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About Me

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The Shaffers were established in 2005. Our members include supportive husband, Anthony Dean, commonly known as Tony; and loving wife Brandi Michelle. Adorable daughter Addison Rienn added in 06, and precious little Kaden Mikal joined the clan in March 09. We just moved to Washington, but we will always be Idahoans. We love lifes simple pleasures such as watching our daughter play, seeing our son smile, the great outdoors, good food, the company of family and friends, and football of course!

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Addi's Kindergarten Program


 Last night was Addi's Kindergarten Program at her school. CUTE is an understatement for this event. Here she is outside before we left, showing off her new dress from Grandma.

When we arrived at her school, two little boys yelled over to her, "Addi! You wore a dress! You look so pretty! And it is even my favorite color!" She yelled back, "OH, you like YELLOW? Good to know!" :o)

It was a packed house, but I found the best seats I could. They sang and signed the ABCs, then sang them backwards and said "now I said my zyx's, bet that's not what you expected!" We all laughed. Then sang and signed "Alphabet Sounds", "Vowel Sound Samba", "Mimi Mouse/Zelda Zebra" and finished with "Lucky Streak".(my personal fav!) The chorus goes like this: "I got a smile on my face, shoes on my feet, that's all I really need, I guess I got a lucky streak! I got the sun pouring down, the birds sing so sweet, that's all I really need, I guess I got a lucky streak!" :o)

Here she is waving to us, right in the center. :o)

We made sure Kaden got a nap, and we explained to him that he had to be quiet and sit in his seat during the program. He promised he would be a good boy. He lasted about 5 minutes before he started getting restless. He progressively got worse as the show went on. It's just so HARD for a three year old boy to sit still and be quiet for that long! :o)


 Great job Addi! We are so proud of you for all your hard work this year! You have come so far! You learned to read, write, count to 100, addition, subtraction, made new friends, joined a soccer team, cheer squad, basketball team and tee ball team. You are growing up so fast, I wish I could slow it down a bit. You have made us so proud already, and we love every second of being your Mommy and Daddy! 

Monday, May 28, 2012

It has been a great family weekend. We stayed close to home and found plenty of fun things to do to entertain ourselves. On Friday night we went back to the Spokane County Raceway, this time to the Super Oval track, and watched some races. Addi got free tickets from school, and said, "PLEASE! I HAVE to go! Everyone is going to be there!!!" So we went. She saw a couple of little girls from her class and had fun socializing with them. When the races started she came back to sit with her family and we would each pick a car to cheer for. By the end of the night Addi had the best record and was declared the winner of the family.

 Kaden hugging on Addi :o)

Saturday I got some yard work done, and then Addi and I went to the library. 
 The library is just down the street from us, and we look forward to going at least once a week. Here is Addi with her new library card!!! My baby is growing up!! ;o) We got an Icee on the way home, and then we read, and read, and read some more. 

 We spent plenty of time just playing in the yard.

On Sunday evening the neighbor came over with this Barbie house and all these Barbies for Addi! Their daughter just got married, so they are getting rid of all her old stuff. Addi was very happy to help them out!

 She has been having so much fun with her awesome new toys!

This Barbie is rollerblading on the balcony!

Today we spent most of the day in the back yard. We ditched the tee and pitched to Addi. She was hitting like a champ, totally ready to play softball next season. Tonight I am taking her to watch her friend's softball game so she can see what is in store for her next year. We also played catch, had an amazing soccer match, and played frisbee. 




My cute little goofball!

Precious the cat hung out all weekend.

I got a couple little sewing projects done as well. I mended some holy shorts and pants, and then I made Kaden these tank tops by cutting the sleeves off his long sleeved shirts that he was beginning to outgrow. I sewed a nice hem around the sleeve and they turned out great! He is all set for summer!

I made this quilted pillow for my Mom! It will match their house perfectly! 
Today I made homemade enchilada sauce by boiling dried peppers in water for several hours, then blending it all together with a little seasoning. The enchiladas turned out amazing!!! I made a huge pan, so I shouldn't have to worry about feeding Tony for a little while anyways! :o)

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Life with Bunnies...

 The new rabbits are settling in well, and the kids are so happy to have them. Kaden is so happy that he wakes up at 6am everyday and the first thing out of his mouth is, "Goin outside to see the bunnies!" This morning it was so cold, but he didn't mind. He just asked for his winter coat, and I sent him out with a warm wool hat. He spends a lot of time out there, talking to them and protecting them from the neighborhood cat that frequents our yard. He takes his job very serious, trying to shew her away and making a human barrier between that cat and his precious bunnies in their cage. Speaking of that cat, it caught and brought Addi the prettiest yellow finch yesterday, she was so excited and exclaimed, "THANK YOU! How did you know I wanted a pet bird? And it is even yellow!" And then the bird died in her hands. The cat didn't give the poor thing a fighting chance. Addi was traumatized a bit. It didn't help that I freaked out when I saw her holding a dead bird and made her wash her hands 5+ times. She was hoping to bring the bird back to life she told me. There were some tears shed. Then I thought about a time when I was just a bit older then her. My friend and I found a dead mouse left by a proud cat. We thought we could bring the mouse back to life too. We covered that thing in bandaids from head to tail, and waited patiently for him to wake up. Of course he never did, and when my mother found out I was playing with a dead mouse she was not impressed. Needless to say, Addi now knows not to touch or handle any "gifts" from the neighborhood cat. 


 The best part of having a new pet is showing him off to your best buddy! Addi's friend Alana came over to play yesterday and the two of them had fun spending time with our new pets.




Awww, bunny kisses!!!

My pretty flowers! Only one lily left to open, and also my new lavender plant (also from Tony) which I plan to plant out front. They smell so good and make me smile every time I look at them. What a nice husband I have! :o)

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Yesterday was such a great day. Addi said it was a perfect day with her family. It started out with a special delivery of new pet rabbits! One for each kid. Addi has been begging us to let her get a pet, and these rabbits needed a home, so here they are. 
Addi's is the the brown one. His name is Jack Rabbit. Kaden's is the black one. His name is Peter Rabbit. I tried to convince them to name the rabbits Phineas and Ferb, but they weren't having it!
 We have harnesses for the rabbits so the kids can let them roam around the yard.

Just getting Kaden and Peter used to each other.


 Both kids have been so happy about these rabbits. Which makes us happy too.

We spent the afternoon at Addi's Tee Ball game, soaking up the sunshine. 


Knucks through the fence! 





Afterwards we got ICEES, and then we made a surprise stop at the Spokane Speedway and watched some drag racing. It was AWESOME. 

The first race Kaden covered his eyes and hid his face. The second race he watched, and covered his ears. The third race he smiled and clapped. The forth race he was flat out cheering and laughing, and that is how he stayed. When we put him in the car he said, "That was SO COOL." :o)

We ate a nice family dinner outside at the local Mexican Restaurant. I enjoyed a Corona, the last bit of sunshine, and the smiling faces of my family. It really was a great day. 

Friday, May 18, 2012

Life has been good around here. The weather has been beautiful and we have been staying busy. Tony has really been spoiling me, leading up to my birthday and since. He has cooked me several delicious meals, helped out with the kids, and gave me beautiful flowers. Of course I have been taking pics of all the random fun we have been having!

A lot has changed in one year for Kaden. Last summer he was not the professional bubble blower he is this year. He dedicates several hours a day to this particular past time. We now buy bubbles in the very LARGE container.


 Just relaxin in the back yard!

Playing each other in a game of soccer!


Addi proclaims that Kaden will never score a goal on her in his entire life. 

Kaden accepts proclamation as a challenge. :o)

 He doesn't give up until he is victorious!
 That boy's smile melts my heart! 

 Tee Ball is keeping us very busy, and we are loving every minute of it. Addi is such a character, always waving to us and giving us thumbs up. She has been playing great, and always thanks us for cheering for her. We will always be her biggest fans! 
 She has a style all her own. :o)

In catchers gear, looking like a younger version of her Momma.





Kaden had enough Tee Ball for one afternoon!

We love living in a small town! We ride our bikes to every practice and all home games! 


 Another one of Kaden passed out. Scootered til he dropped. Yes, I let my kids scooter in the house. In fact, I want to get big scooters so me and Tony can join them in their races. :o)

Helping Daddy tune the bikes up!

Of course Addi was excited to get her telescope out and check out the Super Moon earlier this month. 
 Pictures I took of the Super Moon, 5-5-12

My 3 year old boy loves to make messes! 
Everything is a little messier, but life is sure sweeter with him around!

                                               

 We were just getting in the car to go pick up Daddy, and Kaden just couldn't stay away from the puddle.


"He made me do it Ma!"

 Needless to say, we were a bit late. :o)

We ride our bikes everyday and the kids are having so much fun. If we aren't riding to practice or a game, we ride to the store, the park, or the lake. 

 I have to encourage Kaden to pedal, PeDaL, PEDAL! 

 Made it to the Lake! 

 Rolling down the hill is always fun.




 I'm a sucker for a cute girl in cowboy boots!