Dandelions

I think dandelions are going to overtake my lawn. I am too cheap to pay someone to come spray them. Last year I bought some dandelion killer in a huge bottle and diligently sprayed the things every few weeks. What do I get for my efforts? Even more this year!!


I challenged the boys to fill an entire quart jar each with dandelions. They each did an entire jar in the backyard alone. I then bribed them with money to do another quart each in the front yard. They both almost filled up their second jars.

P.S. You can't see it very well in these pictures, but Nicholas has had a crazy rash on his cheeks the past week or so. It was really bad this particular day. He was complaining that it was itchy, so I dabbed calamine lotion all over his cheeks. You can see a pink/white film on his cheeks from the calamine lotion.

Wrapped around her finger...and not

Thomas adores Estella. Nicholas is indifferent. I think it is their ages that makes the difference. Here are a few examples that prove my point...

Exhibit one:
Thomas shares sucker with Estella


Estella, knowing her sweet big brother has a soft spot for her leans in and turns on the sweet little sister antics....leaning close, giving a huge grin, saying "PEASE" (please) and "UM UM" (yum yum).

Sweet success!

"See Mom...He can't resist me."

Exhibit Two:

Nicholas taunts Estella with a piece of gum

Nicholas, quietly playing with an unopened stick of gum, is soon noticed by little sister Estella.

The gum promptly becomes an airplane that soars to heights beyond little sister's reach.

Uh oh...little sister has lost interest. Airplane descends enough to again entice the attentions of little sister.

"See little sister...it is still here. Do you see it? Do you want it?"

"Too bad...I am so much taller than you."

"Hooray. I have the power!"

I rest my case.

I am not trying to infer that Nicholas doesn't share as well as Thomas...he shares very well. It is just interesting to me the different ways they interact with each other at different ages.

What is happening?

What just happened Mom?
When I squeeze this it shoots water in my face.

Hmm...I think I might try that again.

And again...and again...and again.

Ah ha. If I put it in my mouth I get to drink it. YUM!

Smores

We roasted marshmallows and made smores while my family was here. I think I have mentioned this on here before, but Jackson's dad made this fire pit out of the drum from an old washing machine. It works great!


My sister Jamie and Estella.

Thomas digs in!

Estella somehow got ahold of the bag of marshmallow and didn't hesitate to start stuffing them in her mouth.

Nicholas has a fire lover's style to roasting his marshmallows. He holds them right in the flames. It is a little stressful, because the roasting stick is too long for him to be able to blow out the flaming marshmallow himself. So, whenever Nicholas starts roasting, someone has to be ready to start blowing.

If you blow the flames out before the marshmallow is completely black, back into the fire it goes.

Yum...blackened marshmallow smore!

Easter Egg Hunt

My dad was holding the remote :)

My sweet mom prepared and brought an easter egg hunt for the kids. We did the hunt Saturday afternoon. She had different colored eggs for each child, and before the hunt began she tied ribbons on their wrists to remind them which color of egg they could pick up.

Estella was so funny carrying her little basket around. She loved picking up the eggs and putting them inside her basket.

She got a bit distracted by the swing set. She set her basket down ever so carefully.

And climbed up for a swing.

Grandpa helped get her focused again.

The boys were darting around so fast I could hardly get a picture of them. This egg slowed Nicholas down long enough for me to catch up.

Nicholas spots one! I think Grandma might have given him a hint...Daddy and Uncle Cody hid them pretty hard...we had to give out lots of hints.

"Mom...why are you asking me to stop and look at you?"

"Because I want to take a picture of all the Easter eggs you found."

"Oh...okay."

Full baskets...happy kids!

Thanks, Mom, for the fun Easter egg hunt!

My Groesbeck Family

Can you figure out who is holding the camera's remote control?

Happy Easter!

We had a MARVELOUS Easter! My entire family was here for the weekend and we had a blast. I have yet to weed through the pictures, but there are LOTS! For now...here are a couple of darling Essie last week.

Happy Easter!

I will never dry sheets again

Why will I never dry sheets again? Because there is another way...a better way! I love the Pioneer Woman blog. She is full of great information, good tips, and fun laughs. A while ago she did this post on "The trouble with six beds."

http://thepioneerwoman.com/homeandgarden/category/household-tips/

I admit, I was sceptical, but I tried it and like I said...I will never dry sheets again. Try it...I dare you! :)

High Flying Nicholas

Nicholas amazed me with his balance! He was perfectly calm and steady up high on Jackson's hands. He loved it! Jackson's arms were sore the next day from lifting him up and down so many times:)

Spring is Here

Jackson and I are taking the marriage and family Sunday School class right now. This is the first time we have both been free during Sunday School when the class has been offered. Last week we discussed motherhood. One scripture we talked about really stuck with me. It is D&C 64:33 and part of 34

Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great. Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind.

In context, the scripture is talking about missionary work, but I think it equally applies to parenting. What greater work is there than laying the foundation of righteousness in a child? It is an overwhelming, but wonderful responsibility.