The Griffens

Making the world go 'round

2011-10-11T23:27:00.000-04:00

I'm not really a craft blogger poster type.

But, after joining Pinterest, I realize that's what makes the world go 'round.

I was itching to make a wreath for Halloween. My sister started it all with this...

Isn't it cute? I love it. She claims it was well worth the glue gun burns.

But, I hate to be a copy cat, and went out to reinvent the wheel. (By "reinvent the wheel" I mean "spend far too much time on google and Pinterest looking for the perfect wreath project".)

I came up with this all by my lonesome. A mummy wreath.

I like it.

It's made with decorative gauze from the Halloween decor at the big WM and a wreath form. Takes about 10 minutes. Easy-peezy.

If'ns

2011-06-19T15:02:00.003-04:00

If'ns you add bacon to yer chocolate chip cookies...

(a) thinking you've watched enough food network to make it work, and
(b) thinking the Southerners will be giddy with excitement at the idea of a pork cookie and accept you into their fold

...you would be wrong.

...BUT not on both counts!!

The cookies were actually delicious and I have acquired enough skills from "Chopped" to make it work.

The Southerners...meh...not so much. Now I'm just banished as a wierdo. Not so sure that's new for me.

Maybe pulled pork cupcakes?

(BTW - Not Crazy - see?)

My Mom . . . . by Macy

2011-05-08T23:45:00.004-04:00

Macy filled out this loving paper all about her mom:

My mom likes to watch wipeout for fun.
She is good at dealing with Reily.
Her favorite food is pizza.
My mom always says, "I'M TAKING A NAP!"
My mom teaches me how to hit Otto with a shoe.
My mom and I always clean.
Mom helps me when I need it.
(Payton's answer was, "When there is no other possible option")
Mom enjoys cuddleing.
We like to cuddle together.
I love her because she is a a loving mother.

Nice.
7/10.
And she ate my chocolate.

the goodest bike rider EVER!!

2011-03-05T21:14:00.001-05:00

I love her....even if she claims I don't play with her!

Kharma

2011-01-25T16:54:00.002-05:00

Now I would like to believe that a loving mother would not rejoice in the cosmic power of Kharma in relation to her darling little 5 year old; but, I did.

While I was warming a brownie remnant for Rei, she grabbed my Route 44 nectar of life. I kindly (with more sharpness than was likely necessary) told her to put the soda down.

[ Insert Onomatopoeia... (Yes, I spelled it correctly the first time.)A
ll 44 of those glorious ounces and equally glorious pebbles of ice ALL OVER the floor.

crudcakes.

I wiped, mopped, swept, mopped my sticky love off the floor.

crudcakes.

That's ok. Her brownie was cooking the entire time.

[ Insert MWAHAHAHAHAHA! ]

Smokily solidified to the bottom of the bowl. Kitchen smoking.

Kharma.

Don't mess.

Christmas

2010-12-25T18:04:00.003-05:00

Reily-isms

2010-12-06T21:16:00.001-05:00

Reily is a fun girl. Since I last blogged, she turned 5!! (I know ...5?! It's crazy!)

She does a lot of talking,

a lot of cartwheeling,

a lot of handstands,

and a lot more talking.

All day.

Every day.

That's just about it.

Today she wanted to walk the track at the YMCA. Every lap she would stop at the electrical outlet and fill up with imaginary soda. The next outlet, she would serve herself some imaginary ice cream. We did 1/2 a mile...snacking the whole way. I may have found MY new motivation.

She currently has a little mark on her lip, a scuff of some sort. I asked her how she got it. She launched into a fairly elaborate story about our "Elf on a Shelf", Jingle, sneaking into her room at night and punching her in the face. Mythical beings creep her out. She insists we should send Jingle back to Santa...one way. As for Santa? No likey. She's on the letter route. If he does come to visit (which is questionable with the naughtiness level in this house) he is not to stomp around in his loud boots, and he has to promise to stay downstairs. So many rules. Santa may just skip us.

One more:

Tonight before going to sleep, she asked, "How long is the night?" I replied, "About 11 hours for you.". Reily: "GRRRRR! I can't keep my mouth shut for THAT long!!"

That's for sure.

For my friends who are not losers...

2010-09-21T23:33:00.003-04:00

If I can get the rest of you to balloon to your GREEAATEST potential, I would look so goood.
So, in defiance of the BL (Biggest Loser), I'm giving you these...Killer Brownies.
Uh huh.
Yep.
You're goin' down.
So, grab some good, stretchy yoga pants and get cookin'.
I don't have a visual.
I can't make more to get one.
Seriously, I can't.
It wouldn't be good.
I wouldn't be good.

Killer Brownies

1 milk chocolate cake mix
1/2 c. butter, softened...not melted
1/3 c. flour
1/3 c. evaporated milk

1 lb. caramels...unwrapped
1/3 c. evaporated milk

1 pkg. milk chocolate chips

1. Mix cake mix, butter, flour, and 1/3 c. evaporated milk. The dough will be sticky.
2. Smash 1/2 cake mixture into bottom of 9 x 13 pan.
3. Bake @ 350 for 5-7 min.
4. Melt caramels and 1/3 c. evap milk. Melt slowly. Watch carefully. You'll be really mad if you scorch this gooey, creamy love.
5. When the cooked brownie mix is out of the oven, sprinkle the chocolate chips, pour on the caramel, and squish/crumble the rest of the cake mixture on top.
6. Bake 10 more minutes.

It's best to wait for them to cool. If this is a lesson you wish to learn the hard way...they'll still taste delish!!

Lesson Learned: Charity & Death

2010-09-13T07:03:00.002-04:00

My little Reily has several neuroses. She's also quick to establish new ones. She's always been curious about babies, armpits, and death. (Yep, armpits)

This weekend she and the other primary children were blessed with the opportunity of singing to the residence of the Sterling Home. The residents are chronologically gifted*. Our friend, Katie, celebrated her 100th birthday recently.

They all did an amazing job singing their little hearts out and even accepted those sweet, yet slightly suffocating, hugs and kisses.

Later, Reily confessed that she started to cry "just a little bit" when she was singing. When I asked her why... "Because I thought some of those people were a little bit dead. But, they were just sleeping. They looked a little dead though."

Since then we've had several discussions on the difference between sleep and death.

Oh, Reily.

What the fuss is all about.

2010-09-09T17:16:00.004-04:00

Blaine and Dr. Drake's research came out in Nature yesterday.

It's caused quite a scientific buzz.

If you're into that sort of stuff, here are some links.

For those who like and can understand big words:
Nature

For those who like big pictures and little words:
Wired

I'm sure there's a TLC reality show in his future.

Dear August,

2010-09-07T11:32:00.006-04:00

I thought we were done with each other?!
You need to take your mayhem and torture someone else.

AND...how DARE you drag September into this. A car robbery and all those bills from August's destruction...let's call it quits. Please?

You need to go away. I can't afford to have you in my life.

I don't care if you are my birthday month. I don't need to turn another year older. Besides, my birthday checks can't even cover your damages.

Bah-bye!
So long.
Farewell.
Ciao.

This doesn't need to be a bitter break up. Just go. Leave September where it is. We need football season, and if Reily doesn't have a birthday...the world would likely end.

Just go.
Now.

No more calls from the sheriff, the foundation repair guys, the dentist, the school, or the doctor.

Just move on.

Stay away from my family and friends. Go find some really mean people. They need you. They deserve you.

I'm not answering your calls, emails, or texts anymore.
Gone.
August...out!

Did I mention our GPS unit was stolen out of our car? yep. yay.

August...in summary

2010-08-29T20:43:00.008-04:00

car tires - flat
car locks -unlockable
car - unstartable
car windshield - eaten by baboon
internet - gone
tv- still gone
phone service - installed incorrectly
phone - broken
blender - cracked
fan light - pulled apart
carpet - chewed
foundation - cracked, and drifting downhill
library - $28 fine
son - stitched
mercury - spilled
car - sprayed with oil; unwashable because of aforementioned baboon
dr. appt - late
doctor - mad
skin spot - undiagnosed
insurance card - missing
doctor - rich

Alexander and his terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day - sympathetic
Calamity Jane - laughing

Me - ready for September

First Day of School

2010-08-26T08:00:00.001-04:00

The kids started school last Thursday

(angels sing)

3 schools.

Departures at 6:30...7:00...and 7:30.

Why is he so grumpy?

He got the most sleep!!

Everyone seems to be happy with classes and teachers. I think it's going to be a good year.

Why animal shelters are full.

2010-08-25T07:42:00.002-04:00

Save the carpet.

Save the dog.

I fixed it (ish) before Dad got home...lucky dog.

The Cosmos...

2010-08-15T21:04:00.000-04:00

Reily: "Does God ever sleep?"

Mom: "No. He has a pretty strong spirit that keeps him going."

Reily: "Oh yeah, sweet potato fries make you really strong."

Birds & Bees II - the final chapter?

2010-08-14T20:58:00.003-04:00

Reily will not let the subject die.
She asked again...in the car...with her little friend right beside her.

I told her it was something we would talk about as a mom and little girl, not with our friend.

She came in my room today while I was folding my molehill of laundry. (Really, it was a mountain, but I'm trying to change my perspective.)

Anyway...

It was a perfect time and there was no real escape in sight. So, I got out the human body book and blah, blah, blush, blah...

After we were finished, she said, "THAT'S how babies are made?! Ok. Next, I'm gonna need your wedding dress."

This girl is on the fast track. I'll try to derail her. Watch out world, you've been fairly warned.

2nd Grade Epicurean

2010-08-09T10:49:00.002-04:00

Mom: "Macy, I need to make some cookies. Would you like to make them?"
Macy: "I was thinking we could make caviar or cream brulee."

Where did she come from?

Bloomingdales?
Saks Fifth Avenue?
Rodeo Drive?

Birds & Bees & Primary - Oh My!!

2010-08-08T17:20:00.002-04:00

Reily and I had a little whispered exchange during Primary singing time at church today.

R: "Do Moms & Dads REALLY make babies?"
me: "Yep."
R: "How?"
me: "Uhh....we're singing."

I think that will do for another year or so.

Faling in love with Fallingwater

2010-08-05T21:41:00.004-04:00

I didn't know how important this place was to me. As we drove the long-ish road I got all butterfly-ish.

This is one from my bucket list.

I was giddy. More so than my children. But, I think they found glimmers of enjoyment; like the algae-ridden pool and the slicker-than-snot rocks in the river.

I enjoyed all the artsy fantasticness of the place. Frank Lloyd Wright has always been an idol of mine.

love

Oh yeah, on the way, we drove through Normalville. Small town. It was a nice break from the Crazyville we've been living in. I guess I could say, "Nice place. But, I wouldn't want to live there'"

But, that would be the jealousy speaking.

Pitsburgh - Stitchburgh - Pukesburgh

2010-08-05T21:32:00.005-04:00

Oh, Pittsburgh. You are my new Georgia. And that really means something.

It's 2:30am on Wednesday. We've been here almost 12 hours.

I've scoured the hotel for a soda machine that will accept bills. So, I could buy a ginger ale for my pukey little 7 year old. She's rolling with a tummy ache next to me.

We've taken the kids swimming, broke their hearts because the jacuzzi is broken.

Blaine has been to the ER to get 9 stitches for Payton's lip. yep. ER. yep. 9 stitches. Sister jumped on his face in the pool. He's proud of his new teeth through the lip, blue-stitched, think pad.

I would've liked to have posted this earlier; but, the front desk insists on maintaining the charade that I have internet access in my room and they will get a tech on it tomorrow...or tomorrow...or maybe NEVER!!

We found a spot of tortoise-like wireless in the lobby. I can eat my Canadian smuggled Aero bar and blog to my hearts content.

I will give you a point of redemption...

Fallingwater

love, love, love

Big Deal

2010-07-23T00:25:00.001-04:00

Dr. G is going to be published in "Nature".
That's a big deal!!

Yay hubs!!

found

2010-07-10T03:35:00.002-04:00

Do you know how long it takes to watch 6 seasons of Lost?

For some, it took 6 years.

We are fairly gifted and talented in this household.

It only took us 2 months!!

That's right...

2 months of child neglect

2 months of disney channel reruns

2 months of locked doors

2 months of sighing when someone knocked on the door

2 months of overlooking late night kitchen cleaning

2 months of forgetting about that track to tenure

2 months of bed sores (not really, but you catch my drift)

I COULD NOT WAIT for Jack, Sawyer, Hurley and Kate to get of that blasted island!!

Our house looks as though the smoke monster himself took up residence.

But, they're all dead now. We've enjoyed our accelerated brush with the worldwide phenomenon...and we're back.

The inmates will no longer be running this prison...the Others have returned!!!!

this is your brain on summer

2010-06-29T12:46:00.002-04:00

my brain melted.
sorry.
sometime in may. between a birthday party, yearbooks, teacher gifts, and end of the year parties...it melted into a big ball of goo.

i'm scrambling to get it back.
not happening.

may slapped me upside the head....much like december does.
june just finished me off.
summer is hard this year.

they're all soooo hard to entertain.
and summer math and reading?
good parents all around are concerned. i....didn't even think about it. there's still time. (sorry kids)

today: swim
tomorrow: swim
next: free movie, swim

i've got to get my summer on...and quick!!!
bootstraps up.

Egg-cellent!!

2010-04-29T21:16:00.002-04:00

Dear Sarah,

You are such a good friend.

Remember when you invited all of us mommies and our 4 year olds to your house for an Easter Party? It was wonderful. We had a lot of fun.

Remember when we colored eggs? The kids loved the painty q-tips.

Remember when I found those eggs? No?

Well, I did.

In my car.

One month later.

Thank you for putting them in a ziploc bag!! You saved my upholstery.

Monica

----

Dear husband,

I'm sorry for all the times I called you crazy...above and below my breath. I know you weren't just smelling things.

Mo

things don't look good

2010-04-11T20:51:00.002-04:00

we made stir-fry last night...complete with fortune cookies.
here's what rolled out

I will "soon reach perfection"
Blaine's "worst of times is behind him"
Payton "will inherit a large sum"
Taylor's "life will get interesting"
Macy "will move to a new house within the year"
Reily "will be surrounded by good friends"

LaChoy you're a creepy lot!! You don't put those sorts of things in the cookies of a crazy woman's family!! Do you know who my mom is?!?!?

Sounds like a good week to stay inside.

full immersion

2010-04-08T22:59:00.002-04:00

I saw a billboard advertising a "Full Immersion Spanish Preschoool". Non-stop...Spanish and children.

I am in the throes of a "Full Immersion Spring Break". Eat, sleep, drink...entertainment and children. I even find 1/2 of them in my bed in the morning! Non-stop.

Mrs. Hannigan's song is apropos for this "Little girls, little girls night and day I eat, sleep and breathe them."

Full Immersion.

I'm drowning.

On the bright side: My son cleaned his room...without being asked...what?! He didn't even ask for anything afterwards. I don't know what it could be. But, I'm not willing to meet my deductible to find out. If we all keep really quiet, maybe it will happen again. Don't hold your breath...just keep quiet.

connected

2010-04-05T00:02:00.002-04:00

Payton and I were enjoying conference today.

That's right

by my side

snuggled up

feet propped

good moment

Elder Robert D. Hales gave a great talk on connecting with youth.

I asked Payton if we were connected...If so, was it by USB?

He said, "By wi-fi. Not USB."

Is that good? I'm gonna hope so. Wi-fi is a lot better than USB. I guess that means I go wherever he does.

I'm gonna love that moment forever.

f . h. e .

2010-03-22T20:21:00.003-04:00

family home evening
every monday
It has been said.. "the only fight that begins and ends with prayer"
true.
true.

Reily was in charge of the song tonight.
She chose "We Will Rock You".
Taylor scratched away on her makeshift turntable.
Payton brought the percussion.
Macy danced in the background.

no fight.

Hmmm...
Are we doing this right?

Giving up on nice

2010-03-18T14:47:00.005-04:00

So...

I was doing a good deed...at Sonic (All good deeds should come from Sonic). This deed was in the form of a Rt44 Diet Coke for a friend.

I decided to repay my Rt44 debt.

My good friend will be pleasantly surprised when I show up with it.

So...diet coke, diet limeade and a slush for the little one.

Swipe.

"Sorry ma'm your card is not going through"
(BTW-after calling the bank, I found it was Sonic's fault... Just sayin')

Huh?

No cash.

The sweet little Sonic server let me go with a promise to repay my $4.79.

Turn the corner.

Rt44...on the floor.

bummer.

Sip limeade.

Not limeade.

bummer.

later that day, I repaid my debt...for 2 drinks...that were not even consumed

bummer.

Another incident:

We were taking warm rolls to a funeral dinner.

lost for an hour and a half.
(BTW - the stake center is really only 15 minutes away. I am that amazing.)

cold rolls

ran out of gas

and

got rear ended.

It's just the end of nice.

Sorry folks.

Table 1 Mom 0

2010-03-11T23:58:00.003-05:00

So, the Huz is at another conference for a few days.

I calculated. I stocked up on necessary supplies...fabric, paint, and big ideas.

What is it?

I think it's because we can count on Uncle Tyson and Auntie Ore Ida providing dinner each night at a variable time. 5:00? 6:00?

I think it's because my dishwasher can get started just before bed instead of right after dinner.

Anyway, I usually tackle some looming project...usually forbidden...or at least shot down.

Last night it was the table. The one I got an, "I told you so" after painting it peacock blue and watching the paint peel right off. This time, I was strippin' it and sandin' it. It would be an amazing work of art by the time I was finished. (despite the gaping particle board hole)

The end product will be "Nickel" in color...as soon as the black and blue disappear.

Seriously?

Who does this to their foot while refinishing furniture?

Me!

Talent. Pure talent.

The table is coming along nicely. Now that it has taken its anger out by dropping its leaf on my "Mango get 'em" pedicure.

It goes both ways. I'm turning it into a craft table instead of a work of art...

Take that you big, solid, heavy piece of wood!

raising an ulcer

2010-03-05T19:26:00.002-05:00

we're planning a day at the beach.

Macy insists she needs her suitcase.

Mom: "Why do you need to pack a whole suitcase for a little trip?"

Macy: "I need my
swimming suit
sunglasses
jewelry
sun block
beach towel
beach ball
umbrella - to protect me from the sun
a floaty
some fruit for a smoothie
flip flops
a surfer dude - to keep me company
a surf board
coloring book
gold earrings
a bucket
a shovel
my diary"

this is the girl that lulls herself to sleep at night with the Tiffany jewelry catalog.

ulcers...

and a suitcase

Huz is out of town

2010-02-25T08:41:00.003-05:00

Of course.

So, my boy is stepping foot on the short road to delinquency. We call it "juvi" around here.

While we were away, he filled all the (newly filled) soap dispensers in the house with food coloring. Lots of food coloring. Enough to dye your hands every time you wash.

Naughty.

He said he was getting a start on St. Patricks Day.

Huh?

He was being a naughty leprechaun. Thank you public school system for teaching my children leprechauns do not leave chocolate gold, they run through your house ransacking it and causing mischief. Yep, thanks.

Kudos for getting a jump on the St. Patty season, Buddy.

So, we dumped all the soap down the sink...the slightly clogged kitchen sink. The slightly clogged kitchen sink that drains its refuse into the dishwasher. That one. The one that was going to be fixed when Huz got back.

Flash forward. Morning dishes. Dishwasher...clogged with 24oz of backed up hand soap...green, hand soap.

Yep.

Here is the beginning of the end product of St. Patty's gone wild.

Internally yours.

2010-02-09T13:53:00.004-05:00

So, Rei was still suffering from some tummy aches; and I just couldn't continue our infectious cycle and take her to the gym.

Another day at home.

I've got cabin fever...B.A.D. Two weeks of puke, laundry, lysol, puke, laundry, and lysol has not made me a better person.

So, I loaded my ailing daughter into her stroller and we took the dog for a good walk.

Now, I imagined a lovely internal dialogue with myself...all runners enjoy this...right?! I have a hard time being with myself. But, I was going to give it a try. I usually love being distracted by the TV or ipod while I'm exercising. I just work better when I don't know what's going on.

Anyway. The internal dialogue ended up being quite external.

"
Good dog.
No dog.
What do you need Reily?
No you can't. You'll backwash in my bottle.
walk, walk.
back to internal dialogue.
What?
No, no puppy. Stay away from the wheels.
What?
I don't know why the road has paint on it.
Yep. We're almost there.
back to internal dialogue.
Nope. Not yet.
I'll let you know when we pass the park.
No, we can't go swimming today. It's too cold
No, puppy.
Hang on.
back to internal dialo..
What?
I promise we're almost home.
Hang on another minute.
You too, dog.
Everybody will get a drink when we get home.
walk, walk.
Oh yeah. Internal dialogue.
Phew.
We're home.

I guess I'm not the conversationalist I would like to be.
Where are my earphones?

Stuff Martha will never teach you...

2010-01-26T15:55:00.005-05:00

Slippery table cloths?

Smear a good blob of jam (preferrably apricot) on your table, allow to dry to a tack, place new table cloth on table and set as usual.

Crumb ridden floors?

A dog will do. Let him loose in the, usually forbidden, dining room. Floors will be crumb free and salivatically spot mopped.

Stains on carpet? (i.e. Triaminic flu medicine, bubble gum in flavor, BRIGHT RED in color)

If clorox clean-up doesn't get it out, just leave it...along with a larger, slightly bleached, spot. Rearrange furniture.

Tornado warning and a norovirus famdemic*...at the same time?

Pray it doesn't take off the roof. Because all you want to do is stay in that lovely bed...the one that you gave up your child's dance lessons for? ...yep, that one.

*Thanks Kelly Bryson. Not for the bug, the term. Love it*

How to start your day...Griffen style.

2010-01-21T16:25:00.003-05:00

Are you guys watching for the bus or playing with the puppy?
Kids play with puppy.
Is that the bus?!?!?
Kids mosey to the door
IT IS!!
Kids frantically run out the door.
Kid runs back for umbrella.
Other kid runs back for lunch and back pack.
Puppy runs out the door.
Mom runs out the door, no shoes.
It's wet. It's rainy.
Paper lunch sack breaks in the middle of the cul-de-sac...the wet, rainy cul-de-sac.
Kid yells from bus steps...she forgot her backpack.
Bus driver waits.
Mom runs inside, no contacts, searching for a backpack in the dark.
No findy.
Bus driver waits.
Mom grabs un-cool unicorn lunch box to re-pack lunch in the road.
Still barefoot. Wet gravel hurts cold toes.
Bus driver waits.
Mom runs lunch onto bus. She'll bring the backpack to the school.
Phew.
All that before 7:00am!

And...
Little had her friend over for a play date.
She threw up right after her friend left.

Blessings counted:
Good man for a bus driver.
This day will come to an end.

Validated

2010-01-15T01:17:00.001-05:00

I've given "all y'all" your well deserved gold stars. But this video is wonderful!!
I'll admit, I'm smiling...and a bit teary. I have a bit of my mother in me : )

Enjoy.

This is 12!

2010-01-10T22:01:00.003-05:00

Yep, 12!!

Payton celebrated his BIG day on

12/12

with a wii partay.

What do you do at a boy party? Ummm....anything and everything. For the most part, the hit of the party was "Super Mario Smash Bros. Brawl" (I think I got that right). They just played and goofed...yep, "goofed". His friends are so very similar to him. I didn't know so many peas could come from that pod. But, I am grateful. They were all great guests and good friend. What more could you want for your kid?

This video SCREAMS 12!! Well, the "harnessing the powers of the universe" is definitely 12...or Napoleon Dynamite.

After the pizza, they played ninja, nerf guns, and football. Boys.

12 is a big birthday. He's finally a deacon; and so excited. He had his first trip to the temple last week. So many new and wonderful experiences. I've tried to get a picture of him in his white shirt and tie...looking all deacon-ish; but those church clothes do not stay on long enough. Maybe someday.

Happy Birthday P-dawg!!

Dear New England,

2009-12-17T01:20:00.002-05:00

I miss you. I miss our family of friends. I miss you a lot. I miss you every season. You were good to us. Will you please adopt me and bring me home? Maybe I could bring along my family?

Don't get me wrong, the South is being pretty good to us. The people are nice and the weather is too...to a fault. The fact that the Wal-Mart has sold out of butter flavored Crisco is a little frightening, but I'm sure there's a lot of love being fried up for Christmas.

I could use some snow. Maybe even a Nor'easter. I remember how much I loved those BIG storms. But, by about February, the cabin fever got so awful we would begin to look for ANY sign of melting. This usually comes in the form of mud. Mud was much like a groundhog; beckoning a new season. I have mud, on my grass, from a pipe leak. But, it's just not the same.

Just let it be known...I want to be yours and I think I always will be.

m

All in a days work.

2009-12-05T01:28:00.002-05:00

It seems like Reily and I have to run an errand...somewhere...every day.

Yesterday, she said to me, "Today, we're gonna kiss. We're gonna hug. And, we're gonna go shopping."

Check. Check. Check.

This is 7!

2009-11-18T00:21:00.004-05:00

This is 7.

I'm sad to see 6 go.
It's just one year closer to...BIG!
We wanted to bottle her up at 3.
Now, here she is 7?! How did that happen.

For Macy, 7 is:

a pink guitar
a Krispy Kreme cake
getting her ears pierced

A great day for a great girl!!

Love you, Macy!!

The Magic Begins...

2009-11-09T00:36:00.002-05:00

Macy is in a hurry to get some Christmas going. She already has her Christmas tree up and running. Love her.

So, it should come as NO surprise that she has already written the big guy.

So, I was sitting here...not doing anything important...and I heard a thumpy sound outside. It was quick and then there was a swooosh behind the couch. I found this....

Isn't it amazing?!

A message in a bottle from the North Pole!!

It HAS to be her response from Santa.

I can't wait for her to open it in the morning!

FYI

2009-11-05T12:33:00.001-05:00

I still hate the Yankees.

Yes Indeedy Halloweeny

2009-11-01T22:06:00.010-05:00

(Link, Beauty Queen, Rock Star, Fortune Teller)

Oh, Halloween

You are an awful day. A long walk, sore feet, and a L-O-A-D of chocolatey, high fructose corn syrupy love. You... (insert: fist wave)

Love
Hate
Love
Hate

and then, Mrs. Incredible shows up?!

What's that? Who's she? Where's she putting her candy bars? You know what Mrs. Incredible? You can take your red tights, and your sassy boots and your perfectly obedient family that doesn't short cut across every lawn, and you can...whatever.

I will cover up with a cloak. mysterious. concealing. Where do I put my chocolate bars?

Nobody will know. Until November 1, 2, 3...and every day after that.
I (we) have enjoyed a good fraction of the loot our lot got.

Seriously excessive.

We had to dump our pumpkins periodically. They were too heavy.

This is the wagon with part of the cargo.

This is our living room with ALL of the goods. Seriously excessive.

This is Reily trying to choose JUST ONE. Poor little girl. I know. It's just too hard.

The Great Un-Doer

2009-10-27T00:06:00.005-04:00

How to change bedding with a 4-year old:

Lower expectations
Shmoosh out lumps
Put sheets on
Jump
Jump
Put sheets back on
Take mysterious lump to the laundry room
Throw mysterious lump on to the bed

Lower expectations - again
Put sheets on - again
Jump - again
Jump - again
Put sheets back on - again
Take mysterious lump to the laundry room - again
Throw mysterious lump on to the bed - again

distract the lump
finish the bed

Boys vs. Girls

2009-10-26T23:57:00.002-04:00

Payton and Taylor used to sing the song "Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better". The tune still describes them to a T!!

Let's build boats!

Boy boat:

Girl boat:
Aren't these pictures worth a thousand words? Do you REALLY need more from me?!

How Fabulous is 4?

2009-10-14T00:12:00.006-04:00

Well,

4 can be frowny:

4 is a little fiery.

(I love the expression. It's one we see quite often.)

4 is definitely fashionable.

(Thank you Grandma for the new dress!)

4 is fortissimo!

(Thank you Aunty Erin for rockin' out with us!)

4 is full of fructose.

4 is a fiesta with friends...and frog boots.

I think 4 will be fantastic!

Happy Birthday Reilykins!

Did you count the dresses?

4 also fluctuates between fads atleast 40 times a day.

Too many Hannahs

2009-10-12T02:58:00.002-04:00

Thanks Disney Channel. This is what you've turned my house into.
This was all a part of Reily's big 4th birthday celebration.

You may need to turn down the volume on this. That tinker toy mic is pretty powerful.
It is a little nauseating...you know, the camera work and stuff...yep, that's it...the camera work.

Saturday Scramble

2009-10-12T02:30:00.003-04:00

This is Saturday.

Time to shovel and shovel and shovel.

Payton usually maintains a plush carpet of legos atop our not-so plush berber. After a morning of threats, tooth and hair pulling...I brought out the big dog...the vacuum.

I must admit, I love the sound of the clickety-clackety as it sucks tiny toys into their eternally dusty doom.

This is Payton, scrambling in front of the vacuum trying to rescue any last singleton lego from this doom.

Southern Suitors in Hot Pursuit

2009-10-05T16:22:00.004-04:00

So, we're there...

that point

that precipice

that frightening ledge that was always to remain distant.

Boys are beginning their encroachment on the Griffen house; and these Southern boys ARE NOT SHY.

There is a certain young man, P*, that has bluntly declared his like for my daughter, T*. This morning he walked right next to her, not a hairs width away, during walking club. He could've held her hand...if she wanted to. He boldly declared to her, "It will happen Taylor. First, you'll stumble. Then, you'll dream about me...and then, you'll get looooost in my eyes." (He stole the line from Sonny with a Chance on Disney Channel.) Taylor just stifles her grin and turns away, in denial. I love to watch it. I tell her it's flattering. But, she can just leave it at that.

M* has already had young men calling the house. One, asked for her dad; and then proceded to ask if he could have a lemonade stand with her next summer. Now that's a 1st rate 1st grade Southern gentleman! The other, was calling multiple times, every day. The moms kinda trumped that one. But, he still writes her love notes and waves eagerly every time he sees her. She waves to his bus every morning, trying to catch a glimpse of him in the dark windows.

Seriously? Not ready for this.

Why a girl needs a mom...

2009-10-02T15:07:00.004-04:00

A girl needs a mom so she doesn't end up here...

on the stairs...

hiding the fact that

she tried to glue a headband

to her pants

to hold them up.

Let's here it for ingenuity!!

***Clarification: If this girl had a mom that was behind the sewing machine altering her pants instead of in the garage painting furniture or on the computer, she wouldn't have to be so ingenious at such a young age. It's good for her...right?***

Photo Adventure Continued...and concluded

2009-09-23T07:50:00.006-04:00

A few more snapshots of our summer adventures.

When asked what she did this summer, Taylor replied, "Nothin".

Seriously?

Bear World

Rexburg, ID

Slurpees
ONE of our favorite Utah treats.

Grand Canyon, AZ

Petrified Forest & Painted Desert

Cloud watching along Route 66 in New Mexico.

The sky was SO blue and the clouds really were amazing!

Signing the wall at Graceland.

Eating grilled PB & banana sandwich at the Heartbreak Hotel at Graceland.

Sleepy Space cadet
Space Camp
Huntsville, AL

This ride is for the legitimately young.

Being young at heart will not pull you through!! You may cry...or vomit.

Almost home!!!

A little bit of crazy somewhere near Atlanta.

Reily's cry for personal space.

We made it home.

We figured we logged 100 hours in the car and 20 states.

In the end, we had remnants of sanity still in tact, all 4 children alive and well, and a lot of good memories.

Fun, fun summer!

Griffen - Summer Tour - 2009

2009-09-09T00:07:00.006-04:00

20 states...30 days...we are total rock stars!! Take a deep breath. Here we go.

Day 1:

Irmo, Sc - St. Louis, Mo

11:40- 742 mi.

Gateway Arch

Day 2:

St. Louis - Nauvoo, Il

3:21 - 195mi.

Nauvoo Temple

Nauvoo, Il - Des Moines, IA

3:10 - 191 mi.

Day 3

Des Moines, IA - Mitchell, SD

5:13 - 352 mi

Corn Palace

No, seriously, "The Corn Palace"!

Mitchell, SD - Rapid City, SD

3:55, 277 mi

The Badlands

Mt. Rushmore

Day 4

Rapid City, SD - Alliance, NE

2:27 -156 mi

Carhenge

Alliance, NE - GRANDMA'S!!!

Take the hours, take the mileage, multiply it with 4 kids. It all adds up to a long trip!! And, that's just the way TO Grandma's!! We still have the return trip to share!!

What smart girls do on Friday night...

2009-08-30T00:27:00.004-04:00

I found this under the couch. (amongst SO MANY other things. Kids are amazing and I thank them for tempting the cockroaches beyond their insectile self-control....but that's another story.

Written by Taylor, 5th grader, to her brother.

"
July 8 2009

There are many reasons I think you should let go of my arm and leave me alone. Through out this essay I shall explain my many reasons in many paragraphs and a variety of sentence structures and three different punctuation marks. I am quite unpleased to say that I am writing this group of pages during movie night. Now I shall use this sentence to bring my summary to a conclusion and I am now pleased to announce that I will begin my second paragraph.
This is my opening sentence to my second paragraph. In this paragraph I will explain my first reason. My reason is that while Payton is holding my arm (as I am sure you have noticed from the many spelling errors I have made so far in this essay) it is very had for me to concentrate on important matters.
My third reason "

It ends there. I'm sure she started screaming at that point. That's how interactions between the Bigs usually end.

But, she's a smart one. Watch out Oxford! She's got her eye on you!

Vomit Van (the sequel) & Tender Mercies

2009-08-16T00:43:00.006-04:00

Day 2 of our return trip...leaving Flagstaff, AZ.

Macy's hot chocolate became "unsettled"...all over. Reily, apparently, had a sympathetic reaction and lost her breakfast too...in a van...FULL of a weeks worth of living; and a months worth of souvenirs. Poor girls. But, we were blessed in our mess.

- We were only 5 minutes away from our hotel. They were long minutes.
- Blaine usually leaves the key on the desk. This time he had it in his pocket. Hallelujah!
- I had laundry detergent on hand. Just in case.
- Macy had really good aim.

Tender mercies. One of my favorite conference talks.

Bye-Bye Birdie

2009-08-04T01:59:00.003-04:00

Conversation from the road…

Setting: Likely Nebraska or Iowa. We were all looking for a new distraction. We’d just his one of (unfortunately) many creatures…a bird

Mom: We hit a bird.
Macy: (concerned and disgusted) And it’s feathers are on the window!!
Taylor: (sympathetically) Oh sad.
Reily: (matter of factly). Don’t worry. It’s washing off.
Payton: (with certainty) It will learn to fly with it’s legs.

Flushed with Gratitude

2009-08-04T01:47:00.002-04:00

Sweet Ms. Macy. I love this girls outlook on everything!

In one of the MANY potty stops en route to Grandma’s house, we were lucky enough to come across automatically-flushing toilets. As I waited in line for the 3 girls to finish their potty break, I heard a swish; and Macy said, with her trademark enthusiasm, “Well, thank you toilet!!” The lady next to me started cracking up. I asked her and I ask you:

Have you been grateful for the flush of a toilet today? (or ever?)

Berry Cute

2009-07-06T00:08:00.008-04:00

Reily has managed to keep herself busy this summer. She manages to keep us ALL on our toes...no matter what season it is!!

Reily begged to go outside. When she got outside there was a brief cloud burst. Perfect. This little duck loves the rain.

Goggle, jammies and the after-swim crash!

Berry Pickin'

Dear Mrs. Hartman,

2009-07-05T23:57:00.004-04:00

I would like to thank you for teaching your 5th grade class ALL about enigmas. Payton thoroughly enjoyed researching Stonehenge. It appears as though he also learned a lot about crop circles.

Ummm....Thank you?

Sometimes I feel like a mom

2009-07-02T01:17:00.002-04:00

I remember when I started 5th grade and I thought, "Hmmm. Strange. I don't feel any older or different than 4th grade. Bummer." (Well, I probably threw in "rad", "awesome", and "gag me with a spoon").

Most of the time, I just feel like me and have to stand back to fully realize that I'm really a mom.

Last night, when Macy wet the bed, I put her in a warm bath, washed her up, changed her sheets and tucked her in. Do you remember that feeling? Clean and tucked? The best. I felt like a mom. I felt like I'd given her a little present, a little relief. I didn't even mind that it was 1:00am and I hadn't been to bed yet. I loved her and she numbly dozed through most of it. But, she was clean and tucked with a smile on her face.

Last night, when Reily wet the bed. (True. Same night. New rule: no more cups upstairs. Too many refills) I went through the same process. I knew the outcome would be the same and I actually found myself enjoying this rare little moment of peace, quiet, and cleanliness. I tucked her in and went to bed. She came in 2 minutes later (as she always does) and asked, "Can I sleep in your bed with you?" (as she always does) and we curled up and slept (as we always do). I felt like a mom.

Tonight, when Taylor started talking in her sleep, I ran into her room to be a part of the conversation. I didn't make it in time to figure out what she was really saying. She said, "[She] was just trying to say the sandwich thing real fast". I couldn't help but laugh. She woke up a little more and realized what had happened, pushed me away, and told me to leave her alone. Ok, I felt more like a big sister than a mom. But, when she told me to leave her alone...I think I felt it.

Today, when I took the dog back to the adoption place because he bit Reily. I did not feel like a GOOD mom. But, I was a mom; protecting one and making them all sad. I was a mom and a creep.

Summer Learning Loss

2009-06-24T23:31:00.004-04:00

So, they say that during the summer, children one month (or more) worth of learning instruction.

I know my brain has melted in the short 3 weeks we've been on summer vacay.

But, I have a new USB cord for the cam, and my hub is home from his research stint in the Northeast...I'm ready to start blogging again.

There's something about having ALL the pieces together that make it possible for me to get things done. I may be speaking too soon. I'm just feeling overly confident today...I vacuumed the stairs and mopped the floors. My house smells like pine-sol and looks pretty good (downstairs). Now, what to do when the gaggle wakes up?

Points for you...and you...and you...

2009-06-24T23:10:00.003-04:00

That's it! I know it's all a part of my strange, people-pleasing psyche...but I always feel like I'm not being properly validated.

When I said my husband was going to be gone for 4 weeks and he came home at 3 1/2, someone clarified..."but, it wasn't actually 4 weeks". So, I don't get points?!

Another mother stopped to talk with me because she notice I was a mother of 4. She asked the ages of my little darlings. I said, "11, 10, 6, and 3". She replied, "Oh. There's a lot of space between them. Mine are 1, 3, 5, and 7". I guess she gets more points?!

I don't know what the rules of the point system actually are.

But, I'm here to hand out points, gold stars, and validation to you...and you...

to you...for not having kids

to you...for having dogs

to you...for having as many kids as you can mentally handle

to you...for having more kids than you can handle

to you...for not going crazy

to you...for going crazy

to you...for exercising

to you...for indulging your sweet tooth

to you...for your BA, BS, MA, MS, and PhD

to you...for finishing high school

to you...for following your dreams

to you...for living a real life

I know I've missed someone. Points to you for being forgotten : )

First day of Summer...

2009-06-08T22:14:00.002-04:00

(Inspired by Traci)

worked out
Swim lessons for T
Swim lessons for M
Swim lessons for P
made rolls
tried to take them to a church function
got lost
drove around Columbia, SC for 1 1/2hours
got rear-ended
didn't get police report
called insurance (should've got a police report!)
waited and waited for some good Kharma
ate watermelon
ate scones with honey butter
went swimming 'til dark
caught fireflies
made rules for summer

NO complaining!
Do what Mom asks...the first time!
Wait patiently to speak (no interrupting)
Stomp your feet before coming inside

Quite the day. I didn't win any awards. But, tomorrow is another day...Hallelujah!!

1000 words...

2009-05-28T22:50:00.004-04:00

These are Reily's 3.667 year old pictures. It took me .667 of the year to get them done. But, they were well worth the wait. I don't think they could be cuter...I may be biased.

That's Life!

2009-05-28T07:47:00.003-04:00

So, Reily has been walking around with a big wad of money from the game "Life".

(side note: I do hope they eventually lose all of this $$$ so we won't have to set up and play the game ever again)

Anyway, Reily...cash...
She's been paying me to do things...anything! It goes something like this:

I'll pay you $1,000,000 to make me a sandwich
I'll pay you $1,000,000 for a hug
I'll pay you $1,000,000 to get off the computer

It may be a part of the stimulus package. I don't know...I don't care. I'll take what I can get.

blah...blah...blahging

2009-05-28T07:46:00.001-04:00

So, "someone", shoved my USB cord into the wrong camera. My cord failed to survive. Oh, on the outside, it teases me and makes me think it will work. But, I know, it is hurting on the inside. This has created quite a problem. This is creating a boring blahg.

It's always something....isn't it?!

A decade?! Seriously?!

2009-05-25T22:25:00.006-04:00

So, Taylor had a totally ROCKIN' 10th birthday. She definitely had a cool cake. (I managed to digitally archive before the cord went kaput). I think my best one. Although, the Little Einsteins for Reils' bday were pretty sweet. (I'll have to check the archives for that one, too.) Enough about my fabulous, sugary talents. Ace of Cakes, I am not. But, I would like to think I'm big stuff sometimes.

Anyway, she got a digi-cam, butterflies, and JONAS BROS. tickets. (From me and Dad, because...WE ROCK!) We are taking Aunty Erin with us. It will be a fun, fun girls night. I (we?) can't wait!!

So, she's a whole decade old. Crazy! She is such a bright, beautiful and spirited girl. We are lucky to have her.

Happy Birthday Tayter Bug!!

Happy Day to Me!!

2009-05-11T00:40:00.004-04:00

My mother's day.

Sweet little m has been missing me all week. She asks every day, "When will I get to stay home and spend the whole day with you?". I think it's because she's been gearing up for Mother's day in her class. She made me no less than 15 cards and fixed me breakfast in bed..at 7:30...the toast and banana were delish. She fell asleep during church stating she was exhausted because she had been so excited for Mother's Day, she couldn't sleep all night. Love her.

Roo made me a card and told me I could NOT eat the chocolate kiss...it was part of the flower. She waved to me while she sang the Mother's Day song in church this morning. She also, thumbs upped, counted to 10, pulled a funny face, and waved another 10 times. Love her.

Tater made me beautiful card. She's so talented. She also made me a book of coupons. Which, she clearly stated, expire June 1st. I used my first one tonight...brownies...delish. Love her.

P also gave me coupons. Just a couple; one for a pet snake and one for "1 non-annoying day". Hmmm....that one will have to be used wisely. I wish the snake coupon expired soon. And, he smiled (in anguish) as he sang the Mother's Day song in church. Love him.

Where have I been all my life?

2009-05-10T23:33:00.005-04:00

...atleast April and part of May?

I would like to say I've healed the world and made it a better place...for you and for me and the entire human race. But, I haven't. I bought some Tom's shoes...does that count? (http://www.tomsshoes.com/)

I've been working out and could have lost some brain cells through my sweat glands. But, that is not likely. My legs are tired and I pretty much lack motivation for the rest of my life. My laundry doing is minimal, my meal cooking is adequate, and house cleaning lacks a certain je ne sais quoi. But, I'm trying. Balance...balance...balance.

So here's April:

I made these for April Fool's Day. I couldn't fool the bigs. They let the littles in on the secret...mashed potatoes and meatloaf. I totally dig the purple taters; but, couldn't gag them down. I'm a very visual person and that's just not right. Besides, I'm cutting carbs.

We went here...Charleston, SC. What a great place. We left a lot to be discovered next time. But, the company could not be beat. What a great spring break. Thanks for visiting Angie, Spence, Jamie, and Erin!!

I painted this. Despite my DH's wishes...they were out the door as soon as he was on his way to New England. He should know me by now...right? (We also celebrated 14 years of married bliss in April!)

We ate bunnies (chocolate). We blew bubbles. We went to the farm.

We even had a pet turtle for a day!!

PHEW!! That's it. I'm up and running.

Down with facebook...up with blogging!!

Southern Profundity

2009-04-01T07:45:00.002-04:00

If you've ever been on the phone with me at 2:59 in the afternoon, you've heard the tornado that rages through the door in the form of 3 noisy, excited children. That same tornado usually takes over the bus stop at 6:45 every morning (combined with weather systems from other households). Needless to say, the noise and action really get to me sometimes. I was remarking to my neighbor about my maniacal morning. She said, "Yeah, but in 15 years, none of them will be running through your door."

I was reminded of this song by Trace Adkins. Darn country singers! Don't they just say it right, sometimes?

You're gonna miss this

You're gonna want this back

You're gonna wish these days hadn't gone by so fast

These Are Some Good Times

So take a good look around

You may not know it now

But you're gonna miss this

Well, Hurricane Payton just called and needs his homework run to him at school (a weekly occurrence) and Tropical Storm Reily is running around naked.

I'm gonna miss this.

Trouble in Paradise

2009-03-31T14:58:00.003-04:00

So, I am a night owl. There's something that happens to me at 10:00 and keeps me up until 12:00 or 1:00 every night. Usually, I'm doing nothing. I would like to think I'm being effective. But, that is not always the case. Anyway, I am usually looking to head back to bed in the mornings after I get the Bigs off to school. Sometimes, I'm successful. Other times, Little Reils is up to thwart all my good...and evil...plans.

This morning, however, she snuggled down and we were both lulled to sleep by Noggin...BLISS! Unfortunately, very much later, we were startled awake by the theme song of "Lazytown". Now, I know this program is specifically intended to air at 10:00 so that parents, such as I, the ones still sitting on the couch, will be slapped into reality and get off their duff. But, I was stuck. Reily was still snoozing, on my arm; and the remote was all the way over there. TORTURE! I was forced to watch Robby Rotten attempt to take over the world while reminding me of all my lazy and unhealthy habits.

Who do I call to take Lazytown off the map of my life?

The Greatest Show on Earth

2009-03-30T00:03:00.004-04:00

How fun is Kindergarten? I don't think I had nearly this much fun. Although, I did love Ms. Patti Zimmerman, her early 80's permy-poof hair, and her corduroy pants that made a great noise when she walked. Those were the days. But, I digress...

Macy and her fellow Kindy-garten pals took part in the Kindergarten Circus 2 weeks ago.

Macy was a trained circus dog. She, along with her other canine buddies, rolled over, slid down a slide, and even begged for Scooby snacks.

Too cute!

Of course, I loved the dogs. But the popcorn vendors and clowns were also top notch!

I can't wait for the DVD...seriously.

She Said...He Said...

2009-03-29T23:54:00.003-04:00

I said, "Let's paint the big playroom and move Macy and Reily in. They could use the space."

He said, "Let's put up a wall and make 2 rooms...one for a kid and the other would be a library of sorts."

He won and I'm so glad he did.

Blaine has done such a great job on Taylor's new room. It's almost done. It's even more finished than these pictures. He has since put up wood trim with magnetic strips throughout it (great for Jonas Brothers' posters) and a door.

Tay gets to move in right after Spring Break.

Way to go DAD!!

Reily's Prom Date

2009-03-22T01:41:00.002-04:00

I know she's picked out the dress already (thank you High School Musical).
So, I picked her date.

This is Reily's good friend Eli. He so sweet and mild mannered. They spend a couple of days together each week and are best friends.

Entwined arms...they start young.

St. Patrick's Day

My favorite:

Eli brushing her hair out of her face. I think he's been watching "Sleepless in Seattle".

It exists...

2009-03-22T01:30:00.003-04:00

I found this on Payton the other day.

I know there are a few people wondering if Payton EVER smiles. Here's some proof...I was there. I saw it.

(His teeth are not REALLY that big.)

Singing for her Sister

2009-03-22T01:21:00.004-04:00

Macy got shampoo in her eyes a couple of nights ago. Being focused on Hollywood and her future career, the dramatics were AMAZING! She was pretty convinced she would be blind by morning, if she had eyes at all.

Reily composed and performed this song as she went to bed.

Macy's eyes will feel better when it's wake-up time.

And she needs ice cream.

Macy's eyesight was fully restored by morning.

Summing it all up...

2009-03-22T01:07:00.003-04:00

We were expecting a university visitor last week. In preparation, Blaine began an important conversation with the kids about their expected behavior. He didn't get very far. It sums each child up perfectly!

Dad: I am bringing home a visitor on Thursday. We need to put our best foot forward.

Taylor: Well, I'm good with both feet!

Payton: I don't have a good foot.

Macy: Will I get to paint my toes?

Reily had no response...probably because her feet are never still.

We were laughing so hard we left the table in tears. The conversation never was finished; and, the children were well behaved for our visitor.

Fishwash Backwash

2009-03-05T23:50:00.004-05:00

Reily and I were out running errands yesterday. I had just worked out [*gold star]. She was snacking on goldfish and water.

When we got to Wal-Maht, I grabbed her water bottle and chugged it...I was REALLY thirsty. Reily starts screaming, "No! Mom! No! It has goldfish in it! It always gets goldfish in it when I eat them!".

Then the aftertaste hit.

Sho'nuf I had chugged her water AND her fishy backwash.

Lesson learned

No Ken for you!!!

2009-03-04T11:23:00.004-05:00

Now, I am well aware of the special place Zac Efron holds in the hearts of Macy and Reily; and that Joe Jonas has claimed a large part of Taylors. But, I never expected this:

Scene: Target. Time to spend allowance.

Mom: Mace, look at this Ken doll. He's not creepy like the one you have. You could get a new Ken doll with your allowance.

Macy: Let me see.

[Mom shows Macy the doll]

Macy: Mmmmm....I could kiss that!

[Mom freaks out. Proceeds to look up boarding schools and convents when she arrives home. She also contemplates building a tall tower to lock Macy in until her 20's]

Snow Day - SC Style

2009-03-03T00:38:00.003-05:00

The school district sent out the message Sunday night that school would be cancelled due to inclement weather...without a flake of snow...really?! Those flakes never arrived.

With the whole day off and the expectation of something cold and slushy...Mom had to come throught where Mother Nature failed...SONIC!!

Yum! Limeades and Slushes. That was as cold as it got. (I checked my mail in my bare feet!)

So, I'm sending a South Carolina Snow Day to all of my Nor'Easter friends as they dig out of our share of this storm.

Hooray for Hollywood!

2009-02-28T01:11:00.004-05:00

Take that Sharpay! You ain't got nothin' on this girl!

For those of you who may not be in the know; this is "I Want It All" from High School Musical 3. We have owned the movie for approximately a week and a half. We have watched it approximately 9,463 times.

I know, she is much to young to be concerned with teenage romance, proms, or making it to Hollywood.

But... DANG! She's cute!

Dear Motrin,

2009-02-25T11:50:00.002-05:00

I hate you! You take away the fever, for which I am grateful.
But, in your cruel wake, you left me with a wide awake 3 year old. At 4:00 this morning, I traded my lethargic, feverish daughter for making cinnamon toast, getting juice boxes, bottles of water, and adjusting the volume to her perfect little ears while watching Noggin as she jumped from couch to couch. This is why I hate you.
You have potential to be loved as you will always be in my life. If only you could change.

Momica

I do my little dance on the catwalk...

2009-02-13T14:15:00.004-05:00

I love how she throws in all her tricks in the end!

She's REALLY making a statement with those pants!

Poetic Justice

2009-02-13T13:54:00.003-05:00

This is the chocolate that Reily ate.

This is the wrapper, the sparkly wrapper, that covered the chocolate that Reily ate.

This is the bag, the entire bag, that held the wrappers, that covered the chocolate that Reily ate.

Then came the sugar high, filled with flips, that came after the bag, that held the wrappers, that covered the chocolate that Reily ate.

This is the crash that came after the flips, caused by the sugar, that came out of the bag, that held the wrappers, that covered the chocolate that Reily ate.

(Yes, she ate the WHOLE bag of kisses while I did the dishes. She NEVER ceases to amaze me.)

Snow Day?!

2009-02-02T00:56:00.003-05:00

A couple of weeks ago we got a RARE treat for South Carolinians...SNOW!

Woo Hoo!

They even declared a "Snow Day" and cancelled school. Really? Our friends in New England will appreciate this...you're gonna want a snow day like this!

By Monday night, we were expecting it. I couldn't wait for Reily to see it in the morning. This is her first glimpse. She remembered snow from our trip to Utah in October. She also remembered that she LOVED it! She was so excited! (That's her "speechless, biting my lip" look)

Macy is only 2 years removed from New Hampshire. She also remembers snow. THIS is not snow. THIS is a cruel joke.

Snow Angel. Yes, she's still in her pajamas. We had to hurry. The snow would likely have melted if we would have stopped for breakfast or a change of clothing.

We had a few little flurries throughout the day. After a while, I couldn't keep the kids inside. The whole neighborhood was alive. It was crazy! People bundled their babies up and took them for walks in the slush. Kids were sledding, snowball fighting, and fort building.

A lesson in truly enjoying what you're given.

How many Griffens does it take to get an arrow out of a tree?

2009-01-29T23:44:00.004-05:00

One boy scout to aim the arrow UP instead of out.
One dad.
One mom to take pictures.

It also takes:

Another arrow.
A big stick.
A rake.
A big pink bouncy ball.

and finally...

a ladder
a football... and
good aim.

Beauty the Beast!

2009-01-29T00:10:00.004-05:00

I don't know. Is there any question what I do all day?

Little Miss Reily infiltrated my makeup...years and years of Clinique Bonus Week samples. She not only did herself up, she kindly broke all of the lipsticks in half.

The blue really does make her eyes pop...don't ya think?

No Yo Yo Ma

2009-01-28T23:44:00.004-05:00

A couple of weeks ago, Payton performed for us (and MANY others) at his viola concert. I must admit, we were a little nervous... could our ears actually take the abuse? Would we have to miss "The Bachelor"?

The concert was amazing. Especially considering they were all 5th graders. Payton was reluctant and willing to stay home. But, it was good for all of us... a little culture.

(This video is quite lengthy. Likely only to be viewed in it's entirety by Grandmas and Aunties.)

I thought this was a nice little video of Payton playing his viola. But, I'm not sure he actually is!! It's debatable. Then I noticed his extreme grumpiness. But, upon perusing the crowd, there aren't a lot of grinners out there.

Older Dog...Newer Trick...

2009-01-15T20:25:00.001-05:00

Look what I did!!!

http://childlab.psych.duke.edu/

I designed it! It's my first pro-job!

(Just had to gloat a bit)

Old Dog...New Trick!

2009-01-11T22:42:00.006-05:00

Look what we taught Boomer!!

Now if we can just get our kids to do what we say...

A little bit country...a little bit rockin' roll

2009-01-11T00:25:00.002-05:00

A little bit prom...a little bit rodeo?

This ones for you Auntie Erin!!

The Midas Touch!

2009-01-11T00:15:00.003-05:00

So far this week, (1) my computer crashed and took my portfolio and anything else important with it, (2) our microwave "arc'd out" and is "beyond economical repair", and (3) my camera will not upload onto my newly restored computer...it's always something.

But (1) Thank heavens for Norton 360. I cursed it at first. But, ended up finding almost everything that had disappeared. (2) Thank heavens for a home warranty that is supposed to replace my micro for only $65 deductible. (We'll see about that) and (3) Well, I haven't found a solution beside Blaine emailing me pictures after he uploads them onto his computer...always blessings.

It was the job chart that did them all in..

2009-01-07T13:34:00.004-05:00

I'm flashing back to A Christmas Story when Ralphy declares, "It was thoap poisoning!!" after going blind from years of parental discipline.

Well, with the new year, we started a new job chart. It will likely be the death of our children. After all, they EACH have 3 whole jobs to do during the week!

This was Taylor's response:

I think its a "junk angel". Possibly just expressing her need for a snow day? Whatever!! This was her after an hour cleaning up the sunroom. Note: nothing had been cleaned up, yet.

Reily loves having her responsibilities. This week she will beat up any one who tries to take care of the dog. Macy tried to get out of folding laundry because it involved looking at other peoples unders and she didn't think that was appropriate. Points for trying. Payton complained at first. But, in the end has been the best job-doer of them all.

Closing the door on 2008...Griffen style!

2009-01-03T02:38:00.002-05:00

We celebrated the New Year with a late night of Monopoly and fizzy grape juice. At 12:00 we went outside to blow horns and watch fireworks. Blaine pulled the door shut, just as I asked, "Is that unlocked?" Well, we are the Griffens. OF COURSE, it's locked!!

Macy and Reily were inside asleep. It was getting a tad bit chilly. But, I have a spare key in the car and luckily for everyone, I am irresponsible and leave the door unlocked. Unluckily for everyone, Daddy was the last one to drive the car; and he is responsible.

After, 2 1/2 hours, 2 neighbors, and a "slim-jim", we were able to break into our car and get the key.

Needless to say, we are grateful for kind neighbors and their warm house, a safe and secure house, and a fairly safe car...

Happy new year!!

Christmas!!

2009-01-03T02:17:00.004-05:00

We had a good Christmas this year...nobody got what they asked for. Santa does not bring Legos to Legomongers nor expensive ipods to 9 year olds. He also does not handle list changes within the 7 days prior to Christmas. These kids never had a chance. And, besides that, they were pretty lucky to be on the "Nice" list at all!!

Santa always wraps the doorway into the living room. In our new house, that meant the top of the stairs. I am so grateful he does this. It keeps the kids at bay until we can get to the tree and turn on the lights...and get the camera ready. Well, they all came charging down the stairs right through the paper. All except Reily. She stayed at the top of the stairs thinking Santa was still here. She is NOT his biggest fan. The big guy really gives her the creeps. Once we assured her he was gone, she inched her way down.

It was a good Christmas. Payton got science stuff. Macy got Puppies, Ponies and Kitties in her pockets. Reily got an easel. And Taylor got a cruddy "Zen" version of an ipod... I have worked on it for a week, downloaded every possible piece of freeware and cannot get a single video to play. ARRRGH! She should've asked for a real ipod ; ) Maybe next year. The zen is going back.

We finished the morning's unwrappings with homemade cinnamon rolls and orange juice. Yum!

Let's see...new toys, minimal sleep, and sugar...all downhill from there!

Poor Gingy..

2009-01-03T02:08:00.002-05:00

Four kids, candy, frosting and bit of spittle keeps it all together. I must admit, one of the better days of Christmas is when I throw the thing out. It is a fun project for the kids. But, (a) I NEVER get to do my own and bask in it's sugary perfection and (b) there are just too many licked fingers involved.

Is it any wonder we spent Christmas break battling the flu and a lingering cold?

Crafty Express...

2009-01-03T02:03:00.002-05:00

The Crafty Express has finally left! It wouldn't have been so bad had it not been for the long delay at Procrastination Station. It was definitely my craftiest Christmas ever!!

I made these for the kids' teachers. I'm a little bit banner crazy right now. I'll make one for any occasion. Hmmm....maybe I should start next years Christmas presents and then I will get my cards out on time...

That's just too crazy to work.

First Things First...

2009-01-03T01:46:00.002-05:00

or last as they will appear on this blog.

Go here:

www.averygriffenchristmas.blogspot.com

Now, I would hate to think that I have anything out for the postal service. But, they DID ruin my very special card to Angie. So, I would like to say I'm blogging my Christmas card as a USPS protest. But, mostly, it's just the way I'm rollin' this year.

Merry (belated) Christmas and a Happy (belated) New Year!

You know what I hate...

2009-01-03T00:30:00.002-05:00

People who don't blog forever. You stalk and stalk their blog, just waiting... Maybe something wicked cool has been happening in their life and when they DO blog, it will be AMAZING!

Sorry, I'm just sort of a blog binger. So, here you go...the 2008 Griffen wrap-up!!

Bouncing Baby Birthday Boy!!

2008-12-15T13:21:00.006-05:00

For atleast a week before his birthday, Payton begged me to let him open just one present. It would always end in "No" and him being fairly upset. (It didn't help that Reily would open his birthday cards as they came in the mail and leave the gift cards lying around) I would just note that those are the rules in Birthdaytown....take it up with the mayor. He never let up. Quite tenacious.

So, I gave in. I told him he could open ONE present the day before his birthday. It was the ol' box-within-a-box gift. Hee...Hee...Hee. Sometimes, I LOVE being the Mayor of Birthdaytown.

He unwrapped, untaped, untied. Until it ended with...

A lump of coal...

for trying to celebrate your birthday a day early.

Sincerely,

The Mayor of Birthdaytown

I guess the power is going to my head. I may not get re-elected. But, it was fun while it lasted.

He did turn 11 the next day and he got to open all of his presents. He even got to play his new wii game ALL NIGHT LONG! That was a happy birthday to him!

We love you Peej. Thanks for tolerating us for 11 years. You're a great kid!

Fa La La

2008-12-15T01:17:00.003-05:00

Taylor sang with the Elementary District choir at the Irmo tree lighting. It was a quaint little affair complete with hot chocolate, cookies and Santa on a fire engine. And, I totally dig the master of ceremonies in his festive red & green garb.

They all did a great job.

That's our girl...the ONLY on without a coat. Hmmm...I guess we didn't get that memo. Is it winter?

Macy's favorite part was Ms. Irmo.