Scottsdale's 12 Days of Mischief

I love it! Happy Holidays to your family as well

This was great!  I loved the 5Am Wake up Calls -- LOL.  And wow, those are ALOT of trikes!  Happy holidays to you and your family. 

That's absolutely adorable.

Missing ceiling, hah... Hmmm, I can top that!:-)
Happy Holidays!!!

Very cool.. What a great looking family.

I can so relate but I've gotta ask.. what's with the "Twelve feet of ceiling missing."

We have a 3 year old and TWO 2 year old's. (twins) - Lot's of broken stuff, holes, mischievous ideas etc but haven't had to replace any walls, yet!

gotta go.. I'm gonna try to take a nap... :-)

Merry Christmas to you and yours!

nb

Be careful, Dad...that kid is going to be a blogger someday! 

It just doesn't get any better than waking up to a perfectly devious smile, does it?

Merry, Merry Christmas, Slaybaugh Family!

Paul ~ Love it!  All I have to say is - you think you have your hands full now?  Wait till they are teenagers!

Merry Christmas!  Enjoy it all!

I'm curious, too.  We don't have the missing ceiling tile (YET), but we have a bunch of stuff you didn't mention.  (Mine are 6 and 4).  So what happened to the ceiling???

Your toddler did that to the ceiling? WOW! Sounds like a kid after my own heart! My Paul... are you pregnant again???

Merry Christmas Slaybaugh Hoodlums!!! 

Very, very cute! 

Thanks for sharing your holiday JOY with us all. Give those little ones a big hug :)

I'm going out of order, because I was waiting for someone to ask that question, Nick.  The ceiling damage is a result of one of the inoperable showers.  We couldn't figure out why the master shower was so slow draining.  My plumber pulled my wife's keys out of the drain the other day.  There was some drywall damage in the kitchen ceiling, so my handyman pulled it back to expose the plumbing and replace the damaged parts.  Turns out that my son's little key trick disturbed the rubber seal inside the drain, and water was escaping the pipe.  Oh joy! 

Jeff:  Happy holidays to you as well!

Jeanie:  Thank you and Merry Christmas!

Inna:  I'm scared to even ask!

Amanda:  Even though it inevitably means big-time trouble, I love that devious smile!

Kathy: Don't remind me!

Jayne:  The ceiling is the topper, so far.  I outlined it in my reply to Nick above.  My handyman is installing new drywall as we speak.

Jennifer:  Nope, no more Slaybaughs on the way.  Just my 9 month old getting more mobile and anxious to join in the destructive fun.  I honestly don't know what we would do with a third miscreant!  Merry Christmas!

Beth:  You got it!  I'll go give them a hug right now.  Happy Holidays to you as well!

You need a girl... My boys did this all the time. One day, Matthew, got in the pantry, drug out cornmeal, sugar, flour and made a huge sandpile in the formal living room floor.

I miss those days.... sigh.

Merry Christmas, to you Paul and your family.

Watch out!  Next time he steals the keys, he might be able to reach the gas pedal!
Paul this was such a gift.  Nothing like taking a nap snuggled up to a little one.  My "little ones" drove themselves to Grandma's for a visit.  We will join them there tomorrow.  Everyone tells you it happens so fast, and you will patiently tell them that you know, with an I-hear-that-one-all-the-time smile.  Then you blink. Then you are watching them open their college acceptance letter. 
I wish your family many more moments of getting kicked by little feet while you are trying to sleep, of wiping handprints off the walls, of sticky little faces leaving jelly kisses on your cheek, and of devious smiles.  Merry Christmas!

Paul that is so cool! I love all the pics, some very devious smeles going on there! I love the sticky messes too! Merry Christmas!

Paul, I LOVE IT , LOVE IT, LOVE IT!! I miss my kids being small. I even miss all the messes and snotty noses. You have the most adorable family and I know Christmas will be all that much more sweet because of them.

Paul -- Reminded me of the day my three year old sprinkled baby powder all over the bathroom floor so she and a friend could "ice skate."  Then there was the time my two year old used an entire bottle of Soft Scrub Soap to create "snow" on the kitchen floor.  Snap those pictures and treasure those memories--they are just the best life has to offer!

Slaybaugh - Adorable children, must get that from your better half.  Mischievousness, I think we know where they may get that:-)

Made me giggle out loud!!!  I can't wait to forward this to my other friends who can relate! :)

Merry Christmas

Paul- Ah, the joys of parenthood! The best part is when they are grown you get to tell them about it all and it will all happen to them! My mother used to say to me, you just wait, you will have a daughter just like you! And she was right! Merry Christmas! Katerina

Paul, what a joy they are when they are young and messy and mischevious and devious!  I wish you and your family all the happiness in the world and a very Merry Christmas.

Priceless. Loved it. Creative and funny. Very much in the spirit. Begs the question however. Do folks wear clothes west of the Mississippi? It's like you're all living in the Garden of Eden in Arizona. Clothes with seams. Not a new concept but it may catch on? Ha Ha Paul. Only joshing. You're family is beautiful. Don't rush these times. Savor each and everyday.

I don't know about a girl, Missy.  I think I'd rather pay my dues with the physical damage and save the emotional and psychological warfare that comes later.  I also don't see myself reacting well to some kid showing up on my front porch some day to take her on a date.  Who know what the future will bring, though?  Happy Holidays to you your family!

Elaine, aside from when I actually wrote the check for the ceiling repair this afternoon, I loved every minute of it.  What can you do but laugh?  We are trying to savor every moment, as it already seems that they are growing up at lightning speed.  I can't believe that the baby is trying to walk!  Have a Merry Christmas, Elaine!

Thank you, Vanessa, and Happy Holidays to you as well!

Thank you, Linda.  We couldn't have gotten any more luckier than we did with these two little rascals.  The holidays have taken on so much more meaning now that I have them around.  I love them this size even if my house does not ;)  Merry Christmas, Linda!

We've had flour, baby formula, rice cereal, etc as well, Norma.  Sometimes I swear he makes a mess just so he can get the broom and "clean" it up.  Happy Holidays!

What a beautiful family!  I love all the pictures, thanks for sharing!

Hope you have a wonderful, safe and sane Holiday!

The older one in particular is a carbon copy of my wife, Sardi.  It's a darn good thing!  As for the streak of the Devil in him, I blame the corroding effects of "Thomas the Train."  Happy Holidays, Jason.

Glad you enjoyed it, Kirsten!  I'm sure just about anyone who has little ones can relate to some degree or another.  Happy Holidays!

Merry Christmas, Katerina!  I know that I am getting any trouble I gave my folks back in spades.  Ironically, I was a very easy-going child from all accounts.  I think that my oldest son must have inherited all of the hyperactiveness that was intended for me.   

And then they grow up to be messy, mischievous and devious bouncers, right Lisa? ;)  Happy Holidays to you and yours!

Andrew, why yes, it is the Garden of Eden:  Scottsdale, Arizona!  That's going on all of my flyers from now on.  When you get tired of those Jersey winters, come on down, my man.  The clothes just seem to melt off of their own accord.  Funny you mention it, though, as my oldest is firmly "anti" in regards to clothing.  Takes us 10 minutes to get him dressed.  Takes him 3 seconds to peel it all off and streak out the door in his birthday suit.  Happy Holidays, Lenza. 

Thank you, Krista!  I can't promise "sane," but I will shoot for "wonderful and safe."  Actually, knowing these two ... maybe just "wonderful."  I trust you will do the same.  Happy Holidays, Krista.

Creative post.  I think I might hold off another year before having kids....um, yeah...now I am pretty sure of it!  J/K...Happy Holidays!

Paul:

This is by far one of the most original and most precious posts that I've seen a long time! I loved it and I can so relate!  LOVED IT!!!!!!!!!

Merry Christmas!

It's so nice to see how much you enjoy your family! Merry Christmas.

Paul, that was awesome. Thanks for sharing that Christmas tune in a way only you can.    

Paul - the damages grow larger with age. Yesterday two guys spend a day replacing the downstairs ceiling from some major shower leak in my boys bathroom. Before that there were too many ER visits inflicted by one on the other. It all still ahead for you guys.

Merry Christmas to the whole Slaybaugh family!

Oh Paul How precious. This is so wonderful. Great pix, adorable child.  who needs TV, etc. when you have child that is one continuous source or entertainment. Merry Christmas to you and yours.

Check those little guys out...adorable and no matter how mischievious.....quite the innocent pair :)  Thanks for sharing them with us and you and your beautiful family too....have a very Happy Holiday Season.

Cody:  Take your time, my man.  I wouldn't trade them for the world, but each one is a full time job.  You can never really prepare for what you are getting yourself into with kids, but I would advise waiting until you are sure that you are up for the challenge.  I had my fun and was 30 before we had our first, so I was 100% ready for this new chapter in my life.  Happy Holidays to you!

Jessica:  Thank you!  I know you, Jason and family will have a great Christmas, but allow me to wish you Happy Holidays anyway.  I hope we get the chance to chat again in the not so distant future. 

Christina:  Thanks for noticing.  At the end of the day, family is all we've got!  Happy Holidays to your family from mine.

Danny:  Thank you for the kind words as only you can say them, Danny.  Happy Holidays!

Pickering Family:  Thank each one of you for the holiday greeting!  That's a great personal touch.

Faina:  I know.  We've already got the ER on speed dial.  My oldest has been there 3 times already, and it's only going to get more frequent once his partner in crime gets a little older.  I think I am going to affix mattresses to all of the floors and walls in my house next weekend.  Happy Holidays, Faina!

Pat:  Isn't that the truth?  I very rarely watch TV anymore, and truthfully, I don't even miss it.  I've got Comedy Central, the Sci Fi Channel and the Cartoon Network all rolled into two little boys.  I never know what plot line will develop next, though it usually ends with a clatter.  Merry Christmas, Pat.

Thank you, Sally.  I love watching them explore and learn, even if it causes a great deal of expense. While I naturally enjoy teaching and interacting with them as well, there is something indescribably amazing about simply standing aside and watching the wheels at work in those little heads.  Thanks for the kind words for my family, and have a great holiday!

Paul - Although I honestly don't like the song, I loved what you did with the concept.  Sorry to hear about your kitchen ceiling experience, especially right at Christmas time.  Thanks for sharing your family with us again!

That's funny, Jason.  I've never been a huge fan of the song either.  I knew that I had to adapt it, though, once I learned that my handyman needed to tear down 12 feet of ceiling drywall.  As for the timing, all you can do is laugh.  Five years from now, I won't remember how the last-minute Christmas budget shrank because of this episode.  We'll just look at the pictures and laugh about how our 2 year old destroyed the kitchen by jamming mommy's car keys into the shower drain.  If I don't talk to you before the holiday, I expect you, Pam, Jackie and the kids to have a terrific Christmas. 

This is a riot.  It makes me all that much happier we've moved to the grandkids stage. Now we can watch the torture come full circle.  I hope you all have a great Christmas.

Jesse and Kathy, my folks like to say the same thing.  As my mom puts it, "All of the joy, none of the responsibility."  Merry Christmas to your family as well.

Paul-That little bundle of mischief is adorable as is your other little one that will be sure to follow suit. WOW, through it all you made it and what a beautiful family you have. Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 

PAUL - This reminds me of the things that my brother and I used to do when we were younger.  I guess that's part of the deal when you have boys close together in age.  You may want to call in a stager if you're going to sell.  I'm guessing that most buyers are going to take issue with the patches and the lack of sheetrock!

Merry Christmas to you too, Julie!  They are a handful, but it keeps me young.  Who knows what shenanigans will befall my household this coming year?

Adam, they are the stagers.  I was going to send them over to your house when they are done with the renovations around here.  You must be tripping if you expect new sheetrock for a 3x2 inch and 2x2 inch in the drywall!  If you are playing wise about the ceiling, you'll be happy to know that it's got brand new sheetrock that is a step up from greenboard.  I paid a little more for stuff that is supposedly mold resistant.  Go ahead and send your inspector over, I'll pass with flying colors, smart guy!

Paul,

 Great Post! Merry Christmas from my fam to yours!

Christopher

Paul, This is great!  Your kids are just too cute!  Enjoy them while their young because that ends too soon.  Have a Merry Christmas and stop by my blog to enjoy some cookies. Christmas Cookies for All of My AR Friends  Take some home for your family!

What a cute, wonderful family you have.  Paul - I have enjoyed reading your posts and getting to know you and your family.

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy new Year!

Sylvia 

I did not read the previous 53 comments but I bet that the word "adorable" is in there at least once or twice.  I'm an empty nester now so it sure is fun to see the photos of kids of Rainers! 

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 

Christopher:  A big Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to your larger family this year!  Congratulations again on the birth of your little girl.  If she is your first, I want you to take heed of the post I just wrote last night.  It contains a sentiment that cannot be stressed enough.

Roberta:  I hope you had a Merry Christmas as well, and I'll be sure to pop in for a few cookies!  Not that I need anymore after yesterday's indulgence.

Sylvia:  Thank you very much, and Happy Holidays to you as well.  So far, you are my only crossover friend between Trulia and Active Rain, and I have enjoyed getting to know you as well.  Much success to you in 2008!

Linda:  Those kids make me look good, don't they?  I'm glad that I can help bring the joys of young children back into your home, even if only through the magic of 2 dimensions.  Hope you had a Merry Christmas, and have a great 2008!

Adorable kids and creative post!!! Happy New Year!

hahahah....That's Awesome!  thanks for the post Paul.  I will get to that Meme soon.  We have had a crazy holiday/birthday season culminating with my son's 9th birthday today.  The last three and a half weeks included 4 days in Disneyland, all Christmas shopping  being done, 4 Family Christmas Celebrations, 2 kids birthdays... we are all celebrated out!!  Ready for the new year to begin so we can rest  up for next December!

Thank you, Concetta.  Happy New Year to you!

Oh my good Lord, Jen!  You'll need six weeks to decompress from that adventure.  No hurry on the Meme.  I'm looking forward to it, but I don't want you head to explode.  Enjoy the new year, and you can tell us all about yourself when you are all put back together again.  Happy 2008!

This is absolutely adorable!  You have such a sweet family.  Yep, you included.  :)   

Thank you, Doreen.  I hope 2008 gets off to a fantastic start for you!

Looks like you have your hands full.  Kids are what make Christmas fun, I don't care what anybody says.  And I don't even have any.  But I've got the best neices and nephews ever that keep me laughing the whole time.