Santa's Little Elf

I went back and forth about publishing this story.  So be warned this is not, I repeat not, for you children's ears.... I kept asking Brady, "what do you want for Christmas this year?" " What are you going to ask  Santa for?" Finally he told me all he wanted was a Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer that sings and lights up. (We do have one already that only lights up!) Well come to find out after much research, this is last year's Holiday toy. Last year every store carried a version of this toy! Build a Bear probably had the best, and Hallmark followed with a close second.  Walmart had a great version as well as Target and probably many many more! E bay does have these toys for a huge price. Finally one night after Googling it as many different ways as possible "Linens N' Things" came up. I immediately called over to the store to see if their Rudolph sang and light up! The response I got was, "I am so sorry I can't check for you we are going out of business and we are really not suppose to check inventory". She did look for me just because she was standing in the holiday section, and at 5:30 said there were 3! I of course asked if she could hold one and she said she could not!  I assumed I had time to wait, who else would want last years toy?  So I waited until Brian got home and the kids were tucked in bed. At 8:00 I ran over to the store dashed to the Holiday section and found just what I was looking for. The last one, I pushed the ear and ... NOTHING! It was the last one and it did not work! I paced the store for 30 minutes looking to see if a child had dropped another one some where in the store. As I walked I hit and pulled and tried so hard to get that deer to do something. The people at the store were not very helpful and would offer no support. Finally I convinced the manager to tell me the inventory of the other 3 stores that are open in our area, and I use the term area loosely! Roseville, Citrus Heights and Folsom all had more than one deer in the morning.  I called Brian and had him look up the number to Citrus Heights figuring that was my best and closest bet. I called over to the store and asked again if they had a Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer that sang and light up! Again the lady was hesitant to give out any info. I told her I am standing in the Elk Grove store holding a broken reindeer, and that this is all my 4 year old son has asked for for Christmas. She must have been touched because she said, she had some and one worked!!!! I begged her to hold one and that I would be over asap! I arrived at the store at 9:08 the store closed at 9:00 ! As I stood in the entrance wondering how to get into he store, to guys walked out with a huge painting! They knew they were not supposed to let me in but I ran through the doors anyway! The cashier yelled, "we are closed", and I replied, "I'm here for the deer." "oh come in," she said. "I was hoping you would make it here in time! Mission accomplished, I hope... it's not Build a Bear! 

Dash and Baby Jack Jack

Today was INCREDIBLE! Our house had Supers running wild! Here is the footage I caught of Dash and Baby Jack Jack! 

"MOOsic"

A star is born! Brady had is very first part in the school play. The children put on a play, "Giggle, Giggle, Quack," Brady played one of the cows, and even had a singing role! The play lasted all of 10 minutes, with cameras flashing and video rolling the entire time! Throughout the play Brady wanted to come and sit on my lap and tried to remove his adorable costume, despite all the drama, he made it to the end! " The hills ARE alive with the sound of MOOsic".

words

Carson is also getting BIG I realized the other day he actually has quite the vocabulary. Here are the words I can remember him saying!
1. Elmo 2. Spider 3. apple 4. pumpkin 5. outside 6. bobo (our cat Belle) 7. yes, yes, yes ( he always says it three times and nods his head. 8. eyes 9. ears 10. Beep, beep (nose) 11. bye 12. door 13. all done (kinda, very tonal) 14. car 15. ball 16. Hop Pop (his favorite book) 17. Brother 18. Brady 19. Ma ma 20. Da-da 21. baby

He makes animal sounds too! elephant, horse, dog, cat and sheep!
You go Carson, you big talker, you!

school

For the last two weeks every day I go to pick Brady up from school he starts to cry about how he doesn't want to go home. He wants to stay and play! So I finally let him stay on Friday until 5:30! Yes it was dark when I picked him up. As we were driving home I was telling Brady how much I had missed him that day. His response was, " Mommy I didn't really miss you that much, but I still love you! "

the BIG 4

Brady is now Four!!!! We can hardly believe how much he has grown. Brady is such a great kid, full of wonder and many surprises, in fact the surprises aren't even that surprising any more. He is becoming a fabulous helper, and is always there to support his little brother. Brady says the funniest things and is always very sincere. Happy Birthday "Buggie"

The rest of... Halloween

So here it is the rest of our Halloween fun. Grammie came from Las Vegas to have some Halloween fun. She brought pumpkin poop (candy corn) which now seems to be Carson's favorite treat. The boys had "Trunk or Treating" at school, followed by trick or treating with some friends around the neighborhood! The day time event characters were Spidey and our little Spider. The night was full of heroes, Superman and Batman!

Crazy Hair Day

Brady and I were very excited for Crazy Hair Day! We have been planning what to do ever since the notice come home. So on Tue. the 28th we got up earlier than usual and fixed the hair. It was awesome, if I do say so myself. Turns out only one other girl remembered to take part in the day, and wouldn't you know her mom is a second grade teacher as well. 

Dancing Carson

The movie speaks for itself! Carson is getting quite the personality! 

Halloween fun!

A little background on our Halloween costume decisions this year! If you hadn't already heard... Brady quit being Spiderman! We are now very into Superman and Batman! A few months back I had gotten Brady a new Spiderman III costume for Halloween, then about a month ago he saw an episode of his then favorite show "Spiderman and his Amazing Friends", in the show Peter Parker quits being Spiderman.  Brady quit that day as well.  

When Brady was going to be Spiderman, Carson was going to be a Spider. Cute. My wonderful neighbor had an adorable Pottery Barn Spider just the right size! 

I was able to convince them to wear the costumes to the school carnival last weekend, these are the photos I took. 

We still have two more costume activities ... only time (Brady) can tell what they will be next. Stay tuned for more Halloween fun! 

"Fa - Fee"

Oh Fa-Fee, Tonight we had the biggest scare of our young lives! The beloved Fa-Fee was missing at 8:10 pm!!!!! For those of you who know us- "Fa-Fee" is Brady's blanket. Ever since I can remember Brady and "Faf" have inseparable. Fa- Fee is truly his security blanket, just like Linus on Charlie Brown. Well after searching our house and racking our brains, I remembered that "Faf" went to I Made It, a store in EG today. Luckily I called over and they had our prized possession and were willing to stay open for us to come get him. It is now almost 9:00 and Brady is tucked in bed. Thank God. (P.S. yes, that is Brady not Carson)

Bishop's Pumpkin Patch

We visited the pumpkin patch in Wheatland last weekend! The boys had a great time doing different activities. We rode a train, climbed giant tires, rode ponies, slid down slides, ate corn dogs, and searched for the best pumpkins ever. Brady loved the GIANT slides and Carson loved watching and ridding (yes ridding) the ponies!

Let's give them something to blog about

I haven't posted in awhile so here is the latest info from Brady. P.S. we are going to Oregon and we do wish we were going to see Katie (and the other Oregon Clemens) but unfortunately this time we can't. We are going to Clastkanie, where my Grandparents live. It is my Grandma's 80th birthday! We are all very excited to be going. As a side note Brady and Carson are my Grand- Parents 16th and 18th Great - Grand Children. Wow! Amazing!

bumped and bruised

Why is it that every time you are going to get your child's picture taken they get hurt? Brady and Carson have picture day this week. Brady has a scrape on his cheek from the play kitchen and a bruise/raspberry on his head from jumping in the door and hitting his head on the wall. Carson has a scratch by his eye from I don't know what and his lip and nose are all scraped up from falling on the cement while going to check the mail! Do you buy the pictures?

splish, splash, I was takin' a bath

Carson just loves the bath these days. Sometimes it is the only thing that seems to calm him down!

Football season is here!

Well, football season is here! The first game started on Thursday, and what do you know our favorite Redskins were playing. Brady, Carson and I decided to celebrate. After school we got some decorations and some football food! We had a great time decorating. Daddy was super surprised when he got home so that was great! Hears to a great season!!!!! Go Redskins. I guess Tom Brady, the other guy we cheer for is out for the season, I am not sure how we will break the news to Brady??

The Nut Tree

Last weekend we went to the Nut Tree in Vacaville to meet our great friends from Santa Rosa, Ali and Oceana! It was hot but we had a great time. Oceana and Brady went on as many rides as possible and there was only one major melt down, over an ICEE! Carson enjoyed the few rides he went on as well. Over all I would give the day an 8 (due to heat) we can't wait to meet up again!

Sleepover!

Items to take to Omi and Grandpa's to spend the night:
1. Fafee
2. Car faf
3. Dash -Dash pillow
4. Sleeping bag with backpack holder
5. suitcase
6. two books- bugs and Incredables look and find
7. tooth brush and tooth paste
8. PJ- hugemongus pants / white top
9. clothes for the next day
10. stuffed animal bear

As soon as Brady accepted the invitation to spend the night we began to pack. He was so excited!!!! The minute we walked into Omi and Grandpa's house he began to set up his things. The location of his bed moved at least three times, finally ending on the floor in Omi and Grandpa's room, next to another sleeping bag (I am not sure who was going to get to sleep there). He carefully placed his tooth brush and paste in the bottom drawer of the bathroom and unpacked his suitcase. All throughout the evening he kept asking Brian and I when we were g0ing to leave. Finally at 6:30 Brian and I decided to venture out to the mall about ten minutes away, just to see how it would go with us leaving. Brady was fine, he and Carson were off to the park waving us out the door. Brian and I began to get excited too, what would it be like to only have one child at home! When we came back Brady was as happy as ever and ready to jump into the bath... Then we started to pack the car, a switch turned on, he no longer wanted to stay. I think he was kinda sad he wasn't staying but he was just not ready to let us go home with out him. In his defense he has never been without at least one of us. Even when Carson was born Daddy still came home and put Brady to bed. Better luck next time. I think we will just always bring his stuff, so when he is ready he can stay. Although he did inform Omi he would not be ready until he was 8!

Happy Grandparents Day!

To all of our loving Grandparents, Happy Grandparents day! We love you!

"I pledge allegiance"

Brady was running around the house the other day saying the pledge of allegiance! It surprised me that he knew the words so I asked him to say it on film. IF you listen closely he says "One Nation under God indivisible with liberty and JUSTINS for all!" He has a friend named Justin in his class. Also if you listen to his response of who taught him the pledge, he says he made it up and Vincent helped him.

Spikey!

I always try to get Brady to spike his hair. He actually has the perfect hair for a mohawk. This is what it would look like.

in all fairness

I feel like I have been publishing more about Brady than Carson as of late... So Jen inspired the now and then- Enjoy! Carson is still our sweet little guy. He happens to be getting 6, yes, 6 more teeth that makes 14 with the 8 he already has!

Spiderman III

So as you can all probably guess when we asked Brady what he wanted to be for Halloween he replied... SPIDERMAN! Because his everyday suit was looking a little worn we decided to invest in a new suit! It arrived today- the second it was on his little body Spidey came to life!!!! He was climbing walls flipping around the floor and slingin' webs everywhere. Now we need to decide what Carson will be for Halloween!

my dad is Bigger than your dad

With Brady these days everything is Bigger, Faster and Stronger! Today he informed his class that his daddy was so strong that he could lift a rhinoceros! Not only that but together (Brady and Daddy) can lift a "Hippo - mo - pot- a - mus"

Stripes and a diap.

Okay Grammie and Omi, this is the best walking footage I could get. I will try again later. 

puzzles

Brady is into Puzzles! this is how happy he looks after he completes each one. He is also the only one who is able to do the puzzle, "no one else knows how the pieces fit!" 

Mr. Happy and Mr. Funny

Last weekend Carson and his best buddy Braden got together to play. They really get along well and have such a great time!

Spiderman

Today we went to the Zoo to see the famous Spiderman. We heard he was going to be at the zoo and thought, it would be great to check him out! Turns out that is what the entire state of California thought! It was crazy! Our plan was to meet our friends Cindy, Maddie and Danny as well as Kim and Braden, a play group reunion. The zoo opened at 10:00 we got there about 10:10 and went straight into a line to get our picture taken with Spidey. While I waited in line our friends went and toured the zoo. Brian took Brady to climb the rock wall and then took Brady and Carson to eat. Two hours later I was still in line and not even close to getting our picture taken. We saw co workers, and tons of friends from school! In the end we did not have our picture taken, but Brady left as happy as ever with a face painting of Spiderman and a swim playdate for the afternoon !

It's Official

Carson is officially a walker. He walks everywhere! No more crawling for our little guy. He does still keep his arms in the air for balance.... sooooooo cute!

Back to School Blues

Okay When I made this blog I kinda decided it was about my kids. A great and positive way to share my kids with friends and family. They grow up so fast I just don't want anyone to miss out. I must waver for a brief moment and step up on a personal soap box. Some of you may have noticed that my blogging has become less frequent. That is because I have gone back to work FULL time! Yes, Full time. It has only been one week, but that one week, I barely made it through. I know there are plenty of working women with kids in the world but it has been hard. I am tired, my feet hurt and I miss my family! Not to worry my kids are happy at Merryhill, I just miss them! I will do my best to keep up with the blog but be patient with me. I am also still checking on my fellow BLOG buddies, I just haven't left my usual responses, again... patience.

Family Car Wash

Last weekend we decided have a family car wash. Brian washed the car while Brady played Fire fighter with the hose and I chased Carson all around the yard. Good news is the car got clean. Even better news is, Family car wash happened this weekend too, only my car got clean.

The Toddler Room

Carson went to his first day of school today! He was such a big boy. I wasn't sure how the drop off would go so I planned to stay as long a needed, and also to check on Brady or help in his class. Carson was a stud! He started playing with cars said "BYE" and we walked out of the room. I called a few times during the day to check on him and they said he was doing great! When I picked him up they said he smiled all day and was a very happy baby! He was super excited to see me when I arrived to pick him up. He wanted to show me all of the books and toys in the room . What a relief, one less thing to worry about. In fact, I think he handled it better than I did.

roller coaster

Funderland is the place to be! Brady was invited his friend John's Birthday party at Funderland! All of the kids had a wonderful time. Brady loves all the rides the scarier the better! This is Brady and the B-day boy's brother Michael on the Dragon roller coaster.

walking!

I must apologize, in all of my excitement trying to get these first steps on film, I turned the camera to the side. I forgot that when taking video you can't do that! That being said, just turn your head to the side and enjoy..... Yea, Carson I knew you could do it! Carson has been standing up very sturdy, cruising along all of the furniture, pushing anything that will move, and walking by holding fingers for days. He just would not take more than one step. Well today he was playing with a toy mop and just started to walk. I tried to count the number and I think there are at least 12!

girls, girls, girls!

We are so lucky to have so many beautiful nieces! We got to spend a little time this weekend with some of our favorite girls, Katie and Maggie are in town! We all took a trip to the zoo. All of the kids really enjoyed themselves and it was so fun to get to hang out with the other Clemens!

Oliver- the Dog

One of the highlights of our holiday weekend was that we got to babysit Oliver the Dog! Steffy left Brady in charge with a list of Oliver's likes and dislikes, Brady was the boss. Brady was just thrilled to take care of Oliver. There wasn't one sentence that didn't start with "Can Oliver..." Brady organized his bed, fed him treats, gave him water, groomed him, and best of all let him out of his cage whenever we arrived home. Carson also took a liking to Oliver and was very sweet. He would try and kiss him and even pet him. We enjoyed ourselves so much tat we decided to get a dog.......... in a few years when the kids can help!

Pre- K

Brady had his first day of Merryhill Pre -Kindergarten, it was a success! I was very worried we would have the crying fits about not wanting to go to school, but I was wrong. Brian dropped Brady off without one tear (from either party). When I picked him up he was very happy and excited to be in the Pre - K class like the big kids! Way to go Brady. We will see how Carson does in a few weeks I am a little more nervous about that!

weekend in Santa Rosa

We spent the last weekend in Santa Rosa visiting with family. Brian and I were so lucky to get to babysit all four kids on Sunday while the other adults went to the NASCAR race! The kids were all really good and we even had 3 of the 4 asleep at one time!!!!Brady and Charlotte get along really well and as long as you can hear them they are okay. Charlotte mastered the two wheel bike, we were really proud of her. Brady was a really big helper and could get the babies to smile in no time flat. Carson and Vanessa the two non eater babies are another story. They require a lot of attention at every minute! Vanessa is so sweet and little she walks all around and says the cutest things like mommy, daddy, me=milk, and nonee=blanket, and she also says NO (mostly to food she doesn't want to eat). Carson was his usual lovable self and did have to be carried or walked around most of the time. Great Grandma Reva even stopped by to make real homemade Mac and cheese! Maybe we will rethink that 3 child!
ps the picture includes our nephews Matt and Ben as well as our niece Baby Gracie