OLDish video ( for my Dad on his birthday)

I had made this video for my Dad awhile ago for his Birthday. He was getting all emotional about living in California and missing all of his grand kids' lives.

I am happy to catalog it here in our blog memory, so I can free up space on my computer :)
Obviously, this is more for our benefit, than for anyone's viewing pleasure...(it's kind of long)

Brayden

Mitchel

A couple of years ago I made these videos for each of the kids...

Until recently I had no idea we could post videos this long on here. I am glad I can bookmark these in our timeline. They are pretty fun re-caps!

August

Colors on the walls

We had told the boys as part of their Christmas present this year they get to pick ANY color they want and paint their rooms...

I guess we were just so excited that we own our house, and are able to do this, that we didn't necessarily think of the re-precautions of this...

We started with August room weeks earlier. He had wanted a chalk wall, and  a "blue" room. We bought the paint and very successfully painted his walls. It was seamless and easy so we decided the next time Brent arranged his days off in chunks we would knock out the other two boys rooms...

Brayden chose a golden yellowish color which he calls "butter". In a game he is playing they collect gold which is called "butter" so now it's one of his favorite things.

He also wanted a chalk wall, and he chose a deep/navy blue called "nightvision"...

The yellow was horrible. It took almost 4 coats of paint to get it looking even and nice on the walls. It was even a more expensive base than we used before, because they were out of the other base. Eventually we got it done...Whew!

 Mitchel's room was another story entirely...

Mitch did not want a chalk wall. He instead liked the series of metallic paints. He chose a really bright green called "enchanted forest" (like the bottom of a Sprite can green) Anyways...the place we were at was OUT of the gold base needed to make it. They gave it a valiant effort and the color kept coming out really teal looking. We went to  3-4 different stores and got the same result. (It took all day) my mom had the kids because this was supposed to be Brent and my Valentines date. (UGH)

We finally decided we would just take Mitch back to the store and have him pick out different colors. He ended up liking one of the darker concoctions that they had came up with the day before...so he kind of got the colors he wanted. 

The boys enjoyed helping us paint, and I enjoyed hearing them appreciate how much effort it takes to do this. Brent is an expert taper, so he did all the taping. The boys and I painted a lot...

 I tried using the panoramic feature of my camera (my water proof camera) I had a hard time lining up stuff...

 Whoa, his hair has a mind of its own. We were so tired, gross and ready for some R&R by the time we got done with these rooms...but there he is, my master painter/taper in all his gourgeousness

 And finally, it all came together! 

They LOVE their rooms...

Which is good cause I do not really care for their color combos at all!

(the photos do not do justice to how vibrant these colors are)

I am happy they put so much thought and effort in and can really feel like they have a stake in the house. A place that is "theirs" in every sense. 

Ownership, its important.

 Mitchel's green-ness!

Again, so glad that's all over with!

Now I get to pick out the colors for the living room, kitchen, utility room, and Brent is getting to do our bedroom and the bathroom! 

If I don't paint again it will be too soon.

August's Valentine Party

On Friday I had the pleasure of taking August to his school's Valentine's party.
It was fun and a little crazy.
There is a wide range of kids that go to his preschool, so activities can get a little confusing.
Some of the 2-3 year olds are not as patient with the "rules" and make everything new and create their own way...
Much like the musical chairs game I got to witness.
August was more interested in playing with the toys, since he was not actually "in" school that day it was extra special to have free time.

*side note for August*
You were so excited to pass out your valentine's to all your friends. You had carefully written your name on (AUG) on most of them. It was a special day so you guys also got to have PIZZA for lunch. You kept me right by your side and showed me everything. We decorated cookies and hearts together. I am so grateful to be able to spend time with you. MUAH!

The tree in the corner that they decorate for every season...

August making me triangle stars

Cookies passed out, watiting for frosting...

Let the decorating begin! Bring on the sprinkles!!!

It was hard to not eat as we decorated

The beginning of musical chairs, August had escaped to do free time

Chaos ensues...

almost down to one chair!

And the winner is....

watching the car move towards his head, the goof ball.

I guess I didn't take photos of our hearts or the pizza...oops! It was fun none the less.
Happy Valentine's Day

"Dead things Mikey, dead things!"

Brent finally was able to go pick up his deer pelt...
Yay, right?!

Not so much I am finding.

We've been super busy this weekend with Valentine activities, painting the boys rooms, and upgrading some things around the house so...finding a place for this thing has been hard.

I am unfortunately opposed to hanging these things on the wall. I have searched and searched and cannot find any "tasteful" way to hang a deer hide.

After the boys got done throwing it on and crawling around the house with it, I got my turn to "play" with it and try to find a spot for it to live.

Deer skin on boys entertainment cabinet???

 

Deer skin on ottoman???

Deer skin on rocking chair????

Deer skin on couch????

(my least favorite) Deer skin on OUR BED????

Rug on a rug?????

I'm sure we will decide on something, for right now I have it thrown over the couch...