Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Of Nothing in Particular

And another month has slipped by.



But we have been busy. Really we have.

Lots of riding bikes(in our dress up clothes, tiaras, and too-big shoes)...



Lots of learning....
We made raisins(talking about the sun)


and applesauce(talking about apples) in homeschool co-op.

And the J-Man is reading. kind of. He has figured out the red BOB books are easier and likes to read those. The pink ones "are too hard". He can read them....he just doesn't like to take the time.




Hmmm...in other news...

We had our Annual Harvest Festival at church last weekend. We went as the cast of Peter Pan. Aren't we just precious!


I think he makes a pretty stinkin' cute pirate!

And a new favorite of mine....

Those eyes!

Grace and peace...
Carrie

Friday, September 25, 2009

Of "cwafty things" and a Brave Mama

My parents put together a very clever Christmas gift for the J-Man and the Diva. A container of "cwafty things" as the J-Man calls them. Two huge organizer thingys full of just that - items to be crafty with: pipe cleaners, stickers, glitter glue (ugh), beads, felt, glue, etc....

They LOVE the "cwafty boxes". Before I pull them out of the LOCKED cabinet, I have to read stories about bravery. Think little train engines that could, brave little toasters, and so on. I have to give myself the pep talk. I am sure other moms have given themselves the same pep talk: " I WILL be that kind of Mom. I will be the kind of mom that let's her kids create, experiment (ie MAKE A MESS)." And it is all worth it....but goodness is it scary.

Just in case you were wondering if her dress was dragged through the glitter glue on her paper here: it was. And if you were also wondering if it washed out: it did!


The Dive is especially fond of the glitter glue. Fond enough to glob 3 tubes on one piece of unsuspecting construction paper.

The Tank likes it all. Particularly if she can color it or adhere it to her body. *Sigh*

The J-Man is a "just-so" kind of person. He will fuss and fuss with re-arranging his craft box half the time, and spend the other half gluing things together. Loves those Popsicle sticks.

And because I want my kids to be THOSE kinds of kids that know how to clean up after themselves, we begin the "Cleaning Up from the Crafting Expedition" energetically. And then I realize that really, they have helped clean up enough and I can get it done a lot faster. But I bite my tongue at stick it out to the bitter end, helping them "clean" up after themselves. All of this WILL pay off in the end....that's what I am telling myself anyway.

And because no post is quite complete without a picture of ALL my Precious Little Ones, here is my only kiddo not currently into "cwafty things"....
He sure has the being cute thing down, though!

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Of Sibling Affection

Please tell me my kids are not the only ones that argue. Fight. Find joy in harassing one another. There are days when I truly think I am not a mother, but a referee. If they had their way, I would be more of a statistician - who won which round and in what kind of record time - that kind of stuff.

But there are moments. Those amazing moments when I actually hope. When I see little glimpses of the best friends I want my kids to be....


He is so good at entertaining his little brother whenever we ask!

Here The Tank is "reading" to the Pooter. These two have a very close relationship. He just gets this goofy grin whenever she happens to look his way. Love it.


This one is post library trip. Checking out the new books....wearing dress up clothes. They do this just about every week...pour out all the books and take turns swapping. They usually each come up with a favorite....The Diva's favorite will always be a pink book. That's how she picks books at the library...if they have a pink binding, they get checked out. Hey....at least she's not judging a book by it's cover! Ha.


This is my new favorite of these two. Can you see the mischief?




Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Of Yummy Cookies

The kids and I made the most delicious cookies ever. Well, the two older kids helped while The Tank was napping. Only on rare occasions am I brave enough to bake with her help:
(and this was just an ordinary coloring session! Black eye compliments of the playground...)

Imagine letting her near the eggs or a canister of flour. Yeah, it's about as scary as you can imagine....if not more.

Anyway.... we made these:

Animal Cookies. These are not your typical sugar cookie. They are much more liked frosted animal cookies...with a coating rather than a frosting. These paired with a chilled glass of milk was pretty much worth the 5 miles that I had to run to burn the calories.

The J-Man thought they were pretty tasty too...

And the poor Pooter. He just watched us eat them with very longing eyes....


You can get the recipe Here

However...rolling it out in between the wax paper was a bust. Much better to let the dough chill, then roll it out and cut.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Of Swim Teachers Who Wander into Our Lives "by chance"

Sometimes you just have to sit back and say, "Well, now. That could only have been done by the Lord."

In March, we signed the J-Man up for swim lessons at our local community pool. David usually took him as I was hugely pregnant and not too keen on sitting outside in the "heat". J-Man really liked his teacher, Miss C. In fact, he liked her sooooo much that when she was absent one day and had a sub, the J-Man had a melt down and didn't even do his lesson. We ended up having Miss C come to our house and do lessons in our pool with both the J-Man and The Diva. I liked her instantly. The Diva adored her. She is pretty convinced that Miss C is secretly a princess. Some days, Miss C is "Earl" (Ariel) and others she may be "Bill" (Belle). Through the course of the summer, we came to find out that Miss C was homeschooled, came from a large family herself, and was just a wonderful godly woman! No wonder we all loved her! And she even talked about God while giving swim lessons!




We had our last lesson for the season last week. We already miss her. But I think it is so cool how she just "randomly" happened to be Jack's teacher that first lesson. What a coincedence, huh?

Monday, August 31, 2009

Of Dancing Divas and Library Books

We were recently given a HUGE bag full of dress of clothes. The kids have very much enjoyed them. The fireman costume has been a huge hit and I have been "rescued" from countless "fires" around the house by the oh-so-brave J-Man. There was one dress, however, that The Diva initially had discarded and it made its way to the bottom of the dress-up tub. It resurfaced the other day and you would think that this girl had been given a check for a large sum. She has worn this dress-up costume (a bride get-up, I am assuming) and has been alternating between being a Domestic Princess:

And a World Class Ballerina:

We did discover that trying to go to the bathroom in all of this fluff is a challenge. Definitely a two-woman job. I find it so amazing to watch my girls, though. Why is it that some women find it necessary to argue that there is no difference between the sexes, when there so clearly is. I find it amazing how girls are so clearly attracted to femininity, even from a young age. And yet, we try and take this from them, all in the name of so-called equality?! Both of my girls like to fuss over their baby brother, like little mother hens. This is not to say that the J-Man does not care for his baby brother, because he does. But it is a more protective, looking-out-for kind of care.

Anyway....I will step off of one of my many soapboxes now.

I was recently reading a blog post of an old friend and she was talking about library books and how you never know what you are going to get: a bomb or a gem. We had this book come home with us last week:

While I don't know that I would call it a 'bomb', it certainly lacked in creativity and story line. Bob is a rather dull bear and likes it that way. His friend "Jack" is the wild and crazy one who likes to surf, visit alligator swamps, etc. Bob prefers dusting his house plants and sitting in empty parking lots. The J-Man became a little agitated the first time we read this book. He found that though he shared a name the the bear named "Jack", he related more to "Bob". Not that my J-Man is dull, but he does thrive on routine and knowing what is coming next.

"Mom, I think I am 'Bob', not 'Jack', in this book." Funny how kids can be so in tune to their own personalities at such a young age!

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Of Teaching Boys to Spell

Here is it August, nearly September, and I haven't posted since June! Wow. Wonder what the heck I do with all my time. What's that? I have 4 kids, you say? Ahhh, yes. Perhaps THAT is where my time goes.

We started homeschooling the J-Man this month. I use the term loosely at this point, since he is just at that pre-school age, but we do sit down for 1 - 1 1/2 hours several times a week and "do school". Superman and I have spent a plethora of hours discussing homeschooling as of late and are now 100% convinced that we are totally thrilled, excited, pumped, and also a little terrified of the fact that we feel the need to homeschool.

Anyway, the J-Man had known SOME of his letters in no particular order (and by some, I pretty much mean he knew "J" since that is what his name started with). He was never very interested in letters and such. Not if there were tools to play with or messes to be made. I wasn't concerned. And rightly so.....for in the two weeks that we have been working on it, he knows all his letters and most of their sounds. We started "spelling" together on Thursday. You know, the kind of spelling where the child asks "how do you spell 'Mom'?" or "what letters do you use to make the word 'cat'?". well, the thing is with boys...they don't really want to spell "mom" or "cat". The words J-Man wanted to spell extended beyond the 3 letter, short-vowel words I wanted him to focus on. After working on MY words of choice for a bit (cat, bat, pig, bug), we worked on HIS choice.

Fast forward to Friday. I get out his magnetic letters and the old cookie sheet and then get called away by the need to rock the Pooter back to sleeop. When I come back, I see that word. Not "bug", or "cat", or "mom". But THIS word:

Of ALL the words he remembered, it had to be this one?! Really? Teaching a boy to spell is going to be interesting, to say the least. I even questioned him, wondering if it was purely coincidental that this word appeared. I asked the J-Man, "What is this word here?"

"Oh, that spells 'poop', Mom. Two "p's" and two "o's". That's how you make the word 'poop'."

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Of Super Cool Toy Stores

Superman and I decided to put the kids on a tv fast. Not that they really ever watched much - we don't have cable, but we thought it would be good for them to spend ALL their time having Mom read them stories, coloring with Mom, "cleaning" with Mom, cooking with Mom, etc. Let's just say that Mom is a little worn out! So, I compromised - I let them watch ONE show....it's on at 11:30 - right when I am making lunch. Is it terrible if I now adore this show:

That darling little sheep and pig and frog.....they suck my little busy ones in, rendering them quiet and still. "It's a beautiful world!"

We recently borrowed this really super fun board game from our neighbors. After playing with the J-Man and the Diva, we decided to purchase it ourselves. I strapped in the three big kids, leaving the sleeping Pooter with Dad, and headed to Brilliant Sky Toy Store. You must look at see if you have one around because they are truly the most amazing toy store I have ever seen. My kids roam the aisles, PLAYING with the toys...what a novel idea, a toy store that lets you play with the toys. And if I am truly honest, I roam the aisles playing with toys too. I think my little herd would be perfectly happy if I "accidentally" forgot them there. I tried it once, but the really sweet college kid that worked there chased me down. (Kidding. really.)

Back to the super cool game. Apparently, Superman and I really enjoy having our butts KICKED by a four year old. The Diva plays her own little game in her corner of the board, adding an exciting dimension to the game - the board is always in flux because her pieces are laid down(incorrectly) and then removed at will(also incorrect).

Anyway, the game is called Blokus:


And yes, I am serious when I say that the J-Man has beat us, fair and square. The truly maddening bit about it is that he has absolutely NO strategic approach - he just plays the game, blissfully unaware that he is dominating the game. He giggles when he sees us look at each other and roll our eyes in utter frustration. Hmmm....maybe he is just a genius in the making - one of those people who have no clue how smart they really are. I keep telling myself that I am one of those types - I just have no idea the depth and width of my brilliance. Hey, it helps me sleep at night.

But, no, really, it's a fun game.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Of the Addition to the Chaos

Yes, I know. I have been terrible at this blogging thing. But in my defense, I have been perhaps a little bit busy.

I thought that child would NEVER come. This photo of me and Superman, sporting our bellies, was taken one week before PLO#4 came.
Holy Big Belly, Batman! Mine, not his.

Easter morning brought us a sweet surprise when Precious Little One FINALLY decided to join us. He (yes, another BOY!) was/is huge. Born at over 10 lbs., I am still trying to satisfy his constant hunger pains. At least that is his story. My side of the story: Mom can't be doing too badly when you weigh about 16 lbs at 8 weeks (I'm not kidding, people). I was tempted to re-nickname PLO#3 and give this one the nickname of "The Tank", but since I am easily confused, figured that would not be good. And time has revealed more endearing qualities about our new little one: he farts alot. ALOT. Kinda really all the time. So, without further ado, meet The Pooter:




Mmmhmm....I know he is adorable. Those cheeks are so incredibly kissable too. Nice and smooshy, just the way they should be.

In other news, the J-Man turned four. Which all of you probably know, since he feels the need to announce, "I'm four!" to anyone and everyone we encounter. There are many things, we are told by J-Man, that he can do now that he is four. One of the more benign rites of passage is riding his bike without training wheels. See how he tips his bike just-so, making sure YOU are aware there are no training wheels on that bike.

The Diva, is no longer Tinkerbell. She has gone through an identity change and is now "The Piscesses". Oh, don't know what that is, eh? Let's me interpret for you - "The Princesses". As in the Disney princesses. She IS them, collectively. Sometimes she is "Earl" (Ariel), and other times she is Cillella (yup, Cinderella). They are always referred to as one, though. Like they are one poofy dressed monster with several heads.

She is our goofy Princess though, that's for sure. And she is a perfectly wonderful second Mommy to The Pooter:


And what fun would life be without The Tank. No seriously. This girl has become a rocker chick. She takes her brother's super cool toy guitar and bangs her head while playing. She is pretty fierce in his head banging, often knocking herself over in the midst of it all. Nothing quite like seeing an 18 month old rock out to "Wild Thing" or "Smoke on the Water".

=

And in true rocker fashion, she kisses her "ax" when she is done.





You should all hop over to my favorite place to get a laugh and feel pretty good about myself:

http://cakewrecks.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Of the Diva's Need for a Napkin

The last week or so, while folding the massive amounts of laundry that these three kids generate, I noticed a recurring stain on many, no, all, of the Diva's shirts. There was a huge stain all around the front neck area, arcing in the shape of a smile.....umm, similar to a bib. Confused was I.

I watched her throughout the day at meal time discovered what was going on. She was pulling up her shirt to use as a napkin. Immediately we started correcting this behavior, showing her how to use a napkin. She quickly informed us she was not interested in doing it our way, thank you very much. We continued to get on her case about it and now I am pleased to say that she properly uses her napkin and not her shirt. There were a couple of days though, where I would catch her looking furtively at us to see if we were watching...


To be completely honest, The Diva's eating "skills" are perhaps among the most disgusting thing I have ever seen. I am thinking of having Mike Rowe, of America's Dirtiest Jobs, come and "enjoy" a meal with her.

One reason it is absolutely repulsive is that she puts her tongue INSIDE of her cup while drinking. I do not have a picture of this because it is hard to take a picture WHILST rescuing the table from the deluge that is sure to come from trying to drink this way.

Another reason (and there are many that I am sure I will be so kind as to share with you) is that this girl is already practicing to be a World Record Holder in Chubby Bunny. Or maybe that big hot dog eating contest (which I also find terribly repulsive!). Point is, she STUFFS her mouth with food, to the point that her eyes bulge, and she gets this slightly panicked look in her face. Slowly, she begins to chew and that's where it gets nasty, because it oozes. Whatever is in her mouth oozes out from a sheer lack of room in her little 2.5 year old mouth. I was kind enough to NOT take a picture that showed said "oozage".

BUT....being the Diva that she is, in spite of the fact that this is very UN-diva like behavior, she looked Gooooood while she, ummmm, "ate".

Of Dinner Time Drama

I know that there is meal time drama in most, if not all, families. I am sure we are not the only family that has their 3.5 year old son hop up to the table, carefully examine the contents on his plate, slowly raise his head to look his mom in the eye, and announce, "Mom, we are NOT having a good dinner."

You can just see the slump in Superman's shoulders at this point. One because he carefully coaches the J-Man to THANK mom for the great dinner and this is clearly not a step in the right direction. And two because he knows at this point that meal time will be a long drawn out affair, and not the nice kind of long drawn out affair that some dinners are. Namely, dinners in France without kids.

But dinner time has been even more, ummm, entertaining since The Tank decided she wanted to join us at the table and not be stuck in a corner strapped in a highchair.

Both of our darling female PLO's have a serious affinity for protein. Especially of the animal variety. This is a trait that comes directly from their father. They apparently were born equipped with protein radars, giving them the ability to hone in on any protein on their plates immediately and then to proceed to consume massive amounts of said meat.

Sunday nights are our "Breakfast-As-Dinner" night. You may also read that as: "Mom is too tired to think up and prepare something more creative for dinner" night. Usually we have waffles, hashbrowns, and bacon/sausage.....a nice healthy meal, eh?

This past week, it was bacon rather than sausage and we discovered that The Tank kinda likes bacon just a little. When she had finished what was on her plate, she eyed her daddy's plate for more and screeched, while giving us this perfectly precious face:

You can see the desparation, the greed, and rage in her face there. Lovely. Fortunately for all of us, Dad appeased The Tank....

And she proceeded to eat MORE bacon than her father did. Impressive.

I will have to share The Diva's need for a napkin later, though. The kids are waking from naps and I suppose I should tend to them.

Monday, March 23, 2009

Introductions, Mission Statements, and other Sundry Items.

For starters, I should begin by stating that I have never been unable to find, misplaced, or otherwise lost my kids. In all honesty, this doesn't mean that I haven't at times been tempted. Heh. But, keeping tabs on 3 toddlers, age three and under is NOT an easy job. Oh, yes, and throw in the fact that Precious Little One (PLO) #4 is due any day, and the sheer chaos is complete.

This blog, I suppose, is mainly being attempted for 2 reasons:

1) I know, or least I fervently pray, that someday, SOMEDAY, I will be able to look back at my chaotic existence and laugh. In the midst of grape fights, underwear swapping, and Goldfish smashing parties, I admit at times I cry. But SOMEDAY, it will be funny. Right?

2) The family. I take lots of pictures. I put them on my computer. And there they stay. Never to be printed for the dear family. So now they can see our PLO's (Precious Little Ones) and see that, indeed, perhaps viewing them on blog is the safest, cleanest option.

I make no promises that this mockumentary of life in our home will last more than a week.....not that the chaos won't last more than a week, but that my ability to share it won't.

Superman and I currently have 3.9 PLO's. Yes, I am married to Superman. More on that later, because right now, I am talking about our Precious Little Ones.

PLO #1, the J-Man. Quickly approaching birthday #4 and already planning his birthday party. Including the most important part - what kind of cake he wants. Currently he wants a train cake. But, being that he is my son, he reserves the right to change his mind 15 times between now and the end of May.

PLO #2, The Diva. She is. She really is a diva. At 2.5, this girl knows how wrestle and play in the dirt like the best of them , but dang it, she will look Gooooood while she does it. Her favorite attire is currently skirts and t-shirts with Tinkerbell on them. As it should be, because she IS Tinkerbell. Or at least so she says. And don't try to argue with her....it hurts.

Oh, and she is very serious about her food.


PLO#3, The Tank. Rest assured this is a term of endearment, not a rude reference to her size. Don't be fooled by the cheesy grin or adorable curls. This chickadee can hold her own. Which is good, since she has the Diva and J-Man with which to contend. Not even 1.5 yet, The Tank is the queen of "Snatch and Run". What? Haven't heard of this game? It goes something like this: Snatch your brother and/or sister's favorite play thing and RUN LIKE HECK. It must be really fun to see how irritated they get because The Tank plays this game an AWFUL lot.



PLO#4, We will let you know soon. Hopefully very soon.