My Turkey

The following was written by Brother Bear (grade 3) for school on how to prepare a turkey.

This is how I make a turkey. First, I go to Safeway and buy a large 20 pound turkey. I also buy stuffing for the turkey. Next, when I get home I wash my hands. Then I stuff the turkey with the stuffing and pull out the wishbone and make a wish. Finally I put the turkey in the oven and cook it for 30 minutes at 90 degrees. Then I take it out of the oven and put it on the table and then I eat it. That is how I make a turkey. The End.

So Sweet

For the most part Brother and Sister Bear get along pretty good. Sister loves Big Bird and Elmo. I let her watch Sesame Street the other day while I was making dinner and it was really quiet in the other room. I went in and found her and Brother just sitting in the middle of the floor watching Sesame Street. He was talking to her about what was on. They were going over the letter "Y". Then later they came in and laid on the floor and colored....well he colored and she made some marks on his paper.

If only they could be so sweet all of the time......

Soccer Slide Show

Soccer season has ended for Brother Bear and now the wait begins for baseball practice to start. We had great weather this year for soccer. Only two rainy games this season and not too cold. I think we had a colder season for baseball. Brother scored 21 goals this season. He has quite the skills on the soccer field. And I'm not just the proud mom. I've had parents from other teams tell me that he's a good player.

Happy Halloween

Hard to believe that it is already Halloween. Seems like it was just Labor Day and back to school. The Halloween decorations are on their way out at the stores and the shelves are getting stocked with Christmas decorations. Some stores even started putting out Christmas stuff before Halloween, which is just wrong. However, once Halloween in over they bring out the mint flavored M & M's. My favorite!!!! I put them in the freezer (usually without anyone knowing I have them) and they are pretty tasty!
So this year for Halloween, Brother Bear was his favorite college football player Jake Locker and Sister Bear was.....well she just didn't want to cooperate. Since it was cold I was going to have her wear her pumpkin costume from last year. Only she didn't quite care for it. Instead she wore a festive Halloween t-shirt.

I Got Tagged

I got tagged by my sister-in-law Nicole, aka Gidget @ http://gidgetgoeshome.com , so I thought I would play along.
Here are the rules:
1. Link to the person or persons who tagged you. 2. Post the rules on your blog or if you don't have a blog just email the person back with the answers. 3. Write six random things about yourself. 4. Tag six people at the end of your post and link to them. 5. Let each person know they've been tagged and leave a comment on their blog 6. Let the tagger know when your entry is up.

So here it goes......6 Random Things about Mama Bear

1. I have to sleep with socks on. It can be 100 degrees, but I can't fall asleep unless I have socks on. I've tried to go to sleep without them, but eventually I have to get up and put them on so I can go to sleep.
2. In the sixth grade I was on the safety patrol. We had the stop signs that we used in the crosswalk, had a whole marching routine and did the whole putting and taking down of the American Flag. Our school safety patrol competed in a marching competition.
3. I have been escorted out of a building by the secret service. I'm going to leave it at that. If you really want to know what happened you can email me.
4. Considering the amount of time my family spends around and watching sports, I am pretty un-athletic. Actually, I'm just uncoordinated.
5. I do not like seafood!!!
6. I sleep with a teddy bear.

OK….now you’re tagged! If you're too busy, no worries, but I thought it would be fun if you’d like to play along! I did more than 6 people.

Connie
Jen R.
Cherie
Shannon C.
Shannon W.
Carly
Janelle
Sarah @ http://www.featherfam.blogspot.com/
Amy
Niki
Carey
Stephanie
Lisa
Betsi
Jodi

Trip to the Pumpkin Patch

Sunday Papa Bear called on his way home from work to see if we wanted to go to the pumpkin patch after lunch or run to Lowe's. We need to buy a new kitchen sink. As much as I would have liked to go to Lowe's, I figured we had better hit the pumpkin patch. It was a nice day and who knows if we would have a nice sunny day the following Sunday.

So after Sister Bear woke up from her nap, we piled in the car and headed out to the pumpkin patch. It is a huge pumpkin patch with a corn maze, hayrides, pig races, a goat walk and of course pumpkins. We had a front row seat for the pig races. There were some baby cows which we had to keep telling Sister Bear they were cows, not goats. After we watched the pig races and the goats we went on a hay ride. Then off to find the perfect pumpkin. Once Sister figured out she could sit on the pumpkins, she wanted to sit on all of them.

It was a nice family day at the pumpkin patch. I think the two little bears probably enjoyed it a lot more than they would have a trip to Lowe's. Maybe next weekend for the kitchen sink.

Gramma and Granddad Visit

Gramma and Granddad came to visit for the week. We had a nice time. Brother Bear even had two days off of school! Papa Bear had to go out of town for work for the weekend so I was glad they were here to keep me company. Sometimes I turn into a chicken at night when Papa Bear is gone. Before we got married I used to check in my roommates closet and under her bed when she wasn't home at night before I went to bed (Niki, if you are reading this that roommate was you).

Gramma really enjoyed our weather. It has been way to hot for her down in So. Cal. It was probably in the high 50's but sunny for the most part while they were here. We went up to Seattle one day and went to the aquarium and to Pike's Market. Then we did the zoo. I had my mom make some of the dinners that just taste so much better when she makes them and we froze them for me to pull out and pretend I made them. One night when Papa Bear was gone, Brother Bear and I went and spent some quality time together while sister stayed behind. It was nice because as much as he loves his sister I could tell he really liked just the two of us going out to do something.

On Saturday Brother had a soccer game. It was the first game in which he didn't score a goal. He probably had about 7 shots on goal though. Unlucky day. I love this soccer picture of him. He had just kicked the ball and there was another kid coming toward him.

Sister Bear is just like how her brother was at that age. She doesn't want to miss a thing. The day we were out in Seattle at the aquarium and Pikes Market she never fell asleep. She's like the energizer bunny and just keeps going and going. However, this week she has taken some really good naps for me.

Fall

It is so nice living where there are actual seasons. I love the fall when the leaves change color. Even the air smells different. When we moved here from California, Brother Bear was 5 years old. I remember he commented on the amount of all the big GREEN trees. Something we didn't have a lot of in smoggy So. Cal. We have some really tall trees in our neighborhood and it is kind of nice just to sit and watch them sway in the wind. And then I start to think if it gets really windy and the trees fall over, will they hit our house. Brother Bear likes to help Papa Bear when he rakes up the leaves in the backyard. It is always nice to watch the two of them out there doing the yard.

Shark Eating Octopus

My parents came to visit us from California. While they were here visiting, Brother Bear had two days off of school (teacher in-service days). So Gramma and Granddad took us up to the Seattle Aquarium on one of those days. Brother Bear was very excited to be going. He has been wanting to go to the aquarium since we moved up to the Pacific Northwest. In kindergarten when they were doing the letter "O" one of the words they used was octopus. Well, his teacher told them all about an octopus at the Seattle Aquarium who ate a shark. Needless to say Brother Bear was FASCINATED with this story. He told everyone about it and if a computer was nearby he would show you the video. Here is a link to the video http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-7004909622962894202 for you to see it, in case you missed it, or just really want to watch it again. So three years later, Brother Bear finally got to see the octopus. It was a pretty active octopus and quite fast too! Sister Bear really liked looking at the fish. She would tell us"fishy"and"waaater". There was one exhibit with waves in it and she would get very excited when she saw the bubbles and ask for more. We had a good time at the aquarium.

The Best Team in Baseball!!!!

Since I am the writer of this blog I get to put this post up. Lets go Angels!!!! Our household is 3 Red and 1 Blue(Dodgers). A guy I used to work with at Chapman would call Papa Bear "blue". Well, the blue team managed to pull it off and make it into the playoffs. It could get ugly in our house if Red and Blue play each other in the world series. Haha lets get serious now, Blue won't make it that far. We have the MLB package, so basically we have watched baseball every night on tv since April. What will we watch until Wednesday night when the playoffs begin?

California Visitors

Granny, Grandpa and Aunt Carly came to visit us over the weekend. We had a nice time just hanging out and relaxing. Carly and I did some shopping, staying up late watching episodes of House which of course then being tired the next day means having some Starbucks. I got to see all of the things Carly is planning for her wedding so that was fun. Brother Bear showed off his soccer skills for the family by scoring a few goals at his game. After his soccer game he took Grandpa over to the university for the football game Papa Bear was working. Us girls decided to pass on another rainy game and stayed at home. Granny made chicken and dumplings for dinner which Brother Bear really likes so he was pretty excited. Sister Bear took quite a liking to her Aunt Carly. It wasn't crummy weather the whole weekend. Sunday we got 4 cords of firewood delivered. Granny and Grandpa helped Papa Bear carry some of the wood (we still have 2 cords sitting in our driveway) out to the shed and stack it while Carly and I enjoyed our Starbucks on the playset with the little bears. We went out for a good mexican dinner that night. After dinner Granny made her yummy chocolate sheet cake. Which even though we weren't hungry, Carly and I indulged in a piece. Monday night we bundled up and went up to Seattle to watch the Angels play. It was the first time going to the ballpark there that Brother Bear hasn't gotten a ball. At one game he ended up getting four baseballs. His shelf is getting a little full. Tuesday morning it was time for everyone to pack up and head to the airport.

Rainy Day Fun

I think I jinxed myself talking about the nice weather we were having.

Sure enough, when our family came to visit the weather got a little chilly (compared to how nice it had been) and RAINY!! Brother Bear had a soccer game and we stood out there under the umbrellas and cheered him on. It didn't seem to bother the boys much, just a few slips on the grass. I think what was harder on them was the 9am start time. Not sure if they were all awake yet. Usually they don't play until 11.

It's still nice!

You can't say that it always rains up here in the Pacific Northwest. We've had about 20 days with no rain! We have sunshine and blue skies. It is 82 degrees here today, according to my weather page. Of course, we have family coming to visit this weekend and the weather is supposed to cool down and possibly have a few showers.

First Day of School

Summertime fun has come to an end. School supplies and a new lunch box have been purchased. The house is quiet.....well, I should say quieter.

We were up bright and early on Wednesday morning to get Brother ready for the first day of school. I heard him get up at 6:45. I usually don't wake him up until 7:45, but he was excited. Brother even told me when he wanted to leave for school. He wanted to get to school extra early. Let's see how long he stays excited for school. Now, it's no t.v. in the morning and only an hour (usually 2 - 1/2hour shows) of tv after homework and reading have been done. But unless he's really bored, he usually won't watch t.v. because he hasn't been able to play outside very much.

The 3rd grade!!! I can hardly believe it. Seems like just the other day he started kindergarten. He looks so small in the kindergarten picture.

Dancing Girl

Sorry for the sideways view. I couldn't figure out how to flip the video so it's right side up, but you'll still enjoy the sweet dance moves.

Here is a video of some of Sister Bears pretty sweet dance moves. She loves this song by Coldplay. When it is over she signs "more." When the song comes on in the car she really gets her head rocking.

Lucky Number 13!

Happy Anniversary to us!!
Look at how young we are (22 & 24....I won't tell you whose older!)


13 years ago today we got married. Boy time sure has gone by fast. When you were little it seemed like a year took forever...will it ever be summer break or Christmas time. Now a year goes by before you can blink. My sister -in- law is getting married in early 2009...she was 11 when we got married. When she has been married for 13 years I will be 51 years old. Such a scary thought!!!!



The years may be going by fast, but they have been 13 wonderful years. We have 2 terrific kids, our family and friends, our health and a nice home to keep us warm and safe. And, after 13 years we still like each other, which is the nicest part.

Furry Friends

It is funny the differences between kids. Brother Bear always liked stuffed animals but was never really into them. He's into Webkinz though because of being able to do stuff on the computer with them. When Sister Bear was born he gave her some of his stuffed animals: a fun monkey, Mickey Mouse, Tigger and Pooh. Well, lately she has become obsessed with Tigger and Pooh. All day long she says "tigger....pooh" and then runs to find them. She'll share her milk with them and hug and kiss them. We have small ones from a mobile that I cut off for her to take when we go out. Then there's night night bunny. Nigh Nigh as she calls it. That is only allowed in her crib. When she gets really fussy all I have to do is ask her if she wants to go see Night Night and she happily will sit in her crib for awhile. I had to wash Night Night after we went camping and Sister Bear saw me put it in the dryer. Boy, did she loose it! She stood at the dryer crying and wouldn't leave the laundry room.

It's Official! I'm a Blogger

Well, I've finally surrendered and entered the world of blogging. I blame you for this Nicole! :) Just teasing. Sister bear has a cold and is upstairs napping and I should be doing some laundry but instead I sat down at the computer and started playing around with making this blog. Notice in the About Us sidebar that I am not using our real names. A friend who blogs doesn't use her kids real names, which I kind of liked. I decided that I would give us all names of mystery. Alas, Papa Bear, Mama Bear, Brother Bear and Sister Bear were born. Oh how mysterious we are!

So, my reasoning for becoming a blogger is that I am not always good about emailing and keeping in touch with some of you out there. For that I apologize. Oh let's be honest, blogging just looks like fun. Now this way I can update you all on what is going on in The 4 B's lives and you can read about it if you want too. Maybe you too will fall prey to the world of blogging like I have. Not a very creative title I have going for the blog, but I'm working on coming up with something else.

I feel like I should have some big post or something to commemorate my entrance into the world of blogging. I guess I'll fill you in on what our summer has been like. Only one month left of summer break and Brother Bear will be in 3rd grade. I can't believe how fast the time goes. It seems like just yesterday he was the same age as Sister Bear (1yr). Brother Bear has been busy all summer w/ vacation, sports camps, vacation bible school and helping Papa Bear out at work. Sister Bear is busy too... getting into things and trying out the world around her. She wants to do whatever brother does.

We went to California for almost 2 weeks for vacation. It was nice to be together as a family. We hit the beach, Disneyland/CA Adventure, some Angel games and caught up with some old friends. When we were at CA Adventure Brother Bear was finally tall enough to go on California Screaming. We rode it three times! The last time was the last ride of the night for the roller coaster and Brother and Papa got the very front seat! We took Sister Bear with us in the morning and then her grandparents picked her up so we could enjoy all of the big rides. While in CA, Papa Bear and I even went to see a movie(Hancock)! The last movie we saw together was when we took Brother Bear to see Meet the Robinson's the day before Sister Bear was born.

Over the weekend we went camping. People get a surprised look when they hear I went camping. I have nothing against camping....I have some requirements though, mainly a flushing toilet! None of this porta potty stuff. I can do without the shower as long as there is some type of swimming or I'm not gone more than two nights. The place we went camping at was really nice and they had flushing toilets. Yeah! I didn't shower but I was alright with that. We were only gone Friday thru Sunday. Papa Bear and Brother Bear bought fishing poles and tried their hand at fishing. No luck catching anything but they had a good time. I stayed back at the tent with Sister Bear. She didn't feel too good. She had a little accident on Friday night when she ran into the tailgate of the truck when it was down. She got a pretty good cut right below her eye. If we'd have been home she might of had to go for stitches. Luckily Papa Bear had his kit in the truck and fixed her up good. But the next day her face was swollen and she had a little bit of a black eye. She had a little fever from teething, but now that she has a cold that could have been it too. Sister Bear just wanted to sleep or be held, which she never wants to be held. I stayed behind and sat outside the tent and read and listened to the river right next to us. Brother Bear loved making smores over the fire. I only caught two on fire! A good time was had by all!

I'm sure I could just keep going on and on but then who would do my piles of laundry that are sitting upstairs? So it is time to say goodbye to the blog world for today!