CHRISTmas

MERRY CHRISTmas!!!!  

It's finally here!  The day we've been shopping, wrapping, baking, decorating and preparing for, for the last 11 months!  I hope you all have a fabulous, family filled and most importantly CHRIST filled CHRISTmas.  

I love getting and giving gifts as much as the next person, but let's not forget that the whole reason we give gifts is because of the perfect gift God gave to us, His Son, Jesus.  Jesus came to sacrifice Himself on the cross to forgive our sins.  Jesus was perfect.  He never sinned.  He never told a lie, stole, thought bad things or disrespected His earthly parents. (1 Peter 2:21-22- "For hereunto ye are called; because Christ also has suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps: who did no sin, neither was guile (aka, lying) found in His mouth.)    Yet, Jesus took our sins upon Himself on the cross so that if we only believe He is the one and only way to Heaven (Romans 3:23, "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God"- meaning we can never be good enough on our own to obtain God's glory.  It can only be done through Jesus.), ask Him to forgive our sins and trust Him to do so we will be saved and Heaven bound! (John 3:16- "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.")
Talk about the best gift ever!!!  Can you believe that Jesus would give up his life in Heaven for 33 years just to come and do all of that so that we rotten sinners could be cleansed and able to live in Heaven with Him?!  This, my friends, is the greatest gift any of us could ever receive.  If you have never done this I BEG you to do it today.  God cares about you, even if it doesn't seem like it right now.  He is with us even during our hardest times.  He loves you enough to sacrifice His own son for you!  Trust Him. 

I hope you all have a wonderful, memorable, merry CHRISTmas!
Ms. T      

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Road Trip!

Over Thanksgiving break we went to visit the Hub's dad.  I love going to see him.  He is really a wonderful man; one I am blessed to call family.  Unfortunately, my FIL lives 12 hours away.  Mind you, I'm not a huge fan of riding in the car for long stretches myself.  Now add up 12 hours in a van with 2 children.... Not my idea of fun.  

On the way to my FIL's we stopped 11 times!  Yes, almost once an hour!  Apparently, my son has a bladder the size of a peanut.  Granted he was not the reason we had to stop EVERY time, but I'd say at least 6 out of the 11 times were because he needed to stop.

Aside from the multiple times we had to stop, the trip went pretty smoothly.  The kids didn't fight (much), and they actually traveled quite well. I was truly impressed with them.  Because they traveled so well, it made me be able to relax and travel better also.

The trip home was better in that we only stopped 6 times.  We cut Firecracker off from all liquids unless we were eating a meal.  Not surprisingly this helped A LOT.

All this to say, we all survived! =)

Have a great day!
Ms. T

 




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A-

The other day Firecracker came home with an A- on his writing test.  I took it out of his folder and exclaimed how awesome he did.  This conversation followed:

  Near tears he said, "But an A- is a bad grade!"
Me: "An A- is a good grade, Buddy."
F: "No it's not.  It's so much worse than an A+"

Hahahaha!  Apparently, Firecracker is a perfectionist.  =)

Have a great day!
Ms. T  




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Bulletin Boards

I have told you all that I am a teacher.  I share a classroom with 2 other teachers.  Neither of them are crazy about bulletin boards.  They will make a bulletin boards, but it's not their favorite thing.  However, I LOVE to make bulletin boards.  They are time consuming, but they are a great outlet for my creative energy.  These are my newest creations:

 Have a great day!
Ms. T 




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Rock, Paper, Scissors

Firecracker has come to love the game, rock, paper, scissors.  He will play it with anyone who is willing.  Well, a few weeks ago the family went to dinner to celebrate my Sis in Law's birthday.  While we were sitting in the waiting area, Firecracker and his cousin, Tank, were playing the game together.  It was hilarious to watch.  They were making all kinds of new items for the game.  Like, "this is a star, it floats above you and therefore, I win." It was quite comical. 

Have a great day!
Ms. T
 




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Veteran's Day

 I'd like to thank all the Veterans that have fought for our freedom.  Freedom isn't free, and I appreciate it every day of my life.  Thank you!

* Side note, this holiday has a great side effect in that we don't have school today ;)

Have a great day!
Ms T

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3 Plus

The other day my Mom was walking through the kid's playground at Firecracker and Sweet pea's school.  Sweet pea came running up to her saying, "Gram, Gram!  I got a 3 plus!"  My Mom looked at the teacher who laughed and said, "She got a B plus on her paper." Hahahaha!  

Have a great day!
Ms. T 




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2 Boys

Firecracker and Tank, my nephew, are the best of friends.  They are constantly playing together.  Anyway, we were out with my Bro. and SIL the other night and I snapped this picture of them.  I didn't realize just how cute/ funny it was til I uploaded the pics to my computer.  Have a look:

Look at their faces!  They are REALLY into their game. Ha!

Have a good day!
Ms. T
 




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"The Pose"

On picture day at school, my niece, Princess, wanted to wear her Elsa dress.  My SIL let her, but with the exception that if the teacher told her she needed to change Princess would do so without complaint.  After the pictures were over, my SIL asked Princess if the teacher let her wear her Elsa dress.  Princess looked dejected, but answered that she had been allowed to wear the dress.  When my SIL asked why Princess was upset, Princess answered that the photographer didn't let her do her "Elsa Pose".  HAHAHAHA!  Here is an idea of what "The Pose" looks like (minus the dress).

Every time I try to take her picture she does this.....

Have a great day! 
Ms. T
 




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Painting Toes

Sweet pea loves painting her nails.  So every other week or so we have a nail painting party.  This one particular week she had gotten some "princess" nail polish.  It was clear and glittery.  Sweet pea wanted to paint MY toes this time.  Since it wouldn't be too terrible, because the paint was clear I acquiesced.  Here is a pic for ya.

Nothing like some good ol' fashioned Mommy- Daughter time.

Have a good day!
Ms. T

 




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Fall Festival

It's that time of year again.  Pumpkin and fall festival time!  The Hubs and I took our kids to one that is nearby.  It was a fun family outing.  There were pumpkins for sale, face painting, clowns making balloon animals, a hay ride, a bounce house and carnival games.  Not to mention cotton candy and popcorn for sale.  

Helping the Cowboy 'round up rattle snakes' and put them in the bag

Daddy had to help Sweet pea shoot the ping pong balls off the pumpkins.  She had the right idea, but she was a terrible shot.

Head bowling.  This was the most hilarious game I have seen in a loooonnng time.  He has a knee high stocking with a tennis ball inside it.  He is trying to knock down each of his blue bottles before his opponent knocks down their red ones.

Firecracker with his balloon sword

Sweet pea's face paint

The prettiest Pilgrim ever

The cutest scarecrow ever

 

 We all had a good time.  The head bowling really was the best thing I've seen in a long time.

Have a great day!
Ms. T


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Silly Cousins

I hope this pic of some silly munchkins brightens your day like it did mine. =) Look at these silly munchkins.  Gotta love them!

 
 Have a great day!
Ms. T



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First Day of School Pictures

Remember back in August when I promised to update the 'back to school' post with pictures?
Well, I finally am making good on my promise.  

Sorry it took me 2 months but hopefully their adorableness makes up for my slackeryness.

Have a great day!
Ms. T
 
 


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Rubber and Magic

This last Saturday the Hubs and I were having a conversation with my older brother, Mr. Pickles.  During this conversation, Mr. Pickles made the statement that little boys are made from 'rubber and magic'.  He said, "Think about it.  They get up and walk away from stuff that shocks us.  And most of the time they're like, 'I'm ok'."  I laughed so hard I nearly fell over.

His statement caught me off guard.  It's so true though!

Have a great day!
Ms. T     




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Brud

Sweet pea has gotten into shortening people's names.  Since she could talk she has been calling Firecracker "Brother" only when she says it it comes out "Bruder".  Well, now, she has shortened Firecracker's nickname to "Brud".  

Firecracker's real name is also subject to her shortening it.  Mind you, his name isn't one that is meant to be shortened; therefore, it sounds just as silly as her shortening brother to brud.  She is a silly little girl.  Gotta love her!

Have a great day!
Ms. T 




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Happy Birthday, Nephew

This week is a week of birthdays.  Monday was my little brother's birthday, and today it is my nephew's birthday.

Today, I celebrate the awesome little man that made me into an auntie (again).  He is growing up way too fast.  I love you little man!  

Have a great birthday, and save me some cake! 
Love, 
Auntie T 




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Retelling Sunday School Lessons

 On the way home from church on Sundays, I ask the kids what they learned in Sunday School.  Firecracker's answer this week was quite interesting.  This was our conversation: 

Firecracker: "Well, I don't remember the names, but we learned about two 'humans' and their kids died."

Me: "Ummm... ok, how did the kids die?" (hoping there would be some sort of clue as to what the heck he was talking about)

F: "I don't know, the story didn't say."

M: Flabbergasted, finally I asked him if he had a paper from Sunday School I could look at.  Firecracker passed his paper up and once I read it I realized what story he was talking about.
    
 It was the story of Ruth.  At the very beginning of the story Naomi and her husband, Elimilech, move from Jerusalem to Moab with their 2 sons.  The sons each marry a Moabitess and after awhile Elimilech and the 2 sons die.  Naomi decides to return to Jerusalem and Ruth goes with her.

     This is the story Firecracker was referring to.  I cracked up laughing so hard.  What Firecracker took away from that lesson was that two 'humans' kids died.  What a boy!  I asked him questions to see if he learned any of the other parts of the lesson, and sure enough he knew the answers.  It's so funny what sticks in kids brains.

Have a great day!
Ms. T 





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Happy Birthday, Little Bro

Today, my awesome, silly, kind, caring, ridiculous, instigator, funny, little brother is having a birthday.  Believe it or not I love the silly guy. (But don't tell any one, cuz that'll ruin my rep)

Happy Birthday, Ham!  I love you!!!!


Have a great day!
Ms. T 




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I Am.....

- Daughter of God
- Friend
- Wife
- Mommy
- Teacher
- Boo boo fixer
- Laundry doer
- Daughter to my earthly parents (who rock!)
- Confidant
- House keeper
- Chef
- Playmate
- Couponer
- Referee

I was just thinking about all the roles I play.  The list may seem long, but I don't want to abandon any of them (well, maybe if my kids would not fight over the same toys then I would willingly give up referee...) I'm sure your list is similar or even longer, and I'm sure you feel the same way.

I hope you have a great day!

Ms. T 
 


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The Nod

Okay, let's face it.  Most women have self confidence issues.  Occasionally, it's nice to be reminded that we are nice looking.  A few weeks ago I had a random guy (I must insert here that he was attractive, you'll see why in a moment) try and flirt with me at the store.  I shut him down, but it gave my confidence a little boost.  I walked out of the store with a little spring in my step.

Later that day, I was walking across a parking lot, and I got checked out by a red neck in an old rusted truck.  He gave me "the nod".  You know the one where a guy looks you up and down and then kinda smiles and nods.  The one that makes your skin crawl?  Yeah... the little spring that had been in my step totally deflated.  I really didn't know what to think.  Should I feel complimented that 2 guys found me attractive in one day, or does the red neck with the mullet and rusted truck cancel out the attractive guy?  I don't even know.  Thank the good Lord I'm married to an amazing man and not out there in the scary dating/ trying to find my mate land.  It's a scary place to be...

Have a great day!
Ms. T 




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Mascara Mocker

Okay so I've admitted before that I'm constantly running late 
 Lately, I have been doing better.  However, to accomplish this feat, I almost always end up doing my make up in the car.  I do my make up at stop lights.  Well, a few weeks ago I was sitting at a stop light applying my mascara and I look over to see a man watching me from his vehicle.  He smiled at me and then pretended he was putting on mascara also.  I realize he was just having a nice little laugh, and honestly it brightened my morning.  It gave me a little chuckle.  Hey, if you can't laugh at yourself then you're way too serious.

Have a great day!
Ms. T 


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Garage Sale

If you know me at all, you know that I am a bargain hunter.  I am constantly on the look out for good deals.  A lot of the time my good deals come from thrift stores and garage sales.  Sometimes, I will bring the munchkins along on a "garage saling adventure".  It's an adventure, because it's like a treasure hunt.  You could find awesome stuff, or you could find nothing. 

Anywho, the kids have gotten pretty good about being able to spot a garage sale.  However, Sweet pea is a little trigger happy.  It has gotten to the point where whenever we drive past someone's house and their garage door is open she starts saying, "Mommy, look it's a garage sale!!"  So we've got a teensy bit more to learn, but she's on the right track!

Have a great day!
Ms. T 




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Happy Belated Birthday, Blog!

4 years and 4 days ago, my friend, Ms. L, and I started this blog.  Ms. L has long since stepped back from writing on the blog, but she still can be inspiration for it from time to time.

Anyway, to those of you that have been reading my ramblings for 4 years and 4 days, God bless you.  And, you probably need to have your head checked! Hahaha!  For real, thanks for sticking with this crazy lady =).

Have a great day!
Ms. T 







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Emotional

Have you ever had one of those days where you just want to cry?  There is really no outstanding reason you just feel the need to cry.  I've been having a few of those days lately.  This morning I had a good cry of course over something that didn't warrant tears.  Maybe it'll be out of my system now.... Here's hoping!

Have a great day!
Ms. T 




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Explaining 9/11

Most people know that 9/11/01 was a horrendous day in America.  It is a day we all wish we could reverse and have never had happened.  However, it did happen and we have to face that.  And those of us that are teachers have the awful job of explaining just what happened that day.

In our teacher prayer meeting that we have half an hour before school starts every day, one of the staff members brought up the fact that this is the first generation that was not alive, or were only infants during the attack on the Twin Towers.  I had not thought about it like that.  I knew our class needed to have time set aside today to talk about what happened that day.  But once she said that I realized just how important it is to explain exactly what happened and why it happened.  Even while I'm sitting here writing this I am thinking of things that I should have shared with my class.

I decided to show the class this video.

 
 How heart wrenching and devastating is that?  I still can't believe it.  All those people lost their lives senselessly.  

Once we got home, Firecracker began talking about big towers that collapsed.  He wanted to know what happened.  So we had a pretty lengthy chat (at least a long chat for a 6 year old).  When I told him that the terrorists crashed the planes on purpose his eyes grew wide and he looked horrified.  "Why would they do that, Mommy?" He asked me.  And unfortunately, I had to explain that some people hate us just because of where we live.  It was a hard conversation to have for both of us.  I don't think he completely comprehended it all, which I think is a good thing, if he understood it completely he probably would never stop worrying. ( My little man is a very sensitive soul when it comes to things like this.)

What a horrible lesson to have to teach.  I hate it.  I hate that it even happened and it mars our country's history.

Always Remember,
Ms. T




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Pastors

In my *ahmena* years I have been truly blessed.  I have had a total of 8 true pastors in my life.  4 of these pastors are current and the other 4 were from my last church (99% of these were simultaneous, not different pastors leaving and new ones coming).  These include not only head pastors, but also assistant pastors, youth pastors and children's pastors. Each of these pastors has touched my life in an immeasurable way.  

Lately, I've been feeling like people forget to encourage their pastors.  I am ashamed to say that recently I too have fallen prey to life's busy routine and forgotten to thank these unsung influences.  I, more than the average Joe, should be more sensitive to this, because I grew up as a pastor's kid.  I witnessed first hand just how hard the ministry can be.

You who have never really had an insider's view of the ministry, allow me to give you a teensy little glimpse. The ministry is not always cake. It is MUCH more than preaching 3 hours a week (1 hour Sunday morning, 1 hour Sunday night and 1 hour Wednesday night).  It is dealing with people. Constantly.  

The ministry is, in my opinion, the most taxing public relation job anyone could possibly ever have.  You're not just in a job from 9 to 5, you're in that job 24/7.  People call your house at all hours because they are in need.  Examples: A phone call in the middle of the night, because a church member has lost a loved one.  A phone call because someone just had to go to the E.R. A couple in need of counseling, because their marriage has hit a rough patch.  Doing funerals of people you've never met, because they are family members of one of your church members.  Putting off your vacation, because a church member is close to death.  A phone call during your vacation, because a church member has had a major crisis. I could go on, but trust me you don't want me to, we'd be here for a looooonng time.

And yet despite all these things, good pastors persevere.  Not only do they persevere, they do it in love.  They comfort, guide and love their church members, not because it is their job, no it's far more than that.  Pastors do it, because despite all else church members are their FAMILY.  Not blood family most of the time, but family of the heart.  

Pastors truly care for their church members, not because God has instilled a love in their heart for others.  It is their calling.  This is not a job for the weak, it is a job that only those who have been called by God can do.  If a pastor is in the ministry for ANY OTHER REASON they will fail.  You may be thinking, now, Ms. T, that seems a bit harsh.  It may seem harsh, but it's true.  Consider this 1,700 Pastors left the ministry EVERY MONTH last year. Quick math for ya, that is 20,400 in a year.  

In light of this fact, take a moment and reflect on how blessed you are if you're a member of a church who's pastor has been there longer than 1 year.  The pastors that have touched my life have ALL been in the ministry for a long time.  Which proves their total commitment.

To all my pastors, and yes, I'm including the former pastors in my life, because you have all cared for me, counseled me, and taught me during some period of my life, THANK YOU.  From the bottom of my heart I thank you.  You are dedicated, and special.  You are a credit to the Kingdom of God.  I'm sorry I haven't told you more frequently, but thank you.  You will never know just how much you've done for me in my life.

With all the love in my heart,
Ms. T  



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Fast Not Slow

It seems like time is zipping past me.  We go to school/ work all week, have a day together, a day at church and then rinse and repeat.  I know it is just this way, but wow.  Just wow.

Have a great day!
Ms. T 




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Get It?

Firecracker has hit that age where he likes to make up his own jokes.  Yeah, it's just as painful as it sounds.  After he makes his "joke" he says, "get it, Mom, get it?"

Lately, he has dropped the entire beginning of the joke and he'll say something like.  "I like these pants." Then he'll cracking up.  Then he'll say, "get it, Mom? 'Pants' get it? Hahah!"  

How do I respond to that?  I mean really, 'pants' is not a punch line.  I've actually gotten to where I just smile and say something like, "oh, Firecracker, you're so silly!"

Have a great day,
Ms. T




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Wrestling Rules

Recently the munchkins have wanted to start wrestling with each other.  Part of me wants to stop them from doing it.  However, as the Hubs pointed out, it's good for them.  They need to learn to be able to handle rough and tumble situations.

Therefore, we had to establish ground rules.  So far we have only one rule. Our rule: If you get hurt you aren't allowed to whine and complain, because you're giving as much as you're getting.  We may have to add more as time goes on, but so far we haven't. Fingers crossed.

Have a great day!
Ms. T   




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Thank You, Coke

Have you ever heard about the My Coke Rewards program?  Basically, if you save the lids of your coke bottles or the tear away section of your 12 packs and enter the codes found there you earn points.  These points can be cashed in for all kinds of prizes.  Somethings are small others you can save up for are big.

The Hubs and I have used this program for years.  Over the years we have gotten all kinds of cool prizes.  From free 12 packs all the way up to a 50.00 Nike gift card. (The gift card was actually won from a sweepstakes).

The most recently, the Hubs and I cashed in our points and got 2 free movie tickets.  Not only did we get the tickets, we also got 2 large drinks and a large popcorn.  When I did the math it would have been around a 40 to 50 dollar date that we got for free!!

Thank you, Coke!

Have a great day!
Ms. T 




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Load Down

Sweet Pea came to me the other day and said, "Mommy, I'm too little to load down.  When I get big like you and Daddy I'll be big enough to load down."

Me: "Sweet pea, do you mean down load?  Like down loading games on to your tablet?"

SP: *looks at me like 'duh'* Yes, Mommy, I will be able to load down just like you and Daddy.

A few days later Sweet Pea was talking to the Hubs talking all the time about 'load downing'.  The Hubs looked so confused so I interpreted her meaning for him.  He just laughed and tried to correct her.  She tried to say it right, bless her heart, she really did, but she just kept getting tongue tied.

Hahaha!  Don't make 'em grow up too fast.

Have a great day,
Ms. T 




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First Day of School

Here we gooooooooo!  School, here we come.  I will update you all later with first day pics.  Oh, my babies are growing up so fast!

Have a great day!
Ms. T 




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Last Day of Summer

Where in the world did this summer go?  Monday is the first day of school.  Cray- cray.  It makes me sad and excited all at once.  The munchkins are excited about school, and I'm excited about getting a routine back in our lives.  Summer has been great, but it's also been willy nilly with  no schedule.  I do much better on a schedule, and so do the kids.

Well, ready or not here comes school! 

Get ready, my friends,
Ms. T 




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A Turtle's Sense of Direction?

A few months ago, my older sister, Ree, my older brother, Mr. Pickles, his wife, our kids and I drove (not all of us were in the same vehicle.  Mr pickle and his crew drove separately.) a few hours north to meet my younger brother, Ham, his wife and kids at a mutual destination.  Ham and his family live very far from us, so when he was 6 hours away we drove 3 and he drove 3 to meet.

We all met at a park and let the kids run and play for awhile. After awhile we decided to leave and go get some dinner.  We were in a town that I didn't know how to get around in and I have a TERRIBLE sense of direction.  I was planning on following my brothers.  However, they got out of the parking lot before I did and I didn't see which way they had turned.  Before we got in the cars we had decided upon a place to eat and Mr. Pickles had commented how easy it was to get there.  Because of this I had figured I could at least deduce which direction they went and catch up to them.

I made a turn as I was calling Mr. Pickles. Once I told him where I was he told me I had turned the wrong direction. *Shocker* I was frustrated and ranted to my sister about my awful sense of direction.  This is the conversation that followed.

Me: See I have the stinkin' sense of direction of a turtle!
Ree: Umm I didn't know that turtles had a bad sense of direction?
M: Oh, well, I really don't know if they have a bad sense of direction, but it seems that the would.
Ree: Uh, ooookkaaaayyy?
M: Well, look at them.  They don't seem like they'd know where they were going.  They always seem to get into the worst predicaments.
Ree: I guess that is true.


Mind you this conversation was uttered around mouthfuls of giggles.

Have a great day!
Ms. T  




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Prissy Dog

A few weeks ago, we were dog sitting for my parents while they were out of town.  Their dog, Lacey, is the most prissy dog I've ever seen!  She hates to go outside.  When you finally get her to go out to do her business she prances down the drive way as far as she can before she deigns to set foot on the grass. She will go just far enough into the grass to take care of things then she makes a bee line back to the pavement and follows it right back to the house.  

I have never seen a dog act that way.  Our dogs when I was growing up were outside constantly.  They never seemed to mind it.  They would chase squirrels and run around the yard.  Not Lacey, she is not interested in any of those activities.  Apparently, she is too good for regular dog activities.  Weird.

Have a great day!
Ms. T  




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Curiosity

Have you ever wondered what the cat was so curious about that it got him killed?  I asked the Hubs this question the other day and his reply was, "Nope.  I don't want to know, because what if I end up like that cat?"

Haha!

Have a good day!
Ms. T 




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Chores and Money

I know this will seem like a shock to some, but my children already have chores that are expected of them.  Mind you, they are chores that are age appropriate.  

Firecracker's chores are: 1. Unloading the dishwasher and putting the dishes away (with the exception of the dishes he cannot reach). 2. Putting away all his clean clothes. (I wash them, dry them and fold them.  He has to put them away.  Do I worry that he will put them away all messy and bunched up?  Nope, because even when I put them in all nice and neat as soon as Firecracker wants to wear something specific he digs through his drawers til he finds what he has been looking for.  And guess what?  His drawers are all messy.  So who really cares if they start out messy? Not this Mommy.)
3. Cleaning his room.

Sweet pea's chores: 1. Straightening the shoes by the front door.  and Putting away the silverware once Firecracker has finished unloading the dishes from the dishwasher. (I put away all knives first). 2. Putting away all her clean clothes. 3. Cleaning her room.

After these chores are finished, if the munchkins are willing to do extra chores we pay them.  They are learning several lessons through this. 

1. Mommy and Daddy are not their slaves.  We are the responsible adults, and therefore we have the lion's share of the work.  However, they live in this house too, and it isn't a free ride.

2. Responsibility.  Sure, there are going to be times when they don't want to do their chores.  However, we have to do things every day that we don't want to do.

3. Life isn't fair.  Sure there maybe several of their friends that do not have chores yet.  Well, guess what?  I am not those kid's Mommy.  I don't get to decide what those kids do and do not do.  Life doesn't hand you wonderful things on a silver platter.  You have to work for them.  And in several instances you will have to work harder than others in order to get what you want.

This is the philosophy in our home.  As they get older their chores will change, but make no mistake, they will always have responsibilities around our home.

Have a great day!
Ms. T 




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Holy Cow Bells!

I feel like I'm always saying this, but how in the world is it already August?  We only have another 2 weeks before school starts!  Holy cow bells!  This is insane.  Where did the summer go?

I'm going to stop typing now and go enjoy what's left of my summer break with my babies!  See ya!

Have a great day!
Ms. T 




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40 Years

Sunday is my parent's 40th anniversary.  40!  Holy Moly! Their marriage is awesome and one to look up to.  

Happy Anniversary to the most amazing parents ever!!  We love you!

Have a great one!
Ms. T 




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One of Those Days

You ever have one of those days where you wake up on the wrong side of the bed and you're ready to pinch off every one's heads?  Yeah, well, I'm having one of those days.  No reason in particular for it, just grumpy and cranky.  I'm trying really hard to reign it in for my kid's sakes, but man it's hard!  

~Ms. T 




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Morning Snuggles

One of the things I love most about summer is that when the kids get up in the morning they come into my room and say, "Mommy, can I cuddle with you?"  Of course I say yes!  I love Mommy-Munchkin cuddle time!  When the other one gets up (it differs depending on the day) they come in and want to get in on the cuddles too.  Little munchkin cuddles in the morning is about as close to heaven as you can get here on earth!

Of course you can count on the fact that once the second munchkin comes in the room the snuggle time will not last much longer.  They will lay for a few minutes and then they get each other wound up and it's time to get up.  But I wouldn't trade our morning snuggles for anything.

Have a great day!
Ms. T 




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Spider Bite

About a month ago, I was bitten by a spider.  It hurt, but it was fine after a day or two.  Consequently, I had this conversation with the Hubs:

Me: I'm kinda disappointed that I don't have super hero powers since I got my spider bite.
Hubs: *just looks at me*
Me: *doing Spiderman hand gestures and making swishing noises* You know, I can't swing from buildings or anything.  I guess it wouldn't do a lot of good around here anyway, because we don't have any tall buildings.
Hubs: You could always go into the city.  They have taller buildings there.
Me: True.  I'd have to spider web the kids to my back, because I can't leave them unattended.
Hubs: Or you could spider web them to a chair. (He was kidding of course)
Me: Nah, the kids would have fun swinging around with me.

And the fact that the Hubs indulged me enough to have this conversation is another one of the reasons I love him.

Have a great day!
Ms. T 




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Me 4

Awhile ago I posted that Sweet pea was saying, "me three" instead of "me too".  I thought it was so cute.  Well, since she has turned four she is now saying, "me four".  I guess it goes along with age!  Hahaha!

Have a great day!
Ms. T 




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Self Esteem Issues?

It cannot be said that my children have self esteem issues.  The other night Firecracker busted out with, "I wanna build the mad cop car (it's part of a lego set), because I am really good at building things.  I just have the skills." I had to really control myself to keep from laughing out loud!  

Not 10 minutes after Firecracker's statement, Sweet pea (who had not been in the room to hear Firecracker's statement) walked in and said, "I'm amazing."  I can't remember now what she was talking about, but it was so funny!

At least I don't have to worry about whether or not they value themselves. Hahaha!

Have a great day!
Ms. T 




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Human Pile

Firecracker and Tank, his cousin, are in the same grade at the same school.  They are great friends, but they can be a handful.  We tease that they are the "Playground Mafia". Anyway, playground mafia nickname aside, they are sweet boys.

Well, they had gotten in trouble one day on the playground for being rough with another boy.  The next day, they were brought into the office for encouraging other kids to slide down the slide and land on top of one another (of course they were in on the action, but how much fun is it with only 2?).

Their response when questioned was, "we didn't put our hands on anyone.  We were using kind words.  We were just making a human pile."

A human pile.... Interesting.  I'd never heard that one before.  The boys got off with a light talking to, because in their minds they were obeying the rules, they had just made up a new game.

And now there is a rule that there are to be no human piles on the playground.... Yep, every rule has a story behind it, and a reason it had to become a rule.

Have a great day!
Ms. T 




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The Green Bean Solution

The other day our whole family was having a dinner to celebrate my Daddy's birthday.  My Daddy didn't want a cake.  He decided he would rather have Dairy Queen.

You know the deal with kids knowing dessert is waiting for them they don't want to eat their meal, therefore, the parents have to say, "you have to eat this much _____ (fill in the blank) in order to get dessert."  This situation is no different in our family.

Firecracker came to me asking if he could be done with his meal.  I asked him how much he ate.  He replied that he had eaten everything but his green beans (which happen to be one of his mortal enemies.  And the only reason I made him have any was because there were no other vegetables on the table.).  I told him he had to eat 3 green beans in order to get dessert.

Fast forward about 5 minutes.  Firecracker comes to me again and tells me he has taken 1 green bean and cut it up, therefore making 3 green beans which he then proceeded to eat. Then asked if that was good enough. (Now, mind you I had to control myself A LOT in order to keep from laughing in his face, because come on that's pretty awesome problem solving isn't it?!)  I told him that it was a good try, but he still had to eat his other 2 green beans.

And the moral to this story is: You must be very specific when telling my kid what he has to finish on his dinner plate in order to get dessert.

Have a great day!
Ms. T 




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Xbox

The kids at Firecracker's school talk about video games and such.  Well, about a month ago Firecracker was looking through one of the Oriental Trading magazines that they send to my house and found a picture of a treasure box type thing that had an assortment of toys in it and on the front it said, "My Box".  Firecracker got all excited and said, "MOM! This box has an x on it!  If I got this I could have my very own Xbox!!"

I couldn't help but giggle.  How sweet and innocent is that? 

Have a great day!
Ms. T 




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Wallace

Sweet pea has a Dora lunch box that we got at a garage sale.  It has "Wallace" written all over it. When I say all over it, I mean all over it.  It is on each side, top, bottom and inside.  Apparently, the people that owned it before didn't want it getting lost.  I wouldn't have gotten it, but Sweet pea wanted it and it was only .25.

She was taking it with her to school this last school year and my friend, Ms. S, started calling Sweet pea "Wallace".  My SIL, Mrs. Pickles, said, "you better be careful, those are the kinds of nick names that stick with kids for the rest of their lives." 

I think it would be hilarious if when Sweet pea is 25 people are still calling her "Wallace".

And these are the people that I surround myself with.  I have to say I'm lucky!  I mean sure they're nutty, but what fun is life if you're serious all the time?  You gotta laugh!

Have a great day!
Ms. T




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Nemesis

Laundry: Woman's nemesis since the beginning of time.

I have accomplished something that doesn't happen very often in our house.  The laundry is all caught up! (ok, actually there is 1 load left, but come on give me a break)  This is cause for celebration!!!  I mean break out the chocolate and the dance mix, baby!  We will dance til we can't dance any more!

And now I shall go and sing, "I am the champion, my friends..."

Have a great day!
Ms. T 




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Tattle- Tale

Kids tend to be tattle tales.  If they think there has been an injustice done they will tell you about it.  Even if the injustice had nothing to do with them they will tell you about it.  My munchkins are no different.   

 Occasionally, my munchkins will ask about rules of driving.  Why we stop when other cars are going,  why we are driving so slowly, or why we can't go past a slow car. The Hubs and I explain to them that if we don't obey the laws a police man will give us a ticket and we will have to pay a lot of money.

Now, whenever the munchkins see someone running a stop light or going too fast they tattle on them to me.  "Mommy! that car is going too fast!  The police man will get him."

Hahaha!  I have to explain to them that we can't control the things other people do, all we can do is control our own actions.  Now that I think about it, it's a pretty good lesson on life.

Have a good day! 
Ms. T




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Freedom

Because I don't post on Saturdays I am going to pretend that it is the 4th.  So here it goes.

I want to say "Thank you!" to all the men and women, past and present, that have helped protect our country.  They have all paid a great price, some have paid a higher price than others, for my freedom and I do not take it lightly.

I know today is a holiday off of work, and people are enjoying the sunshine, the beach and bar-b-ques.  I enjoy all those things too, but take time today to thank a Veteran.  They are the ones who have given us the freedom we are celebrating. 

Happy 4th!
Ms. T


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Melt My Heart

We were in the van the other day.  I was super frustrated with the kids, because they were fighting incessantly.  Finally, I said, "Enough! We need to be thankful for what we have instead of fighting all the time.  We are going to go around and each of us is going to say something for which we are thankful.  Sweet pea, you go first."

Sweet pea: "I'm thankful for the trees and flowers."
Me: "Those are good things to be thankful for. Ok, Firecracker, your turn."
Firecracker: "I'm thankful that God made you, Mommy, because I love you."

Talk about melt my Mommy heart!! It's amazing how these little people can affect my heart.  

Have a great day!
Ms. T 




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8th Anniversary

 Today, the Hubs and I have been married for 8 years!!  In some ways I can't believe it has been that long.  I mean, it feels like yesterday were were celebrating our honeymoon.  

I'm more in love with the Hubs now than I was 8 years ago.  He's sweet, kind, loving, thoughtful.  He is a great listener, understanding, a wonderful father, great provider, honest, the spiritual leader of our home.  All in all he is the best man ever!

Happy Anniversary, Baby!!




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Speaking in Code

My sister in law, Ms. Pickles, called me the other day and our conversation went something like this:

M.P.: I'm going to have to speak around things in order to get my point across.  The kids are with me.

T: Ok

M.P.: You know that time when we get dressed and the moon's orb starts to rise?

T: Night time?

M.P.: Yes, ok, the girl has been summoned to another person's abode.

T: Oh, Princess is going to a sleep over?

M.P.: Yes, and the other one is going to be very disappointed that that one goes and they do not get to.  

T: You want Tank to come here for a sleep over?

M.P.: Yes, if you wouldn't mind.  

T: Sure!  And by the way, I feel like I'm the 100,000 dollar pyramid! Hahaha!

M.P.: Well, you're doing very well with it.

Oh the things you have to do in order to have a conversation your kids don't catch on to... If it is any more cryptic I fear I won't be able to keep up! Haha!

Have a great day!
Ms. T 




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Beach Day!!

Today is the first beach day of the summer!  Yippee!!  I do so love the beach.  Who doesn't love the smell of the salt water, the smell of sunscreen mixed in with it, the sound of the sea gulls (even though they are pesky and try to take our food.  Stupid jerks), the feel of the sand beneath my feet, and the taste of fresh water after swimming in salt water?

 Mix them all together with a gorgeous day and you have one of the closest things to heaven here on earth.  And today, I get to enjoy it with my friends and my babies!  I know you're all jealous.  Don't hate on me.  Grab your swim suit and come meet us there!!

Have a great day!
Ms. T 




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Six With a Dot

During the summer we have a rule in our house.  You may get out of your bed and turn on your t.v. when your clock says 6 with a dot (the dot indicates a.m.).  And when your clock says 7 with a dot you may come and get Mommy out of her bed.

This rule was initiated last summer, because Firecracker was getting up earlier and earlier.  It was to the point where he was waking me up at 5 a.m.  I was NOT cool with this at all and thus the six with a dot rule was born.  

I placed a digital clock in his room and covered the back two numbers with a piece of paper.  It works out splendidly!  Well, this summer it is Sweet pea's turn to learn the rule.  To be honest, I never thought she would need to learn the rule at all because she is a sleep hound.  She sleeps well, and she sleeps in.  My guess is that she had just gotten used to the early morning schedule of school and just has to get readjusted.  

It's a great little system we've got going on!  The kids think it's awesome that they can control their own t.v.s for a little while, and Mommy thinks it's great to get to sleep til 7 instead of 5.  (Actually, it's more like 7:30, because I fudge their clocks and set them 30 minutes behind... Don't judge me!  We're all a happy family when Mommy gets her sleep!)

Have a great day!
Ms. T   




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Kill Joy

Do you remember when you were a kid wondering why your parents would never let you do anything fun?  And of course they always took away all the fun stuff to play with.  Man they were kill joys!  

Well, it occurred to me over the weekend that I have become an official kill joy.  I will not allow my kids play with plastic bottles (not sure why they love these so much) because they may be able to get the lids off and choke on them.  I will not let Firecracker jump on the bed, even if it is so bouncy, because he may just fall off and hurt himself.

I guess our parents weren't really kill joys.  Maybe, just maybe they were looking out for our personal safety.... =)

Hope you all have a great day!
Ms. T 


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Spies

This conversation happened a long time ago, but I think you need to hear it anyway. Ms. L and I were talking and we had one of the most hilarious discussions I've had in a while.  I think you need to be privy to it.

Ms. L: "There is this girl that comes into my work sometimes that is super weird.  Like weird in a 'I-can't-have-a-normal-conversation-with-others' kind of weird."
Apparently this woman works one door down from Ms. L's office and she makes regular appearances.  Much to the chagrin of everyone in the office.

Me: "Okaaay?" - Sorry I need more detail before I go jumping in with both feet. 

Ms. L: "The other day the Hubs (hers not mine by the way) dropped off our chicken's so I could take them to the boy's school for show and tell.  They were sitting outside our office on the side walk in their pen for a short time while I finished up a few things.  The girl walked in and asked, ' are those your chickens?'.  Of course I said, 'yes, I'm getting ready to take them to my son's school.'  The girl replied, 'Don't you know you can't leave animals out in the sun?!  They'll DIE!'."

Me: "Hmmmm, I can't believe we've been doing it wrong all this time!  How have all my out door pets not keeled over?!"

Ms. L: "I KNOW!  I think she's a spy for an animal rights group or something, but she can't possibly be a spy, because spies are supposed to have some sort of cool factor, and she has zero cool factor."

Me: "If you think about it that makes her the best spy ever!  She is making you think she's not a spy when she's actually an amazing spy!"

Ms. L: "Oh my word!  You're so right!  But let's just say that she's a spy for like PETA doesn't PETA stand for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals?  Therefore insinuating that Ethics should be invloved?  And spies don't have any ethics.  I mean if they did they couldn't very well just kill people.  Oh we need a new group! I'm going to start one!  People for the Ethical Treatment of People!  I'm going to call it PETOP!"

Me: "That is so awesome!  Can I be like member number 2?!" Because obviously Ms. L is already member numero uno.

Ms. L: "Oh no you're like the Vice President of PETOP.  As a matter of fact you're the COO of PETOP."

And by this point I was rolling and had the best stomach work out I'd had in days or maybe weeks.  Ok, so now that you're all privy to one of our conversations you know just how truly insane we are!  Honestly, we have these kinds of conversations almost all the time.  It's amazing =).  Everyone should have a best friend that brings out the nutty in them.  But you can't have mine, because I call dibs ;).

Hope you all have a great day!

Ms. T

P.s. to make the story even funnier later another lady from the weird girl's office came into Ms. L's office and said, "so what about the chickens?"  And Ms. L's reply?  "Oh I was just trying to make me some fried chicken!" hahahaha!  I love her!

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