Friday, August 30, 2013

Memory

The other day I saw this e-card that said, "We've been friends for so long I rely on your memory more than I do my own."  And another one that said, "If my memory were any worse I'd be able to plan my own surprise party"

These describe my life perfectly.  For real, I have one of the worst memories ever.  Ask the Hubs.  I try to remember to tell him things, however, if I tell someone else first all I remember is that I've told someone and I assume it's him.  Then he doesn't find out about it til much later.  This causes the Hubs much frustration, understandably so.  Thankfully, he's also very forgiving.  On the other hand I'll also tell him things 3 or 4 times in order to make sure I've told him.  Ugh!  It's a good thing I married a man that is patient!

Have a great day!
Ms. T


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Thursday, August 29, 2013

Family Date Night- Movies

A little bit ago the Hubs and I took the kids on another family date night.  We decided to go see Monster's University.  At first the kids loved it and did really well with it.  However, the later it got Sweet pea had a hard time sitting still.  About 3/4 of the way through the movie Sweet pea and I were in the lobby.  She just couldn't manage it.

I think our movie plan was slightly flawed.  Mainly because the movie didn't start until 6.  And the kid's bed time is 8.  So the later it got the more tired Sweet pea got, and she had to fight her sleep!  

All in all, the Hubs and I have decided we need to wait a bit longer before we try another family date night to the movies.

Have a great day!
Ms. T 


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Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Chores

Recently the Hubs and I have decided that Firecracker is old enough to help with small chores around the house.  In exchange we either give him a quarter to put in his "spending money" jar or he gets to have a few extra minutes of t.v.

The types of chores Firecracker has started doing are things like putting his laundry away, putting the silverware away out of the dishwasher and dusting things that are in his reach.  This has been monumental for us.  First of all, Firecracker is learning that he needs to help do things around the house.  Secondly, he is learning that the more he works the more rewards he gets.  Talk about an invaluable lesson!!  Finally, it helps me.  Granted these are very small tasks, but every little bit helps!

Have a great day!
Ms. T   



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Monday, August 26, 2013

Slow Motion

Have you been moving in slow motion?  And you can look at yourself and say, "ahhh! Hurry up!  I've got lots to do today, and I've got to keep my schedule!"  And yet you just keep up at the same pace?  No matter what effort you put in your top speed is like 5 times slower than it needs to be? 

Well, that description is exactly my life today.  I've been in slow motion all morning long.  I have things I have to get done this morning, but my body will not comply with my time limits. I'll just have to keep pushing through, and hope I can catch up.

Have a great day!
Ms. T

 


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Friday, August 23, 2013

Oh Yeah, Baby

My kids have started saying, "Oh yeah, Baby!" all the time.  I knew the first time I heard it come out of Sweet Pea's mouth where the munchkins learned it from.  They learned it from my Mama.

My Mama has always been one to have interesting "catch phrases".  For instance.  She used to say (and still does), "Good night nurse!",  or "Oh fiddlestix!" when she's frustrated about something.  Lately, I've noticed when the grandkids do something great or want to show her a trick she tells them either, "That's awesome!", or "Oh yeah, baby!" 

It's great to hear the kids repeat such funny little things.  I love that they love my Mama so much.  It's awesome to see the bond that is being formed.

Have a great weekend!
Ms. T


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Thursday, August 22, 2013

Extreme Heat

I've spent nearly my entire life here in my own little corner of the world.  And while it's ALWAYS been hot during 9 months out of the year, I don't ever remember it being this bad.

I have always just dealt with the heat.  It's never really bothered me.  However, it seems this summer has been the worst!  It's ridiculously hot! I'm talking, "why in the world did I bother to shower?" hot.  As soon as you walk outside you sweat like a whore in church. It hasn't been under 90 degrees during the day in at least a month, and at night it only gets down to like 83 or 84.  UGH!

All that said, I'd still rather have heat than snow.  You don't have to shovel heat! =)  We will just continue to find indoor things to do until the weather changes some.

Have a great day!
Ms. T 




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Wednesday, August 21, 2013

The Hardest Part

As most of you know Monday was Firecracker's first day of school.
I've had several sweet and wonderful people asking me how he (and I) are doing with him going to school.  It is definitely a huge adjustment for all of us, including Sweet Pea, who tends to be a kid that loves to sleep in. 

While I know there are still many more days ahead in this school year, and our journey has just begun, I'm already aware of one of the hardest parts.  (It is important for you to know that the school offers 2 types of k4 programs.  1 goes from 8:30 til 12:00 and the other goes from 8:30 til 3:00 pm. And Firecracker is apparently the only one that doesn't stay til 3.)  Both days I have gone to pick up Firecracker he has told me, "Mommy, I want to stay!"  And Tuesday when I dropped him off he said, "Mommy, I want you to stay home today." 

I get that he's getting bigger and he wants to fit in.  I get that.  However, it makes me sad to think that Firecracker doesn't want to come home with me!  I know this will change.  And someday I'll have to drag him out of bed for school, but it's hard on this Mama right now.

Oh and then there is the whole issue of poor Sweet Pea wandering around our house asking when Firecracker is coming home.  Poor kid!  She doesn't know what to do with herself without him!  But then when they're together they fight constantly.  It's a conundrum to say the least.

Have a great day!
Ms. T

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Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Disgusted

The other night I dropped something in front of the fridge.  When I bent over to pick it up some how I ended up looking up at the water/ ice dispenser.  OH MY GOODNESS!!  It was nasty!  I had never ever thought about cleaning it, but oh boy I rushed for the bleach, and started scrubbing.

It is clean now, but I'm going to be keeping an eye on that sucker from now on!  Well, not literally an eye on it, because I'd have to bend over and rotate 180 in order to keep my eyes actually ON it, but I think you all get the picture. =)

Have a great day!
Ms. T 



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Monday, August 19, 2013

Firsts

Every parent marks down their child's milestones.  The day they can sit up on their own, the day they can wave bye- bye, when they get their first tooth etc.  Today is a first for me and for Firecracker.

Today my baby boy goes to his very first day of school.  I'm not so sure how I feel about this.  I'm thrilled for him, because it's going to be so good for him.  However, I'm a little sad that our days of hanging out at home and doing whatever we feel like have come to a close.  I know there will be summer breaks and things like that, but it will never be like this again.  

So, my post is short today, because I must get myself ready for this emotional day!  

Have a great day!
Ms. T 




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Friday, August 16, 2013

Family Date Night- Arcade

Our family has started "family date nights" lately.  And I can tell you they are so much fun!  You may be asking yourself, "what is a 'family date night'?"  Thanks for asking, I'll tell you!  

Pretty much the Hubs, Firecracker, Sweet pea and I go somewhere that we will all enjoy.  For instance our first family date night we had in awhile was to an arcade.  We cashed in 15.00 for that amount of money we got 60 tokens and 4 free miniature golf tickets. (Their miniature golf course is inside, only 9 holes and kinda cheesy, but we enjoyed it!) and stayed til the tokens ran out.  Then we cashed out our tickets, let the kiddos pick out their toys they could "buy" with their tickets and went home.

It was so much fun!  There were no expectations, the kids didn't have to stay seated or stay quiet they could run and play and be themselves.  It was fun as parents too, because we got to see our kids play games and we got to interact with them on a whole different level than we normally do at home.

We will continue to have "family date nights" as often as our budget will afford.  =)

Here is a picture of Firecracker and I posing with the fans he and Sweet pea chose as their prizes.


  Have a great day!
Ms. T


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Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Too Smart For My Own Good

Sweet pea has learned something new.  She has learned how to reach the furthest parts of the kitchen counters!  Ugh!  No place is safe any more!  

The other day I heard the noise of one of our bar stools scraping across the kitchen floor.  I didn't think much of it, because Sweet pea likes to push them around, but that WAS the extent of it.  (please note the past tense verb).  Well, I walked into the kitchen to investigate and the stinker had pushed the stool over to the counter, climbed up onto it, and grabbed her brother's cup and proceeded to dump it down the front of her (she was trying to drink it, but sippy cups are far different than big kid cups!).  

I don't know what to do with my little climber!  Firecracker was never really a climber.  I only caught him climbing maybe a handful of times ever.  However, Sweet pea seems to be climbing every chance she gets!  It might be time to switch her out of her crib and into a toddler bed before she gets any more bright ideas.  I have no doubt she could climb out of her crib if she put her mind to it.  She already tries climbing into it!

Have a great day!
Ms. T 


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Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Love

I've had this post idea rolling around in my head for about a month, but I hesitated to put it out there, because I didn't want anyone to think I'm tooting my own horn.  I assure you that is not my intent.  I only want to explain that as I've grown older and lived more of life I've come to truly understand what love is.

First I want to refresh you on the Bible's definition of love.  No matter what you do or do not believe, you have to agree that this definition of love is definitely spot on!

"Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. it does not insist on it's own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.  Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things and endures all things."  (I Corinthians 13:4-7 English Standard Version)

Really, I mean who can top that definition of love?!  Patient, not rude, doesn't envy, is not irritable, rejoices in the truth, bears all things and endures all things.  For real, I strive to show this kind of love to my Hubs, my kids and my family.  Honestly, most of the time I fail miserably, but I ask God to help me to love them and treat them the way He wants me to.  I'm telling you it's changed my life.  

Ok, so now that we've seen what the Bible has to say about love, I just wanted to throw in a few more things that I've noticed in my years of experience.  If you've got more to add please comment! =)

 Love is:
* When someone puts your needs above their own.  I'm not talking about watching a movie they don't want to see because you want to see it.  I'm talking about your mate, parent, friend etc., realizing that you have a true need and taking steps to help you. (in my case I often need to be alone in my bed.  Sometimes life is too much for me to handle and I need to escape).  They don't complain, they simply do what needs to be done.

* When people make time for you.  I know this sounds silly, but it's not when you really think about it.  The older we get the more busy life gets.  Kids demand our attention, jobs take time etc.  However, those who truly love you and value your relationship will take time out of their lives to talk to you, or hang out with you.  

* Praying for you.  People that truly love one another pray for each other.  It's another way they make time for you.  They lift you up to the Heavenly Father to ask Him to bless you and help you.  If that's not love I don't know what is.

These are just a few of the things I've noticed about the nature of true love.  I am blessed to say that I have many people in my life that I love, and that truly love me in return.  

I hope you have a great day!
Ms. T    



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Monday, August 12, 2013

Escape Artist

Sweet pea is a climber.  She is not daunted by obstacles.  It's pretty cool to watch her little mind work.  However, it can scare this Mama half to death!  

The other day we were in Walmart, and Sweet pea was sitting in the back of the cart (she insists she's too big to sit in the front).  Whatever, as long as she stays seated it's cool with me.  Anyway, we were in the shoe isle and I didn't notice that I had parked the cart next to the little bench people use to try shoes on.  Honestly, even if I had noticed I wouldn't have thought much about it.

I was preoccupied looking at some shoes that were on clearance.  I looked over a couple of minutes later and Sweet pea was out of the cart!  I was shocked!  Apparently, Firecracker held the cart still while Sweet pea climbed out of the cart, onto the shoe bench and down into the aisle! Oh my goodness!!!  I about died!  Pretty sure no matter how big of a fight she puts up I will be buckling her into the front of the cart until she's 16.

Have a great day!
Ms. T  


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Friday, August 9, 2013

R.I.P 5 Question Friday

I went to the blog that I link up to that has all the questions for 5 question Friday.  And the other blogger has decided to put 5 question Friday to rest.

I am disappointed to say the least!  However, it is not my decision to make.  Oh well, we'll find something else that will be fun.

Have a great weekend!
Ms. T 




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Thursday, August 8, 2013

Friends...

The other day my Mama and I took the kids to a local pool.  This is no regular pool.  This pool has a killer kiddie pool that is zero entry and the deepest it goes is 1 ft 9 inches.  No worries about drowning.  It also has awesome features such as palm trees that spray you (fake trees of course), a small water slide, and a cool little area where water bubbles up from the ground.  All in all it is awesome.

Anyway, while we were at the pool the kids were having a good time, but I could tell Firecracker wanted to have someone to play with.  There were several camp groups there so I encouraged him to try and make friends with someone.  He decided that was a good idea.  

Firecracker went up to another little boy and said, "do you want to be my friend?"  The other boy just looked at Firecracker with a funny look and then walked away. =(  My heart broke.  I understand the other boy had other friends there already, and it was more comfortable for him just to go play with them, but I was so sad for my little man.  Rejection is hard at any age.  I don't know if there is anything worse than a Mama having to witness her precious baby being rejected by their peers.

Firecracker decided that he didn't need any more friends, because Daddy is his best friend.  Kiddos sure are resilient!  I love my little man, and this incident has not discouraged him from making friends other places like the playground.  I'm so proud of Firecracker.

I hope you have a great day!
Ms. T     




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Wednesday, August 7, 2013

If Tick Tock Crocodile Actually Existed I'd Be Dead......

Firecracker likes to pretend that the couch is a boat and that "tick tock croc" (from Peter Pan) is in the water.  He will jump down from the couch and say, "Oh no, Mom, help!  Save me!  Tick tock croc is gonna get me!"  After I save him it's my turn to jump down and he gets to save me.

Firecracker loves this game.  He could play this for hours if you are willing to play along for that amount of time.  (I am willing to play with him, but after about 15 minutes I've met my limit.)

The other day we were playing another round of this game and it was my turn to be "in the water".  I said, "Firecracker, save me from tick tock croc!"   He replied, "just a sec. Mom".  He proceeded to get a drink from his cup and pick up another toy before he would "rescue" me!    

All this to say, if tick tock crocodile really existed I'd be dead.  That's not a very comforting thought to me.  I guess I've told Firecracker to "hold on a second" one too many times.  Hahaha!

I hope you have a great day!

Ms. T



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Tuesday, August 6, 2013

One Little Monkey

Morning, friends!  Today Ms. L, my bestie, is writing a guest post about her little girl, Little Miss.  We hope you enjoy!

Recently, the Little Miss has been chanting the song "Three little monkeys jumping on the bed...".  I feel like I don't have to finish the rhyme because I am sure that it is now stuck in your head.  Hopefully for the rest of the day.  You're Welcome.

She has made her own versions of this little jingle.  Our monkeys jump on the couch, the chair, the dresser (which I am sure is no fun at all as dressers are not very bouncy), and whatever else the Miss thinks they should jump on.  All of this seemed pretty harmless, until last night.

You would think that this song would be teaching a lesson about the dangers of jumping on furniture.  Oh, but no!  This song really teaches how incredibly silly and fun it is to jump on furniture even though your parent has warned you not to! 

There I was, finally enjoying a few minutes of peace and quiet after a long and trying day.  I had/am still having quite the tangle with some Rapunzel hair (see what I did there? hehe) for a costume that has to be in use by tonight.  I had finally given up for the evening and had settled in to watch an episode of Harry's Law, which ended up being a rerun.  Bummer.  All of a sudden I hear crying. 

Okay, you know what I did.  Any mother with more than one child does this.  We run through our checklist of immediate questions.   What child is it?  Is it whining-I-didn't-get-my-way crying or I-am-injured crying?  How quickly do I need to react?  Oh, wait, isn't her Dad in there? 

Don't worry, I got up off the couch and went to check it out.  *stop judging me* 

So, my little monkey had decided to jump on the bed, and big surprise, fell off and bumped her head.  Goodness, it's like the song is prophetic.  She wasn't screaming, just crying, so I did the usual look over and didn't see anything.  I asked her where it hurt and she pointed to a general area on the back of her head.  I, of course, did the routine run my hand over the bump, and assure her it's no big deal.  I mean, she wasn't even crying any more. 

Then I pull my hand away and realize it's covered in blood.  Resume the crying at sight of blood.  Not me.  Her.   Luckily, no need for a trip to the doctor.  She had a tiny little cut on the back of her head, which we were able to stop bleeding rather quickly.  No concussion, no stitches.  Only the lesson learned that cute little jingles are almost always dangerous.

You have been warned.  Beware.

Ms. L

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Monday, August 5, 2013

Independence

Sweet pea has hit the "I want to do it myself" stage.  Everything from changing clothes to brushing her teeth and everything in between have become impossible for me to help her with.  She runs away and says, "no, Mommy, Self!"

I love that my kids want to do things for themselves.  I know plenty of kids that want their parents to do everything for them.  And I see this as a huge step in their development.  They need to learn that Mom and Dad will not always be there to fix every little problem.  

That said, part of me wishes the baby stage would've held on just a little bit longer.  I will never have another tiny baby of my own again.  Mind you my kids will always be my babies no matter how big they get.

Have a great day!
Ms. T 




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Thursday, August 1, 2013

18

In 18 days my baby boy will be starting school (VPK).  How did this happen?!  I'm excited for him to start this new adventure, but at the same time it makes me sad.  I can't believe my baby is growing up so fast. We are going to enjoy the last bit of summer while we still can.  

Have a great day!
Ms. T 


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