True Happiness

I know that we are only 4 days into the year but I just have a feeling that 2010 is going to be a GOOD good year.  I am so sorry, that song has been stuck in my head for days.  What 2010 and tonight…. they are interchangeable, right? 

That is one of Lauren’s favorite songs so we play it often.  My little baby girl started preschool in 2009.  It wasn’t bad enough that she already believed that she thought that she was 4 years old so that meant that she ALREADY knew everything, (Her words, not mine) but now she thinks that she is old enough to start planning her wedding.  (I tell her that she has to wait until she is 30).

This little “Know It All” skipped past the stage of life where she felt the “need” to discover herself.  She came out of my womb already knowing.  At the age of 3, she began telling people that she is going to be a “Choirpractor” (chiropractor) when she grows up.  (Hey, I have to make a big deal about the way she says it.  It’s the only word that makes her sound like she is 4.  Most of the time, I feel like I am talking to a 20 year old).  She is already saving for college.  I tell her that she has to save her money because mommy & daddy are broke.  (I have to say that every time we go to the grocery store or we would come home with the store.  These kids LOVE to eat and they have high metabolisms).

I joke, but my daughter’s unwavering faith in God is truly refreshing.  She is so strong willed, but as long as that strong will is in line with her faith then she is destined to make this world a better place, whether we like it or not.  She doesn’t have a problem righting things that are wrong, and telling others to do so as well.  (She could care less if the person is supposed to be her authority figure… they better shape up & step up to the plate). 

While I am a little excited that she is so mature for her age, I also can’t help but want to pick her up and snuggle with her and still sing all the sweet lullabies that she begs me to sing for her.  (Pretty soon she will realize that Mommy sings REALLY out of tune).  Life passes so fast, I just want to push pause and hold onto this moment.  Right here.  Listening to her infectious laughter and squeals as she plays in the snow.

I love her zest for life and how she isn’t afraid to take on a new challenge.  I admire her love to be social.  Ok, for her it’s not so much a love, but a need.  She enjoys being a part of other people’s lives as well as touching there lives and leaving an impression.  She is constantly thinking of others and is daily drawing pictures for multiple people.  Note to family & friends, mailwoman, cable guy, and Don, the electrician:  I am sure that we have at least 20 cards, notes, and pictures for each of you.

It wasn’t that long ago that my OB said that I wasn’t going to have kiddos and then viola!  My little gift from Heaven arrived 11 months later.  She is truly a miracle and has always been one of the greatest blessings that I have ever experienced in my life. 

I am so excited that Corey & I get to share such a blessed experience in parenting this little beauty.

Readers,

Beware.  Lauren turns 5 in ten days so this is probably not the last post dedicated to how much I love Lauren that you will see in the next few weeks.  I may or may not turn into a sappy mess by then. 

Please forgive, misspellings and run-on sentences that may be worse than normal.  It is really late (or early I guess) and I am operating on no sleep. 

Until Later,

Sleepy.  aka Jessica

What Makes You Smile

Thank you DAD! 

My father is one of those men that is not only my father, but also my best friend.  It speaks pretty loudly to the kind of man that he is because I am not his only child to call him their best friend.  Actually, six of us do!

He is an amazing man that encourages us all to continue growing stronger and learning in all areas of our lives.  After all, God didn’t put us here to become stagnant.  And despite what Lauren thinks, no one knows EVERYTHING.

We’ve all experienced not-so-enjoyable moments and stressful situations in life.  It’s almost inevitable, but it’s how we respond to those situations that define the kind of person that you are.  These are all situations that we can learn from and our responses should get better each time and hopefully grow more mature as we learn.

One of the best bits of advise that he’s given me is to be kind, be strong, and always forgive.

Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. – Ephesians 4:32

Although, we are human!  It’s not always as easy as it sounds, right?  Well wrong.  We are in control of our thoughts.  We are capable of choosing to go walking around pissed off, with a chip on our shoulder, or feeling like a victim.  Then again we are also capable of taking control of our outlook on life and choosing to be positive.

My dad shared this knowledge by telling me one of his college stories. 

No it’s not that kind of college stories… Goodness, what did you do in college?

He conducted an experiment.  He would take his subject talk to them about something that really upset them.  Sometimes, it would take a bit… but, soon he would find their button and the subject would open up and share about whatever it was that upset them, it be their job, school, professor, husband/wife, boyfriend/ girlfriend, kids, or parents.

After he encouraged them to talk about the negative subject, only re-upsetting themselves as they retold the stories.  He would wait until they were apparently upset and then hand them a piece of paper and pencil and then ask them to list things that made them happy.  As he handed them the paper, he would begin timing just how long it took for them to change their mindset and begin to think of things of a positive nature. 

As he explained this to me, he made me realize that we all have a switch and that we are in control over that switch. 

Can you instantly begin thinking of things that make you happy?  How long does it take you to be positive after focusing on negative thoughts?

Some people may take seconds, minutes, hours, days, and some may not be able to begin thinking of “happy thoughts”.  As we mature and gain control of our mindset then it is much easier to truly be kind to even the person that is creating those negative emotions.  I always try to remember that God created them too, and that He made us all.  Who are we to chose to be rude to one of His creations?  We are ALL human.  We ALL make mistakes.

Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. - Colossians 3:13

Sweetness

This little girl is my sweet little princess.

And just in case anyone is wondering, yes, I am saving this picture for her senior year. I have already created a “special” folder for that wonderful occasion. Just in case she decided to erase it when she gets older, I have it backed up & hidden. Just thinking of the tortured screams that will follow when she realizes what photos I have set aside for that wonderful senior exhibition, makes me laugh to no end. Ahhh, the simple pleasures of life.

Never Say NEVER

For the most part I could say that I gave birth to two of the sweetest, snuggly, loving children.

I might add, who run VERY fast and love being chased.  His giggles while being pursued are the sweetest sound.

And who may someday be voted as the class clown.  She loves to see people laugh and will gladly act as goofy as it takes to bring smiles to those around her.

However, like every child they have moments that make me wonder what they are thinking, or if they are even thinking at all. 

Life with these two is constant comedy.

Recently I came across an old notebook with so many funny stories of the kids and lists pertaining to them when they were younger.  This one may make you giggle, just plain gross you out, or both.  Enjoy.

********************************

So me of these things I thought that I would never say because of the effect that these words had on me, others are phrases I thought that I would never say because I thought that they sounded ridiculous, and THEN there are the phrases that I thought that I would never NEED to say… or at least I hoped that I wouldn’t..

 “Evan stop licking food off your sister’s fingers.”

“Because I said so.” (The classic among all generations).

“Please quit trying to EAT the dogs ears… she doesn’t bite your ears.”

“I know you are tired when we get home you can take a nap, but there’s no reason to be overdramatic and lay down in the street.”  To which my child replied, “I DON’T NEED A NAP… just a very short rest time… like 5 seconds or so but NOT in my bed because I might fall asleep and I DON’T NEED A NAP.”

“Please take your feet off the table, we are at a restaurant.”

While eating lunch with my brother-in-law and one of his buddies, my husband, and the kids…

“Is HE Uncle ____’s boyfriend?”

“No sweetie.  Your uncle doesn’t have a boyfriend, just a girlfriend.”

After being bombarded with more questions at the table with her uncle and his friend directly in front of us, I whispered, “Shhhh, I will tell you what a girlfriend & boyfriend is later tonight.”  I was totally wanting to postpone this conversation until she was 18 years old!

“Please stop spitting your gum in my hand, please put it in the trash.  And please stop trying to put it my hair.”

“Please take the rock out of your mouth.  We don’t eat rocks!!  They hurt your teeth and you could choke on it.” (Do I really need to explain why we don’t eat rocks? seriously).  Just the thought still makes me laugh.

“Stop biting my shirt.  We don’t eat clothes.”  Once again, I am amazed that I have to tell them this… boys are so different from girls!

“I think that it’s awesome that you want to clean up the dog poo, but please use a poo bag or the shovel.  DON’T pick it up with your hands.”  This was my husband… just kidding.  LOL.  He’s going to kill me for that.

“Please don’t lick the spoon that we use to stir the dog food.”

“This is going to hurt me more than it will you.”

“Please stop touching your man-parts.” (I thought that I would have to say that when he was 12 years old, but not 2 years old).

Now that the kids are older, I have many new “Never Sayings”.  So I just may have to have a sequel to this post in the future.  That is, IF your stomachs can handle it.

Technorati Tags: kids,funny,parenting,never,Because I said so,poop,clothes

I Don't Want You to Miss A Thing!!!

Evan is so sweet & thoughtful. He is so tender that sometimes it seems surreal.

Today he just finished with his snacks & was heading upstairs and began yelling, "Hey Mom, I Wuv You!"

To which of course I replied, " I LOVE you too"

But it didn't stop there" HEY MOOOOM, I WUUUUUV YOU, Come and See"

I walked around the corner beaming and expecting one of his huge bear hugs. I was met with lots of laughter and this...

Evan (Laughing): See my food mommy, do you see it?

And instead of the hug I was pinched.... :-)

This post comes with a warning label

WARNING: for those of you that have a weak stomach, here is your warning to pull up the trash can.

Corey thinks it's absolutely funny & is almost in tears every time he relays the story, but his stomach is made of steel.

Due to our ever-changing Oklahoma weather Corey's sinuses have been terrible for the last two months. He has tried everything and unfortunately did not receive any relief. Until about two weeks ago a patient walked in his door and told him about Mucinex nasal spray. I don't know who this patient is, but I envision them with a hallow and wings. If that kind patient is a reader, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU. Anyway, while the spray has not removed his allergies it definitely has helped him to breath. The next morning, Corey was using the nasal spray and after carefully studying him Lauren asked, "Daddy what are you doing?"

Daddy: I am using this so I can breath better.

(After seeing visions of Lauren putting things up her or Evan's nose so they can breath better, I felt the need to make sure that she understood that this was special medicine).

Mom: Daddy's nose is stuffed up and he uses this special medicine to get the boogies out so he can breath.

Lauren took a brief second to process this then she turned to us & said,"You mean, so he doesn't have to use his finger?"

Farewell 2008

I am still a baby blogger ( I have only been blogging for a month and a half ) so I don't have many posts to choose from, but Lauren & Evan helped me choose a few favorites this morning. Looking back at some of these has reminded me just how lucky I am to have these two amazing kids that keep me laughing everyday.

The Pregnancy Epidemic
"About six months ago... It's a question that every parent fears. "Where do babies come from?" For me, when the question arose it felt like something out of a horror movie. My heart began to pound like the hooves of a racehorse ..."

What A Day
"Every day is definitely an adventure with my little ones. I never know what to expect next, but I can always count on being amused by them. Today was a typical ..."

Aquaphor, The Cure All (Another Funny)
"As always when we go anywhere, it seems we found a line. Lauren doesn't mind this, she enjoys meeting new people and looks at these lines as a great opportunity. I was proud... they were actually behaving in line today. After a few minutes, the man standing in front of me ..."

We Are Not Worthy
"A few nights ago, the moon was so breathtaking and bright that the night sky was a beautiful blue. The roads were busy with people traveling home from work but ..."

Our Football Fans
"However, every time a touchdown was scored Daddy (Grandpa) jumped up, scooped up Lauren & babies, and did his victory dance. After the fourth touchdown in the first third of the game she has given up on "house" and broke out the mardigras beads..."

Let's Make A Deal
"Don't get me wrong, this IS an everyday occurance but today her reasoning and excuses are catching me off guard and making me laugh more than normal. I have ..."

Let's Make A Deal

I don't know if it's the post Christmas attitude or what, but whatever it is better end soon! Today I feel like I have been negotiating with our governments best negotiator over candy, no naps, not wanting to pick up toys, clothes etc.

Don't get me wrong, this IS an everyday occurance but today her reasoning and excuses are catching me off guard and making me laugh more than normal. I have had people tell me just to spank her, but with her it isn't that easy. I know this is a controversal subject but I totally believe in spankings. However, her behind is immune to them (or at least mine). We have found that the ultimate punishment for Lauren is grounding her or putting the favorite toy of the moment in time out. As for Evan, he's easy, just give him a stern look and it breaks his little heart & he will apologize and try to make amends. If THE LOOK doesn't work a spanking always will (with him).

Many of today's conversations went a little like this one:

Lauren: Hey Mom, let's make a deal. I will obey will tomorrow IFFFF you let me not take a nap AND play with my leapster RIGHT NOW.

Mom: Hey Lauren, I've got a deal for you; You lay down & take your nap or I'll give your leapster away to someone less fortunate. (She knows I'm serious... She has seen me give away more and without a reason).

She went to bed & was successful at resisting sleep but rested for the allotted nap time. So this one was a draw.

Consequently, after todays little verbal matches with my three year old daugter I absolutely agree that people should take classes before becoming a parent. I could definitely benefit from a negotiating without laughing 101 course.

Christmas Spirit...

... we are still working on it.

When it comes to helping others, Lauren runs to the front of the line. She LOVES helping and giving things to others. But at Christmas, the one time of the year that we are supposed to give, she only thinks of receiving and what Santa is going to bring her.

We were shopping at the store and purchasing a few last minute Christmas gifts for nieces & nephews. While standing at the register, Lauren asked "Where are MY toys". I responded by telling her that we don't buy Christmas presents for ourselves that we buy for others and give gifts to OTHER people.

She gave it another shot, "Please."

"No Toys, besides you guys haven't exactly behaved while shopping today. Lauren was smashing Evan in the cart and he was being fussy. You guys know that I'm not going to reward that behavior. Why would I want to buy toys?" I explain to her thinking that she knew the rules and couldn't argue with that.

I underestimated her though she turned to me with her cutest face, head tilted slightly, "Well Mom because you LOVE me and I LIKE them."

My first thought was, she's only 3 and knows how to pull my heart strings... I'm screwed. Of course, she did NOT get a toy, but she did get a good laugh from me. Her little wit amuses me to no end.

Flashback Friday

It all started last year, she was only two years old and loved everything princess, doesn't every little girl? So we bought her a Disney princess movie and were excited about... well let's face it... how excited she was at the time. Life was good.

Later that evening, Dad just got home and we were sitting down eating dinner together. It was all quite cozy and then it happened... the sun went down immediately, the lights flickered, and then out of her mouth came THE WORDS... "Dad, you are ruining my life," and then she covered her eyes with her tiny hands and then exasperated, she slammed her head & hands on the table. What was dear old dad doing to RUIN a 2 yr old life, you ask... he simply told her to eat her vegetables. I had to cover my face with my napkin & then step out of the room to hide my laughter. Normally I wouldn't think this attitude was funny but well let's face it... it wasn't directed at me and it was over veggies. Once she actually tasted them she ate all of them but we did have to deal with the drama first. After things cooled down, he came back to the table and my poor bewildered husband asked where his innocent little girl learned such a hate-filled statement.

I hated to deflate our balloon full of happiness but I had to be the bearer of bad news... it was Disney. I'm not knocking Disney, after all they have made some of my all-time favorite movies. But as we both already knew our daughter was in the middle of her "Mimic" stage, she would repeat everything she heard and saw throughout the day. She would take it all in and then apply it within the next few days... it was always easy to tell what those around us were up to just by watching our daughter. She was amazing. So like she did with everything else, she watched the show then played it out. I had to explain to Corey what happened in the movie; Miss Princess wasn't allowed to marry the one she wanted because he wasn't a prince, so she told her dad that he was ruining her life. As I was replaying the movie for him, I was still laughing and enjoying myself a little too much. I explained to him, hey we gotta give her credit she totally used it in the correct context .

We still watch Disney, but we decided to shelf the princess movies for a few years. We aren't ready for the drama, the temper tantrums and ughhhh... the whining. The Princess movies have great moral stories to teach but for now we'll find another way for her to learn them, without the baggage.

My Poor Lil Baby Boy

Little Evan,

It hurts my heart to see you like this. The last two days have not been very easy for you, you've had a high fever, chills, runny nose, and a nasty cough. If I could take it away and suffer for you, I would in a heartbeat. In the picture above, you are wanting to eat, you put in a specific order knowing exactly what you wanted for lunch, but when I made it for you, you couldn't eat. You were full after just a few bites... all that darned drainage. You already have a few passions in life and food is at the top of that list. (You get that from me). So when you looked at the food that still remained on your plate with such a sad face, I totally understood. It was as if you were saying goodbye to your best friend that you wouldn't see for a LONG few HOURS, which is FOREVER in two year old time. That expression on your face said it all, but you asked me to please save your food in case you made room in your belly. Afterall, we couldn't abandon a friend like that; your motto, "No food left behind".

As my son, you have changed my view of parenthood in many ways teaching me new things everyday. Once I was listening to a friend griping about her job; how her boss didn't appreciate her and she worked her tail off without any breaks and no thank you's. I wanted to tell her, "well stop accepting a paycheck and you've just defined a SAHM (stay at home mom)". But realized that wouldn't be productive so I just let her vent and it's a good thing because the very next day, after I changed one of your many diapers (you were barely one year old at the time) you turned back to me before running to grab a toy & dash off and said, "Tay too" (a.k.a Thank you). I sat there for a minute feeling stunned and so appreciated. I had NEVER heard a child ever thank someone for changing a diaper... it's a given as your parents, we are SUPPOSED to change them. Well that was just the beginning, you still make me feel very appreciated and I love taking care of you. I couldn't dream of a better job. I thank God for letting me have the opportunity!!!!!

You have changed my life in so many ways, and have shown me love like I've never experienced before. Your sweet tender soul has taught me so much about God and God's love that I am amazed on a daily basis. I thank God everyday for my two beautiful blessings that He has brought into my life and I pray that I am all that He wants me to be for YOU.

You are the sweetest little boy and you melt my heart each and every day.

I am praying that you get better soon little one. I look forward to seeing you bouncing off the walls again soon.

I love you!

Mom

Evan all wrapped up in his comforter because of the chills waiting for his lunch to cook

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree

I realize that this post is old (11/28/2008) but I was waiting to get the pictures from my camera. After all they say that a picture is worth a thousand words, so I guess I am REALLY trying to save you reading time. :-)

I absolutely love the holidays and decorating for Christmas. This year I had the outdoor lights up a few weeks before Thanksgiving and I was just waiting for the clock to strike midnight so I could flip the switch. I would love to say that I was more patient with the tree, but I can't. I had the big red totes sitting in our living room for a week before I could actually open the lids. And I do mean "could"... you tell a two and three year old no they can't break out the goods after they have seen all the sparkling decorations and twinkling lights. For that matter tell a 33 year old that... getting the "no" through to me in that situation isn't much better.

During that moment, and only during that moment, I understand what happens when a My Little Pony commercial comes on TV (I've banned TV during the holidays... too many commercials)... she goes into tunnel vision, she can't hear me, a fire truck driving through the living room, much less her brother who is lying under her screaming "Geta offa me" in his 2 yr old language because she stopped dead in her tracks when the commercial began ON TOP OF HIM. The great news is that as soon as it ends she regains all of her senses, she can suddenly hear again, see the rest of the world, and feel that she is on top of her thrashing brother who is trying to get loose. (The funny part of that is she can't hold onto him when she is trying... only when she is in the My Little Pony trance can she best him in wrestling). Once I get Lauren off Evan and wipe the drool off her face... I wish I could say that it wasn't that bad, but it is. Now just picture a grown woman going through that with Christmas decorations. I know it's pathetic, but I don't regret any of it, not a single once of drool. :-)

MY LITTLE HELPERS

Evan's favorite part of the evening was the hot chocolate

A Perfect End to a Perfect Evening

The pregnancy epidemic

About six months ago... It's a question that every parent fears. "Where do babies come from?" For me, when the question arose it felt like something out of a horror movie. My heart began to pound like the hooves of a racehorse and my thoughts were racing through my mind... which story should I choose. I thought back (yes, WAY back), to what my mother told me... OH DEAR LORD... no way, that version was entirely too graphic and disgustingly detailed. It sounded like she was reading it from a medical journal. So I went with the stork version. She laughed and didn't believe me, but the distraction worked. I dodged that one... now hopefully it won't come back up for 15 more years.

About three months ago... Corey, Lauren, & I had to go to the dermatologist for our annual skin checkup. Unfortunately we were both blessed with beautiful skin that loves close attention from a doctor and we passed that on to our lovely daughter. Knowing my husband, I scheduled our appointments together so he couldn't sneak out the back door or just find something else that HAD to be done at that specific moment. So Lauren was lucky enough to have front row seating while I had a mole removed from my belly. (I was sad, it was a dark freckle that looked more like a beauty mark, I thought it was cute. AND I'm not fond of being cut but it was potentially a hazard to my health so it had to go).

The following day... I was taking Lauren to the park and in a sing-song extremely excited voice, Lauren exclaimed "Mommy, you're going to have a BABY." Since God has gifted this little girl with the ability of knowing things that she shouldn't KNOW yet, I was amused and ready to hear what she had to say.

Mommy: "Why do you say that Lauren?" (Dreading that her next words would be that my belly was getting big... I gain 5 pounds and she notices).

Lauren: "Because Mommy, I SAW the doctor put the baby in your belly yesterday."

Mommy: "OH So that's how babies get in your belly... well I thought that the doctor was just removing a mole for Mommy."

Lauren: "No Mommy, he took the mole & left you a baby... and it's going to be a girl so that I can have a sister".

Mommy (Totally waving my white flag; she is very strong-willed and doesn't give up easily so I've learned to pick & choose my battles. If I fought them all it would be difficult to hold onto my sanity) : Honey, Daddy is the only man that can give Mommy any babies and I think that he already gave me the ONLY two babies that he had. And I love the babies that he gave me because they are the best. (At this time my fingers & toes are all crossed in hopes that she accepts that and we can move on).

She didn't say anything else & I thought that book was closed.

A month ago... we were all gathered around at my parents home with ALL my siblings & their spouses and my brother. My brother was watching Corey & I with our nieces & nephews and asked us if we were going to have more kids. I said no and left it at that... But Lauren couldn't. She piped in saying, "No, they can't have any more, Daddy has had a vasectomy." At this point, all I can say is THANK GOD I had just swallowed my drink otherwise it would have come flying out of my mouth. Everyone around us erupted in laughter... just hearing the words from a 3 yr old's mouth and knowing that she understands what it means baffled them all... and me. So much for the stork or the magic dermatologist stories.

In all honesty, I can't blame the girl for being curious. She is only three. There are ten, yes you read correctly... 10... little cousins under 4 yrs old. So in her little lifetime, she has always had two to three pregnant aunts & mom at all times. There has not been a time in her life where at least one of the adult females around her were not pregnant. So the curiosity is justified. But then yesterday I looked in the backseat and saw this...

Lauren was sitting in the back seat with her belly all poofed out and she was rubbing it as if she was pregnant (and sucking her thumb... and no I did NOT rub my belly & suck my thumb while I was pregnant. At least not at the same time. Just kidding).

So I asked her what she was doing and she told me that she was "just rubbing her baby" . I couldn't help myself... "well honey I hope you can be patient because you have to wait for 27 more years AND until you are married before your baby will be finished growing. With a sweet smile Lauren just responded, you're so silly Mommy. I laughed & said no I'm SOOOO serious.

Disclaimer: I know that I REALLY need to start carrying a camera because the camera on my phone just really doesn't do "life" justice... but it's better than nothing.

Your body is a wonderland...

I try to be careful about what music is playing when the kids are around. Just the thought of my kids singing some of the songs that play on the radio makes me cringe... for example Crazy B*&%... yeah, words like that are not something that I ever want to hear my innocent Lauren say, sing, or even think. I do want her to remain innocent as LONG as possible.

Recently she was walking around the house singing Your Body is a Wonderland. At first it caught me off guard and I didn't know what to think about it. Her little voice made the song adorable and I definitely didn't want to say ANYTHING to discourage her from singing. So I struck up a little conversation with her:

Mom: Lauren, your voice is so beautiful... I absolutely LOVE the way that you sing that song.

Lauren: It's my favorite.
(This must mean David Cook has received the boot. She used to be his No. 1 fan).

Mom: Oh yeah? Why is that?

Lauren: Because it's about the fair.

Mom: (More than a little amused) Please tell me more.

Lauren: Well my throat is the water-slide...

Mom: A slide?

Lauren: yes MOM... you are so silly. You know the RIDE at the fair. And my tummy is the Tilt-a-Whirl (one of her favs) spinning 'round n 'round mixing up all my food.

Mom: Of course! Silly me. Your little body is a wonderland (amusement park, fair).

As she was walking off singing the song, I was trying hard to conceal my laughter. The way her little mind works cracks me up. I love how she understands (and misunderstands) what people say, including me. (Her version is ALWAYS better). The world through her eyes is definitely a BEAUTIFUL and LOVING place. I am just thankful to be a part of it.

(To hear her song, click on the link below... and type in John Mayer)

What a DAY!

Every day is definitely an adventure with my little ones. I never know what to expect next, but I can always count on being amused by them. Today was a typical day like most others, this may give you some insight into what I consider "normal" these days.

This morning as we were driving to school (the kids are enrolled in a mother's day out program a few days each week), all of a sudden I noticed that the back seat was silent. In my world, silence is not golden... this is usually a precursor to finding your son emptying the ENTIRE refrigerator looking for "chocowat wilk". Quickly I found myself thinking, it can't be that bad they are buckled into the seats in a moving car. I was terrified to look in the rear view mirrored. However, once I did I was extremely relieved and laughing hysterically.

They both had reached into their backpacks and pulled out their "spare" undies and put them on their heads. Once they noticed I was looking at them I received the full performance which was followed up by a goofy laugh that sounds like it came straight from a "Dumb & Dumber" movie (disclaimer: no they have not ever seen this movie nor do I plan on letting them anytime soon. They come up with enough crazy things on their own).

And to think... this was just the beginning of our day.

Always aiming to please

I recently found an old notebook with a few stories of funny & cute things that the kids have either said or done. I hope that you enjoy them. Here's one:

Evan was thirsty and asking for some juice and after hearing the request Lauren agreed that juice was a great idea.

My leg was cramping from running with the kids earlier (My body is trying to tell me that I am getting old). So I pleaded with them to "Just give me a minute please, then I will get juice & pineapples for both of you". Also secretly hoping that the idea of pineapples would buy me a few more seconds to rub the cramp out.

Lauren jumped up & exclaimed, "I'll get one for you." I assumed that she was still talking about juice, so I said again "Just a minute please."

So she walks over to Daddy who was watching basketball on TV and asked him, "Daddy will you get Mommy a minute so she can get us some juice."

We both started laughing and enjoyed her sweet heart and loved that she was so eager to help in any way that she could.

Aquaphor, The Cure-all (another funny)

My daughter has had eczema and lovely skin reactions since she was just six months old. In our march to find out what has happening to our baby girl... our first born... my world, we went to multiple doctors and received many "possible" answers. Our answers were numerous prescriptions, creams, lotions, baths, oils, steroids, and a possible ritual dance. And we tried everything! Finally still choosing not to give up the good fight, we marched her into yet another doctor's office. Lauren jumped up on the table and waited for the doctor, she is a pro by now... quizzing me about all the tools in the room and how they are used. (She could teach a few things to some med students). This doctor explained that often eczema is brought on by an allergic reaction so he sent us off to an allergist. I was so excited... another "possible" solution.

This time wasn't like all the others. After we went through the dreaded testing process (they drew her blood not the pricking skin test), we found out that she is allergic to bananas and egg whites. Yes, bananas and egg whites. Bananas are her favorite snack and eggs... we would eat them in at LEAST one form once a day... scrambled eggs, french toast, pancakes, cookies, cake, just to name a few. The information was very enlightening and saved my daughters skin and my mind.

Lauren is very logical so the transition from eating her favorite things went much more smoothly than I had anticipated. Maybe the sores caused her so much discomfort that it was worth it to not eat the food... I hope not. I hope that she just understood that it was better for her. In the mean time our new and now cherished doctor has given her some steroid cream for bloody breakouts & told us to use Aquaphor for dry skin. I don't know about other mothers out there, but Aquaphor to me is like Windex for the Greeks. It is the cure-all for everything. It was the ONLY booty cream to help diaper rash without encouraging a skin (yeast) infection and it is a great moisturizer for my all too dry hands. (I'm constantly washing dishes) and not drinking enough water. It has become one of the items that I don't leave home without these days.

It doesn't matter where we are if she has an itch, she wants to break out the cream & take care of it right away, and she is very informative in telling all those around us what she is doing and why.

A few nights ago I had the opportunity to babysit a friend's babies while they went out after a wedding and Lauren absolutely loved being a "little mama" and helped me take care of the little ones. When the baby had a little diaper rash, Lauren was only too happy to jump up & exclaim, "I'll get the AquaPOR, Momma". She really does have such a sweet, sweet heart & loves to help others. She makes me proud.

My ode to Aquaphor ends as we were entering the post office a few mornings later and I had a little dry spot on my cheek, I wasn't wearing any make-up and vowed to put moisturizer on it as soon as I returned home. Lauren watched me closely, studying my every move... finally she asked, "What are you doing Mommy?" I explained that I had a little dry spot & that I was putting some cream on it so that it would get better. My son chimed in, "boo-boo". Glad that they got the concept and happy that we could move forward without having to go into it any further we got out of the car & headed into the post office.

As always when we go anywhere, it seems we found a line. Lauren doesn't mind this, she enjoys meeting new people and looks at these lines as a great opportunity. I was proud... they were actually behaving in line today. After a few minutes, the man standing in front of me stated that I had cute kids. This break in silence caused more people to stop and admire these little beauties. Lauren loves to make people smile and thought this was the perfect moment to break the ice & for us all to get to know each other. She decided to share first... "Guess what, my mommy wears booty cream on her face." She succeeded.

Wise Words

I have learned that I have to be very careful about what I say as well as others within a 1 mile radius (my daughter has impeccable hearing). I have many stories that I can list here and most of them seem to occur in check out lines. To fix this situation I have decided that online shopping will be the answer for the next few years. So when I was forwarded this joke it made me think of my beautiful kids and I had to share:

The Sermon

I think this Mom will never forget: this particular Sunday sermon...

'Dear Lord,' the minister began, with arms extended toward heaven and a rapturous look on his upturned face, 'Without you, we are but dust....'


He would have continued but at that moment my very obedient daughter who was listening leaned over to me and asked quite audibly in her shrill little four year old girl voice, 'Mom, what is butt dust?'

What is Moxie?

I have had a few people ask me what exactly moxie meant. So here is what dictionary.com had to say:

1. energy; pep.

2. courage, determination.

3. Know-how, expertise.

Now I MIGHT have to rethink the title of my blog. While I think that I have energy & pep; after 15 hours of entertaining my two and my three year old, I have learned that it is sheer adrenaline pumping through my veins carrying me to the next destination. Seriously, my reflexes are in better shape than ever. My children have no fear and a lot of faith that I will be there to catch them. I have learned that I can cook with my daughter and jump over a kitchen counter to catch my son from trying to do a swan dive off the back of the couch simutaneously. Kids really do teach you about many abilities that you never knew you posessed.

Courage & Determination; I'm not going to say that I love "difficult situations", but I have faith in God and His purpose and that we can learn from it and overcome any situation. L & E are young but I try to teach them with every opportunity that arises to work hard and to finish what you start. Their faith is so strong that I believe it has been them that has been teaching ME. They give me courage to overcome any obstacle so that I can be the mother that God needs me to be for them.

However know-how & expertise, I don't know about expertise these days, it feels more like a "Jane of all trades". You just do what you have to so that you can accomplish your goal. As a mom I've learned to use my resources more than ever to acquire the "know-how". I am definitely a DIY girl. I love learning how to do new things and then completing a project. Much enjoyment can be found while sitting back and seeing the fruits of your hard work.