And Then He Was FOUR

Back in March, Benton turned FOUR! We wanted him to have a lot of fun for his birthday so when asked what kind of party he wanted, he suggested pirates. I knew we would have a blast with that theme!

Love Oriental Trading Company! After a lot of searching, we had a party. I think his favorite item was the six foot pirate we got. We used the giant pirate for a game that was a spin on "pin the tail on the donkey" and called it "stab the pirate". I made some blood-red whipping cream and had the kids (blind folded and spun) dip a sword into it and try to hit an "X" on the pirate's belt. It was quite entertaining to watch!

We had a pinata, it was the first one the Meyers' children have ever had. It was a treasure chest complete with a treasure map! Greg suggested that every adult have a handful of candy and when the pinata finally breaks, throw the candy in the air in various places around the yard to give the pinata an explosive factor. It worked nicely!

Following the pinata, the kids used the discovered treasure map to find the treasure. During the pinata, my niece and nephew filled the backyard with loot. The smaller children had fun deciphering the treasure map and enjoyed clearing the back yard of all things valuable.

We topped the party off with a treasure chest cake and cupcakes! All together we had a successful, fun party and one happy FOUR year old!

Alea's Hair

February 2011

February 2010

Just breezing through some pictures and thought I'd show you how much

hair Alea can grow in a year!

Happy Valentine's Day 2011

We have quite the little party planner on our hands!

About three weeks ago, Alea started asking me if she could have a Valentine's Day party. Of course she could "have a party". I thought she'd forget about it since she is so imaginative and each day is a new experience. After she hand wrote a few invitations and she began delegating jobs, I was still thinking that she would drop it and move on. I should have known better. It was solidified when we were out to breakfast with my dad and she said, "Granddaddy, would you make root beer floats for my Valentine's Party"? This party was going to happen! I participated minimally and here's what we got. . .

GREG'S job was the cake and here is

his amazing, creative princess castle cake!!

Keep in mind this is after the party . . .

Can somebody say "Root Beer Floats"?!?!

Craft time with Aunt Callie-

She planned the entire thing! She even made a few calls to remind party participants of what they had committed to do. Honestly, this was a great party with NO hitches and little management by an adult. I'm impressed!

Polar Express

The group getting ready to embark!

The group all partied out and headed back to Amarillo.

Santa and

Alea, Gideon, August, Miriam, Josiah, Samara, AshLynn, Benton

Me, my mom, my grandmother and my sisters, along with eight children 12 and under, made a 2 hour drive to Lubbock to ride the Polar Express. We all had a great time and even purchased new pajamas for all the ADULTS!! Alea was slightly disappointed in the "North Pole" but her Aunt Callie was quick to explain that we were seeing the Texas North Pole! That seemed to make it much better. We got to drink hot chocolate and eat cookies. An elf read the Polar Express book and Santa came around and passed out bells. We had a great time!

Fun and Great Times--Happy Holidays. . .

Have Some Sugar. . . Cookies!!!

It all started as a dream-like so many things in life. . .

My SISTER went to a play at our local Amarillo Little Theatre. During intermission she purchased a sugar cookie which she was less than impressed with both in design and taste. Since her and I are working hard to begin a party/cakes/cookies business and trying to get our name out that we are selling the best sugar cookies in Amarillo, she saw this particular situation perplexing. She could either sit on the sidelines and let everyone attending ALT programs eat sub-par cookies, or step in and help-which was obviously needed! If you know my older sister, Callie, she could not sit idly by and keep quiet. She approached the director of the upcoming "Tom Sawyer" production and said that her and I are starting a business and would he be interested in trying our cookies. All in hopes (dreams) that he would be swept off his feet and hire us to make the cookies for the upcoming production! Sure--dreams, dreams, dreams---

Well, Monday afternoon, my SISTER got a call from the director with a green light to go ahead and make some cookies for "Tom Sawyer" he loved them, loved them, loved them! Oh, and how many might he be wanting? 800. . . what? the most we've done in a day is 9 dozen, about 1/8 of that number, really?? 800??? That's 67 dozen. . . wow, ok, we can do this! He just needs 400 Friday at 4:00 and 400 Saturday at 4:00--no problem!

Thursday evening we began the baking frenzy, we had around 200 cookies baked and ready for decorating, we're doing good, real upbeat. If this takes us about 1 hour for 200, we'll be completely done with all 800 in about 4 hours, right? Well yes except the first 200 took us 7 hours to decorate! Boy did we underestimate the time and overestimate our ability! We started mentally crunching numbers and time and considered the fact that we only had 5 of the 25 boxes (for Friday) completed at midnight and decided that rest was for the wicked. Or at the very least, rest was for the people that didn't get themselves committed to making 800 cookies in ONE day. . . we pulled an all nighter and finished the 25th box of cookies at 10:00 Friday morning! We took a "nap" break and reconvened at 6:00 Friday evening for another fun filled night of cookie making!

On the bright side, Callie figured out a way to shave 6 hours off the second half of cookies making the process faster and more enjoyable. We completed our 800th cookie at 8:00 Saturday! Well before they were due might I add. . .

All in all, we had a lot of fun and learned so much about each other and perseverance!

We had to use the window seat to
hold cookies awaiting decorating!

This is about 164 cookies! We did 5 times that---!!!

New and improved design-time saver!

Final step--in the box!
Original design-box shut, 50 boxes!

WE ARE THE WOMEN!!

And a special thanks to our husbands and children who so patiently

put up with our stupidly optimistic original estimation of time!

Tri-state Fair Parade

Fall is here and that means fair time in Amarillo!! The fair gets started with a mighty downtown parade. Alea and her cousin, Miriam, were asked to walk with their (Daisy) Girl Scout troop this year. They did such a great job. It was a long walk and they took turns holding their banner, waving flags and showing their Girl Scout sign. It was exciting and I was so proud of both of them, they walked with their heads up and represented the youngest branch of the Girl Scouts so well!

School Begins

Here we go again! We've decided to homeschool again this year. After a lot of prayer, we know this is what the Lord wants us to do. We'll take it a year at a time. I've decided to do Kindergarten again with Alea. She excelled last year, but I think since she just turned 5 in May, we'll keep her age/grade appropriate. We started last Monday and she has already blown me away. I am so thankful for her attitude toward learning and her willingness to explore and learn with me. Benton is having a good time too. He does computer time while we are working hard and then they do all the hands on and crafts together. I'm proud of them both already.

We have a couple of solid homeschool families that have joined up with us for field trips or play dates every FRIDAY!! I am so thankful for friends who share our vision and enthusiasm for educating our children. We had our first field trip last week-Panhandle Plains Historical Museum-and the kids loved it and learned a lot by looking at the exhibits. We're going exploring at Palo Duro Canyon to collect rocks, leaves and bugs next week and then the fair the following week. I think I'm more excited about these learning opportunities than the kids!

Alea is also officially a Daisy (AKA first level Girl Scout) and has her first troop meeting tonight. She is really excited especially since her cousin and friend are joining her. She also started a tap/ballet class last week, with her cousin, and loves every minute she can spend in front of the ballet studio mirror! Life is good and we are trying to live every moment to it's fullest. We are enjoying family and friends in Amarillo and are planning a fall trip to Des Moines in a week!

The first day of school-Alea picked her clothes-she was excited and ready to learn!

Oh, Life. . .

Why is it we want what we cannot have!?!

Today's high: 100 degrees

Today's attire: snow hats, snow mittens, snow coats, pants, hoodie, crocks (?)

February 2009 high: 10 degrees

February 2009 attire: swim suit ???

Agenda for today: drink hot chocolate, make coffee filter snowflakes, play in "the snow"-fully attired of course, roast marshmallows in "the fire"! Good thing we're just PLAYING! Lovin' the summer!!!

Our Little Graduate

Alea has done a fantastic job in Kindergarten this year! We completed the "My Father's World" curriculum for Kindergarten and are going to use A Beka next year.

We have been involved with the end of school rituals with my nieces and nephews the past few weeks and Alea began to feel as though she deserved a Kindergarten graduation. I couldn't agree more! We, as home school parents, have to make an extra effort to make our children feel special-just as the Lord sees them. I threw a graduation together quickly and with the help of family! It was really cute and she was beaming all day and into the next day. She borrowed her cousin, Miriam's (ooohhh, aaaahhh) graduation cap and gown, Greg got Pomp and Circumstance, we used LaDonna's church stage and viola, graduation to the rescue. Thirteen proud family members looked on as Alea glided down the isle (cappless since it was too big), she sang school songs and said her phonetically correct alphabet. She ended with a special song about elephants and glided back down the isle. We followed the ceremony with Capri Suns and Little Debbies!

Happy graduation, Alea, we are so proud of you!

A Perfect Wedding

Saturday, June 5th, my sweet sister-in-law, Lauren Cooprider was married. It was such an awesome day and all around perfect in every way. I was worried about the weather being too hot and it was not. I was worried that my child might get a blister on her foot (as she was the flower girl I thought that might disrupt the wedding a bit), but she did not. I thought I might cry like a baby when Lauren came down the isle but alas, I did that during rehearsal so I did not. Everything was wrapped up in a happiness and a magical uniting of two lives beginning a new journey together.

I have never seen a pastor, accompanied by groomsmen, preceed down the isle to Michael Jackson-until this wedding. Derek apparently really likes Michael Jackson and integrated him into the wedding and reception-pretty impressive. One of his groomsmen even dressed up like Michael and made a "special appearance". From the seating in the outdoor gazebo wedding to the dancing at the reception, I felt so honored and priviledged to be a part of such a celebration. I almost felt like I was watching a movie, it was so perfect!

I hope Lauren and Derek have a blissful marriage and that the honeymoon never ends! We love you two and are so proud of you-God bless you!

Beauty School??

Ok, every child does it, right? Well, we have now had our turn. . .



Thankfully, that is hair from the DOLL! Alea and Benton snuck off to the bathroom with scissors and butchered their doll's hair. It looked like a regular barber shop when I opened the door-hair was every where. Uggg. . . Alea did get in trouble but we just kept saying how thankful we are that it was the doll and not her own, she's in a wedding in a WEEK. This too shall pass. . .

The Two Chocolateers

Alea and her cousin, Gideon, are true birthday buddies--May 17, 2002/2005! We celebrated their birthday with a big splash of CHOCOLATE!! We did pudding painting, chocolate Cheerios necklaces and armpit fudge. What? Yes, we supplied all the ingredients in a ziplock baggie and they squished it in their armpits (in tune to a wonderful chocolate song) until a nice ball of fudge was created-in theory-actually, they all got preoccupied and didn't bother with making the fudge. It was a great party with chocolate to dip goodies in and a chocolate canvas "finger-printed" by all the guests. We also made a great party favor of: chocolate, chocolate lip gloss, hot chocolate and chocolate stickers. It was great fun and Alea had a great FIFTH birthday party!! Happy Birthday my sweet daughter!

"Princess P"

Whoo-hoo an Easy Bake!!

Happy Third Birthday, Benton!

BIRTHDAY BOY

I think he's partied too hard!

About to blow out his Birthday

brownie candles.

The Party. . .

What cool presents he got!

Today, we celebrated Benton's third birthday! It was quite the celebration and I can't think of a better thing to celebrate than LIFE!

Three years ago, today, I gave birth to a 9 lb. 4 oz Iowan, baby boy. We knew we wanted to name him Benton after his great-great grandmother, Nettie Benton, and Gregory after his father. I didn't get to hold him until he was many hours old and when I finally got my hands on that little, pudgy, pink bundle, my heart expanded! There was such a peace about him and I just snuggled him silly at the hospital. He smiled while still in the hospital and I got to see his TWO deep dimples, I knew I'd be seeing them a lot through the years.

Benton, Ben-Ben, Benner, yes, he's our party boy. He's always ready to laugh, be laughed at, or make someone laugh. Every morning we are greeted with a "BOO" and a giggle when both Greg and I act like we're really scared.

Benton at a glance. . .

Some of his favorite phrases are: "Na, na, boo, boo", "Wanna pay (play with) me?", and "Dope (thank you)". His favorite activities are: playing with trains, cars or trucks, doing anything with his sister, riding bikes, watering the grass and snuggling with his Waee (aka Rillo). His favorite foods are: oatmeal, poptarts, tortellini, Ritz crackers, yogurt, bananas and chocolate pudding.

The other night he woke up in the middle of the night, he's been having a hard time breathing. I sat in the recliner with him and snuggled with him for a little while. While I was holding him, he looked up at me and said, "Mama, you're my best friend." It was really sweet-I'll never forget it! The days are flying and I know that times will change but for now, I'll cherish these moments I have with both of my children.

That's our Ben, he is one sweet little bundle of fun--Happy Birthday, Son!

Happy Saint Patrick's Day 2010

We had a great Saint Patrick's Day party! Of course green was the theme and we had green tattoos, green cupcakes, green sugar cookies, green jello jigglers, green kool-aid and green yogurt. We did a mean green craft, or two, in which the kids painted green balls which they placed on green pipe cleaners which they wrapped around head bands thus creating google eyes. They also glued jewels on their green hand prints. I couldn't find St. Pat's cups or green paper cups but what I did find was plastic shot glasses-NICE! I did it, I bought them for the kids-it was a hit. I can't say how many times I filled those silly little shot glasses with green kool-aid. That was about all I accomplished during the party. We had a great time and at least this time I remembered St. Patrick's Day! Unfortunately, I only snapped one picture during the ENTIRE day, so here it is.

My niece, August, showing

green fun!

I Wanna Be Like YOU-HOO-HOO

Ok, no visual here so just imagine. We're shopping in The Children's Place with some friends. Alea and her friend find dresses that they really want. They asked to try them on so they can strut in front of the full length mirrors they have in the dressing rooms. I volunteered to go back with them and took Benton. Once the girls were strutting around the store having such a great time, Benton began whining. Finally, I took the time to listen to the root of the whining. He told me that he wanted a dress, too. Of course, I said he couldn't wear a dress.

He did not like this answer! He sat down in the middle of the store, knees up, head down on his knees, arms wrapped around his legs, CRYING! "I want a dress, mom, I really want a dress like Alea!" How comical that my BOY wants a DRESS so badly he is willing to cry and pout in the middle of the store. I wish so badly I would have snapped a picture of him so I could tell him how silly it really was. I desperately surveyed the store in search of something for him to try on, but there was nothing flowing, shiny and pretty on the boys side of the store-sorry Benton.

A fellow shopper was passing by and saw/heard the whole thing, she was laughing out loud! I did NOT get him the dress. . .

He just wanted to be like his sister and at home I could not care less if he wants to strut around in a dress-guess that carefree attitude backfired in this instance.

Special Visitors!

We have had some special visitors! Our dear friends: Pete, Megan, Micah, Eli and Elizabeth Sorensen. They drove down from Des Moines and got to spend a few days here with us in the Texas Panhandle. We had a great time visiting, eating (of course) and doing a little sight seeing. We had to hit the Big Texan and Palo Duro Canyon. We also toured the Quarter Horse Museum. It was wonderful to have such a special visit and made me miss them even more. I love Megan because of her faithfulness and our like mindedness. She is so encouraging and I learn a lot when we're together. Their sweet little new addition, Elizabeth, was so cuddly and I was so happy to get to meet her. Unfortunately, I only got ONE picture while they were here. . .

Alea and Elizabeth
We miss ya'll so much, thanks for the visit!!

Merry Christmas 2009

We had a wonderful Christmas with family!

The most . . . interesting . . . event of Christmas was trying to recreate my most favorite childhood memories but through my children. I-and Greg-convinced my sisters-and their husbands-to spend the night at my parents Christmas Eve! My best Christmas memories are with all my cousins at my Grandparents house, now that was excitement! OK, seventeen people in my parents house, not too tight but we all had to be in rooms so the "magic" of Christmas could happen without anyone seeing. We decided to put, Gideon, Samara, Josiah, Benton and August in the "kids room"; Alea and Miriam wanted to sleep in the closet; AshLynn in with Nannie; Me, Greg, Callie, Jon, Lori and Lance in the front room. It was cozy and we found out Lance is a worse snorer than Jon (is that possible?), but we survived and our kids had a blast spending the night at Granna's with all the cousins. We thought it would be fun to watch movies and eat until we were sick. Also, there was no go to bed curfew. All the kids started fizzling out around 11 except BENTON! He was out of control and having a blast staying up, and up, and up until I made him go to bed at 1:30am!


Our group on my side is so big, we have to open presents in shifts. The kids go first and then go off to play with all their new toys, then the adults get their turn. We open one at a time so it takes a good long time and everyone gets to watch.


We enjoyed spending time with Greg's family also, we always look forward the all the good food we get over there and this year did not disappoint. It's always good to see all of his aunts, uncles and cousins. Our children are the youngest on his side for now, but it won't be long before they are the "big kids" around.

Hope your Christmas was wonderful as we reflected on the birth of our one and only Savior, Jesus!

Party pants-Benton at 1:11am!

Alea and Miriam sound asleep in the closet.

Alea and August both got princess

phones and were talking to each other.

Benton the fireman-just like Poppies and Uncle Lance.

The Perkins' girls kids

-We're missing Matt's family:(-

Samara, AshLynn, Gideon, Josiah, Miriam

Benton, Alea, August

Peppermint Bashing

We were making peppermint covered fudge for Christmas and I thought the kids could just punch the bags of peppermint breaking it all up. Well, of course that hurt their hands, so we tried alternative methods. Benton, being the thinker that he is, analyzed the situation, disappeared and then re-surfaced with his little plastic hammer. He pummeled the peppermint and had a down right good time of it! His peppermint won the "most crushed up" award and he was so proud of himself.

Ice Cream, Anyone?

OK, so long overdue, but worth revisiting! Back on December 22, yes, December 22, me and my sweet off spring were settling down nicely into routine when I hear a familiar tune.

It was a tune of sweetness that instantly took me to a more innocent time of my life. The tune that parents do not want to hear on those hot, lazy summer afternoons. The tune that sends children throwing whatever they're playing with and running to mom and/or dad pleading. Yes, that "ice cream truck" tune!

I NEVER heard this in Johnston and had really forgotten the sweet little man who so eagerly drives up and down the street playing the tune that beckons all of us outside for some special ice cream which is delivered right to you. I shook off the euphoric feeling and expressed my childlike excitement to my children, by grabbing them by the hands, poor unsuspecting little ones, and dragging them out the door. All in response to that tune. Snatching my wallet on the way, I quickly explained how the ice cream truck works. They were standing in a whirlwind of confusion as the truck pulled over-oh that sweet tune. They each picked an ice cream treat and they were so happy. We came back into the house to enjoy the ice cream and I was elated to have shared this childhood experience with my children.

I laughed out loud at the fact that it was almost Christmas and it was so warm outside, the ice cream man was still making deliveries. The past three Decembers-in Iowa-I wanted nothing to do with the frigid sweetness of an ice cream treat in December. Good to be home. . .

THE Princess Room

Here we are getting all settled into our new home and adjusting to our new activities. I have to share our first and most impressive update to the home. Alea wanted a pink room, so in one afternoon-before Christmas-that was accomplished. We had discussed painting a castle in her room and I knew just the guy to get that done. Greg's dad is quite artistic and I knew he'd be just the one to to a fantastic job! SO, below is the amazing and breath taking castle created and painted by Gregg on Alea' pink wall. She is really proud of her room and shows it off to anyone and everyone she can-even the neighbor. Thank you Gregg and Cassie for the visit and time spent on Alea's new and improved room-it's more than we all expected.

Alea on her stage (draw bridge) in front of the castle.

Posing in front of the castle.

Benton "helping" his Poppa paint the royal dwelling.