The Messer!

The Train is at a very cute stage of life. He's exploring and toddling around everywhere. He's talking more and more everyday, although we can't really understand a word that he's saying. We love to watch how much fun he has following his big brother and big sister and trying to keep up!
However, as adorable as this stage is--it is also one of the messiest stages so far. We have to keep all doors, cabinets, and toilet seats closed at all times. One morning in the hustle and bustle of getting ready for school, work, etc., I came across his blankie in the toilet--which big sis had forgotten to flush--yuck!
I've come to understand that when all is quiet--when I can't hear his little baby noises, cries, or laughter--better watch out--he's gotten into something. Today's mess was small on a scale of his messes, but it was cute. Apparently, the pantry door was not shut, so he got a box of black trash bags, found a spot at the back of the house, and enjoyed pulling each bag out one by one!

Zoo fun

Yesterday the kids and I enjoyed a day at the zoo. The weather was beautiful! I just loved watching how much my kids enjoyed all the animals.



I was a little scared to take all 3 kids by myself, especially during spring break. We left the house pretty early--thanks to the early risers in my house, and we enjoyed the morning. It started to get a little busy after lunch, so we decided that we would pack up and call it a day! The Train really enjoyed seeing all the animals--it was his first zoo experience--he called all the animals "doggies"

Spring break, what's a kid to do!

It's funny, it seems like today life keeps us so busy that a few unplanned days seem a bit scary. At least they do to me. When the words "Spring Break" were uttered, I found myself trying to plan every minute of our week, especially since hubby was to be gone on a short term mission trip. The weekend kept us pretty busy with church activities, and when Monday rolled around, I found myself scheduling out the entire day. I was sure that in order to keep sanity, we needed lots and lots of things to do, places to go, and people to see. I had the list made, the time schedule charted, and I was ready to get the day rolling!!



A funny thing happened, though-- the kids saw the bright sun shining outside, and they decided to make their own day of fun. They played outside in our backyard--which is not quite spectacular, and they had so much fun making up games and just getting dirty! Apparently, I forgot how much fun good old fashioned dirt could be!
I had fun watching them and listening to them. They taught me a very valuable lesson--I threw the schedule in the trash and enjoyed the outdoors with them!

Head Lice, Yikes!!

I haven't posted anything in a while, so I decided to catch everyone up on life in our household!

About 2 1/2 weeks ago, Miss Thing had been complaining about her head itching. Since she's in school, I did check her head, but all I found were a few flakes--just a dry scalp--or so I thought!! I helped her wash her hair w/ dandruff shampoo, but she kept itching. Finally, on a Friday, we had no school, so we tossed around the idea of going to the zoo. I decided to put her hair in ponytails--cute for pictures--and to my horror, I saw something move in her hair. It was definitely a little critter!
As a child, my family never had any head lice experience, so I didn't really know what I was doing or what I was looking for--apparently, those "flakes" I thought I saw were actually little nits. So, we skipped the zoo, Hubby took about 17 loads of laundry to the laundromat (every single piece of bedding, clothing, etc we could find), vacuumed and cleaned the entire house and furniture, and we treated Miss Thing! The rest of the family also had the joy of treating our heads--didn't want to take any chances! I think we calculated that we spent around 7 hours on the laundry, cleaning, and head treatments!So, I informed her school and her teacher, and the plan was to work on it over the weekend! I took her to an "health professional" the following Tuesday, and she was checked and declared "lice free." I guess all of our efforts and "nit picking" were not in vain.
I was a bit insane and went a little crazy on the house keeping for the following week--It was the cleanest our home had been in a while. Here's what Big Brother had to say about our Lice adventure!

Our sentiments, too! Hopefully, we've seen the last of these nasty critters!! What a mess!

First words

I thought that I would give some video footage a shot. Here is the Train playing w/ blocks and saying one of the few words that he says, "Uh Oh!" He has a very limited vocabulary for the time being, so anytime he demonstrates his "mad vocal skills," we try to document!
We were shopping at the grocery store a few days ago and there was a lady stocking magazines at the checkout. She dropped a few magazines, and right on cue, the Train said, "UH OHH!" She just giggled and giggled--I think it made her day! It sure made mine!

So Sweet

After school, Ms. Thing went to her room and created 4 invitations to a Valentine's party in her room. So, after dinner, the 5 of us went into Ms. Thing's room, where she had lots of games and fun planned. We played pin the heart in the circle, and we drew names and made Valentines for each other. Big Brother informed us that the Valentine making was his favorite part of the party, because he "loved arting." How cute! We ended the party w/ ice cream and sprinkles, yummy! The Train didn't make the picture, because all our partying completely wore him out--he had to leave the festivities a little bit early for his bed!

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!