Tuesday, December 20, 2011
better than swan lake
I walked by Flora and Scout's room one night after they had gone to bed. They always play for a while before they fall asleep and I've always wished I had a hidden camera in their room to catch their silliness. On this particular night I overheard Flora tell Scout that she wanted to do more ballet. "C'mon, Scout, let's do our ballet again!" Well, THIS I had to see! I opened their door and found them both down to their underwear on Scout's queen-size bed. Scout stood behind Flora holding her by the waist while she hopped around on one foot with her little hands flourishing. I'm not sure if this is funny to read but it was hilarious to watch. It still would have been funny if they were clothed but the fact that they were both in their underwear with their pudgy little bellies and Scout's little bird legs really made it great.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
it wasn't great, but....
UPDATE: Scout, Timber, and I all got the stomach bug too. In retrospect, it DID suck. The timing couldn't have been better though. We were able to stay home all week without missing any Christmas festivities.
Top Ten Reasons Why Flora Having the Stomach Flu Didn't Suck:
10. We probably saved a little bit of grocery money this week since she didn't eat anything for two days.
9. The lack of food thinned out her face just a tad -- making her eyes look especially HUGE.
8. No food = no poo-poos for to wipe.
7. She was too weak and sick to use her whiney voice.
6. Puke is gross so I may have lost a pound or two this week too. Who wants to eat when there's a good chance you'll be cleaning up puke in the near future?
5. Flora was super cuddly and a Mommy's girl while she was sick.
4. She watched tv on the couch ALL DAY and I didn't feel one ounce of guilt or shame. You're SUPPOSED to veg and watch tv when you're sick, right???
3. I've been looking for a good excuse to clean and disinfect the entire house! (*sarcasm*)
2. Flora actually napped during the two days that she was sick. That's a rare occurrence these days.
1. PAJAMA DAYS!! Flora, Scout, and Timber have been in the same clothes (pajamas) for the past two and a half days. Maybe I've been too.....no, I haven't. This sickness has drastically reduced our dirty laundry -- I might declare Monday through Wednesday pajama days every week!
Top Ten Reasons Why Flora Having the Stomach Flu Didn't Suck:
10. We probably saved a little bit of grocery money this week since she didn't eat anything for two days.
9. The lack of food thinned out her face just a tad -- making her eyes look especially HUGE.
8. No food = no poo-poos for to wipe.
7. She was too weak and sick to use her whiney voice.
6. Puke is gross so I may have lost a pound or two this week too. Who wants to eat when there's a good chance you'll be cleaning up puke in the near future?
5. Flora was super cuddly and a Mommy's girl while she was sick.
4. She watched tv on the couch ALL DAY and I didn't feel one ounce of guilt or shame. You're SUPPOSED to veg and watch tv when you're sick, right???
3. I've been looking for a good excuse to clean and disinfect the entire house! (*sarcasm*)
2. Flora actually napped during the two days that she was sick. That's a rare occurrence these days.
1. PAJAMA DAYS!! Flora, Scout, and Timber have been in the same clothes (pajamas) for the past two and a half days. Maybe I've been too.....no, I haven't. This sickness has drastically reduced our dirty laundry -- I might declare Monday through Wednesday pajama days every week!
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
nothing they say surprises me anymore
Some funny and just plain weird stories:
I was explaining to Flora and Scout why they shouldn't play with the outlets. I talked about electricity and how it would shock them and feel like a big poke (what they call a shot). So when I was done with my lecture, Flora nodded and nonchalantly said, "It's too bad we can't just put some poop in it" as she walked away. Baffled, I asked for clarification but didn't understand her response any more after she'd explained it. "Yeah," she said, "it would be better if we could just put some poop in it and it wouldn't hurt us." I'm still confused about this.....
The kids video chat with Chris' parents a lot on his iPad using Facetime (like Skype). Today I was watching a youtube video about the Denver Broncos. Scout walked up to the computer just as they were interviewing Tim Tebow and watched for a minute before waving and saying, "Hi!" to Tebow. A few seconds passed and then Scout leaned over to me and whispered, "Why isn't he saying hi to me?" Haha.....apparently he thought we were chatting.
And in related news, every time I watch a Broncos game or read Broncos news I start calling Timber "Tebow." It's the T and the middle B that confuse me, I think. Timber blows his nose now! It's the cutest thing -- I need to try to get it on video. He'll put the tissue up to his nose and blow air out of his nose. Then he runs the tissue to me with a big smile and claps enthusiastically for himself after I take it from him. Seriously.the.cutest.thing.EVER.
A funny story that is not kid-related -- We have a light-sensitive timer for our outdoor Christmas lights that is supposed to kick on at dusk and off at dawn. Totally cracked me up to come home the first night our lights were up to the lights blinking on and off. Apparently our timer was placed too close to the lights themselves so they kicked ON and then the light they produced prompted the timer to turn OFF which then caused them to turn back ON and so forth.
Scout wanted to ask me a secret today. I leaned over and he whispered, "Do you like panties?" in my ear. "Uh, well, I like to wear panties," I answered. Then he wanted to ask another secret. "Mommy, are you wearing panties?" he whispered. Seriously? Haha.....I can totally embarrass him with this story someday!
And a final funny story -- Chris just walked by and read over my shoulder briefly. He saw the word "Tebow" and asked why I was writing such a long blog about Tim Tebow. Then I got the giggles thinking about how funny that would be for me to write a whole post on Tim Tebow. Chris egged me on by providing some opening sentences like, "I'd like to share about someone very special in my life right now....." etc.
Hm....this was probably a "you had to be here" moment. It doesn't really translate well to text. And now it appears that I have written most of this post about Tim Tebow. Oh well. Woohoo! Go Broncos!
I was explaining to Flora and Scout why they shouldn't play with the outlets. I talked about electricity and how it would shock them and feel like a big poke (what they call a shot). So when I was done with my lecture, Flora nodded and nonchalantly said, "It's too bad we can't just put some poop in it" as she walked away. Baffled, I asked for clarification but didn't understand her response any more after she'd explained it. "Yeah," she said, "it would be better if we could just put some poop in it and it wouldn't hurt us." I'm still confused about this.....
The kids video chat with Chris' parents a lot on his iPad using Facetime (like Skype). Today I was watching a youtube video about the Denver Broncos. Scout walked up to the computer just as they were interviewing Tim Tebow and watched for a minute before waving and saying, "Hi!" to Tebow. A few seconds passed and then Scout leaned over to me and whispered, "Why isn't he saying hi to me?" Haha.....apparently he thought we were chatting.
And in related news, every time I watch a Broncos game or read Broncos news I start calling Timber "Tebow." It's the T and the middle B that confuse me, I think. Timber blows his nose now! It's the cutest thing -- I need to try to get it on video. He'll put the tissue up to his nose and blow air out of his nose. Then he runs the tissue to me with a big smile and claps enthusiastically for himself after I take it from him. Seriously.the.cutest.thing.EVER.
A funny story that is not kid-related -- We have a light-sensitive timer for our outdoor Christmas lights that is supposed to kick on at dusk and off at dawn. Totally cracked me up to come home the first night our lights were up to the lights blinking on and off. Apparently our timer was placed too close to the lights themselves so they kicked ON and then the light they produced prompted the timer to turn OFF which then caused them to turn back ON and so forth.
Scout wanted to ask me a secret today. I leaned over and he whispered, "Do you like panties?" in my ear. "Uh, well, I like to wear panties," I answered. Then he wanted to ask another secret. "Mommy, are you wearing panties?" he whispered. Seriously? Haha.....I can totally embarrass him with this story someday!
And a final funny story -- Chris just walked by and read over my shoulder briefly. He saw the word "Tebow" and asked why I was writing such a long blog about Tim Tebow. Then I got the giggles thinking about how funny that would be for me to write a whole post on Tim Tebow. Chris egged me on by providing some opening sentences like, "I'd like to share about someone very special in my life right now....." etc.
Hm....this was probably a "you had to be here" moment. It doesn't really translate well to text. And now it appears that I have written most of this post about Tim Tebow. Oh well. Woohoo! Go Broncos!
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
fifteen minutes
Tonight after I put the kids to bed I set the timer and lay down on the living room floor and accepted myself. For fifteen minutes my house was clean enough, my kids didn't watch too much tv, I was crafty, and I wasn't a pound over my ideal weight. I probably had perfect hair too. No tv, no computer, no phone, and no music.
Even when the kids are sleeping -- especially when the kids are sleeping -- I never stop to be. There's too much to DO to just BE. Every spare moment is filled with things I need to do or things I want to do or things I should do. Or things I don't need to do or want to do or should do but that someone has asked me to do.
And so for fifteen minutes tonight, I stopped to be.
I thought about our house. I wondered how many families had lived under our roof. What joys and sorrow had these walls witnessed? Surely we were one of the lucky ones. Life is pretty easy for us.
I thought about how sad it will be to leave this house someday. All of our kids were brought home from the hospital to this house. They have colored the walls with giggles, wonder, and, well, crayons.
I thought about Christmas and family and how thankful I am that my idea of home isn't linked to a specific house but to the warm feeling I get when I'm with my awesome family. I thought about how these are really the best years of our lives.
I thought about Lois. I humbly realized how blessed I am to have these fifteen minutes and wondered how she would have spent them. I thought about all the conversations we had at the library when I was pregnant with Scout. She asked so many questions about what it was like to be pregnant. I never thought to warn her that being pregnant could take her life. I cried a little. I started humming the tune to "The Sharp Knife of a Short Life."
I thought about God's faithfulness. I tried to find an adjective to put before faithfulness and couldn't think of anything that could really describe the extent of His faithfulness to my family. I thought about His awesome, humbling Grace and His loving Wisdom. I wondered how Jesus would have mothered three small children. I decided his house always would have been clean....but then I decided maybe not. I thought about Heaven and how nice it will be to live in God's house.
I thought about the popcorn ceiling. A lot. It's not ideal but I really don't think they're as bad as people make them out to be. It's kind of like hair on the head of our room. A buzz cut maybe.
I thought about how I wanted to blog more often and decided I would blog about my fifteen minutes. I wanted to jump up and start writing right away but I forced myself to stay on the floor until the timer beeps.
I thought about each of my kids and how awesome they all are. Flora, Scout, and Timber all have their little quirks, both good and bad. I'm so thankful that I get to be the Mommy who knows each of those quirks by heart.
And then I heard the timer beep and I thought, "What am I baking?"
Even when the kids are sleeping -- especially when the kids are sleeping -- I never stop to be. There's too much to DO to just BE. Every spare moment is filled with things I need to do or things I want to do or things I should do. Or things I don't need to do or want to do or should do but that someone has asked me to do.
And so for fifteen minutes tonight, I stopped to be.
I thought about our house. I wondered how many families had lived under our roof. What joys and sorrow had these walls witnessed? Surely we were one of the lucky ones. Life is pretty easy for us.
I thought about how sad it will be to leave this house someday. All of our kids were brought home from the hospital to this house. They have colored the walls with giggles, wonder, and, well, crayons.
I thought about Christmas and family and how thankful I am that my idea of home isn't linked to a specific house but to the warm feeling I get when I'm with my awesome family. I thought about how these are really the best years of our lives.
I thought about Lois. I humbly realized how blessed I am to have these fifteen minutes and wondered how she would have spent them. I thought about all the conversations we had at the library when I was pregnant with Scout. She asked so many questions about what it was like to be pregnant. I never thought to warn her that being pregnant could take her life. I cried a little. I started humming the tune to "The Sharp Knife of a Short Life."
I thought about God's faithfulness. I tried to find an adjective to put before faithfulness and couldn't think of anything that could really describe the extent of His faithfulness to my family. I thought about His awesome, humbling Grace and His loving Wisdom. I wondered how Jesus would have mothered three small children. I decided his house always would have been clean....but then I decided maybe not. I thought about Heaven and how nice it will be to live in God's house.
I thought about the popcorn ceiling. A lot. It's not ideal but I really don't think they're as bad as people make them out to be. It's kind of like hair on the head of our room. A buzz cut maybe.
I thought about how I wanted to blog more often and decided I would blog about my fifteen minutes. I wanted to jump up and start writing right away but I forced myself to stay on the floor until the timer beeps.
I thought about each of my kids and how awesome they all are. Flora, Scout, and Timber all have their little quirks, both good and bad. I'm so thankful that I get to be the Mommy who knows each of those quirks by heart.
And then I heard the timer beep and I thought, "What am I baking?"
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
deep thoughts with scout borkert
Scout: Why do we give each other hugs before bed?
Shane: Because we love each other.
Scout: That's right! Because Jesus fixed us!
****
Mommy: Scout, what do you want to thank God for?
Scout: The truth.
****
Scout: Mommy, I'm at work.
Mommy: Ok, what are you doing at work today?
Scout: I'm at the church fixing the people that are broken.
****
Haha.....I don't know where he gets this stuff!! I don't recall ever telling him any of those things or even using those phrases around him. I certainly don't tell him that Daddy is fixing broken people at work....silly kid.
Shane: Because we love each other.
Scout: That's right! Because Jesus fixed us!
****
Mommy: Scout, what do you want to thank God for?
Scout: The truth.
****
Scout: Mommy, I'm at work.
Mommy: Ok, what are you doing at work today?
Scout: I'm at the church fixing the people that are broken.
****
Haha.....I don't know where he gets this stuff!! I don't recall ever telling him any of those things or even using those phrases around him. I certainly don't tell him that Daddy is fixing broken people at work....silly kid.
Monday, October 24, 2011
I'm flyyyyyyyyying!
Hey, I've got a great idea! Let's pack a whole bunch of people into a skinny metal tube with a pointed end and hurl it javelin-style across the country. Or across the world. Shoot, we'll hurl it anywhere the group of people collectively decide to go (as long as they pay us for the ride).
Seriously, air travel is absolutely amazing and completely insane. It was ludicrous for man to dream he could fly and ridiculous that he actually accomplished that dream. Flying -- FLYING -- is now a mundane event for many people. We say things like, "Oh, I'm FLYING to Dallas tomorrow" and fail to grasp what an astounding feat we are describing. That we are able to soar over cities and mountains and rivers and farmlands boggles my mind. We peacefully float over a picturesque world as we are transported from one place to another. Is this a dream?? Have you ever dreamed you could fly? Not like "I Have A Dream" dreaming, but a real dream where you are really able to fly? Flying dreams are so cool. I haven't had many but I remember two flying dreams very vividly -- it was awesome to fly.
Today I flew for the 9th and 10th times and my face was plastered to the window the entire time. It's a good thing we had to change flights and switch which side of the plane we were sitting on, otherwise I would have ended up with a serious pain in my neck. I don't seek out opportunities to fly and I'm never excited about upcoming air travel but once I'm actually in the airplane I'm totally a fan. Take-off is my favorite. It's such a rush! You zoom, zoom, zoom faster and faster and then you're up, up, up and away! I have a goofy grin on my face during take-off. Watching the houses turn into neighborhoods, then cities, and then disappear under a blanket of clouds feels more like a dream than reality.....
Speaking of clouds -- I have to give major props to our pilots today. When we landed in Dallas the fog was so thick that I only saw the runway seconds before we landed on it. I thought we were in a cloud and would soon drop out over the city before landing, but no. I said, "Oh! That's the runway!" and then our wheels were touching down. Of course, they probably had a better view from the cockpit but I was still impressed that pilots with all their technology can basically land a plane blindfolded. I'm glad I didn't know how foggy it was -- I probably would have been nervous. As it was, I only had about two seconds to be nervous about landing in such foggy conditions.
I could go on......but I won't. I'll simply summarize by stating that I am completely in awe of air travel. And acapella. Have you watched The Sing-Off???? These people make MUSIC with their VOICES. Drums, guitars, cellos, violins, crickets (yep, there were cricket noises on tonight's show) -- blows my mind!! People are so talented! Hm.....must have been a very creative Creator to create such creative creators. Just sayin'.
I'll stop now. Silly rambling blog post. The kids are with my parents all week so I don't have my usual material to work with. Today's blog was brought to you by the letter A -- air travel and acapella. We'll see what tomorrow b-b-brings.
Ok, now I'll really stop.
Seriously, air travel is absolutely amazing and completely insane. It was ludicrous for man to dream he could fly and ridiculous that he actually accomplished that dream. Flying -- FLYING -- is now a mundane event for many people. We say things like, "Oh, I'm FLYING to Dallas tomorrow" and fail to grasp what an astounding feat we are describing. That we are able to soar over cities and mountains and rivers and farmlands boggles my mind. We peacefully float over a picturesque world as we are transported from one place to another. Is this a dream?? Have you ever dreamed you could fly? Not like "I Have A Dream" dreaming, but a real dream where you are really able to fly? Flying dreams are so cool. I haven't had many but I remember two flying dreams very vividly -- it was awesome to fly.
Today I flew for the 9th and 10th times and my face was plastered to the window the entire time. It's a good thing we had to change flights and switch which side of the plane we were sitting on, otherwise I would have ended up with a serious pain in my neck. I don't seek out opportunities to fly and I'm never excited about upcoming air travel but once I'm actually in the airplane I'm totally a fan. Take-off is my favorite. It's such a rush! You zoom, zoom, zoom faster and faster and then you're up, up, up and away! I have a goofy grin on my face during take-off. Watching the houses turn into neighborhoods, then cities, and then disappear under a blanket of clouds feels more like a dream than reality.....
Speaking of clouds -- I have to give major props to our pilots today. When we landed in Dallas the fog was so thick that I only saw the runway seconds before we landed on it. I thought we were in a cloud and would soon drop out over the city before landing, but no. I said, "Oh! That's the runway!" and then our wheels were touching down. Of course, they probably had a better view from the cockpit but I was still impressed that pilots with all their technology can basically land a plane blindfolded. I'm glad I didn't know how foggy it was -- I probably would have been nervous. As it was, I only had about two seconds to be nervous about landing in such foggy conditions.
I could go on......but I won't. I'll simply summarize by stating that I am completely in awe of air travel. And acapella. Have you watched The Sing-Off???? These people make MUSIC with their VOICES. Drums, guitars, cellos, violins, crickets (yep, there were cricket noises on tonight's show) -- blows my mind!! People are so talented! Hm.....must have been a very creative Creator to create such creative creators. Just sayin'.
I'll stop now. Silly rambling blog post. The kids are with my parents all week so I don't have my usual material to work with. Today's blog was brought to you by the letter A -- air travel and acapella. We'll see what tomorrow b-b-brings.
Ok, now I'll really stop.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
today and yesterday and a few days ago
So the kids and I ran some errands this morning. First of all, let me say that it could have gone a LOT worse. All three kiddos were in good moods and that makes a HUGE difference. First we went to Babies R Us. Timber rode in the cart while Scout and Flora walked. They didn't have what I was looking for but we stayed for a while to look at the toys. 
Flora was very good about staying with me but Scout would get caught up in "toy mode" and not keep up with us or disappear around a corner. Once I caught sight of him dashing around a lady in the center aisle saying, "I have to go this way to my Mommy!" He was all the way in the back of the store before I finally caught up to him. Two ladies were asking him where his mommy was -- haha -- uh, that would be me. So then we left (but not before we rode the coin operated car in the entry) but when we got to the car Scout realized that he had left his sunglasses inside. Awesome.
Turn our little caravan around and head back inside. Flora and I searched the toy aisles for Scout's glasses while he continued to get distracted by the toys. Eventually we found them in the book aisle wedged in between Goodnight Moon and Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed.
Okay.....some other stories ---
I had to take Flora and Timber with me to get Scout's flu shot. He bravely got his shot with no tears whatsoever. Flora kept bragging on how brave he was. She got her flu shot a couple weeks later....it was a totally different scenario. She screamed and thrashed on the table before the nurse was able to give her the shot and wailed afterward. I know I probably seemed like Bad Mommy but I couldn't help laughing at her theatrics. I didn't tell Scout that Flora had cried because I thought she would be embarrassed and she didn't mention it to him when we got home either.
Today (three days later) we drove past our doctor's office and Flora said, "Hey! That's the doctor's office where I got my poke!" with a smile that slowly faded as she seemed to be remembering the ordeal (Poke = Shot). Then she made the following confession to Scout in hushed tones:
Flora: Scout.....
Scout: What?
Flora: I cried when I got my poke.
Scout: Oh....was it a big poke?
Flora: No.....just a little poke but I still cried. But YOU didn't cry when you got your poke. You were so brave.
Scout: Oh....yeah.
I don't know why but I just thought this little conversation was SO cute! She was confessing that she had cried but was still proud of Scout for not crying. They are just TOO adorable!!
And one more story of how sweet they can be to each other. Yesterday morning Scout said, "Flora, we can watch your princess show if you want." And Flora replied, "No, I think I want to watch the Stuck Truck Dora show." (Scout's favorite). Granted, this was a rare occurrence (thus earning a spot on the blog) -- most mornings consist of them fighting over which show to watch and me ultimately picking the show because they can't agree. Yes, that's right, we start each morning with a tv show. I really need that half hour or so to finish waking up.....
Now a funny story -- the kids were playing in Flora and Scout's room yesterday while I was busy setting my fantasy football lineup. When I finished I went to see what they were doing (it sure SOUNDED like a good time!!). I entered the room to find Scout in his underwear, Flora in a swimsuit, and both of them wearing snow boots -- "Superhero Boots" according to them. Flora's not mad in the pic on the right....this is her Superhero pose!
Flora was very good about staying with me but Scout would get caught up in "toy mode" and not keep up with us or disappear around a corner. Once I caught sight of him dashing around a lady in the center aisle saying, "I have to go this way to my Mommy!" He was all the way in the back of the store before I finally caught up to him. Two ladies were asking him where his mommy was -- haha -- uh, that would be me. So then we left (but not before we rode the coin operated car in the entry) but when we got to the car Scout realized that he had left his sunglasses inside. Awesome.
Turn our little caravan around and head back inside. Flora and I searched the toy aisles for Scout's glasses while he continued to get distracted by the toys. Eventually we found them in the book aisle wedged in between Goodnight Moon and Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed.So then we left again and headed to Hobby Lobby. I remembered Hobby Lobby's carts were very small but in my mind they were still big enough for all three of my kids to ride. Not exactly. I put the two most destructive Borkerts (Scout and Timber) in the cart while Flora obediently walked next to the cart and didn't touch anything. I don't know how many times I repeated, "Don't touch ANYTHING" while we were in there but it worked. We got in, found what we needed, and got out with no broken glass or toppled displays. Whew! Target was our last stop. I had purchased some chocolate covered pretzels at Hobby Lobby to ward off any hungry monsters so I was planning on a trouble-free trip. We went inside and I had Timber and Flora buckled into a big cart before realizing one of Scout's buckles was broken, SO we switched everyone over to a different cart. Then we went to the photo area to get some pictures printed and I discovered that I had left my camera in the van. We turned our semi-truck/limo cart around and headed back out to the car to get my camera. Thankfully the rest of our Target shopping went smoothly and we got home just in time for lunch and naps. And I'm exhausted. Remember what it was like to run errands without kids? It was so simple.....but not as much fun!
Okay.....some other stories ---
I had to take Flora and Timber with me to get Scout's flu shot. He bravely got his shot with no tears whatsoever. Flora kept bragging on how brave he was. She got her flu shot a couple weeks later....it was a totally different scenario. She screamed and thrashed on the table before the nurse was able to give her the shot and wailed afterward. I know I probably seemed like Bad Mommy but I couldn't help laughing at her theatrics. I didn't tell Scout that Flora had cried because I thought she would be embarrassed and she didn't mention it to him when we got home either.
Today (three days later) we drove past our doctor's office and Flora said, "Hey! That's the doctor's office where I got my poke!" with a smile that slowly faded as she seemed to be remembering the ordeal (Poke = Shot). Then she made the following confession to Scout in hushed tones:
Flora: Scout.....
Scout: What?
Flora: I cried when I got my poke.
Scout: Oh....was it a big poke?
Flora: No.....just a little poke but I still cried. But YOU didn't cry when you got your poke. You were so brave.
Scout: Oh....yeah.
I don't know why but I just thought this little conversation was SO cute! She was confessing that she had cried but was still proud of Scout for not crying. They are just TOO adorable!!
And one more story of how sweet they can be to each other. Yesterday morning Scout said, "Flora, we can watch your princess show if you want." And Flora replied, "No, I think I want to watch the Stuck Truck Dora show." (Scout's favorite). Granted, this was a rare occurrence (thus earning a spot on the blog) -- most mornings consist of them fighting over which show to watch and me ultimately picking the show because they can't agree. Yes, that's right, we start each morning with a tv show. I really need that half hour or so to finish waking up.....
Now a funny story -- the kids were playing in Flora and Scout's room yesterday while I was busy setting my fantasy football lineup. When I finished I went to see what they were doing (it sure SOUNDED like a good time!!). I entered the room to find Scout in his underwear, Flora in a swimsuit, and both of them wearing snow boots -- "Superhero Boots" according to them. Flora's not mad in the pic on the right....this is her Superhero pose!
Thursday, October 13, 2011
my kind of prince
Flora was in a hurry to get to The Ball. "Hurry, Mommy," she said, "I have to get to The Ball to meet the prince!"
Curious, I asked, "Why do you want to meet the prince?"
"Becaaaaase," she very patiently explained to me, "princesses NEED princes."
"Well," I pried, "WHY do you need a prince, Princess Flora?"
I was very happy when she replied, "Because I can't make my OWN dinner!"
That's my girl!
Monday, October 10, 2011
yeah....maybe
Our tv remote (the 'mote) is missing. We've searched everywhere for it (well, everywhere except the place it is, obviously). Flora and Scout came up with some creative ideas about where the remote might be while we were searching:
Flora: "Maybe it had to go potty and it fell in the toilet."
Scout: "Maybe the 'mote monster took it!"
Flora: "Maybe it saw a squirrel and ran outside to chase it and it got lost."
Scout: "Maybe I'M the 'mote!"
Hmmmm.......yeah, maybe.......
Flora: "Maybe it had to go potty and it fell in the toilet."
Scout: "Maybe the 'mote monster took it!"
Flora: "Maybe it saw a squirrel and ran outside to chase it and it got lost."
Scout: "Maybe I'M the 'mote!"
Hmmmm.......yeah, maybe.......
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
facing the giants
Setting the scene: Flora and Scout are sitting at the table. Flora is "writing a story" -- meaning she is drawing pictures and making up a story out-loud to go with the pictures.
Flora: [telling her story] One day, Flora walked outside and a beautiful butterfly landed on her shoulder. She went for a walk with the butterfly and the butterfly TALKED to her.
Scout: And then came the giant! FEE FIE FO FUM!
Flora: NO, SCOUT! There are no giants in this story because giants are pretend and this story is real. [continuing her story] And the butterfly talked to Flora and they went on a walk all by themselves with no parents.
Scout: And then came the giant! FEE FIE FO FUM!
Flora: NO, SCOUT! This is my story and there are no giants in my story. Just butterflies.
Scout: FEE FIE FO FUM!
Flora: NO, SCOUT! [continuing her story] So they walked all by themselves and the butterfly talked to Flora and then they came home and they were best friends.
Scout: And then came the giant.
Flora: [sigh] Yes, Scout, and then came the giant.
Scout: FEE FIE FO FUM!
Flora: [telling her story] One day, Flora walked outside and a beautiful butterfly landed on her shoulder. She went for a walk with the butterfly and the butterfly TALKED to her.
Scout: And then came the giant! FEE FIE FO FUM!
Flora: NO, SCOUT! There are no giants in this story because giants are pretend and this story is real. [continuing her story] And the butterfly talked to Flora and they went on a walk all by themselves with no parents.
Scout: And then came the giant! FEE FIE FO FUM!
Flora: NO, SCOUT! This is my story and there are no giants in my story. Just butterflies.
Scout: FEE FIE FO FUM!
Flora: NO, SCOUT! [continuing her story] So they walked all by themselves and the butterfly talked to Flora and then they came home and they were best friends.
Scout: And then came the giant.
Flora: [sigh] Yes, Scout, and then came the giant.
Scout: FEE FIE FO FUM!
Monday, September 26, 2011
roadkill, panoramic views, and pancakes.....my first 5k
Yea me! Ok, I know that people run these things all the time and I also know that half of my friends do marathons or 15k runs or Warrior Dash events, but for ME a 5k was a big deal. And it's my blog so I'm going to commemorate my very first 5k by dedicating a whole post to my "5k day." That's right -- the rest of this post is about me running 3.2 miles. If that doesn't sound exciting then you are welcome to stop reading right now. But there will be pancakes at the end....
My alarm went off at 7am (race starts at 8am about 15-20 minutes away). Perhaps I should have woken up earlier but I thought that being half-asleep when the run began might actually be an advantage for me. The first thing I thought when I woke up was, "Huh," (I said that part out loud) "I was hoping I would feel more like running when my alarm went off." I've never been a morning runner (it used to make me sick to my stomach) but, golly, it's hard to find a 5k event in the afternoon or evening. Also, I had a crick in my neck when I woke up. I took that to be a bad omen.
I quickly got dressed, ate half a banana muffin, drank some water, and googled directions to the race. Then I told Chris to wish me luck and keep his phone on in case I passed out or something and headed out the door. On the way, I decided that I would put no pressure on myself. I ran 5k on the treadmill back in April but I haven't run that far since then. I get so bored on the treadmill though..... Anyway, I was basically only running this 5k to check it off my 30x30 list and I had already determined that running 5k on the treadmill in April plus running/walking a REAL 5k in September would be enough to allow me to check it off my list.
So anyway, I got lost but eventually made it to the registration area and started my trek up a huge hill toward the starting line. I guess I'm thankful that running up that huge hill wasn't part of the 5k but, WOW, that was a pretty intense warm-up! I had about 5 minutes to mill around at the starting line making small talk with people that I didn't know and didn't plan to ever see again (always weird) before they blew the horn.
As the race began I was happily running with a large crowd of people thinking, "If I keep up this pace I'll be finished in no time!" and then realizing, "Um, Stefanie, there's no chance that you can keep up this pace -- SLOW DOWN!" So as hard as it was to let people pass me when I had so much energy, I slowed down. Good thing I did! About two minutes into running my legs started to burn and feel completely spent. I know what this is -- it happens every time I'm on the treadmill too. I always tell myself that if I can make it through the first five minutes then I can basically run forever. Not really forever....but basically. But this time the feeling really scared me because the huge hill HAD already worn me out some and I almost panicked thinking, "I can't stop running NOW! I've only been running for TWO MINUTES!" And that's when I found my running buddy.
At first it was awkward. I ran behind her for a while, decided I liked her pace, and thought I would just follow her for as long as I could keep up. I'm certain she could hear me and wondered who was 5k stalking her but I didn't really care. Eventually we ended up running side-by-side but not really acknowledging it. Still awkward. But finally roadkill brought us together. Seriously......it's a 1.5 mile stretch of road -- couldn't someone have cleaned up the dead animal carcasses before the race??? Ugh. Gross. I should have added one more entry to my 30x30 list: "Run 5k -- CHECK. Jump over dead raccoon bits -- CHECK." My running buddy and I exchanged words about how disgusting it was thus breaking the ice and taking our relationship to the next level.
We ran the entire 5k together. She was 45-years-old and had just moved here from Louisiana. Her daughter was joining the Air Force soon and she was helping her train for it by running 5ks with her. She was a first grade teacher and knew tons of the other runners because of her involvement in the community. I'm pretty sure she's the reason I was able to run the whole thing. And God too -- I was doing a lot of praying before and after this 5k! He's probably the one who sent her to me. My very own running angel. Okay......this is getting weird.
ANYWAY, we ran along the Smithville Lake Dam so the views were spectacular.
There were two uphill sections but it was mostly very flat. And the end was DOWN that huge hill that I had to walk up to get to the starting line. FABulous! Every 5k should end downhill. My time was 37:30 -- not spectacular but I was expecting to do it in 50 minutes so I was pleasantly surprised to see the time at the finish line.
And yes, I was a dork and took a picture of myself at the finish line. Not pretty, but you know what they say, "If you look pretty after exercising then you didn't do it right."
And yes, there were pancakes at the end! All-you-can-eat pancakes! So basically any calories that I burned running in the 5k were immediately replaced with the pancakes. Hopefully I broke even.
And then I hurried home to shower and get ready for church. Chris had gotten the kids up and taken them to church so I could go do the 5k. He did a pretty decent job. Flora's hair was a ratty mess and her shirt was on backward and Timber wasn't wearing shoes but overall I'll give him a solid B. I was just thankful that he was willing to do that for me. I have an awesome husband!
When I saw Flora and Scout at church they asked me if I won my race. I told them, "YES! I did!" Then Flora asked, "How did you get all the other people to stop running?" She was onto me.
Oh well....I still think I won. Yea me!
My alarm went off at 7am (race starts at 8am about 15-20 minutes away). Perhaps I should have woken up earlier but I thought that being half-asleep when the run began might actually be an advantage for me. The first thing I thought when I woke up was, "Huh," (I said that part out loud) "I was hoping I would feel more like running when my alarm went off." I've never been a morning runner (it used to make me sick to my stomach) but, golly, it's hard to find a 5k event in the afternoon or evening. Also, I had a crick in my neck when I woke up. I took that to be a bad omen.
I quickly got dressed, ate half a banana muffin, drank some water, and googled directions to the race. Then I told Chris to wish me luck and keep his phone on in case I passed out or something and headed out the door. On the way, I decided that I would put no pressure on myself. I ran 5k on the treadmill back in April but I haven't run that far since then. I get so bored on the treadmill though..... Anyway, I was basically only running this 5k to check it off my 30x30 list and I had already determined that running 5k on the treadmill in April plus running/walking a REAL 5k in September would be enough to allow me to check it off my list.
So anyway, I got lost but eventually made it to the registration area and started my trek up a huge hill toward the starting line. I guess I'm thankful that running up that huge hill wasn't part of the 5k but, WOW, that was a pretty intense warm-up! I had about 5 minutes to mill around at the starting line making small talk with people that I didn't know and didn't plan to ever see again (always weird) before they blew the horn.
As the race began I was happily running with a large crowd of people thinking, "If I keep up this pace I'll be finished in no time!" and then realizing, "Um, Stefanie, there's no chance that you can keep up this pace -- SLOW DOWN!" So as hard as it was to let people pass me when I had so much energy, I slowed down. Good thing I did! About two minutes into running my legs started to burn and feel completely spent. I know what this is -- it happens every time I'm on the treadmill too. I always tell myself that if I can make it through the first five minutes then I can basically run forever. Not really forever....but basically. But this time the feeling really scared me because the huge hill HAD already worn me out some and I almost panicked thinking, "I can't stop running NOW! I've only been running for TWO MINUTES!" And that's when I found my running buddy.
At first it was awkward. I ran behind her for a while, decided I liked her pace, and thought I would just follow her for as long as I could keep up. I'm certain she could hear me and wondered who was 5k stalking her but I didn't really care. Eventually we ended up running side-by-side but not really acknowledging it. Still awkward. But finally roadkill brought us together. Seriously......it's a 1.5 mile stretch of road -- couldn't someone have cleaned up the dead animal carcasses before the race??? Ugh. Gross. I should have added one more entry to my 30x30 list: "Run 5k -- CHECK. Jump over dead raccoon bits -- CHECK." My running buddy and I exchanged words about how disgusting it was thus breaking the ice and taking our relationship to the next level.
We ran the entire 5k together. She was 45-years-old and had just moved here from Louisiana. Her daughter was joining the Air Force soon and she was helping her train for it by running 5ks with her. She was a first grade teacher and knew tons of the other runners because of her involvement in the community. I'm pretty sure she's the reason I was able to run the whole thing. And God too -- I was doing a lot of praying before and after this 5k! He's probably the one who sent her to me. My very own running angel. Okay......this is getting weird.
ANYWAY, we ran along the Smithville Lake Dam so the views were spectacular.
There were two uphill sections but it was mostly very flat. And the end was DOWN that huge hill that I had to walk up to get to the starting line. FABulous! Every 5k should end downhill. My time was 37:30 -- not spectacular but I was expecting to do it in 50 minutes so I was pleasantly surprised to see the time at the finish line.
And yes, I was a dork and took a picture of myself at the finish line. Not pretty, but you know what they say, "If you look pretty after exercising then you didn't do it right."
And yes, there were pancakes at the end! All-you-can-eat pancakes! So basically any calories that I burned running in the 5k were immediately replaced with the pancakes. Hopefully I broke even.
When I saw Flora and Scout at church they asked me if I won my race. I told them, "YES! I did!" Then Flora asked, "How did you get all the other people to stop running?" She was onto me.
Oh well....I still think I won. Yea me!
i'll tie it -- you stick it
Scout and Chris toured the GM plant during an open house thing they did this week. After seeing all the cars being built, they got to see one of the very first 2013 Malibus in the showroom. Scout asked, "We get to take that one home??"
*****
Scout: Can I paint the walls too?
Me: No, this paint is only for grown-ups.
Scout: I'm not a grown-up.....
Me: Nope. What are you?
Scout: A little grown-up!
*****
(overheard)
Scout: Those are pretty shoes, Flora.
Flora: Thanks. These are my heels.
Scout: Oh. They're pretty.......can I wear your heels, Flora?
Flora: No, silly, boys don't wear heels.
Scout: Why?
Flora: Because.
Scout: Why because?
Flora: Because because.
Scout: Why because because?
Flora: Because because BECAUSE!
(a few minutes later Scout walked into the kitchen wearing Flora's heels)
*****
Setting the scene: Flora and Scout are playing outside. Flora has a jump rope and Scout has a big stick. I'm spying from the kitchen window. Imagine Flora with both fists on her waist during this entire conversation.
Flora: Scout, we should be superheroes!
Scout: Okay.
Flora: I have the power to tie things and you have the power to stick things. We will help things that aren't working right.
Scout: Okay.
Flora: Superhero Flora and Superhero Scout to the rescue!!
Scout: Okay!
(and they both run off into the yard to save something that "isn't working")
*****
Flora has been asking what things mean lately. She stumped me by asking what "mean" means. I asked for clarification, "You mean when people are mean to other people?" "No," she said, "I mean when I ask what things mean what does mean mean?" Um.....???
*****
We saw some kind of exotic deer on our most recent trip to the zoo. I don't remember what they were but they looked like whitetail deer only shorter and stockier. As soon as Flora saw them she asked, "Are these the deer that Daddy eats?"
*****
Timber is 1-year-old now!!! He had a fun birthday. He opened presents first thing in the morning (Scout knew what he was getting and couldn't wait to play with Timber's new helicopter). Then Timber and I went to Baby Storytime at the library. There were bubbles and fun songs and toys -- fun! After a trip to the park, we all went home for lunch and naps. Timber got his yummy, messy birthday cupcake after dinner. All-in-all a good birthday for Mr. Timberific!
*****
Scout: Can I paint the walls too?
Me: No, this paint is only for grown-ups.
Scout: I'm not a grown-up.....
Me: Nope. What are you?
Scout: A little grown-up!
*****
(overheard)
Scout: Those are pretty shoes, Flora.
Flora: Thanks. These are my heels.
Scout: Oh. They're pretty.......can I wear your heels, Flora?
Flora: No, silly, boys don't wear heels.
Scout: Why?
Flora: Because.
Scout: Why because?
Flora: Because because.
Scout: Why because because?
Flora: Because because BECAUSE!
(a few minutes later Scout walked into the kitchen wearing Flora's heels)
*****
Setting the scene: Flora and Scout are playing outside. Flora has a jump rope and Scout has a big stick. I'm spying from the kitchen window. Imagine Flora with both fists on her waist during this entire conversation.
Flora: Scout, we should be superheroes!
Scout: Okay.
Flora: I have the power to tie things and you have the power to stick things. We will help things that aren't working right.
Scout: Okay.
Flora: Superhero Flora and Superhero Scout to the rescue!!
Scout: Okay!
(and they both run off into the yard to save something that "isn't working")
*****
Flora has been asking what things mean lately. She stumped me by asking what "mean" means. I asked for clarification, "You mean when people are mean to other people?" "No," she said, "I mean when I ask what things mean what does mean mean?" Um.....???
*****
We saw some kind of exotic deer on our most recent trip to the zoo. I don't remember what they were but they looked like whitetail deer only shorter and stockier. As soon as Flora saw them she asked, "Are these the deer that Daddy eats?"
*****
Timber is 1-year-old now!!! He had a fun birthday. He opened presents first thing in the morning (Scout knew what he was getting and couldn't wait to play with Timber's new helicopter). Then Timber and I went to Baby Storytime at the library. There were bubbles and fun songs and toys -- fun! After a trip to the park, we all went home for lunch and naps. Timber got his yummy, messy birthday cupcake after dinner. All-in-all a good birthday for Mr. Timberific!
Thursday, September 22, 2011
blog FAIL
Almost a MONTH since I last posted???? Yikes! I should write something! I'll try to get to it tomorrow -- lots of pics of Timber's 1st birthday to post!
Thursday, August 25, 2011
walking
I took the kids on a walk tonight through the neighborhood. Timber was in the little umbrella stroller and Flora and Scout were walking. They are good walkers. They stay near me and are very good about holding onto the stroller handles when a car passes by. I like walking with them. *smiley face*
We walked past a house that had Apple-Bottom Jeans blaring from the garage. (If you don't know the song, just imagine a pop-ish/rap-ish/club-ish song.) When Flora heard the music she totally started breaking it down right there on the sidewalk! She was movin' and groovin' her little bum and waving her hands around! It was really pretty hilarious! And she acted like she wasn't doing anything unusual. I don't even know where she learned those moves!
I don't know how many cars and trucks we passed on our walk but Scout didn't comment on any of them.....until we walked past an old maroon Buick LeSabre with peeling paint. "Oh, wow, Mommy," Scout said, "that's a cool car." "I like that car, Mommy. That car is very, very cool." Puzzled, I asked him why that car was so cool. "Because," he said, "it has a K on the back." Ah yes, a K can even make a Buick cool in Scout's eyes.
We walked past a house that had Apple-Bottom Jeans blaring from the garage. (If you don't know the song, just imagine a pop-ish/rap-ish/club-ish song.) When Flora heard the music she totally started breaking it down right there on the sidewalk! She was movin' and groovin' her little bum and waving her hands around! It was really pretty hilarious! And she acted like she wasn't doing anything unusual. I don't even know where she learned those moves!
I don't know how many cars and trucks we passed on our walk but Scout didn't comment on any of them.....until we walked past an old maroon Buick LeSabre with peeling paint. "Oh, wow, Mommy," Scout said, "that's a cool car." "I like that car, Mommy. That car is very, very cool." Puzzled, I asked him why that car was so cool. "Because," he said, "it has a K on the back." Ah yes, a K can even make a Buick cool in Scout's eyes.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
have you had your junior frosty today?
Flora: Does ice cream come from milk?
Me: Yep! It does.
Flora: Pink ice cream comes from pink milk and chocolate ice cream comes from chocolate milk.
Scout: Yellow ice cream comes from lemonade and blue ice cream comes from......sky???
Flora: No, Scout, ice cream doesn't come from sky. Every different color cow makes different color milk so blue ice cream comes from blue milk from a blue cow.
Can't argue with the logic of either one! And they say all the really deep conversations take place over coffee. Pshaw!
Me: Yep! It does.
Flora: Pink ice cream comes from pink milk and chocolate ice cream comes from chocolate milk.
Scout: Yellow ice cream comes from lemonade and blue ice cream comes from......sky???
Flora: No, Scout, ice cream doesn't come from sky. Every different color cow makes different color milk so blue ice cream comes from blue milk from a blue cow.
Can't argue with the logic of either one! And they say all the really deep conversations take place over coffee. Pshaw!
Saturday, August 20, 2011
i'm sad.....but i've still got funny stories
I'm feeling melancholy tonight because I just watched the series finale of a great show on Netflix. I'm not going to tell you which show.....it's embarrassing......but it was SO GOOD! Some of you might think you know what show I'm talking about but, trust me, you don't. No one knows I watch this show. Except Chris.....but he's not telling.
But you know how it is when a favorite show ends. I feel like I have walked through so much with these people.....I've watched them grow up......they've entertained me through MANY of the nights that Chris doesn't get home until after 10pm.....and so I'm a little bit sad. I know it's pathetic -- seriously, I KNOW it is -- but there ya go. I'm pathetic. And a little bit sad.
So now we're all sad. But good news!!! I have a funny story to cheer us all up!! A few days ago, Scout was pretending to be "Mommy" to his squirrel. It's pointless to suggest he be the "Daddy" instead -- if he wants to be the Mommy he's going to be the Mommy. Whatever. So anyway, he comes into the kitchen and tells me that he is the squirrel's Mommy and he is going to feed it now. I had a pretty good idea of how he is going to "feed" his squirrel and, sure enough, when I walked into the living room he was sitting on the couch holding his squirrel in a classic breastfeeding position. Smirking, I walked back into the kitchen and told Chris to go look at his son. Chris walks into the living room, sees what Scout is doing, and nonchalantly says, "Scout, you have to lift your shirt up for the squirrel to be able to eat" and walks back into the kitchen. Ah, I thought I was going to get him good but he totally turned it around on me!
And one more story that I just remembered.....
Flora likes to rhyme things these days. She's always coming up with things that rhyme and every time it's like she's discovered gold. She's pretty good at rhyming now but every once in a while she gets stumped. Today she decided to make a rhyme with Timber's name. She walked around the house muttering to herself, "Timber shower? Timber tree? Timber water? Water Timber?" She went on and on but I couldn't hear most of what she was saying. It was funny to hear the things she was trying to rhyme with Timber! Eventually she had to ask for help and we decided that Timber could rhyme with 'member (as in remember). 'Member Timber? :-)
But you know how it is when a favorite show ends. I feel like I have walked through so much with these people.....I've watched them grow up......they've entertained me through MANY of the nights that Chris doesn't get home until after 10pm.....and so I'm a little bit sad. I know it's pathetic -- seriously, I KNOW it is -- but there ya go. I'm pathetic. And a little bit sad.
So now we're all sad. But good news!!! I have a funny story to cheer us all up!! A few days ago, Scout was pretending to be "Mommy" to his squirrel. It's pointless to suggest he be the "Daddy" instead -- if he wants to be the Mommy he's going to be the Mommy. Whatever. So anyway, he comes into the kitchen and tells me that he is the squirrel's Mommy and he is going to feed it now. I had a pretty good idea of how he is going to "feed" his squirrel and, sure enough, when I walked into the living room he was sitting on the couch holding his squirrel in a classic breastfeeding position. Smirking, I walked back into the kitchen and told Chris to go look at his son. Chris walks into the living room, sees what Scout is doing, and nonchalantly says, "Scout, you have to lift your shirt up for the squirrel to be able to eat" and walks back into the kitchen. Ah, I thought I was going to get him good but he totally turned it around on me!
And one more story that I just remembered.....
Flora likes to rhyme things these days. She's always coming up with things that rhyme and every time it's like she's discovered gold. She's pretty good at rhyming now but every once in a while she gets stumped. Today she decided to make a rhyme with Timber's name. She walked around the house muttering to herself, "Timber shower? Timber tree? Timber water? Water Timber?" She went on and on but I couldn't hear most of what she was saying. It was funny to hear the things she was trying to rhyme with Timber! Eventually she had to ask for help and we decided that Timber could rhyme with 'member (as in remember). 'Member Timber? :-)
Thursday, August 18, 2011
scavenger hunt
Flora and Scout went on a scavenger hunt! This was a really fun activity for them that was really easy to plan. Actually, the "planning" was kind of fun too -- it was basically just me drawing pictures on a piece of cardboard.
So this was their scavenger hunt list (don't judge my artwork!). I put a big laundry basket in the living room and as they found the items on the list they put it in the laundry basket. They only had one list so teamwork was a requirement of this game.
As I suspected, Flora took control of the list and the marker. She sent Scout on assignments and he would bring items to the basket and she would check it off the list. Occasionally there were items that she wanted to get herself though. Mostly the girly things or the things she considered to be "grown up" things.
Once they checked off everything on their scavenger hunt list we went through the basket to look at the things they found. It was fun! A good rainy or snowy day activity for sure. We don't have any of these new Crayola Dry Erase Crayons and boards but I think those would be great for this game because then we could make scavenger hunt list after scavenger hunt list without using every piece of cardboard I own (I don't own a ton of cardboard).
Anyway, this was just a fun little activity that I wanted to share. It was inspired by an episode of Blue's Clues, Flora's new favorite show. She's so funny -- she'll yell the answers at the tv and talk to Steve and Joe like they are really her friends. She even wrote a letter to Steve and put it in an envelope to mail to him. Hm....I guess it's about time I wrote her a return letter from "Steve" and put it in the mailbox for her to find....she'll be asking soon if he's written back yet!
So this was their scavenger hunt list (don't judge my artwork!). I put a big laundry basket in the living room and as they found the items on the list they put it in the laundry basket. They only had one list so teamwork was a requirement of this game.
As I suspected, Flora took control of the list and the marker. She sent Scout on assignments and he would bring items to the basket and she would check it off the list. Occasionally there were items that she wanted to get herself though. Mostly the girly things or the things she considered to be "grown up" things.
Once they checked off everything on their scavenger hunt list we went through the basket to look at the things they found. It was fun! A good rainy or snowy day activity for sure. We don't have any of these new Crayola Dry Erase Crayons and boards but I think those would be great for this game because then we could make scavenger hunt list after scavenger hunt list without using every piece of cardboard I own (I don't own a ton of cardboard).
good things
Yesterday afternoon was baaaaaaaad. Flora was a sweetheart but Scout and Timber were just awful. Granted, Timber is teething and Scout skipped his nap so they both had reasons for being so grumpy but that doesn't make it any more pleasant. So that was bad. Now here are some good things I'm choosing to focus on instead:
1. Scout is potty trained! Yay! He is staying dry all night too although I still put him in pull-ups at night because it seems weird to put Flora in a pull-up and not Scout (she still has nighttime accidents about once a week). Scout was so easy. I've always heard boys are harder to potty train than girls but I feel like I didn't do any work at all with Scout. One day he decided he was going to go in the potty and that was that. Two down, one to go! That's exciting!
2. Our backyard is so shady! I love it that the kids can play outside without being in the direct sunlight. The deck is sunny and there are a couple of sunny patches in the yard but for the most part it is shady all day. I never realized how awesome it was until I had kids.
3. Timber is walking! He still falls a lot but he's working so hard at it. Occasionally he can make it all the way across the room without falling. And it's obviously how proud he is of himself! He's also eating pretty much everything now. He loves food and I love that he's not a picky eater.
4. Flora has little friends! There are two sweet little girls across the street who always ask if Flora can come out and play. That's so funny to me! I didn't think I would be hearing that this early. The girls are 11-yrs-old and 6-years-old so Flora is like a little doll to them. They are very good with her and Flora absolutely loves the attention. Last night she was SO excited to "go play with my friends" and she told me that after I walked her across the street she didn't need me there anymore. "You just go back home, Mommy, while I stay and play with my friends." Wow--didn't think I would be hearing THAT this early either! So Timber and I sit on the front porch and watch her play across the street. It's just so darn cute.
5. It's almost Friday! Friday is my new favorite day of the week because of my totally super awesome husband. Friday mornings are officially my morning off. I can do whatever I want until 1pm!! And the best part is that I don't have to cram everything I want to do into one Friday morning because I know I will have free time every Friday. Last week I slept in late and then went shopping while Chris took all three kids out for bagels at Einstein Bros and to Cabelas. I'm still trying to decide what I will do tomorrow. Ah.....knowing that I can sleep in late on Friday is what gets me out of bed some mornings!
1. Scout is potty trained! Yay! He is staying dry all night too although I still put him in pull-ups at night because it seems weird to put Flora in a pull-up and not Scout (she still has nighttime accidents about once a week). Scout was so easy. I've always heard boys are harder to potty train than girls but I feel like I didn't do any work at all with Scout. One day he decided he was going to go in the potty and that was that. Two down, one to go! That's exciting!
2. Our backyard is so shady! I love it that the kids can play outside without being in the direct sunlight. The deck is sunny and there are a couple of sunny patches in the yard but for the most part it is shady all day. I never realized how awesome it was until I had kids.
3. Timber is walking! He still falls a lot but he's working so hard at it. Occasionally he can make it all the way across the room without falling. And it's obviously how proud he is of himself! He's also eating pretty much everything now. He loves food and I love that he's not a picky eater.
4. Flora has little friends! There are two sweet little girls across the street who always ask if Flora can come out and play. That's so funny to me! I didn't think I would be hearing that this early. The girls are 11-yrs-old and 6-years-old so Flora is like a little doll to them. They are very good with her and Flora absolutely loves the attention. Last night she was SO excited to "go play with my friends" and she told me that after I walked her across the street she didn't need me there anymore. "You just go back home, Mommy, while I stay and play with my friends." Wow--didn't think I would be hearing THAT this early either! So Timber and I sit on the front porch and watch her play across the street. It's just so darn cute.
5. It's almost Friday! Friday is my new favorite day of the week because of my totally super awesome husband. Friday mornings are officially my morning off. I can do whatever I want until 1pm!! And the best part is that I don't have to cram everything I want to do into one Friday morning because I know I will have free time every Friday. Last week I slept in late and then went shopping while Chris took all three kids out for bagels at Einstein Bros and to Cabelas. I'm still trying to decide what I will do tomorrow. Ah.....knowing that I can sleep in late on Friday is what gets me out of bed some mornings!
Thursday, August 11, 2011
you had to be there
"Now pull your pants up and walk across the troll bridge."
I actually said that with a straight face. And it made sense. And Flora did it.
I actually said that with a straight face. And it made sense. And Flora did it.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
*giggle*yawn*
Some funny things that Flora has said:
- Flora decided to play store by selling her toys to Chris and me. She showed Chris one of her dolls and asked if he would like to buy it. He said he would and she said, "Great, that will be £2." Pounds? Huh? Still not sure why she thinks we use pounds instead of dollars.
- While pretending to fish, Flora thought she "caught one." She pulled up her imaginary line and looked at her imaginary hook, then declared, "Oh man, it's just an old ladybug."
- According to Flora, everything that happened in the past happened either "last year" or "when I was 2-years-old." So if she's talking about what we ate for breakfast yesterday she would say, "Last year we ate strawberries for breakfast" or "We had strawberries for breakfast when I was 2-years-old."
Friday, July 29, 2011
streaking! or not....
Scout played with the garden hose and got wet (duh). Since he was determined to play outside on a 103 degree day I thought a hose was an appropriate toy. When he was done I took him into the bathroom, stripped his clothes off, and told him to go to his room and find some underwear. (If Scout could read this he would correct me -- "No, they're UNDEROOS!")
Scout: No!
Me: Why?
Scout: Mommy, you need to get my sheep and my squirrel and my pillow pet out of my room first.
Me: Why?
Scout: Because I don't want them to see my penis.
Me: (giggle) Why?
Scout: Because they don't have penises.
He's so modest....and so considerate. I went to his room and covered sheep, squirrel, and pillow pet up with a blanket so they wouldn't see Scout naked.
Scout: No!
Me: Why?
Scout: Mommy, you need to get my sheep and my squirrel and my pillow pet out of my room first.
Me: Why?
Scout: Because I don't want them to see my penis.
Me: (giggle) Why?
Scout: Because they don't have penises.
He's so modest....and so considerate. I went to his room and covered sheep, squirrel, and pillow pet up with a blanket so they wouldn't see Scout naked.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
calf roping
Calf Roping (according to Wikipedia) Pajama Time (according to me)
The calves are lined up in a row and moved through narrow runways leading to a chute with spring-loaded doors. The kids are running and/or crawling down the hallway and through the kitchen.
The barrier is used to ensure that the calf gets a head start. What? Seriously? No.....the children do not get a head start if I can help it.
Timing is critical. Agreed. There is a small window when they are tired but not TOO tired. If you let them get too tired you might as well admit defeat and put them to bed fully dressed.
The rider must lasso the calf from horseback by throwing a loop of the lariat around the calf's neck. Ok, well, I don't lasso my kids. I think I could get thrown into jail for that -- not that I've never had the urge. I've perfected my technique over the years and now rely on the clothesline grab. Here's how to do it: Nonchalantly place yourself near the path your child is on and as he runs by swoop an arm down, catching him across the belly and zooming him in the air. He thinks it's fun and you've got your calf!
The calf must be stopped by the rope but cannot be thrown to the ground by the rope. If the calf falls, the roper loses seconds because he must allow the calf to get back on its feet. HA! Amateurs! Never EVER let the child get back on his or her feet! Keep at least one hand on the child at all times or you will have to start the whole process over.
When the roper reaches the calf, he picks it up and flips it onto its side. Once the calf is on the ground, the roper ties three of the calf's legs together with a short rope known as a tie-down rope or "piggin' string." "When the mother captures the child, she lies him down and flips him onto his back. Once the child is on the ground, the mother shoves two legs and two arms into pajamas and secures with a zipper and a snap."
The horse is trained to assist the roper by slowly backing away from the calf to maintain a steady tension on the rope. The father is not trained to assist the mother and slowly backs away from the wiggling child to maintain a steady tension between him and his wife.
When the tie is complete, the roper throws his hands in the air to signal "time" and stop the clock. Oh, I absolutely do this. I didn't realize I was imitating calf ropers until recently but this has long been a tradition of mine once everyone is pajama-ed. It just feels right.
Top professional calf ropers will rope and tie a calf in 7 seconds. The world record is just over 6 seconds. I have never dressed a child in 7 seconds but I bet I could dress a wiggling child faster than one of those cowboys could!
The calves are lined up in a row and moved through narrow runways leading to a chute with spring-loaded doors. The kids are running and/or crawling down the hallway and through the kitchen.
The barrier is used to ensure that the calf gets a head start. What? Seriously? No.....the children do not get a head start if I can help it.
Timing is critical. Agreed. There is a small window when they are tired but not TOO tired. If you let them get too tired you might as well admit defeat and put them to bed fully dressed.
The rider must lasso the calf from horseback by throwing a loop of the lariat around the calf's neck. Ok, well, I don't lasso my kids. I think I could get thrown into jail for that -- not that I've never had the urge. I've perfected my technique over the years and now rely on the clothesline grab. Here's how to do it: Nonchalantly place yourself near the path your child is on and as he runs by swoop an arm down, catching him across the belly and zooming him in the air. He thinks it's fun and you've got your calf!
The calf must be stopped by the rope but cannot be thrown to the ground by the rope. If the calf falls, the roper loses seconds because he must allow the calf to get back on its feet. HA! Amateurs! Never EVER let the child get back on his or her feet! Keep at least one hand on the child at all times or you will have to start the whole process over.
When the roper reaches the calf, he picks it up and flips it onto its side. Once the calf is on the ground, the roper ties three of the calf's legs together with a short rope known as a tie-down rope or "piggin' string." "When the mother captures the child, she lies him down and flips him onto his back. Once the child is on the ground, the mother shoves two legs and two arms into pajamas and secures with a zipper and a snap."
The horse is trained to assist the roper by slowly backing away from the calf to maintain a steady tension on the rope. The father is not trained to assist the mother and slowly backs away from the wiggling child to maintain a steady tension between him and his wife.
Top professional calf ropers will rope and tie a calf in 7 seconds. The world record is just over 6 seconds. I have never dressed a child in 7 seconds but I bet I could dress a wiggling child faster than one of those cowboys could!
Friday, July 22, 2011
cuteness overdose
Flora was working on a little preschool workbook I picked up at the Dollar Tree and I commented on how smart she was. She seemed very pleased with that. Later, she didn't want to let me get a splinter out of her foot. I told her how brave she would be if she let me get it out. She replied, "But I'm NOT brave, Mommy, I'm just smart."
Flora and Scout did a lot of pretend-play yesterday. Pretend-play is fun to watch but it also creates quite a mess! Anyway, at one point Scout told Flora, "Flora, you be the princess and I will be the dinosaur." Ha! And then later when we were playing Hide-and-Seek, Scout was looking for Flora and muttering, "Now where is that pretty lady?"
They are all SO CUTE right now!!!! I think I will remember this as one of my favorite "phases" for the three of them.
Flora and Scout did a lot of pretend-play yesterday. Pretend-play is fun to watch but it also creates quite a mess! Anyway, at one point Scout told Flora, "Flora, you be the princess and I will be the dinosaur." Ha! And then later when we were playing Hide-and-Seek, Scout was looking for Flora and muttering, "Now where is that pretty lady?"
They are all SO CUTE right now!!!! I think I will remember this as one of my favorite "phases" for the three of them.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
a few of our favorite things
I just wanted to document some of the kids' favorite toys at this stage in their lives.
Olga
Squirrel
Fancy Nancy and Bree (always in their underwear)
Old Fisher Price Train
Tank and Bumper
Sheep
Dress-Up Clothes
Bouncy Balls
A Tray Full of Food
Puzzles
Anything that Timber's not supposed to have!
Carwash Refrigerator Magnets
Of course, we rotate our toys so there are a few favorites that are packed away in the basement right now. I'll have to do another favorite things post after we rotate! Someday these may be yard sale or hand-me-down toys. That's kind of sad. But the alternative is keeping them until I have grandkids and that's just not cool. I can't start a "grandkid toybox" at the age of 29, can I? No.....no I can't.......because Chris won't let me.
But I left out three of my VERY favorite things! Look at these cuties!!
THIS little girl is just too much!
And for anyone who is concerned -- Scout was fever-free all day today. Yay!
Oh, and Timber turned 10-months-old yesterday. Such a big little guy!
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
seized
So.....Scout had a febrile seizure today -- a full-blown limbs twitching, eyes rolled back, teeth clenched, blue lips, drooling seizure. I'm guessing it lasted less than two minutes but at the time I would have told you that it had been going on for two hours. Yikes!
THANKFULLY I had read that febrile seizures (fever-induced seizures) are common in children under age 5 so I recognized what was happening and didn't panic. HA! Yeah right! I totally panicked. Well, not totally, but knowing what was happening and why it was happening didn't make it any easier on me. Also thankfully, Flora and Timber were sleeping so Flora didn't have to witness it and worry about her brother.
As soon as it was over I called Chris and told him to come home quickly. I didn't bother explaining a febrile seizure to him over the phone -- I just told him to come home. I think he could tell something was wrong. Funny thing -- while Scout was still "seizing" I was holding him in one arm and googling "febrile seizure" with my free hand. Later I realized how silly I must have looked if anyone had seen me! But no one did.
So, Scout stopped seizing, I called Chris, and then I called the doctor. We just got home from our doctor visit and Scout is currently fever-free and acting chipper. Our doctor said that febrile seizures are very common although it does make him slightly more likely to have another febrile seizure episode in the future. BUT if he goes six months without having one then it is unlikely that he will have another one. So if you are in the habit of praying for Scout, please remember to pray that he won't have another febrile seizure.
One thing I wanted to mention is that in the middle of his seizure while my heart was pounding I was very aware of a feeling of peace. I am SO glad that 1) Someone holds Scout in the palm of His hand and 2) that I am NOT that someone! I trust God with Scout's life so much more than I would ever trust myself or our doctors with it!
I know this is a rambling post but writing is somewhat cathartic for me and I just had to get this all out. It's not really a "silly story" or a "memorable moment" but sometimes it's good to remember the scary times too.
THANKFULLY I had read that febrile seizures (fever-induced seizures) are common in children under age 5 so I recognized what was happening and didn't panic. HA! Yeah right! I totally panicked. Well, not totally, but knowing what was happening and why it was happening didn't make it any easier on me. Also thankfully, Flora and Timber were sleeping so Flora didn't have to witness it and worry about her brother.
As soon as it was over I called Chris and told him to come home quickly. I didn't bother explaining a febrile seizure to him over the phone -- I just told him to come home. I think he could tell something was wrong. Funny thing -- while Scout was still "seizing" I was holding him in one arm and googling "febrile seizure" with my free hand. Later I realized how silly I must have looked if anyone had seen me! But no one did.
So, Scout stopped seizing, I called Chris, and then I called the doctor. We just got home from our doctor visit and Scout is currently fever-free and acting chipper. Our doctor said that febrile seizures are very common although it does make him slightly more likely to have another febrile seizure episode in the future. BUT if he goes six months without having one then it is unlikely that he will have another one. So if you are in the habit of praying for Scout, please remember to pray that he won't have another febrile seizure.
One thing I wanted to mention is that in the middle of his seizure while my heart was pounding I was very aware of a feeling of peace. I am SO glad that 1) Someone holds Scout in the palm of His hand and 2) that I am NOT that someone! I trust God with Scout's life so much more than I would ever trust myself or our doctors with it!
I know this is a rambling post but writing is somewhat cathartic for me and I just had to get this all out. It's not really a "silly story" or a "memorable moment" but sometimes it's good to remember the scary times too.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
toilet games
We went to a water playdate this morning (you know you're jealous!) and the kids just wore their wet clothes home. Once home, Flora changed into dry clothes and I found the top of her swimsuit but not the bottoms. Here is the following conversation:
Me: Flora, where did you put your swimsuit bottoms?
Flora: In the toilet
Me: (helping Scout on the potty and not giving much thought to her answer) Where?
Flora: In the toilet
Me: (finish helping Scout and check the other toilet hoping hoping HOPING that I wouldn't have to dig a swimsuit out of it -- WHEW, no swimsuit in either toilet -- back to the living room to get to the bottom of this) Flora, WHERE did you put your swimsuit bottoms?
Flora: In the toilet
Me: I just checked the toilets and I didn't see any swimsuits.
Flora: Because I flushed it. I just flushed it down.
Me: (shocked, incredulous, getting frustrated) What!?? Flora!! WHY did you flush it down the toilet???
Flora: I just didn't like it anymore so I flushed it.
Me: Flora, we do NOT flush things down the toilet just because we d--- (stop my lecture as I notice her swimsuit bottoms in the toybox next to where she is standing)
Flora: (notices that I have figured out her little game) *grins*
That sneaky little girl! She held her poker face the entire time! I must admit that I was quite proud of her in that moment. She really got me good.
Me: Flora, where did you put your swimsuit bottoms?
Flora: In the toilet
Me: (helping Scout on the potty and not giving much thought to her answer) Where?
Flora: In the toilet
Me: (finish helping Scout and check the other toilet hoping hoping HOPING that I wouldn't have to dig a swimsuit out of it -- WHEW, no swimsuit in either toilet -- back to the living room to get to the bottom of this) Flora, WHERE did you put your swimsuit bottoms?
Flora: In the toilet
Me: I just checked the toilets and I didn't see any swimsuits.
Flora: Because I flushed it. I just flushed it down.
Me: (shocked, incredulous, getting frustrated) What!?? Flora!! WHY did you flush it down the toilet???
Flora: I just didn't like it anymore so I flushed it.
Me: Flora, we do NOT flush things down the toilet just because we d--- (stop my lecture as I notice her swimsuit bottoms in the toybox next to where she is standing)
Flora: (notices that I have figured out her little game) *grins*
That sneaky little girl! She held her poker face the entire time! I must admit that I was quite proud of her in that moment. She really got me good.
Monday, July 18, 2011
jewelry and treasure -- trucks and bugs
You may have seen this story on facebook already.....
While watching Chris use an electric drill (and covering her ears the entire time), Flora said, "Boys like tools but girls don't -- girls like jewelry and treasure."
Jewelry and treasure!!?!?? Haha...seriously, the stuff that comes out of that girl's mouth amazes me sometimes. Where did she come up with that? I rarely wear any jewelry at all -- I'll usually throw on a pair of earrings before we leave the house but that's it. I don't even wear my wedding ring most of the time because rings just feel weird. So where does she get the idea that girls love jewelry??
And treasure.....the only treasure that I can imagine she knows about is the pirate treasure that some of her cartoon shows talk about. Do girls like pirate treasure? Well, I suppose I would get pretty excited about a chest full of gold bars but how does she know that?
It's a really funny thing to say -- "girls like jewelry and treasure" -- she's such a girly girl. Today I heard her doing something in my room and I yelled, "Flora, what are you doing?"
"Nothin'!"
"But what are you doing?"
"Just nothin'!"
"But WHAT are you DOING?"
"I'm just doin' nothin'!"
Any mom worth her salt knows that this is a clear indication that she is "doin'" something that she is not supposed to be doing. I found her in my bathroom trying on different shades of lipstick. Oh boy...
After we watched fireworks on the 4th of July I asked the kids before bed if they were going to dream about fireworks. Scout said, "Yes! Fireworks and trains and dump trucks!" and Flora chimed in and said, "And I will dream about fireworks and butterflies and flowers!" People who say that there are no inherent gender differences beyond the physical differences have obviously never had kids. All of our toys go in one toy box but every day I see Scout choose the trains and trucks and cars and Flora plays with the baby dolls and the stuffed animals. Even Timber is already showing a preference for the "boy" toys. I caught him "brrrrmmmm-ing" a car back and forth the other day!
And then there are the bugs. Flora is an excellent worm-finder. She will dig up a bit of dirt until she finds a worm or (exciting day!) a whole family of worms. But she won't touch them. She finds them and then Scout picks them up and puts them where she tells him to put them. Scout also picks up spiders and pretty much any bug that he is able to catch while Flora squeals and prances if she sees a bug in her general vicinity. But I guess maybe that's been modeled for her....
Anyway, I'm glad they're the way they are. I like 'em.
While watching Chris use an electric drill (and covering her ears the entire time), Flora said, "Boys like tools but girls don't -- girls like jewelry and treasure."
Jewelry and treasure!!?!?? Haha...seriously, the stuff that comes out of that girl's mouth amazes me sometimes. Where did she come up with that? I rarely wear any jewelry at all -- I'll usually throw on a pair of earrings before we leave the house but that's it. I don't even wear my wedding ring most of the time because rings just feel weird. So where does she get the idea that girls love jewelry??
And treasure.....the only treasure that I can imagine she knows about is the pirate treasure that some of her cartoon shows talk about. Do girls like pirate treasure? Well, I suppose I would get pretty excited about a chest full of gold bars but how does she know that?
It's a really funny thing to say -- "girls like jewelry and treasure" -- she's such a girly girl. Today I heard her doing something in my room and I yelled, "Flora, what are you doing?"
"Nothin'!"
"But what are you doing?"
"Just nothin'!"
"But WHAT are you DOING?"
"I'm just doin' nothin'!"
Any mom worth her salt knows that this is a clear indication that she is "doin'" something that she is not supposed to be doing. I found her in my bathroom trying on different shades of lipstick. Oh boy...
After we watched fireworks on the 4th of July I asked the kids before bed if they were going to dream about fireworks. Scout said, "Yes! Fireworks and trains and dump trucks!" and Flora chimed in and said, "And I will dream about fireworks and butterflies and flowers!" People who say that there are no inherent gender differences beyond the physical differences have obviously never had kids. All of our toys go in one toy box but every day I see Scout choose the trains and trucks and cars and Flora plays with the baby dolls and the stuffed animals. Even Timber is already showing a preference for the "boy" toys. I caught him "brrrrmmmm-ing" a car back and forth the other day!
And then there are the bugs. Flora is an excellent worm-finder. She will dig up a bit of dirt until she finds a worm or (exciting day!) a whole family of worms. But she won't touch them. She finds them and then Scout picks them up and puts them where she tells him to put them. Scout also picks up spiders and pretty much any bug that he is able to catch while Flora squeals and prances if she sees a bug in her general vicinity. But I guess maybe that's been modeled for her....
Anyway, I'm glad they're the way they are. I like 'em.
Friday, July 15, 2011
kids are silly
So apparently I'm not the only one who thinks my kids are hilarious. Here are a few stories from my cousin, Kati, after she babysat the kids.
**Kati had gum in her mouth and Scout wanted to know what it was. She told him it was gum and Flora said, "I can chew gum when I'm four." Scout added, "And I can chew gum when I'm a girl!" Flora quickly corrected him and he changed his answer to, "I can chew gum when I'm four too."
**They were playing Hide-and-Seek and it was Kati's turn to hide. She heard Flora and Scout looking for her and almost gave away her hiding location from giggling too much once she heard Flora say, "Now where is that tricky old lady?" (Kati is 18-yrs-old)
**Scout had to go poo-poo in the potty while Kati was babysitting. She said that Flora coached Scout through the whole thing, saying, "Just push real hard, Scout, and the poo-poo will come out." I guess Flora probably realized that Kati was not an experienced potty coach.
Also, Flora, Scout, and Timber got to play with their cousins Callie, Ellie, and Toby yesterday. At one point all the kids were playing outside in a wading pool. Elliott had messed up her swimsuit so she joined the others naked. When Scout saw her he smacked her on the backside and said, "Ellie, I see your bum-bum!" Ah, cousins. We'll have to remind the two of them of that moment in about fourteen years.
**Kati had gum in her mouth and Scout wanted to know what it was. She told him it was gum and Flora said, "I can chew gum when I'm four." Scout added, "And I can chew gum when I'm a girl!" Flora quickly corrected him and he changed his answer to, "I can chew gum when I'm four too."
**They were playing Hide-and-Seek and it was Kati's turn to hide. She heard Flora and Scout looking for her and almost gave away her hiding location from giggling too much once she heard Flora say, "Now where is that tricky old lady?" (Kati is 18-yrs-old)
**Scout had to go poo-poo in the potty while Kati was babysitting. She said that Flora coached Scout through the whole thing, saying, "Just push real hard, Scout, and the poo-poo will come out." I guess Flora probably realized that Kati was not an experienced potty coach.
Also, Flora, Scout, and Timber got to play with their cousins Callie, Ellie, and Toby yesterday. At one point all the kids were playing outside in a wading pool. Elliott had messed up her swimsuit so she joined the others naked. When Scout saw her he smacked her on the backside and said, "Ellie, I see your bum-bum!" Ah, cousins. We'll have to remind the two of them of that moment in about fourteen years.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
go scout go
Scout may be watching too much Diego (the cartoon animal rescuer on the Go Diego Go tv show). He heard a bird outside and said, "Oh! That might be the Mommy Macaw!"
Also, he just took a tumble on his little tricycle. I asked him if he was okay and instead of answering he jumped up and gave his tricycle a big hug, asking, "You okay, bike? You okay?"
And then he had to push his tricycle back up onto the deck. He ran to me afterward and said, "Mommy, I had to empujon (Diego's Spanish word for "push") my bike to get it back up."
Also, he just took a tumble on his little tricycle. I asked him if he was okay and instead of answering he jumped up and gave his tricycle a big hug, asking, "You okay, bike? You okay?"
And then he had to push his tricycle back up onto the deck. He ran to me afterward and said, "Mommy, I had to empujon (Diego's Spanish word for "push") my bike to get it back up."
fireworks!
They LOVED the fireworks! We stopped at Sonic on the way up to Smithville Lake and they drank their strawberry slushes while we waited....and waited....and waited for the show to start. I chose this particular show because it was supposed to start at 9pm but at 9:35pm we were starting to wonder if maybe we had chosen a bad location and completely missed the show! Just as we were lifting the kids into the van a huge firework exploded over us! YAY!
After a while, Flora said, "I wished I could see Jesus in a firework."
"You want to see a firework of Jesus' face?" asked Chris.
"Yes, his face and his whole body," Flora replied.
And then later she said, "I think they look like angels." Chris asked her if she had ever seen an angel and she said, "No....well.....maybe when I was 2-years-old." As we were leaving a family next to us lit one of the huge flaming lanterns that float up into the sky and Scout decided that it was an angel too.
The kids went to bed at 10:45ish and fell asleep almost immediately. Timber slept through the fireworks and went to bed easily when we got home also. And THANKFULLY they all slept through the fireworks that continued to go off in our neighborhood until almost 1am! Chris and I were not so fortunate. But all things considered, it was a GREAT 4th of July! YAY FIREWORKS!!!
extreme squeaking
"Watch this, Daddy!!" Flora holds a toy fish closely to her belly and runs as fast as she can into the recliner. The fish squeaks on impact. She is so proud! After a few rounds of this, Chris shows her how she can make it squeak by simply squeezing it or stepping on it. Hm....just as effective but not nearly as dramatic (also not nearly as likely to give Flora whiplash).
Friday, July 1, 2011
i wonder if he texts too?
I had a bad headache today and asked Flora and Scout to pray for me. Scout loves to pray for sick people. He very seriously scrunched his eyes shut, folded his hands, and prayed, "Fodder Dod, please to make Mommy's head to not hurt. Tank you. Aaaaaa-men."
Flora said she didn't want to pray but she would call Jesus on her Barbie cell phone. She dialed a LOT of numbers (obviously not a local call???), waited a moment for Jesus to answer, and said, "Hello, Jesus? How are you doing? Please make Mommy feel better. Ok? Ok. Bye-bye."
I thanked them both and told Flora she should call Jesus back to tell him that we love him. She dialed all the numbers, waited, and then said, "Hello, Jesus? I love you and Mommy loves you and Scout loves you and Timber loves you and Daddy loves you because.....um, because.....you are Jesus. Ok, bye-bye!"
Flora said she didn't want to pray but she would call Jesus on her Barbie cell phone. She dialed a LOT of numbers (obviously not a local call???), waited a moment for Jesus to answer, and said, "Hello, Jesus? How are you doing? Please make Mommy feel better. Ok? Ok. Bye-bye."
I thanked them both and told Flora she should call Jesus back to tell him that we love him. She dialed all the numbers, waited, and then said, "Hello, Jesus? I love you and Mommy loves you and Scout loves you and Timber loves you and Daddy loves you because.....um, because.....you are Jesus. Ok, bye-bye!"
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
role reversal
Scout picks up his toy phone and calls Robbie.
He says, "Hi Robbie! What you doin'?"
After a few moments with the phone to his ear he says to me, "Mommy, you say, "Who you talkin' to?" to me."
I obediently ask, "Who are you talking to, Scout?"
He looks right at me and says, "SHHH!"
I laughed but what I should have done is keep asking over and over and over and over.
*****
Also, Scout was saying his VBS Bible verse today but got a little bit confused. He said, "When I am afraid I trust in Flora." Oops. He'll learn soon that he shouldn't put too much trust in his big sister! She's still very self-centered at the ripe ol' age of 3. I'm pretty sure she would totally bail on him in a scary situation.
I'm also just a teeny bit sad to announce that Scout can say Flora's name correctly now. It was very cute when he called her Fora.
Oh! --and I just thought of one more thing! Yesterday Scout told me that Timber was "his very best guy."
Flora and Scout both say such silly things every day. Instead of a blog I need a live video feed from our living room. But then you would see how messy our house gets.... Nope, sorry, you'll just have to be content with the little snippets that I remember to blog about.
He says, "Hi Robbie! What you doin'?"
After a few moments with the phone to his ear he says to me, "Mommy, you say, "Who you talkin' to?" to me."
I obediently ask, "Who are you talking to, Scout?"
He looks right at me and says, "SHHH!"
I laughed but what I should have done is keep asking over and over and over and over.
*****
Also, Scout was saying his VBS Bible verse today but got a little bit confused. He said, "When I am afraid I trust in Flora." Oops. He'll learn soon that he shouldn't put too much trust in his big sister! She's still very self-centered at the ripe ol' age of 3. I'm pretty sure she would totally bail on him in a scary situation.
I'm also just a teeny bit sad to announce that Scout can say Flora's name correctly now. It was very cute when he called her Fora.
Oh! --and I just thought of one more thing! Yesterday Scout told me that Timber was "his very best guy."
Flora and Scout both say such silly things every day. Instead of a blog I need a live video feed from our living room. But then you would see how messy our house gets.... Nope, sorry, you'll just have to be content with the little snippets that I remember to blog about.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
good times
Fun trip to Arkansas!! Flora and Scout played at parks, watered flowers, went for walks, acted as Flower Girl and Ring Boy for Amanda's wedding, baked cookies, swam in a mini-pool, played in pink sand, watched Shane coach basketball, ate ice cream, visited Great Grandpa and Grandma Dot, fed chickens and met their first crawdad. Good times!
Flora befriended a stuffed sheep at Poppy and Gigi's house and begged to take him home with us. I told her I'd have to think about it because the sheep's home was at Poppy and Gigi's house. When it was time to leave, Flora left the room for a moment and came back to walk nonchalantly out the front door with a huge sheep-shaped bulge in the front of her shirt. I asked, "Flora, what's in your shirt?" She looked down at her stuffed shirt, looked back at me, shrugged, and said, "I think my belly just growed."
We heard a lot of this on the ride home:
Timber: Ba-ba-ba-ba
Scout: Blah blah blah
Timber & Scout: *giggle*giggle*giggle*
While snuggling with Scout before naptime, he told me that he was a lot like Avee (Bryan and Sara's dog). I asked him why he was like Avee and he said, "Because Avee is SO cute." He went on to say, "And Sara is SO cute too and Bryan is so sweet. I love Bryan and Sara and Avee."
Flora befriended a stuffed sheep at Poppy and Gigi's house and begged to take him home with us. I told her I'd have to think about it because the sheep's home was at Poppy and Gigi's house. When it was time to leave, Flora left the room for a moment and came back to walk nonchalantly out the front door with a huge sheep-shaped bulge in the front of her shirt. I asked, "Flora, what's in your shirt?" She looked down at her stuffed shirt, looked back at me, shrugged, and said, "I think my belly just growed."
We heard a lot of this on the ride home:
Timber: Ba-ba-ba-ba
Scout: Blah blah blah
Timber & Scout: *giggle*giggle*giggle*
While snuggling with Scout before naptime, he told me that he was a lot like Avee (Bryan and Sara's dog). I asked him why he was like Avee and he said, "Because Avee is SO cute." He went on to say, "And Sara is SO cute too and Bryan is so sweet. I love Bryan and Sara and Avee."
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
timberrific
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
flora is from venus. scout is a piece.
Flora gets SO excited when Diego shows up on Dora's show or vice versa. She was really happy the other day because Diego came to Dora's birthday party.
Me: Do you wish Diego would come to your birthday party, Flora?
Flora: YES! But....I think Diego and Dora live on their different Venus.
Me: What??
Flora: They live on a different Venus.
Me: Where do we live?
Flora: We live on OUR Venus. (duh, Mom)
After a chaotic evening I curled up in our recliner hoping that the kids would ignore me and play with Chris for a while. Of course, Flora and Scout immediately jumped on top of me.
Scout and Flora: "What you doin', Mommy? What you doin'?"
Me: "I'm trying to have a peaceful moment."
Scout: (yelling right in my face) "I'M A PIECE! I'M A PIECE, MOMMY!"
Flora has been really into lipstick lately and often puts it on by herself when we aren't looking. She tells me, "Mommy, I put lots and lots and lots and LOTS of lipstick on because then I am very very very VERY fancy."
She usually doesn't see her results in the mirror. We were getting ready to go to a rugby dinner (don't ask why I'm still going to rugby dinners) and Flora got into my lipstick and then went to the mirror to view her work. "Oh," she said, "too much." Then she went to find a wet wipe, came back to the mirror and very carefully dabbed the tiniest bit of lipstick off her mouth. "Puh-fect," she said, obviously pleased with her clown mouth.
And finally, tonight I smelled something and asked Flora if she had tooted.
Flora: "No . . . well, I don't think so. Can you listen to my bum, Mommy?"
Me: "What?"
Flora: (completely serious and sticking her bum out in my direction) "Listen to my bum to see if I'm tooting."
Chris was especially amused by this one!
Me: Do you wish Diego would come to your birthday party, Flora?
Flora: YES! But....I think Diego and Dora live on their different Venus.
Me: What??
Flora: They live on a different Venus.
Me: Where do we live?
Flora: We live on OUR Venus. (duh, Mom)
After a chaotic evening I curled up in our recliner hoping that the kids would ignore me and play with Chris for a while. Of course, Flora and Scout immediately jumped on top of me.
Scout and Flora: "What you doin', Mommy? What you doin'?"
Me: "I'm trying to have a peaceful moment."
Scout: (yelling right in my face) "I'M A PIECE! I'M A PIECE, MOMMY!"
Flora has been really into lipstick lately and often puts it on by herself when we aren't looking. She tells me, "Mommy, I put lots and lots and lots and LOTS of lipstick on because then I am very very very VERY fancy."
And finally, tonight I smelled something and asked Flora if she had tooted.
Flora: "No . . . well, I don't think so. Can you listen to my bum, Mommy?"
Me: "What?"
Flora: (completely serious and sticking her bum out in my direction) "Listen to my bum to see if I'm tooting."
Chris was especially amused by this one!
Sunday, May 22, 2011
talking with timber
Me: Mama
Timber: Blah-ahhhhh
Me: Mama
Timber: Ba-ba-ba-ba
Me: Mama
Timber: Ow-yooo
Me: Mama
Timber: Ehhhhh
Me: Mamamamamamama
Timber: DADA!
Timber: Blah-ahhhhh
Me: Mama
Timber: Ba-ba-ba-ba
Me: Mama
Timber: Ow-yooo
Me: Mama
Timber: Ehhhhh
Me: Mamamamamamama
Timber: DADA!
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
lyric laughs
Scout and Flora learned a song at their playschool a couple weeks ago for Mother's Day. It goes (to the tune of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star):
Mommy, Mommy, I love you
Yes I, Yes I, Yes I do
You're so sweet and oh so fine
I'm so glad that you are mine
Mommy, Mommy, I love you
Yes I do, Yes I do
Cute, right? Scout never gets the words right though. Today he is walking around the house singing "Mommy, Mommy, I love you / You so glad that I so sweet." Well, yeah.....I guess I am glad that he's so sweet.
I also wanted to share Scout's version of Row Row Row Your Boat:
Wo, wo, wo a butt
Gently down da stream
Merrily, merrily
Like a butter dream
P.S. --- And last night he was singing "Mommy, Mommy, I love you / You so sweet and I so fine."
Mommy, Mommy, I love you
Yes I, Yes I, Yes I do
You're so sweet and oh so fine
I'm so glad that you are mine
Mommy, Mommy, I love you
Yes I do, Yes I do
Cute, right? Scout never gets the words right though. Today he is walking around the house singing "Mommy, Mommy, I love you / You so glad that I so sweet." Well, yeah.....I guess I am glad that he's so sweet.
I also wanted to share Scout's version of Row Row Row Your Boat:
Wo, wo, wo a butt
Gently down da stream
Merrily, merrily
Like a butter dream
P.S. --- And last night he was singing "Mommy, Mommy, I love you / You so sweet and I so fine."
Friday, May 13, 2011
lowering my expectations
Flora and Scout are spending their first solo weekend with Poppy and Gigi. I had such high hopes for this weekend.
I was going to organize and run a successful yard sale, catch up on all the laundry, go out to eat several times, reorganize my bedroom, clean the toy room (aka Timber's room), do some leisurely shopping, go to the library and actually spend some time in the adult book section (adult reading level not ADULT books), meet up with a friend or two for coffee or lunch, nap, attend a few graduation parties, eat whenever I want without having to share bites, read, and rotate the toys.
Do you see the problem? Well, two problems: 1) there's not enough time to do all of that in one weekend, and 2) Timber is still here with me.
So, I'm having a hard time lowering my expectations. I don't really want to be a crazy person who tries to fit SO MUCH into every spare second but I also wanted to mark more than three things off my list.
The yard sale was a failure. This morning was cold, very windy, and threatening rain. We gave up our Friday yard sale dreams at about 10am. Tomorrow is still supposed to be cool and windy but I'm hoping there is more traffic just because it's Saturday. I love having yard sales. It's fun to price and get stuff organized and ready, and it's REALLY fun to make money. When the kids are older I may start a side business organizing and running yard sales for people who think it's too much hassle. BUT I say "when the kids are older" because I was very unorganized for this sale. There is still so much in the basement that hasn't been priced. So.....yard sale = FAIL. I'll stop whining about it. There will be other yard sales.
There is so much that I won't get done this weekend but a bright spot has been spending time with the little T-man. Obviously, he's been getting more attention than he usually does and I think he's enjoying the extra Mommy and Daddy time. So that's good. He looks so much like Baby Flora that I almost feel like we've traveled back in time 3 years. We went out to eat today and three fellow diners took the time to let us know what a "perfect," "sweet," and "adorable" "little doll" we had. I haven't heard those kinds of comments from strangers for a while. I guess a 3-year-old and a 2-year-old can really overshadow a sweet 7-month-old.
Speaking of 7-month-old, Timber has one more week to learn how to crawl. Flora and Scout both began crawling during their 7th month and I'm hoping Timber will too. I love crawling babies! He is trying SO hard to crawl -- I think he may figure it out very soon.
And now I'll leave you with one silly conversation I had with Scout this week:
Me: What do you want to eat? (why was I dumb enough to ask a 2-yr-old that???)
Scout: Jelly beans!
Me: No. What else do you want to eat? (apparently I just don't learn)
Scout: Broccoli!!
He's 2-yrs-old so of course he prefers jelly beans but I'm glad that broccoli is a close second.
I was going to organize and run a successful yard sale, catch up on all the laundry, go out to eat several times, reorganize my bedroom, clean the toy room (aka Timber's room), do some leisurely shopping, go to the library and actually spend some time in the adult book section (adult reading level not ADULT books), meet up with a friend or two for coffee or lunch, nap, attend a few graduation parties, eat whenever I want without having to share bites, read, and rotate the toys.
Do you see the problem? Well, two problems: 1) there's not enough time to do all of that in one weekend, and 2) Timber is still here with me.
So, I'm having a hard time lowering my expectations. I don't really want to be a crazy person who tries to fit SO MUCH into every spare second but I also wanted to mark more than three things off my list.
The yard sale was a failure. This morning was cold, very windy, and threatening rain. We gave up our Friday yard sale dreams at about 10am. Tomorrow is still supposed to be cool and windy but I'm hoping there is more traffic just because it's Saturday. I love having yard sales. It's fun to price and get stuff organized and ready, and it's REALLY fun to make money. When the kids are older I may start a side business organizing and running yard sales for people who think it's too much hassle. BUT I say "when the kids are older" because I was very unorganized for this sale. There is still so much in the basement that hasn't been priced. So.....yard sale = FAIL. I'll stop whining about it. There will be other yard sales.
There is so much that I won't get done this weekend but a bright spot has been spending time with the little T-man. Obviously, he's been getting more attention than he usually does and I think he's enjoying the extra Mommy and Daddy time. So that's good. He looks so much like Baby Flora that I almost feel like we've traveled back in time 3 years. We went out to eat today and three fellow diners took the time to let us know what a "perfect," "sweet," and "adorable" "little doll" we had. I haven't heard those kinds of comments from strangers for a while. I guess a 3-year-old and a 2-year-old can really overshadow a sweet 7-month-old.
Speaking of 7-month-old, Timber has one more week to learn how to crawl. Flora and Scout both began crawling during their 7th month and I'm hoping Timber will too. I love crawling babies! He is trying SO hard to crawl -- I think he may figure it out very soon.
And now I'll leave you with one silly conversation I had with Scout this week:
Me: What do you want to eat? (why was I dumb enough to ask a 2-yr-old that???)
Scout: Jelly beans!
Me: No. What else do you want to eat? (apparently I just don't learn)
Scout: Broccoli!!
He's 2-yrs-old so of course he prefers jelly beans but I'm glad that broccoli is a close second.
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