Wordless Wednesday - Puppy Chow

Talking Tuesday

Addy:  "I pretend to pain my door and it says no Eligh and Kinsley in my room."

Mommy:  "Ok, hun?"

Eligh:  "I'm not hun!  I'm the CHIEF!"

Daddy:  "I want a hug."

Kinsley:  "Ok, in a minute."

A girl is splashing in the little pool.

Eligh:  "Settle down girl!"

 

One of those days

Today we stayed put to hopefully get us into a solid routine for our now busier weeks. 


Today the kiddos did as they pleased:
They wanted their tents in the toy room, so I assembled them.
They wanted to watch "Rio," and they did.
They each wanted something different for lunch, and that's what they got.
They wanted piles of books read to them, and I did.
They wanted to ride their vehicles in the front of the house vs. the back, and they did.




How do they repay their parents?????




Guess......





Come on, you can do better than that.




Still can't figure it out?



By bringing back the days of hitting.  All of them got to spent some time in time out today, some more than others.  Because our parenting totally rocks, we got to the point where we told them to figure it out themselves.  Yep, don't we rock at this parenting business? 





Tomorrow WILL be better. 

Lesson #1 in manners

Addy:  "Mommy, can I have a napkin, please?"
Mommy:  "Sure."
Addy:  "You have to say 'yes, you may.'"
Mommy:  "Yes, you may."
Addy:  "Thank you."
Mommy:  "You're welcome."

Friday Night Leftovers - my baby heads to prek

• What an emotional week it has been.  
• I still can't wrap my head around Addy being in school, I am over it already.  I'm ready to say forget it all and let me have her all to myself again.  
• She is doing so much better than the first day and if you ask her she says she likes school and reminds me that mommy comes to get her right after snack time.
• The walk to an from the parking lot to Addy's school is harder at pick up time, as it is hotter in the day and the kids' hands are clammy and hard to keep hold of as we cross and trudge our way back to the van.  I am not looking forward to the snow and ice we will have this winter and lugging all three kiddos to and from the parking lot with all their added snow gear. 
•  I had my first experience with dental work and I was freaking the hell out, but it was NOT at all what I thought it would be.  
• I finally made my appointment for the headache clinic I was referred to after the last screw up and go at the end of month and was informed it will take 2-3 hours.  What the hell?!
• Cody has the option to have Lasik's surgery done for free and has been debating seeing the docs about going, but has ultimately decided against it.  I am pleased that he chose not to, but I did not tell him how I really felt about it all until he finalized his decision.  
• Due to our recent move, I had to update our address with our insurance and this meant switching the kids' doctor.  I have mixed feelings about it all. 
• Who has weekend plans?  I need to read about something exciting, as we have nothing planned for the weekend.  

Check out the lovely host, Danifred, to see what others are bringing to the table this week.  

How to avoid talking about death with small children

Don't let your husband completely empty out the fish tank and forget to add the chemicals to help restart the aquarium or you will end up with belly up fish.  But, if you have to learn the hard way like I did, here is a fool-proof way to avoid explaining this traumatic experience to your children. 

Tell your children you had to take the fish to the fish store to be cleaned and that they would return before the night was over.  (You better hope like hell they have the same exact looking fish at the store). 











 This morning Cody texts me that the girls' fish died before I was even awake.  I had to explain to Addyson that her fish was hiding in the house or pirate ship all morning and afternoon long, but we would for sure see them before they went to bed.  

Of course, there was not one more pink fish so daddy had to bring home a yellow fish.  What was the excuse this time?  "Your fish got sick, shed her pink skin, and turned yellow.  But, she is all better now.  And looks even more like Rapunzel and her blond hair." 

PreK three days complete

Addy has been going to PreK now for the past three days and it has been an adjustment for us all. 

Addy:

Each day she gets a little more comfortable with leaving and lessens the amount of times she asks me to stay with her and hasn't cried again since the first day. 

She shares her snack from school with her brother and sister and no one told her to (afreakinmazing)

She is a tattle tale and tells me the boys (based on the color of their shirt) that have had to go into time out and what for 

Each day she willingly shares everything she did in school and then promptly asks what mommy did.  ("...And then what did you do?  What next?")

Kinsley:

She has become defiant,  like the good ole days 

She only wants mommy and pushes everyone's buttons and the limits.  ("Kinsley, stop sitting on your sister's head.")

I think she is missing Addy and doesn't know how to handle it

Eligh:

He is still pretty much laid-back and easy going

Upon parking, he immediately says that Addy is going to Ms. (insert teacher's name) class.  He knew the teacher's name before Addyson!

He asks several times a day where Addyson is and when we can get her 

Mommy:

I am doing much better than Monday, but I still go to bed thinking I should just yank her out of the school and keep her home.  Yep, I miss her that much and you can think I am lame all you want.

The 2.5 hours Addy is at school, I have been trying to be productive while still doing something special with the twins.  

I have pushed them in the stroller for two miles on two separate days and followed up at the playground. 

Today we went to the fish store and ordered their 3rd birthday cake

I like having this alone time with the twins

Because Addy is away part of the day we have been letting Addy stay up a little bit later than the twins and do something "special" (paint toe neee nails, color, and play games - only one activity each night)

Who wants to solve a puzzle? Great, thanks.  

I know there are two other girls in Addy's class and know one of their names, the other I can't pick it out from the list, so I have tried asking her.  She tells me there is a girl that used to be a boy, but is now a girl and her name is L (something odd and definitely not distinguishable, but matches the class list).  "She goes in the boy's bathroom, has long hair, wore race car shoes one day and a rainbow shirt the other."  I have tried probing her to see if she just means it is a boy with long hair and she immediately tells me no like I'm the crazy one.  Good luck figuring this one out, because I have no clue.

 

Boom Boom Boom

Mr. Brown makes thunder and I have two little girls who do not like thunder.  Let me clarify, do not like is an understatement, more like terrified to the point of shaking and crying. 

We have had quite a few storms here at night and this middle of the night waking up is not allowing for a sound sleep for four out of five of us. 

History:  When the kids and I were staying at my parent's house I would simply put Addy in the bed with me and she would go right back to sleep and stay asleep.  She needed and wanted the comfort of mommy.  I know this has bitten me in the ass, but it was a completely different situation with my lack of sleep and higher levels of stress and wanting the kiddos to feel extra loved while daddy was away.  Fast forward to now and not only is Addy waking up during these storms but Kinsley has been as well for the past month.  Kinsley is the one who is petrified when she hears thunder.  She will be sobbing and shaking in fear yelling for mommy or daddy.


Our current solution:  We are putting the girls back in their rooms, calming them down, telling them to put their fingers in their ears or hide under the blanket and try to reassure them there is nothing to be scared of.  We are even keeping their doors open during storms to help them feel safe and it has been keeping them in their room for the most part, but Kinsley will still start crying and shaking when another thunder booms. 

What else can we do?  Ideas and suggestions are welcomed and needed.  

Side note:  We have a couple of books about storms and not being scared, and that obviously isn't working. 

200th post - and Addy heads to PreK

I had no idea that my 200th post here at my new "home" would be the very same day that my Addy would head to PreK.  It is fitting for me to share these moments hand and hand.

Some pictures and commentary of OUR big day.

The night before the big day, before I started asking my mommy to come with me and I told her how much I was going to miss her - a whole bunch, by the way.  

Modeling the outfit I picked out

Kinsley said she is going to miss me and wanted hugs

Check out my new bag, it has my name on it.  Can you see it?

A picture with my mommy.  She is going for a walk with the babies while I am at school, so she has on her running clothes, ok?

I want a picture with my daddy, too

This is me pretending to be excited.  As soon as I walked into school I kept asking my mommy to stay with me over and over again.  And then, when I saw my teacher I cried and they took me into the classroom.  But, I only cried for a little bit.  I had a fun first day including some play-dohing, biking, letter matching, marching to the bathroom where there is a duck on the door for the girls and boys go in a different bathroom with a bear, dress up but I won't wear the black dress the boy that used to be a girl but is now a boy wore it, and I even played with a kitchen.  

*I, on the other hand, cried when she went in the room because she was so upset and I felt horrible.  Then, I cried all the way to the van, which is across the street quite a bit.  I feel like today happened and she won't have to go back or that it is summer vacation.  But, it is only the beginning of a long journey through school and I have not settled into it all just yet, and I have a feeling it is going to be a while before I do.  

Chore lists

My three have been trying to continue doing good deeds/chores to earn money for their piggy banks and after messing around on some sites I found a make at home chore list.  I am thinking of making one for each of the kiddos to help them earn some definite coins while still learning and instilling some chores. 

I need you all to help me come up with some ideas for all three.  Here are my ideas so far:

Kinsley

• Brush teeth (with parent assistance)
• Clean up toys
• Stay seated at meal time 
• Put dirty clothes away

Eligh

• Brush teeth (with parent assistance)
• Clean up toys
• Stay seated at meal time
• Put dirty clothes away
• Pull pants up after using the potty 

Addyson

•   Brush teeth
• Get dressed
• Clean up toys
• Clean up plate after meal time
•  Put away dirty clothes
• Share with Kinsley and Eligh
• Get a green card at school

I need HELP!  How many chores are too many?  Which ones should stay and which ones should go?

 

I'm really adding up the points for sucky mom

Took a two drive today to a mall and an AMAZING indoor playground.  It was freaking awesome and even though it was two hours away, it was totally worth it. 

But....we now have a high-fevered Kinsley. 



Yep, I suck. 

Friday Night Leftovers

• Last weekend my parents made a stop on their way back from their vacation and the kids, my mom, and I went to an indoor play place for 3 hours!  I loved not sitting outside for once and dripping.  
• I finally got into the dentist after too long (too embarrassed to mention).  I was more than a little afraid, especially after the vacuum incident.  I am happy to report that at 28 years old I still do not have any cavities, but I do have to have two minor fillings due to the shape of two of them.  Yes, I will be freaking out come next week.  
• Oh, and the dentist was trying to push me to get my wisdom teeth out, when they are not bothering me and only one is even showing.  Plus it would cost a few $100 out of my pocket and require me to be put to sleep.  Hell to the NO!
• I remembered Addy's dance class this week and have set my reminders. 
• Since we play outdoors a lot, one of our two neighbors has been ringing our doorbell every.single.day to ask my three to play.  My kids do NOT go outside unsupervised for one thing, and lately every time she asks it is in the middle of meal time or nap time.  I am thankful that school has started up so we only get bothered once a day now. 
• Cody took the kids by himself and walked to the spray park the other day.  I met them there an hour later and we decided to see how hard the trail was to Addy's school.  We walked for over an hour, and the way up was all up hill and the way we took back was both up and down hill.  Looks like we will be driving her to school. 
• This morning we had open house and as I pulled into the parking lot the tears already started.  Monday is going to suck.  

Stop by our lovely host, Danifred, who is having a fabulous vacation and see what others are bringing this week.  

Parent meeting and 5 more

I went to a parent meeting today for Addy's school and met the teachers. 

Things I am excited about (it is so much better to start with the good stuff in my opinion)

• It is only 2.5 hours a day
• 3rd Friday of every month they have off of school 
• The night before that Friday or Friday afternoon there is a parent meeting/workshop for kids and parents to attend
• There may be a field trip that I will get to follow along with and even bring the twins 
• The teachers are experienced and gave me a good vibe
• She will have loads of fun

The negatives

• She will be gone every.single.day
• Trusting two people to keep a watch on my child and 11 others
• Worried she won't make any friends
• Worried she won't stop talking and over sharing
• Walks and little field trips 
• Letting her go

Finally, I have only 5 more posts until I reach 200 at my new home, which I love by the way.  So, give me an idea, ok?  Thanks.

Wordless Wednesday

Click here.  






You know you want to.





Then, you have to leave a comment and tell me your favorite numbers. 




Don't be scared.




Just CLICK!!!!

Truthful Tuesday - There are days...

Are you brave enough to share your faults?  Click here to make your own sticky notes. 

How to cause a migraine

I have always had a long history with migraines, but I am going to blame today's migraine on Kinsley. 

Saturday Eligh and Kinsley were running up and down the sidewalk pushing their cars and of course with any form of running someone falls at least once.  Eligh and Kinsley were traveling in opposite directions causing a collision of Kinsley's face and Eligh's car.  Tears and crying started, but no sign of injury to her face and she was back to her self in less than one minute. 

Yesterday as Cody and I were putting Kinsley to bed for her nap we both noticed one of her front teeth was a different shade, near grey.  Panic set in and I researched, finding loads of information stating she could possibly have to lose her tooth which could cause future speech delays (yeah, I of course focus on the most extreme).  There was no one we could see, so we had to wait until today. 

I called the dentist office, which is closed today and had to call their other office in a town 20 minutes away and they said they would work her in. 

Her tooth is a different shade that only myself and those I point it out to will notice, but her tooth is fine and should remain fine.  

These children are going to cause me to have high blood pressure and migraines for the rest of my life.

Daddy gives directions

Eligh:  "I poooooppp.  Mom, I pooop!!!!  It's a big one."
Mommy:  "Ok, bud, can you get a wipe, please?  Just press the button."
Daddy gets up and meets Eligh in the bathroom so I continue playing with the girls.
Daddy:  "Can you wipe your butt?"
Eligh:  "Yep."
Daddy:  "Bud, you have to wipe the hole, it's in the middle."

I lost my shit (excuse the pun). 


I do NOT think daddy should be in charge of directions from now on.

Friday Night Leftovers - this mom sucks

• My parents stopped by Saturday - Monday for a short visit.  Hubby and my dad got to golf, we did nothing.
• I'm slowly writing on the backs of pictures and finally putting them in albums from 2010.  I am up to April 2010.  What do you do with all your pictures?  What would you like to do with them?
• We didn't do much of anything this week.  
• It is in the 80's vs. the 90's so we have been outside enjoying the cooler weather.  
• Kinsley nearly had to go to the ER which would have required me to bring all three kiddos.  
• Cody should now be here for the twins' bday, just waiting on the official cancellation due to an injury that is requiring him to do physical therapy.  
• I tried out spinning class earlier this week, and my ass is finally feeling normal again. But, I will go back when I have the chance to. 
• I get the worst mom of the year award for forgetting that Addy started dance yesterday.  She does not know, or should we make me feel even worse.  I set two reminders for next week. 
• And, I was supposed to have a dentist appointment this morning but when I arrived there they said it was at their other office which is 20 some mins away.  So, that had to be rescheduled for next week.  
• My parents are coming back through to visit tomorrow and will leave Sunday.  My mom and I may take the kids to the water park in town or not.  We'll see.  I'm over swimming this year.  Over it.

Stop by Danifred, our lovely host, and leave some love.

Here's the truth

I fell asleep with tears kissing my cheek.

It is just over a week

Before my sweet, little one,

Who is no longer too young,

Will head off to school
 For the very first time.

Wordless Wednesday - Proof of sharing

Extremely thankful for pictures of this because today they have been ANIMALS!

Perfect Moment Monday

Giving the twins a bath I witnessed the following:

Kinsley leaned over and was hugging on Eligh, "I love you."

Eligh:  "I love you more."

Kinsley:  "I love you the most."

Eligh:  "No, I love you the most."

Does it get any cuter than that?  I don't think so. 

Friday Night Leftovers - mealtime

• This week has been unproductive
• I have had three migraines this week alone and needed to send C out the other morning to pick up my prescription while I suffered. 
• Meal time is driving me bonkers with Miss Chatterbox.  If I could find a way to duct tape her mouth but also get her to eat at the same time I would (just kidding). It takes the girl an hour to eat a damn sandwich. 
• Speaking of eating, Eligh has to be going through a growth spurt as he is eating two whole sandwiches at lunch the past few days and asking for seconds of his proteins at dinner.  This is the boy who typically eats the bare minimum.  
• I only got in one workout this week, ONE!  
• I am cheering both in the inside and outside for the rain we have had the past two days.  I am all for taking a day or two break from the pool and the outdoors.  
• Finally, Scentsy is about to switch over from spring to fall, and there are loads of items on sale for 10% off and this goes on for the entire month of August.  Just click over and browse, you know you want to.

Go check out what others are bringing to the table this week from our host, Danifred.  

Ouch, that hurt

This is what I planned to do this morning:

• Run/workout (clothes were sitting on the dresser shouting at me)
• Clean the house 
• Shower
• Tend to the children in between it all acting as a referee, cook, retrieving crafts

This is how my morning actually played out:

• 5:52 -Text from hubby "Sirens are going off"
• Wake up, notice it is orange out, but no rain.  Respond back, "It's not even raining."
• See a missed text alert from weather station of severe thunderstorm warning. 
• 5:54 - Text from hubby "Sirens stopped."  WTH?!
• 5:58 - Starts storming. 
• 6:02 - Addy comes to the door crying, "I'm scared."  
• Tell her to come into bed with me and roll over. 
• 6:35 Kinsley is crying hysterically "Mommy!"  She goes downstairs searching for me, and I'm too tired to get up, but finally emerges upstairs and she too, gets in the bed. 
• 6:45 Decide these two girls are NOT going to go back to bed and decide to head downstairs.  
• Make the girls breakfast, put on a movie (as it is still storming)
• Catch up on some trashy shows, drink some coffee, eat some cereal
• 8:03 - Eligh wakes up.  
• I notice some blue bits of paper on his leg from his book.  WTH?  Realize he has NO diaper on (thanks hubby) and has wet the bed. 
• Get E out of bed, strip him down, and give him a quick bath
• 8:15 - get Eligh some breakfast and go back upstairs to strip his bed and remake the bed.  Put the sheets in the washing machine 
• 8:45 - start cleaning the downstairs.
• 9:25 - I'm using the nozzle of the vacuum on the stairs and trying to move the hose and out of no where it slaps me in the mouth.  Leaving me with a bloody, swollen lip
• 11:00 house is cleaned from top to bottom, I have a fat lip, and it's already time to make lunches.  

Does cleaning the house count as working out?  Just say it does, ok?  

Wordless Wednesday - Summer Loving

Truthful Tuesday - what "not" to do as a parent

Want to create your own truths?  Click on over here. 

Addy speaks

"There is bird poop on my house table outside.  Those birds need to find somewhere else to poop."

 

Mommy:  "Are you sick?  Your nose is runny."

Addy:  "I can't see my nose."

Mommy:  "What's wrong with your booty?"

Addy:  "Nothing.  Sometimes it itches, that's all."

Addy:  "I stunk up the whole bathroom."

Addy:  "Eligh doesn't need toilet paper when he pees, just his tackywacker."