Team Buchanan

Calling All super hereos

2012-02-12T04:00:00.000-07:00

(the after party, after skiing photo)

Somehow, Mr. Will turned 4 years old today. It's still perfectly ok for 4 year olds to be carried by their mamas, right?

In honor of his big day, he had a big birthday party with his buddies.

Our camera is currently MIA, so thank goodness for my camera phone! Not high quality, but it will do. Also, in typical birthday party style, we are lacking in pictures (where are Elise and Braden???).

The fruit shark---idea found on Pinterest, carved out by Patrick.

The centerpieces---skittles and number 4 lollipops.

The cool cake---idea also found on Pinterest (how could I live without?)

The Buchanan kids are always super shy during the birthday song, and so is this super hero!

A car with 30 balloons and one happy birthday boy.

Mr. Will proudly showing off his new hair growing monkey named BOBO!!!!

Happy birthday sweet boy. I sure do love you with all my heart.

2012-02-10T16:54:00.001-07:00

For the last two days, Braden has been on the 2nd grade outdoor trip (sleeps at home of course). They snowshoed and built a quinzhee hut with their shovels.

Basically, all the kids came home tired, soaking wet, and very happy! You know it is a good sign when Braden is full dressed in his snow clothes and ready to go to school at 6:20am.

(Braden is in the blue hat and green pants)

The class of 3 boys and 7 girls (one girl is MIA in this photo)

The 100

2012-02-09T19:21:00.002-07:00

Today was the 100th day of school. Holy smokes! How can that be?

Since the 100th day of school is such a big fiesta in Kindergarten, I wanted to make it a little extra special for my kindergarten.

So, Elise and I glued on 100 pieces of ribbon onto one of her shirts.

(tired face courtesy of an early morning photo, cute hair style courtesy of pinterest)

The shirt turned out cute and she was in celebration mode all day long!

Do as I do, not as I say

2012-02-07T18:08:00.000-07:00

As most of you know, we play h.a.r.d on the weekends.

It sure makes for a tough Monday morning. I think we need a day to recuperate from our weekends because it is only Tuesday and I'm tired!

Mr. Will and Elise sliding/falling down the mountain. So glad that they went before me so I knew it was safe enough for me!

It's what we do

2012-02-05T20:57:00.000-07:00

This has been my favorite winters ever! The things we are able to do with the kids this year has me really jazzed.

This weekend, Braden did the Nastar ski race and the rest of the family hiked partly up the ski mountain to watch him. The hike was intense and really invigorated me. How I love my family and how I love being outside with them.

It was really wonderful to watch Braden in action and to have his siblings cheer him on. Made me a proud mama. He is the one with a bright blue jacket and white helmet.

Then, we were off for hotdogs and more skiing...

This is us on the chairlift---2 skiers and me in my hiking boots. Classic.

A typical day

2012-02-04T07:20:00.003-07:00

*Elise after a tiring day of skiing*

I love my life and all that it entails. I'm grateful that my family is always by my side for each day's adventure. Motherhood is truly a gift!

Amazing grace place

2012-02-02T17:19:00.002-07:00

Our early morning ride to school is quite humbly and magical when we have to share it with a whole herd of elk.

I do realize that this is a lousy picture from my car, but I was at a complete stop and had to hurry before the car behind me got mad.

Less is more

2012-01-30T17:35:00.001-07:00

I believe in making your kids stick to what they sign up to do, but sometimes I just have to stop and really listen to my kid. Is he being a quitter or is he not interested or is he just worn out.

Braden wanted to sign up for basketball, but after skiing 10 hours every weekend (no exaggeration) I was perfectly OK that he wanted to quit basketball before he even technically started.

Two parenting goals of mine:

1. Stop and REALLY listen

2. Less is more

Our week in photos

2012-01-28T08:15:00.001-07:00

We went to bed really early a few nights this week. It was a busy, fun week!

I took my preschool class on a field trip to the city bus and our ski mountain (Mr. Will in front on the magic carpet).

The boys decorated cookies with me at the library while Elise did ballet. Yummy!

Elise ice skated with one of her best friends.

Braden rode snow mobiles with his best buddies.

Now off to the weekend!

Dad's wood making day

2012-01-26T18:15:00.000-07:00

It was dad's wood making day in Kindergarten.

Elise's thoughts about the event: "We had fun at daddy's wood carving. I loved it!"

The final masterpiece: A beautiful bookshelf

Heart Crayons

2012-01-24T06:00:00.000-07:00

While going through my kid's craft table, I noticed that we have A LOT of crayons....mainly broken crayons.

In order to have some fun with our crayons, we decided to make new crayons.

This was a neat and really easy project for all of us to do together.

Step 1: Peal wrappers off of old crayons

Step 2: Put broken pieces into shaped muffin tins (we used heart shaped muffin tins in honor of the upcoming love holiday)

Step 3: Bake crayons at 350 degrees for about 7 minutes

Step 4: Once the melted crayons have completely hardened and cooled off, pop them from the muffin tins.

Step 5: Happy coloring!

Meant for the weekend

2012-01-23T06:00:00.000-07:00

I have been anxiously waiting to take the kids sledding. With all our new snow, I knew that this weekend was the perfect chance.

Patrick and Braden spent the whole day skiing (what's new?), so it was just me and the two young ones.

Hopefully this satisfied my little snow boarder wanna-be!

What we do for fun

2012-01-22T08:37:00.002-07:00

It finally dumped and all of us couldn't be more excited!

Our backyard sledding/snow board hill.

Following our family tradition after a snow storm, we went dog sledding around our neighborhood. We giggled the entire time.

This time around, the kids wanted to be the pullers. Sure! If it helps wear them out even more.

Even the 3 year old joined in. Mush! Mush!

For some folks

2012-01-20T18:32:00.003-07:00

The kids and I have been getting home too late to take some fun snow pictures, but I had to share a photo of all our new snow for my family in Arizona and for a certain someone in St. Thomas.

A before the snow storm picture (with my Elise modeling some fun gifts that a wonderful WA friend sent):

Just a few days later---and the snow is STILL coming down:

Did it snow?

2012-01-19T06:51:00.000-07:00

We got some snow and it is still coming. Not enough snow to cancel school (boo!), but enough snow to make me happy. Still anxiously waiting for more and more snow though!

Mr. Will and one of his buddies (pre-snow storm) at school sledding down the hill over and over again. Or, until someone gets a bloody nose.

Mother nature loves me

2012-01-17T17:15:00.000-07:00

Here comes the big one. We are located directly East of Boise, between Boise and Pocatello. Yep, the pink/purple area.

I'm giddy with excitement and don't know if I will be able to sleep tonight.

Dear meteorologists, please don't be wrong!

Reason #51

2012-01-16T14:34:00.002-07:00

Being a mommy pushes me outside of my norm and makes me live a little.

Never in a million years would I imagine that I would spend my MLK day (or any day) playing hockey. Yet, there I was playing hockey with my kiddos.

Can I add that I absolutely loved it and had so much fun with them!

Wonder what they will "make" me do next.

Calle---our chocolate lab

2012-01-14T10:44:00.002-07:00

This is Calle, our 10 year old chocolate lab laying next to Annie last year.

Calle is a sweet, shy, independent dog who is my greatest hiking companion. She lays on her pillow all day, but is ready to run a marathon at any command. She is the type of dog

who would never leave my side if I got lost of hurt on one of our many hikes.

Early last week, I got a phone call from our cousins who we use to live across the street from. She said she found Calle by our old house. Our old house is about 4 miles away and we moved away two years ago.

This was unlike Calle, but I assumed she just got lost and somehow ended up at our old house looking for us.

Five days later, when the kids and I were home all day, I noticed that Calle was missing again. After 4 hours, I started to get really nervous since Calle usually sticks around the house. I piled the kids into the car to go on a search mission for her.

I thought we would check our old house, but doubted that she would return there again. Yet, when we pulled up to our old street, there was Calle. Sweet, old Calle---so happy to see us.

She is now grounded to being an indoor dog while we are gone (which I'm sure she loves!).

We have a feeling that while Calle's body is still like a puppy, her mind is slowly going and it makes me pretty sad for her.

How lucky we are to have wonderful pets in our lives.

Valentine's Day cards

2012-01-13T03:50:00.000-07:00

Valentine's Day is a month away. It's not too early to start is it?

I usually wouldn't start this early, but with sick kids at home all week, it was something fun to do. Special thanks to my best friend, Pinterest, for all these fab ideas.

Soooooo.......

If you are in Braden's class, this is what you will be getting:

(Obviously not my kiddos. Idea found here)

If you are in Elise's class, this is what you will be getting:

Source

If you are in William's class, this is what you will be getting:

Source

If you are on my sweet nieces or nephews, be on the mail look-out:

Source

moments I look forward to

2012-01-12T10:23:00.000-07:00

I love having all my babies curl up into mama's bed for books and just chatting. It's the best part of my day.

Since all the Buchanan kids are currently sick or recuperating from being sick, we are all home today probably doing a lot of this.

Who is this?

2012-01-11T15:54:00.003-07:00

My mom recently sent me this picture of me in my preschool class. I'm the serious brunette in the top row (you can click on it to make it larger).

Some say I look like Elise, some say I look like Braden. I just can't tell.

(Lack of) snow update

2012-01-09T12:01:00.004-07:00

This week's (lack of) snow update brought to you by me.

This is what our yard looks like today when we typically have snow up to my knees. Not sure if La Nina got the message.

To be honest, while I'm anxiously waiting for a big blizzard, the lack of snow has been pretty convenient for this mama, plus apparently, the skiing has been great (so I was told)...

That Martha

2012-01-08T09:20:00.001-07:00

In the most recent edition of Martha Stewart's magazine, she lists 5 great places to go ice skating with your whole family.

Our home made the cut and I must have to agree with Martha. Knew I liked her for a reason!

Epiphany

2012-01-07T08:26:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was my birthday and boy did I feel loved! Thanks for the cards, the packages, and the emails. Birthday can still be fun even without facebook!

One of my favorite parts of the day, besides a wonderful dinner with friends (thanks for setting it up Shannon!), was getting a flower from each of my students. So sweet and oh so cute.

I felt loved the entire day and am ready to tackle 34.

It's about that time

2012-01-05T18:49:00.002-07:00

Since New Year's is all about reflecting on the past year, I thought I would share two of my favorite photos of the year.

(The Arizona cousins and my kids)

(no comment....)

It's about time for me and my gang to pay a visit to Arizona to visit these lively folks. Maybe that will be my New Year's Resolution.

My Therapy

2012-01-04T17:25:00.001-07:00

I rarely cry. I'm good for about 2 or 3 short cries per year.

Thanks to a good friend and to Netflix, I have discovered Army Wifes (the show) and I find myself crying during almost every show. Thankfully, I have just started watching it and have only seen five shows so far.

My life as an Army Wife seems so long ago, but obviously, it is still engrained deep in my heart.

Army Wifes has become my therapy.

the end and the beginning

2012-01-03T06:32:00.003-07:00

We have concluded a really great Christmas break and are now sleepy eyed ready for school.

(me riding the chair lift with my family for the first time! 2012 is off to a wonderful start)

Oh Happy Day!!

Favorite finds of 2011

2012-01-02T08:55:00.000-07:00

A few of my favorite finds in 2011...

Moraccan Oil for silky, soft hair.

Chia Seeds are the best addition to my morning smoothies.

Free ice skating with the kids.

Does wonders for my skin!

My newest addiction where I borrow bunches of fabulous ideas.

Happy Newness

2012-01-01T08:30:00.000-07:00

Happy New Year.

2012 is THE year!

To say farewell to 2011, we headed to Boise for the day to check out the new aquarium and enjoy a stroll around the zoo (of course).

Last year, I made ONE New Year's Resolution, to simplify my life, and I actually stuck with it. We have a miracle!

So, this year, I had all the kids lay in my bed and tell me what they accomplished in 2011 and their 2012 goals:

Braden: To respect his bro and sis more AND learn how to do a Iron Cross 360 Grab, plus Pull Grab (I guess it's a ski thing)

Elise: Cross stitch more and learn how to sew

William: Sleep in his own bed and learn how to snowboard

The view

2011-12-30T08:48:00.001-07:00

Shuttling the kids around town and running errands isn't too shabby when this is our view...

You and I

2011-12-29T08:03:00.001-07:00

11 years ago today, you chose me and I chose you.

Look how far we have come.

Thanks for the adventure, the love and the everlasting support. I know that I can always count on you.

(Patrick and I at a Military Ball in Washington, DC----I was 4 or 5 months prego with Braden and obviously hadn't perfected my pageant pose yet!)

My so called life

2011-12-27T08:53:00.000-07:00

How and when did we turn into the ski family? This was not in my plans when I was little, but I have to admit that I do like it.

My man and our ducks on the chairlift all together for the first time!! I got to hike up the mountain to meet them at the top and was giddy with excitement over the fact that I may actually get a little work out in while being the ski cheerleader.

Elise sporting her new snow suit (thanks moms!).

Mr. Will skiing and checking out the sketchy (his new favorite word) view.

Braden and Patrick racing down the new slalom course.

Then we were off to hot chocolate.

Christmas day

2011-12-25T15:58:00.000-07:00

Merry Christmas from the Buchanan family!

Last night was full of church, family get togethers and fireworks.

Today is full of playing with Christmas toys (we have such nice family and friends!!)...

a bike ride to the park with cousin Holden (remember our lack of snow?)

and now off to Christmas dinner with some dear friends.

Merry Christmas to all!

May your day be merry and bright.

Still dreaming...

2011-12-23T09:25:00.000-07:00

When we moved to a ski town from Austin, Texas, I naturally assumed that we would be frolicking in a white Christmas every single year.

Guess I was wrong. Bummer!

(I shouldn't complain though since the glorious sun has been shining every single day)

Christmas show

2011-12-22T06:25:00.000-07:00

Last week, Braden and Elise were in our school's annual Holiday Performance. One of the many things that I look forward to during the school year. Since Elise is now in Kindergarten, I was especially excited to have two kids in the show.

As these pictures will show you, Elise was much more thrilled to be on stage than Braden was (something about his reindeer antlers being broken...).

Please snow

2011-12-21T04:33:00.000-07:00

What should I do if I have 45 minutes to kill and it is winter (almost winter)?

Take the kids skiing!

Finally got a picture of Braden.

She thinks she can

2011-12-20T07:29:00.000-07:00

Being sandwiched between two vocal, rough and tumble boys, Elise's choice of activities often are forced to what her brothers want/do. Like a good middle child, she usually follows along.

Yet, this year my Elise has blossomed into her own.

While the boys are busy skiing and playing soccer, Elise has found her own path of ballet and art.

The boys skied on Sunday and Elise decided she wanted to go ice skating. I happily accompanied her and had a blast trying out the ice with her.

Guess what the kids and I are doing again today? (even the boys!)

How many more days?

2011-12-19T07:00:00.000-07:00

First it was the countdown until my mom came to visit.

Now it is the countdown to Christmas!

Thanks for coming to visit mom. We had a wonderful time with you!!

The happy times

2011-12-18T07:53:00.000-07:00

Baked dozens and dozens of Christmas cookies.....check.

Patrick enjoying his wine while we decorate.

A visit from Santa at Kindergarten....check.

Christmas craft day with grandma at school....check.

Yep! Looks like we are getting closer and closer to Christmas

Happy Birthday to my niece, Bella!

Lights

2011-12-17T09:33:00.001-07:00

Christmas traditions galore!

Our cute little local Botanical Garden hosted a Christmas light display and my mom and I had to take the kids.

The kids literally wanted a picture by every tree.

My mom is here visiting for the week and partaking in all of our Christmas traditions and school activities. We are so lucky to have her around!

Check out our pathetic amount of snow. LET IT SNOW!!

Off to the mountain

2011-12-13T04:53:00.000-07:00

Ski season has officially begun for the Buchanan family and I have continued my role as ski cheerleader.

William thinks he is ready to tackle the jumps. Soon enough!

Elise is still on the timid side, but made big confident improvements.

Where is my first born?

He is skiing the big mountain every weekend with his ski team which makes me sad and proud at the same time.

Maybe next year will be MY turn to learn to ski!

Here comes Santa

2011-12-12T09:09:00.000-07:00

On the way to Elise's ballet performance, look who we ran into!

Ho Ho Ho!! It's our favorite Santa.

By my tired eyes, can you tell it has been a long week for me?

Tale as old as time

2011-12-11T08:36:00.001-07:00

How sweet it is to watch your only daughter dance on stage in a frilly costume.

My heart melted and beamed with pride for Elise!

Her performance of Beauty of the Beast is over and she is already itching to do the spring performance.

Elise with some of her girlfriends at school. It's fun to watch her grow up with these little ladies.

The little ballerina

2011-12-09T15:41:00.001-07:00

Tonight is the night (and tomorrow afternoon)!

She has worked so hard for her performance.

Photo by Hillary Maybery. Can you spot my little ballerina on the left?

We are back on

2011-12-08T17:57:00.001-07:00

Our computer broke and for the last week, I have been loving life with no computer. I loved it so much that I even quit Facebook (it was either that or this blog).

Since we have been computer less we have had some fun family adventures----road trip to Salt Lake City. Nothing like a trip to the big city to re-energize my soul.

Some highlight from our trip.

The view from our room. Very refreshing to see mountains and big buildings together.

Enjoying a fab breakfast after their early morning swim. I love their life!

One day, I will have a Dale Chihuly chandelier hanging in my house. This photo is just my reminder.

We even got to ride the train!

My new friend at the zoo that I became obsessed with. Just one sheet of glass "protecting us from this gentle giant.

Apparently not many people go to the zoo during cold, snowy days, so we were one with the zookeepers.

Here comes the photoshoot of my beauties...

One evening, Patrick and I went to a super fancy restaurant (check out Patrick's dessert!) with very nice State Farm folks. Thanks State Farm!!

We love you Salt Lake City and I can't wait to go back. There are many more mountains for us to hike and much more for us to explore.

Less than a month!

2011-11-28T19:19:00.001-07:00

Who's giddy for Christmas?

I am! I am!

I know that there is still a month away, but that just gives me more days to celebrate.

For family night, we decorated our annual Gingerbread House. I must say that this year was our best one yet. Especially since my meticulous husband took it upon himself to ensure that our house looked as spiffy as can be. Must impress the neighbors.

Voila! Our house. It has been promised to be devoured during our next family movie night.

Family adventure

2011-11-27T13:25:00.001-07:00

I think we just stumbled upon a new Buchanan family tradition!!

We just got back from snowshoeing and spending the night in a yurt.

The whole family, plus the dogs.

I was very excited for the adventure and somehow, it turned out even better than I could have possibly imagined. I even fell asleep (through the little sleep that all of us got) with a silly grin on my face.

I'm rating this one of my all time favorite family adventures ever!

Starting off on our snow shoe trip. We had to snow shoe about 1 1/2 miles and it took us an hour. We aren't the fastest group!

Each kid had to lug their own backpacks filled with books and extra clothing. Braden led the pack the entire time and even got lost for about 30 minutes. Gave me a heart attack, but at least he was with one of our dogs.

When Mr. Will got tired of walking up the hills, he got a ride on the sled and boy, did he love that! Yet, he did snow shoe most of the time.

Our cozy and secluded yurt.

3 frozen children trying desperately to warm up.

Thank you Patrick for working so hard on getting us ready for the trip and for keeping the fire burning all night long. I'm still not a snow expert and it shows!

Since there were no cell phones, no televisions or no computers, we played games until bedtime. Just perfect!

Hanging up our clothes to dry them and warm them up.

The next morning, there were chores to be done...

chopping wood,

and restacking the wood pile.

I simply cherish this photo. Thank you kids and dogs for being amazing rock stars the entire trip. Glad you had so much fun.

12 years ago (before we were even engaged), Patrick, Shane and I snowshoed to this exact same Honeymoon Yurt. We didn't stay the night there, but it was so neat to bring our family back all these years later and to see how much we have grown as a family.

Time to head back to home for some hot cocoa.

Our Turkey Day

2011-11-25T07:48:00.001-07:00

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! We were really missing our family and friends this year (hence the reason our Christmas plans changed overnight!), but made a pretty memorable day for the kids.

First stop, our annual tradition of the Hailey Turkey Trot.

After a delicious brunch of eggs benedict, we were off to find our perfect Christmas tree.

This boy somehow lost the feeling to be cold.

Patrick and Braden scouting the mountain for the best tree.

The giggling monster loved the whole adventure of climbing up a steep mountain and sliding down on his bum.

Now, it's time to decorate the tree.

It's Christmas time!!

Thanksgiving Eve

2011-11-23T17:22:00.001-07:00

Twas the night before Thanksgiving and all down the street, the Buchanan dogs were giving the kids giggling sled rides.

Happy Thanksgiving Eve!

Created

2011-11-21T11:04:00.001-07:00

This sight brings such a warm glow all over me.

Not because my house is decorated for both Christmas and Thanksgiving at the same time, but because this is MY family. These names are my world, my loves, my everything. Patrick and I created this out of love and hard work and it is everything I wanted, plus more.

I love my family of 5, plus my three furry loves.

mustache

2011-11-19T07:28:00.001-07:00

Hot chocolate mustaches are a necessity when the snow is falling.

Inching closer to 40

2011-11-18T17:04:00.001-07:00

Happy birthday to my main squeeze!

**old school photo of young Patrick and chubby baby Braden (too cute not too share!)**

We will celebrate you with a grand day on Monday.

Have a wonderful time in Oregon and we miss you already.

A tale

2011-11-17T16:57:00.001-07:00

Once upon a time there was a little princess and a wicked old witch.

One morning, the little princess came downstairs dressed for school in her leotard and ballet tights. Since the wicked old witch was really wicked, she told the little princess that she has to put pants on over her tights. Very upset, the little princess did as she was told in fear that she would be turned into an ogre.

Somehow, throughout the day, the wicked old witch and the little princess never crossed paths at school for their daily mid-day hug.

During pick up time, out came a happy little princess dressed in JUST a leotard and ballet tights. The pants were long gone and hidden in her backpack.

The wicked old witch will have her hands full when the little princess is in middle school.

Boarding school, anyone?

A frog ate my throat

2011-11-16T16:01:00.001-07:00

Being a mom and preschool teacher with laryngitis is no beuno.

Maybe it's a sign I talk too much!

I do realize that is a total irrelevant pictures, but wanted to show off Patrick's "big one" during his amazing fishing trip a couple weeks ago.

Don't worry mom, he still has some saved for you!

Quote of the year

2011-11-14T06:37:00.001-07:00

Enough said.

The first time

2011-11-12T07:33:00.001-07:00

Good bye grass, hello snow (for the next 5 months)!

The first snow fall is magical. Never gets old.

Robots everywhere

2011-11-10T17:35:00.001-07:00

Signing Braden up for a robots class comes with two benefits:

1. He totally digs it

2. Maybe, just maybe he will one day invent a robot that will clean my house.

Besides robot class and dry land training (pre- skiing class) for Braden, my life is a soccer mom life and I love it!

the happy place

2011-11-07T18:04:00.002-07:00

I can go to bed happy and calm each night knowing that I send my little girl to Kindergarten each morning surrounded by sweet friends.

*Elise and her friends dressed up for their school's world culture day*

The man of mine

2011-11-06T15:14:00.001-07:00

*Patrick and I when we lived outside of DC and Baby Braden was in my belly*

I have a husband who watches chick flicks with me (and Dancing with the Stars).

I have a man who never gets tired of taking the family on hikes every single weekend.

I have a man who let me bring home an animal shelter kitten even though we have two big dogs.

I have a man who doesn't mind that I clean and which makes him have to do the cooking every once in awhile (ok, more than that!).

I have a man who has been a State Farm Agent for 2 years now and is kicking some major booty.

Because of his awesomeness, he has "won"many trips since school started.

September sent him to Napa Valley.

October sent him to Vegas.

November has now sent him fishing for the week about 4 hours from our humble abode. Gorgeous country!

In a few years, when the kids are older, then I will get to join him on these trips. I can just picture myself in Napa getting a massage and going for a long hike!

I'm dreaming big!

Reasons

2011-11-04T18:26:00.001-06:00

This poem speaks volumes to me and is one of the main reasons that I love being a mom and love teaching preschool:

The child is made of one hundred.
The child has
a hundred languages
a hundred hands
a hundred thoughts
a hundred ways of thinking
of playing, of speaking.

A hundred.

Always a hundred
ways of listening
of marveling, of loving
a hundred joys
for singing and understanding
a hundred worlds
to discover
a hundred worlds
to invent
a hundred worlds
to dream.

The child has
a hundred languages
(and a hundred hundred hundred more)
but they steal ninety-nine.
The school and the culture
separate the head from the body.
They tell the child:
to think without hands
to do without head
to listen and not to speak
to understand without joy
to love and to marvel
only at Easter and at Christmas.

They tell the child:
to discover the world already there
and of the hundred
they steal ninety-nine.

They tell the child:
that work and play
reality and fantasy
science and imagination
sky and earth
reason and dream
are things
that do not belong together.

And thus they tell the child
that the hundred is not there.
The child says:
No way. The hundred is there.

-Loris Malaguzzi
Founder of the Reggio Emilia Approach

I'm ok with this

2011-11-02T17:49:00.003-06:00

Look at what we spotted with our little brown eyes...

The mountain is making snow (with the snow machines).

It's already November, so I'm ok with it.

Who wants more candy?

2011-11-01T17:31:00.004-06:00

We are all still recovering from Halloween overload, but thankfully, we have lots and lots of chocolate to get us through it!

This is how Batman smiles...

Hope everyone had a rockin' Halloween!

Go take a hike

2011-10-31T06:00:00.000-06:00

Halloween is here!

Before we all go in a sugar coma (including the parents of course!), we decided to spend our Sunday on a beautiful hike. My favorite kid hike ever!

Why so serious Patrick and Elise?

Having a zen moment, on a log, 2 feet over a rushing river. Patrick dared me to do it.

We are ready to tackle Halloween now that our pumpkins have been carved and the pumpkin seeds have been roasted.

Happy trick or treating everyone!

aDuLtS OnLy

2011-10-30T08:49:00.001-06:00

We have three young kids. We are kid centered day in, day out.

Not last night though!

Lat night, we went to an adult only Halloween party. This was a big deal for pathetic us! And so much fun.

The pirate meets the Real Housewifes of Sun Valley.

Me with my co-teacher. We didn't plan the blond wigs, but we are totally in synch!

boo!

2011-10-28T17:29:00.001-06:00

Pumpkins are carved.

Halloween costumes are finally figured out.

Let the weekend (plus Monday) of partying and candy eating begin.

Pictures to come!

Elise during her "Dad's Pumpkin Carving Day" at school.

Boo to you!!

Another post about the television

2011-10-25T06:00:00.000-06:00

This is the couch where all five Buchanan bums sit every Monday and Tuesday night to watch this show...

Gotta love some true family bonding!

Click HERE to see some pretend work that I did this summer. That blue pull- over is my ultimate favorite wardrobe piece this fall!

My buddies

2011-10-24T06:00:00.000-06:00

I love my dirty little nature buddies. They make me one happy mama.

Even if they do drive me batty some times.

Impromptu

2011-10-23T10:19:00.000-06:00

Nothing like an impromptu road trip!

Our old car wasn't doing so hot, so Patrick and I decided to drive to Salt Lake City to pick up a new (to us) car.

Before all of my Utah friends get mad that I didn't call, we literally went for the day, even thought it is a 4 1/2 hour drive EACH way. Yep, typical Buchanan style.

After getting the car, we went to Target, In and Out Burgers, and a frozen yogurt stop to get our big city fix. It was the perfect fix to get me through the next two months. I was on Cloud Nine!

Adios Green Machine. It was a fun ride.

What television has taught my son

2011-10-22T08:13:00.001-06:00

Braden's spelling test bonus word this week was g-e-c-k-o.

Thanks to the bloob tube, he spelled it g-e-i-c-o.

My State Farm Agent hubby is so not pleased!

Elise's turn

2011-10-20T18:15:00.001-06:00

Some photos of our little Kindergarten during her outdoor trip. She is having a blast at school and her little world has completely opened up. So much fun to see!

Elise ALWAYS makes me push on her the swings, so it's nice to see her as the pusher for once!!

This is our life

2011-10-19T18:26:00.002-06:00

I know that I mention quite a few times how much I love my town, but I thought I would share that sentiment once again!

I feel pretty awesome knowing that this is what I get to see on my daily "commute"

(photo by Joshua Wells)

and that I actually get to raise my family here.

(Mr. Will on his preschool outdoor trip)

Another season done

2011-10-17T17:01:00.003-06:00

Fall soccer season is over.

Now what am I going to do for my Saturday morning social hour?

You gotta love Sundays!

2011-10-16T18:41:00.001-06:00

Hip Hip horray for Sundays. Being cozy at home, playing with the family, enjoying my awesome town.

We have wanted to do this hike for a while now, thanks to Braden's school outdoor trip, and we declared today the day. Despite the fact that it was a cold, rainy day.

A chilly Braden who still lead the pack.

Trying to find treasures (crystal rocks).

As much fun as I had on our outdoor adventure, all of us (dogs included) were excited to get back to the warm, dry car and stop for hot cocoa.

Another glimpse of our gorgeous fall scenery.

When is it coming?

2011-10-15T17:15:00.000-06:00

As soon as October 1st hits, I kiss the ground every single day that it hasn't snowed.

I love the fact that we are still able to go on bike rides (in shorts!)

and take the dogs swimming in our neighborhood pond.

Soon enough, I will be ready for the white stuff, but not quite yet.

What is making me giddy

2011-10-12T06:00:00.000-06:00

What I scored at this weekend's Community School Barn Sale (besides my rockin' Prada shoes)...

an old church pew that is obviously already being put to good use. Another's man junk is my new treasure!

Baby mine

2011-10-11T06:00:00.000-06:00

Our little boy likes to mimic everything our big boy does.

That's what brothers are for.

Holland

2011-10-10T06:00:00.000-06:00

Thanks to my mom for doing some big city shopping, I was able to plant 75 tulips in our garden this fall.

Come Elise's and Braden's birthday, hopefully our garden will be a mini-Holland.

The social event of the day

2011-10-09T06:30:00.000-06:00

Our fall family tradition is attending the local Fall Festival.

Once again, it did not disappoint.

Hoards of friends, loads of kid activities and pumpkins galore. I heart fall!

There was bobbing for apples....

Painting pumpkins....

Face painting (Braden's favorite)....

A clown making magical balloons...

Wagon rides...

And three adorable little pumpkins.

It is coming

2011-10-06T06:35:00.005-06:00

While on our evening stroll with our doggies, the kids and I noticed that something happened to Baldy while we have been happily drenched in rain.

check out my booty!

2011-10-05T06:00:00.000-06:00

According to my wonderful friend, Amber, the new Title Nine winter catalogue is out in full force.

Thanks to my small town post office, our mail is always a tad late, so I haven't see a real copy yet, but Amber sent me this photo.

Guess they didn't like my face as much, but at least my hair and booty are now famous.

True story

2011-10-04T06:00:00.000-06:00

**Obviously, above photo is not of me**

I'm a social person and thankfully for me, so are my preschool parents. It was a crisp fall morning, but I was already getting warm from the hustle and bustle of the morning school routine. As I was socially talking to one of the preschool dads, I proceeded to take off sweater and planned to just wear my shirt for the day.

I continued to blab on and was wondering why this dad looked kind of nervous and would no longer look at me. Maybe I was talking too much?

It wasn't until I looked down (thankfully, I'm animated when I talk), that I realized that when I took off my sweater, I also took off my shirt and was now only wearing a white camisole (see picture above).

I have no idea what I said after that, nor do I even remember the dad leaving.

Mortified would be a good word to use.

I will try to remember to keep my clothes on from now on.

Holden's third

2011-10-03T06:00:00.000-06:00

This weekend, we were able to celebrate cousin Holden's big 3rd birthday.

The handsome birthday boy.

The yummy cupcakes that Gayle (Holden's grandma) made.

All the cousins (and Shane) in motion.

Happy birthday Holden!

October is here!

2011-10-02T13:46:00.001-06:00

As soon as the calendar month changed, my whole fall attitude changed.

It's Sunday and time to decorate for Halloween.

A few things to help us get in the mood (all found on Pinterest):

A cute sign hanging up on our wallls.

Fun treats to add to the kids' lunchboxes. Perhaps not that many marshmellows though!

Ahoy Matey

2011-09-30T17:18:00.002-06:00

"I'm a pirate!"

Have a great weekend being whatever you want to be.

Pumpkin dunkin

2011-09-29T13:30:00.001-06:00

This week, I was able to take William and our preschool class to the Hope Garden---a local garden that donates food to the hungry. 2500 lbs of fresh fruits and veggies to be exact.

An inspiring day to remember to always give back to my community and a reminder to eat fresh.

2011-09-26T18:31:00.000-06:00

A family hike, a swim, a soccer game, zucchini from the garden.

Another great weekend to start us off on a great week at school.

High expectations

2011-09-25T18:33:00.000-06:00

The other day, Braden held up a Barbie Doll and told me that when I get older, I will look like her.

Hmmmm.....a million thoughts were going through my head about my next comment to my vulnerable and naive 7 year old son. I couldn't shatter his dream for me, but I will never stack up to Barbie's chest or any of her measurements. Yet, I didn't want him to turn out to be a horrible husband.

I asked him if he wanted me to look like Barbie (please, please let him say "no").

He stared at Barbie a little while longer, then said "well, she wears way too much make-up".

Atta Boy, Braden!!

Not sure what to think

2011-09-24T17:29:00.000-06:00

Elise is one of those who loves to be bundled and cozy (often in her fleece pajamas), even in 80 degree weather. Complete opposite of me.

A special shout out to Mother Nature for producing a perfect Indian Summer, once again.

Happy first day of fall

2011-09-23T19:27:00.001-06:00

To celebrate the first day of fall, we went to first Braden's soccer game of the season

while Patrick wined and dined and wined some more in Napa Valley.

Fall outdoor trip

2011-09-21T17:28:00.000-06:00

For Braden's fall outdoor trip, the second grade class ventured into the mountains for two days to search for prints and poop (very appropriate for my son!). These outdoor trips make me want to become a student all over again.

Love the pure joy on both Braden and Jessica's faces during the trust walk.

Braden told me all about the trip, especially the baby snakes (see picture above) and finding the crystals that he plans to sell for $100. Any takers?

All the leaves

2011-09-20T15:30:00.000-06:00

Fall, beautiful fall is slowly creeping upon us. I'm getting ready.

the grandparents

2011-09-19T19:28:00.001-06:00

My parents came for a long visit to play with us and to celebrate Grandfriend's Day at school. Thanks Mom and Ron for such a wonderful time. It was a blast having both of you!

Need some major work on my photography skills, but that will have to come in another decade.

Get on your mountain

2011-09-18T03:49:00.000-06:00

We saw a mountain and we wanted to conquer it.

Patrick, my dad, William and I walked out of our front door and hiked straight up the mountain. It looked a lot easier than it really was and our shaking legs could prove it.

Mr. Will watching the paragliders jumping off of "our" mountain.

Still smiling at the tippy top.

Me with my loyal companion, who turned 10 year old yesterday. Happy birthday Calle!!

The joys of having a girl

2011-09-17T04:47:00.000-06:00

Elise started ballet this week. This was a HUGE deal for her. She has wanted to do it for months and months, but never had the courage. Now that she is a big Kindergartener, she is feeling brave and is now a little ballerina.

The Buchanans are now entering new territory.

(Elise and her good buddy Lucy)

Saddle up

2011-09-16T16:40:00.003-06:00

I was so excited for this grand adventure all week long and was thrilled to share it with my Mr. Will and my entire preschool class.

Who could pass on a wagon ride all over town? We have the nicest preschool families!!

Have I mentioned that I love my job as a mother and a preschool teacher?

Tuesday Boosday

2011-09-13T18:01:00.004-06:00

Mercy! It's been one of those days. My house is an absolute disaster and I don't seem to care. I just walk over the big crumbs on the floor while ignoring the toys all over the house.

A certain little boy is pushing some major buttons today (or all week).

My to-do list is getting longer and longer with each passing day.

Sigh...

Yet, I shall turn that frown upside and dream about fall, cozy clothes, hot cocoa and cute pumpkins.

Kids, pump up some Les Miserables tunes! It's time to get this day (and house) in order.

September 11

2011-09-11T08:38:00.003-06:00

Like all of you, this day will live forever bring vivid memories and goosebumps.

Where was I 10 year ago?

I was driving to Fort Huachuca, an Army Post, to teach Kindergarten and heard on the radio that the Pentagon had a bomb in it and something was going on with some airplanes. I immediately called Patrick at home to see if he could get a hold of Cindy, my college roommate who worked at the Pentagon. Shane, Patrick's great friend, was also visiting and was supposed to fly out that day, but was obviously grounded at our home for a couple more days.

By the time I got to school, all faculty were exchanging info on what we had heard and expressing our fears over loved ones in the Pentagon. Yet, as parents, mainly Army men and women, dropped off their children for school, few words were exchanged, but looks of fear and unknown.

Sometime that morning, school was cancelled and all non-essential Army personal were ordered off of the Army Post. That meant I had to go home immediately, which meant I sat at home and watched the news over and over again. The images still sit in my head.

As for my beloved husband, he was essential Army personal and had to stay on post. Sometime that afternoon, I got a phone call to meet him at the Army gate and deliver him some of Army gear. He couldn't explain much and my fears began to grow.

After many phone calls, I discovered that Cindy had left the Pentagon earlier that morning and was safe at home. But, the airplane crashed right into her office. God was with Cindy that day for sure!

That evening, Patrick was finally allowed to come home to gather all of his gear. He had some time to pack his bag for the unknown and was to report back to Post. This is the moment that he had been training for for years and ironically, it was being played out in slow motion in front of us. I remember laying next to him in bed talking about the day and the future. We didn't know if he was deploying to war that evening or what was happening. He was told to be ready. Somehow, we both managed to be strong, but as soon as he left our house, I lost it. I didn't know when or if Patrick was coming home.

I called my mom as soon as I waved good-bye to Patrick and cried hysterically into the phone. I couldn't speak. The whole day came crashing down on me in that moment.

The next morning, Patrick did come home and the next few months were a blur as the nation went to war and Patrick's deployment bags were always packed. My Army School was surrounded by Military Police and we had to take an Army bus to the school since everything was barricaded off.

To this day, I try to read everything about September 11th and try to understand how everyone felt. What a day and one that I hope I never forget, for the sake of all of those lost.

Patrick coming home from his 3rd and final deployment. So grateful to have such a humble and self-sacrificing husband.

Friday night times

2011-09-10T08:32:00.000-06:00

It's Friday night and typically that means family movie night at my home. It's a great excuse to be lazy and cuddle up on the couch with my loves.

Yet, I had a text yesterday afternoon telling me to get a babysitter asap because we had tickets to the Leeann Womack conert!

Nothing like shaking things up and getting out of our rut.

First stop, dinner with the Idaho Governor (and a few other folks). Photo can be see on my facebook page. Please excuse my scary devil eyes.

Patrick and I with Elden, Patrick's field executive.

Then, it was off to the concert. It was small town Idaho style, so a nice intimate concert. Perfect date night!

It's that time of year

2011-09-08T17:31:00.003-06:00

Besides school, our days are filled with play dates, birthday parties and fall crisp air (I'm ignoring all the smoke in the air).

The simple life is a grand life.

Made for each other

2011-09-05T20:35:00.001-06:00

This is so true for these two boys who still like to sleep next to each other despite the fact that they have bunk beds.