Good thing I love roller coasters

because today I feel like I am on a roller coaster ride!!! This day had so many highs and lows and twists and turns...even felt like I was upside down for a while. Here's how my ride went:

At about 7:15, I heard the sweetest music to a mothers ears: my 3 children playing nicely in the bedrooms. The rooms are right next to each other, so I don't know exactly where they were, just that I heard such nice playing. Jordan was letting Spencer play with her toys, etc. About 7:45 or so, Landon came in my room and put his cute little face up to the bed....he can't quite reach the top of the mattress because our bed is so high...but anyway he said "good morning mommy!" It was sooo cute.

Now the ride begins...I went to see the other 2 kiddos. They had begun to have a little spat and then I saw the Landon played his favorite game and emptied the bookshelf again...books covering the bedroom floor. The only good thing that had come out of that was that I heard Jordan reading books...really reading the words!! She has progressed a lot in the last couple weeks. I am so thankful she has such and awesome language arts teacher who's masters degree is in something specific about teaching reading.

I played my avoidance card and went downstairs to get breakfast ready so I could go to Weight Watchers. I had to clean up a mess...can't remember what now....there are so many...so Darin was left to get breakfast on for he and the kids on his own. I weighed in and lost around a pound. A bummer, but I have to confess that I didn't really put my whole heart into it this week. The meeting was a really good lesson-reframing a bad habit to make it become good...for instance instead of thinking that you have to get a candy bar every time you are at the store just because you want one, but instead not getting one at all or getting an apple instead. Well, maybe not the best example, but anyhow, good meeting.

I ran into KMart to get some M&Ms because I have this brilliant plan to get the kids to watch General Conference with candy. Ya know...listen for some key works and get a candy for each one. Well, here's another twist...they listen only for the words we picked, but are so focused on the candy that it defeats the whole purpose. (I guess it means you shouldn't bribe your kids with candy to listen to conference.) They last about 15 minutes (roughly half way through the first talk), then they are done. I probably should have had something for them to color instead, something with pictures I guess. Of course, we tried that last time but that didn't work either. I do have to say they did better than the past, although they still insist on playing so loudly that no one can hear any of conference. I know they have to start listening to Conference, but I have to figure out what will help their little attention spans get better.

I had to leave before the session was over to go to my photography class. I have really enjoyed this class so far. Today was fun to learn some new things again-but boy was it confusing. It was about using aperture and depth of field. I didn't realized photography was so complex. There are so many variables to getting a good shot. It was a little confusing, but we went outside to figure it out for ourselves. I had a hard time. I am the type of learner that once I am shown something, I can do it. I need to find a photographer and have some one-on-one lessons. But a friend in the class showed me some books that are pretty well known in photography circles that are easy to read and learn from. I am sure going to look them up.

When I got home from class, I decided to go outside to do yard work in our back forest...oh, that is not a mistake, it is a forest!! We figure we would make the view a little better for the neighbors on both sides of us who have great yards. The children had a blast. Well, once the weed eater is stopped. Yes, I do the mowing with a weed eater because our neighbor mows our front and it was cheaper that way than to buy a lawn mower for our few square feet of grass-and easier to store. The children are having fun making mudpies, having pretend picnics with little berries that grown on one plant, just old fashioned fun.

Spencer and Landon decided they had enough and go in the house to play. I checked on them after a few minutes and they were nicely playing in the basement. I go back to work. I get carried away with my weed picking, sweeping, raking, etc, then realized I better check. Another lovely turn for me...Spencer was playing nicely in his room, meanwhile Landon helped himself to about 5 little applesauce cups from the pantry and decided they were better to splatter ALL OVER the kitchen rather than to eat them. Oh, Darin had gone to Home Depot to price a few things we are having replaced soon. Time to mop the kitchen.

Try to watch conference....yeah right. I realize this sounds horrible, but may is it hard to do with kids. I did see a little, and we taped it, so I can watch it when the kids are asleep.

We had pizza for dinner which was interesting. See yesterday on the way home from Costco, I had to stop fast when I got cut off and the pizza flew off the seat. It got a little broken up, which made baking it interesting. A few crispy parts, which luckily Darin didn't mind.

After dinner we had a clean up the living room party. I realized I have lots of work to do in the area of teaching my children how to clean up. Holy Cow....it is like pulling teeth. Jordan thinks the whole house is her office...I told Darin I think I was the same way with pens and pads and writing on papers all the time when I was her age. She really needs her own desk.

Right as we were going up for baths, Spencer accidentally, purely accidentally spilled juice on Jordan which threw her into a tizzy. Did you know that tights are RUINED if they get juice on them? Note to self: you're teaching your daughter to be dramatic....calm down!!!!

So we had a pretty good bath and bedtime.....that is until Scripture reading. I have to say we have been trying so hard the last couple weeks. We haven't missed a night, but it isn't always very or so filled with the spirit!! I guess it's all about forming the habit right now. (advice in this area completely welcome!!!) I am determined to make it work, just have to keep going, I guess. They are starting to remember names and stories, so there is progress made. Oh, I was looking through the Ensign and told Darin about how the church is going to restructure the Liahona magazine. Jordan heard me and was confused..."they have the Liahona, mommy?" Pretty cute.

So here we are with Darin at the priesthood session and the kids fell asleep really well. I am going to find a good book and lay in my bed and read. A couple floors need to be mopped, there are dishes in the sink, clutter around the house...it can wait.

fun at the farm!

We had a great time at Cox Farm the other day. We go every year and love it!! There is so much to see and do-you could really stay all day. We went right after the kids got out from early release at school Monday. We had a great group of friends along and had a really fun time. It is funny, though how the kids change from year to year. Last year Lanny didn't do much, but this year he let me take him on all the slides; where as Spencer didn't want to get out of the stroller the first little while. He didn't want to go down any slides....until his little friend Amelia got him to go. The boy is letting girls influence him already...that's other story!!

So the in the above collage....yes, still having trouble typing on the tops of my pics after I post them...Lanny is crying because a goat took the entire thing of food out of his hand in one fell swoop!!! Stinky goats!! We do have fun feeding them, though. There are also pictures of the rope swing, which all the kids could have stayed at all day. Spencer, once again finally had the nerve when Regan, the big sister of the little boy I babysit, helped him. She also helped Landon, who made everyone laugh because he just held on and swung back and forth. It was really funny. Jordan loved it and went over and over.

The boys with some fun feet. Notice the clouds in the picture with the castle. That is how they looked when we first got there. We were worried we would be rained out, but it was blue skies by the time we left.

We had so much fun on the slides. Jordan wouldn't go on the great big one, but I drug Landon. He was funny-would get a little scarred on each hump as we slid down.
So all these pictures are in collages because I have edited them, but don't know how to get them on the blog from Picassa or Elements. I figured out one way at the very end of my computer time today, but didnt' have time to save each individual picture. They are so much better after they have been edited...not all of them need it, but anyhow. It is fun to take a dark picture and make it light, mess with color, contrast, etc. I really like it and hope to get good at making the pictures look the best. I have more of cute little Alaina eating her apple....sooooo cute!!!!

I have been so scarred of trying to do my own photograpy business because of how good some women have been in the past and are in my ward currently, but I think if I can get composition and editing down, I can do it....just have to get up the nerve....

Never to late to put in the blog....

I think, anyway. So there are some things we have done that I wanted to put in here. A few weeks ago we went to the Nationals Stadium for "Opera in the Outfield." It was the opening night of the National Opera and they broadcast it for free at the Nationals Stadium. It was The Barber of Seville. ( now I have vague memories of putting this on here....)

So we took the kiddos and it was pretty fun. They absolutely loved running around the field. Darin and I enjoyed seeing what the field was actually like. The grass was pretty lush-Jordan insisted on taking her shoes off. They had plenty of space to run, so that was good. They also showed a bugs bunny cartoon before the show, so the kids really loved that. They gave out free candy and water bottles as well. Here are a few fun shots.

Landon having fun.
Lots of room to run and play.

Everyone watching the Bugs Bunny cartoon-the famous one where he is the barber cutting Elmer Fudd's hair...or lack there of....Kiddies loved it.
We ended up leaving shortly before intermission because Spencer had to go potty. We felt like if I was going to walk all the way back up, we would all go. The kids were getting antsy, and Landon was wandering all over the place, so we decided it was the time to go. We really want to go back next year, but we have decided that if we do it again, we will sit in the very front so the kids can run around, or go to it on a date. We also saw lots of people bringing dinner, which we ate fast in the car, so we'll do that next year as well.


We ran into some friends from the ward, so Spencer got to walk with a friend for a while.



We went to a birthday party of a little boy in Spencer's preschool. This little trampoline was a favorite of all the Maney kids, but especially Jordan.
Landon wants to drive the car.
I know I put these pictures of the first day of school on Facebook, which is another post in itself...to Blog or Facebook....but I wanted them on the blog as well.

Jordan's first day of First grade.

Spencer's first day of 4 year old preschool.


Thanks for the cute clothes Auntie Marion and Auntie Karin!!

she was supposed to be in bed

Jordan was put to bed a couple nights ago like normal. I was on the couch happily watching TV and marking my things for the consignment sale. Darin had gone to pick up a light for his fish tank. All of a sudden Jordan comes down with this nice note for me. How lovely, only you are supposed to be going to bed.

So I read the note and had a laugh. Here is the translation:

"Mom and Dad, can we get a dog? I would name it .....(keep reading for explanation.)

I was actually happy to see her trying to write words by herself-usually she insists on us spelling everything for her. I told her it was nice and sent her back up to bed. She came down a few minutes later with more cute notes and Darin happened to come home at the same time. He read the note and asked Jordan what the last word meant. She proceeded to say Perrito (little dog) in beautiful Spanish!!! It was really cute....good thing for her she is so cute-especially with that front tooth missing. I couldn't get too mad, dang it, but it was bed time. She got lots of hugs and kisses and finally went on her way to bed for the night.

I love this little girl!

I love this little girl!

Jordan has now decided that she likes to wear skirts and dresses. She also has made a request for knee sock. She was thrilled when I did a little shopping for her at the Children's Place. (Daddy wasn't too happy with the bill....oops) She loved this little skirt and had to wear knee socks with it. She has now requested more. I have been pretty lucky thus far in being able to pick her clothes. We still do well, but she is beginning to voice her opinion. Luckily she has liked everything I get for her.

Sunday morning she came into our bed at 6:15 telling us she lost her tooth. She said she lost it in the night and put it under her pillow and now it was missing. It took a couple days, but I found it while I cleaned in her room yesterday, so the toothfairy came last night. I didn't realize she had come...I checked and there was some money under the pillow already-the fairy had already come and left about double what I was thinking (wink wink) she would leave. Lucky Jordan.

Flash a little much, Jordan?

One last vacation "catch-up" post

We were so amazed at the Lizards we saw everywhere in Florida. The above pictures is of the Orlando Temple. They were crawling all over the temple!! The kids loved it.

I spotted this little fella on our walk into the hotel the day we arrived. I put everything down and dug out my camera. I could actually see his tongue eating sweetness from this bird of paradise. I was hoping to get more shots, but Spence scarred him off. Such a pretty green.



Here are some lizards we saw at various places in the amusement parks.
They were everywhere!! Especially around the pool-we would play a game and see who could spot the most. Some of them were soo tiny-so cute.

T Rex Cafe
When we hear there was a restaurant with a dinosaur theme, we knew we had to go. Spencer is totally into dinos right now-has been for a long time. We heard there was always a long line, so we made a reservation. Maybe because it was pouring down rain, or just the timing, we got in even faster than expected. It was a really cool place-done by the same people who do the Rainforest Cafe. It was divided into the different dino eras, really cool.

Here is Jordan at the Restaurant. She wasn't too thrilled. She basically ate with one hand while trying to plug at least one ear. Poor thing...she did not enjoy herslf at all!! She hates loud noises, so this was not up her alley. This is during one of the "meteor showers" when it gets really loud.
One of the friends we made during dinner. Every 30 minutes there would be a "meteor shower" where it would sound kind of like a thunder storm and would get dark. The kids did not like this part at all.
I guess I should have put this picture up first. This is the outside of T Rex Cafe. It is a really cool place, even in the pouring down rain.


After we ate, we found a fun place for the kids to play. Since it was a torrential downpour outside, we were happy to kill some time. They had a dinosaur dig, where you got some brushes and could dig for bones. At first Lanny did not like it. They had these tiny little stones covering up the bones-took him a while to get used to it. I loved rubbing my feet in it-was therapeutic. Anyhow, kids ended up loving it and we stayed there for a while til the rain dyed down.

Would you like to have dinner with this guy? I asked the waitress what it is like to work in the "ice age" part of the restaurant and she said it is hard because the lighting is horrible; but people love sitting there.


The boys loved the restaurant-Jordan, not so much!!We were happy to see that the Lego store was right by the restaurant so we went over there for a little while. The kiddos loved playing with the legos.

Spencer concentrates so much...think I know what Santa may bring for Christmas!!
Spencer and Landon loved the huge Lego statues
We could have stood here all night!


Gatorland

The last time we went to Florida with Darin for work, I took Jordan and Spencer to this local attraction when he was at work. It was so cool that I really wanted to take Darin there, and I also thought that the kids would like it more this time since they are older.

It started when this guy wanted to rescue alligators and other animals and wanted to show them to people. He first took it on the road in the back of a truck, then finally got land and it went through a couple names and ended with Gatorland. It is really fun. If you ever go to the orlando area, you should really go.

Landon and I make a great friend.


Various shots of the gators. The albino gators were really cool. We also saw a gator wrestling show that was cool. I think it was even the same guy that was there a few years ago. The announcer was definitely the same guy. Anyhow there were lots of animals to see, gators everywhere, a bird refuge with a gator breeding ground, a fun train ride. Oh, they also added a water feature since we were there, but since we were heading straight to the airport, we had to skip it. Too bad because it was sooo hot that day. We were all dripping sweat.


I loved this shot...had to put it in.
You could hold a baby alligator and snake and pay to have your picture taken with it. Jordan didn't want to be in the picture, which is below, but she did touch this little guy.
They also had a show called Gator Jumpin, where they fed the gators. Very entertaining. The guys were pretty funny and it was cool to see them come up out of the water for the chicken. I have a cool video, as well, but have to figure that out.

They had a tank with babies inside the giftshop. They were so cute. I love that my camera takes great pictures through the glass tank!!
So bummed Jordan wouldn't come in the picture with us....would make a great Christmas card, don't ya think? She would not come near us....wonder why? I wanted to drag her over but Darin didn't want to make a scene since there were lots of other people waiting.

By the way, some of you may not know that when Darin and I got married he had two snakes exactly like the one around his neck; although they were probalby a little smaller. They were Kaa and Kate. Some people couldn't believe I didn't make him get rid of them when we got married. They just sat in the tanks all day; and it was actually fascinating to watch them eat a live mouse every other Saturday. It was pretty funny when one time a mouse escaped in Darin's car for a few days:) Kaa died when Spencer was a baby and we gave Kate away to a very excited lady.
Here ends another fabulous vacation!! Can't wait to see what next summer brings!

Pics to go with previous post

Here are the pics that go with the previous post.