Better Late Than Never!

I'm supposed to be cleaning and organizing all the new Christmas gifts so what better time to blog?

Here is a look at our Christmas decorations...just in time for me to put them away!

This is the tree in the girls' bathroom. It was in their room last year but we have redone their room and they had space for something bigger so we thought we'd have a little cheer in this very important room too!
This is the "kid tree" in the den. It has homemade ornaments, boy themed ornaments and character ornaments like Winnie the Pooh and Dora.
This is what I did with the Christmas cards this year to keep Little Man from tearing them up. I swagged both sides of the doorway and taped the picture cards to the door frame. I think we all liked it and it might be a new tradition.

This is our Santa key. It lets Santa in our front door because we don't have a fireplace. The girls LOVE this tradition. We hang it from our door wreath last thing before they go to bed Christmas Eve. It hangs in the Christmas tree all season soaking up Christmas Magic, according to the Princess.

This is our main tree in the dining room. It looks a litte different this year because of Little Man. I bought new shatter proof ornaments and didn't use any of my collection of blown glass ornaments. Also, over time the decorations seem to have crept up the tree, right about girl height. Hmmm?
This is our Advent Wreath, complete with crooked candles courtesy of Little Man. We light this on our table every time we eat a meal together during Advent. The girls love to be the one to blow out the candles. One candle is lit during each week of Advent so you can see this was taken right before Christmas as all four are lit.

There are a couple more pics to add but I am getting "The Look" from DH because he is working hard and I am hardly working!

Sidelined

Well, here I sit, in my bed with the door closed, cut off from my family. Somehow, I have pneumonia. The doctor is letting me stay home, instead of in the hospital, as long as I don't get around the kids, for their sake and mine. I said I needed a rest and I guess I got it! As they say, "Be careful what you wish for!" I guess we'll find out what is really important in our Christmas celebrations because I am expected to be out of commission for around three weeks. I am so thankful that I plan ahead. Maybe now I won't be made fun of for being such a planner! Christmas shopping is almost taken care of, Christmas cards are ready and will go out today. DH is going to get a turn at Christmas cookies with the kids this year but since he worked at The Cookie Company during college, I think he can handle it! I'm missing four Christmas parties this week and I am REALLY MISSING my kids! But, I am finding a greater appreciation for my life and family and I betcha' they are finding a greater appreciation for me! There is always a silver lining!

A Christmas Meme

I got this from Nancy at ZimmerZoo. I thought it was fun. Feel free to copy. It is a quick, easy post for these busy days.


1.Wrapping paper or gift bags? Paper if possible. It's more fun to unwrap that way
2. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial because of allergies but I really miss the smell of a real tree in the house
3. When do you put up the tree? The weekend after Thanksgiving. I think it is too much work for just a couple of weeks
4. When do you take the tree down? Between New Year's Day and Epiphany depending on our schedule
5. Do you like eggnog? NO!
6. Favorite gift received as a child? Anything Barbie
7. Hardest person to buy for? My godfather, he never asks for anything and can buy himself whatever he wants
8. Easiest person(s) to buy for? My oldest daughter, she is very
vocal about her wants!
9. Do you have a nativity scene? Several, scattered around the house. The kids love to play with them.
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Pretty much anything from my paternal grandparents, including bird feeders and bird themed decorations when I am terrified of birds! Whatever!
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? The Christmas Story
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? October
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? I don't think so, except for above mentioned bird stuff at a White Elephant
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? homemade cranberry sauce
16. Lights on the tree? white for my tree, color for the kids'
17. Favorite Christmas song? O Holy Night
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? stay home
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Yes
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? both, two trees
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? both
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year. Too many have-to's with not enough time for want-to's
23. Favorite ornament theme or color? Santa blown glass ornaments
24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Ham with my family, steak with his
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? For my kids to have a blast and make amazing memories

No Blogging Here

Blogging will resume after all sickness is out of our house! Much to say not much time. Wish us luck that we get to use our Nutcracker tickets. I think we are going even if we are all miserable!

I've Been Tagged!

I've been tagged by Tressa. Here's a link to her blog: http://thegrouchyladybug-tressa.blogspot.com/2008/11/tagged.html

Here are the rules: I have to say 7 random facts about me and then tag 7 people. Also, I have to include a link to the person that tagged me. Here goes:

1. I used to be 6 feet tall. Three kids later and I'm 5'10. And, I have a problem with that.
2. I used to smoke. I quit when I met Kevin (I was 20) because he refused to kiss me until I quit.
3. I am terrified of birds!
4. I don't like bridges and close my eyes if I am not the one driving.
5. I can read really fast and usually read a book everyday. For instance, I read the first two Twilight books in one day and still got my laundry and dishes done.
6. I used to scuba dive and learned to shoot a gun at three years old and can do neither now.
7. I don't like to make phone calls unless it is to someone I am really close to. I usually make Kevin do it, even to order food!

I tag: Stephanie, Robin, Vanessa, Elizabeth, Amanda and anyone reading this that has a blog!

Happy Birthday to You, You live in a Zoo!!!!

Happy Birthday my sweet girl...a day late. I kept waiting for the perfect moment to sit down and blog about my baby girl turning four, but it never appeared. So, this may be short but it is sure to be sweet.

Baby girl, I am amazed by you! You are so smart, beautiful and best of all caring. I am so proud to be your mom. I hope you enjoyed your birthday. I know that as the middle child, you rarely get things your way. I'll try to work on saying "yes" more often. Although, if there was ever a person better suited to grabbing what you want in life, I would be surprised. You continue to grab life by the horns as you have from your very first moments. You contine to fill my heart. I love you! And, no matter how many sweet memories we make together, my very favorite will be your first smile, the first moment we saw each other. You are my Amazing Girl!

Our Halloween

Here are some shots of our Halloween. This year, both of our families came over to help celebrate...No one wanted to hand out candy. Now, I am not a big fan of Halloween but this was a great way to do it. My mom did most of the work at our house leaving me free to make a couple of special treats with the girls. Then we went trick-or-treating and the oddest thing was that in our normally busy neighborhood, there were hardly any trick-or-treaters and houses that are normally lit were dark. Our only thought was possibly the economy is affecting Halloween now? When we returned, we ate a quick dinner and then the Princess and Daddy bobbed for apples. DH did not really want to do this and I certainly refused, seeing the amount of slobber that made it into the water, but he is an AWESOME dad and did it to make her happy! Thanks everybody for a fun time!

There's Nothing Like a Wedding

This weekend DH was a groomsman in a co-worker's wedding. Let me just say that after 11 years of marriage and the day to day with three kids, seven and under, that there is nothing like a wedding to remind you of the important things in life.

This particular wedding was so similar to our own, being a Czech-Catholic wedding too. At every turn, there was a memory, things I hadn't thought about in years! They even had the same readings we used and two of the same songs.

We took the girls with us although we decided the P-man was too young to go, especially with Daddy at the altar and not helping Mommy. It was so much fun to get to introduce the girls to some of the Czech traditions. When I was little, I had cousins getting married all the time so these were normal things to me but as I am an only child and my kids have no cousins, my girls have never experienced these things. The Czech food was fabulous, I taught the Princess to polka, the wedding march was so fun and the girls did so well even though we got separated. Watching them dance around with other kids they didn't even know brought back so many memories of my childhood. Before the wedding, I took them to see the little house where my West Grandma lived and to the cemetary to say prayers at her grave. That was a sad spot in the day because she would have loved my kids! But, I know she looks down on us and laughs her head off all the time!

So, what did I take away from the day? DH and I are so lucky to still love each other so much after all this time. Our children are truly blessings that we prayed for and were answered. It is easy to forget that in the hustle and bustle of every day life. And, it is a good thing to sometimes go back to your beginnings whether it is in your marriage or in where you are in your life. You just might gain a new perspective from remembering an old one.

Explaining Myself

It just occurred to me that I haven't explained the archery thing. Those of you that are my real-life friends probably already know but for those of you who don't, please let me explain why my girls are armed!

The man in the pictures is my dad a.k.a. "The Great Javi", he is a pro-archer and an archery instructor. People come from "all over" to have my dad teach them, or work on their bows. He is really good and if you can't tell, I am really proud of him. And, if you have a bow hunter in your house, he may know about my dad.

So, the princess, very saucily asked (no, I don't know where she got that attitude!), "If my grandpa is an archery teacher, why don't I know how to shoot?" So for her birthday my dad got her a bow of her very own. She loves it! And, he might be a little biased but she seems to be a natural. And, then of course, what the big sister does, the little sister must do too! And, it doesn't hurt that their daddy is dreaming big of taking the kids on hunts with him and their mommy is dreaming big of whole weekends alone at home!

Catching Up on Our Fall!

You just Have to Laugh

The seven year old barfed on me last night! Not kidding! But, praise the Lord, I found my sense of humor again. It was missing yesterday! Please, please, please let today be a better day.

Feeling Like Crying

Today is a bad day. Again.

Last night, just as I was getting ready to go to sleep and literally saying a prayer of thankfulness that all three kids were asleep by 8:30, my three year old, popped her head around the corner. There was a thunder storm and I assumed it had scared her. You know what they say about assumming? As I am hugging her, asking if she is scared of the thunder, she barfs on me! Yep. All over me! DH wakes up, settles her while I run to shower. AS I am making another attempt to fall asleep the baby wakes up. Screaming and screams until 3:00 am! Another attempt to fall asleep. At 3:30 the three year old wakes me up to tell me that she thinks it must almost be morning! Some not very nice words came from my mouth. Then again when the alarm went off at 6:45. And, I can't say it has gotten any better today. I now understand what a friend meant when she told me that the third one put her over the edge! I'm so far over the edge I have to look up to see it...

How's your day?

Unemployed

This time last week I had a job. Now I don't. You may remember how I struggled over the decision about working MDO. It seemed the perfect job for me and a great way to show my commitment to going debt free but against every thing we had worked for with me staying home with the kids. Well, the weird thing is that as soon as I committed to the job, we were able to go debt free sooner than anticipated. Then, DH received a promotion. Then school started and our household fell apart. So, another hard decision. It was time for me to leave MDO.

I would recommend working there if you need a little extra $$. It was fun, a break from my kids and at home responsiility, social and lucrative. But, I never was caught up on laundry, we ate out even more than ususal because I was so tired on those days. DH was not happy with it. I missed my friends and a more flexible schedule. The G-monkey was not loving it. I guess she just needs more time at home with mom and this is her last year to get it.

So, all in all, I am feeling good about quitting. It was a blessing when I needed it and hopefully it is blessing my replacement.

Playdate on Tuesday or Thursday anyone? Lunch? Adult conversation? Anyone? Anyone?

Seven Years Old!

My baby girl is 7 today. Where did the time go? She was the answer of so many prayers and still is today. We struggled for years to have a baby and had just about given up hope when she surprised us. There never were two people happier to be parents. She has been everything I ever hoped for in a daughter and well worth the wait! Thank you Baby Girl for making me a mommy. I hope your dreams, whatever they may be, come true just like mine have...

I'm a Superior Housewife - at least on paper!

77 As a 1930s wife, I am Very Superior Take the test!

BTW - Stephanie, stop by today and witness a clean house, at least for the next 5 minutes. I was embarrassed into cleaning it up. And, thank you to "Wanting What You Have" for another fun blog quiz.

What's the Deal? And Sparkly Angels

What is the deal with sleepovers in the first grade? The princess is invited to one this weekend and we said NO. She will go to the party and we will pick her up around 9:00. Am I really supposed to hand my child over to someone I don't know for an entire night? At 6 years old? I don't think so...And, I found out I'm not the only one who feels this way. She informed me yesterday that she was really embarrassed by our decision until she found out that most of the girls would be picked up also. So what's your stance?

I also wanted to share this cute thing the g-monkey said to me last night. I was brushing my teeth in the girls bathroom (I'm not sure how my toothbrush ended up in there, but that's where it was so...) and I could hear them talking. G said she was scared of the dark and the ghosts. The princess informed her that ghosts aren't real but angels are and they are watching over them. So, I jump in thinking this is a great teaching moment. We talk about angels and pray the Gaurdian Angel prayer together. I tuck G in and tell her goodnight and she says - "Mommy, I still can't sleep. My angel is too sparkly and it is too bright in my face." Seriously, what can you say to that?

Decorating Issues...

All right! Here we go! The big kid is gone to school and the little kids are sleeping...time to post!

Here is the evidence that my husband is not who he says he is...

Now I L.O.V.E. TV - but I'm not sure about this one...Notice all the chaos around it? I have to deal with it somehow. I definately have to move pictures and art around to fit the new arrangement. And, we KNOW that wall paper is hideous. It was here when we got here and it is a really big job to change it, but it is on the list of things to do.

Also, what do I do about this mess?

Notice the mess from the tacos we had the night before? That is the G-Monkey's place and this was the week I was deathly ill. DH is very helpful but never remembers to wipe off a table, countertop or stove! Gotta love him though...he cooks! And buys huge tv's! And, skipped opening weekend of dove season this year because I needed help! And a million other reasons but that is another post.

Lastly, isn't she beautiful? Princess started CCE yesterday. I couldn't get much info out of her about it other than that it was short. But, I had a wonderful time picking her up and just the two of us going to Mass. Now, this won't happen every week but I think it will have to happen again. It made us both happy and I could actually hear the message! I did wonder if that guy I saw that I knew in high school thought I was a single mom. So I did a little wedding ring flashing - cause I'm shameless that way!

Oh yeah, one more thing....Vanessa, we visited your little town for the parade. It was a blast but way too hot! Here's a picture.

It Lives!

Do I really have time to be on the computer right now? NO. Do I have energy to do anything else? No. I've had a virus this entire week and I am spent. It was a doozy! Today I can remember what a human feels like even if I don't feel that way yet. So, in addition to 6 loads of laundry and counting here's a post to say I'm still alive (I think). Over the Labor Day weekend I took a lot of pictures with my blog in mind (you know you do it too) but then I got sick and literally couldn't see straight much less pick up a laptop or connect the camera to download. So, look for updates from our crazy weekend, this weekend. Including evidence of my husband either losing his mind or being abducted by aliens and replaced with a SPENDER! GASP!

My Personality

I saw this on another blog and thought it was interesting, especially because it was right on for me, or at least how I see myself. What do you think? Do you agree? What's your personality and do you agree?

Your Personality is Somewhat Rare (ISTP)

Your personality type is reserved, methodical, spirited, and intense. Only about 6% of all people have your personality, including 3% of all women and 8% of all men You are Introverted, Sensing, Thinking, and Perceiving.

How Rare Is Your Personality?

Catching Up with the Latest Pictures

The Very First Day of First Grade

Here is a post without pictures because I'm so tired I can't see straight.

We all had a good first day. The princess did great today. We walked her in and left her at her desk. I think she would have been fine with that but I had to get in a hug and a couple "I love you's". It is so hard to leave her there all day, knowing she will be tired and might want me but I can't be there. Soon, we'll both be used to it again but today I am a little sad. But, I didn't cry like last year so I am making progress too.

She has a few friends from last year in her class and made a new friend today that she saw at recess sometimes last year but never really got to know. She said someone threw up but he wasn't nervous, he was sick. Great. That's what a mom likes to hear.

She had PE today and that is her favorite so she was happy with that. She got to sit next to who she felt like at lunch instead of assigned seats like last year so she thought that was good and she said they have lots of potty breaks instead of only two like last year. Could this be the sign of a more experienced teacher?

It was also our first day back at MDO. The G-Monkey has been moved up to a preschool class and she really seems to like it. She wants to learn to write her name. This is funny to me because I have tried several times to work on this with her and she never wants to try. Great if her teachers can get her to do it!

Mr. P. did great as always and lately hasn't even been crying when I drop him off.

I had a crazy day with 13 crying kids in my class. I lost count of diapers changed around 20...I hope it will get better soon. I heard the first day is always crazy.

I'll try to get pictures up tomorrow afternoon. I have MOPS in the morning.

The Very Last Day of Summer

Here it is, the very last day of summer vacation. It is the very last day I can claim the princess as a kindergartner. Why am I having such a hard time with 1st grade?

Despite my best intentions to get her to bed on time last night, we stayed up until almost 11:00 talking about 1st grade. Here are some of the questions and concerns she had:

What if I make a mistake on my work?
What if I get a color change?
What if I get hungry? (they eat lunch a lot later than last year)
Do you remember anything bad about first grade?
What happens when a grownup makes a mistake?

So here is what I said from my vast store of parental wisdom (ha!)

If you make a mistake, you will probably get a red mark on your paper and it will help you remember for next time. You go to school to learn new things not to show them that you already know everything. No one knows everything or never makes mistakes except God.

If you get a color change then you just do - no big deal but if you keep doing whatever you were doing you will have whatever consequence the teacher says. (What's a consequence? This is my perfect child remember so she really doesn't know what a consequence is.)

You will have a snack time and this year we send snack everyday so you will always like it. (Don't talk about food Mommy, I'm getting hungry and I have to go to sleep)

I remember the really ugly brown uniforms from 1st grade (do you still have it? - NO WAY!), I remember missing my mom and being bored sometimes, I remember being really bad at sports and PE in a school that prized athletics (We're opposite Mommy, I love PE). But, I also remember being excited to learn new things, having a nice teacher, making new friends, and having lots of fun holiday parties.

An adult gets a consequence too...like if mommy says a bad word and then little sister repeats it...(yeah mommy that's a big deal and you need to work on that.)

I think this child is an 80 year old trapped in an almost 7 year old body!


So the plan for today - two dr's appointments, clean the girls room one more time, get all clothes for tomorrow ready including shoes, pack 4 lunches, charge camera batteries, 4 loads of laundry (it's a light laundry day) and get to bed EARLY!

See you tomorrow afternoon - it's my first day back at work too!

Here's the Flubber

Here's the recipe for flubber. We made our's pink but decided that next time we will make it green - a little more appropriate for slime! I think you could half the recipe and make two colors but I haven't tried it yet. You could for sure mix the food coloring to make a new color. Ours lasted a week in an old cookie dough container. It may have lasted longer in a better sealed container or if they hadn't played with it so much but what's the fun in that?

Mix 1 1/3 cups warm water with 3 teaspoons Borax
In another container mix 1 1/2 cups warm water with 2 cups white glue and a few drops of food coloring.
Combine the two until a ball forms. Make sure the kids watch because it is really cool!

See, it couldn't be easier. I stocked up on the cheap glue while it has been on sale so we can make it several times throughout the year. It takes about 4 bottles of school glue which I bought for 15 cents each at HEB. I don't remember how much the Borax was but I have been using it in my laundry in place of oxyclean - I do know that it is much cheaper. Have fun!

We have a crazy week ahead and I am lucky enough to be sick (as well as DH and the G-Monkey) so I doubt I'll be blogging much.

A Few More Pictures

We had a Flubber Fun Friday! Jammies and all. The girls loved making this flubber. If you don't have the recipe and want it, leave me a comment and I will post it. This also shows the old kitchen floor which is with us no more - yeah!!!! I'm planning on posting a before and after when the kitchen is completed and clean - so it could be awhile!



The G-Monkey decided to style her hair using Daddy's hairspray and she still manages to look gorgeous!

Blog? What Blog?

I just haven't had time to blog! Life got in the way!

I finished my summer job yesterday and I am looking forward to a week with very little in it!!!! I am striving to keep it that way. I've told my family that this week is Mommy's vacation so don't even ask to go here, have so and so over, can we do this...I am resting, sleeping in and trying to get a few organizational projects done all while watching the olympics. So, maybe I'll have time to blog again.

Then, we start the countdown to school craze with doctor's visits, haircuts, meet the teacher, Mops meetings, a meeting for MDO (yes, I'm going back!) practicing going to bed at 8:00 again and getting up at 7:00 again. You know the drill so I am really looking forward to this coming week and it's slower pace.

Here are a few pictures from the past couple of weeks. I forgot to take my camera to VBS, yes, all week! But, it was really fun for the kids and I met some new people too.


This is what DH saw when he went to check on the G-Monkey. He stayed there while I ran for the camera! This is just an example of some of her antics..


This is the princess' new haircut. Inspired by Kitt Kittredge. She looks so cute and we love it. We may even go a little shorter for school.

Now, even though I have lots more pictures, I just got a call to make a dessert for DH's work. He forgot and has to have it there by 12:00. Maybe I'll have more blogging time this afternoon!

Kitchen Redo, VBS, Important Dates...

I have a few minutes this morning so I thought I would jot down a few thoughts...

We have been so busy lately, I feel like my head is spinning! And, in the middle of the busyness our vintage (old) wall oven from 1959 died. Well, actually, amazingly, the door broke, the oven was still working great. Of course, as with all things in our vintage home, the fix has been complicated. A new wall oven wouldn't just slide right in the old space and the nearest size which would require the least amount of work to install, was tiny inside...wouldn't even fit the cookie sheet I use most often (every day). So, DH has been working very hard to cut away the part of the kitchen cabinet/counter that had the cooktop so we can install a beautiful and big new freestanding range. The space where the wall oven was will now contain the microwave and when finished will have a shelf for my pretty platters or for cutting boards. I'm not sure what I'll put there. I asked for shelves for my cookbook collection but the horrified look on my husband's face told me that wouldn't be happening. We already had the new flooring for the kitchen but hadn't put it in due to the lack of an installation kit which conveniently arrived this week. So, with the help of some great friends...I will have a newish kitchen soon. I can't wait to cook on my new range. For the past week I have had neither oven nor cooktop and we have existed on electric skillet, slow cooker and microwave food or in other words, a lot of takeout!

The other happening in our lives is the start of VBS this Sunday. I am anticipating an insane week with work and then VBS from 6-9 every night. We are going to play hooky on Wednesday though, for DH's birthday. There will be a family dinner somewhere of his choice. VBS ends on Friday with a Family Mass and a performance by the kids and then a dinner at church. I'm sure I'll have all kinds of pictures soon.

I've mentioned DH's birthday on Wednesday but we have another important date coming up a week from today - our 11th anniversary! So much blogging to be done, so little time. Check back for updates and pictures. I am still practicing baby steps so it may be a little at a time!

Have a great weekend!

P.S. I haven't been able to log into playlist so my music hasn't changed. Anyone know what's up?

Movie Review - Mamma Mia!

I got to see Mamma Mia! with some of my friends last night. It was freakin' hilarious! I highly recommend grabbing some good girl friends and going. The music was great with the exception of Pierce Brosnan's groaning, ummm singing. Also, if you think Colin Firth is a handsome man, don't see this movie for him, you'll be disappointed and surprised. However, it is one of the best movies I have seen in a long time, and not just because it is the only grown up movie I've seen in a long time! Go see it!

My Strong Willed Child

Everyone is still asleep - Maybe I'll get to finish this post. One can only hope.

This summer has been very hectic for me. I started my new part time job. I have three kids at home to entertain. Last weekend, we had two major appliances malfunction. Our oldest is in swim lessons. Let's just say we are not having the lazy days of summer.

Last night, one of our "battles" came to a head with our strong willed child, the G-Monkey. We have had a terrible few weeks with her. She has been waking up at night two or three times every night for over two weeks now. This results in a very cranky mommy and a very cranky three year old. And, we can't figure it out. So she keeps waking up and the cycle never ends, just gets worse.

So for the first time ever, on a weekend, she showed Daddy just what she is capable of when it comes to naughtiness. She usually just reserves it for me. There was hitting (her not me!) screaming (both of us) uncontrollable shaking and flailing on the ground (her but I thought about it), and a lot of lying.

For some insane reason, we thought it was imperative to go to church. So off we went to the 5:00 service. She was awful. Headed for a spanking all day. In church, she faked going to the bathroom before we went in. Then, five minutes later, really had to go and started crying in a panic. Daddy took her. She was crawling all over us and the pews. She wouldn't leave her brother alone and thought it was funny to rile him up so that he had to be taken out. And then the thing that really got me. She went to the alter with her sister to get her children's bulletin and wouldn't come back! No kidding, she just looked at me from down there and smiled a mean little smile and stood there. I had to go get her! So very embarrassing! When she took her time coming back from giving to the children's collection I thought it was cute. She was counting the money in the basket and that is so like her. I should have seen it for the sign of things to come. By the way, I should say that she was very in control the entire Mass. She never once did anything that I could take her out for - She just pushed as hard as she could to the boundary she knew was there. That is the story of her life.

It was only when we got to the car that she started to throw a huge fit and we abandoned the idea of going out for dinner. Which brought on another fit. She was then fine until dinnertime. She asked if she ate her dinner could she have cake? I told her if she ate her hamburger, she could. So, she takes bites of her hamburger, chews it up and spits it back on her plate (so gross to watch). And then wants cake! No Way!

We get over that and get to bedtime where she throws a fit that she wants to trade beds with her sister. This was not okay with the Princess so G-Monkey punched her! Yes, punched! She was put straight to bed, in her own bed, and told no Max and Ruby today. Oh, the crying, the screaming, the drama!

Any ideas? Any sympathy? Any good books to read? Any funny stories?

I found a great article on Momsense.com that said to preserve the parent/child relationship above all else and to choose your battles. So this is my new plan. I need to let her have more control over herself within a few parameters. But, she will not be going back to church any time soon unless the nursery is open!

Baby Steps...Lessons...Fun Fridays

My new lesson - do everything in baby steps. That is my explanation for not blogging in FOREVER! Every time I sit down to blog I plan to download pictures from the camera, upload them to blogger and write a witty post. Then I get interrupted...again and again and again. So I turn off the computer and don't blog. So here is my baby steps blog. It will be done in stages and who know when the pictures will appear? Please bear with me...

J.O.B.

Whew! We made it through our first week of my working. Can you really call it a job if you only put in 12 hours a week? If you get paid for it, you can.

We had two really good days this week. The first day was a little more hectic, with more kids in my class and Mr. P. not doing too well in his. Today was much more smooth. Both days, to my immense relief, we were ready to go in plenty of time to stop at Sonic for a Diet Coke, a must for a good day! Also, I managed to get out of cooking both nights :) Always a good thing.

The Princess seems to find it the most odd that Mommy has to go to work! She can't stop saying it, but as with VBS the past two years, she seems proud too. G-Monkey is just happy to be able to finally go to a "school" after two years of watching big sister leave her behind. We have been having some behavior issues with her again at home but DH and I brainstormed and we have some good ideas to deal with it. Hopefully, things will get a little easier soon.

As for me, I am proud too. I really stressed about this decision. I really don't feel like P is ready to be in a childcare situation but I knew the girls would love it and with me teaching it is free for them so I agreed to try it for the summer. I really like it and I am pleasantly surprised. I don't remember ever having a job I liked, even on the first day. But, I like this one. The days fly by, the kids are precious. The questions are - what will a bad day be like? And, should I continue in the fall or stay home as planned? I didn't think it would be a hard decision but it looks like it might...

Economic Thoughts...I had to go there!

I've been having economic thoughts...have you? Here is a little of what I've been thinking about in no particular order. This was brought on by the fact that I spent every last dollar of my weekly grocery budget on Saturday and didn't get everything I needed...seriously, like diapers.

1. I should have planted a larger garden! Our spinach died (it was overtaken by the tomatoes which are flourishing monster tomatoes!) and it now costs close to $4 a bag at the grocery store. Do I try to replant, spend $16/month on spinach or do without fresh spinach in our salads? When you are lucky enough to have kids who love spinach shouldn't you feed it to them?

2. What are people doing that are living in debt or on a fixed income or make minimum wage or don't know how to tighten their belts? This is the first week I've noticed a big difference but I know there are people out there who are really hurting.

3. How bad will it get? Are we talking recession or depression bad? Or just more of the same?

4. What are some things you are doing or planning on doing? I've seen some great ideas while blog hopping such as combiing errands to save gas... I am planning on driving less, buying less, eating out less, being less wasteful, buying in bulk and using my freezer more and cooking more from scratch as it is cheaper and healthier. I tried shopping at the local farmer's market but it was more than the grocery store and when I got it home half of it was rotten.

I would love to hear some ideas of what works for you or see links to helpful sites.

Random Thoughts...

I can't believe I never blogged about our trip! I'll just say that it was a lot of fun. The girls didn't fight once while we were gone (like they are fighting now!). It was a much needed break for me. At one point we were all five around this little table in the kitchen just laughing and having fun and I thought, this is what it's all about. I think it really helped us that there was no tv reception. I'm betting that families were closer when there wasn't a boob tube to stare at. I wish I could be brave enough to get rid of ours but I'm not. I like tv too much. We have discussed upgrading our cable service so that we can just dvr the shows we like and not waste time flipping channels....but what would we do for fun?

Anyway, we loved the trip and can't wait for the next one. Princess A and I loved the history we saw. She really got excited to hear that some of her "people" were history makers in Texas. We even visited Round Top, a town that some of our ancestors started. I can't wait to take her to the Alamo and let her see the names of our relatives on the memorial there...

We all enjoyed Blue Bell and I discovered a new favorite flavor...Birthday cake. I realized I hadn't tried a new flavor since I was a little girl and tried pink bubblegum at Baskin Robbins...I need to get out more!

Mr. P. seemed to enjoy the miniature horses the most. I never knew he liked animals so much. I foresee lots of zoo trips in our future.

The G monkey says she liked it all! And, I really think she did. She never seemed bored and except for around nap time her behavior was great. I also noticed that she really bonded with Daddy this trip and came home more of a Daddy's Girl than ever!

Daddy and really all of us had a lot of fun fishing. We made some great memories!

Now it is time to get back to routine and a new start for us. I'll be starting teaching MDO next week. I think it will be great for the girls to have this to do over the summer but I am worried about P and me. I'll let you know how it goes...

Exploring Texas

Pictures From the Last Few Days

Last Days and First Days

The last days of school were soooo busy but very fun. Princess A had her end of year party on Thursday. I was brave and took the little ones with me to watch for a few minutes. They did well considering that it is very hard to be 3 and not allowed to participate! Mr. P loved it though. There was a dj playing songs from the 80's and he loves to dance! I remember at one moment thinking that when I was in Catholic school in the 80's we weren't allowed to listen to Madonna and here she was playing at a kindergarten party...I felt really old!

As the day went on I realized that the G-Monkey still wasn't acting like herself...she had a fever and some tummy troubles and she ended up vomiting on Friday morning! She is fine now and didn't require a doctor's visit but she is still really tired and we are all paying the price with her tantrums.

The last day was really exciting for the princess. Daddy went that day to James Avery and bought her a "real" necklace that she loves. So far, she only takes it off to bathe. That night we took her out for dinner. I wish I could say it was fun but everyone was exhausted and NOT on their best behavior. Next time I will be the parent that says - let's put this off - instead of trying to just fit it all in.

The weekend was just a regular weekend. We tried to rest but the girls fought a lot and we ended up wishing we had kept them busier. Lesson learned.

Monday was very nice. We had the Princess' first (in a really long time) Grandma Day that included lunch at a favorite restaurant and a visit to MeMaw's and PaPaw's. Last night the Princess lost her second tooth and looks so cute! I was really worried that she would look snaggle toothed but she just got cuter - how is it possible?

Today we stayed home but I tried to keep them busier. We had a nap time! All three kids asleep at the same time! We started the summer allowance system and I think the girls are pretty excited about it. They each have a paper and whenever they help with a chore (and finish it) or make a really good choice they get a sticker. Each sticker is worth 10 cents on payday. The only thing is that the Princess already asked if she could have a sticker for getting her sister a yogurt out of the fridge. My response : I'm not going to pay you to be nice to your sister. We'll have to see how this goes... By the way - the reason they wanted yogurt is that they refused the dinner I made them. Yes, Mom, I am getting paid back in spades. I can hear you laughing from here!

Check back next week for pictures from our trip. We are so excited to take our first family trip with all three kids! Pray for us!

Pomp and Circumstance

Baby Girl had her kindergarten celebration/graduation Thursday night. It was too cute! She was a little nervous before it started but she did great. She had lines to say, "And, we would like to sing some of our favorite songs for you." And, she was featured in two songs, the ORANGE song and "I Can't Spell Hippopotamus". I think my favorite was First Grade, First Grade to the tune of New York, New York. I didn't cry but I did have one scary moment when she walked in wearing a cap and gown to "Pomp and Circumstance". I had one of those flash forward moments to her high school graduation. I know the time will go by in the blink of an eye. It was a great reminder that these days of small children are fleeting and need to be cherished.

Where's My Mom's Night?

Since last summer my friends and I have been having a monthly "Mom's Night In". A sort of potluck at each other's homes where we vent, laugh, celebrate, bond. It has been such a fun time and a real pick me up most months. I know we all love it and look forward to it. SO WHERE DID IT GO?????!!!!!! The last few months it has been really sporadic. Last night, we missed it all together! What to do???? I feel like I need to host it to get it going again but my house is completely torn apart! In the middle of redoing the girls' room, I got pneumonia. Our new flooring is stacked in the dining room awaiting the arrival of the installation kit. There are toys everywhere! The laundry is behind and I am down to doing the dishes once a day! What's a mom to do???? Maybe I should host a cleaning party! Just Kidding!

What I want to know is, how do you get things back in order after letting it get out of control? What are your tips? And, where do you like to go with your girlfriends? Are we all just in an end-of-the year funk?

Baby's Got a Brand New Smile!

Baby Girl's got a brand new smile tonight. She "lost" her first tooth tonight after, literally, months of it being loose. Her daddy ended up having to pull it because it was so loose that it really hurt. For days now, she wouldn't let us touch it because she wanted so much to lose the tooth at school where she would get a plastic tooth in which to bring it home. We just got tired of listening to her whine and watching it bleed so we talked her into letting Daddy pull it. She was really brave about it and very excited. We let her pick a place for us to have dinner too. So we all went to Burger King to celebrate. Not my idea of fine dining but the girls had lots of fun!

We did the math tonight and figured out that when it is all said and done, the tooth fairy will have visited our house 60 times! Maybe we will be on a first name basis with her by the end...

Also, on a more grown up subject...WE'RE DEBT FREE!!!!!!!

After four years of the Dave Ramsey plan, we owe nothing but our mortgage! YEAHHHHH!!!!!!!

Why the change?

So here is a first "trying it out" post. Why the change? Well, after waiting a few months it became apparent to me that I would never be able to have a playlist on wordpress. This may not seem like a big deal to some but it really is to me. I really enjoy listening to music on other blogs. I think it gives you an insight into someone's personality.

Music has been a big part of my life. No, I'm not musical. I can't sing at all nor do I play an instrument (no matter how much I wanted it). That is just not my gift. But, music has given me a special bond with my mom who is musical. My taste in music was one of the first things my husband noticed about me and vice versa. When we got married we discovered we had two of almost every cd we owned and we don't exactly go for the most recent and popular music. Music can calm me down or pump me up, make me sleepy or sad or happy. For most of the big moments of my life, there was music playing and I remember what it was.

So here is the change. The music on our playlist was selected by both of us and it means something to us. We hope you enjoy...