I married her dad. Emma lives in our house two (2) weekends a month and sometimes more during holidays and school breaks.

Natalie (female) is eight (8).

Grace (female) is six (6).

Cameron (male) is almost four (4).

I love our house. It's very me. Very cozy and very homey. Warm, inviting, kid friendly. Candles burning and tons of pictures. Knick knacks that have a story behind them and lots of books.

It's actually an apartment. Square footage is just over one thousand- fifty (1050) feet.

Three (3) bedrooms, two (2) bathrooms.

What I want to know is why does everyone feel the need to YELL out my name while I am sitting on the you know what? "MOOOOOOOOOOOOOM?"

No matter if I answer the yeller or not, the bathroom door opens and I am usually greeted with "I just wanted to know where you were."

Did I mention the square footage of my house? It's not like it would be easy for me to hide! (Trust me- I've tried!) Where do they think I've gone?

The three oldest people are the absolute worst at being the yeller- husband and two oldest females.

How did I ever pee before them?

Reading

I bumped my original post for today because I had something that was too great to wait! Thanks to Leah, I found out I could change options so that my pre-written posts appeared all on their own hence my ongoing posts.

Anyway...

The girls have a Read At Home Program through school to help get kids and parents to read. Books provided by the school come home one at time and is read a few times then marked off on a sheet initialed by the parent. Sounds fantastic, right?!?!?!?

For the everyday family, yes! For us.... well, like their mother, the kids DEVOUR books. I usually find at least two or three books stuffed under pillows when I help make their beds. I just get a goofy grin from the child. They know their dad and I don't care if they lay in bed at night and read as long as they are quiet. There have been a few books we've had to replace because they've been read to death. With that said, they read an awful lot on their own at home.

Last year, I spoke to Natalie's teacher and opt-ed her out from the program. This year, we read one of the books from school and then I spoke to her teacher. She is fine with not sending home books but would like us to keep a record of the books because she gives out rewards after five books. I've let Natalie take responsibility for filling out the paper and I'll just initial at the end of the five. I peeked at her paper today :

On 12-11,Emma's Present was read in 5 minutes and it's 15 pages.
On 1-7, Ice Age was read in 2 days and it's 109 pages.
On 1-10, Katie Kazoo was read in 4 days and it's 308 pages.

I think I need to clarify with her teacher about the number of pages vs. the number of books reward thing!

She is definitely her mother's child!

My favorite part of school

In addition to me having some much needed time alone, I love this one project the kindergartners and 1st graders do. Every month I get a page of a calender made by my favorite kinder or 1st grader. Natalie did it in both of the schools (different towns) she was in and then now that she's in 2nd grade, it's become her sister's job to bring me home my much loved page. When Natalie started kindergarten, I had no idea that they did this. I was ecstatic and waited patiently for the 1st of the month to see the new art. It's now become a huge production with unveiling of the new page. I think the kids are just humoring me because of my over the top reactions.

How talented is she to make such a perfect penguin?!?!?!?



I figured out recently that I will have years of calenders coming to me.... Grace is currently in Kindergarten and then once she hits 2nd grade, it will be Cameron's turn to make my calender! I just have to find a way to get them once the 2012-2013 school year gets here!

Christmas/New Years Card

Now that the New Year is here and my "Holiday" cards are finally sent out. They stacked nicely on my dresser for weeks! I want to show you what my dear friend made. After being shown Publisher, I can understand her obsession for it! I asked her to make our cards then didn't end up going with it. I did print one copy for me and have it tucked somewhere safe. I love that 2008 and our last name are in the background.... so creative!

Why didn't we use it??!?! I was on a search for envelopes to fit and then the snow hit and it was just "easier" for me to just "settle" for Costco cards. So sorry, my friend! I do love them very much!

Love

I so love them.... especially in their jammies, all cuddled up...... or walking out the door catching the bus for school. After three weeks of winter break, I am glad to miss them.

In the winter,

it's a must to wear....

flip flops?!?!?!?

Tidesfest

Tidesfest is a local tradition. Every year there are reasons to either love it or dislike it. This is my reason to love it this year:

Christina

This is my friend, Christina.

She's the one who took the amazing picture of my kids and I AND showed me how to use Publisher- so love her! Christina was also my partner in crime during the Great Saw Dust Cookie Debacle of 2008.

During the cookies, I tried numerous times to take a picture of my friend. No luck. She HATES pictures.

During ALL the snow, Christina and I took our kids to the park to play (and take pictures). I went to take a picture of her and got this! Not planned at all! It's a great picture of her ... don't you think?

Phenomenal Woman by Maya Angelou

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I'm telling lies.
I say,
It's in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It's the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can't touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them
They say they still can't see.
I say,
It's in the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I'm a woman

Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Now you understand
Just why my head's not bowed.
I don't shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It's in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
the palm of my hand,
The need of my care,
'Cause I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Pampering

In my previous life, I was a princess. A diva if you will. I didn't get my first real job until after high school. I got a car on my not yet 16th birthday. I wore name brands and had only Clinique and Prescriptives on my face. My parents were my own personal ATMs. My hair was cut and foiled. My nails manicured and toes pedicured. My body tanned.

Then I got married and had kids.

I don't miss being a princess- I wouldn't have been friends with me back then! I do miss the pampering. I'm not afraid to admit that I love manicures, pedicures, good hair cuts and color, tanning, MAC make up! Every now and again when I do get these things, I soak it all in!

My husband has always given me a hard time about my pampering. The amount of money mainly. He doesn't understand $50 for a haircut or any other of the pampering costs. Don't get him started on MAC make up! He and I were raised completely different. He grew up with a FANTASTIC single mom that worked two jobs to take care of them. The man knows how to clip coupons and bargain shop like it's no body's business! Don't get me wrong, I love Wal-Mart and Target! I am not a thing or stuff snob but every once in awhile....

Now, that you have the back story...

Jim had a day all to himself recently. He doesn't get those very often. Even when he has no kids or wife- he's doing something, not all about him. The kids and I left and came back about 6 hours later to an incredibly happy man!

He told me that he went to the auto parts store and someone was handing out coupons for free haircuts. This new place that opened caters to men. It's all sports themed with flat screens for each station and large screens all over with what ever game, race, you can imagine. In addition to a haircut, you get a shampoo and condition with scalp massage while hot towels are laid on your face.

He now understands my pampering love!

Santa brought him a gift card for six haircuts and the fixin's. For purely selfish reasons, of course, he was amazing to be around after that one day!

Did I mention the added bonus for him?!?! Santa noticed when (s)he went in to get the gift card, all the women that worked there were cute, young, and perky. Heck, if that adds to his amazing mood and he understands a little more- it works for me!!!

Where was I??

Another case of finding pictures on my camera that I didn't take.

This was during the extra week off from school. We had the two neighbor girls over. They played great. Hardly heard a word out of them.





I talked and they listened after I found these. "For heaven's sake- if you are going to do things you know you are going to get in trouble for- don't document it with photographs!"

Don't I look OH SO pretty?!?!!?

Cameron asked to 'decorate my hair'. Jim is really hoping he sticks more to his Handy Manny tool/toys than the hair pretty-s

2009

Here's to a new year and more of this:





(This is the cover to a calender I made for grandparents for Christmas.... I want to frame it because it encompasses all my favorite things!)

Wish

My Wish for You in 2009

May peace break into your house and may thieves come to steal your debts.
May the pockets of your jeans become a magnet of $100 bills.
May love stick to your face like Vaseline and may laughter assault your lips!
May your clothes smell of success like smoking tires.
May happiness slap you across the face and may your tears be that of joy.
May the problems you had forget your home address!

May 2009 be the best year of your life!!!


**I wish I could take credit for writing this!!**