Slacker

Slacker isn't a word that I'd normally use to describe myself. I'm one of those people that rarely sits still, but I have been slacking on the ol' blog posts. However, our household is still a-BUZZZZZ. We've had some major milestones when it comes to our two year old. Miles is sleeping in a big boy bed and peeing in the potty. I have to admit that there's nothing cuter than little boys in underoos. I've heard other mothers tell me that their child potty trained themselves, but I truly battled with Karson and Isaac on the potty front. Miles, on the other hand, decided to potty train on his own. All I can say is WOW--pray for one of these children =).

Our hamster Princess Sparkles is still alive. AMAZING, huh? I believe Isaac loves her more than anyone. He loves holding her and talks about having a hamster of his own. He's given the imaginary hamster names like Mouse, Nibbles, Jerry, etc. Sparkles recently got a new home. For those of you hammie lovers, you know that hamsters chew endlessly. She managed to chew up everything in her lovely pink (pricey) princess home. She's now the product of a homemade double-wide rubber maid bin. If you ever need instructions on how to make your own hammie home, let me know.

Karson's school did a weekly thing-a-mah-jig on Dr. Seuss a few weeks back. The kids were supposed to dress up like their favorite character on Friday. I thought to myself...have these people SEEN the characters in Dr. Seuss??? Horton, the Sneeches, Who's...we settled on Thing 2. Karson was excited about the blue hair. BTW, I can still see blue hair dye on her scalp. Any suggestions for removal would be appreciated?

Isaac has been hounding me for days about making cupcakes. I fortunately remembered to buy some mix and icing at Target last Friday. Karson asked me, "Mom, why are we making cupcakes?" I knew "just because" wouldn't be a sufficient answer. So I told her, "it's the first day of spring, that's why." That seemed good enough for her. Isaac is a chef in training. Of course, he's totally uninterested in the baking, mixing and filling part. All he cares about is the icing and sprinkles. He also LOVES making Kool-Aid. We found some BLUE colored Kool-Aid at Wally World. He made it when we got home and generously gave it to everyone in the house followed with the question...it's yummy isn't it? He told Matt exactly how its made too--sugar, water and this mix stuff.

Isn't this springy time weather A-W-E-S-O-M-E, like to-totally. Anyone game for a weekly park date, I'm in!!!

Proud as a Peacock

What's the purpose of a blog if you can't brag a little about your kids, eh? Karson came home from school on Friday and she and I had the following conversation:

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K: "Mom, is there some things I can do around to earn money?"

T: "Yeah, I can think of some things for you to do. Why?"

K: "Well, my P.E. teacher wants us all to bring in $5 next Friday. You see, there are some kids and their hearts aren't good and there's a jump rope thing and we need to raise money."

(At this point my heart melted at my daughter's obvious selflessness. I mean, really, how cool is it that she wanted to earn money for someone else. It reminds of the scripture in Matthew 18:4 "Therefore, whoever, humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.")

K: "I'll do WHATEVER you ask."

T: "Okay, do 700 push-ups =)."

K: "MooooMMM."

T: "No, I can think of stuff you can do like make your bed each morning and help around the house doing chores."

And so the conversation continued. Karson is earning her money each day. I am teaching her the value of helping out around the house doing chores. Plano Elementary is teaching her the value of helping others. And God is blessing each of those works.

Things that Make You Go Huuummm?

Miles has become fixated on wearing a BIG, BRIGHT, YELLOW Batman belt EVERYWHERE and EVERYDAY. I gently removed it this afternoon when putting him down for nap--he immediately whispered to me "put my belt back on." I guess he gets his sense of style from his wild and crazy Pops.

Claire's and a Smile

Karson had her 6-month DREADFUL visit to Dr. Barbee's dental office this morning. I assured her numerous times that it was only a check-up and cleaning, but the anxiety was overwhelming for her (and for good reason--see chart above). All the green places represent all the work that's been done. The red places are the one's that need attention. I like how they've X-ed out the tooth that was abscess since it no longer exists. Her top front teeth are pretty decayed. But since the teeth aren't giving her much trouble and are loose, no work is required--YEAH. However, she does have a two cavities that need to be filled--BOO. That LOVELY appointment is scheduled for June. They are also going to seal her permanent molars in the back that day.

After gymnastics this afternoon, Karson and I decided to hang out at the mall for a bit. We did a little shopping and then headed to every little (and big) girl's dream store--Claire's Boutique. Karson stumbled upon a glittery book that she liked. I told her that it was a diary and then explained how awesome diaries are...you can write all your secrets, worries, goals, dreams, etc. And, most importantly, no one can read it EVER (because of the nifty padlock). I loved all 500 of my diaries =). My favorite one was covered in Jelly Beans. Karson HAD to HAVE ONE! After we left the store, she told me, "Mom, I'm already thinking of something bad I want to write in here." I told her that the entries can be about bad stuff but ALSO about good stuff. When we got home, she got right to work. My oh my, what kind of woes could a 6 year old girl possibly have???? I asked her the other day if there was anything she wanted to talk about or anything that's been bother her to which she replied, "yes, there is one thing." I quickly asked, "what is it?" She said, "the thing that bothers me most is that I am gone for 7 hours every day." I do believe that's one of my biggest problems too--I sure do miss my sweet girl!!!

Girls Will Be Girls

Can I get another AMEN that there's nothing quite like a little girl? I'm fortunately blessed having two sons and a DAUGHTER. Girls are sensitive, caring, nurturing, talk non-stop =), enjoy being girly, playing with friends AND Barbie, full of emotion, and most importantly--LIP GLOSS, nail polish, and glitter. Nothing is more girly than a tea party, and no other fictional character is more girly than Fancy Nancy. Karson and I attended a Fancy Nancy tea party last night at the Bob Kirby Branch library. We met Shannon, Elizabeth and Mom at Cracker Barrel for dinner in our most fanciest attire.

After dinner, we headed over to the tea party and enjoyed the company of some of Plano and Alvaton's fanciest little girls =).

After reading two Fancy Nancy books, the girls made princess crowns and then dined on fancy pink and purple tea cookies (from Riley's--the fanciest bakery in town) and drank tea (or pink juice).

We're so thankful for our fancy life!!!

Boys Will Be Boys

Can I get an AMEN that there's nothing quite like little boys? We girls can be so complicated, moody, hormonal, emotional, but little boys, no so much! Don't get me wrong, there is the occasional moody boy, but for the most part, their days are spent rip, romp and roaring throughout the house. The love to destroy, turn into superheroes, be naked, change clothes, make messes, destroy some more, pester each other, roll cars through the house, get some lovin' from Mom, wrestle, get naked again, complicate the lives of us mothers with TRANSFORMERS, eat boogers (instead of food) and drink bath water (instead of clean water), and the list goes on. I seriously don't think most boys have a care in the world. Here are my boys Isaac, Miles and Evan--the best of buds who love having fun together.

Isaac and Miles playing Mortal Kombat (or Mortal Kompage as Isaac likes to call it). I SO enjoyed this game when I was younger and they do too. Isaac makes sure that we turn off the blood which is pretty unrealistic.

Isaac asked me to take a picture of the TV. We recently broke down and purchased a WII, but Isaac prefers our old 64 and made us get it back out.

When the weather outside is frightful,

you bundle up and enjoy it.

-Or- at least, that's what we did on this snowy morning. Nothing says motherly love MORE than layering three kids in clothing, jackets, hats and shoes (and yourself) for a whoppin' 20 minutes of fun. It sure was COLD today. Our snowtime was shortlived but worth it.

Karson would have stayed outside all day. I could have too. However, I was still in my pajamas and just waiting for the boys (mainly Isaac) to have a melt down. Karson got him in the face with a snowball while jumping on the trampoline. That was all it took. Operation de-clothe the boys began.

Isaac would've loved to run around outside in his underwear. He has issues with layered clothing and would rather be naked than dressed. He was pretty happy throwing snowballs at Karson.

Miles has been wanting to wear "underwears" the past couple of days. Being the good Mommy that I am, I let him. He hasn't made the potty connection but has tried a couple of times and actually likes undies. I'd love to have him potty trained by our Disney trip (in May). He was wearing his undies in this picture. I was waiting for flood to come--little boys can hold it for HOURS. It came later that morning in the living room. SO, we are not responsible for any yellow snow in Plano.