we all had a wonderful time at Sam's baptism.

Saturday was such a special day for all of us, especially Sam. It was his baptism day! He woke up with a big smile and a great attitude...he knew he was making a good decision and choosing the right thing to do. Mike and I were so happy for him and his younger brother and sisters were excited about his decision to get baptized. Sam was surrounded by his friends and loving family. It was certainly a special day for us all.
After the baptism we had a luncheon at our house. Plenty of good food and company was had.

and we made it through Thanksgiving dinner without braking anything!

We had the pleasure of going to my aunt's house for Thanksgiving dinner. For the first time in my life the adults out numbered the kids at the annual feast. It wasn't any quieter, though, there were 6 kids and 4 of them are mine. Anyway, the food was fabulous! I cannot describe how yummy everything was...the turkey, the ham, the potatoes, the stuffing, the green bean casserole! OH, and Mike's pies. Oh, oh, oh, Mike's homemade yummy, yummy pies. Every bite was worth every calorie! We all ate until our bellies and pants could hold no more.

The weather was perfect for outdoor play so we took advantage of it and sent the kids to 'work off' their big meal. They happily played with bubbles (until Joe spilled them all) and I taught them how to play ninja destruction (awesome game).

Other than that, I've been trying to update my house with a new bathroom while planning my black Friday shopping and Sam's baptism. Yeah, I know, bad idea. I am already in over my head! Our hallway bathroom is still not put together; the vanity, sink and facet are in my front room still in their boxes. And where is the old toilet, sink and vanity? It was sitting on the front porch but now it's in the back of Mike's truck waiting to go to 'bathroom heaven'.

I have to mention how grateful I am for all the wonderful things that I have and enjoy on a daily basis. Things such as (in no particular order) freedom, modern medicine, conveniences of technology, religion, the list can go on forever. I am especially thankful for my wonderful husband and for my four happy and healthy children! Oh, and all my family (lest no one be offended)

today was a busy, busy day

I had a bright idea: Ask the neighbor if her husband would be willing to tile my bathroom floor for $100 (small bathroom). I already have the supplies, all I needed was for someone to do the labor. I double checked with Mike to make sure it was okay (price and all) and, thank goodness 'cause I already committed, it was a go! Mike did insist that we put in a new vanity. That meant that I had to run to a store and pick one out and bring it home TODAY.
Well, that didn't happen. Vanities are major bucks, jimminey. I was able to find one that was reasonably priced. I purchased it and a sink topper (counter top). I will pick it up in the morning and hopefully the grout will be dry by then. (Neighbor guy will be back in the AM to grout.) The tile is down and it looks great. He did it all (take out old floor, rip out sink and base, pull up toilet) in less than 2 1/2 hours!
A new bathroom floor and vanity! Exciting! Bonus: I already have a new fixture for the sink. All of this will be done just in time for Sam's baptism on Saturday (we are having peeps over for lunch afterwards). I can't wait to share the pictures will y'all.
Until tomorrow.....

Title change

I decided to change the title of my blog. Since I don't keep a daily journal (or a weekly or monthly one for that matter), I thought it would be a good idea to 'double dip' and expand the purpose of my blog. I will call it a journalog. Or a blogurnal. Something that combines a blog and journal together. I am open to ideas.
In case you were worried, the format of my blog won't change. I will still write about the daily happenings and goings-on of the Lee family, just more frequently (I hope). OH, and maybe the writings will be (might be) a bit more personal. You know, for the children. I hope you don't mind. I figure that my memoirs (used loosely) would be read after I expire by all who wish to expand their knowledge of the daily dealings of a housewife. So, why not pass the time by reading them now?

Scouts!

Sam is officially a Cub Scout. Doesn't he look dashing in his Scout uniform?
His first Scout meeting was last week, they went to the Wildlife Zoo in Phoenix. He came home showing me the Scout sign and talking endlessly about the 1/2-day trip.
We went to the scout shop yesterday and purchased his uniform and the basic materials a Cub Scout requires. By the time we got home, Sam had already read half of the Scout Handbook. Talk about excitement!
Sam will attend his first Pack Meeting tomorrow. I heard those meetings are really cool - the boys who've earned badges and arrows and other things (?) are recognized and congratulated. It won't be long until Sam is one of those boys.

Messy House

I just swept my floors. Oh. My. Gosh. You should see the pile of 'stuff' that was on my floor. Dirt, sand, food, bendaroos, hay, sticks from corn dogs , grass, paper, wipes, gum, candy, chocolate, water bottle lids, popcorn, cards, wrappers, old fruit, a chicken nugget, the list could go on and on.
Since yesterday was a no-school day, I feel like today is Monday. It feels like a Monday and I definitely have Monday-house. Anyone want to come and do my laundry and dishes? I need a nap.

Sam turns 8!

Happy 8th Birthday, Sam!
New clothes, Wii games, a remote controlled helicopter...this 8 year-old has it made! In addition to all the wonderful presents, he has his health (the best gift of all, I think).


post party note: The party went so well - the kids had a blast running the obstacle course. Some of the kids wanted to do it again and again and again. I had no idea that 7 and 8 year-olds can be so competative.
Sam got some really cool gifts and already played some of them into extinction. I can't tell what his favorite gift was but I am sure that the fact that he gets to stay up 'til 8 o'clock, now that he is 8, is in the top 5 gifts of all time.

Halloween

We had a great Halloween. The kids ate at Chik-fil-a for free (kids in costume, talk about a bonus), we visited grandparents, went to a friend's for a 'weeny roast, visited Aunt Linda and Jean and Blaine, and trick-or-treated until the cows came home. Talk about a ton of candy....sheesh. The night was full of fun and adventure. I wish I had pictures to post: Sarah was a beautiful mermaid, Mary was a cute little princess, Joe was a energetic spider man and Sam was a Ghostbuster (proton generator pack that glowed in the dark and everything)! Whew!