Update

Well, the no tv thing is actually working-to an extent. We are watching way less of the millions of channels we used to, although we are now finding new and exciting things to watch on limited cable. Hmm, yesterday I actually watched Nancy Pelosi (the Speaker of the House for those of you non-politics following people out there) on PBS. Of course, I was really just waiting for The Lawrence Welk Show to start afterward, but still....

My kids have also decided their new favorite show is some taped 1980's Road-show looking version of My Turn on Earth. They are now watching it for the 2nd time in less than 24 hours. See how we are extending our horizons? Brody was pretty bummed when he realized there would be no 'movie time Monday' on the Disney channel this morning, but I quickly turned him on to the thrills of 'The Price is Right.' His first game show ever. What a good mom I am, eh?

So I have learned that although you can turn off your favorite cable stations, it doesn't always mean the tv goes off or that you can't find something else to watch. I now just find myself viewing things I'd never looked at before. It is somewhat annoying and somewhat enlightening. I'll keep you posted on how it turns out.

No more TV?

Well, I did it. I called the cable company and turned off our cable. Okay, I couldn't quite get myself to turn it all off, but we now have what is called limited cable. Meaning...we only get like NBC, ABC, CBS, FOX, local stations and (thank goodness) the Hallmark station (which I love and plays good movies). Okay folks, although that probably doesn't seem like such a big deal, it is to me. I am a tv junkie and it has been a mainstay in my life for the past 12 years. I did grow up without tv, but lucky us-we had an antenna that was on top of a stump outside our back door. If we were desperate one of us would climb up on the stump (about 10 feet tall or so) to turn the antenna. Then one would stand at the back door to relay between the stump climber and whoever was watching the tv for the 'perfect' picture on the screen. 'Perfect' meaning, lots of snow with a barely discernible picture and hopefully clear volume. Unfortunately, this method didn't work all that well because several things including the weather, the tree-line around our house (which changed constantly thanks to local logging) and our cat (which called the top of the stump home) rubbing against the antenna, all contributed to changing the picture on the screen.
So, because I did it as a kid I know my kids and I can do it now. We did watch taped cartoons and movies, which I will allow my kids to do, but this will stop the tv being constantly on. When a movie is over, it's easy to turn off the tv. If you are watching cable you can just keep finding things to watch and I've decided we will just not waste our precious time doing that anymore. Luckily, Bryce has agreed, although he really didn't want to give up fall football. However, now with limited cable he can still enjoy those games. Plus we are looking forward to the summer Olympics-always a favorite to watch for us!

Patient Brody, Cranky Kelsi

This says a lot about my kids right here. Here is Brody, patiently waiting for the camera and here is Miss Kelsi, she will not be tricked into smiling-no matter what! Brody always wants to please and do what's right. Kelsi has just got a mind and attitude of her own, although usually it is a pretty happy attitude. We love 'em to death!

In our Easter best

Easter morning

Easter

Of course I have to put on pictures of the kids on Easter, but if it weren't for the holiday would I have posted? Probably not. Not because my life is so busy I can't get to it, but because my life is so boring there is nothing new to say. Bryce is working over 12 hour days and taking with him our only car. Brody just informed me that "the sun was going down and we wasted our entire day" I agree! We are bored of each other and of our house. Thank goodness we may have a few days of sun so maybe we can go outside for awhile. Maybe we'll walk down and get the mail.

We had a very nice Easter. We woke up and the Easter bunny had come! He hid baskets and candy eggs all through our house. Then we went to church and afterward over to Grandma Linda's house where...YES the Easter bunny had come also and hid candy eggs and baskets. Not to mention the 2 easter egg hunts the kids went on Saturday. So we are candied out! I did throw out whatever the kids didn't eat by today so tomorrow is real food. I am surprised no one got sick to their stomach's. But we survived it. Yeah!

Used car headaches

So we are currently looking for a car for Bryce. Due to a little fender bender about a month ago, his car is now sitting in some junk yard and we have been making due with only our Trooper. Although to most it would seem that with one car the main inconveinence in this situation would be me stuck at home with the kids (at least I know that's what I thought), but it has turned into something much bigger! GAS PRICES! To those who don't know, Bryce travels a lot and has a huge territory that he has to cover. Some weeks are busier than others but over all he usually averages about $250 or so a month in gas. And for me who drives nowhere about $120 a month or less. However, ever since we have been down to one car and that car has been used for all of Bryce's driving (not to mention the lovely raise in gas prices) I have just figured that we are now spending an average of $600 a month on gas. Last week alone was over $200 and, oh yes, we are ready for another fill up. So pardon me while I start freaking out....

Anyway, we are on the hunt for a car. I love looking for the perfect car on a strict budget, don't you? He has always had a V6 and now with gas the way it is we are in the market for a good old 4 cylinder that gets decent gas mileage (at least 26 city and 30 highway). Anyone have any favorites they care to suggest? As of right now we are mainly looking at a 2002 or 2003 Nissan Altima. Having just come off of a Maxima that we had incredible succes with, Nissan has left a good taste in our mouth. We considered a Honda Civic, but come on, don't they really just look like a high school girl's car? But if push comes to shove, who knows.

Happy Birthday Kelsi!

Today is Kelsi's 2nd birthday and boy did we have fun. Both sets of Grandparents came over for the festivites and we are so lucky to have them live close and participate in our lives the way they do-THANK YOU, we love you all! Here are some pictures of the party. Here are Kelsi and Brody with Grandpa Rod and Grandmas Koni and Linda.

Kelsi LOVED it when we turned off the lights and lit the candles, she kept squealing and putting her hands over her mouth, she was so excited. She even blew out the candles herself! She got a lot of clothes and a new Easter dress, Hot Wheels (yeah, now no more fighting over Brody's), and a bucket of Play-Doh and accessories. Now mom's kitchen can always be messy-my average times a day sweeping the floor? Three and mopping once. Play-Doh doubles that number-oh well the kids LOVE it! We had a great day for Kelsi, Happy Birthday Sweetie.

Pacifiers and Backpacks

Well, the time has come (and past) for Kelsi to give up her pacifier. But today I finally took the bull by the horns and Kelsi and I threw away her pacifiers. She DID NOT like that! She cried and cried at the garbage can for over an hour and then got one out and put it back in her mouth. So I cut the end off, then she just put her head down and cried. It really was heartbreaking for me to watch and I wanted to give in, but for what? Just to put her through her misery again at some later date or let her graduate high school with her paci? I just stayed strong! She made it through naptime okay so hopefully tonight won't be horrible and we'll be past the brunt of it. In the meantime, here is miss cranky face. (She gave me a horrible cranky face right before I took the picture, this one isn't so bad).

Brody gets to spend the night at Grandpa and Grandma's house tonight. He is ecstatic. He has been wearing his (already packed) backpack since he got out of the bathtub this morning. Grandpa and Grandma-HURRY UP! Tomorrow he is going to his cousin, Canon's 4th birthday party. It is a superhero party, how appropriate. Brody is going as Batman and he bought his cousin a Batman dress up outfit. Apparantely, Grandma is going to get both of them Batman swords today at the store. At least, that was the story I got from Brody after he talked to Grandma.

On another special note, let me just say CONGRATULATIONS to my little sister Whitney and her hubby Jeremy. Their first (of many we hope) addition to their family arrived safe and sound March 4th at 7:22pm. Good job sis! I know you will be great parents. Watch out for the poopies. Oh and one more tip, if you don't tuck the little wee-wee down, he will wet all over himself. Welcome home Tyler Seaberg Keith!

Daddy, Brody, and sleepy girl

This is what our crew looks like after a long, fun day. Dad's just relaxing with his laptop, Brody taking in a little snack (he loves sunflower seeds) and little miss Kelsi, out for the count.

Grandpa and a PIRATE!

Cute Kids

This is our superhero crew. The red power ranger and spiderman (paci sold separately). Dress up is a big thing at our house and Brody has a huge box of dress up clothes to choose from each morning. Let's see, just a few of his choices include, batman, spiderman (2 different outfits), red power ranger, a pirate, a soldier, or superman. For a 4 year old, he's all set.