Photo Phun

For Christmas Eric got me a REALLY nice camera. So nice in fact, half the time I can't figure out how to use it. Since I've been doing some experimenting, I've managed to take (what I thought) some neat pictures. I've come to the conclusion that I'm going to have a new blog label for these pictures.. "photo phun". Fair warning on the table right now... these photos won't have any rhyme or reason to them other than "just because"..... enjoy....

And as Caitrin has found out, she will be a likely victim for me...

Seahawk Fans

This posting is a little late since the Seahawks have now been eliminated from the playoffs. But I wanted to show our support in our local (as local as it can be) NFL team. Eric has been a fan of the Seahawks as far as I can remember, but has refused to wear any of their logos. For Christmas this year, I went against his will and purchased a very simple shirt. He begged me to no take a photo of him, he didn't want any evidence of him being a fan... Caitrin is a very proud Sea-gal fan... even when Seattle doesn't have the ball, she shouts for them to make a touch down. I love her enthusiasm...
Trent and Jack will be die hard fans to the death. They even wore their Seahawk jerseys to their own football practices this past fall

Tarren couldn't care less of football, though she did receive a Seahawk hoodie for her birthday last year. She's like her dad, doesn't want to be seen in it.. kids..

Here's to next year for the Seahawks to go all the way. (Hey, don't laugh!! I can dream BIG)

Not getting it.. (part 2)

The next morning it was decided that maybe Mom knew a little about a little and pants looked like a wonderful concept to the freezing temperatures. No battle on clothes, YEA!! But it seemed that the bed was more welcoming to all of us and we all ended up sleeping later than intended. I rushed out of bed, a little cranky that I over slept, trying to get the kids moving at a fast than normal pace.
As I topped the stairs from getting dressed, I saw Tarren standing in the middle of the kitchen pointing to the floor. I was a tiny bit scared to come closer to see what she was pointing at. When I inched closer, I saw Trent sitting on the ground, knees up to his chest, sobbing (like the dog had died. Fortunately the dog didn't die because she was sitting right next to him looking at him like he was crazy). Being that I was cranky, I honestly didn't show any sympathy, (which I feel bad looking back).
Mom: What is going on here? What is the problem?
Trent: (*SOBBING*) I CAN'T FIND THE MILK!!
Mind you, he was sitting in front of the refrigerator.
Mom: What do you mean "you can't find the milk'? Is there any in the fridge?
Trent: (Still Sobbing) NO!! IT'S NOT THERE. I CAN'T FIND ANY!!
Mom: (Still no sympathy) Son, there is no other place the milk would be. So if there isn't any in the fridge, I guess we're out.
Without missing a beat...Caitrin came stomping into the kitchen with her hands on her hips...
Caitrin: Yeah, there's no milk. I drank it all last night (insert four year old attitude here).

I redirected Caitrin back to her room to finish getting ready, told Trent that there was eggs and toast since cereal was not an option, and I rushed to get out the door for work, since it is the only place where my sanity is restored....

Not getting it... (part 1)

When picking battles with Caitrin, I try to pick wisely. But not always is that the case.
The other morning Caitrin wanted to wear a dress. I quickly checked the weather, the projected high was supposed to 19 degrees. I asked her if she could please wear pants since it was supposed to be cold.
Caitrin: "NO! I NEED to wear a dress" I'm all about lessons learned.
Mom: "Fine, you can wear a dress but you HAVE to wear tennis shoes. I'm not budging on this."
Of course that was a battle in itself. But I stood firm. I again pleaded for her to wear pants.
Mom: "Babe, it's cold outside. Please wear pants today"
Caitrin: "Nope"
Mom: "Okay...I don't want to hear that you're cold."

In between me battling with a four year old, I was getting ready for work. On this particular day, I decided to wear nice pin stripped slacks, a hot pink jacket, and did my hair all nice and curly. I even wore jewelry!! I felt pretty.

Teeth and hair got brushed, coats gathered and we were out the door to daycare. We get situated in the car and Caitrin starts bawling.
Mom: "What's going on?"
Caitrin:"I'm COLD!!!"
Mom:" I told you it would be. I don't want to hear it. You chose to wear a dress, even after you were warned it's supposed to be cold. I think you'll live. I'm sure you are staying in for recess today anyways."

She settled down a little bit and we proceeded with some small talk. All of sudden, she starts bawling again.

Mom:"What's going on now? What happened?"
Caitrin:"YOU LOOK PRETTIER THAN ME!"
Mom:"What? Where did that come from?"
Caitrin:"YOU LOOK PRETTIER THAN ME!"
Mom:"Are you serious?! Babe you look pretty. Sissy did your hair, and your dress is cute. No one said you didn't look cute. You are beautiful."

It took all my self control to not speed to the daycare. It wasn't even 8am and I felt mentally and emotionally exhausted.

Merry Christmas...

...From the Reel Family... This is all of Eric's siblings (and their spouses), nieces, nephews and one great nephew...

(we are actually missing 3 people, but who's counting?)

Daddy Day

Ever since Eric came back home from working on the road, his shift has been four 10's with Friday, Saturday, and Sunday off. That means Eric gets all day Friday with Caitrin to himself. She has declared every Friday "Daddy Day". They have their special routine: she wakes up and snuggles with him while he drinks his coffee, the older two and I head off to school/work, they venture out to a local coffee stand, cruise the town paying bills/running errands, come home and veg out for the rest day (must be awful).

This morning, while enjoying my coffee, I watched Caitrin walk right past me and crawl up on Eric's lap. Without even being told, it's like she knew instinctively that it's Friday and it's HER day with dad. Once my cup was empty, I proceeded my routine of getting ready. All the while, those two continued to sit there and have their own little conversations, playing and giggling. I took a small moment to absorb what they were doing, and I couldn't help but feel a tinge of jealousy. But I know all to soon it will have to end.

I asked Eric what he was going to do next year when she starts school. He just shrugged his shoulders and shook his head. I could see by the look on his face he didn't want to come to that realization just yet either. I know he looks forward to that day just as much as she does.
One by one they all are slipping through my fingers as I try to hold on just a little longer.

Conversations...

With these, it's feast or famine...

Background: When potty training Trent, he chose to sit down to go potty. And up until recently he continued to sit down. Which was really nice for me since I didn't have to be so grossed out when cleaning the bathroom.

I've mentioned before that our household has an open door policy, it's not always pretty...

Eric was walking down the hall to go to the bathroom. When he got to the bathroom (door was opened) he accidentally walked in on Trent. Apparently he was standing up, peeing.

Eric: Dude, when did you start standing up? You usually sit down.
Trent: When I became a man.
Eric: Okay???

At some point in time he's had a right of passage... just not sure when.