She Finally Got It!

A couple months ago we started a reward incentive program with Taylor in an effort to encourage good behavior. We got her a jar, marked lines on it, and gave her marbles for being a good listener, using her manners, doing chores, etc. As she reached each line, she received a little prize. She has DESPERATELY been wanting a Princess Scooter so we decided to offer that as one of the big prizes when she reached the top of the jar. She has been trying so hard to get that scooter, going crazy over it as it sat in the garage for the last month (it was on sale so I had to buy it) and watching Paige get one. After being so patient and working so hard, yesterday was the DAY that she reached the line with the star by it and she got her scooter. As I attempted to put it together she just kept saying, "I'm so excited." This is Ashlyn HYSTERICALLY crying because she wanted a turn. She just kept chasing after Taylor screaming. It was so funny!Okay Ash, now you can have a turn.Taylor HAD to go show the Blumes.

I know they were excited for us to interrupt their dinner. Dang neighbors!

The marble jar has worked so well for us. Taylor has been involved in it from the beginning. She chose her prizes and told us what the rules are in our home and we wrote them all down so it wasn't a surprise when I asked her to put her dinner plate away. It has been something we have been able to stick with unlike my many attempts at sticker charts. At the same time we introduced the time out mat and we have only had to use it twice. The marbles work! She would rather have that than time out so 99% of the time she will correct her behavior at our warning. She also speaks more politely and does little chores. It has been great! I even have other kids in the neighborhood knocking on my door asking for marbles. She only has a few more to go and she gets to have a sleep over at Grandma P's house.

Andy lilkes to push Ashlyn around

Usually I would say, Andy, don't push your sister! But this time pushing Ashlyn around is just a nice thing to do.

I made the mistake of putting Ashlyn in the big blocks cart and the other kids all wanted turns too. After a while Ashlyn was the only one still wanting turns, and Andy was happy to oblige.

Another Wedding Weekend.

Last weekend my sister Tracy got married. Everything turned out perfect and was exactly how she wanted it. She rented a fancy house in Henderson on a hill that overlooked the Vegas city lights with amazing sunset views. They exchanged vows just as the sun was setting and then the party began with great food, music, and incredible surroundings. I think all her friends ended up in the pool fully dressed before the night (morning) was over. Taylor and Ashlyn were the flower girls and they did such a great job. They were super cute!The Girls!Setting up. My handsome little man!Ashlyn trying to stay cool. It was brutally hot!

Having fun in the pool at our resort. This was the 1st time Andy and Ashlyn have played in a real pool since they were babies. They loved it! They would stand on the side and jump in. It was so fun but I realized that my pool days will be limited this summer because they are crazy and way too much for me to handle on my own.


Congratulations Reeves and Tracy!

We Are Crazy!

Yesterday was the strangest May weather ever. If you haven't heard all the crazy weather stories check out April and Wes, it is unbelievable. Anyways, as far as I could tell it was perfect Disneyland weather, it was cold and sprinkled on and off throughout the afternoon (I'm not a big fan of Dland in 100 degree heat). So at the last minute I picked up Tyler from work and we headed off to the Happiest Place on Earth. While on the freeway, the rain intensified and I began to think we were a little crazy. We arrived at Disneyland only to realize that we left Tyler and Taylor's passes at home (strike 2 for Tyler which usually requires a $20 fee), Taylor had fallen asleep in the car and had a bit of an accident (rare occurrence so I was not prepared) and I forgot a sweatshirt and it was freezing. We are definitely crazy! We ran to the tram in the pouring rain as hundreds of people were leaving, a bit smarter than we were. We got into the Disney store so we could attempt to not spend $100 on new clothes for Taylor and a sweatshirt for me. I could not spend $50 on a sweatshirt that screamed Disneyland so I decided to just be cold. We found clothes for Taylor, got her changed, and attempted to get temporary passes for T &T. Tyler had to sweet talk the worker into not charging him $20. It worked. By the time we got into the park the rain had stopped and we ended up having a perfectly fun evening. We rode Buzz (our fav.), ate dinner, and played in Toon Town. I think Toon Town is Disneyland's hidden secret. There is never anyone there we go and the kids get to run around like crazy, play in Minnie's house, and ride the roller coaster 4 times in a row without getting off. Taylor loves it! I love having these moments with my kids and husband. It makes me forget about the stresses in life and just enjoy being together. Nothing is better than a child's face at Disneyland.
Sorry there are no pictures. Our camera broke last weekend so we are stuck. Hopefully we won't miss out on any important milestones while we try to find another one.

Edit By Tyler - Since I know you all like photos with your posts here's one of my girls on the rainy tram (taken on my .6 megapixel camera phone) and then one of my awesome score on Buzz. Even though the picture got ruined I had to brag about my score. I still didn't make it to the highest level... next time Zurg... next time.

Happy Birthday Babe!

It is officially May 15th, Tyler's birthday. (Once again I am up too late.) I just wanted to say Happy Birthday to my hubby and let him know how grateful I am to have him in my life. I don't think there is anyone else in the world more perfect for me. He puts up with me and knows how to deal with my sometimes irrational worries and thoughts, helps out SO much with the kids , and lets me take breaks when I need them. He makes being married fun and being a mother easier.

Love you babe! Hope you have a fun day.

We had dinner at Bobby McGees to celebrate the big 2-8.

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Our Little Olympian

Today was Taylor's Gymnastics Olympics. She had fun earning lots of ribbons for doing tricks on the trampoline, holding onto the bar (she held on for really long time, I was impressed), and doing the obstacle course. They also had 3 fun relay races. She loved receiving her medal. Taylor and Tyler
Andy wants to do it too!

I think this video is funny. Tyler is going to teach her how to win next year. =)

Now for the more important question: WHY AM I STILL AWAKE?