The Flippin Flappin Family

Where I Was

2011-09-11T08:47:00.002-05:00

In the same way the generation before us will always remember exactly where they were when Kennedy was shot, the imprint of where we were on 9/11/01 will ever be etched in our mind. For me, it was a typical Tuesday morning. The hubby and I had just gotten up, both of us having jobs where the 8:30 start time was neither firm nor enforced. I was six months pregnant with our first so sleeping a little later was happening more frequently than not. I had just waddled into the bathroom when the hubby turned on the TV and said, "oh crap, it looks like a plane hit one of the World Trade Center towers." We talked back and forth about the news "what kind of plane would do that?" "what was wrong with that pilot?" As we are going back and forth, the hubby exclaimed, "Holy shit, another plane just hit the other tower!" I rushed into the bedroom and the hubby and I watched the horrible events unfold. We stayed in that bedroom all day, watching the images replayed over and over, talking about how we, WE, were the targets of the terrorists, and calling our family and friends to make sure everyone was alright.

Another thing happened that day, I found my first stretch mark on my belly. A fact that seems stupid and inconsequential. But for me it highlighted that I was pregnant and made me wonder how we could ever bring a child into what was now a crazy and dangerous world. I cried several times that day thinking that our kids were going to live in a world marred by terrorism and fear.

Three days later, my employer had a previously scheduled seminar on trauma and traumatic response. It was originally intended to educate us social workers on how to help out clients who have been through traumatic events. It turned into a debriefing of sorts for the entire agency to talk about their feelings about the events of 9/11 and how we were effected by these events. Truth be told, there was crying. Lots of crying. Except by me, because here's the thing, that baby girl inside of me wouldn't stop kicking. A leg pushed out on the right side of the belly, a arm sticking out on the right. The acrobatics she was doing that morning in my belly were frankly a pretty impressive ones, and I just could not bring myself to be sad when something so amazing was growing inside of me. And suddenly, instead of wondering how we could bring a baby into this crazy world, my thoughts moved to the fact that it will be people like our baby girl who will make the world a better place. We will teach her to be caring, honest, and accepting of all people.

Fast forward ten years, and though she often thinks her singing and theatrics are what will change the world, it is clear that she has the caring, loving heart that I hoped for that day. When others are hurt she always lends a hand and tries to make things better. When the earthquakes hit Japan, she brainstormed for days about how she could help the people there. When it comes to the events of 9/11, she has a compassionate interest, her heart going out to those who were lost and those who loved them.

The events of 9/11 have truly changed our world. But as I often say when facing difficult situations, what can we do to make things better? Continuing to teach the next generation to love each other, care for each other, and treat each other as they would want to be treated. Hopefully the, their generations' "where I was" moment can be a positive one, instead of such a tragic one.

Last Night

2010-07-07T09:01:00.002-05:00

Last night...Boo made up a song titled "Archenemies" it was about...well...archenemies. And it was hilarious.

Last night...Sister cried for about fifteen minutes because she had hopes of playing with the girl down the street. And the tears weren't as much about not getting to play with said girl as they were about the fact that Sister got dressed in a "real cute outfit" that was then wasted on just going to the pool.

Last night...Tess-a-Bess had a cupcake for dessert which she continually called a "cuppycake" over and over. I couldn't get enough of that cuppycake.

Last night...Tess-a-Bess woke up crying in the middle of the night and after an hour of rocking and cajoling I convinced her to return to bed because her "babies" were crying and she needed to hug them.

This morning...I am sleepy.

Mom

2010-06-29T16:47:00.005-05:00

If I had to describe myself it one word, it might be Mom. Yes, I have three wonderful kids, and love taking care of them. Nothing makes me happier than spending a fun day with my kids, making sure they are well fed, clean and dressed. I love hanging out with Tess-a-Bess reading a book while we rock in the rocking chair. Building Legos with Boo allows me to spend some quality time with my boy. And shopping with Sister makes me realize why I am so lucky to have a daughter like her.

Now, granted, I never said I was the world's greatest mom. I am notoriously a bad housekeeper. I can't count the number of papers I forgot to turn into school or the snacks I forgot to pack. And, yes, I do occasionally lose my temper and yell at my kids with insane proclamations such as, "If you don't behave I will pop that balloon you just got!" (Seriously, I did say that. Mother of the Year, I know). But nobody is perfect, and no one wants a sickly sweet, do-it-all supermom, do they?

My "Mom" title doesn't just apply to the kids, I kind of think it is how I approach many situations in life. I always seem to be the one my friends come to at work for advice and maybe even a hug or two. When I deal with patients I always want to be sure they feel cared for and secure. And I always seem to jump when some random kid falls at the playground or seems to be lost in the mall. When I see a situation that needs someone to take care of it, I just jump right in.

One year ago my "Mom" title served me well. After seeing a 47yo runner, Carolyn, collapsed on the running trail, I just jumped right in, knowing something needed to be done about the situation immediately. Now what I did was probably the most laughable, non-textbook version of CPR. But after having a massive heart attack, Carolyn just needed something to make sure she was here to mother her two children. I'm happy to say that whatever I did that day, with the help of a few other bystanders, was enough to ensure that Carolyn was here for her children, her husband, her life. Now, I'm not proud of my CPR abilities, because they suck. But I am proud of my ability to jump right into a situation and take care of what needed to be taken care of. I am proud of my ability to be a "Mom" and make bad situations okay.

Now, this post would be amiss without mentioning my own mother. My Mom - who raised a set Irish twins by herself, working two jobs, sending us to 12 years of Catholic school, and ensuring that we became strong, independent, loving women. Today on her 62nd birthday, I can say she is one of the reasons I am such a good Mom.

Tonight, we celebrated my mom with a nice dinner and an ice cream cake. And after the party was over, Tess-a-Bess fell and split her lip. I picked my little girl up, kissed her lip, and made everything okay.

Love

2010-02-25T20:34:00.006-06:00

Things that I love:

- I love that it snowed one of those wet, heavy snows where you can make a snowman in seven minutes flat.

- I also love the smile that Tess-a-Bess had developed recently in pictures. Extreme version above, here just a hilarious version.

- And here a toned down version, but still adorable (as are her sister and brother)

- I love that after taking Tess-a-Bess in a public restroom with me today, she insisted on giving me a high five when I finished, and we haven't even started potty training yet - she was just proud of me.

- I love that when my Dad sees a light bulb out in my house, he brings over the replacement the next time he comes over.

- I love that my kids play so damn well together, and play equally as well independently.

- I love (now, though it wasn't as lovable last night) that Boo got up in the middle of the night and peed in the tub instead of the toilet.

-I love that Sister dances and sings so much that she has passed that love on to her baby sister.

-I love that whenever my mom comes over she empties the dishwasher, even though she never puts things in the right place.

- I love that Boo proclaimed today opposite day and then said, "I don't love you Mom, not one tiny bit!"

- I love when the hubby says I'm cute even when I'm unshowered, crazy-haired and dowdy.

-I love when one word spoken simultaneously by me and my best friend can send us into obnoxious, uproarious laughter that embarrasses the hell out of both our husbands while we're in a fancy restaurant.

- I love that mention of the previous incident a few days later will again send me and my friend into uncontrollable laughter.

- I love how Tess-a-Bess hugs everything from pencils to baby dolls to bananas, she's just real excited about everything.

- I love how friends think of me when buying makeup.

- I love how Sister and Boo can spend hours making up wild scenarios when they are playing with something as simple as Japanese erasers.

- I love coming up with a blog idea in the last days of February so I can have at least one post for this month!!

Time for a Change

2010-01-04T20:17:00.004-06:00

2009 was a banner year. Yes, yes, some serious crap happened to us, but we are living, surviving, thriving, and probably better for it. Often when people ring in the new year, they want to throw last year away and start anew. I, on the other hand, loved last year - my baby turned one, Boo started Kindergarten, Sister suddenly became a little lady instead of a little girl, we took some fun trips (including an awesome trip to NYC with the hubby), and I got an iPhone! Seriously though, throwing away last year would be like throwing away all the wonderful things, even if it meant throwing away some of the crap with it.

That being said, it's time to look forward and begin a new decade. We all make resolutions, but do we all have a whole support group behind us to help us stick to those resolutions? This year, I do. My lovely and dear friend Miss K is organizing a small community of people who want to help each other make a change in 2010. She dubbed it The Plan 2010. You can follow @ThePlan2010 on Twitter.

Let's get down to the nitty gritty, my actual plan:

Physical Health:

- Lose these 8+lbs that have been plaguing me for the last year
- Exercise more often
- Run at least four races, one being the Shamrock Shuffle
- Eat healthier, paying attention to portion control
- Take a daily vitamin

Self Improvement:

- Stop procrastinating so much
- Strive to eliminate clutter and waste
- Stop biting my nails so much (I know, petty, but something to work on)
- Strive to be a better house cleaner

Relationships

- Be more patient with the kids
- Stop yelling at the kids so much
- Find ways to spend more quality family time together
- Find ways to spend more quality time with the hubby

For me getting things done are all about accountability and support and I am hoping that this year The Plan 2010 will help me make these changes.

Spaghetti Sauce 101

2009-10-24T09:58:00.016-05:00

So, this is blatant copying. Well the format at least, the recipe is a family favorite. Pioneer Woman does it all the time, so I thought I'd give it a whirl. I wanted to share our family recipe for spaghetti sauce, or as some of those from Italian decent would call "gravy." The recipe comes from my step-grandmother, Nana Vita. She was a lovely old woman. Ok, perhaps she was a little crotchety. Alright, a lot crotchety, but the woman could could. Nana Vita would make this sauce all the time when we visited her house. As she was nearing the end of her life, my mom politely asked for the recipe, and Nana Vita would constantly rebuff my mom. Then my mom went to a little less polite and said, "If you don't teach me how to make this soon, you're going to die and your son will never eat his favorite meal again!" Way to make nice with the old lady mom. The tactic, however crass, worked and my mom was taught the secret recipe. She then passed the recipe to me. The key, I have learned over the years, is to be patient, and let this sauce cook, forever. I learned this during one batch I made one evening, and fell asleep while it was cooking. I woke up the next day to the house smelling amazing, and the sauce tasting the best I had ever made. If you want to eat it at night, you have to start first thing in the morning. I suggest even making it one morning, letting it cook all day, cool, refrigerate, and then warm it up again the next day. Then it is pretty close to amazing!

Enough blabber, let's get to the cooking!!

First, the ingredients.

Onion, garlic, olive oil, one large can of crushed tomatoes, one small can of tomato past, one small can of tomato sauce (my cans are bigger as I am making a double batch here), fresh basil, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley flakes, one package Italian sausage, and about 1 1/2lbs of ground beef. Not pictured are eggs, salt, pepper, oregano and sugar.

Dice the onion

Peel, then mince the garlic. For a single batch I use 3-4 cloves for the sauce and 3-4 cloves for the meatballs.

Saute onions and garlic in a good amount of olive oil (few tbls)

Them because Vita did it this way, as a heaping 1/3cup of sugar, salt, pepper and oregano to the can of crushed tomatoes (remember, I'm making a double batch).

After the onions and garlic are soft, add the crushed tomatoes with its extras, plus the paste and sauce to the pan. Then fill up the can from the crushed tomatoes with water, and put that in as well. Add about 7-8 basil leaves and bring sauce to a simmer.

Now it is time to get the meat ready. For the meatballs, to the ground beef add two eggs, the minced garlic, about a tbls or more of parsley flakes, 3/4c bread crumbs, 3/4c Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper.

Mix with your hands until all the ingredients are distributed evenly, but don't overwork you meat as that will make the meatballs tough.

Sometimes I add a little water to my meatballs to make them nice and moist. By the end they should look like this.

While I am mixing the meatballs, I have generally already started browning the sausage in a generous amount of olive oil. I usually make a test meatball and fry it up, just to make sure my seasonings are good and everything tastes good.

Once the sausages are done browning on all sides, add then to the sauce.

Roll your ground beef mixture into the meatball size of your choice, I go kind of medium-sized.

The brown your meatballs in the same pan as the sausage.

Then add them to the pan.

When you are done, the pan is gonna be filled to the top. Don't worry, this will change. As it cooks down, you'll lose a couple inches, and that's what you want.

While you are cooking, you're going to notice some grease/fat accumulating on the top of the sauce.

Go ahead and skim that off with a spoon. In general I save the tomato sauce can for this skimming and often fill it up with excess grease.

Like, I said, this sauce needs to cook ALL DAY, for you to get the best results. See how it has cooked way down, concentrating the goodness of the sauce.

Boil yourself up a pound of pasta, my fave is is cavatappi, a curly pasta with a tube in the middle and ridges on the outside, because it holds lots of sauce! Today we only had rigatoni, which works just fine. It was actually more than fine - it was amazing!

He Needs to Grow a Pair of Balls

2009-10-24T09:38:00.002-05:00

Ok, I know, terribly inappropriate. But the hubby put me up to it. And no, the title is not in reference to the hubby. We would be talking about Boo. Yes, I realize he is only five, and not expected to handle every situation like a man. The title was uttered by yours truly after my fourth or fifth trip to Boo's room in the middle of the night. Boo was just getting over being sick, and that night got up more times I than I could count. Each time with a different, tear-laden problem. "My legs hurts" "I hear a ghost" "I have to pee" "I'm so tired" To the last one I say no shit, me too. And after the last one, I huffed back to bed and said to the hubby, "He needs to grow a pair of balls." The hubby laughed and said, "I want that to be the title of your next blog post." Can't wait to get all the hits from the Google searches for this one!

Quotes of the Day

2009-10-09T20:12:00.002-05:00

Guess who said the following quotes...

"You know, I make grown ups laugh!"

"I already passed flexible at school."

"Mommmmm"

Buckets

2009-09-28T11:32:00.012-05:00

Boo came home last week from school to tell me about something he had learned today. It went something like this:

Me: How was school today Boo?
Boo: Good, we learned about buckets.
Me: Buckets? (wondering why my hefty tuition was paying for lessons on buckets)
Boo: Yes, buckets. There are two kinds of people, Mom - bucket dippers and bucket fillers. Bucket dippers are the kind of people who are always dipping into other people's buckets by saying mean things like, "I don't like you" or "you're not my friend." Bucket fillers are the kind of people who say or do nice things. They help you with your work or tell you "I love you" or "I like your orange shirt." And when they do these nice things they fill up the other person's bucket, but also fill up their own bucket at the same time. So we should all try to be bucket fillers.
Me: I love you Boo (and hugged him knowing that if it is just for this, the hefty tuition is more than worth it).

Last weekend I spent four days with many bucket fillers. Women and men (well one specific man) who have worked hard to help others, but at the same time have made their lives so much richer.

The Liz Logelin Foundation is a charity that hopes to assist widows and widowers with young children. Two events took place last weekend in beautiful Minnesota, events that raised thousands of dollars for families in need. The events also brought together a group of friends, who may have only met on the internet, but have friendships that will last for a long time. A few pictures from the weekend:

Lauren, Danielle, and I at the pool party.

One of my faves, Becky and the Wienermobile:

Kate, Me, Danielle:

All the girls plus Matt:

Thanks to everyone who made the weekend so memorable. And thanks to my hubby for holding down the fort while I was gone!

Um...

2009-08-17T08:44:00.004-05:00

Someone landed on my blog from Nigeria. While I usualy adore the international crowd checking me out, he came here after googling "baby cannibalism". Now, yes, I do have a post titled Baby Cannibalism, but it was the I-love-you-so-much-I-could-eat-you kinda baby cannibalism. Not the I'm-really-hungry kind.

Glob = Magic on a plate

2009-07-27T09:28:00.004-05:00

When we were young, my sister and I were latch key kids. My Mom worked all day, so after school (when we were old enough of course) we would come alone. Grandma Helen was just downstairs in her apartment, so it's isn't as if we were really alone, but we felt like it. My schedule consisted of finishing whatever homework I had, then settling in to watch that days episode of Days of Our Lives that I had dutifully taped. Around 5ish my sister and I would begin to prepare dinner for my mom, making whatever she had left instructions for. Though I know there were many different meals, the ones I vividly remember making were Glob and Hamburger Helper. Hamburger Helper is pretty self explanatory, but the following is a recipe for Glob:

2 cups elbow macaroni

2 cans cream of mushroom soup

1 can tuna drained

Cook pasta in salted boiling water, drain, add soup and tuna and mix altogether. Then spoon a "glob" onto everyone's plate.

I know you may be judging me, thinking that it sounds gross, but instead it is like magic on a plate. Last night when we had an unexpected long afternoon, the hubby took over cooking duties and my plate was filled with magic three times over. And it was so good.

Oh No She Di-int

2009-07-14T10:46:00.002-05:00

This morning we were a little late getting out of the house for swim practice, what else is new. I was hurrying up breakfast and told Sister there would be no time for her usual two waffles with syrup. Instead I made this suggestion:

Me: Sister, I'll make you a PB&J sandwich on waffles, it is so good.
Sister: Have you had it before?
Me: Oh yeah, I used to eat it all the time when I was young.
Sister: They had waffles back then?

Yep, she went there.

Quote of the Day...Mom Style

2009-07-08T19:19:00.002-05:00

The kids aren't the only ones allowed to say funny things. Tonight when I was requesting that Sister get out of the tub, I pulled out a doozy.

Sister: I can't get out of the tub without your help.
Me: If you can't out of the tub by youself at the age of seven, then I am going to have to take you to the doctor, and I'm sure whatever is wrong with you will require major surgery.

Score another one for MOTY!!

Quotes of the Day

2009-07-06T21:59:00.001-05:00

"We like to eat wienies"

"Mom, how old will I be in the future?"

Bet you can't guess who said 'em!

The Week in Pictures

2009-07-04T13:52:00.020-05:00

It was quite a week, one that we probably won't forget.

It started with some hardcore, bedhead-inducing sleep.

Followed by a performance of Once Upon a Lily Pad.

With a little time spent with Grandma afterwards.

Then on to Monday's swim meet. Sister and Boo love the team spirit aspect of the meets. Mostly this includes writing "tattoos" all over each other, everyone's favorite being "Eat My Bubbles". The downside of having a bunch of six and seven years olds writing on your back...sometimes they misspell stuff - note Sister's back.

Boo swam in his first meet.

And was named Swimmer of Meet for his age group!

Tess-a-Bess played with her cousin's dog, dispelling the fact that all our children are afraid of dogs.

Towards the end of the week, we headed into the city partake in some downtown fun. We walked past Millennium Park to get tot he Taste of Chicago and saw this cute duck on a small park pond.

We ate lots of good food, and tried some new things (sesame beef on a stick was the big hit). Boo and Sister loved their treats from Aunt Diana's.

And Tess-a-Bess loved the pizza from Home Run Inn.

We checked out some sculptures at Millennium Park.

Posed for Mom

And pretended we were statues.

Then we all decided to get a little wet!

The week was rounded out with a little fireworks with good friends.

Other things that were not documents by pictures (mainly to spare you the gory details) was Tess-a-Bess's penchant for pooping in the tub. Three baths in a row we were graced by the sudden appearance of "floaters" in the water. Nothing makes for more fun than being home alone with three kids in the tub, when one of them drops a brick in the tub. You can imagine the shrieks and cleaning that follows.

Finally, while running on Monday morning, I helped another runner on the trail. She happened to have had a massive heart attack, and with the help of another woman, we were able to give her CPR and keep her with us until the EMS arrived. The last I talked to her family, she was doing well, but still had some recovering to do. I was happy to be at the right place at the right time. The experience has been another one that has helped me appreciate those around me and understand how truly great life really is!

Excuses

2009-06-23T16:34:00.003-05:00

I realize as the kids get older, they will come up with clever and crafty excuses to avoid punishment for their natty behavior. I just didn't know it would happen soon.

Yesterday, Boo comes up to me and Tess-a-Bess while we are playing. He has a Blue plush toy that he begins to tickle Tess-a-Bess with. After a few minutes of making his sister squeal with delight, he turns to me and proudly shows me Blue's head where he has written an "A" and a "R."

Me: Boo! What in the world did you do that for?

At this point his face drops. I love when kids proudly show you things that they shouldn't have done, clearly not knowing their mistake. Their faces go from pure joy to plain upset in 2.2 seconds.

Boo: I'm sorry Mom.
Me: Boo we only write on paper, nothing else. You are a big boy now, you should know this.
Boo: But I didn't do it today Mom, I did it when I was four!

See, Boo turned five last week. I, of course, thought this was genius, and had to turn away to hide my smile.

Kind of reminds me of the time when Boo and Sister went across the street to play with friends. The hubby and I were home playing with Tess-a-Bess when all of a sudden we hear the front door open. Boo comes strolling in without Sister. The hubby inquires as to who walked Boo across the street (being that he isn't allowed to cross by himself). Boo states that Tom helped him cross the street. When he saw the shocked look on the hubby's face, he quickly added, "Tom is old Dad, he's seventeen!" The kid's got a point.

If he is making these kind of excuses now, what do you think he'll come up with five years from now?!?

Freckle Faces

2009-06-16T06:38:00.008-05:00

I love the beginning of summer. After a couple days out in the sun (even with proper sunscreen applied) everyone's freckles pop again. Everyone looks even that much cuter.

Sister has freckles everywhere, like someone sprinkled freckle dust all over her. She got her first freckle when she was 18 mos old, 4th of July weekend, on her arm. We point that one out to her all the time.

Boo has the best freckles on his face, like a Norman Rockwell painting. Not as much on his arms and legs, but he'll get there, he has no choice. His first freckle arrives around the year old mark, on his left cheek.

Of course you would think that being a baby, Tess-a-Bess would still have lily-white skin, with not a freckle in sight. But given my Mother of the Year status, she got her first freckle when she was 4mos old. Because despite keeping your baby in the shade during your daily trip to the pool, I guess sun still reflects off the pool and freckles are formed. Now, she has a light dusting of unbelievably adorable freckles across her nose and cheeks. However, she is a baby and apparently to busy moving for a close up.

My goal is to get that adorable freckle face shot before the end of summer...

Election 2044

2009-06-07T20:31:00.004-05:00

Sister has stated many a time that she wants to be the president. I think she was inspired by the recent election and all of the Obama love. Though she will often use the line of, "I want to make a difference" Today at lunch, she laid out her campaign strategy...

Sister: I think I want to be president, but first I am going to be a clothing designer.
Me: Oh, and then when you are done, it's on to the presidency?
Sister: Yes, I mean I know plenty of people, so when they go to vote they see my name and think, 'I know that Molly, I guess I'll vote for her.' And then I'll win!
Me: Yep, I guess it will be just that easy.

Maybe we should give her some lessons on the finer points of campaigning and getting her name out there before actual voting day.

Awkward

2009-06-07T07:38:00.002-05:00

Do you ever had those awkward moments. You know the "why-the-fuck-did-that-insane-garble-just-come-out-of-my-mouth" kind of awkward moment. The ones where sometimes if when you wake up in the middle of the night and remember your awkward moment you spend an hour awake thinking about it and shuddering.

Yep, I have those moments often. It's part of my catch-phrasey way of talking, I think. I always have to have a nickname for everyone, or at the very least call them "hon" "babe" or "doll." I also hang out with three small children frequently, and have a tendency to refer to things in kids terms, "potty" "nappers" and positive reinforcement are frequent parts of my vocabulary. When you mix this all together and throw it in the adult world, sometimes awkward moments can occur.

Like the other day, I was at a friend's house with a few other people. Said friend's boyfriend asked me a question. I responded with "something, something, babe" Huh? No one looked up quickly in horror, so either they didn't notice or they are used to my idiot ramblings.

Even better was at work the other day. I was on the way out and the doc at work was telling me about he had made a command decision not to participate in some doctor event in the area that evening. My response, "good girl!" First the doc is a guy, second...good girl, are you kidding me. Want to know how I recovered? "Good boy!" Oh. my. goodness. Just kill me now, I hung my head in shame and walked out the door.

So, babe...what's your most awkward moment?

Party of Six?

2009-06-01T20:15:00.003-05:00

Boo has an imaginary friend, Tom. Actually Tom is his imaginary brother. Here is what we have learned about Tom to date:

- Tom is 17
- Tom was given up by his original parents, at which time we adopted him
- Tom was in high school, but graduated
- Tom is currently working at Pizza Hut, he makes the pizzas in the back
- Tom rides a motorcycle
- Tom has a imaginary dog named Pumpernickel
- Tom will be attending college in the fall, at which time he will move out of the house
- Tom is inconsistent in his participation in family events - sometimes he joins us, sometimes he doesn't, sometimes he has this canny ability of suddenly popping up out of the middle of nowhere and continuing with us on our day

It is funny that at almost five Boo has dreamed up this imaginary brother. Though it may have to do with the fact that the baby is a sister, not a brother. To which many have said, "have another!' I think we'll stick with Tom...he's almost out of the house!

What a Year

2009-05-17T13:14:00.021-05:00

What a difference a year makes. What an addition a baby makes to complete a family.

Here's me a little more than a year ago:

Tess-a-Bess arrives:

She is loved by Sister:

And by Boo:

And Mommy (Daddy too!):

She gets clean (1 mos):

And sleeps (6 weeks - there's Daddy!):

And smiles (2mos):

And plays at the pool (3mos):

And has fun (4mos):

And plays (5mos):

And makes us laugh (6mos):

And gets presents (7mos):

And tries new food (8mos):

And plays at the pool (9mos):

And plays at another pool (10mos):

And goes to the zoo (11mos):

And plays outside (11.5 mos)

And celebrates her birthday (12mos!):

Happy Birthday to the best baby a family ever had, what would we do without our Tess-a-Bess. She is clever, sweet, smart, adorable, hilarious, easily entertained and just about the most squeezable thing you've ever seen. We love our Tess-a-Bess!

Finally

2009-05-08T09:27:00.001-05:00

After all my hard work and submissions, I have finally been recognized here. I knew my day would come!

*Thanks to my wonderful mother-in-law Trina for the acknowledgement!

Booisms II

2009-05-05T16:54:00.003-05:00

Boo is four going on five, going on 45 sometimes. Today was definitely one of those days. Some things heard coming out of Boo's mouth:

"Mom, do you have a baby in your tummy again?" Said in front of his teacher and all the moms in the preschool line. Awesome. Damn you fashionable baby doll tops, you are the enemy of women in their fertile years everywhere. Damn you Easter candy, no amount of running in the world can wipe out single-person-consumption of a giant size bag of Robin's Eggs.

"So mom, if you did have a baby, would it come out of your adult vagina?" Thankfully he gets the clue that young people shouldn't have babies. Yes, I've taught my kids things early. Yes, I have reinforced the concept of talking about these things in the privacy of our home.

"Today is my imaginary brother Tom's birthday. He was 16, but now he is 17" Scratch that about the boy knowing that young people having babies. Ok, ok, I wouldn't have been that young. Oh, and in case your wondering, Tom rides a motorcycle.

Pictures of the Day

2009-04-22T12:46:00.004-05:00

Today's blog post will be told in pictures. Too bad this wasn't next week when I would have my new camera in hand. Though the pictures might still be sub-par and I would just be an idiot wannabe photog with a really expensive camera. But that's something to worry about next week.

I went to pick up Boo from school this late morning, and in celebration of Earth Day, all the children made Earth Day projects. I saw the other kids' projects as they walked by with their moms. Their projects made claims such as, "I promise to ride my bike," "I promise to plant a tree," or "I promise to walk to school." I looked forward to seeing what Boo's Earth Day promise was. Well, here's what I got:

This coming from the boy who answers "Superman" to the question of what he wants to be when he grows up. I guess this promise can be interpreted as a career goal as well.

When we got home, I put Tess-a-Bess in the only truly baby proofed place in our home. Yeah, yeah, I know, she's nearly a year and I should have baby proofed more than a portion of the basement. But in my defense, it is where we spend the most time, and I still need examples of my worthiness of the MOTY award. In order to baby proof the basement, you need to barricade to spaces between the couches and the treadmill to lock Tess-a-Bess in the pay area of the basement. Looks here like she wants to get past that barricade:

Perhaps a stronger, child safety sanctioned barricade is in order. Or maybe a stack of boxes would work instead!

Composure

2009-04-20T16:27:00.002-05:00

Having a dramatic seven year old is a curse and a blessing. She loves performing and will entertain any guest that comes into our home, even if they don't want to be entertained. She will walk on stage in front of hundreds of people at a talent show and sing a solo without blinking an eye. She will make you laugh with her seven going on 17 going on 72 stories and mannerisms. She is one of the most outgoing, personable seven year olds I know.

But then there is the downside, which plays out when things may not be going Sister's way, or is she is (don't say it!)...tired. This past weekend Sister went away on a trip with her Grandma. It wasn't an all fun trip, there was some kid-sized business involved, but she did get to swim, eat junk, and stay up late. When she returned she was tired, to say the least. After about an hour at home, the waterworks began.

Me: Sister, dinner.
Sister: But, I didn't get a chance to play (insert hysterical tears here)

Dad: Sister, scoot up to the table.
Sister: Why do yo have to give me such a hard time (insert hysterical tears here)

Me: Tell me about your weekend.
Sister: It was fun (she's back to cheery at this point) we swam a lot. But then at night, the older girls got to go back to the pool and us younger kids had to go to bed (insert hysterical tears here).
Me: Sister, it's over with, you're fine, let's just eat
Sister: (with all the drama she can muster) I need to go to the bathroom and compose myself.

What seven year old needs to compose themselves? Yep, I know one!

Happy Easter

2009-04-12T07:53:00.002-05:00

The festivities started early in our house, about 6:30 early. The loud shoutings of a four year old woke up the sick baby who went to bed late...it's going to be a great day.

Baskets were pillaged, eggs were found, whites were eaten and yolks were tossed.

The hubby and I stayed in bed as long as possible, as we listened to the older two run through the house. Tess-a-Bess laid down with us reading her new books from the Easter Bunny. The following was heard...

Boo: Is it time to shove our faces with candy yet?
Sister: Alleluia, Jesus is risen, ALLELUIA! (said in her best preacher voice)

Happy Easter!

Quote of the Day

2009-04-11T11:54:00.002-05:00

Sister: MOM!! Boo put his penis on my sheets and it smells.
Me: Umm....

Then I just stood there, frozen trying my hardest not to laugh, as the "bury your face in your hands and pretend your crying" trick wouldn't really work here.

Perhaps a small clue that the seven year old girl and four year old boy need to stop sharing a room.

Appreciation

2009-04-09T08:24:00.012-05:00

It is easy to get caught up in the day to day annoyances of life. Snotty babies, whining kids, endless dishes, and not enough sleep can make any mom feel down on her luck. But when you read about stories like this or this, you appreciate that lovely life that can annoy you at times.

So, yesterday was about appreciation. We went to the park and enjoyed the sunshine and the borderline spring warmth.

We appreciated good friends...

We appreciated blue skies and swings...

We appreciated playing in the wood chips, and trying a few for a snack (some of us appreciated that one more than others)...

We appreciated gliding down the slide with siblings…

After dinner (which was about the only part of the day Mommy didn’t appreciate given Tess-a-Bess refuses to eat any baby food, but isn’t so hot on all types of people food, making for lots of screaming on baby and Mommy’s part), we appreciated a sunset walk…

And appreciated our scootering abilities…

And after everyone was safely in their beds, Mom and Dad appreciated J.J. Abrams and his ability to annoy the hell out of us.

Playdates

2009-04-02T13:44:00.003-05:00

Boo has his best bud D over today. Boo and D have known each other for over two years, and have always been the best of friends. Whenever they play together, there is no need for intervention, they always get along. Lately, they have taken to using the three hours to play Star Wars Wii. Given it's chilly and wet outside, I let it slide, though these lazy, nerd-inducing days will end when the weather warms up.

At some point, I notice Boo wiggling while he is playing. I insist on a pause in the game for a potty break. The boys go flying up the stairs together.

Boo: I have downstairs.
D: NO, I want downstairs.
Boo: Let's go upstairs and we can pee at the same time!!
D: Yeah!

Moments later the sound on tinkling can be heard on the baby monitor downstairs, followed by my son's voice, "Hubba, hubba".

Hmmm, guess we'll have to work on the appropriateness of that catchphrase!

April Fools

2009-04-01T20:25:00.003-05:00

What can a four year old and a seven year old come up with for April Fools? Nothing but greatness.

The day started slow, with a couple easy tricks.

Sister: Boo, your shoes are untied!
Boo: My shoes don't have ties!
Sister: APRIL FOOLS!

Boo: Mom, your sweater's unzipped!
Me: I'm wearing a t-shirt.
Boo: APRIL FOOLS!!

Then they decided to put their minds together to play a trick. Boo started to "whisper" to Sister in the kitchen. And by whisper I mean talk just a smidge softer than your normal voice, but still audible to nearly everyone in the house. Sister smartly pointed this out - "Mom can hear us you know!" - and they moved upstairs for a few minutes of conspiring. Later, I came upon their tomfoolery. In our bathroom, we have two soaps, one normal, one Kandoo for the kids. Those tricky kids switched the soaps places!! So, this evening, after coming home from work, I went to the bathroom and came out...

Me: Wow, I went to wash my hands and now I smell like Kandoo!
Sister and Boo (in unison): APRIL FOOLS!!
Boo: (laughing hysterically): That was us!! We switched them to trick you!!

They thought they were the trickiest kids on the block! Later when giving the girls a bath, I reached for the soap, which was missing. Sister pleaded innocence, and those Tess-a-Bess is tricky, she isn't that sly. I called for Boo and asked where was the soap...APRIL FOOLS!! That one actually made me giggle as he hid it underneath the sink.

Not sure that Boo gets the concept that April Fools is only one day, my guess is I will be coming upon bubble related antics for some time now...

Off to a Great Start

2009-03-25T09:30:00.002-05:00

Wow, what a day already and it's well before noon.

Sister woke up complaining about a stomachache. Me, being the doubter of all sicknesses, told her to eat breakfast, as she was probably hungry, and move on with her day. Sister went to school as was there all of three minutes (literally) when she quietly whispered to her teacher she was going to puke, and proceeded to do so, with great aim, in the bathroom. The school immediately called and politely asked me to pick up my sick child.

I am now forever known at the school office as that mom who sends her kid to school sick. It has happened many times before.

I quickly rounded up the troops - aka Boo and Tess-a-Bess - and readied them for the trip. Boo ran upstairs to get a sweatshirt. He came down with the sweatshirt still on the hanger and was struggling to get it off. Finally he pulled the hanger out, and held it up. It was missing the hook on top.

Boo: Are hangers supposed to look like this?
Me: No
Boo: (total deadpan) Well then, I broke it.

While quickly driving to the school I came behind a Jeep that stopped short and turned into a driveway, without a turn signal.

Me: What in the world (or maybe I muttered some expletive) are you doing?
Boo: Maybe he's an idiot driver.
Me: Maybe

I am now known as that mom who teaches their kids to yell mean things to other drivers.

Finally, we get Sister and she is looking pretty chipper. I ask how she is feeling. She says she is just fine, and feels like she can stay at school. I tell her that's probably not a good idea, but ask if she could stomach a trip to the grocery store. She says of course. I quickly try to make my way through the grocery store, when suddenly Sister says she wants to go home. Crap. She requested to go to the bathroom. Double crap. We rush to the bathroom, but in front of the wipes, she stops and pukes. Too bad it wasn't in front of the paper towels. Sister asks Boo to fetch the lady by the flowers to help. He doesn't move, so Sister runs off and finds a worker to help with the clean up. They are awfully nice to Sister, as I profusely apologize.

I am now known as that mom who brings her pukey kids into the grocery store.

Lovin' life today!!

Rub-a-Dub

2009-03-24T21:07:00.004-05:00

Tonight in the tub, funny things happened.

As the kids were getting dressed, Boo began to comment on the new body sponge we have for Tess-a-Bess (note the blue thingy in the tub). These body sponges are the perfect base for slippery babies in the tub. Our old one was all torn up and raggedy, hence the new pretty blue one. The old one had drainage holes scattered throughout. Boo had a tendency to stick his fingers in the holes and wiggle, causing small tears, again requiring the purchase of a new body sponge.

That being said, here's the conversation that ensued...

Boo: Mom, what if a robber came in the house?

Me: That would be bad, Boo.

Boo: Wait, what if the robber came and he came straight into the bathroom and he poked holes in the new sponge and then after he poked holes he took a pair of scissors and cut the sponge up in little pieces and threw them in the toliet and then flushed.

Me: Wow, that would be bad.

Boo: Yep.

To a four year old, cutting up the body sponge and flushing it is bad, to me having a robber do only that would be golden!!

Here is the other fun we had at bathtime!

I'll Have Some Cheese

2009-03-16T20:23:00.002-05:00

With what shall I have the cheese you ask? Any mother can tell you...with the whine. Boo's whining has hit an all time high. I know, you though Boo was a boy, well he is, the whiniest boy the Lord ever made. Don't get me wrong, I love that freckly face, the way he uses air quotes willy nilly, his insistence that he loves me to "infinity + 34", and how he can make Tess-a-Bess giggle at the drop of a dime. But I have no tolerance for whining. Especially if I am having a really long day that warrants my own whining.

After having a lovely morning with some friends in the city on Saturday, I rushed home to take my kids to the Just Irish Enough parade close to our home. Tess-a-Bess was a bit under the weather, but it seemed like a good opportunity to get her some fresh air. Within moments of arriving, despite having 3/4 of his pre-K class in attendance and plenty of room to run around in, Boo started the whining. "I'm thirsty" "I'm hungry" After 15 minutes of watching him pout and listening to him whine, I decided to take the family home. When we got home Boo asked to play outside. Both the hubby and I asked at about the same time, "Can you go to the bathroom before you go out?" Well, apparently, that was the final straw for Boo, the hysterics begin and he starts refusing to go to the bathroom. We calmly tell him that if he doesn't, he can't go outside. Then Boo let out the best line I have heard in a while, "Why do you always have to give me such a hard time!" There was no holding back, I burst out laughing, which means I immediately buried my face in my hands to hide the hysterical laughter. Of course this made him cry harder, and I added one more notch for my MOTY award.

So Not Funny

2009-03-09T08:54:00.002-05:00

So, I have failed to find the humor in my children lately. They have been snotty, sick, tired, and otherwise not funny. Here is a small list of thing I find not so funny:

1. Not so funny every time Boo sneezes it looks like the snot rockets Puck used to blow on the Real World, except much more explosive and disgusting.

2. Not so funny every time Boo gets up in the middle of the night half asleep running around like a mad man. He is so very tired he has no idea what he is doing.

3. Not so funny the extreme attitude Sister has developed when she is sick. I know you are tired honey, but does everything have to be said with the inflection of a 13 year old brat?

4. Not so funny when Boo asked for Kleenex the other day and used air quotes when he said kleenex. Scratch that...that was flippin hilarious. How does a four year old know to use air quotes, and why pick kleenex as the word to use them with.

5. Not so funny that this mysterious illness that is just bad enough to make everyone miserable, but not really bad enough to warrant a trip to the doctor moves to the next person only when the person before it is feeling better. Though it might suck for the four days everyone has it, but at least it would be over and done with if everyone got it at the same time.

6. Not so funny that now it's Mom's turn.

7. Not so funny that the hubby tore his calf muscle three weeks ago playing basketball. I feel bad for him, but also feel bad for me who has to do almost everything due to his immobility. Though I give him lots of credit for hobbling around the kitchen with the mop yesterday, it was sweet!

Here's hoping that things get a little more hilarious around here real soon.

Chuckie Cheese = Relaxation

2009-03-02T09:12:00.002-06:00

So, I was telling Boo stories the other day. This was to take his mind off the fact that he wasn't getting to watch TV during lunch. (he had already watched for a long time that morning, and I think his brain was enough mushed for one day) I told a story about Prince Boo, another one about Princess Tess-a-Bess, and finally a stellar one about Queen Kelly. During Queen Kelly's story, the queen gets to go to a beautiful deserted island that is outfitted with all the things a queen would need...gourmet food, top shelf drinks, a masseuse, and a nanny...to have a relaxing vacation with her family.

Boo: If you want relax, we should go to Chuckie Cheese!
Me: Um, what makes you think Chuckie Cheese would be relaxing for Mom?
Boo: Well the commercial says that when the kids are playing, the moms can relax!

Advertisers out there, just know that you are reaching my kids. They believe they can be a kid at Chuckie Cheese, they are lovin it at McDonald's, and Boo is certain that if he is cold and playing he won't survive without a Snuggie. One reason I turn off the TV is simply so I can stop hearing "I want that" to every glorified pipe cleaner and bug growing commercial out there.

And for you who think only the kids say funny things, take hear Mom gets in the game once in a while too. This weekend we were getting ready to out to lunch at one of the kids' favorite restaurants. They were very poky in getting ready and kept fooling around. After telling them about ten times to get dressed, I finally lost my cool. This was the best I could come up with...

"If you don't get dressed right now I am going to get ice cream at the restaurant and eat it in front of you without letting you have any!"

As the words tumbled out of my mouth I realized it was the stupidest thing I have ever said to the kids. So much so Sister did my infamous bury-face-in-hands-as-if-crying-to-hide-laughter trick. I quickly turned away laughing myself and went into my room. The hubby was also laughing his ass off and said, "Now that wasn't very nice!" Just one more example for the Mother of the Year committee!

Gems of the Day

2009-02-21T19:24:00.006-06:00

Today was filled with many good ones. It started off with Boo sitting at the kitchen table waiting for our bi-annual trip to the dentist. I was madly racing around the house trying to get everyone ready and out on time. Boo, oddly enough, was dressed, fed, teeth brushed and ready to go. In one of my streaks through the kitchen I see him quickly sit up straight. I ask him what he is doing, knowing very well what he was doing as I got closer. See, the hubby's b-day was last night and the last remnants of the cake were sitting on the table. Boo's face covered in chocolate spelled out his sneaking some licks while waiting for none other than the dentist...awesome. I did my usual try to yell, but did very poorly given I thought it was pretty damn funny. Boo took my smirk as an affirmation that it was ok to eat cake before heading to the dentist, because on another streak through the kitchen he pretty much demolished the frosting on the outside. Then, yelling without smiling was possible.

Later in the day we were eating dinner and watching the Food Network. My kids love the Food Network almost as much as I do.

Boo: Mom do you know what caramelized means?
Me: (proud as punch that my little guy is already a foodie at four) Yes, but yo tell me what you think.
Boo: It means to kill someone.

Awesome, not only does Boo not know what caramelized means, he's already got boy violence on the brain.

Me: What makes you say that?
Boo: Because on the McDonald's commercial the chicken nugget got caramelized by the apple dippers.

Sister finally got in on the act when we were talking about our family and how much we love each other (insert gagging noise here). The hubby and the kids were thanking me for being a good Mommy, I was thanking them for being good kids, and just being thankful in general for having three great kids. Sister spoke up.

Sister: And thank you to Daddy for giving you the seeds to make us!
Me: Indeed, thank you Daddy!

I may have to start carrying a notebook around with me all day, as I know there were a few more, but my mushy Mommy brain cannot retain any sort of information of any importance, thanks again Daddy!

Poker Face

2009-02-14T13:31:00.002-06:00

I am the worst liar, I have the worst poker face. This has generally not been a problem in life, as I try to be nice and tell the truth, and am slightly bored by poker. However, when having kids, you must be able to put on that poker face and discipline them when they do something wrong, that also happens to be hysterically funny. Last night was another example of my inability to do this.

Our lovely neighbor girl brought over a pre-prepared meal from The Dinner Club. It was Chicken with White Wine Sauce. Now I have done the Dinner Club before and the dinners were 50/50 with the kids. When I opened the package to see what's inside - chicken with a probable white wine sauce, swiss cheese, and stuffing mix on top - I was almost 95% certain that the kids would poo-poo it. The frozen mixed veggies on the side - containing the usuals plus cauliflower and yellow carrots - was going to seal the deal. Yet...I pushed forward. Figuring they wouldn't eat it anyway, I pushed the envelope even more by making one of my fave sides, Basmati Rice.

So the dinner starts, as does the skepticism. I try to push the whole "Your neighbor friend made it" which probably enabled them to at least try it. Sister ate a few bites of the chicken, choked down a few mushy pieces of broccoli (why I never make frozen, big fan of fresh) and was decidedly against the rice. Boo loved the rice, but adamantly refused to touch anything else. I told him he needed to try one piece of chicken. I scraped any evidence of sauce, cheese, or stuffing mix off the top and he ate that piece. I then forced another piece on him, which had a small remnant of cheesy sauce on it. He promptly spit it out...on the floor, accompanied my that "ptooey" sound. Now, if I was watching the reality show that Boo should have, I might easily have wet myself. But the mom in me needed to be the hard-ass and yell at the child. I tried with a half-smile on my face, as the hubby just stood there smirking at me. I then did my dramatic, bury my hands in my face as if I am so frustrated, so I can get in a couple giggles before coming up to explain why we don't live in a barn.

Needless to say, I need some work on my poker face.

Lookin' Good

2009-02-13T09:38:00.002-06:00

So today I started a new workout, the 30 Day Shred. Sister came downstairs just as I started and asked to workout with me. So we started together. In the first minute you do jumping jacks. Sister was quite excited as this is something she does regularly in gym class.

Sister: I can do this, we do it all the time in gym class. We're lookin good already Mom!!

Me: Sure Sister!!

Later as we were doing abs and Sister decided to play the role of Jillian Michaels, she stood over me, instructing me to push harder.

Sister: Good work Mom, are you sweaty?

Me: Yep, a little.

Sister: Yeah, I can tell, I smell you.

Awesome, well at least you know it was working!

Booisms

2009-02-09T10:22:00.003-06:00

This was a banner week for Boo, in fact so many funny things that I have literally forgot most of them. Yesterday's running up to everyone at the dinner we went to and screaming "BIG EYES" was one of them, but many more.

While getting ready to go pick up Sister from school, Boo asks for gum. When we get in the car...

Boo: I am sorry Mom (very pathetic like)

Me: For what Boo (appreciating the non-forced apology for anything)

Boo: My gum fell down the back of my throat into my stomach!

Me: Fell?? Don't you mean you swallowed it.

Boo: No, Mom. I turned my head and it accidentally fell down my throat!

Or Saturday after I was helping him in the bathroom, and he is standing there touching his toes with his head between his legs, pants around his ankles.

Boo: Mom, my penis is small.

Me: No, your fine Boo, it's just the way your standing.
(Though to be perfectly truthful, this was my biggest fear when he was a baby. Back in the day when I worked at a group home for kids, there was this little boy who had something called Micropenis Disease, it it was just that. So when Ryan was born and I got over the trauma of the circumcision - a whole other story in itself - his penis was pretty small. As the hubby would say - a grower, not a show-er. But I never forgot that kid at the group home. I would analyze the doctors reaction every time she examined his nether region, and she never seemed alarmed. But by nine months I could no longer handle the anxiety and at his check up that month, as the doc was examining him I blurted out, "are you sure his penis is ok, because it looks very small, and it is always tucked in, and i don't want him to go through a life of having a small penis and being teased about it." She says, "Kelly, relax he's fine, his penis is normal!" Whew!)

Boo: (grabbing himself) This part doesn't stick out much, but this part down here is big.
(You can imagine where his hands were placed)

Me: Uh...you're just fine.

Finally, the pinnacle of this week's Booism was his new learned talent of skipping. While in Target waiting for Sister who was in the bathroom, Boo asked me to teach him to skip. I, as a good mother, made a total fool of myself by skipping by through the customer service center. Boo then took his turn and made me look golden. He was so funny, skipping while pointing his fingers in the air I made him recreate it at home. This is when ensued...

Baby Cannibalism

2009-02-06T13:41:00.003-06:00

All I'm sayin is it is possible that one day I may take a bite out of Tess. Not sayin I think it is ok, but it would be unavoidable. Those cheeks (on face and rear), that neck, and those toes...all unknowing victims. She even giggles when I start to nibble, so who's to say she wouldn't like it!

When Sister was born (long before she was Sister), I cherished most moments as a new mom would. But I worked full-time, many milestones missed, or seen the second time around. When Boo came along, he was a mischievous baby, getting into everything. Sister was two and a half and always on the go. From about 7mos on, I wished for Boo to get past the baby stage, so we could move on with Sister.

But, now, Tess...it sometimes amazes me how in love with her I am. Every milestone a joy, every stage "the best." I can guarantee she is the smartest baby around, no one can beat my baby. I know she is very likely our last baby, and unlike before, I want her little forever. And I want to eat her.

Here's why....

Mother of the Year

2009-02-02T16:07:00.002-06:00

Dear MOTY Submission Committee,

Please consider the following my submission for the award of Mother of the Year. I realize I have vied for the prize in the past, but I feel that today's actions will secure my place as most deserving of MOTY.

When my eldest child woke up this morning she complained of a stuffy nose and watery eyes. I felt said child's head, it was not particularily hot and consequently gave her some Dimatapp and Motrin (yes, yes, I know, none of these acts qualify one for the award). I then proceeded to instruct child to not complain at school, because they send children home with the slightest of fevers, and sent her on her merry way to school. At 3pm, when I picked up eldest child, she looked very sad. The teacher informed me that at the end of the day she suddenly felt very bad, and when they took her temperature it was 102. As I led eldest child to the car, she looked at me, quite pathetically and noted, "You told me not to complain!"

In addition to this act, please consider the following acts as support of me warranting the MOTY award:

1. Forgetting to send snacks with Boo when I signed up for them.
2. Not turning in the money for the tickets to play, forgoing any chance Sister had to have her family watch her theatrical debut.
3. Sending Sister in regular clothes when it was wacky, zany outfit day.
4. Forgetting to send Sister with a show and tell object, forcing her to use some useless junk at the bottom of her bag as a prized possession.
5. Frequently forgetting to feed my kids afternoon snacks, to where they are ravenous at dinnertime.
6. Complete uncleanliness of my home.
7. General inability to get my shit together.
8. Letting my baby cry while writing this letter.

Sincerely,
Kelly

Tomboy

2009-02-02T09:27:00.003-06:00

Sister is a bit obsessed lately with the whole tomboy concept. She'd like to think she has a streak of tomboy in her, but really not so much. As she would say, "I'm a girly girl, with a little bit of tomboy." In reality, she's all girly girl...fashion, purses, makeup, seven going on seventeen. This morning Sister is getting her uniform on, getting ready for school. She comes to me with her tights on, but hanging low - you know crotch around mid-thigh. I do the usual lick the hands and the pull up the tights to get a good grip and get them all the way up.

Sister: I'm so glad you are my mom!

Me: Thanks hon, that's nice.

Sister: You know why? Because if I had a tomboy for a mom, she probably wouldn't know that trick. You always know how to make me look good!

Thanks Sister!

You Are What You Eat...Sort Of

2009-02-01T10:33:00.002-06:00

Lordy, Boo is priceless. I swear, if someone could film him all day (without his knowledge though) I feel it would make an extraordinary reality show. You'ld laugh mostly, cry a little, and sometimes you might want to strangle him. But overall watching his cute little face tell his hilarious stories would just make you smile all day.

Boo comes tearing out of the bathroom the other day...well as much as one can tear out of the bathroom with their pants and underwear around their ankles.

Boo: Mom, Mom, you have to come see this!

Me: (dreading some sort of unholy bathroom mess) What is it?

Boo: My poop, I made LOTS of it.

So this is where it starts, eh? The male gender's pride in their shit..sweet, he's only four.

Boo: Mom, you have to see (as he pulls me into the bathroom). Look Mom, it looks like a bunch of snakes.

Me: Yeah Boo, you're right, it does look like a bunch of snakes.

Boo: (now this is where the relaity show would come in handy, because if you could see the expression on his face while saying this, you would cry with laughter) It's weird Mom, because it's not like I ate any snakes.

Communicating with Others

2009-01-28T11:18:00.004-06:00

God, I love first graders. They are just figuring it all out, but still have the ability to keep their imaginations strong. Here is Sister's latest project from school. She is into robots lately (all the cool kids like robots!) and has made several different robot pictures.

The description is priceless, mainly because she is generally geeked about her two chores, not sure why all of a sudden she needs a robot to be doing them for her.

And first grade spelling - those kids are learning the rules, and sticking to them, dammit!

Dead or Alive

2009-01-27T10:41:00.005-06:00

Sister's class is working on writing letters, the formalities of it, writing sentences, etc. Apparently, they wrote their classmates a letter. Sister said there was no specific instructions about the letter, just write about something they like.

Here is the letter Sister received...

Not sure there's anything else to say about that...

She Likes to Move It

2009-01-26T08:59:00.002-06:00

I love how you can make babies do almost anything, and they generally play along. Here's Tess showing off her dance skills with the Dancing Queen herself, Ashley. Sorry for the shakes, I was laughing too hard!

Mmmm, Bacon

2009-01-23T13:13:00.004-06:00

Boo likes bacon...I mean really likes it. He could eat a pound of bacon if given the chance...he would eat it with a side of sausage. This morning he begged for bacon (ala the Beggin Strips commmercial, just less dog-like). I said it was frozen and that we could have bacon for lunch. He jumped for joy. At noon, I put the bacon in the oven and waited as the house filled with bacon fumes. Boo got excited. I rationed him four pieces, and he started gobbling. At one point, he had jammed so much bacon in his mouth that he had started to choke. I got a paper towel for him to spit it out, but he raised his hand as to shoo me and kept chewing. He wiped his eyes and smiled.

Boo: I almost choked.
Me: Yeah, I saw that.
Boo: (proudly) Yep, I almost spit it out, but then I kept chewing, and it went down.

Way to go Boo, risk your life for the glorious piece of bacon - kudos to you!

The Obamas

2009-01-20T20:09:00.003-06:00

Here is Boo's take on the 44th president...

The Story

2009-01-20T15:46:00.003-06:00

Everyday we leave the house at 2:45 to go pick Sister up from school at three. Tess-a-Bess is usually crabby and tired, ready for her afternoon nap. Boo is cranky for having to leave the Wii, Power Rangers, or any other of the million things he could be doing when I drag him kicking and screaming into the car to get his sister. While we drive, we often listen to NPR. The Story http://thestory.org/ is always just wrapping up. I figure Boo is off in his own world, but realized the other day that he must be paying attention. When Dick Gordon gives his sign off, he asks listeners to call in with their stories. I am not really paying attention to this part, until Boo speaks up.

Boo: Mom!! Quick, call I have a story!
Me: A story, call who??
Boo: The guy said if you have a story, you should call them and tell them.
Me: Now, what is your story?
Boo: Ok, so Mrs. Carpenter, Mrs. Carpenter (giggle, giggle, giggle)

Mrs. Carpenter is Boo's incredible lovely teacher.

Me: Yes...Mrs. Carpenter what?
Boo: Mrs. Carpenter went to the bathroom once, and you know what, she had her keys in her pocket, she stood up, and you know what, the keys fell. (giggle, giggle, giggle) And then, you know what, she flushed the toilet, and do you know what happened the keys got flushed. (uproarious laughter ensues)
Me: Well, that is funny, and next time you hear the number tell me it and you can call and tell your story.

I'm hoping Dick gets as much of a kick out of it as I do, but I'm guessing not so much...

The Tooth Fairy

2009-01-15T09:32:00.006-06:00

Last night while scrubbing Sister's dirty face (winner, winner - pizza dinner), I accidentally got the washcloth stuck on her loose tooth. I felt it and she felt it.

Sister: Ouch Mom, you bumped my tooth!
Me: (seeing the new hole in her mouth) What tooth?!?

We found said tooth in the tub, all washed clean, ready for presentation to the revered tooth fairy. Except that bitch didn't come. As I cleaned up Miss Bess this morning from her fourth night in a row peeing her bed, Sister came in the room.

Sister: My tooth is still in the box under my pillow!
Me: (lets out an audible gasp) Wow, I wonder what happened?
(you fell asleep watching Tropic Thunder you idiot and forgot to tell the hubby to put the dollar in when he took the kids for their midnight bathroom run, that's what happened.)

Sister: Maybe she got married last night, or got stuck in traffic.
Me: Yeah, married...perhaps, or maybe she just had so many teeth last night, she didn't get here yet.
Sister: I am writing her a letter.

Here is that letter, which she left under her pillow with a whole other piece of paper and a pencil.

That tooth fairy has some 'splainin to do!

The Truth

2009-01-11T21:46:00.003-06:00

So the subject came up today about families. For those who don't know me (which is alot of you!) I have a large, pretty damn blended family. My parents were divorced when I was three, my Mom got remarried when I was 22, after dating my Dad for 10 years. And yes, I call him my Dad...something that only started as a joke after they got married, and then stuck.

When you have kids come along, explaining these complexities can be difficult. We have tried to be very good about acknowledging all the grandparents (did I mention the hubby's rents were divorced and remarried...yep four sets of grandparents). The kids used to be confused when they were really young, but have kind of caught on recently. Who are the brothers, the sisters, steps and not.

Today we were talking about when Grandma (my Mom) and Papa (my Dad aka stepdad) were married. We talked about when Grandma met Papa, when they fell in love and how they got married. Here comes a nugget of knowledge I never thought I'd hear, at least not from a seven year old.

Sister: I know why Grandma and your real dad got divorced.
Hubby and I whip our heads around to her .
Me (trying to be cool and nonchalant, but sucking at it): Oh yeah, why?
Sister (sensing perhaps this isn't the most freely discussed topic): Um, I'm not sure I have it right.
Hubby (always cool and collected): Tell us what you think.
Sister: So, Grandma and your dad got divorced because he drank too much beer and couldn't take care of you.
I almost spit out my drink, and didn't have the heart to tell her it wasn't beer, but Cutty Sark whiskey, so much so that he named our dog after it...but you really shouldn't sweat the small stuff.
Me (trying not to laugh my ass off): Hmmm, you're right...who told you that?
Sister: I don't know.

Let me guess...would it have been my Mom, the woman who put up with his drinking ass for not too long but just enough to carry a 30+ year grudge against the man. Not sure, but I am guessing probably. She did tell Sister the truth though. Gotta love my Mom!

Sister

2009-01-09T09:50:00.000-06:00

So, our first born is sweet and aptly called Sister. We started calling Sister that when her little brother came along. We always referred to her when speaking to him as Sister or Sissy...it stuck. It stuck so much that many family members call her Sister, so much that many of Boo's friends also call her Sister. So much that when Boo says her real name, I have to ask him a couple times who he is talking about. It is a nice tradition though, as my hubby's grandma (an exceptionally wonderful, lovely, amazing woman akin to Rose Kennedy) was always called Sis growing up. Once Sister heard this, she likes the idea of always be called Sister.

Sister is sassy, funny, into fashion and music. She recently entered the talent show at her school - she will be singing Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da by The Beatles. In a time of HSM galore and that hussy Miley, I'm glad she picked something classic, and something that totally fits her. She also recently went to a friend's New Years Party. At the party, one of the activities was making a list of your goals for 2009. Here's Sister's:

1. Have a sleepover with a friend.

2. Get better at soccer.

3. Earn money by doing chores (um...ok!)

4. Ride a sled standing up

5. Win a contest!

Wow, is all I can say, oh and to be seven again!

Hot Dogs

2009-01-08T09:39:00.001-06:00

Boo comes roaring into our room this morning at 6:30am. The alarm has gone off, and subsequently been turned off. Our new alarm clock is here.

Me: Jump in Boo!
Boo:Can I be the hot dog?
Just to be clear - hot dog is the snuggle game we play. Whoever is on the outside are the buns, inside is the dog.
Boo: Now Mom, you be the hot dog
Hubby: Now I like this hot dog!
Boo: If Sister and Miss Bess were here, I would be the hot dog & the mustard, Sister would be the ketchup, and Miss Bess would be the lelish.
Me: Relish
Boo: Oh...yeah, relish - that would be a good hot dog!

The best one I can think of!!

Miss Bess

2009-01-07T21:47:00.001-06:00

Like I said in my profile - my kids are funny. Hilarious in fact...so many times have I had to turn my head when they have said something. One time (god I wish I could remember what Sister had said) that I literally pretended I was crying from her behavior to hide my hysterical laughter.

Miss Bess is almost 3/4 of a year old. And though she can't talk, the things she does and the looks she has are equally hilarious. (though you can't really underestimate the hilarity of a well-timed "ba-ba-ba"). Miss Bess' favorite new thing is pointing - not at anything in particular, she isn't that advanced yet - but just with her pointer finger and sometimes thumb out. A few times she has put that pointed finger and thumb up to her head...you know like letting me know I'm a loser. (good bloggers would insert some fittingly funny picture of Miss Bess doing this adorable trick - that's not me!) Good thing she is young, because insulting your mom like that will get her in trouble when she is older.

Here are just some sweet picture of that baby that we love...

Miss Bess and her mama

Miss Bess after a small procedure that caused her no harm, and us lots of photos!

Sleeping this afternoon with her fingers poking through the blanket!

Sticky

2009-01-06T20:27:00.002-06:00

So, imaginary friends. Most kids have had them at one point or another. Sister (my oldest) used to have one named Andi when she was about 3. Andi came everywhere with her, and you had to be sure that you left room at the table for Andi, offered Andi food at dinner, and most importantly, held the door for Andi (one too many smacks in Andi's face taught us that one). At 4.5, I figured Boo (my middle)had past the stage where imaginary friends were part of his play. Apparently not...

Boo: See this stick I found, its my new imaginary friend!
Me: Great, but leave your imaginary friend outside so if he has any imaginary bugs in him they don't get in the house.
Boo: ::begrudgingly:: OK Mom

Three hours later on the way to Sister's piano..
Boo: I've got Sticky!
Me: Who's sticky?
Boo: My imaginary friend, it's a stick and his name is Sticky!
Me: Cool
Boo: You know why I have to hold him? Because he has a broken leg. And you know what Mom, he doesn't have a wheelchair, so I have to carry him around.

Hmmm, a wheelchair for a stick - at least my boy is kind enough to carry the gimpy stick around!

In the Beginning

2008-12-31T16:38:00.001-06:00

Where to start...I hoping this will be a way to chronicle all the funny things may family says, does and encounters on a regular basis.

I enjoy reading other blogs - it is a great way to learn new things (like who P. Diddy is hanging with these days), be inspired (as in I need to take more adorable pictures of my kids), and connect with people (like a bunch of strangers who I sort of think may be my friends). Though I am not the greatest photographer, not the greatest writer, I am hoping this will be an outlet for all the great things that happen around me.