Note to self: Have a plan

I decided sometime last night that today would be an easy day. "Easy day" to me includes one free of strict plans and a "take life as it comes" attitude. Normally, I like to have a plan for my day, so this fly by the seat of my pants mentality does not come naturally for me.

The kids were both up and wide wake by 6 a.m. this morning. That in itself wasn't so bad, but life with kids is never that simple. By 8:30 a.m. we'd already made it to our first park of the day. We had a fun time and left without any tears, fights, or fits. I was preparing to leave the house so I could pick-up my second bottle of medicine for my swimmer's ear (that I got in the shower by the way) at Walgreen's when I heard a horrible scream coming from the backyard. Mia had taken a fall in the jungle (seriously, that's what it looks like) and was a mess. I feel bad saying this, but I'm kinda glad she fell because that's the only way I would have discovered that she had taken my wallet and all it's contents into the jungle with her. And because our jungle includes a whole lotta ivy, I don't think I would have ever discovered it. Ever.

Alright, so Mia was happy to be repaired with a band-aid and I had my wallet. I thought we were all good when Spencer yelled, "Mom, why is Cooper in the front yard?". I don't make a habit of allowing our dogs loose in the front yard for a lot of reasons, but a major one is the semi-busy traffic. I figured Cooper had found a hole some where in the fence, but after searching and searching I had no idea how in the world he'd made it out front short of hopping the fence which he'd never do. I quizzed the kids and got the confession I, at this point, was expecting. Apparently Mia found herself a bit of free time and decided to give Cooper his wish and let him out front. Nice.

So, we finally headed out for our seemingly innocuous trip to Walgreen's. We made it all the way to the register before an unforgettably embarrassing event took place. Spencer's incredibly observant and I might add, equally nosy. We had to wait just long enough in line to give him time to look at all the goodies at the check-out stand. This is when he noticed the KY lubricant gel and loudly announced, "Hey, I recognize this stuff. You and Daddy have this in your drawer at our house!" I'm not sure who was more embarrassed, me or the teenage checker boy.

After our stop at the drugstore, we went to our second park trip of the day and mind you, it was only 11:00 a.m. Our time at the park passed without any major events other than some big tears shed by little Mia as we were being chased by the geese. Woo-hoo!

I had a huge pile of laundry waiting for me at home, so I banished the kids to the backyard (foolish me), and tried to tackle the task. It didn't take long for a shout from Spencer beckoning the need of my presence in the backyard for something he promised was really "cool". Do you know what was so "cool"? I'll tell you...a just freshly filled pool with a few buckets of added dirt.

Cool, huh?

I love this guy. He makes me melt because he's hot and occasionally, he makes me mad.

He just knew the kids and I would love the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see three (yes, three) helicopters land right before our eyes.

Seriously, he's killing me

Tonight I had a little chance to sneak in some one-on-one time with Spencer.  We were eating a (small) bowl of ice cream when he asked me, "Mom, do you think there really is no pain in heaven just like God promises?"  I believe that to be the truth, and I told him so.  His reply (the killing me part) was, "Well, I'm picturing it in my head right now and I see Great Grandpa swinging from the trees on a swing.  He fell and it didn't hurt him at all."  He then went on to theorize his belief that there must be dirt below the grass even in heaven "or it would just be concrete and that would hurt."

Then, the kid picked out 'Love you Forever' to read before bed.  

I love that kid.  I really, really do.

T-Ball pictures

Spencer's t-ball season continues, but not for long. There's only one game left and I think I'll miss it. Yes, even the practices.

Mia was in bed and up from her nap when I snapped these pictures. She's had a problem climbing out of her crib lately and its been something we've discussed over and over again. We're learning that along with a good sense of willpower, there is a good deal of stubbornness.

Maybe I didn't catch her in the act this time, but I'm pretty sure I didn't dress her in these stockings with that dress.

Yep, I would have remembered putting a mitten on that foot too.

Geez. How could I not laugh this time.

You give a boy a camera...

...and this is what you get.

And I specifically asked that he take pictures of the t-ball team. I am not part of the t-ball team thank you very much.

I'm not his mother, I swear!

The three of us took our dogs for a walk this evening.  Spencer begged (and begged some more) to walk Scout all by himself.  I waited to give him the reins once we were on a non-residential sidewalk with a straight shot view of the entire street so I could keep watch for other dogs.  Scout is good about staying on the sidewalk, but if he sees another dog then he's all about breakin' the rules.  I did see a dog coming our way on the opposite side of the street and told Spencer I'd need to take over.  Once we were within ear shot distance from the couple and the dog, Spencer asked, "What kind of dog is that?"  I wasn't sure and I replied so.  I should have known the answer would be found insufficient as Spencer blurted out, "I think he's a baby eater!" (pitbull).

Which is about when I felt like finding my very own box to crawl into.

One can never draw enough circles.  

Or can they?

All dressed up and some place to go!

Okay, so we weren't really dressed up, but we really did have some place to go.  

Little Mia

Mother's Day

Having the three of us in a picture and cooperating (somewhat) is no small feat.

Probably never would have happened if Daddy hadn't reminded the kids it was Mother's Day...and they hadn't picked up a gift yet :)

Move-in ready...

...wouldn't you say?!

I'm hearing crickets, folks!

Our portable garden

Because of our upcoming move, our garden had to be made portable this year.  All that work that went into our raised vegetable garden last year....bummer.

With the help of my children (ha,ha), I planted four tomato plants, cilantro, oregano, rosemary, basil, thyme and bell pepper.  The rosemary and oregano were transplants from our garden that somehow survived the frigid winter temperatures.  Later, we'll also dig up and transplant our two blueberry bushes, blackberry vine, artichoke and strawberry plants.   

I recycled a few pots I had laying around and then found some at my Grandpa's place.  I displaced a few spiders and did a little screaming, but it was worth it.  I love the rustic look of the terra cotta pots.

I found a neat idea here and used old bits of fabric I had hiding away in a craft box.  Low cost and cute, I think anyway.

Pure bliss!

We're lovin' the warm weather!  The kids had some fun with the mister which I convinced them was just as fun as the water wasting sprinkler.  I believe they agreed, don't you think?

We're moving!

I don't think I've mentioned this yet, but we will be moving sometime before June 1st Lord willing.

We plan to rent out our place, so if you know of anyone looking to rent a home in Antioch, let me know.  We have a listing on Craig's list, but I re-list every few days, so there's not much point in posting a link here.  I can forward the link to anyone who might be interested though.

A cheap and easy Easter project

We made a few of the same cards last year, but I'm hoping everyone will just have a temporary case of memory lapse.

I found the idea in a MOPS magazine and I thought it was cute.  We don't do the Easter bunny thing, but who can pass up a thumb print bunny?!  Technically, its really a thumb print face and pinky print ears.  I used regular white paint and dusted the wet paint with some glitter that I had on hand.  The kids made the bunnies and I drew on the face after that paint had dried.  Inside printing and scribbling courtesy of the kids.

A girl and her blanket

My dad called and asked that I come by Grandpa's place sometime soon and pick-up all the belongings I requested.  A few weeks ago, I went to the house along with my sister and two cousins to sift through the place.  We were instructed to use post-it notes and label anything we wanted.  It was weird to do such a thing, but we had a nice time reminiscing.  Really, it couldn't have been more pleasant.

While I was at Grandpa's this afternoon, I decided to quickly look through a small box of handkerchiefs and such.  Among the small pile I saw my old pair of Raggedy Ann shorts I wore as pajama bottoms.  Of course I just had to pick those up for Mia.

At the bottom of the pile I found something I'd call a purse, but what do I know?  Anyways, I picked up the "purse" because I thought it was pretty.  I was looking at all the stitching when I noticed there was something inside.  I pulled out what I thought was a piece of fabric and immediately I recognized the cloth.  Initially, I believed it was familiar because my Grandma might have used the fabric for some sewing project that I vaguely remembered.  Then I pulled out the second piece of fabric just like the first except for a satin edging.  It was then I knew without a doubt that the tattered pieces of cloth I was holding were cut from my blankie.  I'm not sure how I acquired my blanket as a child, but when I was little I was never without it.  It became another appendage.  At times, a very stinky appendage.

At one point my then step-dad threatened to toss my blanket.  I was upset of course, and I told my Grandma about this.  More than likely she was just as tired of blankie, but she loved me enough to compromise.  I clearly remember her cutting a few small squares from my blanket for me to keep.  I'm not sure how these pieces eventually ended up in this purse, but my discovery was sweet.  

I called my dad and told him about finding pieces of my blanket tucked away in that little purse.  Without any prompting he said, "Your yellow blanket?".  Yep, I guess you'd call it yellow, or maybe yellowed, but we were talking about the very same blanket.  He thinks my Grandma may have placed the pieces of my blanket in the purse so I'd never find them.

I disagree.

Dying eggs with the kids

Our last little project together before Alfonso gets home tonight was egg dying.  After five full days by myself I honestly am worn out, but I promised and the kids have great memories.  Except when I ask either of them to do their chores...hmmmm.  

We had fun and as with most projects, the clean-up always takes twice as long as the project itself.  Spencer wanted to do a little experimenting with the left over dye, which I okayed as long as he didn't spill.  I was in the other room and I heard him say, "Oops, sorry Mom.  I only spilled a little."  After he said this several times, I thought I should go check and see what his definition of "little" was.  Well, all the littles turned into one, big wet mess.  Thankfully, our table has seen worse and it appears it will survive alright.

Did I mention how excited I am to see my husband?!  Five days is just too long.  I hate to admit it, but I may have lost my patience once or twice the last few days.  I've heard many "hell (help) me, Mom" from Mia and Spencer's asked one too many times, "What's next?"  I swear the kid thinks I'm a part-time tour guide.  But I really do love my kids.  A lot.

I'll tell you what's next...BEDTIME!

Easter Story Cookies

We made these cookies last year after I received the recipe at MOPS.  We're going to make them again this year because I want our family to celebrate the real meaning behind Easter.  I'm so thankful I have a Savior who died for me; I certainly did nothing to deserve His grace, but He did it anyway.

Easter Story Cookies (make the night before Easter)

1 cup whole pecans

1 tsp vinegar

3 egg whites

pinch of salt

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

zip lock bag

wooden spoon

duct tape or packing tape

Bible

parchment paper

1.  Preheat oven to 300 degrees.  For best results, make sure you begin with beaters and a glass or stainless steel mixing bowl that is free of grease and is dry.

2.  Place pecans in zip-lock plastic bag and let the children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces.  Explain that after Jesus was arrested, the Roman soldiers beat him. Read John 19:1-3

3. Let each child smell the vinegar.  Put one teaspoon vinegar into the mixing bowl.  Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross, he was given vinegar to drink.  Read John 19:28-30

4. Add egg whites that are at room temperature to vinegar.  Eggs represent life.  Explain that Jesus gave his life to give us life.  Read John 10:10-11

5. Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand.  Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl.  Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers and the bitterness of our sin.  Read Luke 23:26-28

6. So far, the ingredients are not very appetizing.  Add one cup of sugar.  Explain that the sweet part of the story is that Jesus died because he loves us.  He wants us to know him and belong to him.  Read Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16

7. Beat the ingredients with a mixer on high speed for 12-15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed.  Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus.  Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3

8. Fold in broken nuts and mini-chocolate chips. Drop by teaspoons onto the parchment paper covered cookie sheet.  Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid.  Read Matthew 27:57-60

9. Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn off the oven.  Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door.  Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed.  Read Matthew 27:65-66

10. Tell the kids it's time to go to bed!  Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight.  Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed.  Read John 16: 20 and 22

On Easter morning

Open the oven and give everyone a cookie.  Notice the cracked surface and take a bite.  The cookies are hollow!  On the first Easter, Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty.  He has risen! Read Matthew 28:1-9

Spencer's awarded the coveted game ball!

The kid was beyond thrilled.  He did awesome and in my opinion, deserved the ball, but I'm very much partial.  

It looks like his coaches agreed with me, so there!