Let's just hope they never get seperated from me

In an effort to practice our emergency procedures should my children ever get separated from me for some tragic reason, I was going over questions and answers with my boys.

Mommy: What is mommy's name?
John & Nathan (in unison): Mommy
Mommy: Um, well, what does Daddy call Mommy?
John: Karen
Mommy (realizing this wouldn't be the question asked them): So what is mommy's name?
John: Mommy Karen Horn
Mommy: Okay, let's try again. What is my name?
John: Karen Horn
Mommy: Yeah John! Nathan, what is mommy's name?
Nathan (looking at me as if I had completely lost my mind because I didn't know my name) very emphatically: Mommy!
Mommy: Okay, let's try one more time, what is my name?
John & Nathan (in unison): Mommy Karen Horn
Mommy--sigh: Well, at least we've got it in there somewhere.

You should have seen Nathan's face when I asked him where he lived. Let's just say that conversation started with the answer of "with mommy" of course.....

Happy Birthday Baby Girl!

Ashley's birthday was last Sunday and she turned 7! We had such fun celebrating especially with the new puppy in the house. Her cake of choice was German chocolate and she choose to take chocolate cupcakes with white icing and M&Ms to celebrate with her friends at school.

Ashley loves science and her current passion is crystals and gems. She got this from her Aunt Alissa. She also got some super cute clothes from Uncle Steve & Aunt Mandy. (I didn't upload them b/c it took me 3 days just to get these loaded).

This is Ashley with her American Girl doll Josephina. Her new blanket is sitting next to her on her chair. It has princess poodles on it and completely fits Ashley's personality. It's hard to believe she's 7!

The latest addition to the Horn herd...

introducing....Sophie! Sophie was born on Christmas day and is a miniature dachshund. And I think she is perhaps the greatest dog ever and I definitely think the rest of the family would agree with me. She has just the right mix of hyper and cuddly. My perception of her is also helped by the fact that she hasn't chewed my slippers yet and likes me. She did take my blanket (anyone who lives in our house knows which blanket is mom's blanket) this morning but she was very gentle and just took a nap on it. I didn't even mind.

She's technically a gift for Ashley for her birthday, but she's also the "family dog". We've been trying to strike the right balance between those two things. (The kitchen timer has been involved in striking this balance.)

This picture is to prove her gentleness. If you know my Sara at all, you know that dogs are perhaps her least favorite thing in the world. She and Sophie have become good friends and her lap is one of Sophie's favorite.


Sophie's first bath. She took the water well. We'll see how she does after she gets used to the house and realizes that she can try to climb out of the tub.

My computer has been giving me fits lately. Once it is in a better mood I'll get a better picture posted--one that is closer up.