Butler Rules!!!

Distractions

2009-05-11T14:54:00.000-07:00

Sorry no updates of late, but I'm busy carrying for 5 newborns...check out our other blog for an explanation. That plus Larry's gone for a 15 day surf trip = no free time.

http://www.butlerbullies.blogspot.com

Easter at the Dunes

2009-04-13T11:24:00.000-07:00

We skipped town for what little time we could afford and spent Easter with friends at the desert. It was a quick, but needed getaway. The kids found their Easter baskets (not too hard in a 26' camper) before getting all dressed in their Easter best and heading off to church. The days festivities also included an egg hunt with the Kuhn kids and a scaled back camping version of Easter dinner.

April Fools!

2009-04-01T15:21:00.001-07:00

Jed got to take the snack to preschool today. We couldn't take just any old snack, so we made sushi. I'm posting this per a friend's request - a friend who I miss and don't see enough of lately! I did find the perfect fruit rolls to imitate seaweed...there were a couple little friends who couldn't accept that it wasn't real.

Happy Birthday Buddies

2009-03-04T13:55:00.000-08:00

We're coming down from our crazy birthday weekend hangovers. When your family has two birthdays on one day (and that day happens to fall on a Sunday), it means you celebrate for three days. Larry and I were lucky enough to go out on Friday night while Larry's parent provided us with free babysitting. We hit Disneyland (bummer, no pictures!) and ate ourselves sick thanks to the Kuhn's!

Saturday was Jed's day...he picked Chuck E. Cheese. Yipee...but at least he had a great time.

Sunday we had a Cafe Rio feast, ate ourselves sick again, played RockBand 2 with the Harpers and had the usual two cakes.

Happy Birthday to my big 4-yr-old and my forever 29-yr-old! I love you!

Crazy Hair Day

2009-03-04T13:54:00.001-08:00

Laughter and Sunday Dishes

2009-02-23T16:34:00.000-08:00

I have two totally different things to talk about. Hence, the title.

I'll start out with three facts:
1) I'm very particular about visual aesthetics, layouts, fonts, colors, etc. I don't know why, I just am. There is one font I think is extremely overused and I can't stand.
2) I don't like to be serious. I know sometimes I have to be, but I just can't take it for very long. If someone doesn't make a joke sooner or later, I'll have to.
3) I'm really good at keeping my kitchen clean and hate dirty dishes in the sink.

So, Larry wrote me a very heartfelt and sweet letter for Valentine's Day. He paired it with some pink Oakley's, of course. The letter was perfect, it was what I needed to hear. He told me about all the things he loves about me, he got me all involved and even choked up. Then I read the last sentence, "I love that you hate this is written in comic sans." Moment over. But that's why I love him, even when he tries to be cheesy and serious, laughter usually ensues...it's the best.

Yesterday was one of those Sundays. The one's where I come home from church and feel completely exhausted and have a headache to boot. I did make dinner when I got home, but I didn't do the dishes. I typically don't on Sundays. I just don't have it in me and it's supposed to be the day of rest, right? Funny thing is, Sunday is generally the day we'll get "stop-by's"...Home Teachers, friends, family, etc. So, if you've ever stopped by on a Sunday, my kitchen usually looks much better. Don't judge me. I regret my laziness every Monday morning, but quickly get over it before next Sunday. My friend that was along for the ride with me yesterday said, "Mormons should have an eighth day." I totally agree.

1 for 1

2009-02-05T18:49:00.000-08:00

So, I only had one shot at this...I only have one daughter. I love dance! I danced growing up and wish I could have danced more. If Maddie could have had one talent, I would have picked dancing...I got my wish. Well, she does have more talents than dancing, but she really loves to dance. Hooray for me!

Full Swing

2008-12-09T15:31:00.000-08:00

So, as of today we've attended the Oakley Christmas party, been to Disneyland at least once, gone to Follow the Star, and visited the Fashion Island Santa. We're already most of the way through our annual Christmas traditions.

You can tell by this picture that Jed wasn't too sure about sitting on a strange man's lap, which is funny, because he was really excited until we actually got there.

We took our pictures by the 115 foot Christmas tree (of which you can only see about 8 feet of in this picture) and had dinner at the food court.

Good times, good times...

NYC with the Girls

2008-11-14T18:28:00.001-08:00

Happy Halloween!

2008-11-10T21:50:00.001-08:00

Book Club Invitation

2008-11-10T15:58:00.000-08:00

This weekend, I was privileged to host the first of many Desert Book Clubs. It's not your normal book club, we actually just sit together and read, and eat, and read and talk every once in a while. Everyone is invited, there are just a few requirements...

You must have a book to read (preferably one that at least one other person in attendance has already read so they can stare at you while you read and giggle annoyingly because they know you're getting to a really good part)
You must bring food and that food must include chocolate in some form
You must have a camper trailer, or know someone who has one, or be willing to rent one and then take it out to the middle of no where to camp
You must be able to start and ride a quad
You must be able to pull your kids quad out of the sand when he gets it stuck
You must be willing to wear a helmet and goggles and look good doing it
You must be willing to drive 20 minutes to WalMart to buy spinach artichoke dip, ace bandages, RV septic tank treatments, assorted candy, etc (trust me...these are the most random trips to the store you'll ever make)
You must be trained in first aid, or at least be able to read the pamphlet that comes in the first aid kit
You must be able to brave 50 mile an hour winds in a sand storm

These are most of the requirements. If anyone is interested in joining, let me know...

Breakfast Conversation

2008-10-20T11:13:00.000-07:00

So, yesterday over breakfast, I was having Maddie and Sam work on their parts for the upcoming Primary Program. I guess Jed felt like he needed to contribute, and it went something like this...

Jed: "Mom, I love Jesus."

Me: "That's good, Jed!"

Jed: "I love Chuck E. Cheese, too."

(Hysterical laughter from older siblings and me trying to keep a straight face)

Jed: "But, I do love Jesus."

Oh well, at least he loves Jesus...

If it's fall, why is it 90 degrees today?

2008-09-25T14:53:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween! Once September 21st comes around, I feel that's license to pull out my favorite seasonal decor. Last year, Larry told the kids their mom is a witch...don't worry, our marriage isn't on the rocks, he just means I really, really, really like Halloween and he thinks I decorate a little too early and a little too much. So if you're living in SoCal, crank that air conditioning, light your favorite fall scented candle, and bake something with pumpkin cuz' it's the best time of the year!

This is my fav...his name's Gordy, I got him at Roger's Gardens a few years back! He always makes me smile!

7 going on 16

2008-09-11T11:16:00.000-07:00

Well, our school year and extra curricular schedule are in full swing. Maddie's in soccer and dance and Sam's in tennis. In the past few weeks, our little girl has matured years beyond her actual age. (It must be this walking to school alone business.)

There have been several factors...she has decided she likes dancing enough to commit to 4 hours a week of training to be on a competition team. She also is carrying her laptop to school every day. Yes, you read that right...her laptop. Her school is one of only a few in the district that supports a laptop learning program. It's completely voluntary, we have to buy it for her if we want her to participate...talk about peer pressure.

We've known about it for a couple years and have stewed over it just as long. We definitely don't want our children to grow up feeling entitled in any way. We decided to have her earn half. She collected some recycling and helped care for the puppies (not her favorite thing). Anyway, a LOT of $ later, she's happy as a clam. BONUS-I got a free printer.

She gets baptized in a few weeks as well. I really can't believe it. It's definitely your children that age you. When they're not around, I feel 26 again! Her birthday list consists of an ipod, clothes, accessories for her laptop, jewelry, etc... Now you understand...7 going on 16.

Happy New Year!

2008-09-02T10:16:00.000-07:00

I heard a dad say "Happy New Year" to another dad this morning at school and it made me laugh. It pretty much is a new year every September once you have school-aged kids. January 1st is just a break in the middle of the year as far as my schedule is concerned.

Today is the first day of school. As I sit here while Jed plays in silence and I'm not breaking up fights or telling Maddie to find something to do, I'm thrilled that school is back in session. This morning, when I woke up at 6:30 and was making lunches and telling Sam to eat faster, I wasn't so thrilled. I guess there are always pros and cons. Jed isn't seeing any cons, he's got free reign of all the toys and is able to pick which show he watches. He wouldn't even leave his toys to say goodbye to Larry this morning.

It's a big year for Maddie and Sam...they get to walk to school by themselves. It's going to be awfully nice to not have to sit in a carpool pick-up lane ever again (okay, if it rains, I might go pick them up). Larry and I walked with them this morning to familiarize them with the route. They'll be meeting up with several other kids, so I hope they don't have too much fun and forget to get to school.

Maddie also has undergone a mini makeover. I think she thinks she's been on "What Not To Wear" (one of her favorite shows), less the $5000 wardrobe. We went shopping for a few updates and she felt she needed accessories with each outfit. She also got a new haircut, complete with bangs. She can hardly wait until she gets her ears pierced on her birthday in a month. She said that when that happens, she'll be "done." Really, I don't know how we could afford another girl, it's a good thing there's only one!

Sam was blessed with another young, cute teacher. Larry remembers having a crush on his kindergarten teacher and he says she wasn't even that good looking. If that's the case, Sam should have major crushes on both of his teachers thus far. He was quite the trooper, wearing a backpack that's almost as big as he is. It does have wheels (that light up, no less), so he doesn't have to suffer any permanent back damage this year. On the way to school this morning, he asked, "Mom, is walking to school exercise?"

Go Bolts!

2008-08-26T16:51:00.000-07:00

Larry and I went to a pre-season Chargers game last night. I have to admit, I really love football...NFL to be more specific. Larry's passion for the Chargers is contagious and I've caught it. So, I know it was pre-season (I know, I know, it doesn't count or mean anything and they play mostly second string), but it was really fun and exciting to be there live. Plus, ya gotta love the type of people NFL games attract, never a dull moment (meaning you'll always get to witness a fight or two, there's plenty of beer, and people act a bit crazy). And when isn't it fun to spend 6 hours alone with your hubby?! September 7th, Chargers vs. Panthers...bring it on!

Divide and Conquer

2008-08-22T17:09:00.000-07:00

Maddie and I went out for one of two annual Girls' Night Out traditions last night. We hit the Sawdust Festival in Laguna Beach. It's basically a really big artisan/craft fair. Very fun...if you like that sort of thing. We were there with Lindsay and Ashlyn and Melanie and Mylee. Maddie always gets a new toe ring and we always hit BJ's for pazookies after.

The day before, Larry took the boys to Disneyland (our passes aren't blacked out anymore!) for a Boys' Night Out. They hit the new Toy Story Mania ride and gave it six thumbs up.

Have you seen this cord?

2008-08-21T15:31:00.000-07:00

I really did want to post a couple things today. I am going to make an honest effort at this. I even have some pictures to go with, but suspiciously, my usb cord is missing. It wouldn't really be all that suspicious if you could see the state of the second story of our house except for the fact that this has happened before...two or three times before. I usually leave it plugged in for easy access and that's the last place I saw it. I wonder if someday, while cleaning out the boys room, I'll find a collection of cords...

Title

2008-08-14T16:14:00.001-07:00

So, I thought I'd share why I chose this title for our blog. Even though the guy on Billy Madison is a jerk, you have to admire his sense of self..."O'Doyle Rules!" Well, we're not jerks, and we think we're pretty great... so, "BUTLER RULES!!!"