It'll Grow Back.... Right?

I don't know what happened. One minute, we were talking about how long Dexter's hair was. The next minute, Jay had  out the clippers. We put the clippers on the longest setting, but still... his hair is so short. He doesn't look like himself.

I didn't realize how much I loved his Halpertesque mop-top, how much it added to his spunky personality.

Oh, THERE he is!

Don't get me wrong, I still think he's an adorable boy even with the buzz. But I am growing it out immediately. 

The Haps

April has been a busy month thus far, and it doesn't look like things will be slowing down anytime soon. Here's what's been happening so far:

I had a blast playing food-related tricks on the girls on April Fool's Day. First, I removed the cheez-it's out of a snack-size bag, replaced them with carrots and a note, and resealed the bag with double stick tape. Luckily, Natalie thought it was pretty funny when she opened the bag during school lunch. 

Later that day I gave them a snack of fishsticks and peas... mmmm!

They were really wafer cookies covered in peanut butter and crushed cheerios, and green Laffy Taffy rolled into pea shapes. The girls thought they were pretty fun. (Both ideas were from the Family Fun magazine, by the way... I'm not that creative on my own.) 

Saturday afternoon found us at Gilroy Gardens for opening day of the park season. We had a nice time, but poor Dexter just wasn't feeling up to it. He wanted to go on the rides, but then as soon as we tried to put him in the seat, he would start screaming. By the end of the afternoon he chilled out a little, but all that I keep thinking was "Thank goodness we didn't bring him to Disneyland!"

This coming weekend is a very busy one. I have play rehearsal all week and then performances on Thursday, Friday, and two on Saturday. Saturday is also the D-Man's second birthday! (wow!) I asked him what kind of cake he wanted and only got a blank stare, so I guess I'll make what I want. (chocolate, baby!) Then Sunday is Easter. Man...... I am not prepared at all. I better get crack-a-lackin'.

And now, if you've stuck with me through this rambling post, you are rewarded with this:

Just like their Dad, the little rascals.

For Fun

Celebrating Natalie's excellent report card. 

Celebrating Bea's ability to touch a snail without freaking out.

A rare moment of undisturbed quality time with the hippo.

Awesome.

I can't wait for my turn to wear the eye patch!

They're actually all looking in the same direction... kind of.

Just Keep Trying...

Lest anyone think I've forgotten about my goal for this year, I thought I should post an update on my progress. As I started to think about what new things I have tried, I realized I have been venturing outside of my comfort zone more than I thought. Yeah, me! Here's a rundown of some of the new things I'm trying:

1) Trying to relive my high school days, minus the awkwardness and pimples

You simply must come to the Stake Play - "Don't Count Your Chickens Until They Cry Wolf," and see yours truly dressed in all sorts of crazy get-ups, including an ant and a *cough* jackal costume. We've been having a fun time with our rehearsals, and even though I'm slightly panicky thinking it won't come together in time, I know deep down it will. So come see us! It's a silly musical based on Aesop's fables - perfect for the whole family.  Best of all ... admission is free!

Our performance dates are:

April 9, 10, 11 - 7:30 p.m.

And April 11 - 2 p.m.

All performances are at: 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

1336 Cherry Ave, San Jose

2) Trying to put on a display that doesn't involve a jackal costume

I've been making handmade cards for a little while now, and it's a blast. However, I've never been one that is very comfortable displaying my creations, so when we were asked to do just that for a Relief Society Enrichment Night, I was very apprehensive. I finally decided to do it after watching this clip of President Uchtdorf's talk on creation. It was so uplifting. 

Here's one of the cards I displayed. I'm really into orange right now.

3) Trying to get a discount on Thin Mints

I've agreed to co-lead a Daisy Troop for Beatrice next school year, and have also almost secured a spot in a Brownie troop for Natalie as well. I actually agreed to this without hesitation, which is new for me for sure. I know nothing of Girl Scouts, having never been one myself, but I'm excited for the experience. I hope all three of us enjoy it and I don't feel too overwhelmed (i.e. end up neglecting the boys). I guess we'll see!

So there you have it! Anyone else trying new things they want to share?

I want that...

So there's this blog I've been stalking for a while, called Grosgrain. The author creates the most beautiful dresses and outfits and then gives them away. I have been tempted to enter into her giveaways many times, but I never have ... until now. I could not pass up this dress:

Summer of 69 Thrift Store Refashion Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

She made this dress from a thrift store find. I would never have thought to refashion the dress the way she has. I am in awe! And I realize I desperately need to work on my sewing skills...

P.S. - 100 points to the first person to name the movie I quoted in the title of this post. 

Reunited

It's amazing what a difference the absence of one of your children can make in the atmosphere of your home. We were without Beatrice the last two nights while she spent some time with her much-loved cousin Sarah, and her absence was definitely felt. She is such a talkative, goofy, happy little girl, and the house didn't quite seem right without her. It was especially strange to have only the boys while she was gone and Natalie was at school. Don't get me wrong, there were some benefits (like time to myself while both boys were napping), but in general she was very much missed.

No one missed Bea more than Natalie. Natalie was very sad that 1) Bea got to go to the cousins' while she didn't (due to school), and 2) that she would be without her sister for a while. Bedtime was especially rough. I hadn't realized until it was upon us that the girls had never spent the night apart before. Natalie had a hard time sleeping because she was "too lonely," so she ended up in a makeshift bed on our floor. (I'm a mean mom... she wasn't allowed in our bed. She kicks!)

Natalie was still missing Bea on Friday and made her this card during school:

Their reunion this morning was sweet. Natalie was still half asleep but was quite happy to have her friend home. They immediately set out on a Star Wars adventure and began ganging up on their younger brother. And exactly 11 minutes later, they were fighting over who got to be Princess Leia. 

So, as you can see, everything is back to normal.

Priorities

I'm not sure what happened to my husband, but he actually wants to go back to Disneyland. With the girls. In the near future. I am pleased, but nevertheless confused. This is the same man who didn't want to go until Natalie was 10 or 12 years old, and now he wants to go twice in one year! Perhaps there really is magic in the Magic Kingdom, after all. 

So, now we add another trip to Disneyland to our ever-growing list of things we want and/or need to do and/or purchase. The list is adding up quite quickly, and living on one income means setting some priorities. Unfortunately for the girls, Disneyland Part Duex is way down on the list. There's a plethora of dental work that needs to be done, and software for the new computer, and family pictures in the Fall (finally!), and Christmas to save for. So with all that in mind, we have created this:

It is our Disneyland jar. We are putting all our spare change and whatever else we feel like contributing (no marbles or plastic beads, Bea!) into it to save for our next trip. I have a feeling it's going to take a while. Oh well. We will teach our children (and ourselves) the value of saving and setting priorities. The girls emptied their piggy banks into the jar of their own free will, and Natalie even contributed her last dollar from the tooth fairy. We'll see how long the enthusiasm lasts. And we'll see how long Jay lasts before he starts moving Disneyland up the priority list.... the old softie. 

Difference Between Boys & Girls, Part 1

Last night, the girls happily chatted as we ate dinner. 

Dexter, on the other hand, was shooting me with a green bean.

(I guess he wasn't a fan of the cuisine....)

(An old picture, but one that demonstrates the difference between boys & girls. The girls would never have - and still never have - thought to climb on the desk. Dex, on the other hand, thought of it before he could walk.)