November 2007

11/29/2007 - Man Stuff

Kati Oliver — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 05:10:15 GMT

For a little (or big) boy life does not get any more exciting than getting to operate a real excavator. Grandpa Oliver was doing some work on their property and Nick took the boys over to "help" move some dirt around. I doubt they were much help but they sure enjoyed themselves. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa!

11/28/2007 - What was I thinking?

Kati Oliver — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 05:08:46 GMT

Thanksgiving evening I sat down with the whopping stack of ads from the newspaper and began making the debate of whether or not I should take part in Black Friday. On one hand I loathe all of the Christmas advertising before Thanksgiving. And by going on Friday I would playing into exactly what all those big companies wanted to happen by starting Christmas in October. But on the other hand I cannot refuse a good sale or the chance to shop by myself. Many of the things we had talked about buying for the boys had these slashed doorbuster prices. So what did I do? I set my alarm for 4:15 AM and drove to Toys R US determined to be there before it opened . . . and guess what? I was, along with 300 other people who had the same crazy idea! So as I stood in line shivering on frost covered sidewalk I tried to imagine my mom doing the same thing when Cabbage Patches were the hot thing. Guess mom wasn't too good at throwing elbows because we got the homemade ones that year. Well when they opened the door it was crazy and luckily the majority was heading towards the Electronics Dept. and I went straight for the little boy’s aisle for Thomas the Train, Transformers and Legos. I was done in 45 minutes with everything checked off my list (and nothing extra). I even lucked out and used the register in Babies R US instead of the one that wrapped all the way around the inside of the store. That saved me at least another 45 minutes!

So will I do it again? Well it felt a little crazy getting up that early but I do like knowing that I'm done and can enjoy December. Plus and I saved a bunch of money. I think it helps that we paid for it all with cash. We've been doing this "cash only" budget the last few months which has been very eye opening for me in the way I spend our money. We take out an allotted amount each week and pay for everything except bills with that cash. When it's gone it's gone and we don't spend until the next week. Any money we've had left over at the end of the week we've saved for Christmas. So it was easy not to overspend knowing I only had so much cash to pay for it. So talk to me next Thanksgiving and we'll see if I do it again. . .

11/25/2007 - Meet our Pets

Kati Oliver — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 05:08:00 GMT

always thought that when we finally bought a house we would get a family pet. Carson really wanted a dog for a while and Spencer loves cats. However, not long after moving in we discovered that wildlife came with the home. Several days a week deer will wander through our front or backyard and graze on our foliage (like the 100+ tulip bulbs I planted last fall) and rest on the lawn. In the spring we saw the mama deer and her two babies. Even though they do leave their droppings everywhere I still think they are fun to have around. Then there are the squirrels. First it just started with coaxing them onto the deck with peanuts. Now they wait with their noses pressed to the sliding glass door waiting for their breakfast. They don't even flinch when you open the door, a little too friendly for my liking. Then when Grandpa Doll came to visit last month he and Carson made the "Squirrel Swing" which is a long bungee cord attached to a screw that secures the dried corn on the cob. It is hilarious to watch them jump up and cling to corn cob while nibbling at the same time. Without fail it makes Spencer giggle.

11/21/2007 - Thanksgiving Q&A with Carson

Kati Oliver — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 05:05:58 GMT

Here is a 4 year olds take on Thanksgiving. . . like I could really make this stuff up!

Q:What is Thanksgiving?

A: It means when you do boring stuff like eating chicken and inviting people over.

Q: What kind of food do you eat when it is Thanksgiving?

A: Turkey, chicken mostly and sometimes frogs*

Q: If you could plan Thanksgiving dinner what would you choose to eat?

A: Hot dogs, ketchup, peaches and chocolate milk. I don't want to eat turkey because they have bones and it will make the other turkeys sad.

Q:When did Thanksgiving first start?

A: After Halloween.

Q: Tell me about the first Thanksgiving?

A: The people came over on the Mayflower boat and landed at the Americans. They came there because they wanted to see their friends the pioneers and the Indians were already there. The Indians showed the pilgrims how to grow food and plant grass. And then they made a big circle table so they could all sit down and eat together.

Q: What are some things you are thankful for?

A: Everything in the whole world. (like what?) It's a secret. Well first Carson and then Mommy, Daddy and Spencer. And my toys and the temple.

Q: How do you show you are grateful?

A: By doing good things and eating all my food. I can let Spencer pick out the games he wants to play.

*Parental disclaimer

We have never nor do we plan on eating frogs for Thanksgiving.

11/13/2007 - Oh, Deere

Kati Oliver — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 05:04:32 GMT

It all started so innocently a year and a half ago. I thought the boys would enjoy a little video from the library about tractors. How was I to know that Carson would be so interested that he would find the need to hide the John Deere video when it was time to return it? What started out as just a video (with some of the most annoying songs ever) has become toys, books, T-shirts and themed birthday parties. Ask Carson his favorite color and he'll say green. And when asked why he always answers "because it's the color of John Deere". And it's not just Carson; he has passed the love and knowledge on to Spencer. What other 2 yr. old says "Look mommy, round hay baler!” And now they have seen the ultimate in John Deere goods, (thanks to our family friends the Matsumori's) the battery powered John Deere ride on Gator! Yep, that's right for a mere $300 I can guarantee my children will love me for life! Sorry boys I think it's too big to fit in Santa's sled. Plus it might beat Dad's car in a race and we wouldn't want him to feel bad right? For now we will just have to covet our neighbors Gator, and offer to babysit it when they go out of town.

11/10/2007 - Happy Birthday Nick

Kati Oliver — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 05:02:12 GMT

On Sunday Nick will turn the big 30! And since Nick insisted I NOT bring cupcakes to work I will just have to post here instead. Nick, I know that you do not like people making a big deal of your birthday but how could we let the day pass without making note of it on the family blog? The boys absolutely adore their daddy and count the minutes until he gets home from work (sometimes I do too!). I admit I'm kinda fond of him too. We are so blessed to have him as part of our family. We love you Nick!

Taking a rest before the bronco starts bucking

11/9/2007 - When Imaginations Run Wild

Kati Oliver — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 05:00:45 GMT

Carson and his trusty expedition partner Spencer spent this afternoon searching for wild animals hiding in the depths of the living room. They can be seen here riding in their Jeep while they survey the land with their hi-tech binoculars.

11/4/2007 - Fun Fall Fotos

Kati Oliver — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 04:58:55 GMT

"Leaf" me alone

We've seem to have lost a child

A sad farewell to the pumpkin Handymen for hire. Will work for candy!