Birthday and School Program

It's been so long since I've blogged, I don't think I could hope to catch up. But several events need to be reported so I will hit the high spots. On a side note, I've decided that August through December are completely impossible for me. We have birthdays (all of the boys), school, sports, and all of the good holidays. I can never manage them very well. I don't have a solution, just the realization. I can't see it getting better any time soon, so bear with me.

Little Otis' birthday was October 17th and we had a party at home with family, friends and a pinata. What could be better? My df Staci did the great Monster Truck Cake, and fun was had by all. Here is a picture.

Halloween was a hoot again this year. And as usual, I have no pictures because I was so busy running around. Thank goodness other's did, and I will get them from Snapfish to scrapbook. (I have no plan for this either, but I sure hope I get it done) I do have pictures of the boys from the Fall Festival with the Moms club. Here is one.

Little Otis' had his first school play. He was a pilgrim, and had a speaking part. He practiced everyday, and it was too cute. He was of course the only one who said it with "feeling". I swear we need to live closer to Hollywood. He is such a ham. Anyway, he knew all of the words to the songs and the hand movements. I was impressed. Maybe he is destined to go to Broadway? Otis , Payton and I all went and Mema went too. We then ate lunch in the cafeteria. It was actually good.

Florida Fun

We are finally home from Florida. I feel like I have been gone for weeks. It was only 5 days, but it seemed like so much longer being away from my boys. It was soooo worth it though. I learned so much and crafted so much, that by last night, I was on overload. I might not be able to cut or glue anything for a while. I went through at least 6 refills of tape runner, two glue sticks and a major amount of wet glue. I have so many unfinished projects that I'm afraid that I will never be able to scrapbook my normal junk again. My suitcase on the way home was 4 lbs short of "too heavy", my carry on ripped from the weight, and I shipped a box home yesterday from the Hotel. Did I mentions we got a lot of goodies? I can't wait to share with all of my crafty friends all of the things we did. Sylvia ordered, ordered and ordered some more..... Lots of new things coming in to the store. So much fun! So tired. Of course I didn't take many pictures, but Sylvia took more. I hope she will post them.
The boys seemed to have faired well without me. It was hard to take little Otis to school this morning, I just wanted to keep them both here today, but like a good mommy, I took him. Life moves on. We are off to practice tonight, we have a full week, and of course this weekend, the big Texas vs. OU party. Can't wait to see everyone!

TOUCHDOWN!!

That's right, Little Otis made a touchdown today in the game! Were we excited and proud, YES! Were we suprised, Yes! Do we have a picture? NO! It happend so fast, and we were yelling and jumping up and down, and fogot to take a picture. He was trying so hard today and playing so well, the coach let him carry the ball and what do you know, he looked straight ahead and ran into the end zone. I'm so glad for him. The picture is on the way home with his spoils from the cheerleaders. After the game, we went to StingFling in town and the boys got old fashioned pop guns and we ate BBQ. We had so much fun.

I know I haven't blogged in a long time, but with school, football and work, things are so busy, that I just don't have much time. Everyone is doing great! Little Otis has adjusted to school and had a week of all white faces! (Those are good) Payton is adjusting to Preschool well, and I think he likes to play with the other kids. Otis is working on Fridays at the RV park with my Dad and his "regular" job Mon - Thurs. He is tired on the weekends, but I think he likes working outside and not dealing with criminals. I am working all of the time and am preparing to go to Florida next week. I'm sure it will be a blast! I will post after that and hopefully have pictures.

First week of Kindergarten

After a rocky start, Otis came home of Friday with a big white smiley face and a "Great Day" comment on his sheet! We celebrated by having chocolate milk at Sonic on the way home. He was so excited and proud of himself and I was too. For those just catching up, I met with his teacher this morning because he came home 2 days in a row with a red face. Both Otis and I were worried about this pattern (and Little O's comments about his behavior). So whatever worked- the meeting, no TV, no Bakagun the long discussions, whatever, we are glad. I think he has figured it out and we are gearing up for a great year!

All caught up

I think I am officially caught up with the blogs! Maybe with kids in school I'll be able to blog more consistently. Don't count on it though, I bet I can find a few things to do to take up that extra alone time! Payton and I are sitting at home today, he is playing quietly, and I am on the computer and doing laundry (when am I not?) One little one at home is much quieter! But I wouldn't trade my pair of boys for anything. I never would have believed it! Mom of two boys and loving it. Where did that come from? I always wanted a girl, since I can remember. Little girls were just my favorite. Now, I love my friends little girls and sometimes they let me borrow them, but I am definitely a mom of boys. We are starting Football practice next week, and then our Saturdays will be filled with games and the weeks with practice. We'll see how it goes. I hope he enjoys it like he did last year. I am including a picture of Payton, since the last weeks have been mostly about Otis!

First day of Kindergarten

Cross Timbers will never be the same! Little Otis has begun school and he is excited. I took him for his first day, and I remembered to take pictures at home and at school. That might qualify as a miracle for those of you who know my history with my camera. But, I got it all! Payton starts next week, I hope I can repeat my performance! Little Otis wasn't even nervous, he went in, got his name tag, sat in his line and marched to class. His teacher wasn't there, but his substitute was nice and his first day went without a hitch. I didn't even cry. I am so excited for him to begin his learning journey, that it didn't seem sad to me at all. I know, he's been learning all along, but I loved school, and I hope the same for him. Kindergarten, here we go....

Loose tooth to Lost tooth

Little Otis lost his first tooth on Friday August 22! It was a surprise to us all. While brushing his teeth on Wednesday, I noticed that he had a gap on the bottom, and I asked him if he had hit his mouth anywhere, he said no. When he got up on Thursday, he was so excited when he realized that on of his front teeth was loose. (gap explained) By Friday on the way to Big Daddy's, it was in his hand. That was fast!! He feels so grown up now. Losing baby teeth and all. I forget that even though he is just starting kindergarten, he will be 6 soon. He's on schedule I guess. Anyway, the Tooth fairy brought him $2.00 the next morning. (I assured him that this must be a first tooth bonus- not to expect it every time, dad's idea) He was so excited! He bought Bakugan cards (what else is there?) and paid with his money. Our boy is growing up.

Blann Family Day of Fun

Here are some zoo pictures. Otis took a day off from work and we took the kids to the zoo in Ft Worth and named it the "Blann family day of fun!". We like to name things as most of you know. What a great day! The kids were great, the animals were fun, and it didn't get hot until we were leaving. All in all, you couldn't have asked for a better day. The kids got to stuff their own zoo animals and these have very happily joined the webkinz in the boys rooms. Little O got a rhino, and Payton a leopard. It was a lot of fun watching them look at the animals. We do love our zoo. Next year, we may get passes so we can go as much as we want. They both also loved the train. It went in and out of the station 15 times or so, (a wheel was off line) so we got an extended ride. They didn't mind, but dad and I were tired and it was getting hot, as mentioned before. I'm so glad we took the day before the school year begins, and we have less time together. The reality of that is setting in.

News from the Homefront

Gosh, where to start. Payton will be 2 on Sunday. We are having a small party with some of the kids that he plays with all of the time and family. He is really into Go Diego Go! right now, so that will be the theme. My df Staci is making his cake, I love her cakes. She asked what I wanted on it, and I said it didn't matter, I just wanted to eat cake! I know I'm sick!
We have spent the last 2 days working on the gameroom. Mom has now moved into her new house, and although it lacks a few finishing touches, she is settling in. We have painted the gameroom a much lighter color since the kids will be playing in there more and it was quite dark. (Sorry for those who sleep in there) It is now bright and fun. I have of course ordered Uppercase Living for the walls, and we are inheriting a sleeper sofa from friends so that we can sleep more people. My very good friends Shaunery and Jennifer (who will tell me what I owe them later I'm sure) have spent two days cleaning, painting and laughing with me. Thank you so much, I couldn't have done it without you! I am very pleased with the result. I can't wait for people to see it on Sunday.
Little Otis starts Kindergarten Aug 25th. I'm new at this, so I still have to get school supplies and back to school clothes. I loved that when I was a kid, new clothes, shoes, and supplies. He is excited I think. Some days, better than others. I am excited for him anyway.
The boys are playing better together now. Yelling and Crying less and actually playing with each other. I love that. Payton has now become a lover of cartoons. I think because of me having to work and watching with big brother, but he loves them. He would still rather be outside, but at 105 degrees, cartoons it is. Well I've droned on for long enough. See you all soon.

Whew, I'm glad things are slowing down

Since the forth of July, my life has been so crazy. Nancy's sister died. Dad bought a new RV park. Otis has committed to finishing Mom's house. I have kick started my Uppercase Living businees again. All of this on top of my normal jobs at the original RV park, mom and wife. On the one hand, I feel very lucky to have all of this going on, but on the other hand, I need some more time in the day to get it all in. My goal in August is to do some summer things with the boys before school starts and get my house back in order after mom moves in to hers. Hopefully, all of this will work out!
Everyone is well and growing. Payton came to me yesterday and said "I need shoes". His first sentance that made sense and was pertinant to what was going on without any prompting. Soon I'm sure he will be talking non-stop like little O. Well, I'm off now to go check on Otis at moms and play with the little guys!

Where fireworks go to die

Happy 5th of July.
What a blast the 4th was. We celebrated with family and friends and had a great time. There were a couple of casualties....Wes' leg and Sara's blanket, but other than that, it was a Blann Bash to remember. I didn't take any pictures, mostly because I was busy having fun, but partly becase everyone else was. When I get some to post I will, but until then, here are a couple of shots of the aftermath....Thanks for coming, see you next year!

Hair cuts all around!!

We went today and the boys both got new haircuts. Angie was very patient and entertaining with them. Payton will no longer be mistaken for a "girl". They were both great!

We have been spending our summer running back and forth from school to work, to playdates, running errands and having fun! We have been swimming at one of the splashparks, and today we went to a friends pool for playgroup. It seems like we are running out of summer before we have gotten started! How have we missed June? Oh well, we have July! We are hosting the party on the 4th and are looking forward to having all of our friends here to celebrate with us.

On Sunday, we all went to dad's to celebrate Father's day with him since we were all in the woods on the actual date. We got some great pictures and had a blast. I cherish these times more and more as the years go by. I am so lucky that fate brought me to my family and I'm so glad that my Dad is my Dad. My family was created in an unconventional way, but I feel so lucky to have them all. I include many sisters, moms and dads along the way. You all know who you are. I could not get through life without you.

Officially Happy Campers

We are now a camping family. We spent the weekend at Mineral Wells State Park. Yes it was HOT!! Yes, it was complicated. Yes it was a tad nerve racking..... But so much FUN!!! The boys loved it and we did too. Thank goodness for Aunt Kelli and Uncle Kevin and Sarah Faye. They came along and lended eyes and arms when needed. Uncle Kevin loves to play, and the kids do too, so it all worked out well. We had awsome tents, a great lake, great food and plenty of laughter. This is our dream. We love to camp and hoped that our kids would too. Here are some pictures that they took because of course my camera battery decided to die as soon as we got there. What is wrong with me and the camera lately? Anyway, we decided that 3 days was long enough at Payton's age. He was ready to come home on Sunday. But, we are looking forward to October. We are planning our next trip then.

First day of Baker's Dozen

Well, our new class has begun and I am curious and a little nervous as I dutifully follow instructions. Not knowing what we are going to use the items for, makes it hard to choose them. I have finished day 1 and here are the pictures of my egg crate and round 1. I will be at convention for the next 2 days, but if Jeanne brings her computer, I will pass the info on, if not, Sunday you will be busy.

Wedding

Ok, I think I can post some pictures. Kevin's wonderful sister (who is sitting in the front) is a photographer and she took most of them, but she had a helper so she could be in the ones that she needed to be in. If you will note, EVERYONE is in costume..... Payton wasn't in a cooperative mood at the moment, I hope we get some pictures of him somehow. But here they are:

I am Back in Business

I have officially figured out how to import pictures to the computer. Yea me! So now for the updates... I have so many. We have been soooo busy in the last few weeks. Little Otis graduated from pre-K and earned a bible and certificate. We were so proud and so was he. Here is a fuzzy picture. They didn't allow pictures except for certain times and of course Little Otis was looking elsewhere then.

Kelli and Kevin got hitched! O.K., They were officially married at Scarborough Faire. It was beautiful and we were all in costume. I think I can post some pictures that they sent today and I will try. I know everyone is anxious to see, and I had my hands full with two little ones in costume and in 95 degree heat! I gave up trying to snap any.

Payton has officially hit the terrible 2's. I hope it doesn't last all year! He can be a little trying. He throws himself on the floor, screams and cries for no reason that I can figure out. We are learning "time out". It's more for me I think, but whatever.

Here are a couple of pictures of them playing on the new slip-n-slide. We have a new fence and are working on the yard more this year. We built them a mega sand box and they have lots of toys for the yard! Summer fun here we come!

Long Week

Last week was a long week..... I broke my camera, the car finally hit the dust, we spent lots of money on home improvement, and we are all exhausted. But, we have a fence and the beginning of a great yard and a great place for our kiddos to play. I also have a new camera and will have to figure out how to upload pictures to this blog. It's a different camera for me and I am having fun playing with it. So all's well that end's well. I guess. We have been so busy lately that I have thought about blogging, but haven't.

Little Otis graduates from Preschool Wednesday. I will take pictures and post them. He is excited about being in Kindergarten. I don't know how he will make it through the summer. Payton is growing so fast. He is trying to say words now. Copying everything big brother does. I'm sure this won't be so cute in a few years. Big Otis is gone this week to training in Beeville. It is about 5 hours away. He was not excited about the adventure and to tell the truth, neither was I. We don't like to be apart and he likes it at home. I love that about him.

Big wedding this weekend. Kelli and Kevin came over last weekend and helped us finish our yard projects, and Kevin mowed our yard! He rocks. Otis ran out of time to finish everything before he left, but he tried hard. I'm excited for them and glad that they are taking this step.

I'll go for now, pictures to follow. I will also get pictures of the kids in their costumes for the wedding. They will be so cute.

Weekend pics....

I know, I just blogged yesterday and everyone is stroking out... but I got the pictures from this weekend uploaded and I had to share. On Saturday, we went to Sarah's birthday party. She is Shaunery and David's youngest daughter. It was a great party. The kids played hard, the adults got to visit(including David who was home for the week from Washington), and the cake was excellent! We were almost the last to leave, and the kids didn't want to go then...

On Sunday, we stayed home. Big and Little Otis worked in the yard, and Payton and I watched the race, well sort of. After the yardwork was done, Otis stayed outside for the kids to play. I'm not sure who's idea the water was, but soon there was a huge mud puddle and both boys were running through it, sitting in it, and throwing mud out of it. What a hoot! I ran and snapped pictures until someone had the idea(I'm not sure who that was either) to throw mud at mommy. I made a quick exit and got clothes and towel ready... Payton's lips were blue and he was shivering, but we still had to drag him in. He does love it outside. Anyway, here are the pics...

Where has April gone?

I can't believe it is the 21st of April.... This has been a busy month again, but we have enjoyed some down time at home and that has been nice. I went to the NASCAR race here the motorspedway. What a blast. The race was a little boring, but the tailgating was all worth it. We were sitting at the pit road commitment line, so I thought the seats were great. Any action that happened, was in front of us. I had never been to a race, so for me, it was exciting reguardless of the action on the track. The day before, I took the boys to see the Cheerios car here in town. We snapped a few pictures and they met the back-up driver.

Otis also went to Kindergarden round-up and registered for school next fall. He was excited, I was weepy. I can't believe he is ready for school. The teacher that interviewed him is sure that he will do well. I'm glad we have been sending him to pre-school, I think that has helped him develop the skills he will need for the classroom. She took him to see a "real" room and we snapped a picture.

Everything else is great! Otis and I celebrated another anniversary. Six happy years and counting. We went to eat to celebrate while mom watched the boys. We are busy getting ready for Kelli's wedding and shower. They are preparing to move and start officially start their lives. I think it's wonderful. I have some fun pictures from this weekend and will post them hopefully tomorrow.

For my crafty friends, I have finished 4 out of 5 cards for the swap, and I have done the 4 x 6 mini album for the challenge online. My page swap supplies are together and I am getting ready to get started on it. How's it going for you?

The Thrill of Victory and the Agony of the Lip

It's been a big day around here. Little Otis learned to ride his bike without training wheels. On a whim, Big Otis decided to try and help him learn. He never dreamed it would work! But with just a couple of instructions, one being,"it's like driving a car!", (who teaches their kid to drive before riding a bike?!!?) and a push, and off he went. He was soooo excited and proud of himself. We were too. After dark, we surfed the web for a new bigger bike! You go O!

And then there is Payton. He fell on Friday afternoon and almost bit his lip off. It is healing, but it sure scared me. A few hours in the ER later, and there was nothing they could do, but I felt better and he was running up and down the hospital bed. Maybe he won't be the calmer one. With two active boys, I bet that won't be the last trip either.

Mom's new house

Here is a picture of mom's new house going up. After the freak snow, all of the rain and the rest of the delays, it should go fast now. She is excited....

Everything good here. We spent yesterday with good friends in Grandbury. The kids played, hunted easter eggs, ate and were exhausted by the end of the day. The kids thought it was the best. Thank you to Staci for hosting and all who came. I'm glad that I have such great friends and my kids have great friends too. You can't ask for much more. I feel very luck at this time in my life and I guess Easter is as good of time as any to express that. We are headed to Oklahoma this weekend to see family. Hope everyone gets a visit from the Easter Bunny!!

Just plain sick...

O.k. so last week, Payton was sick and ended up with both ears infected and a reaction to Amoxil.... So we get another antibiotic and move on... Payton is much better this week and all goes well right? Wrong. Little Otis began throwing up on Thursday morning about 3am and is still going. We are all now sick of something. The boys with whatever bug they have caught, I imagine now that they will just switch next week. And Big Otis and I of being worried and unsure of what to do.... Do we continue to go to the Doctor every couple of days? Do we tough it out? How do you know these things? Little Otis was never sick when he was little, of course we never left the house either. Hey, maybe that's the key...Ok, enough moaning. (is there ever enough moaning?) Here are a couple of pictures of them. I was trying for the 376th time to get them to pose together. Not much luck this time either. I will keep going. I think now it's the challenge.

Just a Winter Wonderland....

Snowed in- in Texas?!? I have lived here all of my life and I can't remember this much snow ever! My friend and I left to run errands this morning, like we do all of the time, and by noon, we had to come home to get her kids from school. They closed due to snow. SNOW. Really. We rushed home at 45 mph(warp speed by now) and watched the beginning of the blizzard(I think it's funny that all of the network stations have been running news and weather since 1pm, really I do!) Otis waited impatiently for his dad to mosey home (at 30 mph or less). Then they went out and made the most of this unusual occurrence. Snowman,(with hair), snow angels, and snowball fight. Had to blog it for those who have no snow, or not 7 inches like we do. They are having a blast. Unfortunately, Payton has had a fever and has to stay in and nap.... Maybe the next time we get 7 inches,(Yeah right) he'll be ready to play too.

February Half Gone??

Where is time going? We have alreaday zoomed past Valentines Day! What is this all about? The Blanns are keeping very busy. I am working on my new business venture, Big Otis is just working, Little Otis is roaring through his last year of preschool, and Payton is beginning to say words. That doesn't seem to be a lot of stuff going on, but it keeps us busy. For Valentines, I got a new camera, so I took some pictures of the boys. I have given up getting those cute "brother" pictures I see in all of the magazines. This is not the destiny for my two boys. They are too busy to sit still, much less together in one spot. And smile, forget it. So, I guess I'll just keep trying. But at least you get to see them.
Mom is still with us. The boys enjoy having her here more, but they are beginning her house this week. The builder came by yesterday. The wind and the dry conditions have held it up so far. I think we are a go this week. They are forcasting rain, but only 20% and it seems like it doesn't rain unless it is at least 80% lately. We are beginning to look for furniture for her, so hopefully she will be in a new home soon to start over.

One day later....

Yesterday, as many of you know, we were in the middle of a wildfire that was out of control. My husband and my father kept our house from burning with wet blankets. The firemen couldn't see our house for the black smoke that was all around it. So the two of them were brave enough to tough it out and stay. I'm not sure I would have been able to do it. This morning, we woke up to a horn blowing, and found the barn was on fire. So, now we have lost that. All in all, a rough couple of days. On the brighter side, my mom was building a new house, and all of us are safe. Our house is fine, a bit smoky and singed around the bottom, but ok. We all feel the same. Here are a couple of pictures from this morning. The last one is the blankets that they used to stop the fire. (I had to pause there to go and call the fire dept back to put out some new fires that popped up.) Just another day in paradise.

First Open House

I had the first Uppercase Living Open House and survived... Everyone who reads this was probably there, or was too busy, but we did have a great time. I think everyone liked the product and if nothing else, the kids had a woo hoo time. Thank you to everyone who came and supported my newest venture. I know giving up Saturday afternoon isn't always easy. I hope your houses take on a new feel and that makes you happy. I know my stuff in mine does.
Everything else is going great. Otis and I stayed home all weekend. We did some projects and watched TV and movies and just hung out. What a great weekend. The kids even had fun and there was little complaining. Yesterday was even nice enough to play in the yard. There they were with there huge Tonka trucks running through the yard and drive way. Otis first, but Payton not far behind copying everything. This summer will be fun! Signing off for now...

Just another day in Paradise.

We are home again today... I think everyone is finally well. The weather change has caused more allergies. When it comes in, when it leaves, if it's cold, if it's hot...So I guess it's a losing battle. Since they can thank me for the sensitive noses, I guess we'll just have to all deal! I am getting ready for my first Uppercase Living Open House this Sat. and I took a few pictures of my demos. I am excited about the new venture and hope all goes well.
The boys, besides not feeling well the middle of the week are doing fine. Payton says "no" to everything. He shakes his head and says mm,mm.(I guess that's no.) I'm trying to teach him "YES", that I would like to be followed by mam, my wonderful goddess mommy. But, that hasn't worked with the 5 yr old yet, so I don't have high expectations. Hey, a girl can dream right? And he is in to EVERYTHING. Just to move it, shake it, turn it over, roll it, bounce it.... you get the idea. I'm trying to convince him that things are better off left alone. No luck so far.
Little Otis is doing well in school and very helpful at home. He actually helped clean his room this morning without much prompting. I guess he's really growning up.

Long Awaited Return

Ok Ok, it's been a while since I have blogged... I have heard the complaints and am responding.... We have had a busy, busy holiday season and haven't stopped yet. Otis' aunt and uncle from Germany were in Lawton, and we stayed there for 10 days or so. The kids loved them and vice verse and all had a wonderful time. The first picture is obvious, but the second is Uncle Wolfgang playing "football" with the boys. They got way too much for Christmas, but are enjoying it all every day. Little Otis has learned to joy of board games, and now we play with him a lot. Everyone got new webkinz and we are all still addicted to it.
Both of the boys are growing and learning everyday. Otis' favorite phrase now is "I KNOW MOM" and Payton is getting closer to talking all the time. He still points and yells mostly, but he understands everything. He is running around and playing chase whenever possible. They both got huge metal Tonka dump trucks and run them through the house all of the time. (Or maybe it just seems that way to the momma) At least the Webkinz have a ride.
I am beginning to sell Uppercase living products and I will post my demos when I get them all finished. I am almost there and will be having my first party Jan 26th. Wish me luck. I am also attempting to get off the baby weight that until now, I have been content to carry. Exercise is not my friend so wish me luck there too. I will sign off for now, I promise to blog at least weekly... I need to.