Elwood

There have been some peculiar things going on in our home here recently.  While Christmas shopping James and I ran into Santa at Target.  He gave us a box with this little guy inside.  We brought him home and read the instructions enclosed.  We immediately gave him a name as instructed.  His name is Elwood.  His favorite movie is Blues Brothers and he loves fried chicken and dry white toast.  :)  The kids didn't believe the magic at first especially Addison.  She was my super skeptic. 

Yet I found her waving at the box when she thought she was "alone" in the room. She became a true blue believer when she woke up the next morning and found Elwood's box on the ground busted open and this... 

 

Apparently Elwood likes his name and was kind enough to make me some coffee before I woke up.  Anthony found it funny that he stole his Superman mug to drink some coffee himself.  Addison's eyes were the size of dinner plates. 

Anthony woke up the next morning with airplanes all over his room.  They were stuck in his Christmas tree, in his dresser, blinds and then he looked up and found..

 Our prankster Elwood hanging from his light fixture.  Anthony turned purple laughing at this one.  The following night Elwood decided to be a bit mischievous and mysterious.  He taped popcorn up on my shelf in the living room with a note that said pop me at 9:30pm.  We did and just sat down to see what would happen.  We ended up turning on the TV waiting for the "surprise" and what do you know?  Elf on the Shelf was on TV.  He is so sneaky.  Shame Anthony crashed early that night.

   Then it happened I knew it would eventually.  Elwood was on the fireplace snuggled up with a washrag for a pillow and blanket when I went to bed that night. He made the mistake of "borrowing" Addison's little stuffed doggie to snuggle with.  When I woke up Elwood was half drugged out of his bed and the doggie was gently pulled halfway out of his arms.  I asked Addison if she touched him and after a few attempts to change the subject she confessed that she wanted her doggie back and Elwood shouldn't have taken him.  Elwood disappeared that day mysteriously as we were cleaning house.  He had to stay at the elf hospital for a day or two to get his magic back.  But he returned in his prankster way. 

Crazy elf came back with band aids all over him and turned my coffee filter wreath into a chair.  Nice glue stick picket sign.  :)  The kids had thought that they had seen it all until they woke up to find Elwood taking a pillow stuffing bath under the Christmas tree. 

Night of fasting and prayer

Today the kids and I participated in a church wide fasting day.  I have never fasted and I couldn't decide to go with the traditional food fasting or of my second love.  My computer, TV and phone.  I decided to just do it all.  I spent the day with the kids baking for my sister's Thanksgiving feast and my buddy Felecia came over for a haircut.  Poor thing was in a panic not being able to reach me via FB.  Not to worry girl I gotcha!

In the middle of the day before nap time I asked the kids to each go into their room and spend some time with God.  I spent my time going over scripture on anxiety and just spending some time quiet listening to what God has to say on the subject.  My biggest hindrance.  In the process Anthony whips open the curtains over his door and says "HEY MOM GUESS WHAT? ME AND GOD ARE FISHING!"  Way to be fisher of men little buddy.  Addison said that her and God played and they had a good time.  Victoria said that she spoke with God about her fears and enjoyed sitting her room praying. 

Church had a service tonight to break the fast as we all shared communion together.  Anthony sat down in the sanctuary and was checking the place out.  The kids were so excited as the first song we sang was "I will follow you" one of the kids favorites.  Anthony is scanning the room as George our pastor comes out so speak and Anthony spots the sound booth in the back of the room.  He turns to me grabs a hold of my sleeve and whispers in my ear.  "Mommy that is where the judges sit!  That guy is going to wiiiin!  He is going to go to Hollywoooood!"  Guess that fasting from TV was a good pick for the kids as my son think that our church is X Factor.  During the time of communion Addison decided that she is wanting a snack as well.  She starts crying for a piece of bread.  She sees everyone in front of her getting a piece and dipping it in a wine glass.  Anthony, my take charge boy, leans over to her and says "You don't want that.  That dip is spicy." 

What an incredible day with God and my little ones.  I have needed the quiet in the house and the time to get my head wrapped around some things going on.  I feel better and know that I am in good hands no matter what the conditions.

Embarassment at Target

The kids and I had to go to the pediatrician for Victoria's med check appointment.  On the way out of the school parking lot from dropping V off Anthony said "Go fast mom!"  I told him that I couldn't because a cop would pull me over and I would get a ticket.  He just looked out the window disappointed and said "Hmm when I tell Grandpa to go fast he just does it."  Thanks for making me look like a party pooper dad.  lol

We took a quick lap (quicker than I had originally wanted) through Target today.  My son loves Thomas the train.  While walking through Target he spotted Percy.  His poor speech problem proved to be quite entertaining in the toy department as he is saying VERY loudly "I love p*ssy!"  We didn't stay in Target much longer.  I could feel the blood rushing to my face as I made a b-line for the check out.

When the weather calls for it.

After our shower today Anthony comes running in the bathroom with only underwear on and asks "Mom is it gonna be worm cold today?"  I tell him that it is supposed to be pretty warm.  He takes off running out of the bathroom singing "YEA! I GET TO WEAR A TINY SLEEVE SHIRT TODAY!"

The hip bone is connected to the

WARNING this post is PG-13, you will pee your pants but just a heads up!

Anthony was riding home in the back seat of my mothers car and according to her they were driving through Crescent Hill where they have all of the Halloween houses.  They kids saw a skeleton in a yard and they began a conversations about bones in your body.  There is a bone in your arm, your neck, your leg etc..  Anthony chimes in "There is no bone in my pee pee I checked it!"  Addison pipes up "Yep there is no bone in his pee pee."  I can only imagine the day when I hear him coming running up to me saying........

So long October.

Hello there November!  I would like to take a moment to say that I will miss this past October as it was AMAZINGLY filled with fun stuff to do.  The zoo, Harvest Homecoming, Church functions, Contests won (Anthony won a 50 savings bond at the 4H fairgrounds Halloween festival), the purchase of my little SIG mosquito,  and some great quality family time.  I am sad to see it go but the beginning of November means we are quickly approaching my sisters annual Thanksgiving dinner and it is always SO GOOD!  I am ready to put the Christmas trees up but I will let November have it's time and then I will get to decorating. 

I have had a bad case of Strep this week.  It began on Wednesday.  James took me to the indoor range to break in my new little toy and on the way I began to have a sore throat.  It got progressively worse to a 102 temp by the end of the night.  It didn't affect my aim though ;). By around 10 I was head to toe aching and couldn't get warm to save my life.  I was miserable.  I am NOT a good patient when I am sick and James was more than patient with me through it.  Thank you honey!  I am now on the mend with some antibiotics and some 800 mg Ibuprofen for the pain.  They have defiantly helped me feel more human.  I have been without my little ones since Thursday after Grandma finished working and I have missed them so.  Victoria and I have done some bonding through some movie watching and her being mommy's little nurse.  She really should look into being in some kind of nursing career when she gets older.  Having those few days with just me and her has allowed me some freedom to take a nap when my body needed to and not worry to much about my house being destroyed and nobody to watch the little ones.  Thanks Grandma!  I am now feeling about 80% better and my kids are home.  I sit snuggled up on the couch in my immaculate home.  Victoria and I busted our butts today , all day, cleaning every inch upstairs while trying to keep up with laundry downstairs.  I am talking serious cleaning!  We cleaned the air filter in the air purifier.  Moved furniture and vacuumed under it and dug toys out from under the furniture and returned them to the twins' rooms.  Steamed the kitchen floor, bleached out the tub jets, the works.  I even put a battery in the clock above the fireplace ( I have tortured people enough with it).  Having the house as clean as it is, is almost as great as sitting on the couch being smothered by my little ones while watching Wizard of Oz tonight.  Life is good!

SHOOT what a great weekend!

I had my first experience at Knob Creek's annual machine gun shoot.  I know what you are thinking.  "You did WHAT?"  It sounds a bit crazy but I had a blast.  My man is super testosterone and goes twice a year to the event with his buddy Travis and I have been asking to go.  I knew that it was "man's weekend" but wanted to see what all of the fuss was about.  I had a ball! Walking around looking at a bunch of stuff that I have no clue what it was but to see my husband's eyes light up and get excited when I took an interest in what he enjoys was priceless. 

I found this video you don't have to watch of course but you have to at least get to 1:40 to see all of the grown men with their cell phones in the air recording the shoot.  Plus this shows the helicopter rides going overhead.  People watching was PRICELESS!

The night shoot was unbelieveable.  You stand for 45 minutes or more in one spot trying to get a view of the shoot.  Everyone has their ear plugs in and is yelling to the person next to them.  The best part is taking yours out and listening to everyone around you talking so stinking loud.  lol!  When the shoot begins you feel like you are on a movie set. They set out propane tanks for targets. 

Never thought I would get into this thing as much as I did.  I want to go back.

The rest of the weekend was just unbelieveable!  James was home for several days (that is around 4 in our book) and we has some great quality family time!  We got the garage cleaned out too!  Always a bonus getting stuff done around the house!

That's what I'm talking about

Love me some FALL!  Today we took it really easy and enjoyed a day of rest after our two full days of activities.  Outside was a pile of leaves just begging to be raked up and jumped in. 

 Jump #1

                                                            Jump #2

                                                          Jump #3

 

                                                   All together now!

Our allergies are on overload after this romp in the leaves but it was oh so worth it!  Love having a yard with a tree that gives us leaves to do this.  Loving life!

Best in show!

We love the Harvest Homecoming Costume contest!  There were so many great costumes!  Lots of competition and such creativity floating around.  I wish I could have taken more photos of the other kids but I was busy with my own.  ;)  My buddy Felecia and her mom came out to Harvest Homecoming as a tradition they have had for years.  They came to the contest to cheer us on and help me out a bit.  I didn't have enough hands and attention to go around and their presence was appreciated and helpful!  Here is my crew ready to go.  Let's just say that the mommy had a bit more fun with people asking if they could take a picture of my kids.  Such a proud momma I was.  Now picture fitting these costumes into an elevator several times for trips to the parking garage.  I wish I had someone take a pic of us trying to do that.  :)

This was one of my favorites.  Her momma was dressed up like a Dalmatian.  Such a cute idea!

 This was one of many homemade "floats" that had been assembled to enhance their costumed little one.  These entries made me nervous for our chances of winning. I started giving the pep talk of "Not everyone can win" when I saw this one roll up.  There was a group entry that came as the Flintstones with a wagon decked out like the Flintstones mobile. They even spray painted their dog to make him look like Dino.

 Here is a pic of my little kitty.  She was a nervous wreck waiting to go up on stage and did great once she got up there.  I was proud!  Check out the Harvest lion in front of her too.

 Anthony won 1st place in his age group.  Addison erupted into tears as she didn't get a "star" she only got a ribbon for her 2nd place prize.  Victoria unfortunately didn't place in her age group and I had an emotional roller coaster on my hands with two upset little ones and one that was jumping up and down because he had a trophy. Again thanks Felecia for coming and help fan out the flames. 

We headed back to the parking garage after Anthony got his trophy.  On the way back I saw a bigger trophy on the table with the words Best In Show on it.  I thought, well we DID win in his age group so we have a shot and I walked three emotional kids back down to the costume contest to wait out the results.  WE WON!!!!!!!!  Again Anthony is beside himself and I have two upset little ones on my hands.  That was rough to celebrate and console at the same time. A trip to Dairy Queen for a round of milk shakes calmed everyone right down and we were all smiling by the time we got home.

I have a whole new reason to love Harvest Homecoming!

Here are my little grapes with her second place ribbon.  Anthony spent most of his time with Miss Harvest Homecoming flirting with her.  ;)  Daddy would have been proud.  lol

After a trip home for a nap for all of us my parents showed up and we headed to the Louisville Zoo for trick or treating.

Jam packed day and by far the best day of Halloween celebrating yet.  I am exhausted my body hurts and I have a huge smile on my face.  I have to post this video of Addison as it makes me tear up every time I watch it!

I need to take smaller bites!

Holy Cow what a day!  Today was the kids (all 3) well check at the doctor.  I picked up Victoria from school and headed to Nassim.  I made the major mistake of letting the twins know what was coming.  I wouldn't feel like I was a bad guy keeping the fact that they were going to get shots from them.  They did great with it that night and this morning.  Anthony came into my room and said "I'm gonna get a shot today but I will be brave and just close my eyes and scream. "

 Everyone was happy go lucky on the way in and even made a friend in the waiting room. We head into the room and the tears begin with the finger prick.

 Why do they do that first thing.  I know it is so that they can get test results but why tick the kids off first thing.  About a half and hour in the room with two screaming 4 year olds and an 8 year old in the corner staring at me like I am an executioner I am in a dead sweat.  Both A and A want to hang on me and that makes Victoria , who hasn't shed any blood yet, want to hang on me too.  I cracked open the window to no relief.  It is just as hot outside too.  Where is the snow?  I needed an ice storm at that moment.  I know I will eat those words later.

 The nurse comes in and says that Dr. Shiner is running late and will be in the office soon.  "Soon?!?"  The nursing staff was super sweet and allowed the kids to go and pick out a book to keep them occupied.  They were very sympathetic to our wait and to the noise level in the room.  I could only imagine the waiting room listening to the riot in the first room on the right.  I bed kids were clinging to their parents for dear life I'm sure hoping and praying that they aren't here for what "those kids" are.

 Two hours in and I am sitting in a sauna and my hospital gown clad children and still crying at there band aid thumbs.  The doc comes in and immediately apologizes for the wait and takes her time with me answering questions and being so patient with the kids.  She really took her time with us and handled each child individually and gave them all lots of attention and care. 

Victoria gets her hearing checked and is being referred to an ear doctor for a thorough test as she didn't do too well in one ear.  Thanks Tracy for the tip on getting it checked.  Believe we have found a problem. 

The kids put on their shirts and I tell them to wait for the pants knowing what is coming.  I hear JAWS music in the background.  Anthony is sitting in a chair crying because he says his pants don't fit anymore.  I look down to see him trying to put on Victoria's jeans.  He is devastated because he knows that the shots go in the legs and his pants aren't working.  That's my boy! 

They come in and break all 4 of our hearts.  There are few things harder to do for a parent than to hold down their child kicking and screaming as they get needles stuck in them.  Trying to look into their teary eyes and say "It's ok."  I cried as Anthony was the first one up.  I tried to console him best I could and the nurse leaned over and gave me a hug as I hugged him.  "God bless ya.  You have been here longer than I have today." she says to me.  I get dried up and turn to find Victoria clinging to Addison for dear life.  I have to pry her out of Victoria's hands as they are both crying in the corner.  Anthony is still hysterical and I lay Addison down on the table. When she is finished I turn to find Anthony being held by a nurse as two other nurses are handing him goodie bags and stickers galore to help him get calmed down.  I am beat, emotionally drained and want to go home.  We had been at the doctor's office for 2 1/2 hours total.

We leave to find the waiting room empty except for one mom and son checking out.  I hope we didn't cause an evacuation of the building.  We made it through it as we always do and to McDonald's we head.

The kids and I drop off Victoria and Addison is telling me her legs are broken.  Her and bubby got 4 shots each along with the traumatizing finger prick. Victoria is scarfing down a chicken sandwich across the parking lot and we check her in.  I get the kids strapped in the car and Addison blows a gasket wanting to be in Tori's school with her.  I explain that we can't go to her classroom but ask if she would like to eat in the cafe area of her school.  She agrees that will make her happy so we do.  I take the kids to park afterwards and then home for a 15 minute nap before Victoria comes home. 

I need some finishing touches to the costume for Anthony as his juice box still needs a straw.  Meijer has purple balloons so I start there first.  Balloons, a cool insulated cup to make tea in, baby shampoo, and safety pins later we are heading out the door.  Anthony throws a fit as I am checking out about wanting to play the claw game.  This continues to the car and we head to Home Depot to the plumbing department to look at some pipe for a straw.  Anthony is still upset and says he doesn't want to go to  Home Depot.  I want to enter the kids in a costume contest for Harvest Homecoming so today has to be the day buddy.  Victoria gets involved in his fit and it sends her to the front seat to get control of her emotions as I wait outside the car with Addison who is happy as can be except for her "broken legs".  I am not a big drinker but I NEED A DRINK!!!

I find the perfect piece of pipe for the straw and head home with it after hitting up LJS on the way home.  I'm in NO mood to cook!  The drive thru line took forever. So long in fact that I was in front of the speaker so long they welcomed me to Long John Silver and asked for my order a second time.  Anthony from the back seat yells "HELLO!"  and I explain to the lady that she has already taken my order.  Anthony leans back and says "She won't even talk to me." I get food down the kids throat.  Addison eats for a change and I start on the costumes. 

This is when I discover I can't find my glue gun.  Me without my glue gun is like Bob the Builder without a hammer.  I am tearing up my already trashed basement and come up with nothing but a bottle of super glue.  I did however find a green headband that I need for Addison's grape costume.  I head upstairs and get to work. I finish Anthony's straw which looks amazing I must say and grab my Meijer bag to start pinning purple balloons to Addison's outfit.  This is the part where I discover I left the purple balloons in the cart at Meijer.  I will be going to bed now.  I wave my white flag of surrender.  I have bit off more than I can chew.

I'm mad!

This morning just before my alarm went off Anthony crawled in bed with me and was coughing and hacking. When my alarm went off I headed downstairs to wake up Victoria and then crashed on the couch with Anthony.  Me resting my back and him resting period.  Addison was still knocked out on her floor of her bedroom.  About an hour later I hear "AAAAHHHHH" as if someone is trying to pull a 747 down my hallway.  "Addison?"  She is walking down the hallway with James black t-shirt draped across her shoulders.  She loves cuddling up in her hero's shirts.  They barely skim the floor when she walks and she has the sleeves bunched up on her shoulders so that it "doesn't show my boobies".  She thinks it looks good but it is more like a black ghost floating across my floor.  "I'M MAD!" she says as she looks up at me.  "Who are you mad at?"  She reaches up and squeezed her little button nose and says "My nose ISN'T BREATHING!"

Toot Toot!!!

I know it isn't lady like to brag but check this out!!!

Must be Fall

There are some strange things going on in our house lately.  Mommy fixed us some hot chocolate with our breakfast to warm us up.  This was a super special treat because of the chill in the air.  It was pretty cold in the house and this hot chocolate did the trick.  That is until...

I got to the bottom of my glass.

This cup has been in the family for many years.  My Mamaw had one and I remember playing with it growing up.  Was fun to play the frog in the bottom of the glass trick on the kids.  Anthony was just drinking and drinking and when I walked back through the kitchen I saw Anthony just staring down into the cup.  I believe he was waiting on the thing to jump out.  lol

One thing that has signaled Fall for our family the past couple of years is going to the family reunion at Wonder Valley.  There was about 70 people there and I knew my mom, dad, children, grandpa and uncle.  lol. Isn't that the way it is at family reunions?  I had a ball.  Not only was there a HUGE playground for the kids to play on but they had an auction.  This isn't your ordinary auction.  Family members bring things from home to auction off.  It might be Great Aunt Beatrice twice removed's homemade apple butter OR her 20 year old plastic country blue wall clock with a goose on it.  The auctioneer , also a family member isn't a real auctioneer (surprising I know after I describe the quality of the merchandise) but is just as entertaining.  Another cousin of mine that I have never met appears to be half asleep as he grabs the merchandise off of the tables.  "Alright we have a birdhouse gourd, a collection of derby glasses, and two glitter candle holders.  Oh wait one candle holder has a candle in it! (BONUS!) Who will give me 10 dollars?  (crickets) 5? (crickets) Alright how about a dollar?"  The hands go flying up and goes up to about 15 dollars!  It was such a riot to watch.  I leaned over to my dad and uncle and while trying to catch my breath from laughing at the entertainment I said "Alright I have a 2 foot section of 2X4, an ironing board, a right handed glove and a piece of dental floss.  Who will give me $10?"  Those of you cousins that read that haven't been REALLY need to attend.  I promise you will leave with a stomach ache.

The kids met new cousins they didnt' know that they had.  Or at least I am assuming that they are cousins.  lol!

Grandpa helped Anthony show off his monkey bars skills. LOVE this pic btw!

Afterwards I couldn't pass up the amazing sunlight and snapped some pictures at my parents house of the kids. 

Such a stinker. 

Check out my Victoria growing like a weed!

Love me some Fall.  My favorite time of year.  Now to get started on the Halloween costumes.  We still haven't decided on what to be yet but I was informed today that the trick or treating at the zoo is this weekend and next.  I need to get started on something.

Clean floors and a full belly

Today I was on the hunt for some clothes and a steam mop.  Heck of a combination huh?  I need some new shirts to go with my jeans and I have a hot date tonight with my family at Paula Deans restaurant.  I got so lucky and found some amazingly comfortable vintage scoop neck Ts at Old Navy and a steam mop at Target (reg price 90 got it for 47 clearance!).  I was super excited to get home and crack that baby open.  I did as soon as I got home only to find that I got a steam mop that someone used to con Target out of new merchandise.  It wasn't even the same mop.  It was used scuffed up and had grass and mulch on the pad.  I called Target to let them know about my purchase and they were so sweet.  I know that they are unable to hold clearance merchandise but there was only one other steam mop left.  They  held it for me until I could get there tonight.  I was so impressed with their customer service.  When I took it back to the store Anthony leaned over the counter and informed the lady that someone mowed the yard with it.  LOL!  She got a kick out of it.  I grabbed my stuff and met mom in the parking lot to head over to Horseshoe.  We all ate till we bust!  All you can eat seafood awesomeness!  How many crab legs did we consume I will never share!  ;)  All I know is that even if my mom didn't get the entire meal minus 4 dollars comped we would have gotten our moneys worth.  My sister was able to join us to along with Tyler, Kirstie, and Ariel.  So nice to have them there with us to keep the party rolling!  When I got home I opened up my new steam mop and cleaned my kitchen floor in about 4 minutes.  LOVE THOSE THINGS!

The glass as 35..

Alright I am just going to cut to the chase and say that I was NOT looking forward to this birthday AT ALL!  Not a fan or birthdays that end it the number 5.  There is something about that halfway mark that gets to my emotions and causes me to reflect on what is what was and what could and should've been. I have so many things to be thankful for. Such as my husband staying home and getting some stuff done around the house and even remembering to get a card before he gets home from work that makes my heart burst.  Kids that look up at me and sparkle with their happy birthdays makes my heart break in two.  It reminds me that they are now 8 and 4 and that there will come a time when Mommy won't be able to be here for them and that there will be a time (only a few blinks away as we are reminded) when they will have their own family and won't fit in my lap anymore for a hug.  I have nothing to worry about I know where I am going when it comes my time but this birthday is just causing me to reflect on my mortality.  Not trying to be a Debbie Downer just being honest.  With that being said I made the best of the day with minimal tears early in the morning as well snuggled in bed and moved on after dusting myself off.

My buddy Leslie offered to give me a facial and haircut and I jumped all over it!  YES PLEASE! It has been about a year since my last haircut and I was in desperate need.  The facial was awesome and it was so good to see her.  I was then on the hunt for some awesome boots.  I love the boot styles out there now. I am not sure how to wear them.  I mean I know "on your feet" but what to put them with as my wardrobe is mostly sweat pants and t-shirts.  Oh well I will keep searching.  I did however find some jeans.  TWO pair to be exact!  Super excited about that and even got a size smaller than last time.  SUPER excited about that!  It was a nice relaxing laid back day and tomorrow my mom, sister, niece, nephew, and his girlfriend are going to Horseshoe for the seafood buffet.  I believe Tyler, my nephew, and I are going to have a crab leg eating contest. 

I will chose to take my half full glass and fill it up to the brim this year.  :)

So nice

Monday the grill was fired up an my marinated pork chops began to sizzle.  The aroma filled the air along with the sounds of a semi pulling up in my driveway.  The kids were beside themselves screaming "DADDY!".  I don't think I will ever tire of my husband having the ability to just pull up in the driveway and be home.  With the beautiful weather we ate outside and had a family date night on the deck.

James was suppose to leave on Tuesday early with a load to Alberta, Canada but was able to switch the load around so that he can deliver it later and will be home for a few days leaving early on Thursday.  I'm bummed that he won't be here on my actual birthday but having him home for a few days to be with our household without an other households schedules to worry about has been bliss. 

James took me and the kids to brunch on Tuesday to Waffle House.  James and I have a lot of history at Waffle House.  Most nights after our shift at the Lighthouse we would head there for some late night grub and snuggle in the booth.  This time was different and I liked it.  Anthony and Addison had their first trip to Waffle House and we sat right up at the counter.  The kids got such a kick out of it and they felt so grown.  Watching your food being cooked is so much cooler when it isn't mom doing it. :)  Chocolate chip waffles with the choice of sausage for Addison and bacon for Anthony.  But low and behold half way through our chowing down we turned to find Anthony with his fork in Addison's sausage, mouth open going in for the kill. "THAT'S MY SAUSAGE!"  I gave him the drop the patty look and then he started eye balling my waffle.  Don't even think about it kid!

After Waffle House we headed home and got productive.  I have my muscles home to do some stuff around the house.  James hung my curtain rods in the living room and I got to hang my 24.99 marked down to 6.48 curtain panels.  I will have to post some pics.  They looks so nice.  They give the room some warmth and block out some sun too.  Will be posting pics soon.  Today we will tackle the garage.  If you don't hear from me in a couple of days send a search party. 

Taste of Home

I am so excited about my clearance find at Target.  I found some curtains for Addison's room.  She is now in what was Victoria's room and taking Victoria's bedding I purchased for that particular room.  It is this that I had found at Target for a very reasonable price.  Today I found curtains regularly priced $22.99 (A PANEL) for $5.74 a panel!!!!  I am so stoked!  I only found two panels and she has two curtains in her room.  I believe I am going to brave a trip to Louisville tomorrow to see if the 5 panels that are showing on the computer at the Bashford Manor store are still there.  Fingers crossed.  I can't pass up that price.  Plus they are SO PERFECT for her room!  If you have a kid and are wanting to change the bedroom decor I highly suggest heading to Target BUT do NOT go and buy these curtains from Bashford Manor Mall without my permission :).

Had such a good time tonight up at Salem High School with my sister and mom at the Taste of Home cooking class.  I learned some super helpful hints that I didn't know. Such as how to fix beans for dinner and not have to quarantine the house afterwards.  How to keep a pizza crust flat when making homemade crust.  The lady cooking was so funny and the crowd was great.  They had over 80 door prizes to give away and I didn't win any of them but my sister did so we left happy.  A late night for my little ones but man did we have a good time.  Now I am back home staring at my curtains I got for dirt cheap and the lamp that I got for Anthony regularly priced $30 but marked down to $7.48.   Love me some Target clearance!

Ketchup soup

Picky eaters, what do you do with them?  Trick them, lie, cheat, steal, do whatever you can do not throw food away.  Tonight I was craving some tomato soup and grilled cheese.  I knew that this would NOT work for Miss fussy pants Addison Marie so a light bulb went on over my head and an invention was born.  Ketchup soup!  My little Addison freaks out over tomatoes.  I was the same way when I was a kid so I don't blame her but in adulthood I got over my fear and now I am a fan.  I still don't get the whole chomp into a tomato thing but will take them on my sandwich without a fuss.  Anthony grabbed the can and said "Look sissy tomato soup!"  The flames started to rise in her eyes and her head began to spin while walking down aisle 9 in Walmart.  I quickly tried to diffuse her by saying "Honey that is just a picture of tomatoes.  THIS is ketchup soup!"  Those eyebrows raised, "ketchup souuuup?"  She had taken the bait and I reeled her in when she asked for another bowl at dinner tonight. 

Bless this food

Dinner tonight was turkey pot pies.  I thought the kids would get a kick out of it as they would get their own pie.  I was sadly mistaken.  Anthony was very excited when I told him that he would get a whole pie to himself.  My son likes to eat in case you didn't know :).  I then told him that it was a mini pie and he looked puzzled and a bit disappointed.  "Is it thick?" He asked hoping his vision of a whole pie (full size) had gone down the drain.  I plopped the pot pies on the plate upside down and chopped them up so that they would be able to cool and added a bit of salt and pepper.  He came into the kitchen sat down and looked at his plate.  I could see it in his eyes.  Kind of a what the heck is this thing?  I thought I was getting a pie!  This looks like it has already been eaten and I haven't even started.  He took a bite but the disappointment of not seeing the "pie" was a bit too much for him.  I tried and tried to get him to eat but he wasn't budging.  Birthday cake for dessert wasn't even working.  I ended up having him throw it away (Addison didn't eat hers either)

Tonight Anthony's prayers went a lil something like this:

Dear God, Thank you for our prayers and stuff.  Thank you for my mom and for taking care of us and stuff.  I am sorry that I always want juice and didn't get to have cake with Mom and Tori I just didn't like that dinner.  Amen!

Happy 8th Victoria

The festivities started on Friday when Victoria came home with a prize from the treasure box.  You relieve these when you don't get your name moved on the behavior chart all week long.  So proud!  I took her up to Salem to the festival on the square.  It was the kick off of the Old Settlers days there.  Victoria came home ran downstairs to put her backpack up and Addison ran to the top of the stairs and yelled "COME ON VICTORIA WE ARE GOING TO THE VEGETABLE!!!"  I heard Victoria downstairs "The what?!?!?!"  Addison yelled down again "THE VEGETABLE!"  Upon correcting her she just gave a shrug and an "oooooooohhhhh"  then her cute little giggle.

When we got there my mom had made her famous zoo cake and decorated a Birthday chair for her at the table.  She opened her card to find some Birthday cash.  Always a hit!

 Addison decided to stay at the house with Grandpa and Anthony Victoria and I headed up with Grandma to the "vegetable"  I had to take this pic for her.  There was indeed vegetables!

 There was Victoria's favorite POT ROAST!  Anyone that has followed my blog any amount of time knows about her love for the stuff! Speaking of food on the way home from the "vegetable" we stopped at McDonalds for something to drink.  I asked my mom about the beautiful trees lining the drive thru.  "Mom what are those?  They are so pretty!"  She responded "Those are Hibiscus." from the back seat Anthony pipes up "Mmm I want a biscuit!"

  One thing that she wanted was to take her training wheels off her bike.  She gave it a good go but will still need some practice.  The kids across the street have given her a push in this department as she never mentioned wanting them off before. 

 We also learned this night that silly string scares the snot out of Anthony.  In a split second it went from fun to having to put it out of sight.  Seriously scared him to death.

 When she went to bed on Saturday night I grabbed my decorating stuff and went to town on the stairwell.  Tape doesn't stick to well to textured walls I discovered.  Pretty much all of it was at the bottom of the stairs when she woke up but she understood what we were going for.  :)

 With the money from Grandma and Grandpa and the money from mom and dad she decided to get a razor kick scooter for herself.  You should have seen her at the register with her money.  So grown!

When we headed home from our trip to buy her scooter and our outing to see Smurf (which turned out to be pretty good) I grabbed some Little Ceasers.  I mentioned her cake waiting at home and Addison said "We didn't get a cake for OUR birthday!"  I hadn't realized that they switched their mind and decided to go boating on the day I had the cook out planned.  The didn't get a cake but I had already purchased candles for them before we decided to go to the river.  We decided for a community Birthday cake.  Everyone is 484 years old today!  Mom is still 29  ;)!

Such concern

Tonight at dinner the kids are talking a hundred miles an hour. I am eating a piece of watermelon and get choked while listening to Victoria's explaination of how watermelon is made.  It goes a little something like this...

Victoria - Mom I know how watermelon is made!  First you put some water, you know because it is WATERmelon and you put some food coloring in it and then put it in a blender and mix it up.  (Begin choking and can't catch my breath) Is that right mom?  Mom? Is that right? (still choking and unable to breathe) Mom!  Isn't that right you put the food coloring in and put in in the blender?  Mom is that right? Is it? Is it? Mom!

Addison looks at me and says - MOM WHY IS YOUR FACE RED?

Anthony without even looking up from his plate of watermelon says "She probably has a fever." In the most unconcerned voice he could muster.  As long as it didn't affect his watermelon consumption it didn't matter to him.

Our new rooms.

Would you believe I forgot to take the before and after pics?!  I'm upset with myself.  The rooms are nowhere near done but they slept in their "own rooms" last night for the first time EVER!  The closet in Addison's room is perfect for a reading nook under her clothes.  She was playing in her room and we hadn't seen her in quite a while.  I thought she had fallen asleep.  I walked in her room to find her reading to her baby doll atop her fuzzy pink pillow.  It was so precious. 

On a different note Anthony was sitting next to me at the dinner table and with a mouth full of meatloaf turned to me and said "Every day I'm shuffling".  I almost spit my meatloaf out.  He definitely has my DNA!

A room of my own

Well the project begins today!  Victoria is moving downstairs and the twins are splitting for the first time ever.  I wonder how it will go.  Will they miss each other?  How will drawing the line on "This is MY dance space.  This is YOUR dance space." go?  I still continue to not be a fan of someone sleeping in the basement but don't really have any other options right now.  We asked Victoria about having a bedroom in the basement and she was all for it.  She will be the owner of the biggest bedroom in the house.  That will make her feel like royalty.  Especially after her super small room in our old house.  Painting will come eventually but right now my mom is coming over to help move the stuff around and make room to move Victoria downstairs and then we will get the twins situated.  Before and after pics to follow...

Figure 8 races + school buses = AWESOME!

I love me some school bus figure 8 races!  I have been once before with a friend and remember it being a good time.  Taking my kids there was awesome.   Crissy and Derek were the ones to tip us off that they were happening tonight and they asked us to join them.  All of the kids were greeted with a yellow drawstring backpack saying Sportsdrom Figure 8 donated by some screen printing company and they wore them proudly.  They carried their snacks I smuggled in inside.  That is until Addison dropped her water bottle through the bleachers.  Then Anthony dropped his water bottle cap through the bleachers.  Then Victoria dropped her whole bag through the bleachers. :)  Anthony sat next to me and his eyes scanned the track.  The moment he understood that we would be watching racing was priceless!  His little face lit up fists went into the air and a big "YES!" came out.  The cars came out, Anthony's face got a little brighter. They circled the track under the yellow flag and when the green flag hit and the engines reved up Anthony's eyebrows went down and his hands smacked down on those tiny kneecaps and it was GAME ON for him.  Such a fun night!

This and that

Wow the kids had quite a celebration for their birthday.  I am sitting here going through the blogs that I follow and thought "Oh wait!  I should probably post something to let people know I am still alive."  So here I am.  The festivities continued with another boat trip on the Ohio where Anthony clung to my neck for dear life swimming (Yes I know I NEVER thought I would swim in the Ohio but it was worth the germs to have the memories).  He was hanging on tight in the quarry when I told him to put his feet down.  "NO NO NO"  He wasn't aware that we were on the sand barge and he could touch.  He screamed while putting his feet down and all of a sudden stopped and said "I got my feet down!"  So cute! 

We headed to the riverfront last Sunday to see the Louisville Crashers on the river stage.  Was so stinkin hot but we had a great time.  Anthony got to hear Mark sing "Thoul Thister"  You know that song by Train?  He was in hog heaven!  There was probably about 3,000 people there, it was packed!  We found a place to sit on the lawn so that we could watch the kids dance.  Going to make it to more of their shows so that I can get a dancing spot.  ;)

We are making some plans on the house.  I am not a big fan of basement bedrooms if it isn't a walk out but we are in desperate need of more bedrooms.  The twins are getting older and need their own space badly so we have made the decision to move Victoria's room down to what is now the playroom.  We asked her about it to feel out her thoughts on it.  She was super siked!  After all it is the biggest room in the house as far as bedrooms are concerned and she will have plenty of space to grow in it.  It already has a closet in there as it was James' bedroom when he lived in the house before.  We are then moving Anthony into Victoria's room as it has the blue carpet and Addison will remain in the room they are in now.  I am thinking that what won't fit in their rooms as far as toys will remain downstairs for the kids to play with.  After looking down in the playroom tonight at the mess of toys I believe there won't be much left after all the cars go into Anthony's room and dolls in the girls etc.  Sorry I am beginning to ramble on about stuff as I am sorting it out in my head.  I will post pics of progress.  This mean decorating which I LOVE and I can plan a room for Anthony and Addison.  Trying to think of how to decorate their room with both of them in it is a bit of a challenge.  Trucks doesn't really go well with princesses.

Turning 4

 Our week started out with hanging out at the museum.  We had so much fun and learned that going there during the week early morning was the way to get the whole place to ourselves.  It was awesome.  We got to play in the water and enjoy the play room all by ourselves.  No worries of losing my kids in the crowd.

 On our birthday morning we woke up and found presents on the fireplace just waiting for us.  Mom misjudged how big 40 sq foot of wrapping paper is and had to wrap my gift in tissue paper.  It didn't matter to me I got my pillow pet that I wanted along with a Transformer.  Addison enjoyed her pillow pet unicorn and Birthday Barbie doll too.

Mom took us to Michael's to get something to paint.  That was what Bubby wanted to do.  We picked out some wooden dinosaurs and a picture frame to paint. 

 Sissy wanted to go and pick a treat from a tree so Mommy surprised her and we went to Hubers orchard to pick apples and peaches.  It was so much fun! Grandma had fun too!

 It took more concentration than I thought to pick the treats.  Mom kept getting picky and telling us to not throw the apples full force into the bag as if dunking a basketball. :)

 We ran down the rows of apple trees and broke mommy's heart into a million pieces with special photo opportunities.  I see this pic in photo montages to come. 

 Anthony got yet another wish come true with a picnic.  I got to get chips on my sandwich just like I always wanted.  It was so awesome. 

 Grandma let me borrow her hat she got at Michael's and it was great while hanging over the railing to look at the Koi in the lake.

 Showing mom my up to no good smile.  She sees it quite a lot but good to document. 

Addison checking out the flowers in the garden by the restaurant.

 Anthony was getting a bit tired of Mommy's persistent picture taking.  This is another look I get quite a bit from him.

The perfect shirt for today.

 Such a nice relaxing birthday celebration for me and for them.  I have to say that this has been one of my favorites.  I hate that they are growing up so fast but watching them grow is such a blessing.  I enjoy them so much even on the days that I want to pull my hair out I would do anything for them.  Mommy loves you!