FrOzEn CrAzY DaD!

This is my dad. He's CrAzY! This is his bike. He's CrAzY about his bike!

He has taken a ride on this bike at least once a month ALL YEAR ROUND since he bought the bike. This CrAzY nut of a father rode his bike last weekend in freezing temperatures~ not just around the block, nah that would be too wimpy, he went miles...miles and miles.

And he Froze.

Why?

Because we Challenged him.

Because we teased him about February being a record month for snow and ice...

was that going to keep him grounded?

Because he couldn't possibly let a little ice on the road stop him.

Because he's CrAzY!

He's my dad.

And because he needed proof that he is CrAZy... my mom - the much wiser of the two, was out with the camera and ran back inside to the nice WARM fireplace...

shaking her head at the CrAzY man that she married!

Now you know where I get it from.

My question is...

Dad if you were going to make me suffer through buying chaps with ya...

why didn't you wear them?

Hi Mom and Dad~ Love ya!

The Babysitters aka The Aunties!

It's a Dry Day...Inside Anyways!

So the leak wasn't as bad as it could have been and it has stopped dripping. Unfortunately it was right over my sisters DVD player she lent us since she moved and didn't take it with her. (C~ I owe ya) Yeah I picked it up and water ran out but.... I did get the dvd we rented out of it! See there is an upside to everything (right Kellan?) Hubby went up on the roof and shoveled it all off. The ice was pretty thick on the edge and the sun has been out lately, which made perfect conditions for some melting of snow, but not enough to melt the ice... a pool of water on the roof! So the corner of that room is cleared out, the garbage can underneath just in case and we will work on fixing the real actual problem when we have more time and the ice melts a bit more so we can actually get to it. Just a few pictures to show everyone that the house is still standing. Unfortunately it isn't another sunny day...nope that would mean spring...we have more snow! Ugh. I walked around the house looking outside~ I wanted to take a picture of the snow and then shrugged and thought~ Nah, they all know what it looks like and it just didn't seem quite as pretty today when all I want to see right now is grass!

The reason this isn't being fixed today...not because of laziness, nope~ a funeral. A second cousin of mine passed away on Monday. It was expected, but it hasn't hit me yet. I didn't really know him very well, but I know his children~ mostly his daughter and siblings. His daughter is my age, has a son about the same age as my oldest and I cannot imagine what she is going through right now. They weren't very close, not your typical happy father daughter relationship, but it still has to hurt. Tonight is the visitation, a night to hug and console, a night to dab the tears, a night to say good bye...to an alcoholic. A man who was 48 years old, a man that for as long as I can remember has had a stench on his breathe, but a man nonetheless. I pray that my memories of this man, my second cousin will not be of the lifestyle he lived, but of the man that he was, a son, a brother, a father.

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Ok and when I was rereading this I realized just how depressing it was and since that is not me...or the mood I am in I just had to add this...

YES!!!!

Dels FINALLY slept ALL night!

Just don't let her know how excited this makes me...Shhhh!

~All Wet~ But Not at the Beach~

You know it's not good when the kids are in the toy room and yelling,

but you know it's REALLY not good when they are yelling...

MOoomM!

THERE'S A LEAK IN THE CEILING~

~IT'S ALL WET IN HERE!

Where I would rather be right now...

Needless to say...I'll see ya all tomorrow.

What Works~ Tag Alongs

These are a few things that I attach to my diaper bag. Things that I use often, find handy and wanted to share. What do you attach to you when you go out...what can't you leave without?

Burt's Bees~Look at the very bottom of this picture, that is a lip balm clip...yup lip balm that clips to your bag. I always know where it is, the kids always know where it is, therefore...they actually use it. Especially this time of year, I am always putting lip balm on myself and the kids. Actually before they go out to play I am slathering this on their lips, cheeks, nose...they love it! :) I love the lip balm and I love that it has a clip to keep it handy.

Bag-It~ I found these at Target and I use them all the time. They are little trash bags that are scented. The strap loops around and attaches to anything. I have this on the side of my diaper bag. They are great for those dirty diapers, messy spills, dirty clothes...anything the kids can throw your way. When I am sitting in the car waiting for someone I grab a bag and clean out the trash in the car (stop laughing mom~ she knows my car is NEVER clean!) Not for lack of trying though. These are handy. I checked out their website and they had some neat products~ I don't know much about the company, so I can't say yeah or neah.

Purell Carrier~ I found these are Target as well, but I want to say I have seen them at Meijers and Walgreen's as well...most likely in the checkout aisle. I love it because it is always available. When the little hands around me are looking pretty germy...petting zoos, grocery stores, public bathrooms, bounce world, doctor's office...this is always hanging there ready to be used. I don't have to dig for it in the bag, it's right there.

So there you have it, my favorite things that I have just hanging around. If you have any favorites...please share!

JuSt CaLL mE DeSsErT!

What Works? Swiffer

I have the Swiffer Wet Jet. I bought this when I lived in a house full of linoleum and thought it worked really well on that floor. Now I live in a house will all old wood floors~ it works ok. I have the wood floor cleaner for it, but it seems to leave a film. I don't know if that is from the previous cleaning solution on the floor or the floor itself. I was hoping for better results though. It is handy, it's much easier than the old mop and bucket, but I want my shine!

Who am I kidding, I just want a floor without crumbs!

On another Swiffer note, has anyone tried the Swiffer Dusters and what do you think?

It Works~ See...

As you can see from this list~ our house was empty. I have failed to venture out into the frozen tundra and tackle the grocery store. We haven't been starving, but the meal time selection has been limited and I need options because I am not that creative when it comes to cooking. I think I am more of a mood cook, what I am in the mood for and that includes prep time and cleanup. I have been working on this list. I used the Meals Matter site I posted a little while back. I selected some recipes that looked easy without a ton of ingredients and that the kids would enjoy as well. This website is great. I have been playing with it and I hope that I can be disciplined enough to stick with it. As of right now I have all meals planned through next week Wednesday!! I have NEVER done this before. Usually I stock the pantry and fridge with the basics, then stand there at 4 pm wondering what I can come up with. On top of having meals planned, I sat down with the grocery sale ad~ circled the things that I would need for my recipes. Cut out the coupons that my mom always brings over here and I never end up clipping before the expiration date...yeah I sat down and cut them out~ Imagine that! I ended up having a ton of coupons for things on sale...double bonus! So in the end this is how I did...remember my house was empty, we are talking wipes, diapers, paper towels, toilet paper, laundry soap~ you name it and the bottle was upside down with one last drip. Here's what my list looks like. Isn't it great~ yeah it's in order by the aisles in the store~ how cool is that! I didn't do it, the website did. I'm telling you it's great! Below is a picture of my receipt~ exciting huh, yeah but do you see that, I saved $21.65 in coupons~ Another $60.54 just on the sale items~ and then another $2.00 for I don't know what...do the math... that is a Total of $ 84.19 Yes my grand total spent on groceries was over $200, but I will not have to buy these things for a LONG LONG time, so hopefully if I can stick with this, I will only be doing smaller trips for awhile. So I know this is a bunch of boring grocery talk, but this was a New Year's Resolution of mine... and I am actually doing it! That and I wanted to share with everyone that the Meals Matter site really is great, so if you didn't check it out before, head on over there and give it a try. I'll share some of my recipes for dinners this week on my other blog...if your interested.

Ok, so I can't leave this as a boring grocery post, here's a fun story that I am sure all of you diaper toting mothers can appreciate. On my way out of the store yesterday, I am ON TIME. I have to go pick up Lolo from preschool and I am EARLY. Then I hit the parking lot and was instantly tardy. Have you ever tried to push an overflowing cart through snow, slush and ice? I am pushing with all my might, then I hit an ice chunk, you know those chunks that collect behind your car wheel? I can't see where I am going AND push the cart! So I run into it and all of a sudden Ugh, I am stopped. I kick the ice chunk out of the way and start pulling on the cart...I made it two inches! Seriously! Some kind man sees me struggling and comes over to help, I have never been more grateful! I mean yes I am a strong capable MOM, but ya know it was nice to have some help. So he is pushing and I am pulling and we make it about one car length. Thankfully I am the third car...I got a kick ass spot and was all giddy about it...normally I am the person that parks way out and walks, but this day I took the spot. Anyways, we are almost to car #2 and then THUG we hit something and Ugh to another stop. EVERYTHING falls off the cart and lands all over the place. The man looks at me and laughs~ Ha~ as if it's funny, does he not realize I am LATE now! Ok, so it's not the end of the world, pick it all up and proceed right? Here's the fun part... the diaper box fell off the bottom of the cart and slid UNDERNEATH car #4!!!! Yeah it slid right past my car and went under the next car. So here is me, LATE, on my hands and knees in the parking lot, going under someone elses car, trying to reach the box. I can't go home without diapers and besides they are the most expensive thing on my list. Go Go Gadget Arms... The one time I am thankful to have really really long arms~ I reach the box, load the car, race out of the parking lot. And pulling out of the retirement home is a lady (whom I am sure is very nice, but I didn't think of her that way) going 15MPH! Ok, God I get it! You want me to slow down, you want me to arrive safely. You want me to stop and smell the flowers, I mean freeze in the icey snow, but same thing. I get it...just not right now~ I have a preschooler to pick up and preschoolers don't understand LATE. I followed slow nice lady ALL the way to the school. Pull into the parking lot and the kids were outside playing in the snow. My Lolo is the last one to be picked up. I am getting out of the car feeling Guilty, How do you explain diapers under a car to a preschooler? Here it goes... "Lolo I am SO sorry I am late, Guess what happened..." "Mom, why are you here already? I want to play in the snow some more, why do you have to come so fast?" Ha! And I thought this was going to be hard, who knew I was actually EARLY!

Our Cat

DOG DIARY
8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 pm - Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm - Milk bones! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with my people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

CAT DIARY
Day 983 of my captivity. My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hashor some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape.

In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet. Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. Ihad hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a 'good little hunter' I am. Bastards!

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due tothe power of 'allergies.' I must learn what this means, and how to use it tomy advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow - but this time at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.

The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicate with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe.. .. . . for now. . .

Hope you got a good chuckle~ this was from another email I received...I take no credit.

~Bursting my Crafty Bubble~ Did you Know that Mother Theresa lives Here?~

I was surprised with how many of you asked about what our countdown to Lent was all about. It has been a tad busy here lately and I am finally getting around to posting what we did. I was floating high on all of your comments about how crafty I am, because quite honestly...I'm NOT! I have help from the children, I let them be the creative ones and I just guide them along, in other words, I fold the paper and clean up the mess~ See I just bursted my Crafty Bubble! So here it is~ Lent is for Love. Everday they color in a heart. Molly thought Valentine's Day was on the 9th, so she colored hearts all over it, only to find out nope it's the 14th, so draw a BIG arrow to the 14th and draw more hearts~ I call it personalization! OH and obviously we are behind...
This is Lolo's white cross that she made. After coloring in a Heart on the countdown, they each take out a purple paper (Lent color) and write down something they are either thankful for or something that they would like to pray for. Then they stick it on their cross. Lolo is my child that LOVES to pray and pray about everything, I swear she is the next Mother Theresa~ I'll get into more detail below...
This is Molly's chart... she does what she has to, but isn't the on the knees praying child, her list is short and sweet and then she's done. Obviously she hasn't been keeping up and I need to send a gentle reminder her way... This is the whole set up. The black envelopes (another Lent color) is what they made to hold their purple papers, then they decorated them all pirty and butiful with sparkly glitter paint~ Aren't they gorgeous! I should have taken a close up picture of them, because I know you all want one of these amazing works of Art for your house~ I can just tell you are envious! :)
And on a separate note, I had questions about my job charts. This is our Florida Goals Job Chart. It contains Extra things around here that the kids can do to earn a bit of spending money while on our trip. It does NOT include their expected job chart that they do everyday. I stopped printing that one simply because they know what is on it and what they have to do. We've been doing it long enough that they don't need the visual chart in front of them. I just ask them if they have done it and away they go. The expected job chart consists of... get dressed, make bed, brush teeth, brush hair and eat breakfast. Why is eat breakfast on the list? They were so slow at breakfast that I was constantly nagging them to eat, as soon as I put it on the chart they wanted to have the check in the box and if they didn't eat nicely they didn't get it. Simply put~ it was an easy check and a huge Bummer if they missed out. I also put brush hair on the list simply because there was so much whining when I go to do their hair for the day. Now if there are tangles and whining it isn't my fault and they can't complain to me. Next time they better try harder to get the knots, then it won't hurt. Don't think I'm a big meany, I use the spray conditioner and I am gentle, I just have one child who overexaggerates the amount of PAIN I put her through and the tears fall instantly. I can get the brush out and she will whine and complain. It was so bad that Annie would pick up the hair brush and instead of calling it a brush, she called it Owie Owie! C'mon, that's pathetic!

So on this Extra job chart, I have listed... Books, Bedroom, Table, Laundry, Toyroom, Toy pickup, Jakey, Coat Hooks. Oh and I forgot to put Saturday and Sunday on the chart, so they are just written underneath. We hang this chart on the fridge with the red pen so it is always there. Now let me explain this list, I am not breaking child labor laws here, they aren't in charge of doing the laundry or anything. This is a list of things that they can do if they would like to in order to earn money, but I will not nag to get these things done, it all has to be on their terms, without being asked. Reading books on their own or to each other, picking up their bedroom without being asked, setting or clearing the table without being asked, putting away their own laundry without being asked, picking up the toyroom, picking up toys around the house, feeding the cat without being asked, cleaning up the hats, coats, mittens, boots...without being asked. Notice that Lolo got 5 in a row on Sunday, this brings me to my Mother Theresa story...

So we went to Chuck E. Cheese's on Friday for her Bday, had lots of leftover tokens, but had to leave in order to make it back home for cake and ice cream with the family. Hubby promised we would go back after church, so we did. While we were at Chuck E. Cheese's, the kids had a blast. They really enjoyed collecting all the tickets and watching their stash grow. I was feeding the baby, so Hubby went and cashed in the tickets for some loot. The kids all ran back to the table to show off their treasures. As we are putting coats on to go, Lolo realizes she still has a few tickets in her pocket. She tells her dad, who tells her that is isn't enough to get a prize, maybe she should give them to that little girl over there who is eating with her family, then she could add them to her tickets and get a prize..."wouldn't that make her happy?"

Lolo: "No dad, I don't think she needs them. I know who I want to give them to. A boy, I think he would be really happy if he could have a prize."

Searching all over for the boy... she finds him and runs over to give him the tickets. Much to my surprise, she ran right up to a man... he turned around and I knew. I knew what she was thinking. I knew that she has the sweetest, most caring heart. This man was a dad. This man was standing next to a game. This dad was standing next to his son on the game and waiting. He was waiting for the game to end. As it ended, he bent over to show his son the tickets, who smiled a gigantic smile. The dad said thank you to my Lolo, who skipped happily back to us~ very Proud. The dad then bent over and scooped up his son to help him stand. He then wiped the drool off his son's face, stood behind him holding him up~ supporting him in all the ways a father can support a son. He was there for him, supporting him. The son was just as tall as the dad. I had watched them together while the kids were out playing. This dad walked all through the games supporting his son, helping him in and out of seats. Enjoying the excitement on his face when he saw a game with a noise. I cannot explain their relationship, only to say that he supported him...

And my little girl saw that, out of everyone in the building she chose him, she brought another joyous smile to his face and to the face of the dad supporting him.

I hugged her and cried.

She got lots of extra marks on her chart...

My Silly Valentine's~ Love with Stickers!

So we have been busy since Valentine's Day, but I couldn't pass up sharing a few more pictures. First thing in the morning and this is what my children are up to...

Molly and her helper...
I don't know what to say...
Lolo wants to play too,

but isn't as committed as her big sister!
This child is in a goofy mood~

she is the family clown after all...

I wonder who did this to the baby?

Yup, you guessed it...Annie is SOOO Goofy!

So this was my Valentine's Day morning~

Isn't Valentine's Day about showing your love to each other? I guess in the mind of a 2 year old you show affection through stickers!

ONE WHOLE HAND!!!

Today Lolo turns 5! It feels like yesterady we were celebrating Birthday #4~ where did that year go? My little sweetheart, the one who started out screaming and ended up gentle, kind, caring and genuinely sweet. This has been a big year for her. She has started indoor soccer, had her first dance recital, grew about a foot and a half taller, "graduated" from her speech classes, started ballet AND tap, and left her mom's side by starting preschool. She has always been my little helper, whenever I am not feeling well, she always "nurses" me back to health, constantly asking if I need anything, if I'm hungry, bringing me water. This little girl who screamed at me at birth has brought so many smiles to my face. She is always giggly and silly, never stops talking, walks everywhere with a dance step and a huge smile! AND her eyes...my goodness the child can get whatever she wants when she bats those eyes. She loves her family. She is so compassionate about people's feelings and gets truly hurt deep down inside if in anyway she has hurt someone or done anything even a smidgen wrong. She is a girly girl, wearing dresses everyday, up until just recently when she started to experiment with pants. She always told me she couldn't wear pants because they were too bunchy! Now her tights aren't fitting right, but that's ok because they don't stay on long anyways, she is always changing her outfit! She loves dressup, makeup, nail polish, playing hair salon. She is the peace keeper between her sisters. She tries to keep up with Molly, but will gladly sit and play a kiddy game with Annie and then you turn around and she is goo goo talking to Dels. She loves everyone and everyone loves her. Lolo, I cannot believe that you are 5. I cannot believe that another year as gone by. I cannot believe that I am lucky enough to have you in my life. I cannot believe that you are... ONE WHOLE HAND!!

I love you sweetie~ Happy Birthday!

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"Lolo, Why can't you be my little baby anymore, look at how tall you are getting!"

"Because Mom, I am growing."

"How do I get you to stop growing?"

"Shrink water!"

"What's shrink water?"

"It's water that you drink that is mixed with magic and it has a little water can and you can sprinkle it on anything you want to shrink."

~~~~~Oh, if only that were true, then I could eat all the ice cream I truly wanted!~~~~~

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