I actually stole the whole mosaic idea from my new blog pal, Becky. And had fully intended on giving her the credit & giving you the steps to do your own.
But then, the weekend...the fireworks....the cotton candy...and the trying to re-coop, all got in the way - and between me & my laptop.
So, I finally am sitting down & bringing to you, step by step directions to your own mosaic. Now, if you do it, comment & let me know so I can come check it out. And see how similar it is to mine (cuz I noticed that Becky & I had a photo alike on ours).
Okay, here goes friends:
a. Type your answer to each of the questions below into Flickr Search.
b. Using only the first page, pick an image.
c. Copy and paste each of the URLs for the images into fd’s mosaic maker.
1. What is your first name? AMY
2. What is your favorite food? PASTA
3. What high school did you go to? EUREKA (hence the flooded aerial shot of my alma matta)
4. What is your favorite color? ORANGE
5. Who is your celebrity crush? HARRY CONNICK
6. Favorite drink? SIERRA MIST (FREE, BUT DIDN'T SEE THAT ON THE FIRST PAGE)
7. Dream vacation? HAWAII
8. Favorite dessert? BUBBLE GUM ICE CREAM
9. What you want to be when you grow up? TEACHER
10. What do you love most in life? GOD
11. One Word to describe you. HUMOR
12. Your flickr name. ORANGE MOMMA
Go, have fun, & make little baby mosaics.
6.30.2008
6.28.2008
6.27.2008
My Daughter, the Model
Go to the site of our favorite photographer here in StL:
http://greatervisionphotography.blogspot.com/
& check out the cutie at the top.
Then scroll down.... you will see the photo we (sneakily) had done for Father's Day as a suprise to Jeff. And a little further down to see the G'man's debut.
If you are anywhere close to STL, I highly recommend Starla. She is patient (she should be, she's a mom of 5), she listens (to my crazy ideas, like Flynn wearing her pink high tops w/ her tutu), & is a real pro.
I recommend! I recommend!!
When I do go in with the free coupons to Picture People - now I leave disappointed becuz, well, they're just not Starla.
http://greatervisionphotography.blogspot.com/
& check out the cutie at the top.
Then scroll down.... you will see the photo we (sneakily) had done for Father's Day as a suprise to Jeff. And a little further down to see the G'man's debut.
If you are anywhere close to STL, I highly recommend Starla. She is patient (she should be, she's a mom of 5), she listens (to my crazy ideas, like Flynn wearing her pink high tops w/ her tutu), & is a real pro.
I recommend! I recommend!!
When I do go in with the free coupons to Picture People - now I leave disappointed becuz, well, they're just not Starla.
Sicky
I have been sick since Tuesday. Actually, since this past weekend. Actually, if you want to get technical, I bled for 27 days. Then went to the doctor to see 'what's with the month-long period?' only to find a cyst in my left ovary. But that's beside the point.
Over the weekend, and our camping goodness, I happened to run out of singulair - just in time for some one-on-one with Missouri mold. Which may have been a spring-board for the most miserable allergies I have ever had in my life. These last few days have given me a new-found sympathy for my girl, who faces these symptoms, day in & day out.
SO ....
meanwhile, while going back on the pill to stop the month of bleeding, my blood pressure has decided to fight the hormones by going on to 165ish over 100ish. Consistantly, for the last few days.
Now, the medical professionals will tell you that there are NO symptoms for high blood pressure. But as someone who has had high BP for close to ten years, I will tell you: hogwash. As a matter of fact, ther ereason I knew my bp was going up, was the artery on my neck started to feel 'bulging.' And the headache, oh the headache. And that headache got so bad Wed night that it made me ill. Literally. I spent 1/2 the night sitting on Gabe's potty stool in an intimate position around the toilet.
It topped the charts as one of the top 3 times of being sick.
And I've had some doozies.
I am very guilty of being one of those people who scolf at allergies, roll my eyes at ulcers... guilty of not being sympathetic til given opportunity to be empathetic. In other words, I don't feel bad 'til I walk in your shoes.
And let me tell you, allergies suck.
If that even is what I have.
This feeling of having a dull hunting knife jabbing into the side of my head & being twisted. Or a random swelling of my right eye, wherin it nearly closes & tears.
Good times.
Memories.
So, I lay here - thankful for Vanessa in the next room playing with the kids, keeping them safe & happy. And I throw back the benadryl, take the tylenol to stop my headache, & check the bp.
Over the weekend, and our camping goodness, I happened to run out of singulair - just in time for some one-on-one with Missouri mold. Which may have been a spring-board for the most miserable allergies I have ever had in my life. These last few days have given me a new-found sympathy for my girl, who faces these symptoms, day in & day out.
SO ....
meanwhile, while going back on the pill to stop the month of bleeding, my blood pressure has decided to fight the hormones by going on to 165ish over 100ish. Consistantly, for the last few days.
Now, the medical professionals will tell you that there are NO symptoms for high blood pressure. But as someone who has had high BP for close to ten years, I will tell you: hogwash. As a matter of fact, ther ereason I knew my bp was going up, was the artery on my neck started to feel 'bulging.' And the headache, oh the headache. And that headache got so bad Wed night that it made me ill. Literally. I spent 1/2 the night sitting on Gabe's potty stool in an intimate position around the toilet.
It topped the charts as one of the top 3 times of being sick.
And I've had some doozies.
I am very guilty of being one of those people who scolf at allergies, roll my eyes at ulcers... guilty of not being sympathetic til given opportunity to be empathetic. In other words, I don't feel bad 'til I walk in your shoes.
And let me tell you, allergies suck.
If that even is what I have.
This feeling of having a dull hunting knife jabbing into the side of my head & being twisted. Or a random swelling of my right eye, wherin it nearly closes & tears.
Good times.
Memories.
So, I lay here - thankful for Vanessa in the next room playing with the kids, keeping them safe & happy. And I throw back the benadryl, take the tylenol to stop my headache, & check the bp.
6.26.2008
KK on his Mind
When Gabe woke up, he was very chatty. But the very first thing he said was, "KK"
[and you just need to hear how he says it, he sounds like he turns it into a question & has such inflection on the 2nd syllable].
Kaylee, I think he misses you already. Come home soon.
[and you just need to hear how he says it, he sounds like he turns it into a question & has such inflection on the 2nd syllable].
Kaylee, I think he misses you already. Come home soon.
6.25.2008
The Blessed-By-Jesus Drawer
There is a 'skinny' drawer in the kitchen, that I kept 'baby things' in (bibs, spoons, medicine spoons, etc.). Then, when my oldest baby got bigger, I started keeping snacks in there that are safe for her. That way, if she gets permission, she can access the drawer for a safe & (sometimes) healthy snack.
Today she has the munchies. And after earning a marshmallow for cleaning up a mess that Gabe created, she said she was still hungry. I told her she could pick something from her drawer. After a recent allergy fair, I dumped our bag of allergy-friendly goodies. Among those were lots of kosher treats. She spied a tiny package (of about 6) m&m-knockoffs. She was THRILLED. We did our usual take a nibble, wait a few minutes to see if she reacts...then have at it. Well, she fortunately did well, then skipped & sang as she practiced such self-control - a nibble here, a nibble there. She made those little m&ms last forever.
And she was so thankful. She sidled beside me & said, "I'm so glad! Jesus made me a whole drawer of safe snacks!"
Today she has the munchies. And after earning a marshmallow for cleaning up a mess that Gabe created, she said she was still hungry. I told her she could pick something from her drawer. After a recent allergy fair, I dumped our bag of allergy-friendly goodies. Among those were lots of kosher treats. She spied a tiny package (of about 6) m&m-knockoffs. She was THRILLED. We did our usual take a nibble, wait a few minutes to see if she reacts...then have at it. Well, she fortunately did well, then skipped & sang as she practiced such self-control - a nibble here, a nibble there. She made those little m&ms last forever.
And she was so thankful. She sidled beside me & said, "I'm so glad! Jesus made me a whole drawer of safe snacks!"
6.24.2008
I Was the Bridesmaid With the Big Hair and the Big Kleenex
When my sis married my bro-in-law, I was 15. I was a brat. I was obnoxious, opinionated, gutsy, & would do anything on a dare.
I was also crazy about my sister. She was (& still is) my BFF. So, on the day she married, & was to move 10 hours away, I was a mess.
The bouquet I carried hid a big wad of snotty tissue. And I cried so hard during the ceremony that my head can be seen shaking in the wedding video.
When they left for good, I was so silly that I'd sleep in her bed. I missed her so much. I even missed fighting with her (which we were EXCELLENT at).
Not much has changed. She's moving away again. And I'm a mess.
But this time, I don't miss her - as much - as those nieces of mine. Who have not just won my heart, but won the hearts of their uncle & their two biggest admirers - F & G.
Today was our last hurrah together. An outing together. A picnic. And a really brief good bye. To be honest, it was as if God was taking control of the little situation - He brought a nasty storm over the park where we were eating lunch, & clapped what could be the loudest crash of thunder, & poured an extra-large bucket of huge-droplet rain on us. We had no choice but to be brief in our good-byes. Even when I didn't want to let go of the tiny waists I was squeezing, I was forced to, on account of rain streaming down our backs.
It all happened so fast, little Flynn didn't have time to comprehend it all. She was hugged, kissed, & tear-fully told she was loved. All in a milli-second. She knew she was sad....about having to leave the park after only 15 minutes there...and telling 'her girls' good bye. She saw us all sad, fast, soppy hugs -- and my face contort into what could be the ugliest crying face you've ever seen.
So she burst into a fit. And couldn't contain herself. She cried & cried & bawled & refused to fasten herself in. And yelled to me that "I CAN NOT BE WET. MY FEET ARE WET. MY SHOES ARE WET. I DID NOT WANT TO BE WET!!!!!!!!"
It was ridulous. And she knew it. She searched for a reason for her being upset.
And so, pulling out onto a busy road, and re-collecting myself, I could only call back to her tell her that I couldn't deal with her ridiculousness with me having other things to be upset about.
She seemed to understand where I was coming from. And a few seconds later, it kinda came together for her...
"I need to know when I am spending the night with Aunt Gi again."
I know what you mean Flynn.
I was also crazy about my sister. She was (& still is) my BFF. So, on the day she married, & was to move 10 hours away, I was a mess.
The bouquet I carried hid a big wad of snotty tissue. And I cried so hard during the ceremony that my head can be seen shaking in the wedding video.
When they left for good, I was so silly that I'd sleep in her bed. I missed her so much. I even missed fighting with her (which we were EXCELLENT at).
Not much has changed. She's moving away again. And I'm a mess.
But this time, I don't miss her - as much - as those nieces of mine. Who have not just won my heart, but won the hearts of their uncle & their two biggest admirers - F & G.
Today was our last hurrah together. An outing together. A picnic. And a really brief good bye. To be honest, it was as if God was taking control of the little situation - He brought a nasty storm over the park where we were eating lunch, & clapped what could be the loudest crash of thunder, & poured an extra-large bucket of huge-droplet rain on us. We had no choice but to be brief in our good-byes. Even when I didn't want to let go of the tiny waists I was squeezing, I was forced to, on account of rain streaming down our backs.
It all happened so fast, little Flynn didn't have time to comprehend it all. She was hugged, kissed, & tear-fully told she was loved. All in a milli-second. She knew she was sad....about having to leave the park after only 15 minutes there...and telling 'her girls' good bye. She saw us all sad, fast, soppy hugs -- and my face contort into what could be the ugliest crying face you've ever seen.
So she burst into a fit. And couldn't contain herself. She cried & cried & bawled & refused to fasten herself in. And yelled to me that "I CAN NOT BE WET. MY FEET ARE WET. MY SHOES ARE WET. I DID NOT WANT TO BE WET!!!!!!!!"
It was ridulous. And she knew it. She searched for a reason for her being upset.
And so, pulling out onto a busy road, and re-collecting myself, I could only call back to her tell her that I couldn't deal with her ridiculousness with me having other things to be upset about.
She seemed to understand where I was coming from. And a few seconds later, it kinda came together for her...
"I need to know when I am spending the night with Aunt Gi again."
I know what you mean Flynn.
6.23.2008
Highlights
of the weekend include...
- sleeping in Grammy's camper (& momma & daddy sleeping in their own tent)
- Flynn learning to use the brake on her big girl bike on level streets at the campground
- swimming in the pool, all of us, together
- the new Dora bug-catching kit
- Flynn's new rocks for her budding rock collection
- a fruit salad bigger than my head
- summer solstice moon
- hearing morning dew drip onto the tent
- doing our own family variety show at the campground's amphitheater (vid coming soon)
- tent naps
- roasted marshmallows
of today include...
- the bug man
- Flynn hearing the song, "You Never Let Go" & running to me yelling, "It's YOU NEVER LET GO, YOU NEVER LET GO!!!"
- my sis consenting to a last Grant's Farm trip before their departure in less than 40 hours
- Jeff taking the kids to the library & park before leaving for his soccer game (& I got to stay behind & do one of the four loads of laundry that await in the laundry room)
- Flynn being excited about carrying around a little Gideon New Testament & opening it & saying, "Would you read me this 'book'?"
- Flynn calling the dragonfly of rhinestones on her top, "Golden"
- Gabe's cocoa kiss when I was walking out the door this morning for staff meeting
- unpacking 'goods' from my sister's deserted pantry
- a full gas tank & a/c in my vehicle
- teaching the kids the 'robot' & seeing Gabe shake his boot'ay
- Gabe running to the potty at almost ten o'clock tonight; not making it in time & saying, "Oh man!"
- Gabe seeing Jeff's boo-boo (giant shin gash) after his game & voluntarily kneeling down & kissing it
- both kids cleaning Jeff's boo-boo & dressing it
6.20.2008
6.19.2008
In Case There Was Any Question
I'm crazy about my nieces.
Read below the email sent to my eldest niece (note: keep kleenex handy)
Dearest Pookie Sr,
I'm afraid this is goodbye. I figured the other day when Papa picked "yous" up, I wouldn't be seeing you again before you & your dad take out Sat a.m. But I didn't say anything cuz I didn't want to have to do an official good bye. I would've just gotten a red/swollen-eyed & my nose turns red like Nana's. Or A Allie's. Either one. And Flynn would've gotten upset & then every single human being in the world would fall prostate in tears, if Flynn would've cried. Big brown eyes w/ giant crocidile tears (all of a sudden, I can't spell crockidile/crocadile/crockadile/crotchdial).
It's all too familiar a scene ---- not too different from the one 17 years ago, when we came to see you on your BIRTHday. I remember how hard that was to tell you good bye (funny, I was 17 then too!) & how hard we all cried. Up until that point, I pretty much only loved myself but then you won the place in my heart & at that point, I loved no one else as much as you.
When Papa & I said good bye & both shed a few tears (him one, me one thousand), we drove off out of Clio & I cried & cried & cried. And Papa patted me & said, "You alright sugar?"
I hope you're only gone a few years this time too. So pls make a pact w/ me. NO GETTING MARRIED OUT THERE & NO SETTING UP ROOTS OUT THERE. You hear? You might have been born in MI & headed to CA, but MO is your home.
So take this as my good bye. You'll always be my Thumper, so don't be gone too long. Blow the horn all the way there. Make us proud. Quit growing up. You're beautiful, hope you know how much. (can you tell, lots of snippets of advice here) Always keep God #1. I couldn't be more proud of you. Smile, Jesus love you. Puppets forever. (sorry, gotta keep it real)
Love, love, love YOU! See you Soon.
Love,
Meme
Read below the email sent to my eldest niece (note: keep kleenex handy)
Dearest Pookie Sr,
I'm afraid this is goodbye. I figured the other day when Papa picked "yous" up, I wouldn't be seeing you again before you & your dad take out Sat a.m. But I didn't say anything cuz I didn't want to have to do an official good bye. I would've just gotten a red/swollen-eyed & my nose turns red like Nana's. Or A Allie's. Either one. And Flynn would've gotten upset & then every single human being in the world would fall prostate in tears, if Flynn would've cried. Big brown eyes w/ giant crocidile tears (all of a sudden, I can't spell crockidile/crocadile/crockadile/crotchdial).
It's all too familiar a scene ---- not too different from the one 17 years ago, when we came to see you on your BIRTHday. I remember how hard that was to tell you good bye (funny, I was 17 then too!) & how hard we all cried. Up until that point, I pretty much only loved myself but then you won the place in my heart & at that point, I loved no one else as much as you.
When Papa & I said good bye & both shed a few tears (him one, me one thousand), we drove off out of Clio & I cried & cried & cried. And Papa patted me & said, "You alright sugar?"
I hope you're only gone a few years this time too. So pls make a pact w/ me. NO GETTING MARRIED OUT THERE & NO SETTING UP ROOTS OUT THERE. You hear? You might have been born in MI & headed to CA, but MO is your home.
So take this as my good bye. You'll always be my Thumper, so don't be gone too long. Blow the horn all the way there. Make us proud. Quit growing up. You're beautiful, hope you know how much. (can you tell, lots of snippets of advice here) Always keep God #1. I couldn't be more proud of you. Smile, Jesus love you. Puppets forever. (sorry, gotta keep it real)
Love, love, love YOU! See you Soon.
Love,
Meme
6.18.2008
Giddy'Up!
I was invited along for a birthday celebration of a friend at church, who was turning '30'.
and where should a bunch of church girls go, but D&B's.
Back in our single &/or childless days, Jeff & I had some pretty good times there.
So many times, that we had racked up lots of 'points' on our D&B's card -- with no reason to spend them.
So when I added about a cool thousand to those points, I went to see my damage.
Imagine my shock (& everyone else's) when I realized I had enough points to buy the 3rd most expensive prize in the whole place....
This large stuffed, winny'ing, trotting, horse (cowboy not included):
I laughed hysterically, the rest of the night while I toted this around & out to the car, where I shoved it in the birthday girl's mom's trunk.
And because I didn't get home 'til about 2 am, I had to wait to show my kids the awesomeness. But it was well worth it, when they woke me at 7 am & I had this hiding in Daddy's bathroom.
6.17.2008
Tutu Cute
This was my favorite part (next to the blowing kisses part), a sure uterus ache indeed.
I don't know what she was doing here, but I could still take a bite out of her cheek for being so dern cute.6.15.2008
Happy Father's Day
To the Daddy who made me a Momma I say thank you.
The best gift I've ever received...
And to my Dad I say thank you for helping to shape me into the Momma I am today.
I always say that I hope my kids know just how lucky they are...to have such great men in their lives.
Happy Father's Day!
6.14.2008
The Apple Doesn't Fall Far....
My friend Amanda (momma to Madelyn) just sent me some fantastic photos from last night's BIG DANCE RECITAL. I couldn't help but get a big case of aching empty uterus. But, the uterus only aches for little girls dressed in a scrumptious pink & creme, fluffy tutu'ed ballet costume.
Anywho, this one in particular cracked me up. ..
Look at her. Her class is in the MIDDLE OF A PERFORMANCE. There is an audience of several hundred. Ballerinas are arabesquing & jete'ing & Pas de Basque'ing away. Look at Jordyn with both feet off the floor & arms in perfect form. It's also important to look at Madelyn, who is no doubt at this point looking at Flynn & wondering WHAT IN THE WORLD IS FLYNN DOING BACK THERE & WHY IS SHE MAKING THE OTHERS LAUGH. SHE IS GOING TO GET IN TROUBLE & IF I'M NOT CAREFUL, SHE'LL TAKE ME DOWN WITH HER...JUST LIKE MONDAY'S REHEARSAL.
I think it's probably no surprise at this point to tell you that for most of my life, in most settings, I've been the clown. In each situation, it's been of utmost importance to me to cut a joke, make everyone laugh, draw attention away from the focal point.
And it appears,
it's hereditary.
6.13.2008
Day 13 of No TV
Yep, tomorrow will make two weeks since our TV got scooted out of the livingroom, to make way for new flooring. And when that flooring was complete, I requested that Hot Hubby did not scoot it back.
It's very much habitual. Sometimes that's bad & sometimes it's not so bad. For me, TV was like a night cap. It was like a martini (is that a night cap?, show's you how much I know about night caps!) & the recliner was like my smoking jacket. And within minutes of turning on Millionaire, I'd be out like a light.
So far, on our 'break from tv', here's what I've accomplished:
nothing
I'd like to say that I've finished a book, or read 1/2 the bible, but I haven't. What I do know is that I haven't had to turn off the tv when no one's even in the room watching it. And I haven't had to worry about what the kids might accidentally see. Nor have they been the target of advertisement.
In the evenings, we've busied ourselves with talk or have migrated into our bedrooms.
Hot Hubs might have a thing or two to say differently. He's not on board.
BUT, his summer school classroom has cable.
So, he's getting his fix.
It's very much habitual. Sometimes that's bad & sometimes it's not so bad. For me, TV was like a night cap. It was like a martini (is that a night cap?, show's you how much I know about night caps!) & the recliner was like my smoking jacket. And within minutes of turning on Millionaire, I'd be out like a light.
So far, on our 'break from tv', here's what I've accomplished:
nothing
I'd like to say that I've finished a book, or read 1/2 the bible, but I haven't. What I do know is that I haven't had to turn off the tv when no one's even in the room watching it. And I haven't had to worry about what the kids might accidentally see. Nor have they been the target of advertisement.
In the evenings, we've busied ourselves with talk or have migrated into our bedrooms.
Hot Hubs might have a thing or two to say differently. He's not on board.
BUT, his summer school classroom has cable.
So, he's getting his fix.
6.11.2008
Mom's Taxi
I know she's only four, but I'm a little put-out at my girl right now & the feelings she has of ungratefulness & lack of appreciation for all the time I spend with her.
At least 20 times per day, she approaches me... usually with a book in her hand, wanting me to stop dead in my tracks, plop down on the couch, & read to her (or play with her, or take her somewhere, etc....etc.). When I give her my reply, "I can't right now, I'm [washing dishes] (insert any given chore I must do on a daily basis)", she gets mad, "You NEVER do anything with me."
ARE YOU KIDDING ME?
Yesterday, we spent each waking hour of the day (there was a lot of waking hours for she was napless yesterday) TOGETHER. She was by MY SIDE in every single moment, save for the few times at the park yesterday morning when she ran off to play with a friend.
Just now, she got frustrated at me because I wouldn't stop what I was doing to "read!, just this page!!"
So, I gave her 'what for':
"Flynn, how can you say I don't do anything with you???? Monday night, I took you to eat, to the library, & to visit with friends! Yesterday morning, we spent an hour & a half at the park with friends! Then went straight to McDonald's for a lunch date with friends...then onto the pool with our friends, where we swam for two hours. Then, we met Daddy for supper so that we could see him before his soccer camp. And then we played here at home & momma gave you a nice long massage before bed time.
Then we wake up this morning & all cook french toast together.
Maybe I'm spoiling you! Maybe you have too much to do & it's making you think that every minute I should be entertaining you!!"
After I calmed down, I called her aside:
"Does Momma have a job? At church? And what things do I do during the week, when we're not at the church?"
Flynn: "You send postcards to little kids."
Me: "Yes, and I help teachers & helpers by reminding them of when they help us & teach. And what if I didn't remind Miss Bitsi that she was going to be your teacher? She might not show up. And what if she showed up & said, 'Kids, I don't have anything to teach you because Miss Amy didn't buy curriculum this time. And we have no snack either.' Baby, I work hours each day to plan things for church, to organize things, I call people & make sure that families are happy."
She took it all in. Then I went on to break things down for her as for my responsibilities here at home....reminding her that if I didn't do laundry, we'd have no clothes to wear. That if we didn't clean we'd have bugs. Or would not be able to find anything.
She listened actively, as if she understood. She interjected things that I do. And I explained that the mornings or full days, that we spend doing fun things so that we have a good summer, that I have lots to do once I get home. And unfortunately don't have time to sit down any old time & read a book.
I felt we really understood each other. And when I was walking away from the bathroom, where we had our chat, she yelled out to me,
"Hey Mom! Can we go to Delaney's house?, we haven't been there in a long time."
Ugh.
At least 20 times per day, she approaches me... usually with a book in her hand, wanting me to stop dead in my tracks, plop down on the couch, & read to her (or play with her, or take her somewhere, etc....etc.). When I give her my reply, "I can't right now, I'm [washing dishes] (insert any given chore I must do on a daily basis)", she gets mad, "You NEVER do anything with me."
ARE YOU KIDDING ME?
Yesterday, we spent each waking hour of the day (there was a lot of waking hours for she was napless yesterday) TOGETHER. She was by MY SIDE in every single moment, save for the few times at the park yesterday morning when she ran off to play with a friend.
Just now, she got frustrated at me because I wouldn't stop what I was doing to "read!, just this page!!"
So, I gave her 'what for':
"Flynn, how can you say I don't do anything with you???? Monday night, I took you to eat, to the library, & to visit with friends! Yesterday morning, we spent an hour & a half at the park with friends! Then went straight to McDonald's for a lunch date with friends...then onto the pool with our friends, where we swam for two hours. Then, we met Daddy for supper so that we could see him before his soccer camp. And then we played here at home & momma gave you a nice long massage before bed time.
Then we wake up this morning & all cook french toast together.
Maybe I'm spoiling you! Maybe you have too much to do & it's making you think that every minute I should be entertaining you!!"
After I calmed down, I called her aside:
"Does Momma have a job? At church? And what things do I do during the week, when we're not at the church?"
Flynn: "You send postcards to little kids."
Me: "Yes, and I help teachers & helpers by reminding them of when they help us & teach. And what if I didn't remind Miss Bitsi that she was going to be your teacher? She might not show up. And what if she showed up & said, 'Kids, I don't have anything to teach you because Miss Amy didn't buy curriculum this time. And we have no snack either.' Baby, I work hours each day to plan things for church, to organize things, I call people & make sure that families are happy."
She took it all in. Then I went on to break things down for her as for my responsibilities here at home....reminding her that if I didn't do laundry, we'd have no clothes to wear. That if we didn't clean we'd have bugs. Or would not be able to find anything.
She listened actively, as if she understood. She interjected things that I do. And I explained that the mornings or full days, that we spend doing fun things so that we have a good summer, that I have lots to do once I get home. And unfortunately don't have time to sit down any old time & read a book.
I felt we really understood each other. And when I was walking away from the bathroom, where we had our chat, she yelled out to me,
"Hey Mom! Can we go to Delaney's house?, we haven't been there in a long time."
Ugh.
Beans, Beans, Good For the Heart...
...and I think you know the rest....
My MIL, who might be one of the best cooks I know, gave me this recipe. It appears to have been created as a dip, but MIL used as a side dish one evening & I fell in love.
It's a cool side dish, perfect for 95 degree days wrapped in 100% humidity.
Here it is in all its corny glory:
My MIL, who might be one of the best cooks I know, gave me this recipe. It appears to have been created as a dip, but MIL used as a side dish one evening & I fell in love.
It's a cool side dish, perfect for 95 degree days wrapped in 100% humidity.
Here it is in all its corny glory:
Sherry’s BEAN Dip
1 can pinto beans (drained)
1 can black beans (drained)
1 can Mexican style corn (with green and red peppers (drained)
2 cans Rotelle w/Cilantro and Lime
A few green onions sliced or small red onion chopped
Approx. 2 Tablespoons Italian Dressing
Dashes of chili powder, cumin and garlic
Marinate all for several hours (longer the better)
Drain most of the juice
If desired add 1 cup (+/-) sharp cheddar or Monteray Jack cheese
I add a bit of salt and fresh cilantro
(Can be eaten as a side dish or as an appetizer with Scoops)
6.09.2008
One Tough Cookie = Big Sis
I figured I had better blog this before I forget....
With us putting the floor in, there were a few different times the kids & I absolutely had to make a break for it. To get us out of Daddy's hair & to give them the chance to burn some pent-up energy.
One morning in particular, when PeePaw came over to help, I recognized the need (for all parties) for us to vacate the premises.
We went to Walgreens, wherein the children (who by the way, don't fit so well together in a walgreens cart) played like the monsters from WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE. They showed there terrible teeth & their terrible claws & made mischief in the seasonal aisle. Giant rubber balls bounced high & knocked large clocks (I know!, a big clock in a aisle full of sprinklers??!) onto their backsides. Large singing rubber ducks got cleared from their spot into Gabe's skinny two year old grip.
By the end of our trip there, I realized that the energy being expeled was mine. Gabe ran from my side into the parking lot, where my heart was swallowed by my stomach. In an attempt to grab his shoulder, shirt, anything, my finger nails (the only part of my grip not used up by my 4 bags of purchases) scratched his neck & drew blood.
Ugh!, I felt so bad. He cried so hard. I had to make it right....
"We'll head to the park!!"
But the wind & ominous skies started to blow something nasty in & I had no other choice.
McD's playplace.
Ugh.
Remember the ranch dressing??
I looked at the clock in the car. 9:44 am. How many kids could be there w/ dripping nuggets?
I told the kids as we approached the restaurant, "Momma's not totally sure we're staying because we're really here to return a video to the Redbox."
When we got in there, only one kid was there. I approached the area & it looked clean.
I also noted a sign with MUST WEAR SOCKS (available for purchase at counter). I looked down at my kids' croc-clad feet, no socks in sight. So, after getting my kids settled at the playplace, I sauntered toward the counter to purchase said socks & we happily played for the next 45 minutes.
What seems to be a trend is the grandmas who babysit their grandchildren & then proceed to take them to a playplace & then allow their wicked grandchild to terrorize the other kids while granny takes a break & reads or sits in a vegitative state.
Meanwhile, I watch my kid like a hawk so that they don't so much as breath a rule-breaking breath.
So, the terror-of-the-day was a little boy, about 4 or 5 - taller & stockier than either of my petite two. He reminded me of the tasmanian devil, flying through the tunnel at warp speed, knocking into kids, then running on with an evil smile upon his face. He slid down the slide behind Flynn who jammed her finger at the bottom of the slide. Flynn cried, which is rare, so I knew it hurt. And as he inched by her & peered down at her finger, he gave out a hearty laugh.
What I really wanted to do was to reach across & grab his cheshire grin & give it a squeeze. But I didn't get all hand that rocks the cradle on him.
Instead I gave him a little lesson in manners, "It's NOT funny when someone's hurt. QUIT LAUGHING."
And then I tripped him when he was walking away.
Just kidding.
Not really.
So, I was not surprised when I saw his mean shadow lurk through the tunnel toward the direction of my two.
And then heard, echoing through playland,
"HHEEEEEEEEEY! You do NOT push MY BROTHER!!!!!"
And soon after, the greasy little brat followed down after my two. They were in a strong embrace like they'd just survived the frightening rapids of the mighty Mississip.
The little (mean) boy, who incidentally reminded me of "Randal" on Monsters, Inc., followed them down. He looked at me, once he reached the ground, almost as if he expected me to say something to him.
But I think my girl took care of the situation.
She repeated the scenario to me once she got to where I sat proudly. I just nodded & smiled. But later, I wanted to make a bigger deal out of it. So when I laid beside her at "light nap", I told her of my pride,
"Flynn, when you defended Bubby today at playplace, Momma was so proud of you. That is your job, to take care of your brother. And it made me happy."
She looked at me, glad I giving her the props she deserves & figured she had better say a thing or two,
"He was mean & he was icky. He started to push us. And we started to fall....
and we grabbed each other....
and were falling...."
SILENCE
SILENCE
"falling...
falling in love."
And I started to laugh. And, when she should've been napping, we laid there giggling.
With us putting the floor in, there were a few different times the kids & I absolutely had to make a break for it. To get us out of Daddy's hair & to give them the chance to burn some pent-up energy.
One morning in particular, when PeePaw came over to help, I recognized the need (for all parties) for us to vacate the premises.
We went to Walgreens, wherein the children (who by the way, don't fit so well together in a walgreens cart) played like the monsters from WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE. They showed there terrible teeth & their terrible claws & made mischief in the seasonal aisle. Giant rubber balls bounced high & knocked large clocks (I know!, a big clock in a aisle full of sprinklers??!) onto their backsides. Large singing rubber ducks got cleared from their spot into Gabe's skinny two year old grip.
By the end of our trip there, I realized that the energy being expeled was mine. Gabe ran from my side into the parking lot, where my heart was swallowed by my stomach. In an attempt to grab his shoulder, shirt, anything, my finger nails (the only part of my grip not used up by my 4 bags of purchases) scratched his neck & drew blood.
Ugh!, I felt so bad. He cried so hard. I had to make it right....
"We'll head to the park!!"
But the wind & ominous skies started to blow something nasty in & I had no other choice.
McD's playplace.
Ugh.
Remember the ranch dressing??
I looked at the clock in the car. 9:44 am. How many kids could be there w/ dripping nuggets?
I told the kids as we approached the restaurant, "Momma's not totally sure we're staying because we're really here to return a video to the Redbox."
When we got in there, only one kid was there. I approached the area & it looked clean.
I also noted a sign with MUST WEAR SOCKS (available for purchase at counter). I looked down at my kids' croc-clad feet, no socks in sight. So, after getting my kids settled at the playplace, I sauntered toward the counter to purchase said socks & we happily played for the next 45 minutes.
What seems to be a trend is the grandmas who babysit their grandchildren & then proceed to take them to a playplace & then allow their wicked grandchild to terrorize the other kids while granny takes a break & reads or sits in a vegitative state.
Meanwhile, I watch my kid like a hawk so that they don't so much as breath a rule-breaking breath.
So, the terror-of-the-day was a little boy, about 4 or 5 - taller & stockier than either of my petite two. He reminded me of the tasmanian devil, flying through the tunnel at warp speed, knocking into kids, then running on with an evil smile upon his face. He slid down the slide behind Flynn who jammed her finger at the bottom of the slide. Flynn cried, which is rare, so I knew it hurt. And as he inched by her & peered down at her finger, he gave out a hearty laugh.
What I really wanted to do was to reach across & grab his cheshire grin & give it a squeeze. But I didn't get all hand that rocks the cradle on him.
Instead I gave him a little lesson in manners, "It's NOT funny when someone's hurt. QUIT LAUGHING."
And then I tripped him when he was walking away.
Just kidding.
Not really.
So, I was not surprised when I saw his mean shadow lurk through the tunnel toward the direction of my two.
And then heard, echoing through playland,
"HHEEEEEEEEEY! You do NOT push MY BROTHER!!!!!"
And soon after, the greasy little brat followed down after my two. They were in a strong embrace like they'd just survived the frightening rapids of the mighty Mississip.
The little (mean) boy, who incidentally reminded me of "Randal" on Monsters, Inc., followed them down. He looked at me, once he reached the ground, almost as if he expected me to say something to him.
But I think my girl took care of the situation.
She repeated the scenario to me once she got to where I sat proudly. I just nodded & smiled. But later, I wanted to make a bigger deal out of it. So when I laid beside her at "light nap", I told her of my pride,
"Flynn, when you defended Bubby today at playplace, Momma was so proud of you. That is your job, to take care of your brother. And it made me happy."
She looked at me, glad I giving her the props she deserves & figured she had better say a thing or two,
"He was mean & he was icky. He started to push us. And we started to fall....
and we grabbed each other....
and were falling...."
SILENCE
SILENCE
"falling...
falling in love."
And I started to laugh. And, when she should've been napping, we laid there giggling.
Monday Redbox Code
Enter this code at the Redbox for a free flick....but ONLY TODAY:
6TK2A3
Redbox movies are only rented for one day.
6TK2A3
Redbox movies are only rented for one day.
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