Crazy for Cheetos Puffs

Devon is the 6th of 7 children in his family. Growing up, with 7 kids, food (especially snack foods) didn't last long in his home. Anytime his mom came home from the grocery store with Oreos, Cheetos, or Soda Pop, they were gone in a flash! If you didn't get your share...it was gone before you knew it.

In H.S, Devon would always tell me how he couldn't stand Cheetos...he didn't know why...they just grossed him out!

One day, his older sister overheard our conversation, about Cheetos, and confessed to him that when he was 5 0r 6 years old she told him that Cheetos were POOP so he wouldn't want to eat them and she could have them to herself.

If you look at Cheetos, you can see how, in a 5-year olds mind, they look like POOP.

Poor Devon!

Not only was he missing out on Cheeseburgers with ketchup, lettuce, and tomato (one of many things his "super-taste buds", as he likes to call them, couldn't stand), but was missing out on Cheetos too!

Now, 25 years later, he decided to put Cheetos Puffs to the test! He thought he might like the "puffs" since they don't look like POOP.

After one bite...he was addicted! His fear of eating POOP is gone!

In fact, he is soooo addicted that Cheetos has become a MUST NEED staple in our home. He has eaten them with his peanut butter toast, in the morning, with his sandwich at lunch, and snacks on them during American Idol!

He is CRAZY for Cheetos Puffs!

The Fourth Picture Tag

I've been tagged! Thanks Amanda!

This picture was taken when Blake was about 4 months old. Much of those days are a blur. I guess that's what happens when you have three kids in four years--eh? This was taken on a typical "pajama day" morning. Back when I had nowhere to go and nowhere to rush to. Aaaahh, those were the days! But look at those sweet faces! It's hard to believe Blake is 2.5 years old and Luke will be turning 5 next month. I miss those simple days of morning cartoons, playdoh, and playdates at the park. Now we've progressed to video games, light saber fighting, and Star Wars movies.

What is your 4th picture in your 4th picture file? If you're reading this consider yourself tagged!

Rules: 1.Go to your 4th picture folder
2. Pick your 4th picture
3. Write about it
4. Tag 4 other people

Say "CHEESE"!!

For Christmas, my parents gave Taylor and Luke their very own Fisher Price Digital Cameras. Immediately, Blake wanted nothing to do with his new remote-control WALLE.

{{Of course, that made cousin, Parker, happy because he loved WALLE! He even put WALLE in his bed with him at night so no one else could play with it}}

The picture above is of Luke taking a self-portrait. You can see how upset Blake is, in the background, that it isn't his turn to take pictures yet.
Poor Blake! It's so hard being the youngest sometimes...even though he doesn't think so...he would tell you he's not 2, rather 4 or 5.
Every kid should have one of these. They provide hours and hours of self-entertainment which allows me to load dishes, do laundry, and workout without being constantly interrupted!
The quality, however, is not the best. But, you have to love some of these simple pictures the kids have taken...too fun!!

Happy Anniversary!

9 years and one day later...

It's amazing how quickly time flies! It has been the best adventure of my life...9 moves, 3 kids later, and everything else in between...

I can't wait to see what the future will bring! XOXO

Long Live American Idol!

First of all, I am a huge...HUGE, American Idol fan! After watching the first few seasons (and secretly dreaming of becoming a singer all my life), and with the support of our loving husbands (who voluntarily babysat all weekend) Robyn and I decided to put our singing skills and desire to the test and traveled to Denver, Colorado to audition for American Idol.

Here are some life lessons we learned along the way...

• Don't EVER book a hotel room 1 mile away from Invesco Field with plans of walking to the stadium at 4am! Upon your arrival you will seriously wonder why you valued saving money to rent a car over your personal safety. Thank goodness for thoughtful in-laws who allow you to borrow their car so you don't have to worry about getting mugged at 4am.
• Take an extra pair of comfortable shoes to wear while waiting in line...5-7 hours to be exact! Even if the camera captured you, at a glance, it probably wouldn't see your shoes anyway.
• Be prepared to make new friends who swear you have the best singing voice they've ever heard and vow to be your best friend for life.
• Also, take ear plugs to avoid having to listen to your new friends sing for you, while waiting in line, over and over and over again.
• Know how to tell a good lie when someone asks you to compliment them on their horrific singing skills.
• Always walk through downtown Denver whenever there to visit. The shopping is quaint and super fun!
• Don't plan on getting any sleep in your hotel room. You will be kept up almost all night by sounds of others practicing and singing in the hallways.
• Make sure to ask Chris Daughtry for his autograph while riding on the shuttle with him...he will be one of the biggest stars of the season!
• Just sing your heart out and have fun even though there are practically thousands auditioning at the same time.
• Try not to snap at your BFF and sister when the process is over. Rather, realize you are both really, really tired and anxious to get home.
• Last, but not least, don't EVER wear your new pink American Idol t-shirt in the airport because it will make annoying boys think you want to sing your heart out to them and everyone else in the lobby.
  

So. Here's to a new season! Can't wait to watch tonight at 7pm!

I Can't Believe it's OVER!

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house
Every child was strung out on candy and leaping and running all about the house.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care
While the children (already strung out on sugar and candy) decorated cookies for Santa to share.

The family anxiously awaited turkey and trimmings to eat
While myself and grandma hurried to get it ready--it was quite the feat!

After opening Christmas Eve PJ's and getting the children all snug in their beds
Santa, and his helper, hurried to wrapped presents in blues, silvers, and reds.

Almost ready for Christmas, interrupted with sounds of screaming, while still wrapping presents,
I ran down the stairs to find a little one crying and throwing up, what seemed to be, gallons.

With a bath, some kisses, and new clean pajamas
We were ready to sleep deep without any shouts or yo mamas!

Without much sleep, Christmas morning finally arrived,
The children were giggling and full of jive!

Traditional pictures on the stairs was a must,
And then off to open presents starting with the youngest.

The air was filled with lots of ooh's and aah's,
And when it was over, I sighed with a pause...

The joy of Christmas is wonderful and sweet,
and this year we enjoyed it and felt quite complete!