Meow Meow Meow

Dear Biped Human,

It is high time that I wrote you this letter. We need to have a discussion about what has been going on in this house.

First, it was just me. I was the only other living thing in the house with you two. I was fed regularly. I always had a lap to sit on. I was given treats and toys. Life was good.


Then you brought another four legged feline into the house. I was pissed at first. How could you? I was the king of this castle. But then little Lucy, annoying as she was always biting on my ears and playing with my tail, grew on me. I liked her around. She was my friend. It made me sad when she just went away but I recovered. I was happy that once again the castle was mine or so I thought.

There was something going on with you two. You bipeds were multiplying. First it was one young one and then it was three. Three at one time. Are you trying to give me a nervous kitty break down?

I could tolerate the one young offspring. He was fine. I was able to out run him and hide but now, now there are more and they are everywhere.

You say that they just love me but I ask you, are pulling on my tail, smacking me in the face and poking my butt signs of love? I think not. And also since these offspring have come into the house my time on my favorite human chair has greatly decreased. In fact it is down right nonexistent.


Now I have tolerated all this very well, if I do say so myself. I don't bite the offspring often and when I do, they really, really deserved it. I no longer sleep on the couch so that they can use it for jumping and I even share my food with them, upon occasion.


But the other day, I heard of talk that I will not tolerate. There is no way that I am going to let you bring a filthy DOG into this house. Just let all those decapitated mice and squirrels I leave for you on the porch be your warning. Do we understand each other.

Good. Now come over and pet me.

Your Loving Cat,

Charlie

Charlie wrote this post.
Mama Kat gave him permission.
This was for a Writer's Workshop prompt after all.

The Toy The Got The Best of Us

See, this toy set. Isn't it cute? When I saw it in the store, I just knew that Claire had to have it.She is all about playing with babies and the fact that it's twins was so exciting to me. I want her to be a mommy of multiples just like me. So I got her this for Christmas and when she opened it, I was not disappointed with her reaction. She was really, really happy and excited about it. She couldn't wait to get the babies out. The other thing that she wanted most was the stroller.

She was dead set on getting her babies in that stroller and talking them for a walk. So being the good mommy that I try to be, I opened the box, pulled out all the pieces and tried to put it together.

I laid all the pieces out, carefully talking a mental inventory of each piece. But there was one thing that was missing.

The instructions.

I looked over all the pieces that were laid out in front of me. I questioned each one of the kids. I looked under the furniture. I checked every inch of the box but the instructions were no where.

By this time Claire was begging and pleading for her stroller. She just wanted to play with it. She wanted it right now. I looked at her, look down at all the pieces, looked over at Jeff, the usual one who assembles all the toys who was busy putting together something for the Quinn, and I decided that I couldn't disappoint my little girl. I didn't have want make her sad on Christmas and I didn't want her wait another minute for a toy that she really, really wanted.

So I decided to put the toy together myself with out the aid of the instructions. How hard could it really be?

Well, that thought right there, set off a chain of events that lead to it taking 3 hours for that stroller to get put together and to the fact that there is now an epoxy stain on my bedspread.

See, in trying to put the stroller together with out instructions, I ended up breaking one of the pieces. I was trying to put two pieces together that clearly did not go together and I broke the pin that held the piece that did fit in place.

My struggle caused Jeff to become interested and he soon saw my mistake. After many under the breath cuss words and a few tears from me, Jeff came up with the idea that we could use epoxy to glue the pieces together.

Beautiful. Problem solved.

After reading the instructions on the epoxy package we told Claire that in 20 minutes she would have her stroller. She was so happy that she was jumping for joy.

Jeff quickly got the epoxy on the pieces and stuck them together. We set the timer for 10 minutes and started making breakfast while that set. When the timer beeped, he went over and began to put the rest of the stroller together only to realize that he had put it on upside down.

Thankfully, the package was incorrect about the time needed for the epoxy to set and Jeff was able to pull it apart. Once again, Jeff applied epoxy to the pieces, put them together and set the timer for it to set.

The phone rang. Jeff took the call, being it was his mom, and began to tell her all about our Christmas and as they talked about Claire's stroller he walked over to check on it and realized that yet again, he had put the piece on upside down.

He continued talking to his mom while he pulled the toy apart for the second time and began the process of applying more epoxy.

Well, Jeff's mom wanted to talk to me and of course I had to be in our bedroom making the bed. So as Jeff held the toy together with newly applied, wet epoxy on it, he took the phone to me in our bedroom and as he handed me the phone and as he did very large drop of epoxy slide off the toy and onto our bed.

I watched it drop in slow motion. The only thing I could do was screech at him to get out of the bedroom. I tried to rub the epoxy off the bedspread but I only ended up sticking my fingers to the spread and smearing it.

Knowing that my efforts were futile, I returned to the kitchen where Jeff had finally finished putting the stroller together. But that was not before he almost put the piece on upside down for a third time. He did not realize his mistake until I pointed out to him that it was difficult to read the words when they were upside down.

So long story short, Claire now has a fully functional twin stroller that she loves and adores. And Jeff and I have a constant reminder of our struggles and that we might be idiots.

The Things Kids Say

I sent Hayden up to his room to pick it up. I wasn't expecting much but I really just wanted the legos pick up from the floor. When he came running down the stairs saying, "Mom, Mom come see my room!" I knew I would have to go up and see his progress and I meant to, I really did but as I often do, I got side tracked.

So when I went up to tuck him into bed, I got a very pleasant surprise. He has indeed picked up the entire room and even made his bed. He NEVER makes his bed.

He smile up at me with pride and said, "See Mom, I did pick up my room and it is not filthy anymore. Do you think I did a good job?"

"Why, yes Hayden you did an great job." I praised him.

He giggled with delight and said, "Can I have a treat now?"

What those kids won't do for a piece of the candy. I seriously dread the day when it runs out.

***

Hayden was the first one up this morning so I pulled him into bed with me, wrapped my arms around him an held him close. As we snuggled together, I was brought back to when he was a new baby and he and I used to snuggle like this every morning. I began telling him about those mornings and as I spoke, he asked me to tell him more and more about what he was like as a baby.

I was really enjoying this walk down memory lane and this time with Hayden. It is not often that I get to snuggle and cuddle my now 5 year old son and I know that as he gets older and older this time will be almost non-existent. It was one of those perfect moments that every mother lives for.

When suddenly, Hayden bolted out of bed and began to walk out of the room.

"Hayden," I questioned, "Where are you going? You don't want to lay with Mommy anymore?"

"No," he shrugged his shoulders, "I wanna play the computer."

"Alright," I sighed, just a little hurt that the computer was more appealing than snuggle time with me.

Then he stopped, turned around and got right into my face, "Don't worry, Mom. I will always love you."

And with that he ran away and all I could do was smile with my whole heart. "I will always love you too, my son." I whispered.

***

We all were in the car after an family trip to the mall to experience some of the Christmas decorations. It was late, the kids were tired and hungry and Jeff and I were on our last nerve. The kids were yelling and screaming more than normal. It just got to be too much to take. Jeff lost it.

"EVERYONE QUIET! NOW!" He yelled over the kids.

The force in his voice, quieted the car for a blessed moment. But it was all too soon when Hayden spoke up.

"Um, Mom. Can I tell you something?" Hayden asked in a small quiet voice.

Before, I could answer him and tell him it was alright to speak nicely, Claire pipped in.

"Hiyen! Oo, shut yer mouth!"

Seriously, who teachers her this stuff? Certainly not me. ;)

***

Hayden is following in his father's footsteps with a great love for all things electronic, especially video games. Jeff found some random game trailers online for Hayden to watch one evening much to Hayden's joy and delight.

Hayden was impressed with all Jeff's knowledge of a certain game and that Jeff had 'beat up' the game. So Hayden asked Jeff how he knew all that. Jeff being the lovely sarcastic parent he is said, "Well because I am awesome and I didn't have a girl friend."

A few minutes later, the movie switched to highlight a different game. Jeff had not played this one and knew very little about it. Hayden thought this was strange and questioned Jeff.

"Dad, how come you don't know about this game? How come you didn't beat up this game? Is it because you had a girl friend?"

Needed: Some Holiday Recovery Time

I worked all weekend.

Laundry has taken over the house as well as new toys.

I have some funny stories to write but that is going to have to wait for another time.
A time when I can get my brain to form some coherent thoughts.

So for now, I want to show you something seriously cute.

Hope everyone had a great holiday.

Oh, and I am sorry about all the video posts but
Santa was good to me this year and brought be a new
Flip UltraHD camera so I am a little video happy.
Don't worry, I am sure it will send soon.

Christmas Magic

Twas the day of Christmas and all through the house
Joy was erupting from everyone, even the mouse.

Presents were open and everyone was glad
But there was one little boy who was a little sad.

"What's wrong? he was asked by his Mommy dressed in blue.
"Santa forgot to do what he said he would do."

"Don't worry," his Mommy answered him with a hug and squeeze.
"I am sure Santa did not, now dry up those tears, please."

Away the day flew and it was time to go.
For another house held more joy than the boy could know.

While gathered together what did the boy did hear?
Sleigh bells, of course and he knew that Santa was near.

Then in the room, Santa did appear.
He called the children to come and gather near.

"I found some gifts in the back of my sleigh."
"I knew you would want these for your tomorrow's play."

Smiling brightly the boy took the gift.
"Thank you, Santa," he said with a sniff.

Packaging flew through the air causing clutter.
But a gasp was all that the boy could utter.

For his eyes they did twinkle and shine with delight.
Santa remembered and everything was going to be all right.

Traditions

During this time of year, I tend to get a little sentimental.

For me, Christmas is all about the traditions that we share with our family and friends.

I look back at the traditions of my past like gathering at my Grandma's house and singing Christmas carols around the piano and all the Christmas concerts that I used to preform in as a child.

I am reminded of how life as changed as I think back upon all the Christmas and New Year's Eve parties that Jeff and I used to attend as a newly married couple.

And I can't help but smile when I think about all the traditions that we have started with our kids. Like making cookies for Santa, talking about Advent and baby Jesus, going to church on Christmas Eve with friends, the pure delight and joy of the kids on Christmas morning and just being able to gather with family spending time together.

But this year, when I think about all these traditions that this time of year brings, I not only smile about them but I say of prayer of thanks for them. I am just grateful to have all my family and friends around me.

In these days and weeks leading up to Christmas, there has been a lot of sadness surrounding my life. I go online and read a story of a mother losing her child in a tragic accident. I go into work and watch a family looses their father, and another family learns there is nothing else we can do to heal their mother. I hear about people not able to afford presents or food for their kids. I know of marriages hanging on by a thread.

It is just so sad.
It seems unfair.
It seems wrong.
It just shouldn't happen,
especially so close to Christmas.

But sadly, this is part of life. Life is full of good things and bad.

So this year, when we celebrate Santa and the birth of Jesus, I am going to try and smile just a little more. I am going to hug my family a little closer. I am going to try and enjoy and take in every minute, even the ones that stress me out. I am going to pray a little more.
And most of all, I am just going to be thankful for the time that we have together.

From my family to yours I wish you all a Blessed Christmas
and a very Happy New Year!

And I am going to end with four people that bring me endless amounts of joy and laughter.

Photos by jbjohnson photography

How to Torture a Toddler (and their Mother)

First, set up a Christmas tree with lots and lots of shiny, sparkly, fun ornaments.
Include ones of Santa and babies and snowmen.

Then for weeks on end, tell them that they can't touch the tree or its lovely inhabitants.

Lastly, if you want to really, really want to push the envelope and drive those toddlers
(and their mother)
CRAZY!

Add presents with fun colored bows on top and tell them that they can't touch them.

To drive others in the house crazy, make sure that you repeat the warning to not touch the presents 50 million times and make the toddlers wait as long as possible to open said presents.
Then and only then will it be a very fun time.

1-800 Dial a Nurse

Nap time is my time of day. I use it to do things that I want to do. I don't use this time to pick up the house, do laundry, or clean. I use it to watch TV, read a book, relax on the couch, blog or sometimes take a nap myself.

This one hour (some times two if I am lucky) a day is my time. I use it to recharge and unwind. I feel that I deserve at least that. And sure, if I used this time to clean the house, fold laundry or pick up, my house hold chores would get done faster but I know that I would be miserable. I need this time to stay sane.

This time of day is so precious to me that I usually don't even answer the phone. Well, that's not true, I screen the calls and if its someone that I don't know or I don't want to talk to, I let it go straight to voice mail. I will return the call later in the day or in the evening.

This exact thing happened the other day. I was at the computer when the phone rang. I wasn't going even get up to look at the phone but I decided that I should. I mean, what if it was my mother calling. I really should take her calls, right!?

But instead, the caller ID told me that it was my unit at the hospital calling. I figured they were just calling to ask me to work and there was no way I could. And besides, my precious nap time is not a time to talk to anyone at work, so I ignored the call.

A little later, after the kids were awake and settled with a snack, the beep of my phone reminded me that I had an unheard message. I grabbed my phone, pulled up my voice mail and listened.

I expected one of my co-workers to come on the line and leave me a message about how we were shorted staffed at 3pm and if I was able to work to please call. But what I heard was entirely different.

A gruff female voice came on the phone and said, "Bob! Bob! Why are you not answering Bob?"

Then in the background I heard other people talking, "Make sure you tell him that we are going to be moving out of the ICU. You will no longer be in room 12. Tell him to make sure that he brings you some clothes."

Then there was some shuffling and I heard another voice, "Yes, your call light is on? What can I help you with?"

"Pooooop!" The first gruff female voice shouted. "I gotta pooooop! Poooop! I gotta poooop!" The voice continued only louder, "Bob! Bob, you sonofab*tch, answer me!"

Then the background voice spoke up again, "Mom, you need to hang up the phone. He is not there."

"Poop," the gruff female voice said again, "I gotta poooop! Poop. Poop. Poop."

Then nothing, the messaged ended.

I looked at my phone. Listened to the message again. Checked to make sure that the phone number was actually from the hospital.

Then I did the only thing that I thought was right. I called up my friend, who I knew was working and said, "Um yeah, the patient in room 12 just called me and I think she may need some help going to the bathroom. Will you check into it?"

She started to protest and question me but I just said, "Trust me, on this one." I closed my phone and shook my head, "Weird just weird."

I put my phone away and hoped that there would be no more calls for Bob or the bathroom to my phone.

Cookies

“Children ask better questions than adults. "May I have a cookie?" "Why is the sky blue?" and "What does a cow say?" are far more likely to elicit a cheerful response than "Where's your manuscript?" Why haven't you called?" and "Who's your lawyer?"”

~Fran Lebowitz

Make yourself happy, go have a cookie!

That's Not What I Had Planned

The plan was for me to come home from work, pick up some Chinese food, watch a little TV and then spend some 'special' time with Jeff. That was the plan until I got a phone call at work about 20 minutes before I was suppose to leave.

"Jen, can you check you email?" Jeff said. "Claire fell while I was upstairs with the boys. I took a picture and I want you to look at it. Do you think she needs stitches?"

I quickly opened my email, saw the picture and said, "You should call the doctor and get the official 'ok' to go but yes, I think we need to take her to ER. I will leave here soon."

I quickly finished up my work, reported off to the next nurse and I was on my way. Jeff met me at the half way point between home and the hospital, I picked up Claire and was on my way back to the hospital.

Claire was a real trooper. If you asked her, she had a fabulous time. She loved playing with all the toys that they brought her. She got to watch a couple movies. She flirted with all the cute doctors and nurses. She had a blast.

Her charm and whit just blew me away. She was so good and did everything they asked of her. In fact, she didn't even cry when they put three stitches in her little face. The only time she cried was when we had to leave. She didn't want to go as a matter of fact when I told her that we to go home, she said, "Ooo, shut er mouth."

But all good things must come to an end besides, it was totally past her bed time and getting really close to mine. But before I tucked her in bed, I gave her a chance to tell you all what happen.

My Motto: Listen and Obey

As parents, we all want our kids to listen to us and do as we say. Hence, the phrase 'Listen and Obey' has become my motto. I say this phrase about 12,457 times a day, hoping that it will sink in and my children will actually listen and obey the things that I say.

This phrase is said a lot at home but I say it even more when we go out. It usually goes a little something like this.

Me: "Hayden and Claire will you please stop touching that."

Them: They look at me and stop for about 1.3 seconds and then turn around to touch said item again.

Me: "I asked you guys to stop touching. Now you need to (I make my tone more forceful and louder) listen and obey!"

This phrase really doesn't change anything. They don't immediately stop like I would like them too. I don't really know why I say it but it kind of does make me feel better saying it.

But since I do say this phrase so many times a day, Claire, the little mother in training, has started saying it to her brothers.

"Jake! Quinn! Hayen! LISTEN AND OBEY!"

After a particularly long time of Claire screaming this, Hayden had had enough because older brothers are not suppose to take orders from their little sister. So he asked me,

"Mom, I don't need to to listen and obey Claire, right!?!" I nodded in agreement saying something like, I was the mother and he only needs to obey me and Daddy and other adults he is with.

Then after pondering this for a minute he said, "Mom, what does obey mean?"

You know what, this really explains a lot.

This has been an attempt at a Writer's Workshop post.
Go check out Mama's Losin' It for others.

Not My Best Idea

I am full of ideas.
Some of are good ideas.
And some are not so good ideas.

Being that it is the holiday season, I am just bursting with fun holiday event ideas.
Every where I turn there is another fun holiday thing going on.

For example, one of our local malls has this huge model train set up.
There are four trains driving all around.
It is really cool.

And taking the kids to see the holiday trains,
was a really, good idea.

They were fascinated by the trains as they zoomed around the track.
I have never seen my children be so still.

Now this next holiday activity, not really one of my best idea.
I thought it would be fun to take the kids to a ceramic shop to paint ornaments.

Sure they look sweet and cute sitting there in the photos painting
and they really did enjoy themselves.

But I took three 2 year old's into a store where everything was breakable
and to top that, I gave them paint!

I should have just let a cat with a lit torch tied to its tail lose in the store.
That probably would have caused less damage.

By the end of the session, the kid were covered in paint, I was sweating, my throat hurt from whisper yelling, Jeff was threatening divorce and we had broken more ornaments than we painted.

Yeah, probably not my best idea.



This post has been part of Wordful Wednesday
Hosted by Ange at 7 Clown Circus.

Take Me to the Movies

Well, Jeff and I finally did it. We had a chance to have a night out. We took the kids over to my parents house and we were free. But there was just one problem, we really didn't know what we wanted to do.

We talked about going Christmas shopping but who really wants to do that and besides, it is not even close to Christmas eve. That is day that I usually do all my shopping. So that idea was out.

We talked about going out for dinner but we really didn't want to eat with all the retired people since it was only 4pm in the afternoon. So that idea was out.

Besides, I really wanted to go see a movie. I don't know what it is but there is just something about going to the theater to see a movie. I just love it. I love the size of the cups, so big you can swim in them. I love the smell of popcorn and butter. I love the chairs in the theater. I love the quiet. And I love being swindled out of my hard earned money just to sit in a chair, eat popcorn and watch a movie. Ok, so I don't really like that part but its part of the experience.

So it was set, we would go see a movie. We debated about a couple choices but our curiosity just got the better of us and we decided to see New Moon.

I am not really what you would all a Twihard. I did read all the books and I really, really enjoyed them. I liked the books so much that I did not see the first movie and I won't. I like the 'movie' that is in my head much better than anything they could put on screen.

But I was curious. I wanted to see what all the hype was about. And since Jeff, too, read all the books and was curious, we decided to go.

We went into the movie not expecting a whole lot because lets face it, a movie can never be as good as a book. And in my book, the Twilight series is awesome.

I am just going to say this, I was entertained for the most part but not really by the movie. No, it was more entertaining to listen to the guy in the row behind us snoring. He seemed to have perfect timing.

Edward told Bella that he was leaving and she was just about to protest when... SNORE!!!

Bella realizes danger is how she can see Edward and.... SNORE!!!!!

Jacob leans in to try and kiss Bella..... SNORE!!!!!

Bella is running to save Edward from the light and just as she reaches him.... SNORE!!!!!!

It was just too perfect. We had to control ourselves with the volume of our laughter as to not to annoy those around us even more.

All in all, it was a great night out. We were together and shared a laugh or five. And that is really all that matters.

But I think that our conversation as we were walking out totally sums things up.

"You know how Twilight was written for young adults, specifically young women?" Jeff said as we walked. "Well, then this movie was made for those girls too."

"Yeah, I know." I said. "It was made for them and their cougar mothers. And I guess you can call me one because there was some good stuff to look at. So I can see where someone with your 'equipment' wouldn't really enjoy the movie. I bet you were one of the only men in there."

"Well, at least me and my 'equipment' were able to stay awake unlike snorey mcsnore snore." He said as he took my hand and we continued to walk to the car.

The Sarcastic Parent

"Jeff, can you please take the Christmas tree box down stairs?" I asked.

He had finished lunch and the little kids were climbing in the box and I didn't want it to get ruined so that we could use it to pack away the tree.

"Um, what? Yeah, sure," Jeff said half listening to me half watching the TV.

It doesn't matter what is on TV, Jeff is always distracted by it. He always stops everything to watch it. Jeff will walk into a room with the TV on and you can almost hear his neck snap as whips around to watch it.

Me, on the other hand, it is just back ground noise. I can pay attention to whats going on around me and the TV but not Jeff, with him its one of the other.

Once, I got Jeff's full attention and once again asked him to take the Christmas tree box downstairs. He went over, picked up the box and walked through the kitchen. As he passed through, he told Hayden, "I am going to quickly walk by with this big box so you won't be able to see the TV for a minute."

Hayden, who has much the same problem with the TV as his Dad, didn't comprehend what Jeff said because as Jeff walked by him and blocked his view, he screamed "DAD! DAD! I CAN'T SEE THE TV! DAD! I CAN'T SEE!"

I snickered a little because, its sorta funny to me that Hayden is so much like Jeff and Jeff gets a taste of what I deal with when I talk to him when he is talking to Hayden. I watched Jeff turned around, to what I assumed would be to repeat to Hayden his earlier warning.

Much to my surprise, it really shouldn't have been a surprised knowing Jeff, Jeff started dancing and swinging the large Christmas tree box back and forth all while asking, "Hayden, can you see if I stand over here? What about over here? What about if I hold it on my head? Can you see now?"

I couldn't help but laugh and soon but not after a couple of protests, Hayden was laughing too. And with that Jeff went downstairs with the box. Hayden and I stopped laughing and he went back to watching his show.

But Jeff was not done.

Once Jeff came back up stairs, he again stood in Hayden's view of the TV.

"Hey, Jen? Have I ever showed you how I stretch in the morning?"

And with that Jeff raised his hands over his head, began to jump around from side to side, stretching his body as big as he could make it. I knew his plan was to totally be in Hayden's way and it was working.

Hayden was trying so hard to move in the opposite direction that Jeff was so that he could see the TV but which ever way Hayden moved, Jeff went that way too.

But Jeff was so ridiculous looking with his 'stretching' that both Hayden and I couldn't help but laugh out loud. And soon, Jeff himself was laughing and he had to stop. I looked up at Jeff and smiled.

"What?" He asked me trying to look like he didn't do anything wrong.

I answered him with the statement that had been running through my head this whole time, "So this is what its like when a sarcastic, a-hole becomes a parent."

Thank You!

I just wanted to say Thank you to all those that made bids during the auction that we held to help The Liz Logelin Foundation and Anissa Mayhew.

We were able to raise just about $2000 to split between these two worthy causes.
Your generosity was amazing.

Thank you to all those that donated.
Thank you to all those that helped spread the word.
Thank you to everyone for just coming by.

I, we, think that this was a huge success.

Don't Do It, Please, Just Don't.

Dearest Santa,

I need to have a quick word with you. I know that I have written you before on behalf of my children but this time I am writing you because I need to make something clear.

Now, you probably saw my children today in the store and you saw what they were begging and pleading for. I know they really, really wanted it and yes, they did look so cute playing on it. But if you bring an kind of musical instruments to my house, especially a drum set, then you and I are going to have serious words.

I just don't think that I will be able to handle all those little hands beating away on drums, even if there are headphones included. It is enough that I have to listen to their Daddy pounding away on the Rock Band drums.

Anymore drums and that might just push me over the edge. I may just be forced to send them to live with you at the north pole, drums and all. And we certainly, don't want that, do we?

So please Santa, choose their gift wisely. I am begging you... please.


Thank you,
Just a mommy trying to hold onto that last shred of sanity.

Pencil Thin, Baking Boogers and Other Randomness

I am a nurse. It is my job to look at things that come out of the body, describe them and then choose from a drop down list on a computer to document what I see. There are choices like brown, green, creamy, thick, loose, thin, soft, formed and so on. But there is one choice that I really don't know what to do with when I see it. And that is pencil thin. What in the world does that mean? In my almost 10 years as an RN, I have not seen anything come out of the body that looks, pencil thin. Seriously.

******

I was trying to enjoy a cup of coffee in the kitchen, when Jake wondered in. He looked up at me and said, "See dick, Mommy." I about spit my coffee out of my mouth as I tried to understand what he was saying. "What?" I asked. "See dick. Want see dick, pleeese, Mom." Jake said a little more urgently. "Jake, I don't know what a 'see dick' is," I said to him. Then he walked over the the fridge and tried to open the door. "See dick. See dick." He said while pulling on the door. "Oh, do you want a Cheese Stick?" I said as the light bulb went off. "Yeah, see dick." Jake said with a big grin.

******


Doesn't this just make you want to try some of what we have been baking?


It comes complete with some extra chewy little pieces.
Yum. Yum.


******

Since our first snow last week, Hayden wanted to build a snowman. After many hours of begging and pleading, Jeff agreed. They built a little snowman. Hayden spent many, many minutes pick out each rock for his eyes and he found some leaves for ears. He was so proud of his creation. He loved his little snowman and show anyone who would look.

So how come a couple days later, did I find him murdering the poor thing? I am not just talking about knocking it over. No, I am talking about knocking it over, throwing the head across the yard and then stomping on it until its no longer recognizable.I just don't get it. Seriously, what is wrong with these kids?

******

There are two things that I would really, really like to teach my children. First, I am not the trash can. No matter how 'trashy' I look, I do not want to hold your trash. The actual trash can is located under the sink, always has been, always will be. So Use It!

Secondly, when you put food in your mouth and chew it for a number of minutes, you are suppose to swallow it. Not come and find me and spit it out into my hand. That is so extremely gross. Chew and swallow food. That is all.

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I hope you all have a great weekend. We are going to get our Christmas tree. Well, if we can find one in the blizzard that we are having, should be fun.

(Un)Kindness of Strangers

I like going shopping, any kind of shopping really. I don't even mind grocery shopping. In fact, that is one of my favorite kinds of shopping to do. I just love walking down the isle and looking at all the food. It inspires me. I get ideas for different things to cook and meals to make. I know, I am weird and probably have an unhealthy relationship with food but none the less, I like to go.

Wait, I need to clarify. I like to go shopping by myself. Because lets face it, the reality is taking kids shopping, well it just sucks. Not every time but most of the time it is not fun for mommy and kids alike.

But who can really blame them. I don't think that I would like being strapped into a cart for an unknown amount of time, constantly being told to not touch things.

But sometimes when we go to the store it is not the kids that make is a the trip terrible, its the people. John Q Public.

Most people are not terrible. Most people are just curious about the kids. When they were babies, we would get stopped a lot and questioned, "Are they triplets?" "Are they all yours?" "Were they natural?" "Do they have the same birthday?" "Did you give birth to them all at the same time?"

Now that they are older, people don't stop us a whole lot. If they do, they ask if the little boys are twins? Or they are confused about their ages. I also get a lot of 'my your hands are full' comments. I don't mind these comments or questions. I smile graciously and answer what I can.

The people that bother me are the ones that look down their noses at me, that scoff when it takes me extra time to walk by or 'tsk tsk' me when one of the little kids gets too far ahead for their liking. They are the people that I see roll their eyes are me or say comments, "Some people just don't know when to quit."

I don't like these people. They harden me to others and make me think twice about talking to strangers and make me bitter about dealing with people.

But there are a few people that are truly diamonds in the rough. This small handful of people don't judge me or scoff at me. They don't ask to personal questions like 'did you have sex three times to get that many?' These people actually help me.

I never see them coming but they are always there when I need it most. Like when Jake is screaming his head off and falling out of the cart while Claire has spilled water all over the isle and herself and Quinn has run off and Hayden is trying to steal and open a candy bar. They swoop in and somehow help me regain control.

They make the kids giggle with a silly face or funny joke. They offer a balloon or small toy as a distraction. They calmly return the missing child. They tell me stories of how horrible their children were in a store.

These people are just magical. I don't know how or from where they come but I am always glad that they do. They deserve so much more than my Thank you's.

This post has been part of Writer's Workshop
Hosted by Mama Kat

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Also, the Blog • Bid •Hope auction benefiting The Liz Logelin Foundation and Anissa Mayhew is still going on. Bids can actually be placed until Friday 12/11 at 5pm PST.

Please check out this post which contains a list of links to all the auction posts.
If you don't want to bid on an item but would still like to help out this worthy cause, just click on the buttons below.

For The Liz Logelin Foundation

Waiting for Christmas

Well, the holiday season is in full swing.
Our house is beginning to look a lot like Christmas.
We just need a tree for the transformation to be complete.

The talk around here is of Presents
and Santa,
and Baby Jesus
and Advent.

The kids couldn't be more excited.
They are waiting and wanting.
And keeping a constant watch.

Christmas, please come soon!

I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas.
I hope that your holidays are full of blessings.
I know that mine will be.

And to my fellow SITStas,
I wish you all a very Merry SITSmas.


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And please don't forget to come back tomorrow Blog • Bid •Hope, an on-line auction hosted by myself, Mayhem & Moxie, 7 Clown Circus, Scary Mommy, Adventures in Babywearing, The Extraordinary Ordinary, & Mama’s Losin’ It. We are working together host this three day auction, with a goal is to raise money on behalf of the Liz Logelin Foundation, as well as Anissa Mayhew, a 35 year old blogger who recently suffered a stroke. The auction will offer a variety of items, including blog designs, accessories, electronics, baby gear and art.

Do some good over the holiday season and donate to the members of the on-line community who need our support. Because different items will be available for bidding on all seven sites, you are sure to please anyone on your holiday list!

How to Blow Out a Candle by Jake

1. Take a big bite of food.

2. Lean back and take a really, really, really big breath

3. Then when your lungs can't hold any more air, scrunch up your face and blow.

4. Take another big bite of food make sure that your mouth is still full of food from the first bite.

5. Take a big breath, scrunch up your face more and blow again and again.



This method has not been proven to actually blow out a candle but it is ridiculously cute.

Even our Pancakes are Looking like Chirstmas

Two Christmas Trees, a Candy Cane and a Rocket Ship.
Loving made by Jeff.

I know what you are thinking, a rocket ship isn't very Christmasy.
And you are right but Jake is very much into rockets.
He makes everything into a rocket ship;
tooth brushes, markers, socks, spoons, pieces of bread.
He sees the world as one big rocket ship.

So he wanted nothing to do with Christmas pancakes.
Only a rocket ship would do.

I Think I May Have Created A Monster

When I see it come in the mail, I get all giddy with anticipation. I can't wait to get home and start paging through it. My hands sometimes shake with excitement as I try to turn each page.

Everything in there is just so pretty and takes me back to a time when life was simple. I still after all these year would like one, well not just one but the whole set.

I want an American Girl doll and everything that comes with one. Oh the hours of brushing her hair and dressing her up in all those costumes. Just the thought of it makes me happy.

I have drooled over the American Girl catalog for as long as I can remember. I remember the very first time I looked at the catalog. I looked at it so much, the ink began to wear off the pages. I plotted and planned on how to get one. I tried to save my money but this dream of mine has never came true.

But I still like to look. I still like to think about what it would be like to actually own and play with one of these dolls. And it is time that I share this joy. So this time when the catalog came to our house, I showed the this magic catalog of doll goodness to Claire.




And now the torch has been passed on and Claire now knows the joy of this wonderful catalog. Maybe she will get lucky and have a doll bestowed upon her. I promise that I will let her play with it, sometimes.

Her joy and excitement, just made me so happy. Right now, she is in love with the dogs and cats but she will learn of the dolls. All in good time.
All in good time.




Hosted by Cecily

A Letter to Santa

Dear Santa,

I need to take a minute to write you this letter before Hayden's 'letter' reaches you. The boy is really confused about things and I just don't want you to get confused too. I know that you have a ton of kids to look after and find gifts for so one boy who insists that he wants something from the Easter bunny and not Santa is likely to get lost in the shuffle.

Now, Hayden really is a really good boy. He does deserve to get toys and books and video games and all the things that he wants. But we need to keep it within reason, alright. You see when I gave me a couple toy catalogs that I got in the mail and told him to use them to help him make his wish list for Santa, I didn't expect him to cut up each catalog in its entirety.

So when you get his letter, it is going to be a little thicker and look a little different than you are probably used to. He has carefully placed each and every tiny piece of paper in to a ziplock sandwich bag and that is what he intends to mail to you. Not a list but just a bag, filled with tiny cut outs of all the toys he wants.


I tried to get him to trim down his 'wish list' but he says it can just not be done. He says that everything in there is very important to him and it just has to stay his list.

I have to stop here and tell you that we are not raising a greedy son. He doesn't always get his way or get every single toy he wants. We are trying to teach him that it is better to give that receive. His Grandma showed him this by taking him to buy a gift for a boy that would not otherwise get a present this year. He is very proud of what he did to help this little boy. Just ask him, he will tell you he picked out a game and pjammies for this 4 year old boy. And he knows what a 4 year old wants because "I am 5 now!"

Anyway, that is about it. With Hayden it is just all or nothing. Always has been and I pretty sure he will always be like this. Just love him through it, I know we will.

Thank you, Santa and Merry Christmas.

This post is part of Writer's Workshop.
Hosted by Mama Kat.

How Much is that Doggie in the Window?

I want something.
But I know that I am never going to get it.

I want to get a dog.
I think it would be really, really fun to have a dog around the house.
But this is never going to happen.
Jeff is a cat person through and through.

No exceptions.
End of Story.
Done.

But that doesn't change the fact that I still would like to have a dog.
I think it would be fun.
You know, for the kids.

Well, the other day when we were at the store, Jeff agreed to us getting a dog.
I was floored.
Completely blown away.
Especially when he added that each kid could get a dog.

I about fell over in shock.
But then the reality hit me.
How in the world were we(I) going to be able to care for four dogs?

Then Jeff showed me what he had in mind.

Four balloon animal dogs.
"Perfect", he said,
"They make the kids happy.
No having to walk them or clean up their poop
and in a couple of hours, they will all be gone."

Yeah, perfect.
Not exactly what I had in mind.
But the kids loved this idea.

They all loved and played with their doggies until each one popped.
Tears where shed by them all when the doggies were no more.
But thankfully, these dogs can be easily and cheaply recreated.

This post has been part of Wordful Wednesday

Mom, I'm Stuck!

My secret to surviving the cold weather months where outside play is not an option is going to different play places. Between the malls around us, Play World and McDonald's, there are about five different places for us to go.

This really is my life saver. I don't really care if these places are breeding grounds for germs and come complete with other mommies who do nothing but judge, I need these places. They are perfect for my kids to run off their never ending energy. I usually take the kids about mid morning which guarantees a wonderful afternoon nap from all of them. It is just awesome in my book.

But there is one problem with these places besides, the germs, bullies and mean mommies. There is the possibility of one of the little kids will get stuck. Meaning that I will have to go up there and get them

This really has not been an issue for us especially, since Hayden is older and can usually go up and get a little kids that might be stuck. Also the fact that Jake, Quinn and Claire are now almost two and haft and pretty good climbers (just ask my furniture), I don't really worry about them getting stuck anymore. In fact, I hardly every think about it.

Well, I used to not think about it. Let's just say that changed this afternoon.

It was a rainy day and the kids where going stir crazy in the house. So it was off the McDonald's we went to run off and climb out their energy. Once the kids were deshoed and decoated, they were off to play. I sat down at the table, relishing in the fact that no one was climbing on me. I sipped my coffee when I heard the cry.

"Mooommmmmeeeee! Help Me!"

I looked around and saw what I feared most. Quinn near the top of the play place, stuck. Well, he was wasn't really stuck but his book he was. He had climbed to the top of the climbing ledges and when he turned around to start to climb down, his feet were too short to touch the next ledge so he got scared.

I tried to talk him down. I even sent Hayden up there to try and pull him down but he was too scared and nothing was working. So I did the only thing I could do. I got up from my chair, took my shoes off and began to squeeze my fat ass up to Quinn. Did I mention that the play area was full of people. Yup, this couldn't happen on a day when the place was empty, no it had to happen during a full house.

As I climbed higher and higher, praying that the plastic would support my weight so that I wouldn't become know as the lady that collapsed the play area, I realized that I wasn't going to be able to get high enough to get to Quinn. I was just too big to fit, no matter how much I sucked in.

Thankfully, there were some old boys playing around me and they had enough sense to realize that Quinn was stuck. They asked if they could help.

So as the boys tried to convince Quinn to come down with them, I looked around and took in my view. I looked over the crowed restaurant and realized that I was featured as the lunch time entertainment. Awesome.

"Um, lady" one of the boys said snapping me back to the task at hand, "he won't come to me. He is trying to kick me away."

"Yeah, I am sure he is just scared. Just try and grab his leg and pull him down. He will cry but it is ok. He will be fine," I told the boy.

The boy stuck his head down from the ledge and looked at me, "You want me to pull him and make him cry?"

"Um, yeah. It will be alright. He is going to cry but we have to get him down," I said getting a little annoyed by the whole situation. I just wanted to get down and stop this show.

Now, from where I was I could not see what was happening but within a couple seconds, I heard Quinn's distinctive cry and then I saw his little body being shoved in my direction. He had big crocodile in his eyes. I tried to talk to him and quiet him down but his wailing just continued. So I just maneuvered myself and the crying child down to the ground.

Once safely on the ground, I smiled politely to the crowd and thanked the boys that helped us. I gathered Quinn in my arms and planted many a hug and kiss on him. Eventually, he stopped crying and I am pretty sure the promise of chicken nuggets and a Happy Meal toy help with that more than my hugs and kisses.

The photo was found on flickr and not actually our play place
but it was very close.
I wanted to take a picture but I forgot my camera.

Think of Me

When I go to bed on the eve of a big day, I like to do a double check of my to-do lists in my head. This seems to help me feel more organized and less stressed. I will wake up knowing what I need to tackle. It also is a way for me to remember any last minute details that might need to be done before I go to sleep.

I was doing just that the other night when Jeff walked into the room and began to get undressed for bed. As he was taking his pants off, I sat straight up in bed, threw off the covers and ran out the room. He just stood there pants at half mast watching me.

When I returned to the room, now more calm, he asked, "What was that all about?"

"Oh sorry," I said, "When you walked into the bedroom and took your pants off, I remembered that I needed to take the sausage out of the freezer."

With an exasperated sigh he said, "Well, at least me getting undressed makes you think of sausage, not the right kind of sausage but sausage none the less."

Starbucks Speak

So it is no secret, my love for coffee. My brain doesn't start functioning until the first drop of that sweet nectar hits my stomach and is absorbed into my blood stream.

I love the taste of it. I love the smell of it. I love how a cup of coffee fits in my hand, the warmth it gives me. I love its kick and get up and go. I just love. I have written about my love before and how I was reduced to a little pile of weepy mush when Jake spilled an entire pot.

I just love coffee. Ok, so maybe my it is more than love. Maybe, I am totally and utterly addicted but you know what, I don't care. Everyone has to have at least one crutch and coffee is one of mine.

Normally, I am happy with just a cup a black coffee. Sometimes, I like it with a little Splenda because Splenda makes coffee taste even better. I don't know how its possible but it does. But every now and again, I like to go for a froo froo coffee especially during this time of year when Starbucks has its holiday specials like Pumpkin Spice Latte or the Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha.

Mmmmm.... mocha.

But since I only go into Starbucks upon occasion, I usually get all confused with how to order my drink. I don't know the lingo. What I want is a medium sized, Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha, with skim milk, not too hot, no whipped cream and only a little bit of peppermint.

And that is just how I order. But what is repeated back to me sometimes sounds like a foreign language.

Starbucks Girl: "Hi, what can I get for you?"

Me: "I would like a medium sized, Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha, with skim milk, not too hot, no whipped cream and only a little bit of peppermint, please.

SG: "So you want a Grande Peppermint White Chocolate non fat, no whip, no foam, half shot, luke-warm mocha?"

Me: "Um, yeah that."

I am never sure what I am really going to end up with in my cup but so far, it has always been what I wanted. Maybe some Starbucks speak lessons would be helpful?

Fashion Friday

One of my favorite bloggers is Summer.

Isn't she gorgeous?

She is a total fashionesta and all around awesome person. Besides her knowledge for all things fashion, her talent for the written word is, well it has brought to me tears it is so beautiful.
She just has this way of speaking right to my heart.
It is amazing.

Summer has just started this new online fashion/image consultant business, Chic Shoppers.
She has helped me find something to wear to an event I had to go to.
It turned out awesome!
If you need fashion advice or an outfit, you should totally check the site out.

Well, the other day, when I happen to to looking at Summer's blog, Hayden came over to see what I was doing.
He was very intrigued with the "very pretty lady" and her pictures.
He asked what she was doing and I told him that she was modeling some pretty clothes.

So I guess it shouldn't have surprised me when a couple of minutes later, he came downstairs dressed and ready.

"Take my picture, Mommy," he said, "I look gooood."

"Alright," I told him, "Now strike a pose like the pretty lady."

And he totally did.

Please ignore the nakedish toddlers in the back ground.
Unlike, Hayden, they are not to big on wearing clothes.

Happy Eagle!

I am not one for decorating. Sure, if you have ever been to my house you will see pictures on the walls and things here and there. You could call my house decorated but that is not by any of my doing. If it was left up to me, all the walls and shelves in this house would still be bare.

My house is decorated because of my mom. She is the decorator and she is really good at it. Her friends will often call her for advice on what to do in this room or what would look good here on this wall? I keep telling her that she need to change careers and become an interior designer but she is content just helping people when they ask.

My mom is one of those people who changes the decor in their homes based on the holiday or season. Now it is not to the extreme but tastefully done. It is a change in a table cloth here and an addition of a knick knack there. I really like it. And it kind of makes sense because since you only see these things for a few months at a time, you never get sick of anything.

I have always wanted to be like this. But sadly, I am not. The decorator gene did not get passed down to me. But that doesn't mean I am not going to try, for the kids sake because they deserve, make that want, cool decorations for the holidays.

So that is why, when I saw this guy in the store I just had to take him home. I know its not much but its just a little something to make the house more festive.


Yeah, I know. I really need my mom's help. I think so too but the kids, especially Jake, loved it.


When he first saw it on the table, he ran screeching with glee, "Happy Eagle! Happy Eagle!" Yeah, I know he is a little confused on the name but he was just so infatuated with it. Well, just watch and see.



I am pretty sure that if I had not told Jake that 'Happy Eagle' needed a 'nap', it would still be in his hands crushed to an unrecognizable mush.

But you know what, that would have been fine with me because his joy and the joy of the other kids made the $3.50 that I spent more than worth it. And for their joy and giggles, I am truly thankful.

This post has been part of Writer's Workshop.
I know its not a Thanksgiving poem like the prompt asks for
but it is about something for which I am Thankful.

Plans, The Only Certain Thing Is That They Change. Edited to add Giveaway Winners

So this was the plan. Since I have to work the day after Thanksgiving, we were not going to travel and see our out of town relatives. We are going to stay in town and have Thanksgiving here. I was going to pull out the 20lb turkey that has been in the freezer since last year, chip off the ice and cook it. We were going to host all the family at our house and we were going to have an awesome Thanksgiving.

Not only was I going to cook the most awesome turkey in the world. But I was going to make parsnip pudding, brussels sprout gratin, my sister was going to bring cheese potatoes, my sister in law was going to bring carrots and peas and jello for the kids and Jeff was going to make his famous pumpkin pie. There was going to be mulled cider and wine. I am drooling just thinking about all the goodness. Yum!

But then my Mom and Dad decided to go to Iowa to see my mom's side of the family. My brother drew the short stick and now has to be on call all day out of town. My sister can't decide where she is going to be.

So fine. I decided that I would invite other people to come and share in our awesome feast. But you know what? When you call people a week before Thanksgiving most people already have plans. But no worries, I am still going to cook up a storm. There is going to be a enough food to feed a small army. So if you are in need of a place go on Thanksgiving, stop by. We will have plenty of food, the house will be warm and cozy and the wine will be flowing.

Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone!

Now, I am not really sad about everyone changing their plans or having to work or go other places. It really is fine with me. As long as they are happy and full and with people they love, all will be well. And a Happy Holiday will be had by all. But seriously, there is going to be enough left-overs here to last us until spring. Thank goodness, the turkey left a pretty big spot to fill in the freezer.

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So I know that I promised to announce the winners yesterday but I didn't so here are the winners today.



Julie from Just Playin' Around
Cindermommy

Congrats Ladies!