So, we decided to potty train Emma Mae today. We're using the same three day intense potty training boot camp we used for Jake. Yesterday, I spent about two months worth of diaper money on stickers, treats, books and other bribes to positively encourage her to go on the potty.
This morning we got rid of the diapers and handed her some TinkerBell underwear. I have been peed on one time and cleaned up several messes. But, I think she is way more receptive to this than Jake was. He absolutely hated the idea of not wearing a diaper. She was able to get a little pee and one poop in the potty today. I think all of the incidents were more of an accident or just being in the right place at the right time, but I'm hopeful that she will catch on quickly and we will be done with diapers forever.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
This and that
The short version of our day:
Kids slept in until 7am today! We went to the park for an hour and barely made it back home. I wasn't sure Jake was going to be able to walk or ride his bicycle the last block home. The whining was remarkable. I babysat again so we didn't go anywhere exciting. We did take the kids to the pool after dinner to wear them out in hopes of them sleeping late in the morning. We almost didn't get to go to the pool, however, because Mike sent Jake to his room after dinner and I had the misfortune of overhearing Jake saying "stupid, stupid Daddy. i don't wanna play with him!" Oh, my. We couldn't let that slide and I'm really wondering where he is getting that expression from. I don't think we really say that much around here. So he got a stupid spanking and then we went to the pool.
My mind is on food today. These are things I love right now.
1.) The Greek Gods greek yogurt in honey flavor. Now, Amy doesn't like it but I think it is the best thing since sliced bread.
2.) Nature Valley Granola Thins in dark chocolate. Only 80 calories and yummy! I'm trying to convince myself they are the only chocolate I need every single day.
3.) These lemon raspberry muffins I made on Sunday
4.) Yesterday, over at Kelly's Korner she posted a picture of some sliced fruit with poppyseed dressing. I just happened to have made poppyseed dressing the day before so today I sliced some strawberries, bananas, cantelope, blueberries and grapes up and put them on a big plate with the dressing. Then I gave the kids a toothpick to eat/dip the fruit with and we all loved it. Ate the whole plate and Jake declared again that it made him so happy!
Kids slept in until 7am today! We went to the park for an hour and barely made it back home. I wasn't sure Jake was going to be able to walk or ride his bicycle the last block home. The whining was remarkable. I babysat again so we didn't go anywhere exciting. We did take the kids to the pool after dinner to wear them out in hopes of them sleeping late in the morning. We almost didn't get to go to the pool, however, because Mike sent Jake to his room after dinner and I had the misfortune of overhearing Jake saying "stupid, stupid Daddy. i don't wanna play with him!" Oh, my. We couldn't let that slide and I'm really wondering where he is getting that expression from. I don't think we really say that much around here. So he got a stupid spanking and then we went to the pool.
My mind is on food today. These are things I love right now.
1.) The Greek Gods greek yogurt in honey flavor. Now, Amy doesn't like it but I think it is the best thing since sliced bread.
2.) Nature Valley Granola Thins in dark chocolate. Only 80 calories and yummy! I'm trying to convince myself they are the only chocolate I need every single day.
3.) These lemon raspberry muffins I made on Sunday
4.) Yesterday, over at Kelly's Korner she posted a picture of some sliced fruit with poppyseed dressing. I just happened to have made poppyseed dressing the day before so today I sliced some strawberries, bananas, cantelope, blueberries and grapes up and put them on a big plate with the dressing. Then I gave the kids a toothpick to eat/dip the fruit with and we all loved it. Ate the whole plate and Jake declared again that it made him so happy!
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Summer Days
Lately I've been feeling kind of on auto pilot in the motherhood department. I mean I try to plan outings for us or at least take the kids to the park or the swimming pool every day, but I also feel like the TV has been on a lot lately. So I woke up this morning with the intention to be intentional.
It is hard to be a mama with the best of intentions. I baby sat today so we were home bound. It took me two hours just to get breakfast done and get the kids dressed. They literally ate three breakfasts today.
Finally at 11:00 I put the little guy I watch twice a week in bed for a nap. Then I thought "oops! I better go be a good mama to my kids." So I turned off the TV and took Jake and Emma to the playroom for some art time. We got out paper, colors, and water colors. They were so excited! I got them all set up and then sat down beside Jake to try to work on his letters. That's when Logan started screaming in the other room. So I told the kids to keep "arting" it up while I went to rock Logan to sleep and to stay in the play room for goodness sakes and try to be quiet!
Thirty minutes later I had Logan asleep and went to check on the kids. They had done pretty well on their own but I still felt bad that I hadn't been right there with them. So we had lunch and then I announced that it was story time. Emma was stoked but Jake said he didn't want to read books. So he played with his little toy animals while Em and I read approximately every book she owns. I guess quality time with one child is better than no quality time at all.
After story time I told the kids they could go outside and play in the sprinkler even though it totally violates our water restriction laws right now. Shh, don't tell! Again, Jake didn't want to participate. What is up with that? I seriously think he may be getting sick or something. Emma had a good time though.
What is up with our camera? Do these pictures look fuzzy? I wonder if it's just the insane heat around here.
It is hard to be a mama with the best of intentions. I baby sat today so we were home bound. It took me two hours just to get breakfast done and get the kids dressed. They literally ate three breakfasts today.
Finally at 11:00 I put the little guy I watch twice a week in bed for a nap. Then I thought "oops! I better go be a good mama to my kids." So I turned off the TV and took Jake and Emma to the playroom for some art time. We got out paper, colors, and water colors. They were so excited! I got them all set up and then sat down beside Jake to try to work on his letters. That's when Logan started screaming in the other room. So I told the kids to keep "arting" it up while I went to rock Logan to sleep and to stay in the play room for goodness sakes and try to be quiet!
Thirty minutes later I had Logan asleep and went to check on the kids. They had done pretty well on their own but I still felt bad that I hadn't been right there with them. So we had lunch and then I announced that it was story time. Emma was stoked but Jake said he didn't want to read books. So he played with his little toy animals while Em and I read approximately every book she owns. I guess quality time with one child is better than no quality time at all.
After story time I told the kids they could go outside and play in the sprinkler even though it totally violates our water restriction laws right now. Shh, don't tell! Again, Jake didn't want to participate. What is up with that? I seriously think he may be getting sick or something. Emma had a good time though.
What is up with our camera? Do these pictures look fuzzy? I wonder if it's just the insane heat around here.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Mean Boy
I totally messed up my summer goal by not blogging yesterday. No one's perfect. We went to church yesterday morning and then came home and took naps until Katha and her boys came over to go swimming. Jake was on fire at the swimming pool. He seriously was acting like a totally different boy. He was shooting people in the face with a water gun, running and jumping into the pool like a mad man, hitting people with toys and generally running amok and wreaking havoc all over the place.
I had to put him in time out twice. Both times he sat on the side of the pool pouting and splashing water at me with his feet. We've been learning a Bible verse this week. A very simple one. "Children obey your parents." So at one point I pulled him over and told him that we needed to have a little talk. I reminded him about our Bible verse and told him that he was not pleasing God or mama by not listening and obeying. When we were done talking I sent him on his way secure in the knowledge that he was now armed with the tools he needed to do the right thing. And then he bonked a man in the head with this little plastic ball.
He came back over to me and said that he needed to have a talk with me. He told me that I really needed to be nice to him and start listening to him. I referred him back to our Bible memory verse. I asked him to tell me what the verse said. And he said "Listen to your children." One of us is confused.
Anyhow, Mike made tikka masala for dinner and Katha and the boys stayed to eat with us. He is a very good cook and it is always nice to invite people over for dinner when you're not the one doing the cooking!
Today I took the kids to the park and our new friend and neighbor Kristin was there with her hubby and little girl. We're trying to get the girls to be friends. Little Allison went to give Emma a hug and Emma threw herself down on the ground and did her best impression of a person who is not interested in making friends. It was wonderful. I'm hoping Allison won't give up on Emma Mae. Later, Kristin totally saved Emma by rescuing her from stomping on a big pile of fire ants. She got several bites but it could have been a lot worse.
During Emma's naptime I let Jake watch Free Willy while I also tried to take a nap. I don't know what is wrong with me but I have no energy lately. I am ready for bed right after lunch time. Anyway, I couldn't sleep because Jake was being kind of loud watching his movie. I kept hearing him talking to the people on the screen. At one point he screamed "LISTEN CHILDREN! OBEY YOUR PARENTS! I DON'T KNOW WHAT YOUR NAMES ARE BUT YOU BETTER LISTEN!"
One last thing for today. While I was cleaning up after dinner, Mike went to check on the kids. They were in our bedroom. Jake was naked from the waist down holding our camera. Apparently, he was trying to take a picture of his booty. Fortunately, he was not successful. We now have about 30 pictures of the bathroom and our toilet paper holder on the camera. He was successful at taking the cutest picture we've gotten of Emma Mae in quite some time.
I had to put him in time out twice. Both times he sat on the side of the pool pouting and splashing water at me with his feet. We've been learning a Bible verse this week. A very simple one. "Children obey your parents." So at one point I pulled him over and told him that we needed to have a little talk. I reminded him about our Bible verse and told him that he was not pleasing God or mama by not listening and obeying. When we were done talking I sent him on his way secure in the knowledge that he was now armed with the tools he needed to do the right thing. And then he bonked a man in the head with this little plastic ball.
He came back over to me and said that he needed to have a talk with me. He told me that I really needed to be nice to him and start listening to him. I referred him back to our Bible memory verse. I asked him to tell me what the verse said. And he said "Listen to your children." One of us is confused.
Anyhow, Mike made tikka masala for dinner and Katha and the boys stayed to eat with us. He is a very good cook and it is always nice to invite people over for dinner when you're not the one doing the cooking!
Today I took the kids to the park and our new friend and neighbor Kristin was there with her hubby and little girl. We're trying to get the girls to be friends. Little Allison went to give Emma a hug and Emma threw herself down on the ground and did her best impression of a person who is not interested in making friends. It was wonderful. I'm hoping Allison won't give up on Emma Mae. Later, Kristin totally saved Emma by rescuing her from stomping on a big pile of fire ants. She got several bites but it could have been a lot worse.
During Emma's naptime I let Jake watch Free Willy while I also tried to take a nap. I don't know what is wrong with me but I have no energy lately. I am ready for bed right after lunch time. Anyway, I couldn't sleep because Jake was being kind of loud watching his movie. I kept hearing him talking to the people on the screen. At one point he screamed "LISTEN CHILDREN! OBEY YOUR PARENTS! I DON'T KNOW WHAT YOUR NAMES ARE BUT YOU BETTER LISTEN!"
One last thing for today. While I was cleaning up after dinner, Mike went to check on the kids. They were in our bedroom. Jake was naked from the waist down holding our camera. Apparently, he was trying to take a picture of his booty. Fortunately, he was not successful. We now have about 30 pictures of the bathroom and our toilet paper holder on the camera. He was successful at taking the cutest picture we've gotten of Emma Mae in quite some time.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Cancelled plans and cupcakes
Today we had tentative plans to go to the swimming pool with Katha and her boys. However, that idea got nixxed before lunch time. The kids were on fire. It is amazing to me how quickly laughter and squeals of delight can turn into screams of anger and tales of woe around here.
I warned them multiple times that if they couldn't listen to mama and get along with each other then we would have to call off the trip to the pool. Someday those two are going to believe me when I speak.
We did venture out to the grocery store this morning because I wanted to make some cupcakes. I know I probably shouldn't have made cupcakes and given them one based on their behavior. But I had been craving these cupcakes for weeks and didn't really feel like I should be punishing myself because my kids can't listen.
We prayed when we left the driveway and we prayed when we left the grocery store for God to let Big Red make it home safely with one front tire that was near shreds. God didn't disappoint us. I'm thankful for that because Jake was very emphatic in the back seat that if you ask God to help you He will. Also, I'm thankful because I think having a blow out with two small children in the car and having to walk home carrying groceries would have sucked.
So, we came home and made cupcakes and stayed home the rest of the day. I got the recipe for these Pink Lemonade cupcakes from the Idea Room blog. They were quite good. Very summery. For the first time in his life, Jake ate the entire cupcake and not just the frosting. When he was done with it he looked at me and said "mama, that made me so happy." I know how you feel buddy.
While Emma was napping, Jake and I watched a documentary on the Galapagos Islands. This is probably the place I would most like to visit in the world. I'm so thankful to have a son who will sit and watch things like that with me. He kept saying "whoa! I never knew that before!" about everything. I love that little guy.
I warned them multiple times that if they couldn't listen to mama and get along with each other then we would have to call off the trip to the pool. Someday those two are going to believe me when I speak.
We did venture out to the grocery store this morning because I wanted to make some cupcakes. I know I probably shouldn't have made cupcakes and given them one based on their behavior. But I had been craving these cupcakes for weeks and didn't really feel like I should be punishing myself because my kids can't listen.
We prayed when we left the driveway and we prayed when we left the grocery store for God to let Big Red make it home safely with one front tire that was near shreds. God didn't disappoint us. I'm thankful for that because Jake was very emphatic in the back seat that if you ask God to help you He will. Also, I'm thankful because I think having a blow out with two small children in the car and having to walk home carrying groceries would have sucked.
So, we came home and made cupcakes and stayed home the rest of the day. I got the recipe for these Pink Lemonade cupcakes from the Idea Room blog. They were quite good. Very summery. For the first time in his life, Jake ate the entire cupcake and not just the frosting. When he was done with it he looked at me and said "mama, that made me so happy." I know how you feel buddy.
While Emma was napping, Jake and I watched a documentary on the Galapagos Islands. This is probably the place I would most like to visit in the world. I'm so thankful to have a son who will sit and watch things like that with me. He kept saying "whoa! I never knew that before!" about everything. I love that little guy.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Last day of VBS
Well we made it through the VBS week! Emma was done. In fact, her class was out on the same playground that we had my class on at the same time and she threw a FIT when she saw me. At KKW we could run into each other all day long and she would smile and say "hi, mama!" and then go on her way. Not today. She wanted me to hold her and carry her and take her home. When I had to put her down to pick up one of the babies in our class she fell on the ground and seriously acted like she was possessed with a demon.
All of the classes came together at the end of the day to put on a big musical production. I'm thinking I may change my mind about Jake going into the acting business someday. I thought this might be right up his alley. I had visions of him stealing the show up there singing and doing all of the hand gestures and everything. Instead, our child sat on the front row of steps and kept pulling his shirt up over his head.
That's Jake in the green shirt. Can you see him? Mike came up to see the show and was videotaping some of it. He caught some stuff that I couldn't see from where I was standing. It seems that when Jake wasn't hiding in his shirt, he was intent on distracting the kids around him into doing "the wrong thing." Check this out.
We couldn't be more proud.
Emma's class didn't get to participate in the musical. But they did get to attend the performance. They had great seats in this cool red buggy. We had a great week, but I think we're all ready to get back to our lazy mornings of walking the dog and swimming in the sweltering heat.
All of the classes came together at the end of the day to put on a big musical production. I'm thinking I may change my mind about Jake going into the acting business someday. I thought this might be right up his alley. I had visions of him stealing the show up there singing and doing all of the hand gestures and everything. Instead, our child sat on the front row of steps and kept pulling his shirt up over his head.
That's Jake in the green shirt. Can you see him? Mike came up to see the show and was videotaping some of it. He caught some stuff that I couldn't see from where I was standing. It seems that when Jake wasn't hiding in his shirt, he was intent on distracting the kids around him into doing "the wrong thing." Check this out.
We couldn't be more proud.
Emma's class didn't get to participate in the musical. But they did get to attend the performance. They had great seats in this cool red buggy. We had a great week, but I think we're all ready to get back to our lazy mornings of walking the dog and swimming in the sweltering heat.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Buzz Lightyear and Jesus
Today at VBS the toddlers let us know that they had had enough already. I think five days in a row for little ones is just too much. There was much crying, pushing, shoving and tantrum throwing. And that was just the adults!
Emma has been throwing huge fits when I drop her off at her class too. I don't know what's going on there. I mean screaming "NO! DON'T WANNA GO!" while kicking me fits. It's great. Her teachers still manage to put on a smile and welcome her with open arms though. They say as soon as they give her a snack she calms right down. Like mama, like daughter.
On our way home from church I was pressing Jake about what he learned today. Every day I ask him what Bible story they talked about. Every day he tells me they don't have a Bible story. Now, I know that's not true. Today he finally told me the Bible story was about a turtle. I guess I missed that book in the Bible. Then we got into a discussion about heaven. Jake wanted to know if Jesus lived on Earth. I told him about how Jesus was born a baby, grew up and then some bad men killed him. He filled in the parts about Jesus being killed on a cross so I was all "Score!" He knows something! Then we talked about how one day we will live with Jesus and God in heaven. Jake started talking about how heaven was really high up in the sky, but he knew how we were going to get up there. I was all ready for some heavy duty four year old theology. That's when he told me that Buzz Lightyear and Iron Man would fly us up to Jesus when we die. Maybe that white light people talk about is really just fire from jet fuel!
Last night Mike informed me that he has been having trouble going to sleep and then staying asleep. I was all "oh, i'm not having any trouble sleeping!" So of course I couldn't go to sleep last night and then I woke up several times and couldn't get back to sleep. He totally jinxed me. Meanwhile, he slept like a baby. I was so looking forward to my after VBS nap this afternoon but I couldn't even get to sleep for that. Bummer.
So instead, I woke Emma up early and we all headed off to the swimming pool. We're all getting some pretty awesome tan lines around here.
Emma has been throwing huge fits when I drop her off at her class too. I don't know what's going on there. I mean screaming "NO! DON'T WANNA GO!" while kicking me fits. It's great. Her teachers still manage to put on a smile and welcome her with open arms though. They say as soon as they give her a snack she calms right down. Like mama, like daughter.
On our way home from church I was pressing Jake about what he learned today. Every day I ask him what Bible story they talked about. Every day he tells me they don't have a Bible story. Now, I know that's not true. Today he finally told me the Bible story was about a turtle. I guess I missed that book in the Bible. Then we got into a discussion about heaven. Jake wanted to know if Jesus lived on Earth. I told him about how Jesus was born a baby, grew up and then some bad men killed him. He filled in the parts about Jesus being killed on a cross so I was all "Score!" He knows something! Then we talked about how one day we will live with Jesus and God in heaven. Jake started talking about how heaven was really high up in the sky, but he knew how we were going to get up there. I was all ready for some heavy duty four year old theology. That's when he told me that Buzz Lightyear and Iron Man would fly us up to Jesus when we die. Maybe that white light people talk about is really just fire from jet fuel!
Last night Mike informed me that he has been having trouble going to sleep and then staying asleep. I was all "oh, i'm not having any trouble sleeping!" So of course I couldn't go to sleep last night and then I woke up several times and couldn't get back to sleep. He totally jinxed me. Meanwhile, he slept like a baby. I was so looking forward to my after VBS nap this afternoon but I couldn't even get to sleep for that. Bummer.
So instead, I woke Emma up early and we all headed off to the swimming pool. We're all getting some pretty awesome tan lines around here.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Amateur Photographer
Three days of VBS down and two more to go! It has been fun but Emma and I are worn out for some reason. We come home every day and take looong naps. I blame mine on the absence of Coke in my life.
So, really we haven't done much else this week besides VBS. Jake did get hold of my camera one day during my nap though. He was actually watching an Iron Man episode so now our camera has approximately 199 pictures of Iron Man on it. This is my favorite.
The last picture he took was a self portrait. Nice, huh?
I'm thinking Jake might need some glasses. Tonight at dinner he noticed a picture of Emma I just put on the refrigerator. The background on the picture is oceanic with a big killer whale breaching. So Jake's eyes got real big and he said "LOOK! There's a picture of Shamu on the refrigerator! Right behind that little boy!" Now, I know Emma doesn't have much hair but she definitely looks like a girl. Plus, he's known her now for about two years so he should know that she is indeed a girl or at least recognize her as being his sister. Also, he's been watching Scooby Doo ever since cousin's camp and every time Velma says "shut up" we have to have an in depth discussion about how she shouldn't say that. Only today he told me that Velma is a "he". Again, I realize Velma is a little ambiguous and she has really short hair like Emma, but she is wearing a skirt. Clearly, a girl.
In other news, Emma Mae has worn a hair clip in her hair to VBS the last two mornings. She rips it out as soon as we leave but progress is being made! Also, on Father's Day when we went out for pizza we ordered a salad to go with the meal. Both kids ate salad. This is huge. Not so much for Jake. He's a pretty good eater. But Emma refuses to let anything vegetative pass her lips. She ate quite a bit too! Now, if I had had the camera with me I would have totally let Jake take a picture of that!
So, really we haven't done much else this week besides VBS. Jake did get hold of my camera one day during my nap though. He was actually watching an Iron Man episode so now our camera has approximately 199 pictures of Iron Man on it. This is my favorite.
The last picture he took was a self portrait. Nice, huh?
I'm thinking Jake might need some glasses. Tonight at dinner he noticed a picture of Emma I just put on the refrigerator. The background on the picture is oceanic with a big killer whale breaching. So Jake's eyes got real big and he said "LOOK! There's a picture of Shamu on the refrigerator! Right behind that little boy!" Now, I know Emma doesn't have much hair but she definitely looks like a girl. Plus, he's known her now for about two years so he should know that she is indeed a girl or at least recognize her as being his sister. Also, he's been watching Scooby Doo ever since cousin's camp and every time Velma says "shut up" we have to have an in depth discussion about how she shouldn't say that. Only today he told me that Velma is a "he". Again, I realize Velma is a little ambiguous and she has really short hair like Emma, but she is wearing a skirt. Clearly, a girl.
In other news, Emma Mae has worn a hair clip in her hair to VBS the last two mornings. She rips it out as soon as we leave but progress is being made! Also, on Father's Day when we went out for pizza we ordered a salad to go with the meal. Both kids ate salad. This is huge. Not so much for Jake. He's a pretty good eater. But Emma refuses to let anything vegetative pass her lips. She ate quite a bit too! Now, if I had had the camera with me I would have totally let Jake take a picture of that!
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Coke, cookies and self control
I'm trying to kick my Coke habit. That's Coca Cola in case anyone is wondering. I actually kicked my Coke habit a few months ago, but I replaced it with a Coke Zero habit. Then I kicked the Coke Zero habit and replaced it with a Vanilla Coke Zero habit. I figured Coke Zero was better for me because it doesn't have any calories. However, it does have a lot of things in it that I can't pronounce. Things like ACESULFAME and PHENYLALANINE. That last one scares me a bit because they put the fact that my Vanilla Coke Zero contains it on a separate spot on the can. All by itself, away from the other list of ingredients. I think it might be some sort of trouble maker.
Hi, I'm Kim. It's been 84 hours since I had my last drink of Vanilla Coke Zero. I don't seem to be able to just give up a bad habit. I can't mentally tell myself when I wake up every morning that I really like drinking nothing but water all day long. Around noon time I need some sort of pick me up. That's usually about the time the kids start fighting and whining and telling me they don't want to eat anything we have in the house for lunch. My hands start shaking. I feel faint. And I want a Coke. And some chocolate. STAT.
Instead, for the past four days I've been reaching for a glass of iced tea. It's not quite the same because there are no fun, fizzy bubbles in tea. But there is caffeine so I think it is helping me get over the hump.
The thing is that tonight we're having chicken enchiladas for dinner. You know what would go really well with Mexican food? A Coke. I'm really trying to talk myself down from it, but right now I'm not certain about how this is going to turn out. My self control is wavering.
Speaking of wavering self control, yesterday at VBS they brought us extra cookies. I was only going to have one cookie. Then I had two. And then I had three. No will power. Please pray for me. This summer I found cellulite in a new place on my thighs. A place that is going to take sacrifice and self discipline to get rid of. A place that takes no prisoners. A place where Vanilla Coke Zero and cookies cannot reside.
Hi, I'm Kim. It's been 84 hours since I had my last drink of Vanilla Coke Zero. I don't seem to be able to just give up a bad habit. I can't mentally tell myself when I wake up every morning that I really like drinking nothing but water all day long. Around noon time I need some sort of pick me up. That's usually about the time the kids start fighting and whining and telling me they don't want to eat anything we have in the house for lunch. My hands start shaking. I feel faint. And I want a Coke. And some chocolate. STAT.
Instead, for the past four days I've been reaching for a glass of iced tea. It's not quite the same because there are no fun, fizzy bubbles in tea. But there is caffeine so I think it is helping me get over the hump.
The thing is that tonight we're having chicken enchiladas for dinner. You know what would go really well with Mexican food? A Coke. I'm really trying to talk myself down from it, but right now I'm not certain about how this is going to turn out. My self control is wavering.
Speaking of wavering self control, yesterday at VBS they brought us extra cookies. I was only going to have one cookie. Then I had two. And then I had three. No will power. Please pray for me. This summer I found cellulite in a new place on my thighs. A place that is going to take sacrifice and self discipline to get rid of. A place that takes no prisoners. A place where Vanilla Coke Zero and cookies cannot reside.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Oh, the tiredness
We started VBS today. I'm teaching a class of toddlers from 12 months to 21 months. They are pretty cute. And they all did really well today. Not much crying at all which is just the way I like it.
Jake and Emma had so much fun. The theme this year is SonSurf so everything is decorated up beach style and Jake's teachers even had a stuffed Shamu so of course he loves it!
Emma and I took very long naps after we got home. We were worn out. Then Mike made some wonderful spaghetti sauce with tomatoes and basil from our garden. It was lovely.
We ended the day with a trip to the pool. Who would have guessed? Leslie brought her two kids over to go swimming with us. It was so nice to see all of them. I have to say I'm exhausted and can't manage any witty remarks tonight. Can't wait to do it all over again tomorrow!
Jake and Emma had so much fun. The theme this year is SonSurf so everything is decorated up beach style and Jake's teachers even had a stuffed Shamu so of course he loves it!
Emma and I took very long naps after we got home. We were worn out. Then Mike made some wonderful spaghetti sauce with tomatoes and basil from our garden. It was lovely.
We ended the day with a trip to the pool. Who would have guessed? Leslie brought her two kids over to go swimming with us. It was so nice to see all of them. I have to say I'm exhausted and can't manage any witty remarks tonight. Can't wait to do it all over again tomorrow!
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Father's Day
Happy Father's Day! I have the best daddy in the world and I really wish I could spend every Father's Day with him. He celebrated today by making apricot jam. And I know he will bring me some on his next trip down here. That's one of the reasons he's the best dad in the world! That and also the fact that he (and my mom) agreed to buy me the coolest car ever when I turned 18. I miss you Powder Puff. Oh, and also, he never says anything negative about anybody, he is super smart, and I'm willing to bet that he never gave anyone a reason to say anything negative about himself. Just a little shout out to my daddy here.
I also married someone who is a fantastic daddy. Even if he is the loudest person in the swimming pool throwing Jake sky high and helping him to make the biggest splashes ever. Jake will remember having fun with his daddy at the pool.
I woke up early today to make some blueberry muffins for Mike before he went to work. The kids and I played hookie from church because I knew we were going to have to be at the church this afternoon for a VBS meeting and the price of gas is killing us!
After our meeting Mike met us and we went out for pizza to celebrate Father's Day. It was really good. The restaurant even gave him a free dessert for being a daddy. It was burnt, but that's okay.
After dinner I had to run over to WalMart to buy an iron. I found out at our VBS meeting that I needed to wear a t-shirt with a certain decal on it all week long. Ya'll. I haven't ironed a garment in at least 10 years. I don't iron. If it's too wrinkled to wear it then we don't wear it. Honestly, I was a little put out that I had to buy an iron and bring it into our house. My fear is that certain persons around here will expect me to begin ironing things. I can't have that. So, if you think about it please pray for our VBS week and please pray that no wrinkles dare to show themselves in our house while I'm still alive.
I also married someone who is a fantastic daddy. Even if he is the loudest person in the swimming pool throwing Jake sky high and helping him to make the biggest splashes ever. Jake will remember having fun with his daddy at the pool.
I woke up early today to make some blueberry muffins for Mike before he went to work. The kids and I played hookie from church because I knew we were going to have to be at the church this afternoon for a VBS meeting and the price of gas is killing us!
After our meeting Mike met us and we went out for pizza to celebrate Father's Day. It was really good. The restaurant even gave him a free dessert for being a daddy. It was burnt, but that's okay.
After dinner I had to run over to WalMart to buy an iron. I found out at our VBS meeting that I needed to wear a t-shirt with a certain decal on it all week long. Ya'll. I haven't ironed a garment in at least 10 years. I don't iron. If it's too wrinkled to wear it then we don't wear it. Honestly, I was a little put out that I had to buy an iron and bring it into our house. My fear is that certain persons around here will expect me to begin ironing things. I can't have that. So, if you think about it please pray for our VBS week and please pray that no wrinkles dare to show themselves in our house while I'm still alive.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Pirates, pools and pretend
The kids slept in until 7am today! But, I was up at 5:45 and couldn't get back to sleep. Still, I had a little quiet time to myself before they got up.
After our morning walk we headed over to the local farmer's market for fresh veggies. I've been looking for okra for four weeks now and they finally had some. Come to mama! I can't wait to fry that stuff up.
Our own little garden is doing pretty well this summer. We have a bumper crop of tomatoes coming in. The only problem is that we also have a bumper crop of stink bugs out there eating them just as fast as they turn light red. Every day I go out there and get disgusted by all the bugs. Then I come in and tell Mike that I really ought to make up some "bug juice" to get rid of them organically. Then I never make it. So yesterday while I was gone, Mike made some for me. And that is why I think I'll keep him. He does stuff like that. Last night I sprayed the heck out of the garden and this morning I didn't see a single stink bug.
After the farmer's market, I took the kids over to the city park. Some days they play together or by themselves and don't really need me much. Some days they want me to swing them and play with them. That's the kind of day today was. Jake called Emma and I over to one of the playscapes and told us to get on his ship. Then we spotted some pirates in the distance and had to deal with them forthwith. (I love that word! They say it on Blue Bloods all the time and I've always wanted to use it.)
Anyway, we had to run back and forth between playscapes for a good twenty minutes fighting pirates off. And I sang "what do you do with a scurvy pirate?" more times than I care to remember. Oh, well. It was fun and I know it won't be long before they will be completely embarrassed of me especially if I'm singing pirate songs so I just tried to enjoy the moment.
I tried to get the house cleaned up before we had to go to FRIEND AIDEN'S! birthday party. Here are the kids playing in the choo choo train they made with our dining room chairs while I was mopping the floor.
Aiden's party was at the swimming pool so we continued our pool marathon. Emma found Jake's hat while we there and put it on.
And now Mike and I are going to curl up on the couch and watch Black Swan while we pretend we're actually in the Carribean not fighting pirates.
After our morning walk we headed over to the local farmer's market for fresh veggies. I've been looking for okra for four weeks now and they finally had some. Come to mama! I can't wait to fry that stuff up.
Our own little garden is doing pretty well this summer. We have a bumper crop of tomatoes coming in. The only problem is that we also have a bumper crop of stink bugs out there eating them just as fast as they turn light red. Every day I go out there and get disgusted by all the bugs. Then I come in and tell Mike that I really ought to make up some "bug juice" to get rid of them organically. Then I never make it. So yesterday while I was gone, Mike made some for me. And that is why I think I'll keep him. He does stuff like that. Last night I sprayed the heck out of the garden and this morning I didn't see a single stink bug.
After the farmer's market, I took the kids over to the city park. Some days they play together or by themselves and don't really need me much. Some days they want me to swing them and play with them. That's the kind of day today was. Jake called Emma and I over to one of the playscapes and told us to get on his ship. Then we spotted some pirates in the distance and had to deal with them forthwith. (I love that word! They say it on Blue Bloods all the time and I've always wanted to use it.)
Anyway, we had to run back and forth between playscapes for a good twenty minutes fighting pirates off. And I sang "what do you do with a scurvy pirate?" more times than I care to remember. Oh, well. It was fun and I know it won't be long before they will be completely embarrassed of me especially if I'm singing pirate songs so I just tried to enjoy the moment.
I tried to get the house cleaned up before we had to go to FRIEND AIDEN'S! birthday party. Here are the kids playing in the choo choo train they made with our dining room chairs while I was mopping the floor.
Aiden's party was at the swimming pool so we continued our pool marathon. Emma found Jake's hat while we there and put it on.
And now Mike and I are going to curl up on the couch and watch Black Swan while we pretend we're actually in the Carribean not fighting pirates.
Friday, June 17, 2011
The smell of burning hair
Next week I'm working at the church for VBS. I'm super excited for Jake and Emma to go for the first time. I think they will love it. So today I went up there to decorate our room and then I ran a few errands around town while Mike had the kids.
Before I left for the day I decided to put out the effort to straighten my hair and make it look nice. I got it cut a couple weeks ago and it is much shorter which means it gets much poofier if I don't straighten it out. So I'm in the bathroom spraying on this product I bought (for way more than my normal $3.99 hair care budget) and I'm using the flat iron on my hair. This product is supposed to protect your hair from heat, specifically from the flat iron.
I hear a few sizzles while I'm doing this but don't think much about it. Then Mike who was in the bedroom at the time starts yelling that he smells something burning. Not two minutes later the smoke alarm in our bedroom started going off. All from my hair. I'm starting to think that straightening my hair out may not be the best option for me.
After my errands I came back home to the biggest welcome home committee you've ever seen. You would have thought I had been gone for months overseas or something. Right away Jake and Emma asked for a snack. I lovingly gave them a bowl of Pirate Booty and Goldfish Crackers fresh from HEB.
Ten minutes after finishing that snack, Jake told me that he was still hungry and asked for something else. I told him he could have fruit. So he said he wanted ice cream. I said that ice cream is not fruit. So he asked for cheese. Clearly we need a lesson on the four food groups around here.
The day ended with cheeseburgers and a trip to the swimming pool. Does anything scream summer more than that? Maybe some homemade ice cream, but we don't have any of that around here. We'll have to settle for the delicious mint chocolate chip ice cream Klondike bars we bought yesterday instead. And I'm gonna call that a fruit or veggie since they're green inside and be completely guilt free.
Before I left for the day I decided to put out the effort to straighten my hair and make it look nice. I got it cut a couple weeks ago and it is much shorter which means it gets much poofier if I don't straighten it out. So I'm in the bathroom spraying on this product I bought (for way more than my normal $3.99 hair care budget) and I'm using the flat iron on my hair. This product is supposed to protect your hair from heat, specifically from the flat iron.
I hear a few sizzles while I'm doing this but don't think much about it. Then Mike who was in the bedroom at the time starts yelling that he smells something burning. Not two minutes later the smoke alarm in our bedroom started going off. All from my hair. I'm starting to think that straightening my hair out may not be the best option for me.
After my errands I came back home to the biggest welcome home committee you've ever seen. You would have thought I had been gone for months overseas or something. Right away Jake and Emma asked for a snack. I lovingly gave them a bowl of Pirate Booty and Goldfish Crackers fresh from HEB.
Ten minutes after finishing that snack, Jake told me that he was still hungry and asked for something else. I told him he could have fruit. So he said he wanted ice cream. I said that ice cream is not fruit. So he asked for cheese. Clearly we need a lesson on the four food groups around here.
The day ended with cheeseburgers and a trip to the swimming pool. Does anything scream summer more than that? Maybe some homemade ice cream, but we don't have any of that around here. We'll have to settle for the delicious mint chocolate chip ice cream Klondike bars we bought yesterday instead. And I'm gonna call that a fruit or veggie since they're green inside and be completely guilt free.
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