Musings on life with three silly boys - there's never a dull moment!
Friday, May 29, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
There's Mommy!
When Cole was staying at Gram's house one weekend, he spied my wedding picture on the shelf. She got it down for him and he kept pointing at it with his pudgy little finger saying, "There's Mommy!"
I know I won't always been the center of my boys' attention. I will one day cross the line into an embarrasing-please-drop-me-off-at-the-corner-so-I-don't-have-to-be-seen-with-you mom in their opinion. For the moment, though, I'm loving all of their sweet affection!
I'm so glad my mom snapped a picture of the moment - I think it is cute!
What's up Spike?
This is about a year old, but is still one of my favorite pictures of the three boys.
#1's fishing pole
#2 LOVES the fishing pole that his cousins gave him for his birthday. He was so excited to use it a couple of weeks ago at Mimi and Big D's pond.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Mommy's doing the dance of joy!
#1 went poop in the potty on his own this morning for the first time!!!
He is pretty good at going pee-pee when asked to go, but has not been successful very often at going poop.
This morning I came upstairs to see what was taking #1 so long to bring me a pull up like I had asked him to do. I found his "prize" in the toilet and a big smile on his face. He was so proud of himself and immediately asked for his jelly bean, which I gladly bestowed upon him with much clapping, pomp, and circumstance.
Maybe there is light at the end of this diaper tunnel!
He is pretty good at going pee-pee when asked to go, but has not been successful very often at going poop.
This morning I came upstairs to see what was taking #1 so long to bring me a pull up like I had asked him to do. I found his "prize" in the toilet and a big smile on his face. He was so proud of himself and immediately asked for his jelly bean, which I gladly bestowed upon him with much clapping, pomp, and circumstance.
Maybe there is light at the end of this diaper tunnel!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Comfort foods
My favorite comfort foods are what I consider to be "go to" meals when I don't feel like cooking a big meal or don't feel good. Here are my top 5:
1. Grilled cheese sandwiches
2. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
3. Peanut butter and syrup mixed together with bread to dip and eat
4. Spaghettios
5. Mac and cheese
Yum!
1. Grilled cheese sandwiches
2. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
3. Peanut butter and syrup mixed together with bread to dip and eat
4. Spaghettios
5. Mac and cheese
Yum!
Monday, May 25, 2009
A day in the life of toddlers
I posted this note on my Facebook page back in August but thought I'd post it here so I could remember the funny story later (although it was not too funny at the time):
Having three toddlers in the house definitely keep life interesting! Last weekend during 'nap time' (ha ha I should call it 'get back in bed/lay down please/no it's not time to go downstairs/stop jumping on the bed' time) after they all FINALLY fell asleep, I actually got to sneak in a few Z's. What a surprise when I woke up! I went downstairs to find all of their toys in the playroom strewn about, the refrigerator door WIDE OPEN, strawberries everywhere, and in our master bathroom (which has carpet) someone had decided to pour out all of my liquid foundation makeup all over the carpet! Let me tell you, foundation does NOT come out of carpet easily - not even with a steam cleaner! Later that day I found an old potato in our fireplace. It must have been there for a while because it was oozing juice - gross!
I know one day I will look back on these days and laugh and reminisce, so I have to not let it get to me. Now if I could just have an ounce of the energy they have... :)
Having three toddlers in the house definitely keep life interesting! Last weekend during 'nap time' (ha ha I should call it 'get back in bed/lay down please/no it's not time to go downstairs/stop jumping on the bed' time) after they all FINALLY fell asleep, I actually got to sneak in a few Z's. What a surprise when I woke up! I went downstairs to find all of their toys in the playroom strewn about, the refrigerator door WIDE OPEN, strawberries everywhere, and in our master bathroom (which has carpet) someone had decided to pour out all of my liquid foundation makeup all over the carpet! Let me tell you, foundation does NOT come out of carpet easily - not even with a steam cleaner! Later that day I found an old potato in our fireplace. It must have been there for a while because it was oozing juice - gross!
I know one day I will look back on these days and laugh and reminisce, so I have to not let it get to me. Now if I could just have an ounce of the energy they have... :)
The Invisible Mother
This was copied from an email I received and I don't know the author but I thought it was great...
The Invisible Mother
It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response,
the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone
and ask to be taken to the store.
Inside I'm thinking, 'Can't you see I'm on the phone?'
Obviously, not.
No one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor,
or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me
at all.
I'm invisible. The invisible Mom.
Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more: Can you fix this?
Can you tie this?
Can you open this?
Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a
clock to ask, 'What time is it?' I'm a satellite guide to answer,
'What number is the Disney Channel?' I'm a car to order, 'Right around
5:30, please.'
I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the
eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated summa cum laude
- but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be
seen again. She's going; she's going; she is gone!
One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of
a friend from England ... Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous
trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in.
I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so
well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself.
I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a
beautifully wrapped package, and said, 'I brought you this.' It was a
book on the great cathedrals of Europe .
I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her
inscription: 'To Charlotte , with admiration for the greatness of what
you are building when no one sees.'
In the days ahead I would read - no, devour the book. And I would
discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after
which I could pattern my work: No one can say who built the great
cathedrals - we have no record of their names.
These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see
finished.
They made great sacrifices and expected no credit.
The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes
of God saw everything.
A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the
cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a
tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man,
'Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that
will be covered by the roof? No one will ever see it.' And the
workman replied, 'Because God sees.'
I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place.
It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, 'I see you,
Charlotte . I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one
around you does. No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn
on, no cupcake you've baked, is too small for me to notice and smile
over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now
what it will become.'
At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a
disease that is erasing my life.
It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness. It is the
antidote to my strong, stubborn pride.
I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As
one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see
finished, to work on something that their name will never be on.
The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could
ever be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing
to sacrifice to that degree.
When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend
he's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, 'My Mom gets up at 4
in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a
turkey for three hours and presses all the linens for the table.'
That would mean I'd built a shrine or a monument to myself. I just
want him to want to come home. And then, if there is anything more to
say to his friend, to add, 'you're going to love it there.'
As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if
we're doing it right.
And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only
at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the
world by the sacrifices of invisible women.
Great Job, MOM!
Share this with all the Invisible Moms you know... I just did.
Hope this encourages you when the going gets tough as it sometimes does.
We never know what our finished products will turn out to be because
of our perseverance.
The Invisible Mother
It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response,
the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone
and ask to be taken to the store.
Inside I'm thinking, 'Can't you see I'm on the phone?'
Obviously, not.
No one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor,
or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me
at all.
I'm invisible. The invisible Mom.
Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more: Can you fix this?
Can you tie this?
Can you open this?
Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a
clock to ask, 'What time is it?' I'm a satellite guide to answer,
'What number is the Disney Channel?' I'm a car to order, 'Right around
5:30, please.'
I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the
eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated summa cum laude
- but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be
seen again. She's going; she's going; she is gone!
One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of
a friend from England ... Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous
trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in.
I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so
well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself.
I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a
beautifully wrapped package, and said, 'I brought you this.' It was a
book on the great cathedrals of Europe .
I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her
inscription: 'To Charlotte , with admiration for the greatness of what
you are building when no one sees.'
In the days ahead I would read - no, devour the book. And I would
discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after
which I could pattern my work: No one can say who built the great
cathedrals - we have no record of their names.
These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see
finished.
They made great sacrifices and expected no credit.
The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes
of God saw everything.
A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the
cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a
tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man,
'Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that
will be covered by the roof? No one will ever see it.' And the
workman replied, 'Because God sees.'
I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place.
It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, 'I see you,
Charlotte . I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one
around you does. No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn
on, no cupcake you've baked, is too small for me to notice and smile
over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now
what it will become.'
At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a
disease that is erasing my life.
It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness. It is the
antidote to my strong, stubborn pride.
I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As
one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see
finished, to work on something that their name will never be on.
The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could
ever be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing
to sacrifice to that degree.
When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend
he's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, 'My Mom gets up at 4
in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a
turkey for three hours and presses all the linens for the table.'
That would mean I'd built a shrine or a monument to myself. I just
want him to want to come home. And then, if there is anything more to
say to his friend, to add, 'you're going to love it there.'
As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if
we're doing it right.
And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only
at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the
world by the sacrifices of invisible women.
Great Job, MOM!
Share this with all the Invisible Moms you know... I just did.
Hope this encourages you when the going gets tough as it sometimes does.
We never know what our finished products will turn out to be because
of our perseverance.
Church camp
Yesterday at church we sang one of my favorite songs, "The Lord Bless You and Keep You" with the full 7-part Amens at the end. It brought back memories of singing that song at church camp. I loved going and getting re-charged and focused on God every summer. It helped me to remain focused throughout the year, and the friendships I formed with the people at camp last even to this day. You know who you are (Becky!). We rarely get the chance to talk to each other, and we haven't seen each other in years, but we have remained close.
Life is so busy now days that I don't feel like I get the proper re-charging and focus on God that I should. I found a clip on YouTube of a group singing this song. Enjoy!
Life is so busy now days that I don't feel like I get the proper re-charging and focus on God that I should. I found a clip on YouTube of a group singing this song. Enjoy!
Friday, May 22, 2009
HGTV vs ESPN
You can always tell which one of us was the last to watch TV based on the channel it is on when you turn on the TV. My channel of choice is usually HGTV and his is always ESPN.
As lazy as it sounds, I love to stay home on Friday nights and watch HGTV or a movie after the boys go to bed. After a long week of running a mile a minute, it's so nice to be able to unwind and relax. Even God rested on the 7th day!
What do you like to do to relax?
As lazy as it sounds, I love to stay home on Friday nights and watch HGTV or a movie after the boys go to bed. After a long week of running a mile a minute, it's so nice to be able to unwind and relax. Even God rested on the 7th day!
What do you like to do to relax?
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Trip to the dentist
#2 went to the dentist for a checkup the other day. He was such a big boy! No crying, squirming, or anything! He liked his balloon and he got to pick where he wanted to eat so we went to Olive Garden for spaghetti - Yummy! I love getting to spend one-on-one time with each of my boys and usually it only happens when they are sick, so I enjoyed getting to visit with my #2! He was telling me some crazy stories at lunch - he has quite the imagination!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Ode to laundry
Oh laundry, how I dislike you so!
I can never cross you off of my "to do" list because it's like the song that never ends...it just goes on and on my friend!
Actually, it's not really the washing and drying that I mind, but it's the folding and putting away that is a killer for me.
They invented a robot that will vacuum your floors for you (I have yet to get one of those but they sound cool) so when will someone invent a machine to fold and put away laundry?
I know, I am thankful that I have a sweet husband and three precious ones who help fill the laundry bin, but my bins overfloweth!
Perhaps if that robot from the Jetsons could come to my house...
I can never cross you off of my "to do" list because it's like the song that never ends...it just goes on and on my friend!
Actually, it's not really the washing and drying that I mind, but it's the folding and putting away that is a killer for me.
They invented a robot that will vacuum your floors for you (I have yet to get one of those but they sound cool) so when will someone invent a machine to fold and put away laundry?
I know, I am thankful that I have a sweet husband and three precious ones who help fill the laundry bin, but my bins overfloweth!
Perhaps if that robot from the Jetsons could come to my house...
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Why am I always running late?
It seems sometimes that God has designed my body clock to run about 10 minutes slower than everyone else. I seem to run late everywhere I go, no matter how busy or slow things are going. My internal alarm clock that kicks in saying, "I need to get going" seems to have a snooze button.
I know it is rude to be late and keep people waiting. It is one of my biggest weaknesses. I truly do not intend to be late, and I always seem to think that my plans allow enough time to get to where I need to go. I guess I have a problem with estimating how long it will take me to do things. I don't allow extra time for the unforseen circumstances, the spills and potty accidents of my kids, train crossings, traffice, etc. Also, I am such a multi-tasker that the idea of getting to a destination with too much time to spare seems so unproductive to me. I think, "I could have folded that extra basket of laundry or unloaded the dishwasher, but now I'm sitting in a parking lot." (a selfish attitude, I know).
Why am I writing about this? I guess so that my confession will be written down and I can work to be better about my timeliness. For those of you have waited on me a time or two (or twenty), I'm sorry!
I know it is rude to be late and keep people waiting. It is one of my biggest weaknesses. I truly do not intend to be late, and I always seem to think that my plans allow enough time to get to where I need to go. I guess I have a problem with estimating how long it will take me to do things. I don't allow extra time for the unforseen circumstances, the spills and potty accidents of my kids, train crossings, traffice, etc. Also, I am such a multi-tasker that the idea of getting to a destination with too much time to spare seems so unproductive to me. I think, "I could have folded that extra basket of laundry or unloaded the dishwasher, but now I'm sitting in a parking lot." (a selfish attitude, I know).
Why am I writing about this? I guess so that my confession will be written down and I can work to be better about my timeliness. For those of you have waited on me a time or two (or twenty), I'm sorry!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Ten things I love
1. My God, who has brought be through the hills and valleys of life and stood beside me, even when I didn't want Him to.
2. My sweet husband, who loves and accepts me for who I am.
3. My mom, who has always believed in me.
4. My boys, who are a handful sometimes, but a heartful at all times.
5. A clean house
6. Empty laundry bins
7. Dove chocolate hearts
8. Having a "place" for everything to go - I love organization stuff, bins, etc. (sadly, I often forget where the "place" was when I need something) :)
9. My sisters, who will always be my best friends
10. Pedicures! Someone rubbing my feet while I read a magazine and get a back massage with the chairs is HEAVENLY! Plus, no one is making any requests or demands of me other than to choose a polish color. I can handle that!
2. My sweet husband, who loves and accepts me for who I am.
3. My mom, who has always believed in me.
4. My boys, who are a handful sometimes, but a heartful at all times.
5. A clean house
6. Empty laundry bins
7. Dove chocolate hearts
8. Having a "place" for everything to go - I love organization stuff, bins, etc. (sadly, I often forget where the "place" was when I need something) :)
9. My sisters, who will always be my best friends
10. Pedicures! Someone rubbing my feet while I read a magazine and get a back massage with the chairs is HEAVENLY! Plus, no one is making any requests or demands of me other than to choose a polish color. I can handle that!
#1 reads to the Kindergarten class
Forgive me, I need to brag a bit based on something Cade's teacher, Mrs. T, told me...
A few weeks ago, #1 was sitting on the floor at school reading a book aloud when another teacher walked in to have Mrs. T sign some paperwork. She noticed Cade reading and asked how old he was. Mrs. T said, "He is three years old, and will be turning four soon."
The teacher was so amazed that she asked if #1 could come to her kindergarten class to read aloud for them. #1 went and read the entire book "Danny and the Dinosaur" to the class. After he finished, the children were all amazed that a three year old could read so well. As they were leaving the classroom, she said that #1 started reading the vocabulary words posted on the wall. Now when those students see him in the hallway, Mrs. T says that they say, "There's the boy who can read!" and #1 just eats it up with a big grin on his face.
If you have ever seen the movie, "Forget Paris" you will know what I am referring to when I say that #1 is like Billy Crystal's father-in-law when riding in the car. He reads aloud every sign he can see. As we drive down 1960, I hear, "Now Open," "Mr. Sticker," "Home Depot" (pronounced DEE-POT), "Wolf Camera" "Turn Only" etc. etc. etc. He even reads words with combined vowels such as "Yield" which I know I did not teach him.
I'm happy and relieved to know that academically #1 seems to be ahead of his class. As he makes progress on his behavioral challenges with autism, I know he has a bright future ahead of him. I think the key to his behavior problems is to keep him interested and challenged.
By the way, if you have never seen "Forget Paris" you should rent it - one of my all time fave's!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Mother's Day Weekend
We had a relaxing and enjoyable weekend at home this Mother's Day. We went swimming both days, and let the boys ride their tricycles back and forth from the pool. They also played in the back yard with a sprinkler toy that they had received as a birthday gift from their friend Eli. It was fun just to "be" with my family. I posted a video of us on the way home - sorry you have to tilt your head because I can't figure out how to rotate the video.
Matt bought me a James Avery Mother's Love ring that is in the shape of a heart that I love! It looks a bit like a Mother hugging her child.
He also promised to give me a week of not doing dishes and will help with folding laundry, although with Spring football going on he can't do it this week. I'm looking forward to my week "off"!!!! That is present enough for me!
Monday, May 11, 2009
So not an early bird
This week is pretty busy at work for me, so I decided to get a jump on things and wake up at 4 this morning to get started, which is a couple of hours earlier than I am accustomed to waking.
I don't know what it is about waking up early, but this early bird business is really for the BIRDS! I yawned and yawned all day long, even after drinking 3 or 4 cups of coffee.
Finally, around 2, I was about to yawn myself out of my chair at work, so I went to pick up a Sweet Raspberry Iced Tea from Sonic - Happy hour price! Yum!
I don't get it. Why is it that I can stay up 2 hours later at night and be perfectly fine the next day, but if I have to get up 2 hours earlier instead, I am dead tired? Even if the amount of sleep is the exact same time under both scenarios - I have totally opposite reactions.
Why is this? Hmmmm...let me think about it. Yawn....yawn....I'll think about it later. Yawn...
I don't know what it is about waking up early, but this early bird business is really for the BIRDS! I yawned and yawned all day long, even after drinking 3 or 4 cups of coffee.
Finally, around 2, I was about to yawn myself out of my chair at work, so I went to pick up a Sweet Raspberry Iced Tea from Sonic - Happy hour price! Yum!
I don't get it. Why is it that I can stay up 2 hours later at night and be perfectly fine the next day, but if I have to get up 2 hours earlier instead, I am dead tired? Even if the amount of sleep is the exact same time under both scenarios - I have totally opposite reactions.
Why is this? Hmmmm...let me think about it. Yawn....yawn....I'll think about it later. Yawn...
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Tab walker
On Wednesday, I took the boys to eat dinner to celebrate #1 and #2's 4th birthday. Since I was taking them by myself, I tried to think of a place to go where they would be somewhat contained (seeing visions of them running laps around the restaurant with me chasing them). Therefore, we visited one of my all time favorite restaurants...Lubys! Not only do they have $2 kids meals on Wednesday nights and a yummy chicken piccatta, but the boys LOVE to ride in the high chairs with rollers. I lined them up in a row and they held onto each other's chair choo-choo train style while I pushed. They always love the spaghetti and jello.
Afterwards, we went to Cheeburger Cheeburger, a cute little 50's diner near our house, to eat ice cream with M&Ms. The boys were having fun and dancing to the 50's music they were playing, but were starting to get a little out of control. #3 had dumped his ice cream out on the table, which I was trying to wipe up, then he proceeded to crawl underneath the table and started eating the fallen M&Ms off the carpet - GROSS! Meanwhile, #1 was running around the restaurant, so I had to make a quick choice - catch the runaway or stop the disgusting M&M eating. I chose to let #3 ingest a few germs while I snagged #1. An older couple next to me was smiling and commenting about how I had my hands full...and boy were they right that night! The waiter came by to announce the boys' birthday and take a picture.
Once the rest of the ice cream was inhaled, I pulled my trusty baby wipes out of my MOM-purse (the huge cavernous contraption that holds everything but the kitchen sink) and proceeded to wipe faces, hands, table, chairs, etc. The boys started dancing again, and the waiter brought our check. I placed my debit card in the folder, and enjoyed watching the boys have fun. Our waiter passed by and a few minutes later the manager came by with a printout of our picture and a marker for me to sign. As soon as I started writing on the picture, #3 unscrewed the top of the GIANT seasoning bottle that was on the table and poured the entire bottle onto the table.
At that point, I knew I was time for our little gang to leave. I opened up the folder, put my debit card back in my wallet, and pulled out $2 cash for a tip ($8 total bill), figuring I would leave him extra for the mess we made.
We made our way to the car holding hands, and I was loading the boys into the car when the manager came running after me saying, "Excuse me! You only left $2!"
Me: "Yes, that's about 20% tip"
Manager: "You didn't pay"
Me: "What? I left my debit card in the folder for him and I thought he picked it up when he passed by!"
The manager took my debit card back inside and brought it back out for me to sign so I wouldn't have to get the boys back out of their seats. She was really nice about it, but I was totally MORTIFIED.
Now #1 keeps asking to go back to Cheeburger, and I'm embarrased to show my face. I should have realized when I put my debit card back in my wallet that there was not a receipt or anything for me to sign. Duh!
Do you think there is a picture of me hanging in the back office of Cheeburger with a warning sign, "Tab Walker"?
Afterwards, we went to Cheeburger Cheeburger, a cute little 50's diner near our house, to eat ice cream with M&Ms. The boys were having fun and dancing to the 50's music they were playing, but were starting to get a little out of control. #3 had dumped his ice cream out on the table, which I was trying to wipe up, then he proceeded to crawl underneath the table and started eating the fallen M&Ms off the carpet - GROSS! Meanwhile, #1 was running around the restaurant, so I had to make a quick choice - catch the runaway or stop the disgusting M&M eating. I chose to let #3 ingest a few germs while I snagged #1. An older couple next to me was smiling and commenting about how I had my hands full...and boy were they right that night! The waiter came by to announce the boys' birthday and take a picture.
Once the rest of the ice cream was inhaled, I pulled my trusty baby wipes out of my MOM-purse (the huge cavernous contraption that holds everything but the kitchen sink) and proceeded to wipe faces, hands, table, chairs, etc. The boys started dancing again, and the waiter brought our check. I placed my debit card in the folder, and enjoyed watching the boys have fun. Our waiter passed by and a few minutes later the manager came by with a printout of our picture and a marker for me to sign. As soon as I started writing on the picture, #3 unscrewed the top of the GIANT seasoning bottle that was on the table and poured the entire bottle onto the table.
At that point, I knew I was time for our little gang to leave. I opened up the folder, put my debit card back in my wallet, and pulled out $2 cash for a tip ($8 total bill), figuring I would leave him extra for the mess we made.
We made our way to the car holding hands, and I was loading the boys into the car when the manager came running after me saying, "Excuse me! You only left $2!"
Me: "Yes, that's about 20% tip"
Manager: "You didn't pay"
Me: "What? I left my debit card in the folder for him and I thought he picked it up when he passed by!"
The manager took my debit card back inside and brought it back out for me to sign so I wouldn't have to get the boys back out of their seats. She was really nice about it, but I was totally MORTIFIED.
Now #1 keeps asking to go back to Cheeburger, and I'm embarrased to show my face. I should have realized when I put my debit card back in my wallet that there was not a receipt or anything for me to sign. Duh!
Do you think there is a picture of me hanging in the back office of Cheeburger with a warning sign, "Tab Walker"?
Friday, May 8, 2009
Ohhhhhhhhh!
Riley is at the stage where he asks a lot of questions. No seriously, a TON of questions. No matter what the answer is, he repeats the answer and ends with "Ohhhhhhh!" in a sing-songy voice.
#3: Where are we going?
Me: To school.
#3: To school? Ohhhhhhh!
#3: It is night night time?
Me: Almost, we need to take a bath first.
#3: We need to take a bath first? Ohhhhhh!
#3: Where Daddy go?
Me: He's at work sweetie.
#3: He's working? Ohhhhhh!
He has grown up so much in just two months - potty training, language, stopping the thumb-sucking, etc. On one had it makes me sad that I no longer have a baby in the house, but on the other it is nice that they are a bit more independent and can do things on their own. What do I love most about my little #3-Boo? Everything! Ohhhhhhh...
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Zoo party
This weekend we celebrated #1 and #2's 4th birthday at the zoo with friends and family. I had rented the outdoor seating area so I was concerned about rain and fearful that kids would be running off. Fortunately, the zoo's outdoor seating area was completely covered and fenced in. Problem solved!
The guests decorated plastic safari hats with foam animal stickers and letters, and some wore foam masks.
The children's area at the zoo is really amazing for kids - we actually didn't see many other animals outside the children's zoo other than the tiger.
The boys are just now beginning to understand the concept of birthdays, blowing out the candle, singing the song, etc. Poor Riley is the one who still has a hard time with it. Both of his brothers receive presents so he figures why not me? One of my friends actually gave #3 a present at the zoo party which I thought was very thoughtful of her.
Wednesday, May 6 is their actual birthday so I will take them out to eat to celebrate after school. Unfortunately, Matt won't be able to join us because of his football committments.
Happy Birthday #1 and #2! What a blessing you are to our lives!
Living in the moment
My friend Erin posted this passage on her blog, so I hope she doesn't mind that I copied it from her. It really struck a chord within me because I tend to be a "worker bee" at home scurrying around from room to room picking up toys, folding laundry, doing dishes, etc. that I don't really live in the moment with my precious children, even if they are in the same room with me!
"Am I Really There?
When my children were young, I had a conversation with a gracious Christian woman whose children were nearly grown. She commented, 'Linda, you teach seminars, speak, and so forth. My you must be out of your home a great deal of the time.
'I piously replied, 'No, I only allow myself two mornings a week out of my home. I'm home with my children the majority of the time.'
The dear woman sighed and said, 'I could have said that too, when I was your age. But, you know, if I had it to do over again, I'd do it so differently.
I was in my home all right, but I wasn't really there! I was on the phone planning a luncheon, organizing the Sunday school program or a tennis tournament. And when my children came into the room, I'd shove cookies in their hands and tell them Mommy was busy.
'Oh, Lord, I thought, I've given a few cookies!God used this discussion to challenge me to evaluate my time with my children. Was I really there - available for their needs? Or was I preoccupied with other things in order to avoid the pressure and responsibility of small children?
It was a sobering reflection. Even the tastiest cookie is no substitute for time and attention."
Taken from Creative Counterpart by Linda Dillow
"Am I Really There?
When my children were young, I had a conversation with a gracious Christian woman whose children were nearly grown. She commented, 'Linda, you teach seminars, speak, and so forth. My you must be out of your home a great deal of the time.
'I piously replied, 'No, I only allow myself two mornings a week out of my home. I'm home with my children the majority of the time.'
The dear woman sighed and said, 'I could have said that too, when I was your age. But, you know, if I had it to do over again, I'd do it so differently.
I was in my home all right, but I wasn't really there! I was on the phone planning a luncheon, organizing the Sunday school program or a tennis tournament. And when my children came into the room, I'd shove cookies in their hands and tell them Mommy was busy.
'Oh, Lord, I thought, I've given a few cookies!God used this discussion to challenge me to evaluate my time with my children. Was I really there - available for their needs? Or was I preoccupied with other things in order to avoid the pressure and responsibility of small children?
It was a sobering reflection. Even the tastiest cookie is no substitute for time and attention."
Taken from Creative Counterpart by Linda Dillow
Friday, May 1, 2009
Playing at the park
I love the weather this time of year! We try to go to the park in our neighborhood at least a couple of times a week after school. We pick up Sonic, McDonald's, or Chic-Fil-A on the way and eat at the picnic table near the lake and playground.
They love to be outside and run around. It is fun to see the sheer joy on their faces when they swing and slide it reminds me that the simple things in life are the most fun.
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