so busy

that the kids come home and fall asleep in the weirdest places.

okay, that's only half the truth ... it just seems like I'm busy.

We never really have any actual plans,

and we rarely leave the house.

But for all the time I spend running around doing stuff, nothing ever quite seems to get done.

Tis the life of a homemaker/mommy I suppose.

Anyway, Carina does like to fall asleep in funny places, here she was watching a movie from her perch on the piano before falling into blissful slumber.

And I've a huge favor to ask!!

Anyone free to to watch my 3 kiddos so I can do Jury Duty next week?

Any takers?!?!?!

been reading lately?

Okay. . . okay

you sick of looking at those dorky pictures on that last post yet?

And yes--I love my haircut too--thanks for the kind comments ;)

You know, I really wish I had something to write about today. Things were so crazy busy there for awhile that I think I forgot how to be creative and clever.

So,

Anyone read any good books lately? I'm getting desperate for something new to read that's, you know--not dumb.

Here have been some books I've read recently ...

• Hunger Games Series by Suzanne Collins (3 book series) my rating: 5 stars

Everybody's raving about them. I'm included.

Fascinating and well-written. So awful and wonderful at the same time. Loved them.

• Books of Bayern by Shannon Hale (4 book series) 4.5 stars

I've honestly been kinda on a Shannon Hale kick recently. These are clever and a fun read. (the last one wasn't my favorite but I quite enjoyed the other 3)

• Book of a Thousand Days also by Shannon Hale (5 stars)

cute. loved it.

• Women of Genesis Series by Orson Scott Card (3 book series so far) 4.5 stars

He must have done a ton of research. It was a really interesting historical fiction. The first is about Sarah (Abraham's wife), the second Rebekah (Wife of Isaac) and the 3rd about Rachel and Leah (wives of Jacob). I had a hard time getting over the plural wives thing but it was fascinating how he wove a story about these women. The series isn't finished yet (usually I don't even start a series unless they're finished) but each of his books is it's own story so it was fine.

• The Book Thief by Markus Zusak 4.5 stars

This is not a book that I would have originally picked up on my own. It was a great read though. Lots and lots of swearing but it was all in German so it didn't even phase me really. It's from the point of view of death (not the devil). Fascinating!

• Free Men and Dreamers Series by L.C. Lewis (4 book series?) 3.5 stars

Interesting history but the fiction was super dramatic to the point that it started driving me a little crazy!

• Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine 5 stars

Classic. It's just a great story. If you haven't read it--do.

• Graceling by Kristin Cashore 4.5 stars

Clever storyline. Loved her first book there's a second one called "Fire" that I didn't care for as much. They're related but I don't think it's a series.

• Culinary mysteries by Josie Kilpack 4 stars

who doesn't like humor and food and busybody women? Cute books. I want to try out every recipe while I'm reading (she has them included at the end of each chapter) if you make one tell me if it's really as delectable as she makes it sound.

• Uglies Series by Scott Westerfeld (4 book series) 4.5 stars

Here's yet another clever little story line. The first was the best and then they kept getting less interesting as the series went on. I'd still recommend them though. People are so much more creative than me.

Okay, I've also read tons of the popular young adult series like the Harry Potter Series, Fablehaven, Inkheart, Leven Thumps, Percy Jackson, Twilight Series ...

I've also read a lot of the historical fiction series: Work and Glory, Children of the Promise, Hearts of the Children, Fisher of Men, Prelude to Glory ...

I'm in need of something new. Preferably a series that's completed already so I don't get antsy waiting for the next one to be written. I CAN'T STAND that!

Anyone have any recommendations?

by the way ...

I chopped my hair off.

and here's me looking like an idiot trying to get a good shot for all y'all to see :)

what do you think?

Give me FIVE!

Here they are!!!

Birthday Pictures for my oldest little girl!!

She turned 5 this past week!

5!!

It was a busy day filled with her first day of school, mom taking too many pictures, playing with friends, picking what to eat for dinner (hot dogs-what?), ice cream cake, candles, and presents!

We went light on the presents this year cause my kids have practically everything they could ever want already. Danna has been asking us, however, for a bunny almost every day for the past month or so. We were hoping she'd just get over that idea but to our dismay she persisted.

Sooooo ... trying to be a good mom we let her borrow, yes borrow, some bunnies to take care of for a few days (thank you Susan and Justine)

My girls pretty much LOVED it! They 'took care of' (more like overfed, overwatered and overcoddled) three rabbits for 3 days. Our garage smelled awful, my girls were filthy from sitting on the garage floor but they had the HUGEST smiles on their faces! It was fun :)

Anyway, the day was so busy (with my making cookies for Danna's class late the night before --and then making them AGAIN since the first batch burned), dropping her off and picking her up (you know how it goes), that I gave her the option of her having an ice cream cake instead of me making her one. She seemed pretty excited with the idea so Mike picked one up on the way home.

Enough talk. See how much fun we had?

all of us together

oh yeah, and Brynn too ...

And Aunt Amber

and Leah

present time!

Here she's listening intently while daddy reads her cards aloud.

Happy Birthday Danna-doo!

I seriously can't believe how time has flown--you are such a delight! We love you!

First day of School!!!

What a busy and exciting day!!

My sweet daughter had her first day of kindergarten!

How cute is she all ready and waiting to ride her bike down the street for school. She was pretty nervous but also really excited!

she looks soo tiny under her ginormous new backpack!

Riding over to the school ... pretty sure it's the only bike there with training wheels still on. (cute no?)

I did get one cute picture of her at her desk before I figured I should just stop doting and leave already!

Here she is after school -- excited and showing off her new bracelet from her teacher since it is not only the first day of school ...

but also her 5th birthday!!!!!

What little girl doesn't think the first day of kindergarten is like the BEST present for her birthday ever!! Danna thought it was pretty cool!

I'm so glad she made the cut (though barely) to go to school this year--I know she's going to love it!

More birthday pictures to come!