I just can't help myself

Josie is so darn cute, and I seem to be posting lots of pictures of her lately.  I really can't help myself, I just have to share them with everyone (or at least everyone who checks this blog.)  Here are a couple more because who doesn't want to see more pictures of Josiepants.

Love x infinity

Bailey made a bed out of the bunk bed drawer and Josie thought it was perfect.

Poor little Josie has thin fine hair, and this is the only thing I can do with it right now.  She actually left it in for a couple of hours before pulling it out and refusing to let me touch her hair again for the rest of the day.

A Blast in Billings!

Last weekend I decided to take the girls to Billings to meet up with my mom for a special night.  I debated whether or not to take them because Bailey was grounded, but it was a perfect weekend for us to go.  Miles was gone hunting to WY, the weather was supposed to be gorgeous all the way to Billings, and I knew my mom was leaving for Arizona for two months this coming weekend.  So we decided to let Bailey "swap" her grounding from last weekend to this coming weekend.  I am so glad we went because it was great to see my mom, and the girls had lots of fun.  We stayed at a hotel with a water playland in it and Geyser Park right next door.  What could be better??

Josie found the phone right away and decided some room service was in order. 

Bailey spent TONS of time at the water playland.

Poor Josie got very chilled when we got out of the pool so I hopped into a warm shower with her.

Much happier after she got warmed up.

We headed over to Geyser Park for some arcade action.

Bailey and Grandma Lynn spent more time at the pool after we ordered pizza for supper.

Yummy breakfast at the hotel!

Now those are some cute bear hugs.

Ready for more swimming!

We had to unplug the phone because Josie was going to rack up a huge bill.

Grandma caught Bailey right as she shot out of the slide.

Grandma took the girls for a ride on the luggage cart while I finished packing up the room.

Thanks for meeting us in Billings Grandma Lynn! 

Student of the Month!

After the last post about Bailey getting herself into some trouble I felt it was important to remind myself (and everyone else) that she really is a great kid.  In fact she is fantastic.  When I picked her up the other day she was beyond excited to show me something:

She got to stand up on the stage in front of the school, get her certificate, and have her picture taken.  We are pretty darn proud of her. 

Big Time Trouble

Bailey is discovering what it means to be "grounded."  I won't go into details, but let's just say she had a colossal meltdown in a rather large medical clinic.  Lots of witnesses.  Lots of screaming.  Lots of threats made by me which I'm not proud of.  The whole "event" is definitely at the very tip-top of my most embarrassing moments as a parent. I was so furious that I swear I could feel my blood boiling.  We managed to get out of there and into the car but it wasn't easy.  Bailey was sent directly to her room after I stomped around gathering up any electronic device that might possible entertain her.  I waited until Miles got home to make a final decision about punishment, and he was definitely the voice of reason.  Of course he didn't have to drag a screaming, kicking 6 year old out of a full clinic while also carrying a crying toddler.  I was considering taking her IPad for myself and selling off everything else she owns. Anyway, we decided on one week of solitary confinement (directly to her room after school with no electronics and only coming out to eat supper) followed by 3 more weeks of grounding from TV, electronics, and playdates. It might sound a bit harsh, but I am hoping to really hit it hard this time so that we don't have to do this again.  Ever.  I also decided an apology was in order for the clinic.  Bailey had to write out two apology notes and deliver them to the front office staff and the pediatric area.  They were very well received, and I am so proud of her. 

My Girlies

I love my girls.  Really, really love them.  Even when I am completely frustrated or even furious with them (more on that in my next post) I love them completely.  There just aren't words. But there are a few cute pictures.

Dad let Mom sleep in one morning, and he took the girls on a drive to Fort Keogh.

The ice is finally off of our sidewalk so Josie and I headed out for some fresh air.

Swinging in the back yard. It wasn't a great idea to put her in the swing in her winter gear because getting her out wasn't easy.

Zonked out!

Grandma Lynn sent the girls matching leotard dresses.  So cute! Josie wouldn't stay still long enough to get a decent picture though. Stinker.

My friend Greta gave the girls matching pjs for Christmas.  They have sweet little owls on them.

NDSU 3-Peat!

NDSU does it again, and the Muschas were there to see it happen.  Kathy, Wayne, Travis, and Miles made the trek to Frisco, TX to see their team play for the FCS National Championship.  Miles had a great time minus the trip home which involved delayed flights and an extra night in a hotel. We were very happy that Dad got to go watch his team win, but we were even happier when he finally got home.  GO BISON!!

Friday night was the Pepfest.  Over 10,000 Bison fans!

Wayne, Miles, Kathy, and Travis in the stadium.

Miles relived the glory days with some old college friends. Stevie Keller, Miles, Heath Janke, and Matt Ness.

The crowd was a sea of green and yellow.  Bison fans love their team, and around 19,000 made the trip to see the game.

A little bit of this and a little bit of that

These pictures don't really belong in a certain category but worth sharing anyway. 

Miles took Bailey pheasant hunting, and she stopped to build a snowman.

Little Miss Josiepants!

We just keep getting snow.  Good thing Bailey and Miles like to shovel.

Loving on Daddy

Santa left this rider for Josie, but one of the elves forgot to put in a wheel.  OOPS!  We finally got a new wheel in the mail and away she went.

With a few blankets the rider can become a comfy place to watch some Sesame Street.