Roses?...Snow, Power Outage...Help Save The Babies!

D surprised me with these beautiful red roses on our Anniversary! Aren't they lovely?



Last night I took the hook, and went in to work for about 4 hours to help out. Grace was to babysit for about 3 hours total, not bad really. I called her mid way through my short shift to check on her, things were fine. Told her I would call once I was leaving. We have had crazy weather! It was snowing hard, and the roads were all slushy, so I had to drive slowly. I kept calling her from my cell, no answer, I was starting to panic...BAD! I finally got over the hill and noticed the power was out in our area. I felt so terrible! She did a great job keeping the kids calm, and had a candle lit in one room. I am very impressed with her on this. Up to this point I have avoided allowing my 12yo dtr to have a cell phone. I am not saying I will allow her to now, but I think the next time I have to work, overlapping D's shift, I will leave my cell with her 'just in case!' Do I feel like a bad Mom? No, but I definitely could have made a few better choices due to the weather. We all learn our lessons...

This morning we had a few inches of snow on the ground. The most we've had 'stick'thus far. I figured I better get those kids out to play in it. Leah has never played in
the snow.
She loved it, but got cold very quickly, and kept saying, "Mom! I want to go home!" Home? We were home! Silly girl!
She found a mud puddle to stomp in, they had thier rubber boots on. But, as it would be with a 'princess', she got her pink kitty boots dirty, and this triggered some tears. Oh, the drama!
I got quite a few pics, keepsake. Used to be I took pictures for everyone else. Now, it's for me, and my blog :) Have fun watching!

Note those pale white faces! Where is all that hispanic blood??? Melly Mel, sometimes, I truly envy you!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

OF NOTE:
My cousin, Melissa, is once again walking for the March of Dimes. Only, this year, donations go toward specifically helping the babies!!! How great is that? I would love to help her reach her goal of $400, and she's already met $100 of that, so, please, take some time, offer as little as $1, what does it mean to you? DONATE HERE!

SkinMD

I have been sampling a new lotion called skinMD (Thanks to the DomesticDiva :) ). Before I started using it, my hands were so dry. I have eczema on my hands as well. I am a Nurse, and mother, which leads to me constantly washing my hands, or dealing with water in some way, shape, or form daily. Sometimes my dry skin on my hands gets so out of control, I can't even stand to wash my hair, do dishes, or bathe my children. Each finger becomes so cracked beside the nail bed, and underneath my wedding ring becomes raw.

When I received my sample bottle of skinMD, I was battling most with an area on my right hand forefinger. It was red, hard, cracked, and so sore. It hurt to touch that spot. Since using the lotion, for nearly a week, I have seen a big difference.
The area is no longer red, it is not open, and my hands are smoother. That specific spot of concern is almost non-existent! I am very impressed. I would definitely urge anyone battling dry skin to try this product out yourself. I have also used it on my face. I have dry itchy patches to either eye, between my eyes, and on my neck. My neck is now soooo smooth, and the dry patches to my face are rapidly disappearing.
I love this stuff!!!

Happy Anniversary DH!

Today is the anniversary of our 8th married year! Our 12th year together in total.

I met my husband in 1995, he was my cousins husbands best friend. He had just gotten divorced, and my cousin said, "I should introduce you to Darrin!" I went along, but felt so awkward. My 1st dtr was 2 months old at the time. I was 18, he was 28. We didn't click.

But, then a little over a year later, when I was visiting my cousin at christmas time, exchanging gifts among our dtr's that are only months apart, Darrin showed up unexpectedly to visit them as well. I was so attracted. I obtained his phone number and called him a few days later.

We went out on our first date January 7th, 1997. He kissed me goodbye that night, and I lost it! I was smitten. I was soon to be 20, he was 30. I had that floating feeling.

My dtr and I moved in with him in 1998. We married in 2000, and had our 1st dtr together June of 2000.

There have been many struggles. I think ever marriage has atleast a few. We have fought terribly, but in the next moment, moved on, and forgotten why we fought in the first place.

This is my 1st marriage, his 3rd. Honestly, he was very hesitant to marry. He had not had much luck in the past, and was quite jaded. I have never ever felt that a marriage, this marriage is something that could ever be tossed aside. I think, after 2 divorces, he had no confidence. But, here we are 8 years later...3 beautiful children later. STILL TOGETHER. I could never imagine my life any other way.

I kissed a lot of toads before I finally found my Prince Charming...but, I did indeed find him!

A Pizza Party 4 My Handsome One!

Friday night we had that boy's birthday party at a pizza parlor. Little did I recall, on Friday nights they have a clown doing free face painting. She does a great job! Leah, Drew, and thier cousin Jayd did it. Leah wanted to be a fairy girl. The boys would not do it!

One boy that was there had his face painted as spider man, it was so cute. He ran up to Beau and Leah to pretend he was spider man, and Leah started screaming and hiding from him. Beau was playing an arcade shooting game, then he pointed the gun at the boy and said, "Get away from her!" D got on to that boy right quick! That was NOT okay!

Beau was so very happy that his cousin Ace was able to come (Thanks for coming Melly Mel :) ), they took off and had a blast running around, playing together! I wish they could play more often...

He received a very fun electronic game, called Wild West GunSlinger. There is this fake log that has 4 pins you push in, then you set these plastic cans/bottles on top, 2 are broke in half already. Then he shoots his cowboy gun, and the laser triggers the pins to pop up, causing the 'cans' to pop up into the air, the broken ones pop in half. It's so fun!

He loved his vtech kidizoom camera, as do all the other kids, I will upload some pics he took on his own, he figured it out really quick! He is soooo excited to be going to Monster Jam with Daddy! He also received a bike, a Tonka Monster Trucks computer game where you design your own monster truck & track then race your monster truck. Ace got him a motorcycle toy that works by winding it up with his feet, which he has now mastered! And he also received, a very fun electronic basketball game, Slam Dunk Shootout.

The cake was a hit. I made chocolate buttercream icing from scratch, very yummy! I used candy chocolate rocks for the trim on the cake, and chocolate graham cracker crumbs for 'dirt'. I tried to make it look messy, like truck tracks, not so successful, but he loved his cake none-the-less. And, what's a birthday party without a melt down? Little Lulu insisted one specific gift was hers. Clip in video, she was a brat!!! (working on the attitude...she loves to say "nananana")

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

I didn't make out so bad either...

My Daddy got me some Food Network spatula's I have been eye-ing. RED! I love them! Go great with my red Typhoon colander! THANKYOU DADDY!

D got my much desired electric blanket! It is my favorite thing right now! And, my MIL gave me some cash to place toward a new scrub uniform. I have been debating on this one...

LOVE LOVE LOVE the brown/aqua color combo!!!

It's my Birthday 2day!

I would love to have a cake like this...

Just for fun, here is a little clip of one of my fave scenes in a disney movie... Unbirthday Song!

At 31, yes THIRTY ONE, I am first and foremost a Wife to a doting, and faithful husband that I adore. I am a daughter to 2 loving, and encouraging parents. I am a sister.

I am a Mother, experiencing the challenges of parenthood at various levels. A soon to be teenager striving for independence, down to a 2 yo's tantrums .

I am a Nurse, putting forth my best efforts to provide loving, and attentive care to the elderly.

I am pleased with my place in life at this time. What more could you ask for? I am blessed.

Potty Training a Princess

Unfortunately, Little Lulu really and truly believes she is a princess. She is...Little Miss Independent! She adamantly refuses to potty train. Why ever would a princess take time out from her wonderful world of imaginary play in which she is preparing herself to go the Royal Ball, only to sit on this commoner's toilet?

So...this frustrated Mommy went out and bought a box of pull up's that have cinderella on them to spark some interest. She was so thrilled to see Cinderella's face on the pull up, but once she realized I was going to demand that she spend some quality toilet time on occasion, she veto'd the pull ups. She won't even wear panies.

I tried the whole natural consequences thing yesterday, and that had me cleaning up urine saturated carpet. (My anal self busting through!) However, she was very upset that the shoes she had planned to wear to the "Royal Ball" also became saturated with urine. Even so,

this natural consequence has not yet seemed to effect her. She whined as I sat her on the toilet this morning (SHE WAS DRY ALL NIGHT!) , and she ran from me as I tried to put a pull up on her, all the time crying for her diaper!

I just don't get it!

Wordless Wednesday~A Walking Umbrella :)

Sleep...Walk...Pee?

At approximately 1:30am this morning, that boy awoke screaming as if he were being severely harmed! I woke quite abruptly, running down the hall, and he was sitting in the middle of his bed crying out
"I gotta go pee!" Now, one would assume that the boy was awake. I certainly assumed so. But...upon further involvement, I realized he must have been atleast half-sleeping? Is that at all possible? Sleep-peeing??? 'Cause, let me tell you, at approximately 1:45am I found myself on my hands and knees scrubbing around the toilet, behind the toilet, the wall, the garbage can, the floor...

Why was I doing so at this early hour an hour of the morn?

That boy pulled the "sprinkler" out on the toilet! He started to pee, and I swear it was like one of those sprinklers, where the water sprays in all of about 10 various directions at one time...I COULD NOT BELIEVE MY EYES! No matter how hard I tried to get him to aim straight, and stand still, he was absolutley not hearing me, NOT AWAKE!

I started to get mad, but when I realized he truly was not awake, I just wanted to cry. Who wants to clean up a huge puddle of urine at this hour? Why, why me???

Happy Birthday Handsome!

This morning, at approximately 4 am, that boy turned 4 years old! I just cannot believe how time has flown by. When he awoke, I said to him, "Boy! You are 4 this mornin'!" He just smiled big, and shy...that made his day! I showed him how to show 4 fingers. Whenever we are out, and someone asks him how old he is, he always hollers to me, "Moooooom, how old I am?"

We won't be having his birthday party until Friday, but I wanted to do something special with him today. Just him and Mommy. He needed a haircut, so I told him we were gonna go get him a haircut. He loves getting a haircut. Loves it! But, I did not tell him what else we were doing.

I surprised him with a trip to the movie theater to see the new Veggie Tales movie, The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything...he loves that song on our veggie tales CD. He was so happy to get to go. We most never do the theater, it really adds up with 6 of us. But, today was a special day. My Boy is 4!!! Very cute movie BTW. He laughed, and echoed most all of it. In between time telling everyone around him..."Hey, I'm four!" I finally had to say, not trying to kill his enthusiasm, "Beau! You don't need to tell everyone!" But, hey, what do you do? What can it hurt? MY BOY IS 4 TODAY...let him shout it out if he wants, he'll never be 4 again.

I randomly caught this pic of him today while trying to take a pic of Me reading to him and Leah.

I don't think I have ever received such a look of adoration from any other boy, or man in my entire life. And, honestly, if that boy is the only one that ever looks at me that way for the rest of my life...well, I guess I'm doing something right.

And that simply fills my heart to overflowing!

TWO SMALL ARMS TO HOLD YOU TIGHT,

TWO SMALL FEET TO RUN,

TWO SMALL EYES FULL OF LOVE FOR YOU,

ONE SMALL SON.

Author Unknown

Ugghh!!!

I spent most of my day yesterday, with all 4 kids home :(, painting the kitchen
(Time flew by as I was rockin' out to 90's dance music...lol)

I still have to move the fridge out and paint behind, around, and above it, but for the most part the paint is on. I peeled the tape off this morning, and I am so totally bummed out now! I have so much touch up work I feel extremely overwhelmed. It feels as if this whole thing is never going to get done. I desperately need to put my mind off of it, and do something crazy to let out some steam!

I think that something crazy might be to go out and about with all 4, to the MALL on this holiday weekend? Oh, man... I think I'm setting myself up for disaster!!! But, anything is better right now than looking at unfinished paint, and constantly picking up toys, insn't it???

Darling Little Lulu

Of all my children, Little Lulu has been the most attached, most darling one. It took me so long to really get to 'know' her as a baby since I was still so busy caring for that boy, and the girls too. I didn't have that instant 'bond' with her as I did with the rest. It was hard to get used to her. She slept and ate the first 4 months, thats it! None of my babies slept so much, for so long before 'waking up' and showing us thier personality.
She is now the little princess, and everyday she says, "I'm pwetty, wike a pwincess. I can be a pwincess today." And, she showers me frequently throughout the day with, "Mommy, I wuv you!" She gives constant kisses. She loves to read books, and play dress up. Her favorite book is Fancy Nancy, which she calls, "Fancy Fancy". She is such a little doll!

When she was a bit smaller, everywhere I went with her people would just stop and dote on her. She is such a bubbly little thing. One thing they also always say, is that she looks just like me. I don't know about that.
What do you think?

Paint is On!

Above: Before new paint went on, still patching, and primering...

Finally got the dining room painted!!! I am so happy with it. I really like the color. It turned out much brighter than I expected, but still, I LIKE IT A LOT! The fan coordinates perfectly, and it really dramatizes the entire room to have this great darker color. We still have yet to place trim, and get the floor done, but I had to share the result of the last 2 days work. Like???

Below: The new paint job...did it all myself!!!

Funny on the side:
I gave Beau and Leah a bath tonight, and when they were in thier towels still, Leah just started peeing everywhere! She wouldn't stand still, she kept moving as she was peeing, as much as I tried to get her to be still, and this was all in Beau's room. I had her go sit on the baby potty, so I could clean it all up. Beau just blurts out..."How come she doesn't just have a ding-a-ling or somethin'???" What goes through a that boys mind...

Enter toWin a Stand Mixer!!!

A Cowboy’s Wife is having a contest on her food blog! You can win a Hamilton Beach® Stand Mixer and she’ll ship anywhere so everyone is eligible!

I would love to have one of these!

A Fave of Mine

This is one of my favorite songs that DMB sings. Love this acoustic version even more!!!

The Human Body

I got this from a friend of mine in email, thought it was interesting...

The human body is a machine that is full of wonder. This collection of human body facts will leave you wondering why in the heck we were designed the way we were.

-Scientists say the higher your I.Q., the more you dream.
-The largest cell in the human body is the female egg. The Smallest is the male sperm.
-You use 200 muscles to take one step.
-The average woman is 5 inches shorter than the average man.
-Your big toes have two bones each while the rest have three .
-A pair of human feet contains 250,000 sweat glands.
-A full bladder is roughly the size of a soft ball.
-The acid in your stomach is strong enough to dissolve razor blades.
-The human brain cell can hold 5 times as much information as the Encyclopedia Britannica.
-It takes the food seven seconds to get from your mouth to your stomach.
-The average human dream lasts 2-3 seconds.
-Men without hair on their chests are more likely to get cirrhosis of the liver th an men with hair.
-At the moment of conception, you spent about half an hour as a single cell.
-There is about one trillion bacteria on each of your feet.
-Your body gives off enough heat in 30 minutes to bring half a gallon of water to a boil.
-The enamel in your teeth is the hardest substance in your body.
-Your teeth start growing 6 months before you are born.
-When you are looking at someone you love, your pupils dilate, and they do the same when you are looking at someone you hate.
-Your thumb is the same length of your nose.

At this very moment I know full well you are putting this last fact to the test... now remove your thumb from your nose and pass this on to the friends you think might be interested in comparing their thumbs to their noses as well ..... I did.

Wordless Wednesday~Huntin' Buddies

A Valentine Exchange!

I LOVE LOVE LOVE Valentines Day! I love all the red and pink, heart decorations everywhere. It makes my heart swell just to think of it all!
Kailani, at an Island Life is once again hosting a fun exchange, this time it's a Valentine's Goody Swap. I participated in her christmas ornament exchange, and I loved what I got! Wonder what a goody swap will bring???

In joining this one, I've got to post & answer these 5 questions:

What is your idea of a romantic Valentine’s Day?

Well, in the land of make believe, valentine's day would be a day when my DH laid a path of red rose petals to an already drawn, hot bubble bath. A little red wine would be nice too...

In reality, what is your Valentine’s Day really like?

Honestly, same as any other day, just a bit more cheerful :)

If you could have a lifetime supply of your favorite sweet indulgence, what would it be?

Starbucks White Mocha & I love Cadbury Eggs, yeah, I know that's easter...

Is there any sweet treat you absolutely do not like?

I can't stand those candy conversation hearts, as cute as they are, they taste terrible! And, I honestly can't stand to receive a box of chocolates, sorry D, but for me, fruit flavors & chocolate just do not belong together!

If you fell into a pool of chocolate, how would you get out?

Now, if I ever actually fell into a pool of chocolate...why would I want to get out?????

Trying to get it all done!

We are getting there...taking longer than I thought though. Making me feel a bit discouraged, really. Would ya like a peek at my paint color? This is only dining area.
Today, D put up the ceiling fan, while I patched, sanded, washed, and primered the kitchen walls. The best I could with 2 little ones begging for snacks, and my attention or assistance, OR better yet, fighting!

Now, take one 2yo, that's quite a ball in and of itself. Been there, done that a few times! I would like to say that 2 is the worst, but honestly, IT'S NOT! Just like a banana, they ripen with age. 3 is most definitely the worst! The age of 2, for me, has been a wonderful stage of exploration, and excitement over everything new, still learning to talk. By the time 3 rolls around, they have learned enough of words to challenge you.

That boy, for example, has started running around disciplining Leah. He thinks he is in full charge. If she is doing anything he does not like, or does something she truly is not supposed to do, he will say, "Weah! You are making me wose my temperature!" (He still cannot pronounce the L, and has a bit of a lisp) Or, he will just swat her behind, like he's the Daddy! This makes her so mad, and then they start fighting...It's kinda funny, you know, him saying, "temperature" for temper, but I get so sick of this constant bickering they seem to be doing lately.

HOW CAN I GET ANYTHING DONE???

Also, this little "I am a princess!" stage that Leah is going through is impossible! Every time I turn around she is bringing me a different dress up dress, or nightgown to put on her. No joke, she will have me put one on, then 2 seconds later, have yet another for me to change her into!!! AUUGGHHH!!!

Oh, and it doesn't stop there, the polly dollies must also change just as often. Have you ever tried to put those rubber clothes on those little polly dolls? They are sticky, the arms nearly bust a hole through the dress as you are putting it on, and if you pull a little to hard, it tears down the back, or a sleeve tears off. Heaven forbid Mommy breaks one of the rubber dresses.

ALL I WANT TO DO IS PAINT, YOU LIFE SUCKING MONKEYS!

My kitchen is such a mess, and I had to go get milk and bananas anyway, so I took the kids out to eat at a burger place tonight...eewww, I know, not the best thing, but hey!

Once Leah was done eating, she noticed that she could see her face in the window looking back at her. She started saying, "Hi baby, you so cute! Can I hold you? Baby, I wuv you!" Atleast, I thought she realized it was her... then she saw the other window, and so she was seeing 2 of herself. She was really trying to grab at that baby! Too cute. We all had a laugh on that one, especially the girls.

Oh, and a few people have been inquiring...you can get this miniature 3-tiered cake set HERE! You actually get all items shown in pic, except cake ofcourse! I have also come across these darling 3-D petite princess cake kits. I am making the Cinderella one for Leah. They are only 9" tall, made from 2- 4" rounds, so this cake kit will come in handy to make those 4" rounds!

Preschool?

I have been thinking about placing that boy in preschool. We have a co-op here that is through our local community college, I had Drew in it when she was 4, briefly...I had that boy, still working full time evenings, and was pregnant with Leah so it was just too much for me to handle then.

But, I knew there was a new teacher now, and they moved the co-op to a church. So, I figured I would see how much it cost now. It is approx. $130/term, 3 month period. There is a $10 lab fee for my co-op time, and $4 insurance. This cost is so so so much more reasonable than any other preschool I've take my children too. I used to pay $90/month for my Grace when she was 3. I probably won't start that boy till next fall even though he could enter in spring. The great thing is that it is for 3-5 yo's, and this means I can place not only that boy, but also Leah. They could go to school together! I love this idea! I mean, there will be not another single time in forever that this will be an option. And, another great thing is that I only have to pay an additional $14 for Leah to be in with Beau. Break that down, and the cost is only about $53/month for 2 kids!!! It is also M-F, 5d/wk, not 3d/wk like most preschools. I am definitely going to do this. And, I will be co-oping, spending time in the classroom, as well as developing 1 activity per term to do with all of the class. No problem!

They are just gonna love being around so many other kids thier age, and it will be very interesting to see if they stick together, or take on thier own friends and activities apart. I wonder what will unfold... I do know that boy really really needs some play time with other boys. And, I will on occasion have 3 hours without ANY KIDS?!!!

Oh, what will I do with myself???

Grocery shopping will be a breeze :)

Movin' right along...

So, D had originally had the grand idea that once he scraped all of the popcorn ceiling, all would be smooth as a baby's butt, and we could then primer 2 coats, and be on with it...well, all did not go as HE planned. We had someone come today and texture the ceiling for us, called Drop-Down? I think, otherwise, it was HIDEOUS! And, boy do I mean hideous! We will be able to primer the ceiling tonight, hang the new ceiling fan in the morning, and get to painting the wall tomorrow too. He is getting a new door today to start staining, and all new outlets, and the subfloor we need to replace. We mean business this weekend!

Still cooped up d/t RAIN, RAIN & MORE RAIN...feeling so very crazy!

Don't you just love a little girl in pig tails? What else could possibly say "I am 2, and oh so cute!" better?

I am trying out this different mineral make up. Called RAWminerals. Honestly, I am not really liking it at all. It feels so thick, not like a light mineral make up I am used to. And, it looks more like cover-up than my other mineral make up. I dont' like the brushes, and it has made my face break out a little. Here is a pic of the first time I put it on. I'm not using it anymore.

(Man my nose looks big in this picture!)

GET ME OUT OF HERE...

This day started out on it's 3rd, and most angry foot! That Drew is most definitely in a lack of sleep stage, 'cause she was full of FIRE (and ice!) this morning! I expect my girls to pick up thier pj's and make thier beds, or atleast 1/2 way make the bed. She just wanted to play her DS...oh, that DS...I think it's almost an equal distraction to Drew as that snake in the Garden of Eden was to Eve!!! I told her she had to do her jobs first...she quick whipped around and said, "SCHOOL IS MY JOB!" Whoa-oa-oa-oa-OOOAAAAA!!!! What was that again, didn't think I heard that quite right... DS you say? Wanna play? Just 15 minutes? NO WAY! That DS is Momma's now. Yep, fire I say...and smoke coming out of her ears, eyes that could shoot daggars. Oh man, was I one up on her this mornin', I'd had a GREAT nights sleep. She kept on, "It's my life anyway!", she tried to proclaim. HA! That was funny. I said, "Actually, your life is mine, all mine, and I am in control of it!"...HONEY. Those girls hate it when I call them honey in the midst of discipline. Maybe it's the way it drips with sarcasm by that point.

These are the days I just hate love having girls. They are so stinkin' tempermental, sooooo MOODY! And, so much like thier Momma! I will admit, I've a bit of fire inside. At times, I too have smoke coming from my ears. But...only when they push that forbidden button of mine.

So...she is once again grounded from her beloved DS. 1 week. I think that's fair. Hmmm, maybe she'll have a day of poop scoopin' duty as well. Have to talk to D about that...

On a much brighter note:

After a full morning of rain, the sun came out. I took the little ones to the park. They had a blast. Atleast 1 full hour of screaming, and running thier energy out. Thank You Lord for that tiny little window of dryness!

And, what do you know, there was another little boy there, 4yo, named Beau, same spelling and all! Out the window goes my pick for an original name. Now he will be most likely be in a classroom full of 'Bo-Boe-Beau's' by the time he starts school.

Oh, and lets not forget this absolute No No...a lady walking her dog came straight through the playground. The big wood chips you know, that most playgrounds have? She let the dog take a poop, and then just kept walking her dog, NEVER PICKED IT UP! So gross! Hey Lady...my kids were playing there! So disgusting!

On the way home, we saw the most beautifully bright, and bold rainbow I have ever seen before! Just lovely.

Now, back to being cooped up in this torn apart house...

LOOK AT THIS CAKE!!!

In google-ing Barbie Princess Doll Cake (thinking of Leah's birthday coming up in 2 months), I came across this beautiful cake! Leah would just love it! I know she would. I always wanted to make one of these, just never got around to it, I guess. This is just such a beautiful cake! I found free printable instructions for this cake , and then a came across this amazing step by step tutorial with pictures in a blog, Laughing Mommy. I'm sure I can find a random fairy doll anywhere to make this with. I just wonder if I should dare even venture this one alone! Flashbacks of Drew's 1st birthday rubber ducky cake are surfacing...D called it the dead duck! I couldn't get the head to stay up...worse things have happened. Ahhh, this cake is eye candy. A precious little girls dream!

A Day Indoors

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Today, we stayed in. It was just too cold to go out! Beau had for some reason, newly noticed my hutch with my fairy collection. I have many, and they are stacked on 3 shelves. He said, "Moooom! Where's my c'llection?" I said, "I don't know, what do you collect?" He said, "I know, we can make a car c'llection!" So...we made him one. Well, we displayed his cars out on his toy storage shelves. This is what he meant anyway, a display of his 'c'llection', you know? To do this, I had to re-organize some things, which then...
had me straightening out the train table. Then, they went all crazy playing trains for hours! I love it when they do this. Leah was playing Lady, Emily, and Rosie being chased by Diesel #10, and Beau was transporting the fish from the dock to Cranky, and back. He loves the fishing dock. We just go the cargo car back for this, replaced d/t the recent lead recall, so he has been playing with that specific car the most.
Also, we changed that boys bed from a crib to the toddler bed version. Yes, my nearly 4yo son was still sleeping in a crib! Why, you might ask? Well...because he would not stay in bed, and I need my sleep too! But, with him soon to be 4, and potty trained, I figured we should try it out again. I have switched back and forth, trying it out 2x already, unsuccessful both times.
That boy has also been staying up terribly late, and by late, I mean midnight. A couple days ago, we tried out not giving him a nap when Leah lays down for one. Hoping this would have him ready for bed at his 8:30 bedtime. And, it's working! Tonight, he went to bed, stayed in bed, and was asleep by 9pm. Woohoo!
I realize he is growing up, and as hard as it is for me to let go of the baby-ish things, I need to start doing so. I just still see those two little ones as my babies! They are my last ones. It's really hard to see your last babies growing up. In just over 1 year, that boy will be in kindergarten...and I will be balling my head off!!!

Tonight, I watched the new version of the movie HAIRSPRAY with the girls. It was cute! Some very subtle suggestive areas, but I think it flew over the girls' heads. I hate it when they have to throw that in to a perfectly family oriented movie. Especially this one. I still think I liked the 80's version better. Although, the guy that played Link, even had Drew giggly, very cute! LOL. John Travolta as a woman...now, that was very odd to see! Nonetheless, a fun movie to watch if you get a chance.

What have you been doing since 2000?

I was just thinking today...I cannot believe it is already 2008. Can you? I mean, the 90's seem so far away. My high school years. I am nearly 13 years removed from that, greatfully, but wow! It sure goes by fast. Got me then thinking, what have I done since 2000?
Remember Y2K? The end of the world, stock up all you can, prepare for the world wide power outage? How crazy was that? Thankfully, nothing happened. NOTHING.
So, what have you done since January 1, 2000? As for me, I...

Got married, moved, and had a baby in 2000, June 1st to be exact. Drew, my 2nd dtr. My most challenging one at that. This had me staying home, doing some random childcare for others. My oldest started kindergarten that year.

2001 took me back to school once that baby was 1. I started back, thinking I would have to start from scratch with some things, but ended up auditing the 1st term Nursing, and entering 2nd term. This was my 2nd try at Nursing School.

2002 had me finishing out my 1st year Nsg, and spending the summer home with kids. We had vinyl siding and vinyl storm windows put on our home. We did some landscaping, all by ourselves. What a difference all that made, even thought the mess outside through it all was something else! That year, I also had to have a cervical cone biopsy done to remove precancerous cells on my cervix. This had us thinking, no more babies? I think I also had my tatoo done that summer.

2003 I graduated Nursing School in June, now 26, and ready to get to work. Only, 2 weeks before graduation, found out we were pregnant. Along with a few other classmates of mine, lol. In the fall we found out it was indeed the boy we were hoping for! I also started work at a local LTC/skilled facility, full time.

2004, I had that boy in January, just 3 days before my birthday. It was a surprise cesarian. I wasn't dilating. Hmmm...nevertheless, a healthy 8lb 6oz baby boy! What a darling he was.

Such a wonderful, quiet baby. When he was 6 months old, we found we were pregnant, AGAIN!

2005 that boy turned 1 year old. We renovated our home some to make room for the new one coming. Little Lulu was born in March.(My little tantrum in a tiara!) A scheduled cesarian this time, and that girl wieghed in at a whopping 9lbs even! My OB even thought that was quite a bit more than he anticipated 2 weeks early, and so they checked her blood sugar a few times before they let me go. I had a tubal ligation this time, NO MORE BABIES. Adjusting to life with 2 'babies' was a challenge, but it was also a ton of fun! I was a breast feeding, baby wearing Momma for about 2 years straight! Leah would have had it no other way!

I started my blog to keep track of it all! I placed myself on call, no longer working full time, only 2 days/week. Drew started kindergarten that fall, and began playing soccer with AYSO. Grace started Volleyball.

Many challenging things came our way that year...I won't drudge them up.

2006 had the tots turning 1, and 2. Leah began walking at 16 months, she army crawled forever! I was finally able to stop breastfeeding in February this year.

Above: My Little Explorer at 18 months (No, snake was not alive!)

This year was a blast with them. With 2 kids in school full time, I had the days with the tots. This year Beau became very sick, he was diagnosed with C diff, sick from November thru the new year, with a visit to ER for lack of urination over a 36 hour peroid. Had us very scared, but did resolve. We also had a loss in the family.

2007 was still another busy one! We bought a camp trailer, and truck to get back into taking kids for outings, camping. Went on a few camp trips, kids loved it, we had a ton fun.

Also, some unexpecting things came our way. My Mom's brain surgery, and my Lap Chole.

Bringing me to 2008. Which is so far... a mess of renovations! I turn 31 this month, that boy turns 4, and we will be celebrating 12 years together, with this being only our 8th Wedding Anniversary.

Thinking red and pink...

I know, I know...it's not even february yet, but I always try to get a plan going early. Every year, I try to make original valentine's with my girls for thier classmates. The past few years, we have succeeded. I just hate those generic little paper valentine's you get at the store!
Last year we made these:

Drew has so much fun doing this. The girls just love it! And, so far, not another child has brought quite the same sort of valentines. It's really fun! There is a ton of great ideas at the Family Fun site. I either go there, google, or look to my many past Family Fun, and/or Parenting magazines for different ideas. This year, we have decided to try these darling Gnome Sweet Gnomes . I did make these once already when my oldest dtr was in 3rd grade. It's so easy, yet so cute!
I think one of my favorite holidays is Valentine's Day. I love all the decorations around the stores. I am NOT a candy heart lover however. Hate 'em! And, D has finally learned not to buy me a box of chocolates, cause all I do is bite a corner of each chocolate and almost never eat them all, I hate the fruity stuff! Last year I made each of the kids thier own miniature heart cake, pink cake with pink frosting and sprinkles.

Wonder what I'll do this year???

I did find this great little miniature tiered cake pan. Probably going to use it for Leah's birthday party. But, I'm sure I can manage to make it out to be a bit valentine themed. Each 4 kids thier own tiered mini cake??? Hmmm...

Oh, and another super cute, gotta-have-it thing I LOVE is the Wilton Giant Cupcake Cake Pan...oh man, what little girl would not be thrilled to see this cake presented on her birthday...or anyday??? You can see many more cake ideas for this one HERE

It's just a subfloor...NO IT'S AN OCEAN!

Okay, so in working with this renovation, D has 2 short pieces of carpet from a previous renovation on the dining room floor for us to get from living room to our bedroom, and to the kitchen without stepping on the subfloor, which may have some stray nails/staples lying around.

This has become the most intriguing area for the two little ones. They keep pretending as if they are on a boat and the subfloor is the ocean in which there are many sharks trying to eat them up. (This comes from Beau, he received Shark Week DVD's for christmas from Auntie) Beau has even been using them for bridges that his trucks simply MUST cross, over and over and over! Or they just simply run back and forth on them, getting all up in D's way. So, we pretty much blocked off one end of the room, making it so they cannot run across the carpets. Although I do admire thier energy, and imagination...it's driving us crazy!!!

In this mess, I am trying ever so hard to protect my collection of MM plates that I keep in the hutch. D had no reserve about pushing that hutch around WITH THE PLATES IN IT! I has to stop him, nearly giving me a panic attack of sorts. I decided to remove them from the hutch and replace them after hutch was moved, safely protected in thick towels for the time being. Completely unreplaceable items...I don't think anyone wants to see the resulting tantrum that may ensue should even so much as a scratch make it's way onto one of those plates!

A Snowy Surprise!

We awoke to a snow coated yard this morning. Kids are ecstatic! Leah ran from window to window to see it all and make sure it was real, I guess. D lifted her up to see the snow on our cars, and he said, "Look at the cars!" She said, "Yeah, day are parkin'!" LOL.

Gettin' a move on...Look at that face!

Hubby surprised me Friday with a few hours out, only us! We had lunch at a new place, very good! Then we went and shopped around for some things we need for updating our dining room and kitchen. We found a very nice ceiling fan for 1/2 price, which we planned on getting eventually, but bought d/t the low price that day. We looked at doors, trim, wood flooring, paint, kitchen sinks/faucets, vertical blinds, oven hoods, etc. Couldn't seem to agree on the trim, or paint, but I think we finally nailed down the colors tonight. Dark, browns seem to be the way we want to go. We both like earth tones, and seems to feel most homey. So, this is what my dining room looks like right about now...YUCK! But, only temporary. In the last 2 days, he has removed all remaining wallpaper, scraped all the popcorn ceiling off, lifted up all the carpeting, and most all the pad. Looks like we will have to replace some base wood near the slider d/t rott from when there used to be the old aluminum door, too much moisture got in. We also have both the dining/kitchen light fixtures down and out, ready to prime the ceilings an replace lighting. We are putting the floor down after we paint, duh, right? Very difficult for me to deal with the mess, and my living room now had all the dining room furniture filling it. THE END IS NEAR...

And, really, I just have to share this pitiful, "Mommy...don't wash my hair!" face. It never fails.

Got the bug...tantrums...etc.

I've got the bug. The respiratory one. Not the other, thank goodness! It has wiped me out though. Still in PJ's today. No matter, nothing but horrendous amounts of rain anyway.

I was giving the little ones a bath earlier, and there is always an understanding with them before they ever get into the tub. It is that they receive some sort of reasssuring answer from me, granting thier plea "No washin' hair Mom!" Or is it more of a question, "No washin' hair Mom?" Either way, I always nod and say, "Just get in the tub." No matter how many times they take a bath, and it is mostly Little Lulu, they scream and throw a terrible tantrum over getting thier hair washed. Leah acts as if she's being beaten, and that boy follows suit just for fun I think. Little Lulu tosses and turns and gets water in her eyes because of it. Nearly drowns herself trying to wrangle out of my grasp. And, tonight I didn't think ahead to color the water, or add bubbles. That wouldn't have mattered when it came down to it. Why do tots hate washin' thier hair??? Every one of my kiddos has done this at about this age, too.

In preparing for that boys birthday party, I had to go buy a new ink cartridge for my printer to print out the party invites. While I was at Target getting that, I looked around some. I have been planning on getting Little Lulu the Swing & Swirl Tika elephant toy that is from the Island Princess movie line of toys. She loves the Island Princess! The last time I saw one was at Fred Meyer, they wanted 34.99! I figured I could wait for a sale. Well, at Target they are clearing shelves and clearancing out all things Island Princess. They had Tika for $18.88. I figured I better grab one and stash it away, who knows if they'll have one in March! I also found the Fairytopia Rainbow Elina with interactive DVD game that she has been asking for, at Ross for $9.99. They no longer sell it at the other stores, didn't think I'd ever find it. So, I have her birthday shopping done too. Then no more kids parties till June. Whew!

Well, off to get kids to bed, my show, PUSHING DAISIES is on tonight, and I'm watching it without any interuption!

Upsetting Update: NO PUSHING DAISIES ON TONIGHT! Just Season Premiere Wife Swap, which does not in the least bit interest me! This is so frustrating. There aren't too many things I look forward to that are mine alone. I guess I'll just go to bed!

Wordless Wednesday

She thinks she's a princess...She looks like a princess...But...IS she a princess?

Noteworthy & GREEN Websites

Story of Stuff

This site has an amazing video. Very informative, and educational to all of us. This will blow your mind!

My Sustainable House

This is a great site for kids especially, atleast 7 years old or more. Try to build a house with the most sustainable materials. You will be informed if your choice is good, okay, or poor, and why. Great for teaching your child about making good choices in the future, and helping them to understand why it is so important.

Free Rice

A must see and DO site.