Christmas Day # 4 and Final

These might be the neatest set of car tracks I have seen!! They are called Neo Tracks and man are they neat, especially in the dark and they are indestructible.

Grandma Nikki got a new swing set to share, this is the building kit, the lumber will come as follows.

Tayden wanted Bendaroos (gotta love infomercials), he was excited to get them can you tell.

Brandon's moms side of the family. Nikki, Brandon, Tayden, Lori, Tucker, Amanda, Cole!!!!

Merry Christmas from The Bish's 2010!

Well we spend Christmas day very busy, but that is okay with me and the children, because we open lots of gifts, travel a whopping 10 minutes and get a variety of family time. Every immediate Grandpa and Grandma get a huge and kiss Christmas Day! We do it because we want to, because it wouldn't be Christmas if we didn't see our mom and dad, therefore we leave home about 10 and return about 5:30. Utts, Bishs, then with Grandma Nikki, this year she came to our house and it was wonderful!!!

The Gift Highlights 2010

Tucker - farm set, easel, swing set, nerf gun, pillow pet, nike tennis shoes, muck boots, monster trucks, new coat, Marmaduke, art supplies
Tayden - farm set, Nintendo DS, nerf gun, new hunting boots, muck boots, monster trucks, swing set, How to Train a Dragon
Lori - cross necklace, crockpot(2), new cowboy boots, clothes, fuzzy boots, iron board, Wii, T.V for our bedroom
Brandon - Hunting boots, Wii, floor jack, boots, clothes, new T.V for our bedroom, golf balls, gloves

Thanks to all of you for the wonderful Christmas, the wonderful family time, and the new supplies at our house, we greatly appreciate it and are overly blessed!!
Happy New Year-- the resolutions will be coming...

Christmas Day # 3

Well this family is the new proud owner of a Wii! Tayden wanted one and we have told him we didn't need a Wii, but Grandma and Grandpa Bish gave Brandon and I a Wii for Christmas, I will let you guess who was very very excited. This is Bradly and Brandon playing a dance game.
The Wii could cause some major competition around here I am afraid!

This was after we had unwrapped presents, played in the snow, went sledding and now Tucker and Grandma are resting, while Daddy and Grandpa hunted and Tayden and I watched the new movie Marmaduke! It is cute!

Tayden and uncle Bradly are preparing to play Nerf guns, yes we recieved 2 more for Christmas to total 8 at our house I believe!

The boys both received new pieces for a farm set, this is one thing on Tuckers Christmas list and we have already got it out and running. The whole farm, including oatmeal as feed!

Thank you Bishs for the Wonderful Christmas and we hope the Wii won't cause conflict!!!!

Christmas with Kids

Tucker was excited to open presents... again.

Here are 6 of the 9 kids lined up and ready to go.

He was helping Brandon open his.

Homeade gift by aunt Linds the black hat!!

Yes Christmas is a blast with kiddos, when we went to moms around 10:00 am on Christmas day we were blessed with 9 lovely children. Ages 2 to 8!! They love to unwrap presents and play, might I add unless I just missed the time, they were all very well behaved!! We have continued the tradition of homeade gifts for about 4 year now. Homeade gifts were as followed
Men from Lindsay - wrench holders, metric and standard - Women - ear warmers , hymns
Men from Leslie - weiny sticks - Women - necklaces with kids names, made out of washers
Men from Lincoln - homeade fire starters, Women - homeade lotion
Men from Lori - handkerchiefs with intials on them , Women - homeade oven mitts with intials

It was successful Lindsay knitted hats for kids, Leslie made bottlecap necklaces and keychains for kids, Lori monogrammed (actually debbie did) names on towels for kids.

Thanks ladies for the great Christmas!!!

Christmas

Tucker thought it sure was fun to unwrap presents!

Santa left a 10 in 1 multi game table for the boys to share!

Tayden thought it was fun to take a picture of us on Christmas Morning!

The boys got new sweatsuits. Their favorite colors.

Santa left a 10 in 1 multi game table for the boys to share!

Our house Christmas morning was fun, the elves had to put the table together and the boys thought it was fun. Lori and Brandon received a few odds and ins, but happily they are both receiving new sets of golf irons. I will post pictures when I get mine!!! They were my birthday present!!!!!! (I think Brandon went ahead and ordered his birthday present too. It is only 3 months away...)

I will soon post the pictures from X-mas with the Utts.

Cookies for Santa

We made Cookies to leave for Santa today, because they didn't think he would like the hard Chips Ahoy cookies out of the cabinet!!! Tucker enjoyed the beater, while Tayden prepared each little ball to bake, however he even made some tiny ones.

He really does like to help in the kitchen and he is a pro at cracking eggs and dumping ingredients!

We had Christmas last night at Grandma and Grandpa Blackwells! It was a little sad, because it was the first Christmas without Aunt Annette who lost her battle with breast cancer June 13, 2010! Her girls were very excited for Christmas! The boys were excited to open presents. Can you guess what these 2 gifts are?

Happy Christmas Eve!

Tis the Season...

Tis the Season to...
- sleep in
- drink coffee until it is time for Dt. Mountain Dew
- play Yahtzee
- play board games with the kiddos
- get pjs on at 7
- wrap Christmas presents
- countdown the hours until our 1st Christmas
- watch the Polar Express
- Clean the house
- do laundry
- think about the magical time of year
- enjoy the thought and smiles of 2 little boys
- enjoy the magical time of year
- impatiently wait for Christmas day (even at 25 almost 26.)

Tis the season to be jolly- wishing all a Merry Merry Christmas!

More Fun...

We got to see Santa while we were at Fun City!!!

Tucker thought it was fun to bowl, however he also tried to kick a few!!

Who is the biggest boy? Look who has the gun!

Fun City

The Go Karts were fun and the go cart Tucker and I rode in just so happened to have Brandon's work logo on it. He works for B & B Propane, but his boss also owns Jet Stop, Jet Gas Company!!

Hucks Harbor was fun and the boys thought it was fun to swim, they did great and it was fun!

Brandon was amazed with the bucket. The large yellow bucket at the top of the picture would fill, then when it was full it would dump all over the rest of the smaller kids water area!

The little swimmer at our house did a great job going down the red slide! He loves to swim with a life jacket!

We headed to Fun City (we went a little out of the way) Friday night after work. We got there got checked in, played games, went bowling and then called it a night (late)!
Saturday we got up ate breakfast at a buffet, swam, then we rested for a while and all took naps!! The boys wanted to swim, so we swam some more, then we got around for the evening and ate a big supper, played games (arcade). Then we got to play laser tag! It was fun!
Sunday morning we got up a little later went down, checked out of our room, went down and rode go carts that was fun also.
We are thankful that Brandon received the free weekend stay after he worked several holidays last year! It was fun to get away, take the kids somewhere new and have fun as a family!!

December 13

13 things to be thankful for this time of year...

1. my new camera (thanks mom)
2. the anticipation of my birthday
3. the excitement this time of year (21 5 and 6 year olds daily)
4. the anticipation of 2 weeks vacation
5. green
6. red
7. Christmas Tree
8. yummy treats
9. Tiger commuter mug- hope it gets here soon
10. weekend get a way to Fun City with my family of 4, dec. 17 and 18th (I might be as excited as the boys!
11. the gift of giving
12. candy canes
13. CHRISTMAS VACATION -must I say it more.

I hope you are all enjoying the preparation of Christmas, the kiddos at my house wake every day to find a chocolate from the advent calendar! The kids at school are excited! I am excited!
Happy December 13, 2010-soon will be 2011!

Worm Pill

Tucker walked into Mom and Dads kitchen on Sunday and said, "Grandpa can I have a worm pill?"
Grandpa said, "No you are not wormy."

The story is the kids like to play dogs and my brothers kids were there also. They like to get down and lead each other, then they were coughing, simple because they had colds. My dad who doesn't usually "PLAY" with the children much asked mom to get him worm pills (m &ms). Then when the dog(child) coughed they got a worm pill, well that is great but some day when they ask someone else for a worm pill, that person will think they are crazy!! They had fun and I am sure they will remember it forever.
Thanks dad for the new definition of "worm pill"!!!

Friday Night

I am in a sewing club and we do a Christmas Party every year, we eat in Ottumwa and then we go to Wal-Mart and purchase gifts for an I Care Family in Bloomfield. Well that was fun we went had a good time, left Ottumwa around 10:30, get home pick up kids from Aunt Amanda( thanks a bunch) and head home. Brandon is deer hunting this weekend (1st shotgun season in Iowa) and the group he hunts with has a ritual to hang out Friday night and enjoy planning the next two days of hunting and they are usually out very late, so he was not around.
I turn the corner by an Uncles house and notice a large orange glaze in the sky, the same direction of our house, I get closer and notice flashing lights and the glaze is large, high and really really close to our house.

My thoughts- "the kids are in the car, Brandon is surely not at home and he is with 7 other grown boys(they are probably okay), okay I guess the possessions in our home aren't near as important as the 4 of us, the dog can surely run away she wasn't locked in the garage, our Christmas tree and Christmas presents can surely be replaced, we will find somewhere to start a new home and well mom and dad may have company tonight."

I continue to drive and thank my lucky stars the boys are both asleep, so they aren't scared, because anybody around me in the vehicle would have been scared, although I don't think I said a word! So I continue to drive and instead of turning right to go home, I went straight, pulled in mom and dads driveway walked in and said, "Something is on fire, and I am afraid it is our house!"
They were clueless and startled, but dad got dressed, (pretty fast for 57) and got in the car with me. On the way my sister had been coming home also and they had also noticed the large orange glaze in the sky!! She called several times and I know she could sense the helpless, scared voice of mine, but they called as dad and I get 1 mile away and say, NO your house is not on fire, but the fire is between your house and Troy.

I get home, put kids to bed and remember how thankful I am to have a home, kids, safety and support so close to home!

An old barn about 1 mile away burnt, not sure why, but this morning we drove by and discovered what is was. Thankful it was not a home!!!

Deck the Halls

Well as some of you know, we have had another round of flu at this house. Monday night at 7 ish, Tucker started with the lovely vomiting in the living room. Ok, well I guess in my thoughts "I will stay home on Tuesday with him and we will see if Wednesday can be back to normal. "
Tuesday morning, I put Tayden on the bus to go to school and Tucker and I were relaxing, he was sick until about 1:30, so we were sleepy!
9:00 am -Tuesday School nurse calls "Tayden has vomited at school and you need to come get him"
I said ok, we will be right there!
So Tuesday I am home with not 1, but 2 sick boys. Good news was that Tucker was over the actual vomiting, therefore I only had to do 1 bucket at a time.
We had good naps and chicken noodles for supper, we all went to bed in our own rooms and today on Wednesday morning, WE are BETTER!!
I took the day off, because at noon yesterday Tayden was still sick and I thought we might have another long night, but HOORAY we are better!!!


Therefore today I think we are going to DECK THE HOUSE!!!

Report...

It is my duty to report to you the things I have accomplished that were on my to do list last Monday.

Complete 1 x-mas blanket - check
complete womens gifts - check
enjoy Thanksgiving - check
Complete most X-mas shopping on Friday - check
Help with X-mas wreaths - check

I was successful, I also attended a Birthday Party, grocery shopped, slept and caught a cold this weekend! I was very successful and the boys were glad to be home some!!!

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to you all!!!
My Thankful List 2010

* My family of 4 - 2 healthy boys
* Extended family
* deep roots
* faith
* our small church
* perseverance
* good health
* golf
* gardening
* our home
* friends at home and school

I do have a lot more than some, but a lot less than some, that is what makes me, me!

Monday

Wow it is Monday and it is much easier to get up and get to school on time, when I know it will only be a 3 day week!!! This week I have a few goals.
1. complete 1 blanket for x-mas
2. complete the womens gifts (handmade)
3. get most of the shopping done- Friday I may be finished
4. enjoy the holidays and my family
5. help with the Christmas Wreaths

I am also working on my thankful list...

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday
Tayden Lee Bish
11-14-2004
8 lbs 3 oz 21 in. 1:15 pm

We started out the Birthday weekend by having 4 friends over to party at Grandpas Cabin.

The Birthday Boy is pretty relaxed in his recliner waiting to upwrap those presents!!

He always askes for pretty detailed cakes and this is the 6th Birthday Cake, made by his mother.
I think I can remember them all 1- John Deere Tractor, 2 Thomas, 3- Lightning McQueen, 4 Mator and Derby Car, 5 - Deer Hunting scene!

Tayden has his very own Coon Hound - Tayden's Insane Jane
He got to pick her out all by himself the day of his Birthday with his Dad!!! He loves her!!!!

Happy Birthday

Tayden Bish turns 6 today. Hard to believe and yet very exciting!! I don't have pictures yet but will get there tomorrow.

Top 6 things about Bug - I have called him Tayder bug for a long time.

1 - helpful
2 - caring
3 - responsible
4 - understanding
5 - energetic
6 - Daddy's Boy- he is all boy!

Celebrity

Some of you probably don't know who this is, but it is Kenny Cobb, and he is a celebrity at our house. The soon to be 6 year old, can sing the song, pick him out on T.V and remember his name. He is on the t.v show Huntin' the World Southern Style.
We met him a few years ago and he comes to the in-laws to hunt.
They were at our house for supper last night!!

Monday

Well we are gearing up for a birthday at this house!! I have a busy week at school and we have a busy week at home, getting everything around and ready. I may have a relaxed method to it all, the house doesn't need to be spotless, but presentable to the guest on Sunday. The boys don't have to be fully entertained Friday night, but fed and kept safe. The cupcakes and birthday cake don't have to be spectacular, but safe to eat and good enough for the Birthday boy. With all of those things, I think we will get along fine and I had better get a gift bought!

Trick or Treat

Yes Tucker was a dinosaur, and he was pretty scary!

Tayden was a puppy and he was pretty cute!

We had a great time Trick or Treating and they showed their true characters well, Tayden was a quiet happy puppy dog and his trick was barking, and Tucker was a wild mean dinosaur, as he normally is a little wild!!
Trick-or- Treat!!

Happy Halloween

Well, we had a pretty uneventful Halloween weekend. The boys thought Trick-or-Treat was pretty fun Friday night and we have lots of candy, and other stuff! We played cards on Saturday night at a friends house and the boys played!! They think it is great fun to play with Syrus!! I will officially say, today, I haven't left the house, we slept in, fixed a big lunch and are pretty relaxed!!
We are ready for the next week!
I can't believe tomorrow is November, Tayden will turn 6, Thanksgiving, cooler weather, Christmas season in the near future, 2nd Quarter of school (then we are half done!!), harvest finished, coon season opens, WOW!! Yes, I think we are ready, HAPPY HALLOWEEN!


I will post pics tomorrow, my USB cable is at school!

Update

Well, we have been busy at our house! I have been going at a fast pace. I am working hard at school to implement new things for my lovely children with needs. Also I have got 19 parent teacher conference done last week, title one fun night, and a two day training in K'ville! Then had a three day weekend, we basically relaxed and spent 3 days with 3 different families, it was nice and this week has been going just as normal, it is nice to know I am working 5 full days and things will be normal for the next few weeks.

The boys at home are good, I personally think we can go to be a little earlier at home, and we are enjoying reading books, because Tucker and I get one on one time when Tayden falls asleep at 8:30(he needs too).

We are gearing up for Trick or Treat Night on Friday- I am working on one homemade costume!~

Pumpkins!

We were carving pumpkins and let me tell you, Tucker really would rather ride his bike!

He didn't really want to help with any part of carving or pulling out the seeds.

Tayden on the other hand loves all of it and he even got to use the knife to carve!! He loves to help carving and I believe he may now be allowed to carve his own!!

Happy Boys with their Jack-O-Laterns!

Yes these are the Jack-O- Happy Pumpkins at our house!

Hunters Son

Tucker , "Mom hit that deer and kill it."
Mom, "No Tucker that would hurt moms car, then what would we do?"
Tucker, "Kill that deer mom, hurry and hit that deer!"

Well on the way to school this morning that is what the conversation was, I don't really think he knows, but obviously I have two small children that have their dads hunting thoughts. I also am getting ready to shoot the muzzle loader this weekend in Early Muzzle Loader season and we shot it last night to get ready, so maybe that hunting gene comes naturally.

Also this is post 200, for the Bish Boys!!

Guess??

Pictures were a success as far as we know. Sunday we took extended family pictures. The Utts. Tayden and Briley were getting the hang of pictures with there senior picturous pose.

Can you guess what this man is doing? I believe his name was Hipalito.

This is a little better guess, and yes I think Tucker is feeling sorry for this poor girl!

We put the kids to work helping stomp the _______!
By the way I even recalled childhood memories and got in the wool sack toward the end to make sure it was compacted and yes I believe I was successful, this body is a little heavier than it used to be.

Yes the boys are eating a snack in the barn, we spent a few hours in the barn on Sunday!!

Yes the boys were big help. I think they even enjoyed it, however Tuckers allergies were in a little rough shape!

Life Cycle of an Apple vs Utt Family

These seeds were planted...

then the sprouts grew...

and we became a family tree with blooms!!

The 3rd Annual Chuck Utt reunion was a success and we are similar to the life cycle of an apple.