Oh, the irony!

We've been married 13 years, this past September, and in all those years, I've never thought ahead enough to get a "Christmas card" picture taken.
Until, this year.
In May, we went to Jamaica. Before we left,I surprised myself by remembering the people we saw at the beach, 7 years ago, with their Santa hats on taking Christmas card pictures in the sand.
Of course, I thought, this would be the perfect time to do that. So, in the last few minutes before our departure, I secured white shirts and khakis for all.
I was ever so proud of myself.
Because, truthfully, I almost always remember these kinds of things, AFTER the fact. Like when we're already in a 3rd world country without a Target or Wal-Mart within a 3 hour flight of us.
Upon arriving, we found out a free photography session was included. BINGO! We have the clothes, and now, we have the photographer.
Things were looking good, I tell you. My plans were falling perfectly into place.
I scheduled a shoot for our last day there; thinking that we'd all be toasty brown and relaxed, by then.
After experiencing rain EVERY afternoon we were there, I began praying that our shoot wouldn't be rained out. Because I had made the appointment for the absolute last minute.
In hindsight, not my brightest move.
However, the Lord answered my prayers and not a drop of rain fell that day.
Good thing, too, because our ONLY excursion? Yeah, that afternoon, as well!
Boy, was I gambling.
We had our shoot and took several pictures that would be perfect for our cards.
Now, fast forward to today. It's the middle of December, and our finances? Not good. Therefore, no Christmas cards this year!
UGHHHH!!
Why, this year?
The first year I'm PREPARED with a picture.
That, my friends, is IRONY at its best.
Do you think anyone will notice if we use the picture NEXT Christmas?



(The picture at the top is one of those pictures, but not the best one. ;))

It's My Birthday!

Today is my birthday.
I shan't say which one, but let's just say that I might re-use T's last birthday candle on my cake tonight. Because it's the number 3, and that's the most important part of my age!
Yes, 3 and not yet, 4!
It's been a good day, albeit somewhat low keyed. It started off very wintery looking, but the clouds are gone, for now, and the sun is, actually, shining on me while I type.
I took the boys to school. T had Speech this morning at his "old cool". Yes, he has an "old cool" and a "new cool". His "old cool" is where he goes for Speech, and it's in the back of C's. His "new cool" is where he goes for PAT, and it's at the school next door.
Anyway, I dropped him off and ran to town to pay a bill. I decided that since it was my birthday and all, I'd run through the Golden Arches drive thru and pick up a sausage biscuit. I inhaled it on the way back. But, in my haste, I failed to dispose of the "evidence".
Yes, I know, being the "experienced" Mother of 3, I should've known better.
Let me just say BIG MISTAKE!
Because T had no more got buckled in, when he spied it!
Let the wanting begin!
"Want somethin' else to eat! Donald's!"
(And that's what he says. Not "I'm hungry", but "Want somethin' else to eat"! I hear it all the live long day, because that kid can eat!)
Now mind you, he'd already had his breakfast, but that matters not to a 3 yr old who's staring at an enticing, but empty, bag.
I calmly told him he had already had breakfast, and I wasn't going back into town right then.
Well, hold your ears, because this kid has learned how to scream! And kick the back of Mama's seat!
"WANT SOMETHIN' ELSE TO EAT! DONALD'S! NO, GO HOME!"
Boy, was he NOT happy.
I continued driving and repeating in a calm manner, "No, not right now, maybe later!"
Not even a phone call to Daddy could calm the screaming banshee.
I finally told him that if he'd calm down and be good, we could go to Sonic after we picked Bubba and Sissy up from school.
But let's be real here for a second. That was really going to be a reward for Mommy and her ears for having to listen to him! Just don't tell him, ok?
Well, that was the trick.
Who knew that the cure for a Donald's craving was a promise of Sonic?
And guess what he said right before he fell asleep at naptime?
"After nap, get Bubba and Sissy and go to Sonic?"
That kid's got a memory to go along with those lungs!

A Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Post

Yesterday morning, our Pastor invited all of us to think past the typical Thanksgiving list of thanks and find other things we are thankful for. So, here's my list, not exhaustive, by any means, but I pray that it gets you thinking about ALL the things we have to be grateful for.

I'm THANKFUL for:

having my laptop back. Nine days is a LONG time. ;)

generous family members.

the sunshine shining through my window.

Facebook and the ability to contact and connect with old and new friends and family.

Blogs. Yes, I am grateful for laughter. It is good like medicine.

my children's laughter.

a 3 yo boy who, occasionally, manages to pee IN the potty and not around it nor on the toilet seat!

my Mom's oven to bake the Chocolate Chess pies in a few days.

Chocolate Chess pie.

Cheesecake.

The Cheesecake Factory. ;)

chocolate covered pretzels.

lower fuel prices.

unsolicited hugs and kisses from my Hubby and kids.

the "Ringer Off" setting on the phone.

peace and quiet during naptime.

clean clothes and sheets.

haircuts.

jobs, even the small ones.

the BIG sets of blueprints that I have no place to store. Because, hopefully, they'll mean BIG jobs come Spring.

meals I don't have to prepare.

someone else cleaning the kitchen up.

grass stains on the knees of a 6 yo little boy, because it means he is able to run around and fall down.

Shout and Oxi Clean spray.

Guardian Angels.

pictures to remind me of great times.

Speech Therapists.

wireless mice.

wireless phones.

wireless internet.

games of Scrabble with the one I love, even if he almost always beats me!

a dog's love.

music that speaks to my soul.

my Mom's library and borrowing rights.

a call from a friend just to say Hi and I'm thinking of you.

my nieces and nephew.


This is just a short, off the top of my head list. Obviously, I'm feeling hungry! ;)
I pray that everyone would have a Blessed Thanksgiving.

What We Must Do

As most of you know, the man I wanted to be our next President gave his concession speech last night, and I cried! My heart is deeply saddened. I'm most upset that God's children are so divided right now. It troubles me. As I'm sure it does our Lord.
Today, I'm still sad, but the verse that has come to my mind several times is

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord.
"As the heavens are higher than the
earth,
so are my ways higher than your
ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts..."
Isaiah 55:8-9

I know that my hope is not in man but in the Lord. I don't know why God has placed him in this position, but I know that HE did. It didn't surprise Him, and He did it for a reason.

And another verse that keeps coming to mind

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
Romans 8:28

Although, I know that my decision had nothing to do with race, I realize that people are going to be making it a big deal, one way or another. I have talked to my children about this and am confident that they know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that color played no part in my decision. I vote for a person's character, morals, and integrity, above all else.

I have peace that I did all I could by voting and trying to educate people about what I believe to be the real reasons one should vote for someone. The final outcome was in God's hands. And knowing that, brings me peace. He's still on His throne and this is all part of His plan.

So, join me in prayers for our Nation, because we're more divided now than ever before. Pray for revival. Pray for our President Elect and his family. Pray that he would seek God and His wisdom. And pray that the world could see a difference in Christians, and that they would desire it, too.

And because Beth Moore says it way better than I, here's a link to her post for today.

http://livingproofministries.blogspot.com/2008/11/united-house.html

It's a good read and what I needed to hear this morning.

Praying for our great country and our next President.

A Strange Phenomenon!

I'm really not sure what has gotten into my youngest lately.

But this is what I heard at 10:30 yesterday morning.

"Mama, make soup!" "Make soup!" "Mama, make soup!"

And he kept repeating this louder and louder and gathering up all things necessary to make soup!

4 cans of Rotel CHECK

2 cans of Chili Beans CHECK

1 can of diced tomatoes CHECK

1 can of corn CHECK

1 large pan CHECK

1 large spoon CHECK



No, I did not make soup out of that. But we did have a can of vegetable beef soup at 10:30 in the morning!

Fast forward to this morning, "Mama, make tuna!" "Make tuna!"

Yes, my 3 yr old LOVES his tuna! He'd have it every day, if I'd let him.

So, when I tell him that it's 9:30 in the morning, and it's a little early in the day for that, he doesn't let that stop him.

He goes to the cabinet and pulls out the can of tuna.

Then goes to the refrigerator and pulls out the mayo and pickles.

Next, he pulls out the tupperware I put it in.

Then back to the appliance garage to pull out the can opener.

And, finally, tries to pull out a sharp knife! This is where I stopped him.

He did this, the first time, after watching me make tuna 1 time! Needless to say, his favorite thing to say is "watch Mama!"

I finally gave into his request at the more respectable hour of 10:30.

I wonder what we'll be eating at 10:30 tomorrow morning.

The Eldest Learns A Lesson

M decided it would be lots of fun to go and gather up some leaves in the yard and jump in them.

What she should have known, is that little brothers will, also, want to do the same thing.

But instead of being generous, she decided to forbid the youngest from jumping in "her" leaf pile.

Well, he showed her, can you guess what he did?!
















Yep, he peed all over it!

She.Was.Not.Happy!!

I wonder if she learned a valuable lesson today?

Overheard Just Now...

"Kids, Mommy and Daddy are going to be sleeping in tomorrow morning!! There's a bag of donuts in here for breakfast. You had better keep it down in the morning!"

"And it's just the donuts for tomorrow. The blueberry cake is for Sunday!"

Gotta love him!

Now, we'll just have to see how all this goes down!

You know what they say about the best laid plans, don't ya?!

Here's to us sleeping in!

Tell Me It Doesn't Start This Young!

Yesterday, right after picking C up at school, he asks me if we can go to the football game Friday.

I tell him I don't know, we'll see.

Then I ask who said something about it.

He says he doesn't know.

So, I ask why he wants to go.

He replies, "So we can watch the cheerleaders!"

You.Did.Not.Just.Say.That!















And, now for the rest of the story. He told me that the cheerleaders had come and talked to them today.

I asked if they had cheered.

He said no.

I asked if they had done any tumbling and tried to explain to him what that was.

He again said no.

And I asked what they had done.

Stuff. Just stuff.

Stuff that evidently causes a boy to want to go to a game and watch them! ;)

Not Me Monday!

If you're new to the "not me Monday" concept, click on My Charming Kids blog in my Blog List, because I still have no idea how to add links to my posts!

Anyhow, here's some of my Not Me's:

I did not forget to take my sweet Hubby something to drink, until after he had been hard at work on his truck for over 3 hours this morning.

I did not let my youngest, who's currently sporting a very runny nose and croupy cough, go outside in 50 degree weather in only a short sleeve shirt and shorts, because that's what he picked out, and I did not want to fight him.

I have not spent most of my Monday morning reading blogs and looking at photography websites, because I have way too much other stuff to do, and I would never waste time like that.

I did not spend a good 5 minutes punching my son's punching bag this morning while tears ran down my face.

I have not cried myself to sleep any this past week, nor have I cried many times a day.

I do not have a stack of unopened envelopes on my kitchen counter that I can not bear to open, because I know what they say.

I have not lain in bed, several nights lately, praying, ok worrying, about how we're going to pay the bills that are past due, pay the bills that are due, and buy the necessities like groceries and gas.

I have not repeatedly thought about researching bankruptcy, only to go into denial and tell myself I'll do it tomorrow, if things aren't better. Because we would never be at that point now.

I did not raid our "spare change" jar in order to have some money over the weekend.

And I did not "borrow" some money from C's piggy bank so I could take him to McTeacher night at McDonald's. And I did not leave my other two children at home, because I did not want to "borrow" more money to buy them some, too.

I have not gotten the least bit emotional over this election! I do have faith that God's in control no matter who He allows to be President, even if that person will be taking us that much closer to the end of time.

I have not written any run on sentences in this post.

And I am sorry that you get to read about our very real life right now. I, also, know we are indeed blessed.

Another Reason Shopping at Wal-Mart Might Be Hazardous to Your Health

And, no, it doesn't involve things Made in China! Although, these days, that's a big enough reason. As of today, 54,000 children, the only child to their parents, have been affected by the tainted formula and other dairy products. That's a travesty of the most outrageous proportions.
I truly hope that things will indeed change after this, but we're dealing with a Communist Regime, and truthfully, I'm not convinced that anything will.
Ok, enough of my soap box rantings,now on to my story. This past Sunday I needed to do some shopping for household products, one of which, was salt for our water softener.
Hubby decided to see if they still had it stocked outside in the Lawn and Garden section. That way, he wouldn't have to push a heavy cart all over the store. We saw that they did have some outside and proceeded inside to shop.
After all the shopping, we miraculously remembered to have the checker ring up the bags of salt we hadn't yet picked up. Because at this point, that was the thing I was most concerned about.
Hubby pushed the cart over to the salt, and I went to drive the van over.
When I got out, Hubby was studying the receipt and realized that the checker had rung up the more expensive salt. What the difference is, I have no idea.
After looking at the receipt myself, he tells me to go ahead and start taking the bags around to the other door while he loads the salt into the trunk. I take a couple bags around and start back. When I'm at the back of the van, Hubby asks, "Did you see what you stepped on?"
I look down at my boot and the ground, thinking I had stepped in gum and somehow didn't know it.
Not seeing anything, I look up and ask, "Was it gum?"
Hubby says, "Ummm, no, not exactly."
"What then?"
I follow his line of sight and immediately start shuddering.
There next to the cart, where I was just glancing at the receipt, lay a baby snake, and not just any old garter snake, but a copper head! Yikes!
All I could do was shudder uncontrollably and keep asking if he was dead or not, while intently staring at him. And, yes, he was dead, mouth wide open.
Apparently, I stepped on him and didn't know. Fortunately, I had my boots on and not my usual flip flops or Crocs.
This little darling was only 8 or 9 inches long, but I'm sure his bite would've still packed a punch.
Not to mention, if there's a baby, mama and daddy are probably close by. As in, probably in those piles of salt that Hubby was just in the middle of.
Needless to say, the next time we need salt, I'm thinking that I'll be working on my arm muscles and pushing that heavy cart.

It might be clean

Last night we put our oven on auto clean.
Ok, "we" didn't, but T did.
His Daddy asked him to turn the timer off, his Sister was using it to time her flute practice, but when Hubby checked on the situation, he found that T had turned the auto clean on, instead.
Oops!
Well, Lord knows our oven needed cleaning.
So, no harm done, right?!
Umm, that would be a big neg-a-tive.
I thought the worst part was having to smell "something burning", right before we went to bed.
But the worst part, happened this morning when I went to check how clean the oven got, because I have serious doubts that it will be clean.
I pulled on the door, only to discover, it was still locked!
Oh no! Now what?!
My oven might be clean, but I have no way of knowing nor a way to use it.
I guess we'll be having take out tonight!

Oh how he loves me!

Have I told you lately how much I love my Hubby and how much he loves me?
Well, I do and he does.
He shows his love in various and creative ways.
I truly love this about him.
Not only does he bring home the occasional "just because" bouquet of flowers, but he, also, does things like research great spas in town. Then goes to that spa and books an appointment for me for that very evening. And he, not only, pays for that visit, but an additional one for in the future, aka, when I'm having one of those days with the boys.
He loves me, no?!
So, it shouldn't surprise me that when we're talking the other day, he asks if I'd like a massage that evening. Because, he not only loves me, he knows me!
"Of course, Honey, I'd love one."
"Great, because Mike's wife, the guy who works for him, is a masseuse, and she's getting out of the business. So, I got a great deal on some of her stuff."
Stuff like, Hungarian.Moor.Mud. Ringing any bells?!
"Great, Honey, that sounds wonderful."
Fast forward a few hours and Hubby comes home carrying a large box and wearing a huge smile. He excitedly unloads the box, showing me different Chocolate Scented Massage Oils and a large plastic tub of Mud.
Now mind you, I think getting smeared with mud and wrapped in plastic does sound a bit extravagant and enticing, but I'm just a little concerned about how all that is going to go down at Chez Triplett's. Honestly, my Hubby isn't the neatest person on Earth. And I begin having visions of major clean up efforts after this takes place, and maybe even having to sacrifice a set of sheets.
I'm just a wee bit anxious.
Now, at the moment, Hubby is anxious to see just what this mud looks like. He rips off the plastic strip and tears off the top.
And guess what?
It looks and smells just like mud! It's dark blackish/brown and has a strong mud odor. I guess this is where the scented oil comes in.
He quickly replaces the lid and carries it down the hall to our bathroom.
What I hear next, brings back to mind those visions of major clean up, except I haven't gotten to experience the mud, yet.
"Honey, do we have any carpet cleaner?"
"Huh?"
"Well, I didn't notice until I got to the bathroom, but the bucket was dripping."
"Do what?! You mean the bucket dripped in the living room?"
"Yep, and all down the hall."
"OK, well, if we have any carpet cleaner, it's under the kitchen sink."
Now I'm trying to control my breathing and think positive thoughts. No big deal, what's a little mud? Right?
After a few minutes, he inquires, "Do we have any more? Because this isn't budging it."
"Ummm, no, I don't believe we do. Did you try Oxi-Clean? That usually works pretty well."
My thoughts quickly turn to anxious prayers along the lines of "Dear Lord, please let the Oxi-Clean work. I really don't want to go to jail for choking my Hubby."
"No, where is it?"
I tell him its' location, and he responds a few minutes later, "Nope, that didn't work either. How would you feel if I dyed the carpet black?"
Needless to say, that wasn't in my decorating visions for our house.
For now, my "white" carpet has leopard spots all down the hallway. Maybe leopard print carpet will come into style.
And the Hubby? He's still alive and breathing. I really do love him.
But, I'm secretly hoping he doesn't have any more grandiose ideas about how to show me his love, at least for a little while.

Lessons Recently Learned

No matter how much fun it appears to be, 5 yr old boys should not “hang” from their Mommy’s back windshield wiper. It will not hold them, even if said 5 yr old is a stick boy. And when that Mommy, unknowingly, turns that wiper on, it will do strange things and make even stranger noises.

Spiderman forks that are greatly loved by a certain 3 yr old boy are not greatly loved by my microwave. And said boy will not be happy when he has to throw his new fork away.

The locking soap dispenser on the dishwasher locks for a reason. Do not attempt to use the dishwasher without locking it. Your dishes will not be sparkling clean and just might have blue soap spots all over them, if you do. 3 yr old boys really like to “help” their Mommies.

Hungarian Moor Mud does not “go” with off white patterned Berber carpet nor does it come off of said carpet. This needs a whole post all its’ own.

When spraying Hornet spray into a can light on your back deck/porch beware, because a bat just might come out. And a man, who appears to be the epitome of manliness, just might jump 2 feet off the ground and run around screaming like a girl, not that my Hubby would do such a thing.

Even if my purse appears to be a good drink holder, with its’ large size, shape, and open top, it’s not! However, it will hold approximately 4 ½ ounces of lemonade without losing a drop! Note to my MIL and SIL, put the phone down. Do not make that call to the Coach abusers hot line. They will not grant you foster care of said purse. Sorry! And, no, I was not the one who decided to use it as a drink holder, that Hubby shall remain nameless. I do believe that this incident should entitle me to a new purse for Christmas.

When 3 yr old boys squeeze out ¾ ths of a tube of Ben-Gay and use it to cover both sides of their hands, both feet, a leg, and smear the rest all over your bathroom floor, your bathroom will smell minty fresh for several days, your sinuses will be cleared out, and you will have all kinds of fun cleaning both up.

3 yr old boys, who only moments before opening the 'frig, wanted soup, will no longer want soup when they spy a package of Nestle Toll House Chocolate Chip cookies. And you may have a hard time prying that package out of their hands.

A 3 yr old boy who sees a pair of Cars house shoes and Cars Crocs in a shoe store, will want to try them on and will not want to take them off. And you may find yourself using a bear hug hold on him while your Hubby pulls the shoes off his feet. People in the store just might stare at you and cover their ears, while he screams.

Golder Retrievers are capable of shedding 2 times their body weight in fur each week and in fact, do. After cleaning up that fur, you could fully fur, say that 3 times fast, all number of furless varieties with it. And when you deal with this much "log" hair, as T calls it, you will find yourself trying to find a way to capitalize on it.

Note: I'm bummed I can't figure out why my italics feature isn't working right. Waaahh!! It's not the same without it. Kind of like talking isn't the same without using your hands.

May I Make A Suggestion?

On those days you find yourself needing a hit of chocolate, but don't have the time to make, or don't need, a whole pan of brownies, might I suggest keeping a supply of Betty Crocker Warm Delights Minis, Molten Chocolate Cake, on hand?
They're surprisingly easy to make and quite tasty.
Plus, they're only 150 calories, and if you should feel the need/have to share some with a child or two, you can have all the pleasure with a lot less guilt.
That's the beauty of having children.
All those nutritional guidelines about caloric count?
Cut them in half, or in my case, fourths!
Which begs me to ask the question, then why am I so much bigger now than before I had children? I guess it's one of those mysteries of the universe we're not meant to understand.
Oh, and if you're a little OC about collecting Box Tops for school, like someone I know, I won't mention any names. It's to protect the innocent, or is it the guilty? But, if you know someone like that, these have one of those, too.
So, I'm really eating to support the school system.
Yeah, that’s it.

Sorry!

Let me apologize for my absence. I had NO intention of being gone so long.
At first, it involved a technical difficulty. I had planned to post C's first day of Kindergarten pictures on his first day, but seeing as how I'm still shooting film and our only 1 hour photo lab was down, that did not happen.
So, I asked Hubby if he'd kindly take the film to town the next day and get it developed there. He willing agreed, but his schedule, not so much.
Then, a few days later when I finally remembered them again, I returned to our 1 hour photo lab only to find out it was still down.
What?!
Really, how long does it take?!
I guess here in podunk town, a very long time.
All of that to say, I still haven't gotten those pictures developed. I figure, at this rate, I might have them done by the time he goes to Jr High.
I can hope.
So, that's how it started. Then, as I fed my blogging addiction, I got a little insecure. I know I don't write near as eloquently and thought provokingly(if that's even a word) as a whole lot of bloggers I read. And, I figured, what the hay.
Yeah, I have a little OCD in me, and I'm a little bit , ok a whole lot, competitive. If I can't be the best, why bother?!
And I stopped writing.
Basically, giving up.
That's my HUGE downfall. I know I need to be persistent, but I'm Queen of the Do Overs. Have been all my life. I believe it has something to do with being first born and all.
Now, at 37 years young, I'm trying to overcome it. I'm getting back on the horse and pressing onward.
I'll continue to write and post, if for nothing else, my sanity or lack there of. Because one day, my kids will be able to read these and know why their Mother is sitting in a padded room, banging her head against the wall, and drooling all over herself.
For now, I have lots of posts to compose, and I promise to do that real soon.

The Remaining Hours

It’s finally quiet here. The bath has been given, the teeth brushed, and the pj’s on. The lunch has been made. The new clothes, that were so carefully chosen, have been laid out for tomorrow. All the paperwork is filled out and put in his “take home” folder. And the folder and rest towel are in his backpack.

Everything is ready for his big day.

So, why am I feeling so sad? As much as I’m ready for a small break, with only one child at home, I’m terribly sad to see my middle child go.

It doesn’t seem like that many days ago, yet alone years ago, that I was struggling to get him potty trained. He was not going to do it, for anything. He’d scream, “Put my diaper on!” And mind you, he wasn’t 18 months old, like his sister. He was 3 years and 1 month old! It was time!

I was beginning to see just how strong willed he is. And part of me wishes I could say it’s gotten better, but it hasn’t. He’s still a study in contradiction. One minute he is hugging me and giving me such sweet loving. And the next, he is terrorizing his brother, D dog or both.

Yet, he’s such a wonderful helper and so eager to help his Mommy. He beams with pride when carrying in heavy loads of groceries, a 12 pack of Diet Coke with Lime on his shoulder and 2 sacks of groceries in his other hand. And he becomes furious with me if I even suggest that he lighten his load. He so desires to be strong like his Daddy.

He loves to sit in my lap and listen to me read or to just watch a little tv. He’s a Momma’s boy, but only in the sweetest way.

Up until yesterday, we’d read his chosen Bible story before nap and again at bedtime. And I can’t tell you how many times I’ve read Samson or David and Goliath, just two of his favorites.

However, many times I have wished that he would let Daddy do the honors, but he’d always want his Momma. It was our time. I’d read, he’d ask his 100 questions, and then I’d tuck him in and say his night-night prayers. Lastly, we’d hug and kiss, which usually involved a, “One more hug and kiss, Momma.”

And that’s been our routine at nap and bedtime, almost every day, for years. Now, we’ll only have it at bedtime.

But I’ll take that. I really like the idea of baby steps right now.

I know logically that he’ll be just fine tomorrow. But his nervous nature causes me a little concern. He’s my most nervous child. He’s way too concerned about everything. And I’m not sure if he’s more worried, about this whole school thing, than his sister or if he just vocalizes his concerns more.

He has asked so many questions over the last couple of days. The last questions before bedtime involved just when he would need to raise his hand. He’s used to yelling, “Momma, Momma!” Usually repeatedly at a rapid rate, until I respond. I believe this might be a legitimate concern.

He’s, also, quite concerned about this “rest” time thing. He does not understand how he can lie on a towel, on the floor, in a classroom with a bunch of other kids, without a pillow or something to cover up with, because, “Mommy, I’ll be cold.”, and take a nap. I wonder how Mrs. Combs will feel if we come to class tomorrow with his pillow and blankie? Will he have room in his cubby?

In the morning, I’ll proudly walk him to his room and point out the bathroom on the way, because another great concern of his is, “Why are the bathrooms in the hall?” He’s used to his Church rooms having bathrooms in every room. This baffles him.

And when the time comes for me to leave, I’ll hug and kiss him one more time, smile real big, turn at the door to wave bye (both to him and his childish innocence), and walk to my car with tears rolling down my cheeks, fully aware that I only have a few short years before I must repeat this, for the final time.

But right now, I’m going to go kiss his angelic, sleeping face and breathe in his sweetness. Because for a few more minutes, he’s home with me!

The Price

A Cool New Backpack: $25

A Speed Racer Lunchbox: $7

New Nike Tennis Shoes: $45
(Like our Daddy’s)

School Supplies: $20

The Middle Child in Kindergarten: PRICELESS
(And a break from his 500 daily questions)

All in a day

Just for my record and to let you know what a day in my life can look like. Here’s a brief outline of T's activities for today.

We’ll start with one that isn’t actually detrimental to his health or well being. If Daddy gives you a bottle of Powerade, where do you pour it? Into the doggie’s water dish, of course. (Side note, dogs don’t care much for it.)

And after Mommy dumps out the Powerade and refills the dish with water, he proceeds to pour all of the doggie’s Kibbles ‘n Bits into said water. Fun, fun.

While Mommy is doing something very worthwhile on the computer (ok, I was feeding my blogging addiction, but a girl needs to laugh a little, doesn’t she?), he goes into his room and pulls down his brother’s little crayon bank and grabs Mommy’s wallet out of her purse. So that he can lighten Mommy’s load a little by cleaning out my change purse and putting the coinage into “his” bank. How very thoughtful of him!

Shortly after I clean up all the coins he’s spilled out of “his” bank, I hear a funny sound coming from his mouth, and since I know I haven’t given him anything to eat, I pry open his mouth to discover he’s shoved 3 quarters, 2 dimes, and 3 pennies into his little mouth all at once! Oh my goodness! And as I’m getting onto him and telling him how dirty money is, etc., he’s smiling and laughing. What’s wrong with this picture? I really was using my stern Mommy voice.

Then this evening, Hubby yells at me from the living room to ask if I’ve given him some Coke. What? Do I look that crazy to you? Hold on, don’t answer that. Anyway, it seems that T had found the left over Coke in the frig and had climbed up onto the cabinet to get himself a sippy cup, poured the Coke into it, and put the top on all by himself. Oh, and apparently, he spilled some of it, but he was nice enough to clean it up off the floor with my kitchen towel. And the reason I know this is, because I found the towel still on the floor covered in brown liquid. He’s certainly our most independent child!

And then, I guess he got all sugared and caffeined up, and decided to have some real fun. Because this is what I hear, Hubby telling T to get down right now!! Young man, get down now! T, get down off the chandelier right now! Yep, he decided to swing from the dining room chandelier! That’s definitely a new one for him!

Yes, that’s just all in a day for him!

Doggie Saga Continues

So, I told you on Monday that our dear D dog started feeling bad.
Well, on Tuesday, he still wasn't eating or drinking.
I called the vet, and she said they were booked until around 4 pm. When I asked if he'd be ok until then, because it's 9:30 in the morning, it's the middle of Summer, and he hasn't had anything to drink in 2 days, she says I can bring him in before 12, and they'd take a look at him when they could.
I thought that was the best idea. However, I did, momentarily, think, "What am I going to do if something happens to him while he's there?" "Will they really look after him?"
I quickly got over that and started getting everyone ready. After I showered, D dog goes into the bathroom and takes a long drink of water, his first in 2 days. Well, maybe Hubby is right, and he just had a 48 hour virus that he's now getting over. And with that, I stop all of the "getting ready" process.
Then, around 1:30pm, he starts throwing up again. Guess we're off to the vet after all.
Knowing that I couldn't get him in until after 4 pm, I put the boys down for a quick nap.
I should have known better.
C, absolutely, can not go to sleep right away, no matter what time he goes down. And, today, T refused to go down any faster. They got about 30 minutes of their nap. And if you read Monday's post, you know what that means.
When it's time to go, I open the door and tell D dog, "Let's go!" And even though it's been some time since he's gone anywhere in my mommy mobile, he runs to it and jumps right in.
Hmmm! Doesn't look too sick to me.
At the vet's office, he continues to look just fine as we patiently wait for 45 minutes while he barks at all the other dogs, and tries to break free to go and "play" with them.
It's, finally, our turn, and the vet takes a quick look at his ears and eyes and tells me they look great, and then, tells me his gums aren't tacky, which is a sign of dehydration.
That's good.
But, then, he says something that stuns me. "I hope you didn't wait too long."
What?!!
Is he going to die?
I knew I shouldn't have listened to Hubby on this. Mother's intuition is ALWAYS best.
However, when I don't answer, he re-words it. "I hope you didn't wait too long in the waiting room."
Shoo! I was really sweating that for a minute.
Now that my heart's finally starting to beat normal again, he feels around on his belly and says it feels a little tight. He asks to take an x-ray to see what's going on.
After I agree, he brings it back to show me that D dog is very FOS (full of stool), and says he looks like he's about to have some MAJOR diarrhea. And he, also, looks to have some kind of intestinal obstruction.
He suggests that D stay with him overnight to receive some IV fluids and some anti-biotics.
He asks if that's ok.
OK?! You've just told me that D's about to have MAJOR diarrhea, and we have a 30 minute ride home, and you think I want to take him home with me and risk a serious accident in my mommy mobile or on my patterned Berber carpet?
Of course I'm ok with that!
In fact, don't send him home until he gets rid of that load.
Do you think I'm being selfish?!

Hubby's "new" business

I’m just glad I’m not the jealous type. Well, maybe I am just a little bit. You would be, too, if you were married to such a hunk.
Anyway, it seems my husband has started a secondary business, as if his first one doesn't already keep him way too busy. He’s now a match maker. Yep, that’s right. Mr. Manly Man is playing match maker.
And, it really shouldn’t surprise me, or anyone who knows him, because Hubby never meets a stranger. Everyone he meets loves him. Just one of the many reasons I fell head over heels in love with him. He has a wonderful, outgoing personality, and he loves to help people. Therefore, it’s just natural for him to be in this “second” business.
Yesterday, he calls me to relay this info. He’s currently doing some work for a divorced mother of an 8 year old. And while he’s there, he asks if she’s currently seeing anyone.
Wait, stop right there!
This is where most women would have a coronary!
And to be truthful, I did!
I start hyperventalilating and quickly ask him, “Ummm, just exactly how did you mean that?” He realizes my distress and says, “No, no, honey! I was asking for M.”
Oh, that’s good.
She says that’s funny he should ask, because she was getting ready to ask him if he had any buddies who were bachelors and might be interested in going out. It seems that she and Hubby get along well.
Isn't that nice?!
Like I said, I’m glad I’m not the jealous type.
He tells her he actually does have a buddy she might be interested in. He gives her M’s info and leaves the ball in her court.
I’m anxious to see how this plays out, because, really, we could use an extra stream of income!
I’m just a little concerned, because, although M is a wonderful guy, he’s nothing like Hubby. We’ve known M for 3 ½ years, and he’s truly great. He’s just not the outgoing type that Hubby is. For all of Hubby’s gregariousness, M is quiet and reserved.
M has impeccable taste, and if you didn’t know better, you’d swear his home belonged to a gay man.
Yes, I said it.
And you know it’s true.
I’d love to live in it. In fact, I’ve offered to do it on several occasions. He just hasn’t taken me up on it, yet.
But I’m patient.
So, that’s the first match he made this week. Yes, I said first, because shortly after, Hubby gets a call from a client who owns a hair salon. It seems that he has a client who does very well for herself, but who’s looking for a little love and companionship. He, too, wonders if Hubby knows anyone who might be interested. Crazy!!!
Who would’ve thought Hubby would have gotten 2 chances in one week to fix up a friend? I know, I still can’t believe it.
However, Hubby just so happens to have another buddy who just might be interested!
I think we might have something here! I can hear the wedding bells ringing and the sound of Kaching!
Maybe Hubby stumbled upon his true calling!

Just one of THOSE days!

It was one of those days! And a Monday to boot! I wanted a glass of wine by 8:30 a.m.! And the boys and I didn’t even get out of bed until 10:00. But had I known just how bad this day was going to be, I would have wanted one at 8:30.
Instead, I waited until 2:30 (well, 2:26 to be exact). It’s one of the many benefits of being a SAH mom. And, along with consuming large amounts of chocolate and Blue Bell’s ice cream, I highly recommend it for helping you maintain your sanity, if not your figure.
But I digress…
So, I know you’re thinking, “You didn’t get out of bed until 10:00? How in the world could that be the start of a bad day?”
Well, let me tell you. The sins of the weekend catch up with you on Monday! What sins did I commit this weekend, you ask? It’s called not keeping our usual naps! Yes Mam, boys 1 and 2 got a much shortened version of a nap on Saturday. And on Sunday, we were at the grandparent’s house. Nuff said? And while there, boy 1 got a “special” treat and was allowed to go to work with Daddy for awhile, which equals no nap! However, boy 2 and I did get a nap. So, I’m not real sure where his moodiness came from. It must have been sympathy moodiness.
But back to this morning and how it all started. Boy 1 was up coloring when boy 2 and I came out of the bedroom. Everything seemed fine. Until, boy 1 opened his mouth! And that’s when I knew this wasn’t going to be a very happy day. It became, quickly apparent, that we were about to have one of those days when EVERYTHING comes out of his mouth in that irritating to no end whiney voice! You know what I’m talking about, don’t you? I was ready to put him down for a nap by 10:30!
Now I’m dealing with the king of all whiners, when I notice the dog is not interested in eating his Kibbles n Bits. Warning sirens start going off in my head. Then I think, maybe Hubby fed him before he left this morning. Because I am nothing if not an Optimist. Quick call to Hubby quickly eliminates that possibility. Not good. The dog is more interested in sleeping this morning than usual. It’s then that I notice what I believe to be slobber on the kitchen floor, but when I clean it up it’s a yellowish color. Really not good. I, then, notice another puddle in the living room. And as I stated earlier, I try to be positive whenever I can and think to myself, well maybe that’s the end of that, he got it out of his system, and now we’re good. Right? Wrong! A little while later, I start hearing the sound. Yes, THAT sound, which means prepare for dog barf! Fortunately, he’s in the kitchen and not on the carpet, because I really hate it when I have to drag him from the carpet onto the hard floor! Ok, I’m really not that bad, but yah I’ve been known to do that a few times, and you would too if you had patterned Berber carpet! But again, I digress, back to the story. Anyway, to give you the condensed version, the dog barfs, at least, 5 more times through out the day. He’s never barfed that much in one day before. He was just fine when we went to bed last night. Who can figure out a dog’s stomach? Not me. I feel a trip to the vet coming.
And just in case you’re wondering, yes, at least 2 of those times did indeed happen on the Berber carpet. Now I’m no psychic or anything, but I see a trip to rent a carpet shampooer in my very near future. After, the trip to the vet, of course.
So, the whole time this doggy drama is playing out, the boys are continuing their usual noise making and mayhem. It’s then that I decide to make the completely unreasonable request, and I really should have known better, than to ask boy 1 to clean his toys up so I could do something crazy like clean! Yes, after all these years, I should indeed know better, but I didn’t. Call me a slow learner. So, I encourage all of you to learn from my sins, I mean mistakes. Don’t ever ask a whiny 5 year old to clean up his toys; unless, of course, you want to hear 4 hours of whining and crying and general carrying on.
After 4 and 1/2 hours of such commotion, I had the brilliant idea of letting the toys and kitchen paraphernalia stay just where they were, all over the living room and kitchen floor, and letting Daddy see them when he got home; because when boy 1 was supposedly “cleaning” up his toys, he and his brother decided to unload two of my kitchen drawers. The ones that contain the 2 million cookie cutters we never use and all sorts of measuring cups and funnels and such. So, these are now all over my kitchen. But as quickly as I had this thought, I regretted it, because dad gum it those cookie cutters hurt like the dickens when you step on them!
Now, I’m praying that the Lord will give me some real wisdom in how to handle this whole issue. Because I’m tired of crying and stepping on cookie cutters and crying some more for goodness sake!
Anyone care to join me for a dozen Lindor truffles followed by a chaser of a quart of Blue Bell’s Southern Blackberry Cobbler?
And, then, we can all go join Emotional Eaters Anonymous. Won’t that be fun? I wonder if we’ll see Oprah there.

Car talk

A little snippet from our car conversation on the way to the middle child's Kindergarten meet and greet picnic.

Hubby: C, what's your teacher's name?

C: (shrugs) I don't know.

Me: It's Mrs. Combs.

After a brief pause.

C: Oh, it's Mrs. Brushes!

snicker, snicker

Like I said, it's going to be an interesting year.

Hubby's gift

I feel the need to set the record straight. In this house, Hubby does the cooking. And there's a very good reason for that. No, it's not because I'm a lazy couch potato, but then again, that could very well be part of it. It's because I am extremely anal. I am the reason they created recipes.
Hubby finds it comical to watch me in the kitchen. And he thinks it's downright hysterical to watch me make a box of Kraft Mac n Cheese. Yes, it does matter that the macaroni be cooked in exactly 2 cups of boiling water. Why? I don't know. Other than that, I'm just a good rule follower.
So, Hubby has this extraordinary gift that I feel the need to celebrate every night. Isn't that what we're supposed to do with someone's gifts? Anyway, he has this ability to go to the refrigerator, pull a few things out, and then go to the cabinets and do the same, and it doesn't really matter whether the things appear to go together or not, he then turns them into a feast fit for a King, or a Queen, in my case.
But you see, I don't have this gift. Because, even if the items appear to go together, when I get done, the dog won't even eat it.
Now, Baking, that's a whole other issue. Because, you really do need to measure exactly and follow a recipe, then. Have you ever tried to wing it with the yeast or baking powder? I rest my case.
But don't think for a minute that I get off footloose and fancy free. Because I am on permanent kp duty. And let me tell you, there's a whole lot of mess making when Hubby is having to be so creative. You know how artists' are, don't you? No offense, but they're not known for their, shall we say, "cleanliness"?
And that brings me to last night's kitchen catastrophe. It doesn't happen very often, but when it does. Well, look out! Sometime during his creativity, he got distracted. No, I didn't parade through in my Victoria's Secret nightie with my stilletos on. That only happens on the second Thursday of every week or once in a blue moon, whichever comes first.
His distraction might have happened when the kids were running amock, and I was nowhere to be found. That's just a guess. What I do know, however, is that somewhere along the way, Hubby forgot to turn down the rice he was making. He kind of left it on hi for a little too long. And my first clue came when I ate my first bite of rice. It tasted a little smokey, if you know what I mean.
But I know my Hubby's fragile ego and didn't want to say anything. I learned a long time ago that if I even hinted about not liking something he prepared, I'd be cooking for the next several weeks, and I wasn't about to let that happen again.
However, after a few bites, I politely and ever so kindly asked him if something had happened to the rice. That's when he told me that he just might have forgotten to turn the temperature down.
But I didn't realize the severity of his mishap until my clean up duties began. I'll just say that the bottom 1/4 of the pan was burned to a crisp. It was so burned that when I added water to the pot it instantly turned brown and smelled like burned coffee. It's a good thing I have a cast iron stomach, because after letting it soak for awhile, it still smelled like burned coffee, except with the rice puffing up, it now looked like a pot full of maggots and burned coffee. YUCK!
Well, fortunately, I get a break from kp duty tonight. We'll be having a picnic dinner at the middle child's, soon to be, home away from home. He starts Kindergarten in a little less than 2 weeks. Don't get me started. There will be a whole lot of Kleenex involved. So, we'll all go and meet his teacher, for the next 2 years, she loops, and his soon to be fellow classmates.
And I'll get some relief from burned coffee and maggots, at least for tonight.