Feed Me

No, this post doesn't really have to do with my daughter melting down over being denied popcorn yesterday when she decided to yet again boycott her swimming lesson (!) and instead sit on my lap to watch. Though frankly I could have done without her screaming and crying "I'm hungry! I'm hungry!" over and over while people looked at her thinking..well. God only knows what. One woman offered the "poor starving girl" a carrot stick but alas, she wasn't "hungry" she was pissed off she couldn't have a snack of popcorn at the community center (which is where the kids are taking swimming lessons). (And when I took her outside to collect herself (ie: collect *myself* since she was starting to piss me off) a young teen aged boy came up and said "I have a little money today. Would you like me to buy her something to eat?" Sweet, yes. Mortifying? ABSOLUTELY!) But no - this post doesn't really have to do with that at all. :)

I'm more thinking along the lines of RSS Feeds.

I noticed, much to my dismay, that my visit stats are on the decline. And yes, I am just as insecure as the next person. Declining stats are a slight blow to my ego. I ask myself: "Am I boring people with stories about my kids?" "Is this because I stopped talking about the "real" stuff like how hard being a parent is and about other things besides 'look at my cute kids'" What is it? Why?

Then - I was at a play date today and one of the moms mentioned feeds and did I know if people had me on their feeds because if they did, they only need to visit my blog (and therefore be counted by my stat counter) to comment. Ah-ha! Feeds. This would also account for the lessening of comments. Though I guess I'm hardly one to talk. It seems I read blogs but rarely comment these days. And in fact, some days I don't get through my blog listing so sometimes it will be a day or more between my visits to blogs. So yes, I'm guilty in the lessening of visits and comments myself. *sigh*

So - the purpose of this rambling and all over the place post is to ask this: Am I on your RSS feed (or whatever feeder you use...I totally have no idea how they work) or do you just stop by?

I'm just curious.

And hey - maybe, just maybe I'll start talking about things other than "Check out my adorable kids" even if it means I come off looking a little unstable at times - as apparently has been the case in times gone by. In my opinion, stability is totally and absolutely over-rated as I'm sure all you moms with young kids can attest. :) And besides, I have a theory - those who come off looking completely in control and "stable" are usually the most unstable of us all. It reminds me of a quote I read on someone's blog (taken from the Grey's Anatomy blog):

“Don’t wonder why people go crazy. Wonder why they don’t. In the face of all we can lose in a day, in an instant, wonder what the hell it is that makes us hold it together.”

Why aren’t you crazy?

Craft Time

Yesterday the kids and I took a trip to the craft store to pick up a few things. The resulting hours and hours of craft fun were well worth the trip!

Have a Merry Merry Merry Merry Christmas!

What? It's not Christmas at your house? Well then - come on over. The kids have hung a stocking on the fireplace as well as a few Care Bear ornaments they found in their toy bin and to complete the festive spirit - their Hi-5 Christmas CD is blasting loud and clear.

"Oh how the reindeer loved him....." come on -sing along. You know you want to. :)

Merry Christmas, everyone.

In Dakota's Dreams!! :)

As I was walking to Kelton's classroom at the end of school today I met up with the mother of a friend of Kelton's. Elizabeth and Kelton have had a couple playdates and they used to sit at the same table in class. Elizabeth's mom says "So I hear you are moving to Hawaii. Elizabeth would like to have a playdate with Kelton before you move."

Stunned silence from me.

"Ummmm....we aren't moving. Did Kelton tell her we were?"

"That's what she says."

"Huh. Interesting. But no - we aren't moving though I'm sure Dakota would love to move to Hawaii."

I swear - I hear the most interesting things from these 5 and 6 year olds both when I am in the classroom and from what Kelton shares with me. One kid tried to convince Kelton that she was 10 years old - and he really beleived her. That took a lot of undoing on my part. :)

When I asked Kelton about it (as both families were walking back to the parking lot) he said that he did indeed tell her that but that she said they were moving to Hawaii too. Elizabeth looked at me and nodded in agreement so I said "Well - it looks like you two have it all planned out!" and everyone laughed.

So True

Who among us hasn't had moments exactly like this one?

Note to Self

In case I lose all sense of memory somewhere down the road, I think I should post a note somewhere to myself that says:

Remember not to let Kelton help with make up.

I'm just saying....



But boy oh boy did they have fun! Fun was not what I would call trying to wash it all off but thanks to the ever wonderful baby wipes, I did get all the red staining removed from her adorable little face. The shirts they were both wearing? Well - they weren't as fortunate. Don't you think "kid make up kits" should be a lot more washable? Sheesh! :)

The Photos

It's been quite the day around here. Busy, busy, busy with a few (many) meltdowns from a certain little girl thrown in for good measure. She even refused to attend her swimming class this afternoon. OY!

Anyway - here is a montage of some of the photos I took this weekend. All told, I'd say the slideshow is 4 minutes so sit back, relax and enjoy!

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Back to the Grind

Nooooooooooo!!!! I don't want to be back yet. Even though the kids were exceptionally challenging for part of our beach trip it was still so much better than "regular life". You know what they say "Everything is better at the beach."

We got home yesterday afternoon and spent the afternoon and evening unpacking, settling in, mowing the yard and letting the kids play on the slip-n-slide.

Have I uploaded pictures yet? Ummmm...no. But I will. Just not this morning. If the kids cooperate, I plan to spend time this afternoon getting photos up and sharing all there is to share.

In the meantime, could someone please tell me how we went for temps in the upper 90's this weekend to the chilly downpour we are having right now? Crazy, I tell you.

I'll be back soon! :)

Beach Time!

The sun in shining and the temps are soaring upward. That can only mean one thing - it's BEACH TIME!!!

We're leaving immediately upon Kelton getting out of school tomorrow and we are all so excited we can barely stand it! There is nothing better than family time at the beach. I have to say, it really feeds our souls. They aren't just kidding when they say "Life is just better at the beach."

For a few days I won't have to think about cleaning bathrooms, making beds, doing dishes, whether I should look into lipovox, or anything else for that matter. Just time to explore our favorite beach towns, play games in the arcade, watch Dakota and Kelton laugh themselves silly in the bumper cars, ride the merry-go-round and the little train. Try on silly hats and let the kids talk us into buying them one and indulging in a favorite treat or two. It all awaits us....and we are more than ready to go. :)

Computer Woes

My sister called with the sad news that her computer didn't survive the move. Thankfully she backed up all her photos before she moved from her old house so all (all?) that she really lost were photos of the last month.

So....she is out looking for a new computer today. Maybe she'll also get a flash drive to go with it.

It's kind of fun to get a new computer though it is much more fun when it is your idea and not because your system decides you need a new one. :)

You Flushed WHAT??

Let's just say that Dixie cups are not all that flushable.

Sure, yes. Eventually they breakdown. Providing, of course, that you pour enough hot water into the bowl and plunge for long enough.

I'm just saying.

And now a certain 6 year old is forbidden from being in the bathroom unattended for the rest of the week. And he lost TV and computer time for the day. And he had to do a bunch of chores as well as write "I will not lie." ten times.




And yes....that pretty much sums up my day around here. *sigh*

Swim Little Fishies, Swim!

The kids, along with their friends Carson and Katie, started swimming lessons last night. Kaylen loved it but Kelton...well...he wasn't so sure. From the look of things, it was going quite well but then he left his group and indicated to me that he had to go to the bathroom (which yes, he had done 15 minutes earlier). In the bathroom he melted into a puddle of tears and said he didn't want to do it. After talking with him and explaining that quitting isn't an option, he left me and rejoined his class. He just sat watching but at least he was with his class.

After the lesson Dakota and I showered him with praise over what he *had* done in the class and completely ignored what he hadn't. It seems to have worked and he is ready to go back tomorrow for his second lesson.

Kaylen, on the other hand, was giddy with joy over her experience and can't wait to go back. She said with a big happy smile, and I quote, "I'm going to do even better next time!"

Waiting for the start of class.

Silly Little Fishy

Kaylen with her class. It was soooo hard to leave her at the pool and go to the observation lobby. My baby near water without me. Big step for us both!

Kelton walking to his side of the pool - which made photo taking near impossible.

Kaylen, sitting on the wall listening to instructions.

Pastries with Parents

This morning Kelton's school hosted an event called Pastries with Parents. Essentially it was a 20 minute block of time prior to the first bell when kids and parents meet in the library for a muffin and reading. They also had a raffle.

They had nine books to raffle off. Not many for a room as full as the library this morning. I had zero hope of Kelton or Kaylen winning. Seriously - what were the chances?

Apparently really high.

They both won! I was astounded and really happy for them. :)

Here they come - back from picking their prizes.

Both kids picked books that house four music CD's

plus the books with the words.

Checking them out.

Kaylen looking through her book.

Kelton picked of Christmas book. That's my boy.
Christmas all year long!

Shhhhhh! Don't tell Dakota!

I want to see how long it takes her to notice. :)

(The mirror reflects the dark brown wall on the opposite side of the room and the white is a reflection of the ceiling. All those pictures? Those are on the mantel. If you look closely, you can see my reflection taking the photo. :) )

Look at what I did today. :) I've long been wanting to use vinyl lettering to do a project but was at a loss since I didn't want a huge piece of wood to have to worry about hanging. Then, this morning I saw an idea at a local craft store (a locally owned store, not one of the big fancy franchise type stores). Putting the letters directly onto the large mirror above our fireplace was inspired! And don't you just love, love, love the saying?
(close up)


I love it. Now I wonder how long it will take before Dakota notices it. I love that woman like crazy but paying attention to details such as this is not her strong suit. :)

Oh. My.

Three is the new two.

Sorry to break that news to all you who have yet to experience the "joy" that is three. Three months ago my daughter was a happy go-lucky, take life as it comes, helpful as all get out child. Since turning three (just like her brother before her)she has begun to morph into this creature that is hardly recognizable. Well - at least at times. Underneath the ear shattering screaming, kicking, hitting and all out defiance she is still her sweet self. But honestly, in the past 48 hours I have seen precious little of "happy girl" and way too much of "devil child".

Last night she and I had another battle of the wills. I won, of course, but it was a long road to get there. She has a stubborn streak a mile long. I'm sure she gets that from the donor. *wink*

This morning it was another go-around all because I asked her to get the container of crackers so I could make her requested "cheese and crackers - melted". You would have thought I asked her to crawl over broken glass. Oh my - the tantrum. How far did she have to go to get the crackers? Not even a step. She was right there at the cabinet. ARGH!!!!

I think there should be a something like drug rehab for three year olds. Toddler Rehab.

I know several moms who would run quickly to sign in their off-spring.

It's a damn good thing she's cute.