Snow Days

Well, we survived the ice storm and three days of no school. I fared pretty well on my list:


Potty training- we are doing pretty good. Here's my problem, after being trapped, I needed out so I had to put a diaper on. We are doing good and there is not turning back but I did resort to a diaper here and there so I could escape the house. But, the good news is that now Emma doesn't want to put a diaper on so I feel we are on the home stretch. Jack did a great job on cleaning out his bookshelf, so I am pleased to have this done.


All this, plus some play-dough, coloring, dress up and we ventured out to go sledding (in big girl panties and all). My kids were so cute out in the snow. Jack was determined to shovel our front walk and driveway. This is great but we get a huge mound on our porch. He worked so hard and did a great job. I don't know that I have ever seen him work that hard at anything. He was so big. Luke and Emma really wanted a snowball fight but there was not as much snow as ice. So, we made snow angels and then went sledding at the park. I thought Emma would get cold first, but it was Luke. His snow pants were a bit too short and his poor legs were bright red and cold. He cried about 85% of the time and finally told me his legs were so cold. Poor guy! Nothing a little hot chocolate couldn't fix.

Thursday we ventured out to parent/teacher conferences for Luke and then on to Chuck E. Cheese. Luke has been begging to go because they are advertising on PBS all the time. So, we met some friends there and everyone had a great time. I think it measured up to Luke's expectations and then some. It was fun to see him playing with his friend and just having fun.

All this being said...we had a fun few days but were very greatful for the nice weather today! Sometimes the ice days are good for reminding us to slow down and enjoy the little things. We did a lot of that over the last few days!

Ice, Ice, Baby!

Why is it we keep getting ice? When I was growing up it was all snow. I am sure global warming is affecting that but I sure would like my kids to be able to play in a good snow! But, today we have ice so, the kids and I are all stuck in the house and I figure we may as well be somewhat productive. So, here is my list for things to attempt to get done in the next 48 hours:

1. Clean out the toy baskets all over this house. Why is it, my kids are always looking for the little Sonic toy that is buried at the bottom? I feel like every time I walk in a room, the basket is dumped over. Luke is pretty good at helping pick it up but this gets very old when you are here all day.

2. Clean off Jack's bookshelf- really, Jack is  going to clean off his bookshelf. It is a mess and there are books he has way outgrown on there that we need to give away. So, what a perfect chore for today.

3. Potty train Emma- this is a biggee. I think she is ready. We are going for it. We bought big girl panties yesterday. So far today, we are doing good. I figure if I can  keep at it for the next 48-72 hours, we should make it. You know, with boys, you don't really have to deal with toilet paper. Emma loves the paper! If this happens, that would mean no diapers at our house. Oh my!

4. Finish some work projects- I have a few work projects that are almost  done, but not quite. My goal is to mark them off my list while stuck at home. We'll see how that goes.

I'll keep you posted but hopefully we can get most of this done. How are you spending your icy day?

With a Song In My Heart and Apples Nearby

Bedtime at our house is always an adventure. I wish I could say that I put everyone in bed and they stay there, but they don't. I know people who have this luck and they must have better parenting skills than me because my kids do not want to stay there. Emma is completely content in her crib (granted, she has only climbed out a few times but I think I have convinced her not to do that for a while). She will sit in her bed and play, ready books and sing until she falls asleep. Emma is quite the singer and truly has a song in her heart. She sings all day every day. At school on Thursday they commented on how she sings all the time. She loves it. Tonight, she sang in bed for almost an hour and a half. And tonight's singing was not just a little humming in her bed. I was in my room, my bath to be exact, and could clearly hear every word she was saying. She's not doing it for attention or to get us up there, but just singing because she is happy. It really is precious but after about an hour of top volume, I was ready for my little superstar to go to sleep. Finally, she sang herself to sleep.

With Emma's concert going on, it is no wonder Luke does not stay in bed so well but I don't think I can blame it on Emma. Luke is quite the night owl these days. We hit bed at 8, but I may see him anywhere from 2-6 times before 9pm. You would think all the trips up the stairs would wear him out but that is not always the case. Many times, we just need to get a hug or find that random toy we haven't touched in 2 years. Tonight, he was up pretty good but came down around 9 wide awake. I heard Scott telling him to get in bed and go to sleep. Next thing I know, Luke is in bed next to me as I work on Bible Study. Within 2 minutes, he is snoring. Sometimes he just needs a little company and he is out. So, I take him upstairs to put him in bed and am a little perplexed to find 6 apples on his floor. What do you think he was doing with these apples? How did Scott not see him come down the stairs or hear him in the fridge? And HOW did he carry them all upstairs. I had to carry them down in my t-shirt. So, I take them down and am laughing showing Scott what I found when I comment on how cold it is...oh, wait a minute...our back door is wide open. A little someone has been in the fridge and out back (in 20 degree weather). Maybe he was out back hoping to pick some apples???

Oh, the way their little minds work!

I am a stinky butt?

Houston, we have a problem! So I don't know what has happened to my sweet Luke but the last week there has been quite the change in his little personality. Suddenly, he feels the need to usurp some independence and thinks he is so funny. He is sometimes but do NOT tell him I said that. So, the last few days have been really rough for me and Luke. Just lots of testing. I'll say, "Luke, I need you to do X" and Luke will say "Ummmm, NO!"or "I want to be the boss of you! why do you get be the boss?" and I am sure you get the point. And, I am sure some of you are chuckling...I can hear you over here.  I am staying consistent and trying to be calm but it is getting hard. Yesterday, I don't even remember what I told him to do but he looks at me and says with great certainty... "You Are A Stinky Butt!". WHAT???And that little stinker has the guts to repeat it, like when I said what, I really didn't hear what he said! I mean we do not say butt at our house. I am pretty sure Jack may say it among his friends now but he would not be caught saying it in front of me let alone to me. Scott tells me Jack is old enough that he needs to say butt because bottom makes him sound like a dork. Okay, I'll give on that, but LUKE??? He is 3 years old!

I am not sure where it came from but am guessing school or from some of the older boys on our street. But let me tell you...this Mom does not like that talk one little bit. I may be a stinky butt but let me tell you what...I better not ever be called that again. Luke and I had a big talking and he even lost TV last night which was quite traumatic for his highness. Today, he told me butt is a bad word and he is going to be the butt police (oh great, because mine is big so I do not need a police). Anyway, he has decided that his job is to be the boss of anyone who uses that word. So, be warned because he is on the prowl! Well, this stinky mom is signing off!

A Sad Day....

Today, I went to the funeral of my friend Bethany's mom, Joyce. It was really the first time I have had a friend lose a parent and let me tell you, I am not ready. Joyce lost her battle with brain cancer on Friday. She was so lively and such a fun lady. The stories today really gave me a chuckle and they were all so Joyce.

Bethany was so strong today and really has been especially the last few months. She has been the rock of the family and has been there night and day to take care of her mom while juggling her own three children. I went with 4 of my pledge sisters and it was so great. Bethany was so glad we were there and I am just proud to have so many friends. That is what friends are for. We may not be there every day to chat and share stories, but when someone needs you, a friend comes running. Bethany was so glad to have us and even reserved a row up front for us. We were so shocked, but it told us how grateful she was to have us there. Even those who couldn't make it rolled out the support in calls and cards etc. It was overwhelming to watch.

The whole day just reminded me how short life is. The big message today that Joyce wanted shared was to make sure you live every day to the fullest and have no regrets. I hope that when I am old or near death, my children will all say that my family was most important to me and that I lived each day to the fullest with no regrets. I really am going to strive to that and need to remember that the little things are what life is all about. I hope you all know that you are important to me and I appreciate my relationship with each one of you.

Come See Our Shower....

I make fun of Scott and I all the time, always laughing about our exciting lives. Well, we may not be tearing up "the scene" these days, but I wouldn't trade where we are for anything. I love our monkeys! And really, we are not alone. On New Year's Eve, we had our friends, the Smiths, over for dinner. It was a very fun night. I do not know why I wait for a special occasion to invite people over, but I really need to do that more often. Betsy and Steve have 2 precious children, Brock and Gracie Jane. Brock and Gracie Jane are pretty stair-stepped with Luke and Emma, but it made for a great play date.

Luke thought Brock was so cool and they were immediately buds playing all night long. At first the girls just watched and even participated some in the playing of cars. Gracie Jane is older than Emma (by not quite a year), but by all means, Emma looks bigger. She is just taller,thicker and was a bit more vocal on that night (of course we were at her house) and apparently, Emma is more the instigator. Anyway, they ended up playing great together and we would see them holding hands, playing babies etc. All very sweet. And then.... the adults had finished dinner and we were cleaning up when I looked over to see Emma standing in the doorway with "the look". Upon further inspection, we discover she is shirtless, soaking wet and very lathered up in soap. it was pretty funny. Needless to say, she was showing Gracie Jane our shower (forget all the toys Santa brought her...we have a shower!!). It appeared that Emma was in the shower and Gracie Jane was helping Emma wash by rubbing the soap all over her back.

If I had thought to have a camera, it would be priceless. They were just hilarious and too cute. Definitely a memory I will cherish.

A Little Behind...again:)

Well, I am behind again. This blogging would be easier if my kiddos would ever let me have 5 minutes alone on the pooter (that's what we call the computer at our house). Anyway...Christmas was fantastic. Everyone had a great day, well, make it a great week! Luke got Woody, lots of Buzz Lightyear stuff, a tent, a plasma scooter and lots of tools! Emma got her pink Bible, a new baby, dollhouse and lots of Fancy Nancy dress up stuff. She was a hoot and wore this dress up stuff all day--even outside to ride her new scooter. She is truly 100% girl! Jack had a great Christmas. He got a laptop (so he can be on the Internet downstairs with us and not have to wait for Mom and Dad to stop working before he can get online. This is a big downside to everyone working at home) and he got a cell phone. He didn't guess either gift but was so excited. I don't think I have seen him smile that much in a long time! The cell phone was one of those last minute gifts but we have been holding out since his birthday. I went on a field trip and discovered that he really wasn't exaggerating...most everyone does have a cell phone. I am still not sure how often he will talk on it, but he feel cool just having it so more power to him.

We had a great week of spending time with each other and all of our family. Thanks to everyone for a great Christmas!