The Race is On...

Today was a fantastic day. Minus the banana peel and the wooden train track that Maynard flushed down the toilet.

I got to put the kids down for a nap while cleaning the house (new construction one) and thankfully, my dear husband bought me an mp3 player for Christmas (well, actually called him and asked if he would buy it for me, and I picked it out and bought it, but I say it is from him!). I have been listening to Bible studies while cleaning. It doesn't even feel like I am "working" since I am able to catch up on studies that I have missed or wanted to hear.

I am about finished with the house. I have a few more hours tomorrow that I get to do but it will be easy work...shining mirrors and windows, sweeping and mopping. They boys were having so much fun on the way home, it was quite comical. It is amazing how much happiness they bring to my life. I am so thankful to God for them.

Willard was so funny tonight. Usually, there is a battle for me to get him into his pajamas, but I started a little competition a few weeks ago between Willard and Maynard that involved racing to get their pajamas on. The winner gets to brush their teeth first. I help Maynard get his jammies on (and keep things fair and down to the wire!), and Willard gets to do it all by himself (including changing skivvies and socks, and putting the day's clothes in their basket).

Willard is such a sore loser though. A couple nights ago, Willard won and Maynard was clapping and yelling for him. I mentioned to Maynard that it was nice for him to be happy for Willard that he won. I also asked Willard if it is nice for brother to be happy for him, and he said yes.

So, last night, Maynard won, and Willard had a meltdown. He flopped on the bed, crying. I let him throw his fit, then I reminded him of how good it felt when Maynard was clapping for him. He still was upset. He kept saying how sad he was. I was still showing Maynard that I was proud because he let me dress him (he is a runner), and that he gets to brush his teeth first. Willard reluctantly followed us into the bathroom, and filled Maynard's glass (this is what they each do for each other anyway) so he could rinse and "bit" (as Maynard would say spit). Then it was Willard's turn, and Maynard got to fill the glass for brother. I again reminded Willard that it would be nice if he congratulated Maynard for winning...nope.

Tonight, before we started the big race, I asked Willard if he won, would Maynard be happy for him or sad. Willard agreed that Maynard would be happy for him. I then asked Willard if Maynard won, would he be happy for him or sad because he didn't win. Willard said he would be sad. So I told him that we wouldn't have the race then. He was bummed, so I let him know that he needed to change his attitude, and he said he would and the race started.

Maynard didn't want to lay down for his diaper change, and Willard didn't want to change his nascar (though he has never watched nascar...he just likes the cars on them) skivvies. I reminded him that he needed to and he started taking them off. I finally got a diaper rounded up for Maynard and Willard was putting on undies. Then he started with his jammy bottoms, but his undies were on inside out. I let him know that they needed to be right side out, so I helped him turn them the right way, and he put them on again. We were giggling about it.

Maynard was almost dressed, just needed the pants, and I realize that Willard's clean undies were on the floor, and he put on the ones he just took off. I wasn't paying attention until I noticed the clean ones on the floor. Willard and I giggled about how silly he was about not putting the clean skivvies on and we giggled some more while he was trying to take them off really fast.

Willard noticed that Maynard was just about dressed and I reminded him again of how he needed to be excited for brother, and with that, I finished getting Maynard dressed. I started clapping for Maynard and I could tell that Willard wanted to throw a fit, but he actually started clapping and laughing along. He did want to go into full meltdown mode, but he could see how Maynard was happy because Willard was happy for him so he held off.

I just love it when they encourage each other. It reminds me that that just like I need to teach my children how to edify each other, I also need to be edifying others, so that I can be an example for others.

I better head off to bed. I get to go to church in the morning, and then off to clean some more!

What a day for a daydream...

What is up with the song references? I just start typing and a song comes to me. The weird thing is, I don't even listen to music that much these days, and I still have many ingrained in my head!

It's only early evening, and I am daydreaming of a time where the boys don't fight. Where they each act kindly toward each other. All is calm.

Yeah Right.

Today has been one big war. I know what caused some of it, (we ate a bad lunch) but I am worn out! It started out pretty good. I was up early, getting ready to go clean a new construction house. We went to the library to get a couple videos for the boys to watch while I cleaned. Then we went out to the house. It is so beautiful. I hope whoever buys it can appreciate and be in awe of His creation.

Maybe one day we will live on 40 acres and a panoramic view of the hills like that home. I can have my own garden to grow food with the boys and I can raise yaks, cows and chickens. Yum. Just thinking about it makes me hungry. I sure love chicken... But really, I do like it here in our "cozy" little home. Where the kids are never too far away, and I can step to the center of our home and glance in any room. Where our heat bill last month was only like 25 dollars! That is awesome!

I finished my craft projects. I would post a picture, but since my sisters may view my blog, I don't want to ruin the surprise (I love you two!). Everything is still on my coffee table, with finished projects on top. I must clean this off tonight, since it seems as though I won't be getting out to clean again tonight, due to the war going on. They are actually playing dinosaurs right now, and getting along, but as soon as they realize they can play together nicely, I suppose the peace will end.

After being encouraged by one of the blogs the other day, I did get my computer desk moved to where it needed to be, and the computer is all set up. I now have to clean off my craft table and figure out how to rearrange the other half of the room. I have come to accept the fact that I will not get my room painted anywhere in the near future. I really should allow God's peace to reign in my life. A moment by moment thing I suppose. I am such a hypocrite when it comes to that. I can tell myself that I need to let it happen, but do I...NO. I just keep trying, instead of trusting. Hmm, sounds like my own little war.

I have other things to do anyway than to paint and such. The boys and I leave in 8 days for Minnesota, and my wonderful husband may even be home for a little bit early next week. (YEAH!) I get to clean the new construction house by Sunday, the floor mats in the truck get to be rinsed off, I get to go pick up the van from The Repair Shop (I highly recommend Dennis from there. He really knows his stuff!)! Amazing!

One thing at a time I suppose!

Do all things without murmurings and disputings! hmmm....

...Keeps the Home Fires Burnin'

Wednesday night is an important night. Yes, it is bible study night at church, and next year, even Willard will get to go to the children's ministry at our church. But second to God, is fellowship with others-including family. My husband and our oldest son get to play video games after our youngest falls asleep. It is special daddy-son bonding time, since our youngest demands a lot of our time. Eventually Maynard will get his own night as well, but since he is young, he has to wait a bit longer!

Since Randy changed jobs, the bonding still happens, but not necessarily on Wednesday nights. All week, Willard has been asking if it is "Wensday" night, and I show him the calendar or tell him the day and he tries to figure out how many days until Wednesday. Tonight he said, "Mom, it is "Wensday" night." I explained to him that when dad got home, he would spend that special time with him then. He seemed to be content with my answer.

Tonight, after I got the boys in bed, I set out to read the blogs I had mentioned earlier. I was done with one-again-inspired to blog- and was viewing the other's myspace page, and I hear tapping on the floor. I asked quietly, "Willard...Why are you out of bed?" He said, "Maynard is asleep and it's "Wensday" night."

I was quite shocked, and I didn't quite know what to say. My stomach dropped a bit. I don't have a clue how to race that video game, and I don't want to take over the important night that my son longs for. Normally, they muscle the love seat over, grab the controllers, and sit and race for 30 minutes or so, and just hang out, naming cars and spending time together.

What is a mom to do? I was out of my comfort level. This isn't my way of bonding! So, instead of moving the heavy love seat, I had him grab a couple camping chairs that we had leaning in the corner. He grabbed "daddy's" and had me sit in mine. He did seem to enjoy me fiddling with the controllers and trying to figure out how to choose the Camaro.

He did a great job racing, and knew more of the buttons than I did. When he was all done, he asked me to carry him to bed, so I did, ending the night a second time with another big kiss. It was well worth the time, but I ached inside because this night was Father-Son night.

I don't know if Willard understands what he is feeling. It must be a bit tough to not have Dad home, but other than a few behavioral issues, he seems to do great. I am not sure how Maynard is doing, but he does point out things that belong to Randy and say, "daddy's". When they ask where he is, I make sure to let them know that he loves them very much and that he is working hard to provide for our family. They get excited to talk with him on the phone, and they know that postcards are on the way as well.

I miss him. It is hard to fall asleep alone, and I miss talking to him. I miss the closeness and the fellowship. I miss the guidance and advice, even the little arguments. I miss him because I know how much he misses the boys. He is such a great husband and father. He loves those boys more than I do, and I love them so much. I know it is tough on him-being away from us. But I know that it is my responsibility to keep the home...to hold down the fort, keep the home fires burnin' (Candles actually, since we don't have a fireplace!) I love that he has enough confidence in me to do all the home stuff while he is away. (Which reminds me...Friday is garbage day and I get to put the trash cans out.) He is such a great man, and I thank God that I am able to share my life with him. We are looking forward to the day when we can just "be" a family, no deadlines, stupid debt, etc. Just being together, growing in God's Word, loving each other, and serving each other.

Tonight was such a great end to a long day (after the boys woke up from their naps, things went downhill fast!). While the boys were napping, I was listening to a Bible study, and the pastor was talking about the will of God. In summary, it isn't the will of God that "this thing happened at this time, or this thing didn't happen." It is God's will that regardless of what happens, it is who we lean on, praise, and thank. He wants us to rejoice in him always, give thanks to him always, no matter what the circumstance. Boy I sure didn't have the right attitude many times tonight.

Knowing and obeying are 2 different things. Thankfully, tomorrow is a new day. A chance for renewal-2 Cor. 4:16

Time for bed I suppose. Though, I might check the blogs from yesterday just to make sure I didn't miss any new posts!

On the Blog again...(remember that old song by Willie Nelson?)

Last night I stayed up until...way past my bedtime...reading blogs of my friends. I didn't just read one or two of their posts...I read every post. I had to get caught up! And I have one one more blog-maybe two- to read today.

So, I was inspired by these blogs to blog more...funny huh? So I have so much to say, (since my dearest husband isn't one for long phone conversations) and truly too little time. I was going to take a nap this afternoon, but I have too much to do, so I am going to set my timer and do a few minutes in each room, then get back the computer. I am leaving in ten days to visit family for Christmas/New Years and I have tons to do. Both the boys are asleep, and here I am typing away...

Anyhow, one of the blogs talked about her area, she calls it her scrap room, since she scrapbooks, among many of her other talents-that are fantastic. Now I want to get my room/office/area done so I can be creative in a place other than my coffee table in my living room (which has 2 crafts, half finished on it that I started yesterday.)

So, I will blog ya later. What a beautiful day!

Rejoice in the Lord alway, and again I say rejoice! I love that verse (Phil 4:4)

Some times you feel like a Diploid...some times you don't...

*Don't read if you don't like controversial issues*

Here I go again.

I have some extra time on my hands, and I have been wondering about HDCV. Does anyone care what it is or how it is used? How could I use it now with a clear conscious? Amazingly, most people haven't heard of it, and don't know where to look for it. Most Christians don't know what they are doing with it.

HDCV stands for Human Diploid Cell Vaccine. Many of the shots we are told to give our kids contain human diploid cells. The crazy thing about viruses (what vaccines are supposed to "protect" us from) is that they cannot reproduce without LIVING CELLS. So a human diploid cell is a live human cell that drug manufacturers use to make a vaccine "more effective". And just where did these cells come from...aborted human fetuses from the 60's. Nice huh? Even though it was many decades ago, the cells of these aborted fetuses are living on and made to multiply, for vaccines. And a majority of the population has been unknowingly injecting themselves and their children with them. Now you and I both know. Tell your friends.

I am sad that I allowed my oldest son to be exposed to it, and thankful that my younger son hasn't been. We need to inform people about this. Our old pediatrician never let me read the ingredients list of the shots my child got. I wonder why???

And the whole thimerosal (MERCURY!!! Which is POISONOUS!) The drug companies say that they don't use it in young children's vaccines but they admit they might use it in the beginning stages of making the vaccine, but that it is mostly filtered out, and that if any remains, it is just a trace. If I wiped my dog's butt with a spoon, and there was just a trace of crap on it, would you still want me to stir the brownie mix?

I don't think so.

Anyway. I got that off my chest. I am off to bed.

WHY!?!--Things that bug me...(Part 2)

People who are rude to you, just because you drive an old Plymouth Station Wagon with a fake T-Bird painted on the hood, runs on only a couple cylinders at a time, has hail damage, no front grill and dents all over. IT'S A CLASSIC!

The Doodlebops.

Dishwasher detergent that doesn't work.

When someone gives you their direct extension, and you still have to be on hold for 20 minutes.

Oh, I should write these down more... I know I had more...

Open Mouth, Insert Foot...and Leg...and Knee...

The other night while at work, a couple came in and were purchasing a two boxes of "prophylactics" (to be proper!), one small one, and one large one. Our screen showed that the large one was on sale, but the sale price wasn't being reflected. I had to un-bag the box, and scan it for a price check. Low and Behold...it was a buy one get one free. Not a problem, just a bit embarrassing to have to handle that box more than once.

A couple nights later, a different couple came in, much younger than the couple I mentioned above, and they were also buying prophylactics. However, it wasn't the box on sale. The man was talking with a co-worker of mine, and his lady was reading a magazine, both attempting to focus on other things, not what they were buying, due to what it was, etc...

Now, not too often, but often enough to remember, I have said things out loud that either, I should have not said at all, or should have spoken in a clear and concise way.

Like the time I was cutting cake at a previous employer, and was thinking in my head, the big piece of cake, goes to the "big man", (who was, and still is, THE Sheriff). I would never call him that to his face (well, keep reading) but, I have little private jokes with myself going on all the time...(a whole other blog). The cake was a going away cake for me, since I was quitting to become a stay at home mom, not because of the incident that followed...(I was 9 months pregnant at the time.)

So in walks the Sheriff, and I say "Well, there is the Big Man himself!"...loud enough for everyone to hear, including him, and the whole room went silent. Not whispering to each other silent. Silent like Sprint-hearing a pin drop-silent. I was ready to crawl under the table and never come out. I was beyond embarrassed.

Eventually the whole room was roaring, and I was as red as the maroon shirts they had us wear. So, after we all had our cake, and calming down from the "incident" (we should have had a de-briefing meeting..J/K), he was going to give a speech. Everyone was chit-chatting away, so he said..."Excuse me, the Big Man would like to say something" (or something like that, all I know is he referred to himself as the Big Man, and I was red all over again during his speech.) DOH!

So, that is one time where I should have kept my thoughts inside my head, instead of blurting them out on a whim.

This night in the Grocery Store though, I was TRYING to make my words come out right, and I told him that "The big ones are on sale". He just looked at me funny. The lady just dropped the magazine on the floor, everyone turned red, and then I started giggling and then we all busted out laughing.

What made it worse, is that in my nervousness, I kept trying to explain what I was saying, but we were all too shocked to care. They didn't get the bigger box, and I haven't mentioned a sale like that to anyone since!

Lilacs in September?

I was amazed to notice that my lilacs are blooming again this year. I was on my way out the door last night and I walked past one of our lilac bushes. And there were a couple of flowers...I looked up and there are several buds that have bloomed! Ah, the smell of lilacs. It is my favorite smell when it comes to flowers. What a nice surprise, a spring bloom in the fall!

I was unaware that this could happen! I grabbed my camera today so that I made sure it wasn't my imagination!

This made me laugh so hard, I cried!

Earlier today, I sent out a bulletin titled: Motorcycle Survey. Not expecting it back from too many people, tonight, when I got home from work, I was surprised to see a message from one of my dear friends...who shall be unnamed right now.

She is a mother of 2 small boys, like me, and her answers are just hilarious. I included it below, but made sure the names are not on it:

Please enjoy:

1.What type of motorcycle do you own? sport,cruiser,dualsport,offroad?
ummm....a toy one. 2 actually....

2.What make?
I think.....Mattell??? No lead paint tho. I think they are called M2R??? and the other.....alpinestar

3.What model?
no 'born on date', we just bought it hmmmmm......3 weeks ago!

4.What color?
one green (lime green) the other orange. both have white and black too.

5.Does it get looks when you ride?
Ya......I look like a gorilla riding a bike....hahahahahaha!!!!

6.How many cc's?
hmmmm.........I think alot....have you seen my bicep....especially when I push them around with the little men on them!

7.Top speed?
As fast as my chunky a** can carry 'em!

8.How much horsepower?
Ya.....I got horsepower baby!!!!.....and then, so do they!!! VROOM VROOM!!!!

10.Any Modifications?
Does gorilla glue to hold on the handle bars count?

11.1/4 mile?
Unsure....I may collapse before then!

12.0-60mph?
a life time

13.0-100mph?
I think I'm in the hospital....or my grave. GASP....I may not make it!

14.Dry weight?
right around 2 ounces each....and I did weigh them...hahahaha!

15.Fuel tank capacity?
0.....pure imagination to run these bad boys!

16.Fuel economy?
depends on what we ate that day to keep us up and playing!

17.Gears?
can't really tell, depends on who's playing. My youngest usually makes at least one down shift noise!

18.Can you wheelie it?
OHHHHH YEA............some times for several minutes from one mountain (sofa) to the the other (Chair).....huge dare devils!!!!

19.Which motorcycle rivals yours?
Well, today I was the orange one, and my youngest out did me with the green one.......

20.What is your next bike?
Well......if these hold out, and they grow out of the 'dirt bike' phase, perhaps none.........or a two wheeler pedal bike! HA!

21.What kind of tires do you have?
well...they are plastic and rubber, tiny, white plastic spokes....looks like some good tred.......

22.Do you have matching gear?
Oh ya, the guys come with matching gear, racing suits, removable helmets....(I think I stepped one one today), chest protectors, even small tools! quite the set up!

23.Full face, sport,half helmet, no helmet?
They have open face helmets, about the size of my pinky nail!

24.Would you sell your bike?
Well....they boys would be upset....but......I could part with them for about.....$5 apiece.....not all pieces may be present, one helmet may be broke (slightly smashed)

25.What is its best feature?
The joy they bring the boys when playing

26.Does it have a name?
motorcycle or dirt bike...I couldn't even begin to type the way my youngest says it.

27.Do you ride with a passenger?
ummmmm no, I haven't seen them put more than one guy on at a time........we do have rules......hahahahaha

28.Is your back seat open?
well....I guess so.

29.Are you a female rider?
Ummmm, yes, not so much a rider, but more an operator....again the gorilla/bike analogy.......

30.Do you ride in a group?
well, at least a group of two. How ever sometimes we do have out the snowmobiles and John Deere and Bob the Builder tractors to group play/ride with.......

31.Are you in a motorcycle club? If so whats it called?
Well, we tried inviting over the Hell's Angels for juice boxes and gold fish crackers....but they turned us down....again....DAMN.....one of these times!!!!!

32.Whats the farthest you've ridden?
Well, we did venture to the front yard once....but broke down, hence the gorilla glue, so, we usually stay between the bedroom and living room.

33.Whats the best thing you've seen?
The looks on their faces when they got them the first day.

34.Whats your next trip?
To the toy box tonight

35.Do you speed?
Ya....sometimes withut shifting.......I should start writting them out tickets......

36.Do you race?
Ya.....sometimes against Muck, Scoop, a big John Deere.....

37.Can you outrun the police?
Ohh.....yes, one time we did have the sheriff from Cars out..... rough one, didn't think we'd make it!

38.Can you stunt your bike?
YA!!!! You should see the "pop in the wheelies" I get to watch, and the big jumps I get to watch (see 18). "watch this mom, watch this mom....watch this mom"......over and over again!!!!!!

39.Do you have a pic?
I could take one if you'd like..........

40.Share info on your own motorcycle!
Its a motorcycle, it is fun. everyone should own one...

Cold Milk!

Children are so amazing. Some days you want to hug and kiss and play all day with them, and other days you just try to get through the day without pulling all your hair out.

The boys and I were getting ready to go the grocery store this morning. I was getting dressed, and noticed in the mirror that I was a little cold at the moment. Use whatever phrase you wish, but lets just say...the turkey was done!

Willard came into my room and asked, "What you doing?"

I said, "Trying to find some breast pads."

"Why you need pads?"

"We are going to the grocery store and it is cold in the grocery store."

While we were talking I found some pads from back when I first started nursing, and was starting to put them into my bra.

Willard looked up at me and asked, "So your milk doesn't get cold?"

I just leaned over and kissed his cheek.

So observant, yet so innocent...

Ok Bye

*First of all, any immigrant who comes to the US, should be required to learn English. *Second, when in line at the grocery store, get off the phone!

I was at work the other night and this sweet little lady comes through the line, talking up a storm in her native language. It was probably Chinese. She has been in the store before, so I just starting scanning her order. She does speak good English too, by the way.

I am ringing up her order, and she is chatting away very quickly in Chinese, then she says Ok, Bye, then she starts another conversation, either another call, or someone else got on the phone on the other end. I wasn't quite sure I heard her right.

I hear (please excuse me for my bad Chinese.) dong shi so ti do ma tah jah mo... Ok, Bye.

I almost cracked up laughing right there! I just couldn't believe she would have an entire conversation in one language and then end it like that.

Anyhow, I was amused. From now on, when I hang up the phone I am going to say Näkemiin. Or, maybe not...

American Idol

One of the shows Randy and I watch together is American Idol. It's not our favorite, but we tend to disagree a lot with each other on who should win, not necessarily the judges opinions. We do get to talk and get all worked up together, and have little bets and such, so it is all in good fun.

One of the things we disagree on is the way the judges act in the tryouts.

For instance, it makes him mad that the judges like to laugh, make fun, etc at the contestants. I don't think their behavior is very couth, but the show has ratings, and it isn't because everyone can sing. However, I consider myself a pretty reasonable person, and am able to carry a tune (albeit a slight one!) I used to sing in choir, and had aspirations when I was younger to sing. But, I wouldn't try out for AI because 1. I know I am not good enough, and 2. I don't handle people laughing at my expense very well. Knowing this, I don't choose to put myself into that position that could get me nationwide ridicule!

So anyway, my point is, if someone CHOOSES (after all they are not forced!) to go on AI and expect the judges to love you, and they don't, stop being surprised that they act the way they do! It makes good TV. It has been around for 6 seasons now, and if you can't take the heat, don't go into the kitchen.

Oh, and what is worse? The people who come out after being told no, and they start talking badly about the judges. That makes them look like idiots. So not only can you not sing, you can't take it like a man either.

The funniest thing was the cousin who told the judges he was going to act out, for the t.v., and ended up yellin' and screamin' for show. THAT was funny. He knew he wasn't the best, and he was doing it with the right attitude. His cousin ended up making the Hollywood round, and he was happy for him...kudos to you!

Ok, I have said what's on my mind... HeHe

Willard's actions, phrases and funky words

Willard is 3 1/2 and he talks up a storm. He is still a big Thomas the Train fan, so many of his words and actions come from there. His current favorite phrases include:

"Bust my Buffers!"

"That's not fair, I got soot all over my face." (*doesn't sound like soot most of the time.)

He also has to "shunt" everything, including grocery carts, brother, cars, toys, boxes, etc.

He also likes to "couple up" to everything. He will grab on to the back of my shirt, Maynard's shirt, Daddy's, and couple up, and then he makes train noises.

When he is doing something and doesnt want help..."I wanna do it all-my-by-self." He hasn't quite gotten the myself separate from by yet, so he switches them!

Funny Vocab. So, being 3, he doesn't quite say his L's good. He tries, but we are not too worried about it.

Alligator--instead of the "ll", put a "W"..and use it in place of elevator. "I wanna go in the awigator!"

Pony nail...sounds just about right, but he uses it in place of hang nail.

"I got a pony nail!" ("Do you need help with it?") No, I do it all-my-by-self!"

Yogurt. He grabs the exercise mat and says, "Mommy, I wanna do yogurt!" -instead of Yoga.

Axawent- "It was an axawent, mommy" (Accident)

This one came about around Christmas:

Negg Dog. "I want to help you make Negg Dog!" (Egg Nog)

I will add more later! When I think of them!

WHY!?!--Things that bug me...(Part 1)

Why does the actor in an infomercial dial the wrong toll free number? You would think with the money they are paying to make these commercials, they would get the Number Right!

Why do I keep getting emails wanting me to forward an email to all of my friends so that they can "sign" the bottom, and when it reaches 2000, we need to forward it to so-and-so. Doesn't anyone realize that if they send it to 10 people, it will take hundreds of times longer to reach 2000 people? Think about it. Not everyone will be signing the same email...

Why doesn't the weatherman give us a shorter forecast? Show all the maps at one time! Layer them for crying out loud. I dont need to sit and see the temps on one, the chance of precipitation on another, the Low pressures and High Pressures, and the winds? Put them all on one! Save some time already! Half the time, they are wrong anyway. Today it was supposed to be 41 degrees. So, while making lunch, I shipped the kids outside. Come to find out... it was 48....hmmmm, would have liked to have known that so I could have been able to bring them to the park or something for lunch...Although, they did have fun playing in the yard...I mean dirt...(its dry here!)

OK, I am done, for now.

How to Give a Heart Attack

My kids like bubble wrap. The big ones. They can sit and pop them and be perfectly content. Willard likes to pop, Maynard likes to try, but he usually bites them, and thinks that he pops them when in reality, it was Willard. However, they don't remember to put them back when they are done popping. I normally keep them in a wrapping paper container in the addition of our bedroom. This particular day, they were scattered in the addition.

Now, we have a poorly insulated addition. It is really difficult to keep it warm, and we must have the closet doors closed at all times. I got home from work the other night, and I noticed that one of the doors was open a bit, so I was trying to be quiet while I tiptoed my way back to the closet.

Randy was in a dead sleep, maybe even snoring a bit, and the only light that I had was the weather channel on the ol' tele. I was tip-toe-ing my way to the closet when my big fat foot landed squarely on an untouched piece of the bubble wrap. Sounding a bit like the actual gunfire of Normandy, my honey bolted awake, grabbed his chest, and said, "I just about had a heart attack." So, after I regained a little composure and stopped laughing, not because it was all that funny, but because I scared the dickens out of myself as well, I closed the closet door and headed for bed.

His heart has had quite a few jump starts. Last week on another night, I came home from work and he was crashed on the couch, remote on his lap, t.v. on. I try to be really quiet and take the remote off his lap to turn the tv off. He jumped up and had a fit and got his heart all racing again.

It keeps him young...

Children...

I LOVE being a mom. Especially on days like this:

I sat my boys down in the kitchen to eat breakfast. I get cereal, bananas, etc. all ready for them. They are both eating great. I run to my room to get dressed for the day, and Willard decided to scream bloody murder. No words, just a scream. Now, he normally doesnt do this, so I have to break into sprint mode, with my pants unbuttoned, a gate and a queen size bed in my way. I yell, as I am running, what is it honey? I get to the kitchen and he is standing on his chair and he yells I HAVE TO GO POO POO! I about fell over. Here I am thinking he cut himself or something crazy!

99% of the time, this kid comes up to me or my hubby and says, "I have to go poo poo" and goes into the bathroom and yells when he is done. He has been doing this since around his first birthday, so to hear him scream like that was so scary, yet hilarious because it was though he had to announce it to everyone on the block!

So, another cute thing that he does, since I am on the subject of my oldest going poo poo...a year or so ago, he OD'd on cheese and got a little constipated. So I tried explaining that he cant have too much cheese to eat, or he will have a hard time going. So, this particular time, along with many others, he will say that he is done, and then try to go a little more and then he will say, I have cheese in my bu tt. Too funny.

Ok, my stomach hurts from laughing about this.

We have a front load washer.

My first Blog...how fun!

This afternoon, while feeding Willard and Maynard, I was thinking about all the "things" I needed to do today. Laundry is one of them. My sons love to help, and they had helped put a load in before lunch.

Willard is singing twinkle twinkle little star (with a mouth full of PB&J), and I am concentrating on life and Maynard is throwing his apple slices on the floor. I look over to the washer and I see my water bottle tumbling away. It was a small serving of my daily reality checks that I am so thankful for.

No matter how perfect I want my days to be, or how I want to be, or how I want my family to be, there is always something to remind us of how imperfect we are.

Now, I tend to be an idealist, for my own sanity, but the longer I live this life, the easier it is to accept the reality of my life. As I sat there watching my bottle tumble away, I look at the boys, how healthy they have been, how, even with the morning we've had, we still could sing songs and laugh and play. How thankful I am for my loving husband, who sacrifices so much of himself for not only his family and friends, but people he meets on a daily basis.

So, even though all the "things" are really insignificant, in light of this afternoon's dose of reality, I still have to get more "things" done, including tackling Mt. Washmore!

I hope that when you read this, you take the time to think about what you are thankful for, and even in all that is going on in life, it really could be worse!