The First Day of School!

Happy First Day of School!  

And in our house, that means one thing.

Every year for our first day of school, my mom made cookies.  

I thought it was just normal.  Then I learned the secret.

On Charlie's first day of Kindergarten, I called my mom and told her that I made cookies for Charlie's first day of school.  She laughed and said, "You know why I did that, right?"

"No."

"It was the best way that I could get you all of your kids to sit down at the table and tell me about your first day of school.  And it worked.  So I just kept doing it."

Thanks, Mom.

And today after school, the tradition continued in Omaha.

It was our first summer in Omaha!

Hello Blog World!

We just celebrated our first Omaha summer.

It was very much like other summers, just without the weekly cousin pool parties.  Not to fear though!  We just made the cousins come to us. 

And as today is the first day of Gretna schools, which means I have a little more blog time,

 here's a little piece of our summer.

Enjoy!  And don't forget to buy your fresh picked Nebraska corn on the cob on the side of the road. 

It's delicious.  :)

CAA and Harmony's 39th and 37th birthday!

Charlie turned 16 and now has a license!

Danny learned to swim in the deep end of the pool!

If you come and visit us, we WILL take you to the Omaha zoo; it's fabulous.  :)

Charlie entered the workplace. 

Cousin pool party after you move to Omaha?  You bet!  We make it happen.

Seventeen years of marriage.  And I know; we look way too young to have a 16 year old. 

We almost are.  :)

Summer goes too fast.

And kids grow up even faster.

So now it's time to make cookies for the first day of school.

Because some traditions never die.  :)

Omaha is still here....and we are still in it. :)

Hello my loyal seven followers!  I apologize for the lack of blog posts. 

We have been busy living life and not writing about it. 

(I realize that not writing will make my following go down and not up.  I'll do better.)

What have we been up to?  Well, we went back to KC twice since I last posted. 

Once for Easter.  Once for the Temple Dedication.

We stayed with Rodney and Kim over Easter.  They are fabulous hosts, I have to say!  Crepes for breakfast, private Open House Temple tours, girls day out shopping....need I say more?  :)

Thanks, Rod and Kim!  We loved staying over.

And it was a great trip!  We saw friends, celebrated Easter with the Ames and Miskimins families and toured the new KC temple. 

My George loved the temple; as we were leaving, he leaned over to me and whispered,

"Guess what, Mom?  Sometimes I feel pretty good.  But, right now, I feel better than I ever have."

I love that boy more than I ever knew possible.  How did I ever get so lucky as to raise George?

It was a great trip....but a part of me felt sad.  It was the first time in my life that I was in Kansas City and felt like a visitor.  I love KC.  I love the trees and the rolling hills.  I love the people and I love going to lunch with a friend.  I love knowing where the best bbq is (Jack Stack), where to get your nails done (Jennie Potter) and who to see when you feel sick (Dr. Eubanks-Meng).  I

 held it together until the very end, and then I got teary eyed. 

It's hard to leave your hometown.

But, as we drove back to Omaha, I tried really hard to count my blessings.  And count them I have.  Here are a few.

Our family is all together. 

We are financially responsible for one house, not two.

CAA loves his new job.

We love the Gretna Branch.

The flowers in our yard are starting to bloom, and we get to guess what color they will be.

The kids doing great in hard Nebraska schools.  There are no sissy's in Nebraska, let me tell you.

Nebraska promises great corn on the cob this summer.

My high school friend, Meagan, lives in Omaha and she and I had lunch together.

There is a spot on I-680, on your way to the Winter Quarters Temple, that looks just like KC.

Our family is all together.  That's a big one, so it gets mentioned twice.  :)

I felt better, and I have felt better since that Easter trip.

Last weekend, we went back to KC for the Kansas City Missouri Temple Dedication.  We stayed at Holly and Bryan's house (who are also great hosts!) and I got some Brielle time.  Nathan and Joy made us a fabulous Southern brunch.  We saw the Temple Celebration and went to dinner with Spencer and Amy.  We sat on a crowded bench with Nathan, Joy and Ricky during the Dedication.  We had lunch with the Meng's and Romines'.

And I loved it.  And I drove away from KC with a happy feeling in my heart, no tears this time.

I will always be a Kansas City girl.  But, right now, I'm learning that life is an adventure.

And sometimes those adventures take you to Omaha.

And that's a good thing.  :)

 



Double Digits

Turning ten is a big deal.

And George turning ten just makes me smile.

Where has time gone?

George, age 4

Celebrating with George is just delightful.  He is truly my middle child, and like his birth order suggests, he's very easy going and is really happy with just about anything.

George after he opened one of his presents.  (We open presents in the morning.)

It was all seven Harry Potter books, to which he said,

 "All of these for me?  And they're even brand new!" 

My heart grew when he said that.

George, at lunch on his birthday.  I brought in Subway and a Sprite for lunch.  One of the boys at our table told me, "Hey, Mrs. Ames!  Did you know that George is the most popular quiet kid at school?"  I said, "Really!  Is that true, George?"

He said, "I guess."  :)

George blowing out the candles.

Ten is big stuff.  And George has a heart that's even bigger than ten.

How did I ever get to be so lucky?  :)



One House

When we moved to Omaha we left three acres, and a house on those three acres, for sale.

It made me nervous beyond nervous to leave that house.

"What if something happens to the house and I'm in Omaha?" 

"What if it doesn't sell and we are stuck with it forever?" 

"What if it DOES sell, and then I really live in Omaha?"

These were all things my head and my heart were saying.

And guess what? 

Things did happen and I was in Omaha.  And we dealt with it.

We had contracts and interested people that fell through and it felt like it would never sell.

And after seven months on the market, it sold and now we really live in Omaha.

And I am okay with that.

I'm more than okay.  I feel blessed and grateful.  It's not the best market to sell a house in and somehow everything turned out okay.

Good-bye, Woodland Circle!!  Thanks for seven great years of memories.  :)

And as CAA said, "Normally this time of year, I'd be getting my first sunburn of the season, mowing.  This year I also got my first sunburn, golfing Tiburon for the first time.  Not a bad way to go."  :)

And now I am ready to finish my Spyglass basement!! 





Camping, anyone?

Life is never boring in March.

Giving birth to two children in one month will change your life forever.

And first, a word about my little boys.  I love having my last two children both be boys.  They are friends.  They love each other.  They are as different as their hair color and they share the month of March to celebrate their birthdays.

And we have partied.  And I have been exhausted.

On March 10th, we had 19 boys over to our house to celebrate a combined birthday party for my George, age 10, and Mr. Danny, age 7.  We had a camping theme, with a tent in the yard, hot dogs, camping games, a pinata.  We were so busy we didn't even get to the s'mores. 

No worries.  Charlie's friends took care of the leftover hot dogs and s'mores.

But, I digress.  Here are a few pics from the fantastic (if I do say so myself) party.

George playing Whipped Cream Hat

My beautiful balloon banner.....floating away.

Danny enjoying some new toys from the party. 

Birthdays come just once a year.  And that is worth celebrating.

Lucky Number 7

Yesterday was a big day in our house.

Because Mr. Danny turned 7.

On Friday, I brought a birthday lunch to Mr. Danny at school.  His choice? 

 Subway.  Good choice, Danny.

Then we went to recess.  And I got to watch Mr. Danny play soccer with his friends.

I was not allowed to play, but I was allowed to watch.

(I kicked the ball once and Danny let me know that the Mom's come to watch, not to play. 

He was polite when he told me to stand over by his teacher, please.)

And my heart was happy as I watched my Danny run the entire 20 minutes in the Nebraska wind.

Yesterday we had donuts, went to see The Lorax in 3D and had a Shrimp Dinner. 

All because we are lucky enough to watch this guy blow out his candles in Skittle topped cupcakes.

Seven is supposed to be a lucky number.  It's also the most magical, according to Harry Potter.

But, to me, watching Mr. Danny be seven is the best of all.

We love you, Danny!!!  :)



I love Pinterest

I have discovered Pinterest!  And it is fabulous!! 

I love the yummy desserts that I will probably never make.

I adore the beautiful crafts that I know will never happen in this Ames house.

And I am in awe of the talented people that can turn a toilet paper tube into a gift giving idea.

I am not one of those people.

I just love their talent.

But, my favorite thing about Pinterest?  The quotes.  They make my day.  They make me smile.  They make me think, "Someone else feels that way, too!  Who knew?!"

And here are a few of my favorites.

Thank you, Pinterest. 

And everyday is a Diet Coke day, especially if it has crushed ice and some cherry or lime.







Let it snow!

Good morning, Blog World!  We have big news!!

IT SNOWED....AGAIN!!  :)

And the Ames children are thrilled that they can use their new snow boots and snow pants....for the second time this winter. 

Nebraska is easing us in to our move.  Thank you, Nebraska.  I appreciate it.

And Danny and George say thank you for the snow.  It brings great brother bonding time.

And while the boys are outside, Abby and I will enjoy the quiet....and maybe make some cookies.

Sounds good to me.  :)



I love my boys

I heard this saying once.

It goes like this.  "There's a Special Place in Heaven for the Mother of Three Boys."

It made me smile when I heard it. 

And today I believe it.

This morning, during the rush of getting out the door, I was talking to my family.  And I didn't think they were listening.  So I looked at 15 year old Charlie and said, "I don't think anyone is listening to me."  He looked up and sincerely said, "What did you say, Mom?  I wasn't listening."

True Story.

Today I went to Beach Day in George's class.  He wore his swimsuit in the classroom.  It was adorable.  He talked to me in the classroom.  Then it was lunchtime, and I had lots to do, but I thought, "Harmony, these are the moments.  Don't wish them away.  Stay and eat lunch with George."

So I asked him, "George, would you like me to eat lunch with you?"  He sweetly looked up at me and said, "No thanks."  Then he walked away with his friends.

True Story.

Today after school, I tried to give Danny a hug and ask him about his day.  He looked at me and said, "Mom, you're embarrassing sometimes, do you know that?"

Three for three.

And on days like this, I just remember that there is a special place in heaven for me. 

I never thought I would have three boys.  I often say that God smiled when He sent me Mr. Danny.

And I think He knew exactly what He was doing.

Why?  Because I couldn't imagine my life any other way.



What makes me happy?

Merry Christmas!!  Happy New Year!!  Happy Valentine's Day!! 

Wait a minute....I'm not that far behind.  Just a little bit. :)

And that's a good thing.  It shows that we are busy making Omaha home.

And that makes me happy.

What have we been doing?

We had Christmas!  And not just any Christmas....Finnish Christmas on December 23rd with 15 people for our Salmon dinner.  The Christmas Play on December 24th with just our little family.  And Uncle Spencer, Aunt Amy, Alycia, Lillie, Davis and Cal on December 25th.  Then Grandpa Allen and Grandma Ulla on the 26th.  Then some KC friends, Ali and Tori came, too!  And Alycia and Lillie stayed and we learned that Mound City is the halfway point between KC and Omaha and that Mound City has a lovely McDonald's to meet at.


Do any of my KC friends like McDonald's?  I'll meet you there anytime.  :)

What's the moral of this story?  We had visitors for our first Nebraska Christmas!!!!

I cannot tell you how happy that makes me!!

I was worried that I might be sad not being in KC for Christmas.

But, I was okay.  We were okay. 

And that makes me happy and grateful.

What else is going on?

Charlie has joined the speech team.  Last week was only his second meet, and he made it to finals!  We always knew that speech was Charlie's strength.

Abby is playing basketball on the Gretna Branch YW team.  They call her Jellybean.  And she is her lucky number, 15.  The team's cheer is "Gretna's Got GAME!!"

George and Danny have found friends in Connor and Andrew.  They're brothers, too, and they love playing together.

I am really busy with Relief Society and I'm making friends here, too.

CAA and I eat lunch together every Wednesday.

We've planned three trips back to Kansas City in the next four months.

Life is good.  Life is getting back to normal.

And that really makes me happy.  :)

It's Christmas Eve Eve Eve Everyone!!

This is a quick post.  No pictures.  Not today.

Because it's Christmas Eve Eve Eve.

And that means I need to be in high gear with not one minute to waste.

But while I'm finishing my shopping, and allowing CAA to finish his shopping (so I have something to open Christmas morning), baking, wrapping, exercising (so I can eat Christmas cookies) and cleaning, I'm trying to remember that this is all memory making.

This Christmas is important.  It's our first one in Nebraska.

And we will remember this one.



I love weddings

I love weddings. 

And I especially love weddings when I love the people in them.

This weekend, CAA and I went to our nephew Alex's wedding.

It was fun. We spent time with some of CAA's siblings. Chelsea, Alex's wife, looked beautiful.  It reminded me of my wedding to CAA, 16 years ago.  Back then, I was still getting to know the big Ames family.  Now, they are just people I love.

And that makes me happy.

Congratulations, Alex and Chelsea! 



Abby! Kind and True! We love you!!

The Ames family does not just sing one birthday song.  Oh, no.  We sing three.

First, the traditional Happy Birthday.

Then, "This is your birthday song, it isn't very long...HEY!".  We clap during this one.  

And finally, this little song.

"Abby (or insert name here) we love you!

Thanks for all the things you do!

Abby, kind and true!! 

We love you!"

It's nice to be loved. 

And for Abby's 13th Birthday, she and I really needed some girl time.  So I taught my daughter the best way to relax and spend some quality "me" time.

We got our nails done.

My friend, Jennie, from Kansas City would be so proud.  

Abby chose Pink Glitter with snowflakes painted on her thumbs.  She's getting Gel Polish so it will last longer.  That's my girl.  :)

Every girl needs a Christmas pedicure, and Abby's birthday comes at the perfect time to get one.

Happy Birthday, Abby!!

We love you more than you know.  

Today, I am reflective

Today is Abby's 13th Birthday.   She has opened her presents and has a pedicure scheduled for this afternoon.  I'm picking her up from school for her "appointment".  Shhhh.  Don't tell anyone.  :)  

And while I LOVE birthdays and celebrations, today I am reflective about them.

Not sad.  Just thoughtful.

I'm thinking of how 13 years ago, I was in labor for 15 hours, because Miss Abby just took her time.  Charlie took 6 hours, and I thought a second baby would come faster.   But, Miss Abby just showed me right then and there that she was in control.  Not bossy, she just knew what she wanted.  

She still has that quality.  And I love it about her.  It's a quality that will serve her well in life.  I'm so proud of the young woman she is becoming.

I know it is my job to prepare my children for the real world.  I know they need to make it out there on their own.  And they will. But for now, I'm going to hold on tight.  For now, they are mine.  Mine and CAA's.  :)

Thanks for letting me get my feelings out!  Tonight I will post pics of the birthday girl.  Tonight is a celebration of Abby.  And her cousin, Josh, who shares the same birthday.  Happy Birthday, Josh!!  I hope 14 is a great year for you!

But until tonight, here is a pic of my last "baby", Wally the dog.  He was just groomed and he looks great!  The groomer in Omaha lets the dogs play after their appointment.  When I went to pick him up, he was at the door with his tail wagging. 

Isn't he just adorable?  :)

Yesterday it rained in Kansas City

Yesterday it rained in Kansas City.

I know.  CAA and Abby were there.

But, in Omaha, this is what happened.

Now, only this week, I put this on my front door.

I just wasn't expecting that Nebraska was ready to take me seriously.

Welcome, Winter.  I hear you are now my friend.  :)

P.S.  Don't you love my front door?  And did you notice how our outdoor lights are different colors?  Our Gingerbread house is getting ready for it's first Ames Christmas!







KC, here I come! Or, Happy Thanksgiving. Take your pick.

Today has been a busy day.  Because we are returning to Kansas City.

For Thanksgiving.  Don't worry, Omaha. 

We'll be back.

But, before we return, I had some things to do.

Like see this cute 4th grader in the vocabulary parade at school.

The cutest hippie I've ever seen.

I was told by many a mom how impressed their kids were with George's costume.  He made it by himself with construction paper.  Look closely.  You'll see that he has long paper hair in the back stapled to his hippie headband.  That's right.  My kid purposely gave himself a paper mullet.

I ADORE THIS KID.

So until we return, Happy Thanksgiving!  I've decided this year that I'm mostly grateful that I get to live with my husband and all four of my kids.  It's only 3 1/2 years until 15 year old Charlie graduates from high school, and I'm determined to enjoy this time.  If they live in Omaha, then so do I.

 They're worth it. 



I am cold to the bone

Every January, I feel that "to the bone cold" that Kansas City throws my way.

I'm used to the bitterly cold wind that comes just after Christmas.

And guess what?

Today started out fabulously.

I wore sandals to show my pedicured toes. I got my hair done; touching up highlights always makes for a good day. The kids were at school.  My house was clean. 

I'm back to my running schedule and I've gotten in 12 miles so far this week.

About 5:00 I went to check the mail, just 4 houses down the street.

And I felt it.

That "to the bone cold".  It took my breath away.  Admittedly, I have asthma, so that's not hard to do.

But really, Nebraska, it's just too early.

This Kansas City girl is not ready for winter.



What does our new house look like?

I have been asked many times to PLEASE post some pictures of what our new home looks like.  I'm so sorry, Blog World, that I haven't done this.

Until now.

My Disclaimer about my new house.

The previous owners LOVED color.  I love color, but they LOVED it.  Some of the colors are really nice, like the buttercream hallway, the robin blue office, the soft gray of the master bedroom and the pumpkin spice kitchen; the pictures don't do those colors justice.

Other colors....well, life is to be learned from, right?

We are in no way done Ames-a-fying our new home. 

It's coming and we will post pics as we work on it.

I promise.

Now, on to our new home!!  Just think of this as your invitation to our housewarming party.  :)

And I didn't need to clean or serve refreshments.

This is our new home.  We think it looks like a Gingerbread House, and I can't wait to see it with Christmas lights!

We hear that Nebraska promises some snow with those lights.

The piano room.  The first thing you see on the right when you come in the front door.

The staircase when you first come in.

The office, which is on the left of the stairs. 

 If you look closely, you will see that I'm working on this blog.....

Living Room with a great action shot of my boys.





I LOVE my new kitchen!!! 

The green island though....I'm not sure about the color.  Some days I like it....others....no....

The Master....I have plans of black rod iron furniture and a black dresser. 

I just got my red curtains up....and I LOVE them.

This is one half of the Master Bath...I guess that would be my half. 

CAA's sink and the shower are on the other side. 

I apologize to your eyes for the mustard yellow bathroom.

Charlie's current room.  We are planning on finishing the basement ASAP with a bedroom and bathroom for Charlie downstairs and then this will be George's room.  Both boys think this is a great plan.  George says all that's missing from this room is the red for his KU inspired bedroom.

Danny's room.  He allows George to sleep there....for now.  :)

And this, is our Omaha home.

Thanks for stopping by!  I wish I had cookies to send home with you.  :)