My second turn with the terrible 2's

I seriously cannot believe Chandler is 2 years old. I feel like we have had her forever, but it seems like I was just barely pregnant with her at the same time. She is such a funny little girl. She has quite a personality. She is what I call "stuck up" a lot of the time. She is starting to warm up to some people, but only when she wants to. I am afraid the terrible 2's are going to be extra terrible this time around. With Ezra it was more like the terrible 3's, but it has already started with Miss Chan. Yesterday was day one, only 364 more to come. She can be so loving and cute, but she has such a stingy, naughty side too! We already knew this but it was confirmed at the birthday party. She got a playset for her "babies" that included a stroller, high chair, playpen, and some other stuff that she would not let any of the other kids play with. She didn't necessarily want to play with it, but she was not going to let anyone else either. She would have a baby in the stroller, then see Mylee or someone else playing with another baby and accessory, scream, run steal whatever she had, throw it, then go back to her baby and stroller. It was somewhat of a nightmare, having several, 1-2 year old girls fighting/pinching/biting/hairpulling over babies, strollers, and princess chairs. We did have a surprise guest, Santa! After the initial shock and 90% of the kids crying we took turns sitting on his lap. Mylee loved Santa, in fact, she would not get off his lap. She would just touch his beard, or rub his belly and repeat,"Sata" over and over. She is in most of the pictures with the other kids. Thanks Velma and Vee for grilling in the cold wind for your favorite neice's birthday party. It was "Delish" as Kiara would say.

Anyway, wish me luck everyone. I will need it for at least the next 364 days.
Pictures to come...

I am thankful...

I am thankful for the ridiculous amount of taxes that come from my paycheck because that means I have a job

I am thankful for my huge stack of laundry that needs put away and the dishes in my sink because that means my family is close by

I am thankful for my jeans that are a bit too tight because it means I have enough food on the table

I am thankful for my electric/gas bill because it means I am warm

I am thankful for my busy, sometimes hectic days because that means I am getting something accomplished

I am thankful for my sore feet because that means I am able to work

I am thankful for my extra clingy daughter because that means I am loved

I am thankful for my children's forever runny noses... approximately 50 cold viruses down/200 to go.

I am thankful for Ezra's smart alyk comments and 12 year old attitude because that means he is learning and growing {just not all good}

I am thankful I can't sleep and am awake with a headache at 5 AM because that means I can blog in peace and quiet.

Missing the "E dog"...

Elder Michael Levi and Uncle Billy

We spent most of last week in Provo with Moroni's family. Michael, our nephew just got home from his mission in the Philippines. We drove up Thursday evening. We left home about 4:00 pm so the kids would sleep most of the way (wishful thinking). We arrived about 2 in the morning. The kids did okay on the drive, not terrible, but definitely not good. We were all there, about 40 of us, to meet Michael at the airport. It was crazy fun that night. The next day we had a big luau for him. We stayed Sunday and planned on leaving Monday morning. Well, long story short we didn't come home until Thursday night. And we came home one short! Ezra stayed there. He was having such a blast with all of his cousins. As soon as he woke up everyday he wanted to go see if his "boy cousins" were awake. He was stuck to Michael like glue as well. I don't know why, maybe it had something to do with the fact that he took Ezra to Chuck E. Cheeses everyday we were there just about! Next weekend we will be going to Vegas to another nephew's eagle scout court of honor. We are going to meet the Provo Tenney's there and see if our son wants to come home! Probably not, but we are taking him anyway. Me and Chan don't know what to do with ourselves without him, surprisingly enough. Moroni is dying without him too.

I am sure he is having a great time. I was a little worried because he usually has a breakdown about midnight whenever he sleeps anywhere but home. Every time I call he will basically say hi, then bye because he is too busy to talk. Man, he is getting big and I am getting so old!

These are pictures from Ezra's preschool class field trip to Thunder Raceway during transportation week. Ezra said this was "the funnest day ever!" Ezra sat with the boys at the very top and cheered as the car went round and round the track.

Sixth Street Preschool

Today was the first day of my 2.5 hr/3 day per week break. Sixth Street preschool started today. Ezra's 2.5hr/3 day per week "best day ever" began today. It is "All about me" week. Snack for the first day consisted of a human paperdoll. Sounds delicious doesn't it?

Thankfully, this year we have someone to carpool with. Ezra's new best girl friend, Desi, gets to ride in our car every other week. This week Ezra gets to ride in her car. Chandler gets to spend 'me and mommy' time, which she doesn't need because she already doesn't leave my side for more than 2 seconds unless she is sleeping. Maybe she will get enough of me with this new adventure of having me all to herself. Probably not.

Chandler, or Princess, as she already thinks she should be called, can't get enough of clothes, shoes, and "pretties." The mirror is the girl's best friend. I have learned not to interfere with the choosing of shoes in the morning unless I am prepared for a major meltdown. "What have I done?" I sometimes ask myself. I thought it was so cute when she wanted to carry a purse around, or when we had to spend 15 minutes looking at the shoes at Wal-Mart. Now I think I am in trouble. "Pretty?" she'll ask, as she puts lip gloss on in the mirror after watching me put on my makeup. I'm afraid I have created 2 monsters between the princess and her brother.

Ezra pouting on the tramp because he has to wait to ride the 4-wheeler after preschool.

Chandler being her girly self.

Kmart doubles 8/30-9/6

Here is a link to a great list of match-ups for Kmart this coming week for the several people who asked me to send it to them!

Chi flat irons

I have new Chi flat irons for sale for a great price. I only have 8 left. If anyone is interested they are $75. The retail on them is $149. I got a great deal for buying several from a wholesaler, so let me know if anyone would like one. If I have any left I will probably take them to the Sweet Corn Festival.

I need your opinion, please...

Would you buy these shoes for your child? I love these "squeaky" shoes. They are so cute, genuine leather, and encourage proper walking motion. Because I love them so much and I can get them at a decent cost I thought it would be a good idea to sell them at the Sweet Corn Festival in September. I have no idea if other people have the same opinion as I do though. I seriously love them but they run about $18.99 online plus shipping. I was thinking about selling them for $14.00 or so. What do you think? I need your honest opinion so I don't buy way too many of these shoes and get stuck with them.
These are just some of the girl styles.



Here are some of the boy styles. They come in sizes 2-8. Let me know, please!

Here are the rest of our pictures by Becca Martin per Amber's request. I even got Moroni to step into a couple, it was amazing.

Click on over here to see her blog.

Tenney Reunion 2009

It has been a long week. It started with Father's Day. Don't get me wrong, I love my Dad, and all the other amazing men in my life, but I had to speak in church, which is horrifying! To make matters worse, it was the day before our Tenney reunion began, so most of our family members had already arrived and couldn't pass up the opportunity to "support me." Our ward was packed. My mom and 2 of my sisters spoke as well. Complaining, I whined to my dad, who is our ward clerk, "Why do we have to speak on Father's day?"

He said, "Well, they asked the family of the best father in the ward to speak, they declined, so they asked you."

We all got a good laugh anyway. Well, I think it is a toss up between myself and my kids for the best father in the ward. I survived, and it was a good day.

This was just the beginning of a long, exhausting, but fun week. Moroni's family, literally from all over the world, came for the family reunion. All of his 13 siblings and most of their families were there. There were kids everywhere! The first time I met most of them was almost 6 years ago, when Moroni and I had just gotten married, at their reunion in Samoa. I can't believe how big all of the kids are now. They are all so talented. That part of the reunion ended Friday. Saturday was the Tenney Eleven reunion (Moroni's dad's siblings). We were in charge of a huge luau. There was lots of food, dancing, and getting reacquainted. I miss everyone already. It was so nice to spend time with everyone. I admit, I am a terrible dancer, which I didn't know until now. Thanks for everyone trying to tell me how good I am though!

The kids just got their pictures taken by Becca Martin, who did a great job with them. I got a preview...

Her new photography blog is www.agirlnhercamera.blogspot.com

Here comes the sun...

It is finally getting warm enough for the kids to play outside. Ezra has always loved being outside, but I think Chandler is worse. She will slip outside with whoever opens the door. She loves to play in water, dirt, mud, anything. The kids have a play sink they fill with water and the faucet turns on and there are dishes in it. Chandler will seriously play in that thing for hours. I have finally resorted to just taking her clothes off because she usually starts the day clean and cute, but not soon into it she looks like she has never seen a bathtub. And it never fails that as soon as she gets sopping wet all the kids decide to go play in the dirt/mud.

Ezra's preschool is just about finished for the year. He is sad that he cannot go to school for the summer. Miss Jana and Miss Nikki do such a good job. He LOVES them. He is constantly talking about school and his teachers. Last week they had a police officer come to their class and they also got to go to the fire station. Today they went to Woodland Lake to feed the ducks. When I went to pick him up last week Miss Jana looked at me, smirking, and another mother (of 2 girls in preschool) and says, "I better tell you before you hear it, Brooke got kissed today." Brooke's mom kind of gasps and looks down at her daughter, then Miss Jana points at Ezra, who, might I add, had a HUGE grin on his face. She explained that they were all gathering for circle time, Brooke and Ezra were 2 of the first to the circle. Brooke was laying on her tummy holding her chin in her hands when Ezra looked at her for a second or two then planted one right on the poor girl's cheek. I guess she didn't really care, but man was her sister mad! Ezra begged me not to tell his dad, but of course I did and let me tell you, his father was very proud. ("Gonna be a ladies man like me, I guess.")

A girl's best friend...

Chandler is now 15 months old. Here is a picture of her with her best friend...

I know it is probably about time to get rid of it, but how? That is the question. It is the only thing that gives us both a little peace. She has been terribly clingy lately, and the three hundred pacifiers lying around are the only thing that seem to give her any comfort. She is constantly crying, holding onto my legs, reaching up for me to pick her up. Don't come near her once she is in her momma's arms, because you will likely either get a grunt or a slap from her. Now don't get me wrong, she can be very sweet, but for a week or so she has been so GRUMPY! Give her 100% of everyone's attention and she is very happy and friendly. So again, here is the question, how do we rid her of her best friend? I miss that pretty, smiley face, that we don't see often without her buddy.

Good deals this week

I am too lazy to do it all myself but here are a few of the deals this week for Jolynn and Kiara. Call me if you have any questions.

I hope they call me on a mission...

One year ago today, Dustin, my younger brother left on his mission. He is in the Rapid City, South Dakota mission. The mission takes in part of seven states. He has been serving mostly in Minnesota, but is now in Brookings, South Dakota. They have terribly cold winters and he is glad to report that it is "warm" now, as it was 35 degrees yesterday. He was tracting at like 20 below zero for a few weeks. He said he looked like a burnt marshmallow after he put all of his layers on. After reading his letters it is apparent that he has grown so much. He sent pictures recently, which he was quite proud of, of himself in Walnut Grove. I swear every member of my family has seen every episode of "Little House on the Prarie" more than once. My mom used to watch it every morning. She now has the entire series on DVD. Dustin was happy to brag about being there before my mom. Let me tell you, he is still just as goofy as ever.

We are all so proud of Dustin for setting such a good example to our family. Ezra looks up to his uncle so much. He prays for him at every prayer. He also talks about going on a mission already, like it is just something you do, not something you wonder if you will do.

We miss Dustin like crazy, but he is doing the Lord's work and know that he and all of our family are being blessed for his service.

You are halfway finished Duddy! One year down, one to go... We miss and love you and will see you in 12 months. Can't wait to talk to you again on Mother's day.

SICK!

So we are getting ready to re-paint my mom's walls, which are in dire need of a new coat, when we start moving things around to tape up the moulding... Behind the entertainment center we find....

After the initial shock and poking it a few times with a stick we realized it was dead. I now know that my kids should no longer be watching "Man vs. Wild" with their dad.

Bear Grylls has nothing on these kids, seriously. Ezra will knowingly eat anything, and Chandler unknowingly will eat anything. They will both eat raw fish, veggies, and lots of other stuff I won't even touch.

It's February!

Well, so much for keeping up my blog. It is February already and this is only my second post of the new year. Oh well. I have too many other things to stress over so I won't stress this. We have been busy at our house over the past month. Here is a little something about what we have all been doing.


Sheridan- We had a Relief Society luncheon at my house, which was very fun, by the way. It was on Tuesday and I had been sick since Sunday, so my house wasn't as clean as I had hoped, but after it was over I was glad I hadn't spent too much time on it. I am not positive on numbers but there were lots of ladies, and LOTS of kids! I swear there must have been 30 kids ages 5 and under. We had several different kinds of delicious soup, homemade rolls, and YUMMY cinnamon rolls for dessert. It was fun to get together with everyone, young and old. The kids had a good time as well, I think. I can't wait until next month ladies!


Moroni- Always staying busy. I gave him my cold, he was sick for a week. I love to share everything with my honey! He is working as hard as ever. They have been slow at work, but have laid off many employees, so as a salary employee he has had to pick up much of the slack. He doesn't complain though, I do.


Ezra - has been in preschool for about 2 months now, and he loves it. His teachers are so good and he talks about it all day long. He brings home the cutest things, which he is very proud of and he is very excited about his upcoming field trip to the dentist's office. He has also been spending too much time with my dad's new mini cows (they are just small cows that don't eat as much). So he is saying the prayer the other night and it goes something like this:

"....Thankful for this day, thankful for our family, please bless my friend David, bless my friend Jace, bless my uncle Dillan, bless uncle Dustin, bless Rikki, bless Jeremy, bless Drego (Rikki's dog), please bless... " for about 10 other names, and finally, "and PLEASE bless the cows. Amen." He will stand at my parent's fence for an hour feeding the cows 1 piece of hay at a time. I am talking literally 1 strand at a time. They stand there and let him talk to them, pet them, and feed them 1 piece of hay. It is funny. Today we were on our way to preschool when we stopped at my parent's house to get Ezra's favorite shoes that he had left there. On our way back to the car after recovering the shoes he yells,

"Mom wait!" He goes over to the cows and says, "I am so sorry cows, I am going to be late for school so I don't have time to feed you today. I know you are hungry, I am so sorry." The cows are looking at him like they are actually listening, then he runs to the car. I am telling you this boy is crazy.


Chandler- The girl is up to no good. She is really turning into a trouble maker. She is good at making a mess and getting dirty. She loves phones and is constantly calling people from who's ever phone she has picked up. She has picked up on the send button and will push it several times until the phone starts to ring or she hears music. She gets this look on her face, you know she is doing it on purpose. She loves her auntie Velma and will usually go to her over me.
Chandler and Mylee have become good friends. They both get very excited when they see eachother, run and give each other kisses. They had their first "cat fight" though. They got into a knock-down, drag out, screaming, pinching, hair-pulling, fight. I was at work but my mom said they couldn't break it up because they were laughing too hard.
One more thing, I just wanted to brag about my latest shopping trip. I have been doing coupons with my sister-in-law. It is not as easy to do it here with a lack of grocery stores, but I got a really good deal at Bashas' and Safeway the other day. I got all these groceries for under $41.00. I have also gotten about 50 bars of soap for about 21cents total, and 15 four packs of cottonelle toilet paper for free, and I make money when I buy toothpaste now!