Why the laundry never gets put away

Well, every time I think about doing it, or actually start doing it, I never seem to get the laundry put away. It's kind of like the story about If You Throw a Pig a Party, or something along those lines, where the pig keeps getting distracted from her original plan of action...that's me! That was my plan today, "I'm going to get the laundry put away!" But first, I need to clean up from our slumber party last night....then I need to clear off the kitchen counters...probably should get dressed...I really need to check out Circuit City to see if there are any good deals left (no, just about everything's gone)...need to stop at Burger King for a Mocha BK Joe...home again, and need to eat lunch...now I need to clean up after lunch...Emily wants me to color with her, OK....Now, upstairs to make the beds so I can sort out the laundry...start sorting laundry and get a few things put on the proper bed...find some dish towels...back downstairs to put those away...there's the laptop...check my email...maybe I'll check my blog too!

So here I sit, now Dan and Alex are back from the Butler game (Go Bulldogs!) Alex got a Butler t-shirt from one of the cheerleaders and they saw Jeff Saturday from the Colts! How exciting....but the laundry still needs put away, bummer.

What is it about the laundry that I keep avoiding it? Poor kids can't find matching socks or clean underwear! Seriously, I'm going to go do that right now, but I could really use a snack first....

"You're Gonna Miss This...Moment" Slumber Parties

It's already been another week, and I have so much to be thankful for, and lots of little moments that I'll miss someday. Thanks to Pam for hosting this weekly carnival!

Every now and then, the kids and I will have a slumber party, so this Friday was time for another one! I love how the kids look forward to it all week, usually behave much better, clean up their messes and basically do what they're told, or the slumber party is off! The popcorn is popped, our jammies are on, and High School Musical 3 is in the DVD player! It should be a fun night of singing and dancing!




I love that we can share these family nights together, and I'm really gonna miss this moment when they're older. Gotta go, it's time to snuggle in, stuff myself with snacks and popcorn, and watch as Troy and Gabriella sing a love song to each other!



I had to post an update to our fun slumber party night: After the movie ended and we started the 'slumber' part of our party, Emily was upset that she couldn't sleep by me too, because Alex and I were sharing a couch. So I decided to push the couches together and we could all be closer, and everyone was happy. It was a 'melt my heart moment' when Alex said, "This is the best night ever!" And I gave them both good-night hugs and kisses, and he said, "I love when you hug me." Awww, I'm REALLY gonna miss this moment! I couldn't resist getting a picture of them after they fell asleep. Sweet dreams!

Marshmallow Coke

Mmmmmm...Today we treated ourselves to a marshmallow Coke! Alex had a follow-up allergy appointment, and he's already made a tremendous improvement from last week! He's no longer wheezing, or coughing as much, although that could still change with the spring coming. But he looks better and feels better!

On our way home we stopped at a local family-owned drive-in diner called Musillami's. That is a sure sign that Spring is not too far off! It's always exciting when their neon OPEN sign starts flashing again! It's not a fancy-looking place, it's actually quite the opposite! But it's always crowded and their food is the best! (Which probably means it's not good for you at all!) One of our favorite things to get is their marshmallow Cokes. I always drank these as a kid at an old-fashioned soda fountain where I grew up and was so delighted to find that someone else still makes them! I haven't been able to find very many places to make them special for us, especially not without some funny looks! But Musillami's actually has this on their menu! It's great to pass these memories on to my own children! I can hear it now when they have kids, "When I was your age, your Grandma always took us to a little drive-in to get marshmallow Cokes!"


On another note, I met with Emily's preschool teachers for her conference to find that she's doing wonderfully! So good to hear! She is very happy at school and is the social butterfly. Not surprising, although, she needs to be reminded from time to time when to stop chatting with her friends. Her teachers told me she was not very eager to be called out to review her skills, that she was very anxious to get back to her group of friends to play! A typical girl! She is able to tell them all the letters and numbers when asked from a piece of paper, yet she was unable to recite the alphabet or count higher than 18 on her own. We've got a little work to do! I asked her if she could sing the alphabet to me and she said, "I don't think so." Oh. I'm so used to Alex singing this and knowing it, I apparently assumed Emily could do it, too. But the teachers assured me, no worries! She is definitely ready for Kindergarten and they learn all of this so much the first few months when school begins, and that they would be more concerned if she wasn't a good listener, a good friend or had other social issues, but she gets a 'Gold Star' in those categories! Great job, Emily!

Sweet and Petite

We have a growth chart taped to our basement door, and every once in awhile the kids will ask me to 'weigh' them!

"You mean measure you." I say.
"Oh, yeah, measure us! Will you measure us?"

Yesterday was one of those days and I was surprised that they had each grown another half inch since November! Wow! That may not be much, but it always amazes me that they are literally growing up before my eyes. Alex has reached 46" and Emily is 39"! I keep wondering when Alex will reach 4ft and 40 pounds! He has finally made the 40 pound mark, but just shy of 4 feet! And then there's little Emily. She may always be our little 'sweet and petite' one! It makes me laugh when people are surprised when I tell them she's almost five! The other day when we dropped Alex off at school for basketball camp, Emily had to go to the bathroom, and one of the moms said, "She can go to the bathroom all my herself?" She thought Emily was only 3! I can't believe I will be registering her for Kindergarten on Monday! Her personality, though, is not as small as she is! She's not afraid to tell people what she's thinking and I know she won't have any trouble standing out!

It won't be long before both of them will be as tall as me!

Wordless Wednesday

Happy Birthday Grandma Martha!

We want to shout out to Great-Grandma Martha a big "Happy 92nd Birthday!" What an amazing woman who has created an amazing family! We love you and thank you for all the blessings you've given us and continue to bring us!





We hope you enjoy this special day, and we are thinking of you!














"Grandmothers. Some advanced in years. Others still mother-like themselves. All bring an offering that can be duplicated by no other. An offering of wisdom that comes from living a lifetime. An offering of patience hewn out of trial. An offering of laughter that has been learned through making the most out of both prosperous and lean times." (from Mom's Devotional Bible)

Gray hair is a crown of splendor;
it is attained by a righteous life. Proverbs 16:31

Spring is near

The days seem to be getting a little bit longer, and the birds are chirping a little bit louder, hopefully that's a sign of warmer days to come! We've seen this little guy (or gal) at our front step every morning for the last few weeks, and I managed to get a picture of it from the window this morning. He's a plump little bird! This surely means that Spring is getting so close! There's a little nest in the tree outside our window, and I wonder if it belongs to the same family who come back every year! Keep visiting us little friend, we love seeing you! And don't forget to bring some warmer temperatures back with you! Take care!

When the Tooth Fairy visits...

Today I volunteered in Alex's kindergarten class, which I do every Monday, and I love seeing all the kids and watching Alex interact with his friends. This week the class is learning about taking care of their teeth and dental hygiene. My station activity today was to have the kids cut out a toothbrush and a 'brushing' chart and glue the chart on their toothbrush. Hopefully they will take them home and check off every day that they brush their teeth! I also read a book called Moose's Loose Tooth. It was very cute and talked about how a Moose had a loose tooth that just wouldn't come out, and every time one of his friends came by, they would try and help pull out the tooth. Anyway, it ended with an elephant being the last one to help, and when he pulled, the tooth came flying out and ended up his mouth! The Moose had to put the elephant under his pillow since he was 'guarding' the tooth! When it got to the part where I read about the Tooth Fairy coming and leaving money, I asked all the kids who had lost a tooth and if the Tooth Fairy came to their house. One little boy told the girl who said she was left some money by the Tooth Fairy, that it was NOT the Tooth Fairy it was her mom! And I said, "No, the Tooth Fairy is very quiet and sneaky, so we don't hear her," and he kept saying, "There is no Tooth Fairy, it's your mom!" I just kept saying how quiet she is so she doesn't wake us up and kept reading! It's too bad that there is always one kid who doesn't believe and tries to ruin the magic for everyone else! It kinda makes me sad, because the boy had not lost a tooth, yet, and doesn't believe that the Tooth Fairy will come to his house, and maybe his family does not have money to leave under his pillow, or maybe they just don't play that 'game'! But, being a kid means believing in those rare magical moments and the excitement that goes with losing a tooth! I hope that the rest of the class will continue to believe in the Tooth Fairy and look forward to having those magical mornings when they find a surprise under their pillows!

We're still waiting for the Tooth Fairy to visit our house, but I know that she will be here soon! Alex has two, barely loose teeth, and he tells me every day, "I have 2 loose teeth!" I just love his excitement! Please let him keep that innocence for as long as possible!



"Tooth Fairy, PLEASE come visit me!"

"I Am" thankful

(Kyle, Grandma Martha, and all the kids with their topi hats on!)

Today was a day to be so thankful for! We attended a wonderful service today welcoming Kyle back from a Nepal mission trip. There is so much he has to share of his amazing journey with us that an hour was just not enough! What a blessing for him to be able to introduce the Bible and scripture to those he could connect with a world away who had not even heard of the Bible or Jesus Christ! I'm sure most of us cannot even begin to comprehend such an experience, but how thankful we are for all the pictures, stories and items that he brought back with him to share with us! During the service a girl sang a song called "I Am" which I love, and have added it to my playlist! I had the privilege to hear Nichole Nordeman sing this song in person during a MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) convention a couple of years ago. I had actually forgotten about it until I heard it again today! It is such a beautiful song and the meaning behind it is even more beautiful. No matter how much we change and grow in our relationship with God, He is unchanging! The song strikes a cord with me, being a mother, because I can relate to being a healer, listener and watching my kids grow. But I will also remember that God is our Father and heals all, always listens and helps us grow in so many ways!
After the service, the family headed to MCL for lunch to celebrate Great-Grandma Martha's 92nd birthday! She is an amazing woman and I pray that I can even be half as wonderful as she is at her age! Happy birthday, we love you!

The kids all loved the topi (pronounced toe-pee, Indian hats) that Kyle brought back for each of them and the money! It is so cute to see the kids together! I love watching them play and have fun, as well as the entire family! We are so fortunate that we are able to get together so easily and so often! Welcome home, Kyle! It's been a wonderful day!










(Cameron sharing the love!)

(Alex will fit right in, in Nepal!)

"You're Gonna Miss This...Moment" Noise

I came across this idea at Pam's site and I thought it was such a great idea! Join us and share your moments, too! I tried it the other day, but I think I was off of the weekly schedule, so I'll post another one!

Anyway, today was one of those days where the kids were just chatting noisily and asking a million questions every time they took a breath! I don't mind the idle chatter sometimes, but when Emily has to end every statement with "Right?" it tends to get a little unnerving! She will not let it go until I answer. "Right, mommy?" "Yes, right!" I snip back. When I sit back, (after they are finally in bed and all is quiet) I think about the idea of 'missing this moment' one day. Right now when there are so many things to keep up with like laundry, clutter, places to go, etc... I easily miss this chance to talk to them and actually listen to what they are saying. One day they are going to be the ones too busy to talk to me and I will miss that chatter and having someone around who wants to know why there are clouds in the sky and how they make paper and other things I don't really know how to answer and I'll think of how quiet it would be without them. Maybe the next time they talk endlessly over each other, I can try and smile and think, "I'm gonna miss this moment some day!"

Like Father, Like son

Yesterday, we took Alex to the allergy doctor, and 3 and half hours later, (and 10 prescriptions later, yikes!) we realized he is going to be just like Dan! Yes, we sat in a little room that was about 85 degrees, all four of us, from 1:00 to almost 4:30! But, I was so impressed with Alex, and Emily for waiting so long! Alex is a lot like me, too because he was nervous and worried and thought about getting a shot all week in anticipation of his appointment. Anyway, he has allergies just like Dan and will have to go weekly to get the allergy shots, like Dan. Bummer. But we are glad that we finally took him, and that he'll finally get the relief he deserves! We have been so used to his stuffy, runny nose and sneezing, and how wonderful it will be for Alex to breathe better and not sneeze and cough so much. Poor little man. He always looks so pitiful when he goes to the doctor with his little arms and chest showing. But, he did amazing! He got pricked on his bony little back about 40 times, and received a total of 20 little shots on his arms! And he didn't cry or scream at all, like he said he would! In fact, he told us that he likes this doctor much better than his other doctor! Because they give bigger shots at his pediatrician! The allergy doctor was the best doctor I've ever met! She was wonderful with Alex, and talked directly to him and told him what she was going to do and made it feel like he was the boss! She was the kind of person who could sell milk to a cow!

Before he had the shots, the assistant put a numbing cream on his arms and wrapped them in saran wrap! In addition to his shots, he also needs regular breathing treatments.
By the way, he is definitely allergic to cats! Sorry, Kitty!

The picture of health!
(While he waited in between tests, he also devoured about 10 little suckers! I think our next appointment will be to the dentist!)

Battle wounds!

Alex, you are such a brave little boy! I guess you and Daddy will get to start bonding at the Allergy office every Friday afternoon!

Make-up Tips

A natural beauty, I'm not...so when I get magazines and flip through the numerous tips on how to look younger, more natural and how to apply make-up, it's worth a read from me! So I find a tip in Better Homes and Gardens, "Want to freshen up your look?" Sure. "Want a healthy, radiant flush?" Yes! Their tip: to locate the key spots on your face where you naturally blush, bend over and touch your toes, stand upright then look in the mirror to see where the rosiness appears. And just apply your blush there! Sounds easy, right? Well, there were two problems with this tip for me (after I tried it!) First of all, I forgot how hard it is to touch my toes! Then, when I stood upright, my WHOLE face was red! Hmmm, apply blush all over? Oh well...I'm starting to think maybe Emily's suggestions will work better! I hope that she will not look to me for help in that department! She is simply beautiful the way she is, and I hope she always remembers that!




Now...I think maybe I need to memorize the articles on organization and 45 ways to cure clutter forever!

Say what?

This morning as Alex was getting ready to leave for school, Emily came up to him and said, "I'll miss you." I thought, surely she didn't say what I think she said!

So I asked, "What did you say, Emily?"

"Nothing" she said. I guess once was enough! But then when he went upstairs to tell Dan good-bye, I heard her say it again "I'll miss you, Alex." I just thought that was so sweet! Usually she will still be lying in bed watching tv when he leaves and not even acknowledge him!

The other funny thing (I thought) that Emily said was "I just saw Robama's house."

"Who?"

"ROBAMA!" she said a little slower, like I couldn't understand.
"On tv."

Oh, "Obama?" I asked. "Do you know who he is? He's the President."

She said, "I know. I remember names. And I just saw his house!"

OK, enough said.

"You're Gonna Miss This... Moment" Bedtime

After long mornings of chauffeuring kids here and there and back again, making dinner, homework, and then trying to get them to bed...I long for that time to sit down at night and watch my favorite tv shows and relax. There are nights when one of them, and sometimes both, will stall with keeping me in their room with just one more story, or asking me to lay with them for just a few more minutes. And there are nights when I feel that there are so many things to do and they just need to go to sleep and don't ask me to stay one more time! But...then I realize that there will be a day that they will be too 'grown-up' to be kissed by their mom and don't need me to tuck them in at night. They won't need a bed-time story or a shoulder to rest their head on until they fall asleep, and I'll realize that "I'm gonna miss this moment" one day. So I lay with them a few more minutes, and read one more story, and hold onto the fact that they want me there...and I want to be there too!

Wild, Wild Wednesdays

If by wild, you mean Emily's hair...then WILD is was!





And it's not just on Wednesdays! No matter how much we comb and straighten and smooth Emily's hair at night, it will always look like a wild nest by morning! But I love it! We calm it down and put a bow on it (if she'll let me), and off we go...

Wednesday's schedule has become our busiest of the week, but I'm starting to look forward to it. Mostly because Alex and Emily each have their own activity that they choose to do, and we get the time to sit down and eat lunch somewhere, and it's become a treat. I also have MOPS on this day and today was our Bible Study. I learn so much from the women in this group and always come away full of joy. The study this year focuses on stress and worry, and who doesn't have that in their life? I'm always much calmer throughout the day and reflect on the lesson, but it's sometimes hard for me to keep that outlook for the whole week! It's amazing how much my mood and perspective can affect the whole day! One of the verses we read today was Proverbs 17:22 "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." Wow, I would much rather be good medicine and not 'dry up' other's bones!

After Bible Study, I collected the kids from school. I've learned on the days that both kids are in school to have a stash of snacks in the car, because as soon as Alex gets off the bus, hops in the car to go get Emily, he immediately starts with "I'm hungry!" He's quiet the whole way, with an occasional "mmhmmm" when I ask him about his morning. We get Emily, she gets in the car and immediately starts taking everything out of her school bag and telling me everything she's done this morning! It's funny how different they are! Today we chose Steak n' Shake for lunch and the kids got a little paper car to assemble and put stickers on and we tried a new flavor of coke with vanilla, chocolate and cherry syrup all mixed up! Mmmmm! My new favorite drink! It's nice to have plenty of time between lunch and ice-skating to sit and relax and talk to the kids, and I've really come to love this part of our Wednesdays.
















Then after ice-skating, we head to tennis. There is also plenty of time to spare between these activities, so we usually just sit in the car and chat. Today was cute because Emily climbed over into Alex's seat and they had the seat belt over both of them and just sat together. Now we're home for some brief quiet time. Aaahhh... So, although, it's busy and filled with driving around town and getting in and out of the car, it's also been quality time and I will be a little sad when it's over. (just a little!)

Did someone order a DJ?

Oh my! I know I post every minute of everything we do, but I couldn't resist this one! When I mentioned before "Things I love" and how I love when no one knows I'm there...this is a classic example! I started to video Alex in his greatest role, but he wouldn't do anything when I was watching. So I pretended to leave and then hid behind a tree on the side of the house. I hope he's not too embarrassed when he sees this! He can spend hours hooking up his music and speakers, and I don't think anyone will ever really know how much effort he puts into it, but here's a glimpse! Gotta love this kid!



"Is everybody enjoying it? I'm glad!" (Alex says)

You have a 'little something' on your face

(Alex and Emily after eating Easter cupcakes March 2006)




I love it when Emily finishes her jelly sandwiches! She always looks at me and says "I'm done!" As if I couldn't tell! Don't you wish you could eat like a kid sometimes! Just enjoy your food so much and not worry about where it ends up!



(Emily May 2007)


(Emily today)



(Skipper will help clean you off!)













It's also a beautiful sunny day, although really cold, but Emily wanted to ride her new 'ride' and show it off for Alex. They each have their own license plates, and are ready to rule the road! Look out!