Seriously!

Okay, so we've been having a bit of trouble w/ Ms. Thing lately. She's such a great kid! She's sweet, beautiful, very kind-hearted, but VERY, VERY Hard Headed. She also has quite a temper and a strong opinion about how things need to be.
One of the specific issues we have been arguing about is the issue of clothing.
Last week, we had several struggles about why she couldn't wear Capri pants, skirts w/o tights, and gaucho pants in the below freezing temperatures. She told me that she was tired of dressing like a "geek in pants." I actually left each and every argument feeling sorry for her and feeling like a failure as a mother--questioning my motives for wanting her to dress appropriately. She's that good!
Not just the type and style of clothing, but particularly how things fit. I don't know how many times, I've heard the phrase, "I'm just TOOO stinking skinny mom. I just wish I could gain a pound!" After suppressing the enormous amount of laughter, I give her the old, "Would you rather be fat?" or "Someday your going to laugh at those words that you just said--especially after you given birth to three children!" I guess to a seven year old, those comments don't work well.
So, this morning, after giving the Train his 5:50 am cup of milk and getting him back to sleep. I decided to prepare for this morning's upcoming battle. We had a Superbowl party w/ our small group last night, and the kids didn't get to bed until a little before 10, so I knew that I was in for a big one today! I began my morning w/ a cup of coffee and lots of prayer! (Isn't it funny the things that demand God's attention as mothers of small children)
After a long conversation w/ God, I came to the conclusion that I was going to let Ms. Thing be in charge of her clothes--tights, no tights, pants, etc...I was going to let her make the call--freeze or don't freeze--the choice was hers.
So, When Ms. Thing woke up, I was quite proud of my little plan. She was thrilled to pick out her own outfit, and she picked out quite an cute ensemble of leggings, a skirt, and a shirt--very cute, almost warm enough, and she was happy......or so it seemed...........
The drama began when the leggings made her underwear fall down, and her skirt was too loose, and I needed to adjust the waist, and OH No! she accidentally ripped the skirt when she was trying to adjust the waist, and the sleeves of her shirt were hanging too long past her wrists. ...
So, there you have it--the drama was in full force, tears, hollering, 7 year old expletives, etc. In all honesty, I don't know what she finally decided to wear, but I'm posting a few pictures of the post-trauma bedroom. The Train enjoyed wallowing in the clothing and accessories strewn about her bedroom floor.
I guess for now, I'll keep on praying and boy, am I looking forward to the teenage years!

Snow days!

Finally, the snow has melted, the ice has cleared, and the kiddos are back in school for the 2nd day in a row. Mom is getting the house back in order, the muddy snow stains off the carpet, and the laundry finished and folded. The kids loved having an unplanned 2 day vacation sprung on them--and I have to admit, I enjoyed the lazy, snow day life as well.
The kids even broke free from the walls of our house and played in the "snow" or ice. Here is Ms.Thing playing w/ her friends in the snow.The Train had his first snow experience as well, but he wasn't having quite as good of a time as his big sister. Wasn't too sure what to think of all the fun!


Big Brother enjoyed a quick spree in the snow--too quick for Mom to take in few shots! He decided to use the time to perfect his mad gaming skills on the Wii. Gotta keep our priorities straight, you know!

Welcome!

I have to admit--I'm a blog junkie! I love reading other people's blogs. Every time I follow a blog, I think to myself, "Hey, I can do that!" Then I busy myself w/ the tasks of daily living, and the thought of actually blogging escapes to the "things I'll do when I have more time" file in my brain. Now, this file in my brain is HUGE. When I have time, I'm going to scrapbook. When I have time, I'm going to take a cake decorating class. When I have time, I'm going to organize my house. and so on, and so on, and so on.
Well, it is now 2009, and I've come to the conclusion that I'm not going to find this "additional time" under a rock in some far away land. One of my resolutions is to take some time and enjoy life. So, I thought, what better way to enjoy life, than to reflect and document the little things in life. So, away we go. I'm hoping that this isn't like the thousands of other resolutions I've made but haven't kept--the exercise regime, the diet, the ultimate immaculate house, etc. I guess only time will tell......