Life Lesson #2384

We have been having an issue lately with laundry...specifically, too much laundry. Addison is definitely the main culprit, but Jackson has his moments too. They are supposed to put their dirty clothes in the hamper in their bathroom. Last week, Dave came out of their rooms and asked me if I had been in their bathroom. I just looked at him (in my mind I was really wondering if I could not answer this question, as it did not sound like it was going anywhere positive). I said no and asked if I should. He said, "Yes." So I did, and I wish I had a picture. The bathroom was literally exploding with their clothes. They seemed to have gone through everything that they had, and when they didn't like it, instead of putting it away, it went into the dirty clothes. I walked out calmly (go Mom!), and didn't say anything for awhile. Then I told Dave I was tired of doing their laundry like this. Seriously, it could take an entire day to just do their laundry. Once I got my grumbles out, I had Dave take in two more laundry baskets and they each separated their clothes. We told them that they would be doing their laundry from start to finish this coming weekend. Their attitudes about it were actually pretty positive, until it came to the folding and putting away. Lesson is hopefully learned! Otherwise, this will become the norm around here.

Thanksgiving, 2013

Now that it's Christmas vacation time, I can catch up! First thing on the list is Thanksgiving. We had initially talked about going camping, but got to see all of Dave's family and part of mine instead. Both of Dave's sisters came out and my parents and brother came out. It's been quite awhile since the whole family has been together on Dave's side, so we took advantage and had a "mini" photo shoot. Lol. It took two tries. The first try, everyone was looking into the sun and only Jackson and Addison looked normal. (They are used to the sun, lol!). The second time was a success and we all loved the results. 

My parents stayed for one night and then headed on their own mini-vacation, which was much needed and well deserved. We loved having them here though and enjoyed every minute of their visit. I think Grandma fell in love with the hammock swing chair in the playroom, and they all had some good quality time snuggling and reading!

Jackson and Addison

Wes and Nick

Devin and Trevor

All the grandkids.

Devin, Trevor and Deb

Grandkids with Grandma and Grandpa

Dave's whole family!

My parents!

Dave's sisters, Deb, Dianna, and Mom

Friday of Thanksgiving break, we went out shooting with Dave and my brother. Wow! They set up some targets, and I am pleased to report that I hit not one, but TWO of the targets on my first try. They were even the exploding targets. Talk about fun! (Who EVER thought I would say something like that?)

Addison, always finding a place to smile!

Jackson and Dave getting lined up.

The boys!

Dave, helping Addison and Jackson.

Straight shot!

I loved the break this Thanksgiving, and it truly was a time of giving thanks. All I know is that it was too short. So now I am going to enjoy the Christmas break to it's fullest!!! And do a little better at keeping up (for me!).

Top or Bottom??

Today, Jackson told me he wanted kids who behaved because he was going to live here with his wife. I just smiled and asked him where he was going to stay. He promptly responded, "in my room because I've got bunk beds." He stopped for a few minutes, and then declared he was "sleeping on the bottom bunk."

With or without?

Jackson and Addison have gotten pretty good at ordering their own food when we are out at a restaurant. BJ's is always a favorite, especially because it has something everyone likes (always a positive). Jackson always gets the gluten free pizza with bell peppers. Addison has a few favorites, spaghetti being one of them. But yesterday, she wanted pizza. When she ordered she ordered a "cheese pizza, with gluten." Yup! She likes hers "with." It was really cute, and made us all laugh. She even repeated it because the waitress thought she had ordered a gluten free one. Gotta get what we want!

Jackson and Kaylee

Jackson and Kaylee, our first nanny and probably his first love!! :)

Invitation to dinner

At the end of October, we sent Jackson and Addison an invitation to dinner. Their invite said they had to be dressed up and ready to go for a candlelit dinner. We ended up taking the kids to our favorite Ruth Chris, it was a double success. Jackson and Addison got to practice their manners and Dave and I got to enjoy a "date." It was truly a win-win. Jackson and Addison had a great time. We got their right at 5, so it wasn't busy. There was actually another family there with their kids, so we didn't feel bad. The loved dinner, and they did an awesome job! It's nice to know that when we need a "date," we can start doing a family date too.

Christmas Picture Out takes

I did not get my act together this year and get family pictures scheduled...oh well. Something to look forward to in either the winter or spring. But we still needed a picture for our Christmas cards. I tried a few of the pictures I had of Jackson and Addison from this past year, but it just wasn't "it." So we went out and attempted...We did get the shot, and I'm saving that for our Christmas letter, but we got quite a few possibilities that made me smile!