What's Cooking Today?

Milestones

2009-07-10T07:01:00.000-07:00

SS getting her ears marked! She was so excited
all week - even telling the ladies at the gym about
getting her ears pierced. About to go into the 6th grade
and needing a vote of "we know you are a big girl now."

Ouch - they did it at the same time - so no panic or
"Pirate Look"

So Happy!! Smiles amongst the tears

Our witnesses - Papergirl and the Peep

Celebrating the bravery with a little cheesecake!

refining fire

2009-05-11T17:59:00.000-07:00

This year has been a challenging one. I was a stay at home mom one day and the next I was teaching a room full of 4th graders. I climbed the mountain and faced the giant. I faced the giant with great fear, anger, loathing, remorse, and so many tears. I conquered the giant and rode down the hill with a lot of laughter, sighs, rolling of the eyes, and less tears than I climbed up with. I met new friends, saw life with a new perspective, and gave grace where once I think I probably gave judgement. I taught the dreaded TAKS and taught and tutored and taught again. I am home again now with the giant tamed behind me. The giant was refining fire.

Happy Birthday Big Daddy!!

2009-02-10T06:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Big Daddy!

It is the big 40!!!

We Love You!!!!

My Boys

2009-01-24T19:58:00.000-08:00

This weekend Big Daddy went on a trip for a friend's 40th birthday. Singing Sensation has gone to a spend the night, and so it is me and my boys. Lego has been a challenge for me the last few months. He has been gaining confidence and testing us with it. Today was different for us however. We just hung out together. The boys do not care for leaving the house ever!! I ran a few errands this morning while our sitter, since they were babes, came over. When I got home, we just hung out. I straightened downstairs and they played star wars for hours. I did laundry while they played the Wii upstairs ( thanks BD)!! We ordered pizza. The kind where the man comes to the door mom! Now, we are just hanging out watching Star Wars - The Phantom Menace. No schedule or need to go anywhere. I am just thankful for my boys tonight. Thankful they like to stay at home as much as me!

Diversity

2009-01-23T11:12:00.000-08:00

Diversity

We could learn a lot from crayons:

some are sharp, some are pretty,

some are dull,some have weird names,

and all are different colors....

but they all exist very nicely

in the same box.

Perspective

2009-01-06T10:47:00.000-08:00

Perspective in our lives can be a challenge to find. Most of the women I am privileged to know stay home, raise their families, children are well fed and dressed accordingly. We feel at odds when the slightest breeze blows that is unfamiliar or of a different climate. During a writing lesson today I received a piece from one of my 4th graders. She is older than most having sat out a year from school but not old enough for what she does each night. She considers herself blessed.

The best day ever was when I started

to work at ______ Hospital. I know I am

too young but I stock soda and do the

salad bar. I go to work at 7 at night to 4:00 am.

When I get up for school I always be tired. I get

paid 8.50 an hour and I work for 9 hours a day.

I been working there for about a month now. I was

blessed with the job....

May it be the perspective check to you that it was for me this Tuesday!

The Big OOPS!!!

2008-12-20T07:30:00.000-08:00

It was a harried Thursday morning for my little troopers. Big D. was out of town and 2 of the 3 little people in my life had field trips or a special event at school. Singing Sensation was going on the annual 5th grade field trip to a local Camp for hiking and nature all day, and Lego had Polar Express day at his school. On Wednesday night SS told me she needed rainboots for her trip and a new raincoat and and and...all this was said at too late of an hour to haul everyone out. Meanwhile, I needed some gas for Big Daddy's Diesel suv. I was certainly annoyed at the time SS decided to inform me of her need for boots. So I planned an early morning trip to the dreaded Walmart since Target, my home away from home, doesn't open early enough to get all the ingredients and gas for SS's field trip. All that to say, my alarm was turned off by moi' and our start out the door was delayed. All 3 kids dressed with backpacks and me with my rolling teacher crate were loaded and ready. We went first to a shell right by our house and the Diesel wouldn't pump so I remembered albeit a few years ago, that Big D. had gotten gas at the 7-11 across the street. The seemingly universal code for diesel is a green pump handle - so I pulled in quickly and saw a green handle and what I assumed was a diesel pump and filled up. I splashed $10 in and off we went to Albertson's to grab luncheables, a Santa hat for me, and our neighborhood University's sweatshirt for SS. We also grabbed doughnuts b/c in all my planning b'fast had fallen to the bottom of my list. Playmobil promptly dropped his on the floor and ate it anyway! Fiber is good for the diet right? We then zipped back home giving up on Walmart b/c of the time factor and SS had conceded to just wearing an older pair of tennis shoes. I left the the car idling while Lego got his pillow, SS put on the new sweatshirt, and then off to school. My window of time in all this is pretty short as I have a 20 minute drive to my school as well. We jumped back in and headed out to a sudden sputtering, lots of black smoke, and screaming OH NO in the back seat. We turned the corner and idled home....I knew the problem immediately, those bad men at the gas station had put regular gas in the diesel tank. We parked, jumped out like a bad set of travelling gypsies and ran to our neighbors. I am screaming at Big Daddy that I know the 7-11 sells diesel, but he is convinced they don't. Our neighbors kindly let us in and take the kids to school while I wait on my friend Hilldogteaches to come get me. My neighbor drives thru the gas station and ever so gently confirms that they don't sell the diesel and then Hilldog and I drive thru and confirm they don't sell the diesel. I have finally confirmed the fact that now I am officially the craziest, on the ledge mother, teacher, wife, and friend ever!!!!

Later that day , Big daddy has a flight scheduled for home but due to fog it is cancelled so he rents a car, drives home, and we all go get our other car out of the airport valet...the truck just sits with the bad gas ( midgrade at least) out in the driveway. Friday Big D worked on syphoning out the gas and you know what? No damage done and the big girl is getting better gas mileage too. See, that whole trick at the 7-11 was really my plan to improve our gas mileage the whole time!!!!

2008-11-23T21:52:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all! Much has transpired since last I wrote... Some good and some not so good. Singing Sensation has stumbled on my new job, Lego has soared at his new school but still asks if we can ride bikes to school in the morning. Playmobil - well, he continues on his own way, making it. Big Daddy is a great daddy but stumbling thru with great grace the whole mom duty. His job is by nature more flexible than mine when he is in the same city for more than a day. Lessons have been learned by all.

Big D. no longer is confused about how dinner doesn't seem to get done even when you have been home all day. Doctor appointments never take as little time as you had hoped - always longer than you have to give. No matter how much you pick up or wash - the job isn't done and doesn't pay bonuses. These are but a few lessons that have been learned over the last few months. Fifth grade has been full of pitfalls for singing sensation some made, some stumbled upon. I have complete respect for those that can juggle these circumstances. I have not done so with much skill tho. I find myself on the ledge more days than not.

The burning question that I have found myself shouting to God or rather He is shouting to me...Do you still believe I am who I say I AM??? When the circumstances that usher you out the door in the morning are the same ones that greet you each evening...DO you BELIEVE??? I must admit that not all days have I believed He is my Father. Not all days do I know that all things work together for good for all those who love the LORD. I am unfailingly clumsy at this life that I have found myself in. One time in my bible study - a lady posed the question, what if all your circumstances changed...would you still believe in God and his eternal purpose and plan? Yes....although it has not been easy.

The End

2008-09-13T08:44:00.000-07:00

I think I will end my blog today. Since being kicked to the curb by my 6 year old a little over 2 weeks ago - I had an interview to teach school...got the job...and now have to be at work by 7:55...hired a babysitter, and stopped being able to take or pick up my children from school. Change is upon me again. Since I am not a big fan of the change, as you all know...things haven't been too bright around here lately. So for now...my updates on our life will be slow in coming. Once I get the hang of this new life I will be back.

Kicked to the curb!

2008-08-26T16:59:00.001-07:00

So today my wee little Kindergartner kicked me right to the curb. Gave him a little freedom and what does he do?? Well first he dressed up like Indiana Jones and started playing. I went upstairs to check on his progress getting ready today and I found Indy playing in the playroom. I got him dressed sort of - but he did ask for some privacy. I finally got him all ready in his uniform with his Indiana Jones hat on by the way, and asked him if he wanted mommy to walk him to the big, scary lunchroom. It will be filled with lots of children, nearly impossible to find your table and your teacher said I. His response, "Nah Mom, I can do it." What?, What's that you say?? You can do it. So I say to Singing Sensation, can you sort of follow your brother and make sure he gets to Mrs.Tucker and his table. She then explains all the reasons why he will need her to help him. His response, "No, you bossy girl! I know where to go." What? What is that you say??? Are you kicking me and your sister to the curb? So at the carpool line, I mouth to SS, Make sure he makes it..." I heard you Mom! I can do it." So out they go...he doesn't even wait on SS to guide him in.

This afternoon, to add insult to injury he says," Tomorrow I want to buy lunch." Why, I ask him. Today they had a chicken nugget hamburger mom. Ahh Yes my son, but tomorrow they are having something called a Max stick with marinara sauce. :)

Now I lay me down to sleep

2008-08-26T03:41:00.000-07:00

Now I lay me down to sleep

I awake at three am with a leap

Lunches to pack, plans to keep

Sleeping in til at least six am

would be a true feat!

First Day of School

2008-08-25T15:49:00.000-07:00

This is technically Lego's 4th day of school, but my first
having everyone ready at once.

Yes, I too am wondering how she managed a

Sunkist with her breakfast. All I can say is some

battles are best left for another day.

Playmobil is heading for big school. He is ready

and I am not. Ten years after I brought Singing

Sensation home - I am alone again.

This one is outside the classroom and my focus

on the camera was a little blurry!!

Leaving Home - note "dirty baby" in P's hand.

My job was to babysit dirty baby today.

crazy shot, crazy angle, crazy momma

Big Daddy took this to prove that when my teens

think I don't love them etc...This picture will be proof

that I do, did and always will. I am afraid it was the

ugly cry of all ugly cries...By 6:30 today I had walked

4 miles, been to the grocery store, and made 2 different

sister shubert rolls, and blueberry muffins. All is well

now. My chicks are back in the nest. Even Big Daddy

thought about turning on Star Wars on the Wii just

for the background noise. Playmobil's first words in the

car for me were, "So mom, how was your day without me??"

Long and quiet P. Long and quiet. ( except for me blowing

my nose)

A day of firsts

2008-08-19T18:48:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow will be Lego's first day at his new school. I am filled with anxiety as we head into tomorrow. I know for sure that I prayed and prayed for this. That God totally did a work with the cost and the acceptance of Lego. But, this is just as new for me as him. New moms, new rules, new school nurse, new principal, and the list goes on and on and on. Even though our old school fit him like a left shoe on a right foot...it was familiar and what I know. So I am sure it will be great for him and he is excited. I am nervous and feel like the vomit or worse...

Baseball and Boys

2008-08-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

On our way to the Rangers game...The new
Dallas Cowboys Stadium in the background.

We are ready for some baseball!!

So what do you do the night before a big trip? You accept some free tickets to the Rangers game, sit 5 row from home plate, and eat a lot of junk food! Staying home and packing is not what we opted to do. Target is in every state anyway, right?

Vacationing

2008-08-14T10:50:00.001-07:00

Lake Martin, Alabama

Emily arriving at the pool. All children had

to carry some items to and fro. She wisely

choose towels.

The Pool at the lakehouse. Singing sensation with some
new friends.

Playmobil is ready for some action.

We took a lovely little jaunt to the great state of Alabama...we visited our bffs Theresa, Scott, Emily, and Benjamin. We went to a really cool lake house...drank some nectar of the gods...sweet tea! Talked, played games, talked, talked...and ate some yummy food. A change in the surroundings can do a heart good. Theresa always says her house isn't "decorated" or "adorned". You know those places where you can go and no matter when you show up it settles your heart. This is one of those places for me and mine. I am forever grateful that the plastic cups are always in the same place. The diet coke is always cold. And the games go on forever and the party never ends! Thanks for all the fun and letting us come and usher out the summer together!

Blink

2008-07-27T14:44:00.001-07:00

Blink - a fresh perspective http://www.audreycaroline.blogspot.com

Happy Sunday

Change

2008-07-24T08:52:00.000-07:00

I have thought about the process of change a lot lately. We have had lots of change in our family in the last two years. As heart wrenching as lots of it has been... it is sometimes good to undergo. Like surgery, very painful, but without the hospital stay. I do not embrace change willingly. It has always meant upheaval for me. Last night I was reading a book to singing sensation and the author described the changes that had occurred to one of the main characters. It really gave me pause. So much of the change in my life of the last few years can't be seen by the naked eye. A quick outward glance and nothing seems awry. So to quote the author of Ingo, Helen Dunmore,

" You know how the sea grinds down stone into sand, nobody ever sees it, it happens so slowly... If you look casually at me and Mum and Conor now you might think we are the same people we were a year ago , except that we are older. But we are not the same people. We've changed where no one can see it. Inside our minds and our feelings. I didn't want us to change but I can't stop it."

Only to me again

2008-07-15T15:03:00.000-07:00

So my neighbors across the street entrusted their newly remodeled, magazine photo shoot ready home to me to care for while they went to the beach for 2 weeks. I also was entrusted with 2 large labradoodles named Thunder and Lightening too. All was going along swimmingly until July the 4th. Our neighborhood surrounds a country club that does fireworks every year. Our generous neighbors said we could use their patio to watch the fireworks and swim in their pool. All this sounded just great. We headed over with some other neighbors from down the street and our precious Lulu (the golden retriever). She had been spending lots of quality time with Thunder and Lightening - so why not add to the fun. We were having a lovely time swimming, chatting, and getting ready to see some flashy night time fun when the first fireworks erupted!! Suddenly Lulu decides this isn't so great after all and heads for the iron fence surrounding our neighbor's property...The opening is slim at best between each iron rail. Big Daddy is talking, I am fetching another tennis ball for the dogs, when suddenly their is some loud whining and even louder crying from the peanut gallery. Lulu has wedged herself between 2 iron rails and like her mama - her hips just wouldn't make it thru. The children are wailing, Lulu is scratching, biting, bleeding, and Big Daddy has lost his temper in the dark at our neighbors.

The neighbors that were with us are ranchers so they knew just what to do. We had to saw Lulu out of the fence. All I can think of is how I am going to explain this, fix this, etc...oh yeah and how much is that going to cost??? Our neighbor runs home and back with a saw, Lulu gets free and bolts for home. We stick the fence back together so the "doodles" don't notice and try to watch the fireworks that are left. On Lulu and Big Daddy's way home our other neighbors were in their yard. They never come outside, ever, and when they do - the state of their sobriety is often in question. As Lulu shoots to our front door, the less than sober neighbor yells at Big D, " Hey is that some Wuss *** Alabama dog running home?"(as if there are never any scared dogs here in TX.) Their timing is always impeccable as big d smiled at them thinking lots of wonderful things I am sure.

When our neighbors returned from their relaxing beach vacation - their fence was fixed, and their neighbor was floating in a tube that was way too small for her bottom - like she owned the place. I had trouble pulling my hips free too!

Only to me...

2008-07-14T09:43:00.000-07:00

The following would only happen to me...So I made a cake for our groovy friends featured in the previous post. Her dad was coming to town and he loves him some poundcake. I just happened to be making one for us so I whipped up another. I needed her to get that cake before her dad came to town, but they weren't home. Big Daddy had tried to deliver the cake but he missed them. I decided it was my mission - well mine and lego's to deliver that cake. We ran over to their house and behold they weren't home ( just like Big D said)...so Lego and I tried the back door. Bingo - it wasn't locked so I was just going to leave the little surprise on her counter. Suddenly the alarm makes a sound...then a louder sound, then " YOU HAVE ENTERED A PROTECTED ZONE!!!" Being the way mature mama I am, I screamed RUN LEGO RUN!!!! (envision forest gump) So now we are running to our car...dialing our friends, hoping to hear no sirens...Meanwhile, our groovy friends are at dinner as their cellphone(s) ring and ring and ring...They decide to just call us later....

When my friend calls me - she is laughing hysterically and knowing I am now at home in a corner hoping the police don't find me or worse... Lego. We share a laugh ( or a tear b/c now I am the major stressed) and go back over. Thirty-two minutes from the time Lego and I set off the alarm the kind police officer shows up. Maybe i should have made off with a peach or two?? So the next time your alarm goes off and you find a cake on your counter - just know it was us, the friendly cake burglars!!

Happy Fourth of July

2008-07-04T11:45:00.001-07:00

We start our holidays early around here! Last
night the boys could not wait to do a little firework
action on the driveway. Here is what is left of the
tanks Big Daddy bought them.

Singing Sensation's friend P lives around the corner.

Her Dad has a groovy caddy from the Memphis

Hemisfair! They spent last night cutting and stapling

in preparation for the neighborhood parade today!

Singing Sensation planned her outfit down to the last

red, white, and blue drop last night. She even drew it

out!(parade pics to follow)

Finally, the boys loving their fire work buying

Daddy!!

Dinner Time

2008-06-29T11:57:00.000-07:00

When it is time for dinner on my street - we work together. My neighbor Paper girl and I often find ourselves adrift at dinner time. ( That applies to me more so than Paper Girl) Paper Girl usually has a plan except sometimes when Slick is out of town or working late... We found ourselves in this situation this week. On Friday - Slick was working late and Big Daddy was on a late flight home. We discussed and opted for cheap mexican around the corner from our houses.

$1.50 margaritas and a big table away from the other diners made for a good night. The Peep talked on her "cellphone" to her sister "Brooke" and my boys played on their handheld games while we ate and sipped and sipped and ate. So here is to our neighbor Paper Girl, cheap margaritas, mini icecream sandwiches, and a big backyard! Oh yeah, and an eternally full plate of Easter Candy...it is the things my kid's dreams are made of!

Hawks

2008-06-28T08:11:00.000-07:00

So this Hawk and his/her Hawk friend live in our tree. They sit on these well tended branches in the evening mostly. They call to each other a lot and don't seem affected by seasons.

I have more photos to share of them if anyone of my 3 readers think they might know what kind of Hawks these are. I might would of had more until this lady came walking by slowing down to see what I was doing. I was alone, with my camera, staring into a tall tree with no apparent subject except the leaves. I realized this a little to late and sheepishly said a quiet goodbye to my Hawk. Next thing you know, I will be asking you to identify my lizards....my house, my tree, my creatures???

Pizza Time

2008-06-27T08:00:00.000-07:00

Playmobil checking on the pizzas

Lego's Pizza

Mom's Pizza

Singing Sensation & Playmobil's Pizza

At dinner tonight - I was inspired. Maybe it is the whole week here with the 3 childrens alone, the idea that summer should be a time of bonding experiences, etc...We decided to make homemade pizza all the way down to the yeasty crust. This endeavor proved to be easy and fun. I didn't really think about blogging this until they were on the pan...Everyone loved their pizza.

Here is the super duper easy dough recipe!!

Easy Pizza Dough

1 cup warm water

1 package yeast

2 TBS. Sugar

Stir and let dissolve

for 5 minutes.

Combine

3 cups flour

1/4 cup olive oil

**you may add rosemary or garlic

to taste.

Put all this in your kitchen aid mixer and mix together with beater.

Then using the dough hook knead for 6 minutes.

Remove hook and let the dough

rise for a little while (10 -15 Minutes)

Flatten and make into pizza(s)

We added our toppings and baked at 350 til bubbly

and the crust was no longer shiny.

The Tooth Fairy

2008-06-26T08:56:00.000-07:00

Precious Playmobil has lost another tooth this morning. He predicted this loss yesterday while the tooth hung on for dear life. His words were,

"It will come out tomorrow mom."He was right and no blood! The tooth fairy will strike again. Sometimes she is forgetful around here...Money lands in strange places on those days. We have found it under odd pillows, behind the bed, on the floor...No matter, like mother like son.... money is money no matter what time we find it! What is on P's head you might ask?? His baby that he sleeps with. Baby loves a good photo op too.

A day in the life

2008-06-25T08:11:00.000-07:00

On our way to swim. Singing Sensation found the camera....
This self portrait is the result! Then one of her brother- see below...

We've made it... Lego has a new swimshirt on...It is like American Express- we can't leave home without it!

Brothers!

Water Park Fun

2008-06-22T15:11:00.000-07:00

Since Playmobil got out of school 2 weeks before anyone else in our house - he has been fixated on going to the water park. Each day when it is time to go swimming, he convinces everyone or tries to, that we are indeed going to the water park. Sometimes I have to do a dis-information campaign that we are indeed not going to the water park or Singing Sensation begins an aggressive discussion with Playmobil which usually includes the words, " NO, WE ARE NOT GOING TO THE WATER PARK!!!" Besides that, Big Daddy is a required ingredient at the water park in case we have to split up. Lego has been known to head wherever he pleases with little thought to his panic stricken mother.

Saturday was finally the day of the water park. Everyone got their report cards this week. They had worked really hard plus Big Daddy would be home and could come with us. We went to a new place that just opened. We had a great day. This is the first year that every child could ride all the slides, etc... that were offered. We all took turns choosing where to go and who to ride with. Playmobil loved it. Lego loved it. Singing Sensation loved it. Big Daddy always choose the lazy river and I just passed. We got unlimited drink bands, so a diet coke makes a cooking mama happy just about anywhere. This particular park closed at 6 so that was even better. We gathered our stuff at 6 and headed home. Today Playmobil asked if we could just head on over to the water park again....Clearly I haven't satisfied the water park bug with just one visit.

Summer Time

2008-06-16T11:17:00.001-07:00

I recall when I was small - summer was a time to swim, swim, water ski, and swim...My mom never carried us to lots of planned camps so she could be alone. ( not that it is a bad thing to be alone!!) We just played and hung around our house. Lots of days we went to our grandparent's house at the lake. We always stopped at IGA on the way to get chips, bread, oh and the ever delicious, ice cold coke in a bottle. This summer is going to be a summer like that for my little family. They are going to VBS this week and then no big plans after that. When I am asked what we are doing this summer and I respond with not much the looks of horror abound.

I was pondering this morning why not going to 6 camps is so unusual. Is it because of the neighborhood we live in? Hyperscheduling ? Status? I am not sure. Even my daughter has fallen prey to this, wondering which camp she is going to. Each family has the ability to make their own choices but it would seem, that is ever more difficult to do. I am not dissing the schedule at all, just the lack of freedom to make one's own choices. Of course, as summer marches on and the pool loses it's appeal, I am sure I will wish for just such a camp. But right now, I am busy cherishing the moments with my kids. Next year, singing sensation will be in 5th grade and about to be a middle schooler, Lego will be off on a new adventure at his new school, and little playmobil will be gone all day to Kindergarten. The time is short while they still like us and want to be read to, tucked in, and taken care of. Summer is the time of this for me. It is a little like a balm on the wounds of hurry ups, do your homework, get to practice, memorize your spelling words, finish your projects, and try to read! Oh yeah, and we love Happy Hour at Sonic!

Happy Father's Day

2008-06-15T19:50:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day! Singing Sensation made breakfast for her Big Daddy all on her own. She made him a fruit plate and then waffles...she even cut the watermelon herself. All that topped off with a cup of coffee. She decided 3 scoops of coffee into the filter with about 12 cups of water would be good. Big Daddy drank a huge cup. Then it was time to look at about 10 homemade cards...I never rank that many cards, ever!! Off to church so I could teach my Sunday School class and then home for a "casual lunch." Singing Sensation termed this by the way. We spent the afternoon swimming at our neighbor's pool. They are very generous with it when they are out of town. Finally, we took our Dad out to dinner. Outback steak house was the choice because the wait wasn't long, the kid's menu is good, and the drive short! So here is to our Big Daddy!! We love you very much.

The Wii's elusive powers

2008-06-06T06:43:00.001-07:00

The Wii has elusive powers at my house. The Wii has the ability to drag near 40 year old men into the inter-galactic battle of their lives. The Wii came into our lives at Christmas. I thought it would be a great entertainer for all ages. One night Singing Sensation and I went to the video store to rent some movies. It was there that I saw Lego starwars for the Wii. She and I thought that would be a lot of fun for the boys and Big Daddy. We were so wrong! All 3 of them trying to play, Lego by instinct running thru the levels, Big Daddy wanting to explore every bit of each level, and Playmobil not really understanding, would frustrate the whole lot. Immediately I regretted my decision to rent the starwars game and all 3 of them had to have a timeout. Months have past since then and we now have a new fetish in our home - Indiana Jones. Big Daddy and I spent our weekend away in Las Vegas and brought home Lego Indiana Jones for the Wii. Because we were such early customers at the local Gamestop, we were treated to this fabulous t shirt Playmobil is modeling. The Wii has the power to draw grown men from jobs that pay to assist their boys with whatever task Indie is facing. Lego becomes so involved that all the rest of us cease to exist, particularly is sister and her attempts to play on it with her friends. I need to study the Wii with more interest...I can't really get grown men or little men to do much without jumping up and down and carrying a slightly crazed look on my face. Maybe if I dressed like Indiana Jones??

Las Vegas

2008-06-05T12:11:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been to Vegas? Let me just say that I had not. It was very fun...magic dust fell on us. Vegas dust. We had a great time despite the fact that much of Vegas was probably lost on the two of us. We slept in, ate very yummy food, and laid out by the gigantic pools at our hotel. We walked and walked and walked... I found a cute shirt at Anthropologie..and some fabu shoes at Neimans. None of this had to be accomplished in Vegas as we have these stores in our neck of the woods too but the difference is, I don't have time to look here. We ate at this wonderful restaurant at the Paris hotel called Bom Ami Gabi...you can sit on the patio overlooking the strip and gaze at all the wonders that pass by while enjoying good french fare. VIVE LAS VEGAS!!!

We're Backkkkk!!!

2008-06-05T11:59:00.000-07:00

Playmobil losing his very first tooth!

The Rest of the Story...

2008-05-29T06:29:00.001-07:00

Mother's Day dinner prep
More posing and prepping
The walkway complete (yet to be stained.)

All this for a visit from my parents...When they arrived my mom asked, " Don't you have your housekeeper anymore?

Busy Days

2008-05-29T06:16:00.001-07:00

Preparing to dig up our uneven walk.
The men discuss
Indiana Jones and company
flower bed before

flower bed after....

This is just a little of the month of May.....

My Days...

2008-05-07T17:35:00.000-07:00

Today was one of those days when you come to terms with your self and your weaknesses. I am a fairly routine person. I like my routine. Really, I love it. Today was Bible Study day. My normal routine on Wednesday is taking the kids to school in the work out clothes I went to bed in. This favorable technique of mine is employed when Big Daddy is out of town. I just jump out of my bed ( moving whichever child is in it) and throw on my running shoes. Somebody might even think I just ran and I did, to my coffeepot. Once they are safely delivered to the schoolhouse, playmobil and I head home. He watches a morning show and I get ready for bible study. I would like to mention this is one of the only days I really have to even wear the makeup. That however, is not necessarily a good thing.
Today was a little different. I got up very early and got ready for bible study because I wanted to just clarify myself a little more about the false accusation of yesterday with the vice principal. This took some time as Playmobil didn't feel well yesterday and was fast asleep in my bed. So I am already to go....and playmobil begins to cry because suddenly he doesn't feel well again. I happily change out of my "nice clothes" into something more casual, and head for the school.
But my routine just keeps nagging at me. I keep saying to Playmobil how I am sure he is feeling better, Mommy has on the makeup for heaven sake. Nope, he stays home all day. We watched several Banana Split episodes together...This afternoon Singing Sensation had to work on her history fair project with her partner. They worked until 7 and she will be back over tomorrow. Selfishly I am thinking this is our quiet time. Lego had no tutoring today, no running around had to be done, we skipped honor choir practice. Instead of this being time how I wanted to spend it, I typed and tried to print a bibliography, the wrong time line, then the right timeline, pictures of Eleanor Roosevelt, answered questions, cut paper, and helped label.

This is very important to Singing Sensation and I wasn't at all happy to be helping. So I must confess to the 3 readers that I have how selfish a mama I was today. It started with my routine getting torn to shreds this morning and ended with me ordering pizza because I ran out of time to make dinner. I dislike our printer very much too and thanks to my kind, ever present in the time of need, diet coke possessing neighbor Paper Girl, I was able to print the right time line. Now I am going to take my headache self into the family room for a quick round of American Idol and hold playmobil's feverish little hand. Tomorrow, I am going to catch the curve balls thrown my way with a little more grace and a Diet Coke!

The Blogging - It's Infectious

2008-05-07T11:39:00.000-07:00

The blogging seems to be infecting those all around me. In January, my neighbor decided to start a blog and mentioned it to me. I really looked forward to whatever new thing she had to say. I would check it multiple times a day - seeking an update. One day I decided that maybe I could try that thing as well. Sometimes I have a lot to say, vent about, or ponder. Some days - I am busy orchestrating various homework projects, choir practice, and the occasional episode of the Banana Splits rerun on Boomerang for Playmobil and I to watch. On those days, I don't always make it to my blog. However, I always checkout my neighbor's and a few others.

Today something altogether strange happened in my little life. My neighbor has a wiring issue. She mentioned it in her blog. Since I have no experience in such matters, I didn't comment. Big Daddy reads our blogs from afar everyday. It just depends on what city he is in that day. Yesterday he actually commented on Papergirl's blog. Upon seeing this, I noticed that he had a "profile." Interesting, as most people who comment only do not have a "profile." At the bottom of the profile it said "Big Daddy's blog".

Of course, I did what I do best and called my neighbor papergirl...After she puts the Peeper down for her nap she too will read the blog of the Big Daddy. You see, the blogging is infectious.

Falsely Accused

2008-05-06T20:19:00.000-07:00

The lessons I learn from my children never cease to amaze me. The bible study points lived out in their lives, the Mama Bear outrage, etc... Big Daddy and I went to Lego's new school for orientation last night. It is very exciting to know you are in the dead middle of God's path. I cannot say that very often for sure but in this case I can. We worked for over a year to get Lego into this special school for bright but challenged learners. There are only 63 students in all from 1st - 6th grade. I knew it was where I was being led and hoped Big Daddy would follow. He did. It is a leap of faith financially and a change of plans for me. I had a path for my children that was a good one in my opinion. It is the opinion of lots of people in our neighborhood and lots who wait on the steps of our school to transfer in. Sometimes our best laid plans are not those that God would have for us or our children. We have to be strong and brave enough to look at the change necessary for our family's sake and then implement it. When the change brings fear into our lives we have to be courageous enough to go forth despite it.
Our bible study this week focused on Jesus' crucifixion. One question asked what we thought of Jesus after reading multiple accounts of the crucifixion in the bible. I had no clear enlightenment on that really - other than I am really glad that He was willing to die for my sins. This afternoon I received a call from the vice principal of our school. She proceeded to tell me that a 4th grade boy had been in a fight in the park across the street from school several weeks ago. Of course, I am thinking what does this have to do with me, my family, children, etc... When it dawns on me, that one of my children has been accused of this. We are not above the occasional scrappy moment except we never go to the park after school. Never is really not an exaggeration because it is an unstructured environment and my boys don't thrive well in those types of situations. I explain this to the vice principal and she agrees that it doesn't sound like us, my child is much younger, and the boy really didn't know any of the other's names who he thinks did it until 2 weeks after the said event. The conversation ends and I am left with all the human emotion one would expect.

Of course, I want that other mom to know we didn't and would not condone such behavior. I think I checked my child out early that Friday of the fight. We do not go to the park, I do not appreciate her accusing my child without all the facts in place. Did I mention we do not go to the park? And on and on and on.... And then there is this, Jesus calmly said yes I am the Son of God and King of the Jews to His accusers. The end. No need to defend Himself further. Tomorrow I will have a different answer to that question in bible study because today I know what it is to be falsely accused. Finally, I am glad we are going to our new school - leap of faith and all!

American Idol

2008-04-30T11:32:00.000-07:00

Singing Sensation and I love Tuesdays and Wednesdays...We just love us the American Idol! You can always count on us to be on the couch somewhere around 7 pm with the remote in hand. The boys aren't into it quite as much albeit Playmobil can do a mean Simon when pressed.
I am a non singer. In college we did this annual event called "Step Sing." We made up lots of synchronized movements to a variety of songs based on whatever theme we had going that year like china, baseball, etc...Being that Singing Sensation is all things I am not. I was in the back row every year. I was also asked to move my lips and not sing on the back row! So no, I would not have made 4th grade honor choir like my child did.
We really do enjoy the watching, critiquing, and song choice of the contestants. I make comments like, " Wow, Brooke frowns too much." Singing says things like, " Mom, that note was way off that so and so just did." I nod like I would even know the note was off key. She smiles at me - fully knowing I have not an ounce of musical inclination in my body! And so our Tuesdays and Wednesdays go...homework, dinner, and bath done by 7 or 8 on Wednesdays so that Singing Sensation can educate her mama and the best of all, be able to talk 4th grade girl for yet another day!

Volleyball

2008-04-26T12:48:00.000-07:00

It is Saturday and we have been at play! Singing Sensation had her final volleyball games of the season today. The first one went great. She won and had a great time. A girl from the other team was sad - it is single eliminations- so that team was out. Singing Sensation was so sweet to comfort that girl and give her a hug. She didn't know her at all. Then it was off to lunch and our friend P's house to play until the next game. The next game didn't go as well. Our team really played their hearts out but the other team could return dirt if they put a mind to it. " Puma Power" was their mantra.

All that to say the game was then over. We lost by one heartbreaking point in 2 sets...so there was no reason to play a third. Singing Sensation was very sad for her loss. She too, began to cry. Even the trophy and a promise of a yummy cupcake didn't really lift her spirits. Her brothers complimented her all the way home on what a great job she did for her team. I love those days when they see a weak moment in one another and choose kindness.

Yeah today is Friday!

2008-04-25T13:34:00.001-07:00

Yeah! Today is Friday.

Our homework is done and

the time to play has begun.

We can sleep in tomorrow and

eat a doughnut if we want.

There is no place we have to be

because it is a Saturday!

Happy Weekend!

Progress Reports

2008-04-22T15:36:00.000-07:00

Lego came home with a very important looking paper today. He, of course, had no idea what it might mean. It might not have even looked important to him at all. It was the PROGRESS REPORT!!!! AAGGHHH!!!

Lego isn't holding up his end of the behavior bargain at the school. He is going to get an N in his conduct if it doesn't improve. I am not sure how it could improve really. The system is one in which you pull cards during the day for any infractions. If you pull it to red then you automatically have a poor conduct grade. Anyway, we discussed the need for improvement etc...However, the six weeks ends on Friday so maybe the report landed in our hands too late?

It caused me to pause and think, what if we were all privy to a progress report on our lives. What would it look like? How would our marriages be ranked, E, S, N, or U for unsatisfactory. Relationships with friends, financial plans, savings accounts, or parenting. Most times, the progress report lands when we aren't looking for it. The improvements look difficult at best to achieve. Often they land with only a few days left to correct the course we are on. Like Lego's, there isn't enough change in the world to make a difference in the 3 day time frame we were given. The progress report may come because the partner or relationship that is cracked is about to flee or crumble. The progress has stalled on the ocean currents we call life.

Progress reports are hard to receive whether you are 8 or 30 plus....So what do I know for sure when the progress reports come and the water is stagnant.

2 Corinthians 12:8-10 (New International Version)

8Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 10That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Sunday School

2008-04-20T13:25:00.000-07:00

Each Sunday, rain or shine, I teach Sunday School to a bunch of 4 and 5 year olds. Sometimes I can't wait to get there and some weeks it is an act of obedience. This week it was Teacher Appreciation Sunday. The plan was that some of the parents would be in our room " appreciating" us with a special breakfast and helping with the lesson. This created some anxiety in this former teacher's soul. It is chaotic enough with 16 -20 four and five year olds that have already been at Sunday School since 9 am without the excitement of visitors.
God is in the smallest concerns of our heart and He showed me that once again today. The only parent that came was my good friend J. who knows how I dislike an audience and she brought good ole breakfast casserole! Yum...We played and sang, talked about Barnabas who shared Jesus' love with others, and ate. It was a good time had by all and I am assuming by the number of "Storebucks" cards I got, some caffeine might improve my obedience.

My Supergirl Cape

2008-04-19T09:21:00.000-07:00

This week I donned my SuperGirl Cape! I cleaned our whole house including my kid's rooms - another story for another day, did all the laundry that I could see, took teacher appreciation gifts up to the school house each and every day per my assignment from the PTA, etc, etc, etc...Then Big Daddy came home. Friday evening was the Father - Daughter Dance at Singing Sensation's school. She was very excited for the "date" with her Daddy. I ran to get her a new dress which she loved, had her toes painted and they sparkled, and had a special snack with her at the bakery leaving the boys home with Big Daddy.

This seemed like a really long week to me and so I was thankful to drop in my bed last night only having to share it with one person. He understands his own side of the bed, rarely does he kick me, throw his hand over my face, or talk loudly in his sleep. Such is not the case with all my little friends who have convinced themselves that my bed is their bed, my sheets are their sheets...add in one medium size golden retriever who prefers the middle and it is a recipe for a long week!

I was interrupted only once last night by Lulu ( the golden retriever) because she needed to excuse herself to the backyard. And then my cape fell off! Singing Sensation had a volleyball tournament seeding event this morning and it kicked off at 7:30am. My alarm went off and I snoozed a whole bunch, then I cried and told Big Daddy he shouldn't have to travel all the time and I shouldn't have to get up this early on Saturday...then I told him my cape fell off, and then I got up. Because, despite all this feeling sorry for myself, it was time to go support Singing Sensation. She won both her games with her team and Big Daddy took us to eat afterwards. I can always be uplifted by a good restaurant and no dirty dishes in my sink. Now, he is at the Big Box store getting supplies for this week and picking up my cape from the Drycleaners.:)

We cleaned and cleaned and cleaned...

2008-04-14T06:33:00.000-07:00

Our garage is now clean!! There is still a few boxes to be sifted thru - but for the most part we are done. Big Daddy and I worked all Sunday afternoon and into the evening. I was so excited because we came upon a box of children's books that had been missing and in them were a few of my favorites. I love Ferdinand the Bull by Munro Leaf...It is an oldie but a goodie!

"Why don't you run and play with

the other little bulls and skip

and butt your head?" she (his mother)

would say. But Ferdinand would shake his head.

" I like it better here where I can sit

just quietly and smell the flowers."

His mother saw that he was not lonesome,

and because she was an understanding

mother, even though she was a cow,

she let him just sit there and be happy.

I love Ferdinand but what is more is that I love his mother who was content to let her little bull be just who he truly was.

Whoosh went the wind

2008-04-10T07:36:00.000-07:00

Springtime comes in like a lion...and the lion got here about 3 am this morning. Playmobil was sick and in bed with me....Where was Big Daddy you might wonder. In very close proximity to a million of my most favorite vacation spots...Destin, Seaside, Rosemary Beach, Orange Beach, and Gulf Shores. At 3am, there is a loud crack and weird noises from the sound machine in my room. The ocean waves got lost momentarily and then silence. I get out of bed and look out the front window and can see nothing. The wind and rain are blowing sideways. I am prepared a little for this, in that I had candles out and Singing Sensation's radio downstairs. Last spring, we had so many bad storms that most nights we hung out in our laundry room. Playmobil would run around yelling, " A TORTINO is coming, A TORTINO is coming..." This is code for tornado. His love for tortillas and the fun of hanging out in the laundry room just got a little mixed up. I can only pray for a love of my laundry room like he has!

My candles worked just fine, but the radio needed new batteries. I replaced the batteries to no avail. So what is a good mother to do? I called my neighbor at 3:10 because I knew she was home alone too. We decided since we didn't hear the siren - we would just stay put in our cozy beds separated by a few houses and lots of downed tree branches. Soon, Singing Sensation joined us and Lego slept on. All settled down about 5ish... Thankfully the power came back at 7:10 in just enough time to toast Lego's poptart, Pick up our neighbor and make our way to school. We had several failed attempts with downed limbs blocking our path. Finally we arrived with few teachers to be seen. All this to say...I am getting a weather radio today!

Travellin Man

2008-04-08T13:31:00.000-07:00

Big Daddy travels. He travels every week. He might go somewhere really exciting like Cabo, Las Vegas, or the Bahamas. Most weeks, he just goes to normal everyday places like New Orleans, California, etc... This isn't all bad because I have gotten used to it.. but today .....

I know that some people can really plan a life based on their husband's schedule, I however am not one. Some weeks it is all I can do to remember when he is coming home much less where he is. Today I got a phone call from our insurance agent's helper about when my husband and I would like to sit down to discuss our life insurance. Really, we might benefit from being able to sit down in one spot long enough to just talk about our life. After several attempts to explain the absence of the Big Daddy - I gave the insurance lady his office line. :)

We have some friends visiting from England this week as well. They aren't staying with us - just want to have a "spot of tea." with our family. Lovingly our friends are working so hard to fit us in to their harried schedule of visiting all over our city and state. I think I might have said that today was a good day and even maybe the Big Daddy concurred. The reality is - he is flying to New Orleans and I am managing homework, the sheer hatred of said homework by Legoman, and the tracing of the letter X by Playmobil. He actually has the X down - he is a pirate at heart you know.

I called our friends back to say, that I would be unable to cook a "spot of tea." But, I have some great coupons to the Chili's down the street. Thankfully, that is an exciting proposition in a world of over priced European food. Best of all, 3 out of 5 kids ate free!

Lego says

2008-04-06T20:21:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Playmobil's birthday a little late because Big Daddy had been travelling all week and didn't get home 'til Saturday. Playmobil was very excited to get a new bike! Big Daddy did a few things around the house today and then it was time to put the bike together. Lego has been ready to take the training wheels off his bike for quite some time. He went around the front of our house to get it - only to realize it was gone....like long gone, gone and won't be coming back. Someone is driving a "HOT" bike with some really sad, turned up training wheels that needed to come off.
So it was off to the bike store. Playmobil wasn't riding without Lego to show him the ropes. We found new bikes for both boys since the one Playmobil got for his birthday was really too small and sister too. Believe me this moment was long overdue! While we were waiting in the car for the bikes to be inspected and loaded in the truck...Lego said, " Mom, we are rich! " " What makes you say that Lego?" To which he replied, Not like money, mom...We are rich in love and rich in kindness.

Root Systems

2008-04-03T20:11:00.000-07:00

We - meaning me, Playmobil, Singing Sensation and some of our neighbors decided to take a trip to the lovely Botanical Gardens a few weeks ago. They were hosting a lovely Butterflies in the Garden event. For a small price you could tour the "rainforest" type indoor gardens and see all the beautiful butterflies flit to and fro. Somewhere in the depths of my soul - I should have known this was no place for my little ADHD friend...but it was still springbreak and yes - I was truly desperate.

The sweet elderly docent at the door of the exhibit said, "Don't climb on any trees." Ordinarily this might be meant for me personally, as I have been reprimanded over the loud speaker at the Japanese Gardens in my past...something about the glint in my boy's eyes! Anyway, the tree comment was said with a smile but I cringed. Please don't give us any ideas. Now the wheels were turning. Singing Sensation borrowed our neighbor's camera and happily began clicking away at all the butterflies. Playmobil had about all he wanted in the first 5 minutes...He would subtly pull at the leaves of trees as we walked by, stand on the wet from humidity rocks, jump from those same rocks. For a little while I thought maybe he pocketed a butterfly the way we were being hounded by another docent. But I shook her and thought we were safe.

The docents are retired volunteers and very sweet but definitely not still raising the childrens.

We were rounding a bend, I was engrossed in helping the singing sensation possibly take one photo our neighbor wouldn't have to delete and from the corner of my eye - I see a large branch hanging down.

There is a male docent sitting on a rock talking to a lady with a large, photography is my hobby, type camera with a large tree hanging in his face. He is asking her what happened. That is when I knew my moment had come. Playmobil had been doing his level best to leave the butterflies for quite a few minutes. In that moment I knew he had won. I knew by the puzzled look on the docent on the rocks face, I knew from the glare of the lady with the big camera', and I knew because of the impish grin on the I am not sorry in the least face of my son.

So the man is asking what happened and the lady says HE PULLED THE TREE OUT!!!! And then she glares at me like why can't you control your little boy...So like the grown up I am, I grab his hand, mutter sorry to the lady, and begin to move quickly for the door. Not quickly enough to miss the botanist on his way in with his radio in hand....It had to be a poor root system, right?

Happy Birthday!!

2008-04-02T19:41:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday to You!

When I was One,I had just begun.

When I was Two,I was nearly new.

When I was Three,I was hardly Me.

When I was Four,I was not much more.

When I was Five,I was just alive.

But now I am Six, I'm as clever as clever.

So I think I'll be six now for ever and ever.

A.A. Milne

Life Lessons

2008-04-02T13:44:00.000-07:00

Today Lego Man got in the car after school with something on his mind. We didn't get far out the carpool lane, discussing how his day had gone when he mentioned that he was the only one in his class that hadn't been invited to a birthday party. The Birthday Party debacle happened all the way back in October - but so often I am reminded to never underestimate the depth of Lego's heart or the recall power of his mind.

Lego planned a fun filled Karate party for a day in October. Per school rules, if you plan to invite anyone from your class it must be all the members of the class or all the boys or all the girls. So off he went with his handcut Karate shirts with the party details inside for all the boys. The invite asked for rsvps...none of his friends could make it to his party on the day it was scheduled. Oddly no one ever said what their other commitment was - just that they had "something." One mom told Big Daddy our date conflicted with the party of another girl in Lego's class. After much crying, explaining about the conflict in dates, and that his friends really did want to come to his party, we rescheduled and went ahead with lots of Karate fun.

For some reason, Lego chose today to ask his friend who was invited to the little girl's party. His friend said, " Everyone but you."

Lego said, "Maybe she thinks I am mean but I'm not. I may look mean on the outside but I am kind on the inside...." These lessons are never easy to learn no matter how old you are.

Luke 6:22 (New International Version)
22Blessed are you when men hate you,

when they exclude you and insult you

and reject your name as evil,

because of the Son of Man.

Neighbors

2008-03-29T20:22:00.000-07:00

We bought our house on a bit of whim. We had a great, newly, remodeled house on a nice street and all was well with the world...except we didn't do the remodel and Big Daddy is a bit of remodel snob. The space was great but it just didn't work so well for us. We found the house we are in now but it had a contract on it and some out of state heirs that didn't get along so well...We decided to put a back up contract on it anyway. Amazing thing is, it all worked out and we got it. Now, this little house was in major need of a re do. It was so bad - all our friends thought we had lost our minds. It was small, sad, and small. But the yard was big! It was on a street that was quiet - slightly better neck of the woods for resale...and the best part - Big Daddy could get his creative juices flowing. We sold our house in 2 weeks and moved into the small, sad little house with a great future ahead of it. Singing Sensation asked me why we always moved next to Grandparents. :) Because that is where the best houses are?? Slowly our street has evolved. While we were living in a rental house during our remodel, the next door neighbors retired and moved to Vermont. We got Paper Girl and Slick along with the Peep and Putter the dog! Whee!! Who knew that would be so much fun - we even spent Easter together. The next thing you know we put 2 and 2 together and realize our down the street neighbors are from Alabama too...instant connection. The kind where you can pop over for a cup of coffee or a diet coke anytime. Big Daddy and I were reflecting on what it is we like about our house so much...we decided it is not the house entirely ( we are thankful and like most of what we did) rather it is the people.

Easter

2008-03-25T18:55:00.000-07:00

So Playmobil, lego and singing sensation awake Easter morning all ready to hunt their eggs and view their respective baskets..It might be 7:30am. First we have to read the bible to see what we are truly celebrating ( meaning not just the bunny, chocolate, and said gifts in the basket, did I mention chocolate??) So I read the story of Jesus' resurrection as we all sit on my bed...feeling all family like and thinking how I am reinforcing the true meaning of Easter. Then Playmobil (5 almost 6 ) says, " Do we have to read the bible before EVERY HOLIDAY???!!!" Just as I am about to answer, Singing Sensation says - NO we didn't have to read it at Valentines Day.

Happy Easter Day!

2008-03-22T19:35:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter!

Luke 24

1On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. 2They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. 5In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead? 6He is not here; he has risen!

He Has Risen Indeed!

A clean house counts!

2008-03-20T15:30:00.001-07:00

I have had this little project in my imagination fueling me for a few days. The project in my imaginary world is, " what if someone dropped in today for a visit." Well, normally this would send shivers up my spine! I may bust my rear bumper for a few days and then life happens and the mess of it all gets in the way again. The house once again looks like a tornado of golden retriever hair, cooking mama cooks mess and so on and so on... So this week - I have been living by the motto - " what if..." My neighbor, Adventures with papergirl, always has a fun, happening, come over anytime kind of house! We even had a spend the night over there and it was so corn dip fun. I am paralyzed however if anything in my house is out of place!
Well today my imagination became a reality. First my neighbor from down the street came to show her mom and sister this wall i have painted in diamonds and they took a tour. And then Papergirl and her sister Hildog came by for visit. I was so excited - A total of 6 visitors in 30 minutes. I love it when i get to step out of my imaginary world and have a few real adult visitors and man i am so glad i made my bed today!!!!

long days - short years

2008-03-19T17:26:00.000-07:00

Today is day 3 of Spring Break if you aren't counting the weekend...if you are and I am it is day 5! We went to a movie again today. I tried so hard not to spend much money today by maybe trying our hand at the zoo. After I did a self imposed clean up of the dump aka my bedroom - we headed out. Wow - a long line, so I headed to the Doctors office for a side of ritalin for playmobil and back to the zoo a secret way. Wait - as I turned into the secret path it looked like a professional sporting event...pedestrians everywhere and parking on the sidestreets...The children began to wail...The policeman said, " Good Luck!" Time for plan B. Meanwhile Big Daddy called to tell me there were tornados all around our favorite beach - this was in an effort to make me feel better about being at home. As i told him and i will tell you this information made no difference to me whatsoever!! Like i said it is Day 5! We quickly made a turn for home and decided maybe we could go see the other G movie out...college roadtrip. This movie is very funny. The boys laughed, Singing Sensation sang and laughed, the lady next to me bent over laughing ( mind you, she had no childrens) and then at the end cooking mama cried! Raven ( the star of the movie) finally made it to the college, the daddy said goodbye, the mama said how much they loved Raven and how fast time passed, and then Cooking Mama cried, on Day 5 I cried, because at that moment i realized I needed to be glad of Day 5. Singing Sensation is only 10 but she was only 3 yesterday, and in 8 years she will be standing on some steps waving goodbye to me and Big Daddy. My only hope for that moment is she will be crying, not waving goodbye with the biggest smile on her face and her running shoes on to get away from me as fast as she can. I need this little apple to fall far from my tree.

Not the Center of Attention!

2008-03-02T13:01:00.001-08:00

Singing Sensation loves to be the Center of Attention! When she is not the Center of Attention she becomes less than happy. Take for example our summer trip to the Disney World. Lego became obsessed with the Monsters Inc comedy show. While waiting in line you can text in a joke or two - and hope they get chosen. Once inside you take a seat. The premise of the "ride" (show) is Mike from Monsters Inc will talk to you and the camera will zoom in on your face and show you on a big screen. You can even dialogue with the comedy guys hidden somewhere watching you that sound like the characters on Monsters Inc....Big Daddy was featured twice and Lego and Playmobil were the whole show one time. Singing almost knocked me over to get her face on the camera while her brothers were talking or her dad for that matter.
She even reminded her honor choir teacher that she needed to try out for the solo performance at a local nursing home for Valentines Day. Well, she got the part and sang her heart out. Not the least bit nervous. As a teen, when I was required to call and place an order for pizza - I would begin to perspire and even cry. Hence where did Singing Sensation come from??
Recently I was part of surprise dinner for me...Big Mistake....the dinner part was great - it was the whole center of attn. and surprise that did me in. I began to get an inkling of what might but hopefully was not happening about 1 pm on a Friday, a few weeks ago. This began the nervous anxiety that filled the rest of my afternoon, so much so i had a beer at 4:00. I don't even really like beer. I went thru 4 outfits, perspired, turned red, etc... It was a surprise dinner of a few close friends - no big deal. But when all attn was on me - Well lets just say I am glad my right side was toward Big Daddy. When we got home that night, the right side of my face was covered in The HIVES!! All that being said I am in for a long ride with Singing Sensation!! Her love of the stage gives me the hives just thinking about it!!

A Clean House Inspires more clean house

2008-02-20T12:04:00.000-08:00

So today I had Bible Study and it is always a good thing for me to attend. It creates a nicer mama in the short and long term, centers my thinking and attitude, etc...But Playmobil had no school today. What was Cookingmama to do?? Well, I considered not going but thought of my little friends psyche and hired a sitter. I must say that this week the family and i have been attempting to keep up with the household duties.. Enter the sitter into our little domestic haven. The bar was set. It was her first foray into our abode and believe it or not it was clean. (except the garage but i'm moving to that next) Anyway, right as I was walking out the door I got a phone call and set my cell phone down. I am notorious for never having it. I came back home right after bible study and in between my next commitment...to find the sweet sitter making Playmobil some mac n cheese. How kind thought the loving cookingmama...but when i got home something even stranger had occured. She cleaned up. My house was still in order, and I got to do this little blog. Yes friends not even a pot in my sink. The clean house might even live on til big daddy's return this weekend! OOHH what if I get to the garage?????????

Cleaning up and out!!

2008-02-19T11:52:00.000-08:00

Times are a changing!! We are cleaning up and throwing out to various charities etc...much of the collected "stuff" in our house. I was working with the 3 siblings that take residence in our home to learn the fine art of cleanup!! They have been done a great disservice by the cooking mama in that we have always had some household help as long as they have been on the earth! We have been making some budget cuts with Lego heading to private school in the fall. Not to mention, they are of the age to learn how to pick up and all 3 will be at school all day in the fall. Time for me to put on my big girl panties and clean a toilet!
Singing Sensation cried, Playmobil hid, and Lego tried to just stay under the radar most of Satuday and during the afternoon on Sunday. Even Big Daddy pitched in and mopped. The lesson I was attempting to teach is when you work as a team a little each week - you might not have to spend all day Saturday hitched to a dust rag and mop. ( Big Daddy was hitched to the mop by the way!) With everyone working together the job got done, cooking mama was inspired to then take on the laundry, and the end result is: Everyone has clean underwear and a path to their dresser to get them out!!

Gas and Matches

2008-02-10T09:40:00.000-08:00

We affectionately call our boys "gas and matches." One is always an explosive commodity and the other can set him on fire like only the best matches available. We have lots of days like this and tho they probably aren't the majority of my days - it feels like it. Lego got a groovy red Nintendo DS for his birthday this year... it was our first foray into the gaming world. Playmobil couldn't wait to get his hands on one too. Being that Lego didn't get one until he was 8 we had to say no to Playmobil.
This has been a great source of contention for sometime now. We got a little reprieve when Lego dropped his DS down the stairs and we had to have it repaired... Meanwhile Santa brought Playmobil a leapster...green and silver....As Big Daddy predicted this didn't really satisfy...Lots of times Playmobil wants to leave the Leapster "charging" just like Lego's DS. Except it runs on regular old batteries. Today is Big Daddy's Birthday so after opening presents, eating breakfast, and reading the cards I went in the laundry room for a little R&R. While there, I heard a conversation between Lego and Playmobil. Lego said, " Playmobil, I haven't gotten my hug yet for letting you play my DS." Playmobil promptly hugged his big brother, Lego went off to play what else but Legos, and then Playmobil settled in next to Big Daddy for a supervised round of Star Wars complete saga DS playing. It almost feels like my birthday!

Distance makes the heart grow fonder....

2008-02-05T21:00:00.000-08:00

It was so much fun running off for a few days from the....laundry, telephone, Wii, carpool, homework, etc... You name it probably happens here. All the things that can make one's heart grow weary. Lego is the most brilliant little thing but he has "the dyslexia". Thus, I have homework. The second grade teachers at his school have research papers due every week and they usually involve the googling of facts. Since this isn't really something I want my lego man doing on the worldwide web... I am doing it, providing the info in a manner he can digest, and then helping him compose the " sentences of true 2nd graders." Right before Christmas I forgot my homework. Oops. Lego assures me some other kids did too. But I am almost 40. Shouldn't I remember my homework?

I had a lot of fun sleeping in, seeing 2 movies in one weekend, eating out, and generally being lazy....but when I stepped out of that terminal and saw Big Daddy in his Big Diesel and those 3 little bundles of trouble - i knew my, heart, soul, and mind had been refreshed. Today I was a better mom. Singing Sensation even remarked on what a good mood I was in when she got home from school today. All that to say, Distance does make the Heart of a weary mom grow and grow and grow...fonder!

Let me introduce you....

2008-01-31T07:49:00.000-08:00

Let me introduce you to the family....

There are six of us in our crazy family....LULU the golden retriever is by far the most silent member with an easy going attitude...she even senses when things may be getting hectic and lays down quietly...if only I could train my children to follow suit. There is Big Daddy...He is excellent at picking out new appliances for your home, duck hunting, working on an MBA, supporting my lifestyle, and parenting 2 boys and 1 girl...(oops and Lulu...). Singing Sensation is a singing, dancing, twirling machine with a spirit of do anything, try anything, anytime... Lego is just that....brilliant, a builder, serious, and faster than lightening. Playmobil is a fun loving 5 year old - almost six...He plans on marrying his sister because he and his brother are the only daddies "the daughter" knows... I am trying to discourage this.:)

I am planning a little trip out of town for the weekend sans the family...I am visiting my longtime, knows all my dirt best friend with 2 kids of her own...She keeps worrying about how we might have to deal with her kids a little bit when the hubby is at work. My thought is that of the mall...when a kid is screaming but its not your own...It is as if you can't even hear it. Meanwhile Big Daddy is gearing up for his big weekend on his own. I wrote a list of dos and don'ts for him and our schedule. Big Daddy has already informed me that "the daughter" won't be going to junior girl scouts on Sunday. When asked why not, he remarked that it was the super bowl. Junior girl scouts starts at 2 I kindly reminded him. Well, the pregame show starts at 9 A.M. AH Well - he is a good daddy, he just doesn't make a good mama!!