Lego-mania

G-man is very project/task-oriented. I love how he can keep himself constructively busy for hours on end with Legos! I know this Lego "phase" won't last forever - and it's so neat to see right now at this time in his life. Here is how he "works":

1) *carefully* open new Lego box
2) set aside Lego box in a special place so that he can always look at it whenever he wants...(can I mention that we have stacks of Lego boxes?!)
3) dump out all of the pieces
4) sort all the pieces into the "right" piles (don't ask me how he knows). Sometimes baggies are necessary to help sort and separate.
5) refer to the instruction manual and put together the new creation - step by step and page by page...it's incredible to watch! He's very methodical...

Now that G-man doesn't have to leave the house at the crack of dawn for school, he actually gets in some good father-son time at night (he gets to stay up until 9pm!). So - he anxiously awaits for 7:30/8:00 when the girls go to bed and he gets to stay up "late" in his room working quietly on his projects - many times with dad & Charlie helping!
Here are some of his favorite finished projects. :)

Calling all Jack & Annie fans!

If your kids love Jack & Annie (the bro/sis dynamic duo in the Magic Tree House book series) - then you've got to get a Wendy's Kids Meal. The "toy" in their kids meals right now is a Magic Tree House book on tape CD - I think there are 4 different ones. I'm determined to get all 4...but don't want to buy that many kids meals...I may have to actually go inside the restaurant and ask for the other 3 that I don't yet have. I may be calling all Wendy's restaurants in town to get 1 of each. I may drive myself crazy in my quest to get them all.

If any of you have duplicates - please let me know! I already told one set of grandparents to be sure to eat at Wendy's anytime they have the kids with them to help collect all 4 of them.

...yes...I'm on a mission...

CRIKEY!!

Okay - so it's not a crocodile...but it is a SNAKE!

The 3 kids had a ton of fun at a special Nature Exhibit with Grandma & Grandpa. And SH & I enjoyed a day to get some house projects done...in peace...we actually FINISHED the project (for the most part) - which would have been an impossible task had the kids been home. We ate lunch and dinner in peace...with only the dog to bother us...aaahhhh...it was a great day - for the kids - for grandma & grandpa - and for us as well!

6 years ago...

So, 6 years ago, we were going through tonsillectomy surgery with our son. For some reason (??) I thought it would be neat to post a couple pictures from G-man's recovery time. Not as much to do when he had his done - he was only 2 years old...but still kinda fun to see! The girls thought these were neat to look at, too.

tonsillectomy X 2!!

We've been dreading it for weeks...but it has finally come and gone - and relatively WELL - so far! We have been pleasantly surprised at how good the girls are doing after both of them got their tonsils out. We had a rough time with Mr. G-man when he had his tonsils out - but we're thinking now that was because he was only 2 years old...and the doctor that did his surgery at that time did NOT keep him overnight in the hospital and really should have for a 2 year old...or so we've been told by EVERYONE. That recovery was a total nightmare...but that was the past. As for the present - we're doing great! Much better than any of us expected and for that, we're so thankful! More pictures as the days go on, I'm sure...

PRE-OP FUN WITH DAD...


POST-OP FUN WITH DAD...
SSSHHHHH.....DON'T WAKE THE SLEEPING DRAGON...

ON OUR WAY HOME!

RECOVERY BUDDY, CHARLIE!

MS. P *LOVES* HER BIG BROTHER - WOW - THAT PAIN MEDICINE WORKS MIRACLES! :) (just kidding)
I THINK DAD IS MORE TIRED THAN PATIENT #1...

in china...

This morning Ms. P was singing a really pretty tune in a really pretty voice.

So, I asked her "Where did you find that beautiful voice of yours?"

She said, "In China".

I tried not to laugh as I kept on with breakfast.

Then, a short time later, she came up to me and said, "Mom, guess what else I found in China?"

(I couldn't wait to hear the answer)

"...my imagination."

I was trying SO HARD not to laugh - not because it was "funny" per say, but it was SO CUTE!

winding down...

School is winding down for the kids, and there are many things happening.

I'll have more fun pictures to share by the end of the week.

Grandma & Grandpa brought back some neat Russian spring "bead hats".

They said all the girls wear these! So cute!

G-man and some of his buddies

You're gonna miss this...

This is going to seem like a funny entry, but I just have to write about this song.

I just have to say...one of the songs on my blog makes me cry EVERY time I hear it!! It is SO TRUE!!! I encourage you, at some point after reading this, that you take 3 minutes out of your day to listen to the words of this song. Wow...such a great reminder of how fast life really goes by...It's "You're Gonna Miss This" by Trace Adkins...it's near the bottom of my playlist. Wow...if you're female, get the Kleenex ready!

Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

a "problem"

This morning, I was surprised to find Ms. P asleep on the couch under a blanket (the one that we all fight for when we're downstairs - it's definitely everyone's favorite blanket!). Here is the conversation that followed:

Me: What's going on? Why are you on the couch? (and wondering how long she had been there)

Ms. P: (in a very serious voice) "Mom, we have a problem. My bed is totally broken. It is totally ruined." (totally is one of her favorite words right now)

My mind was racing...trying to figure out what was wrong with her bed. I had visions of it being soaked...she just recently finished up potty training (day & night - yippee!) and so I was imagining having to wash a bunch of wet bedding/comforters/pillows/etc...and praying that the vinyl mattress protector was actually on HER bed and not accidentally on one of the OTHER kids' beds.

When I got to her room - I was pleasantly surprised at the VERY EASY fix I had ahead of me! And also laughing at her interpretation of a "broken bed". It also made me feel good to see that to Ms. P, a bed with the blankets and pillows piled on the floor in a heap WAS a "problem" and something that most definitely needed fixed! Tidyness is starting early!! Hooray!! :)

parenting - wow - long but a good read

I've copied some parts from a really long article from Michael Pearl on Parenting Boys. Wow - what great wisdom he has on this topic of parenting! It's still long, even though I cut out lots of stuff...what a great read...

• Most teenagers rebel against their parents, and when you ask them why, the usual answer is, “They don’t listen to me…they don’t care.” Parents are shocked, “When have I not listened? Anytime you had anything important to say, I listened. I never turned away from any serious discussion.” Kids don’t just come up and start talking about what is really on their minds (wives and husbands don’t either). They are always a little uncertain and want to feel you out first. They begin talking about irrelevancies to see if you’re even in a “mood” to listen. If you are, then they may get closer to the subject that is really on their minds. If you are still listening and do not interrupt them with a lecture or a cliché of “great wisdom,” they may begin talking about their problem in the third person, as if it were just idle conversation about someone else. If you are still with them—as a real friend would be—they may finally open up and get to their issue. You are accessible. You listened. You cared. But if you mostly ignore your children, turn them over to computer games, audio and visual media, telephone pals, and social events, they may continue to live in the same house, but you won’t find them on the same page. Fathers must be open doors to their sons for their very life’s sake!
• Bedroom doors are without locks, and doors are left open except to change clothes—three minutes!
• Boredom can be a killer, if not quickly detected and then properly directed. It breeds either creativity or discontentment and unthankfulness. When I see them bored, it alarms me, because their minds are adrift and looking for somewhere to land. Where will their imaginations take them? What form of stimulation will they turn to? A bored child is without direction or purpose. He is drifting around looking for someplace to focus his soul—a very dangerous condition if left unattended. I try to provide many different opportunities to engage their imaginations and energies, so I don’t have to keep up with them, but if we run out of “fun,” I create something—bicycle riding, skate boarding, building something out of wood or metal, fishing, playing sports, musical instruments, auto mechanics, lawnmower repair, home repair, cleaning house, washing dishes, grass cutting, hunting, wrestling, lifting weights, exploring the woods and creeks, boating and swimming, reading, hobbies—anything but watching TV, playing computer games, listening to music, snacking, etc.
• I have observed the fruit of the potato chip/computer chip generation—kids raised indoors on media and computers. They are a sickly, weak, and effeminate herd, milling around in their imaginations, drifting in and out of reality, afraid of the real world and unable to cope with its challenges. Parents should be ashamed of themselves for allowing their children to “hang out” with a computer. And any parent who would allow his children to have one minute of unobserved access to the web is stupid beyond belief. Yes, I think you should teach your children to use a computer. If they seek employment in any big city, their salary will likely be tied to their ability to operate complex programs. But a computer is a poor friend, a worse parent, and a soulless spouse, as many women who have husbands and sons immersed in one can testify. Media and megabits never make a man; they make shadows. If you want your sons to have substance, save them from being consumed by the glowing screen.
• Older folks sometimes use the TV for company and don’t even know what is on. But children are very impressionable - be sensitive to and think about what you're watching when kids are around.
• Many times we have written about teaching children to work. I notice that the boys love to work if it involves fellowship with adults. They hate to work if they must work alone, especially if it is a repetitive, boring job. I am the same way. Certainly life will demand that we do boring jobs, but when you are teaching children to work—to love to work—you do not want their first (early) impressions of work to be extremely unpleasant. All work is pain and must be endured for the end that it provides.
• I sometimes pay them by the job—they work harder that way but I usually pay them by the hour. The 12-year-old gets $3.00 per hour, and the 14-year-old gets $4.00 per hour. When the work is especially hard, like shoveling manure or stacking firewood, I give them a bonus if they do a good job quickly. They always have it in mind that they may get a bonus. If they work two and one half hours, I may pay them for three. I always strive to appear generous in the way I pay them. It is important to pay them immediately after work.
• Glory is another good inducement. If you brag on their work, they will work themselves into the ground to get that kind of praise. A job that others will see, like painting the garage, will put energy into their work. Fixing a lawn mower or repairing a broken door handle can elicit praise and admiration. Any praise you give them should always be earned and related with their work attitude. If they try their best and the job is poorly done, accept it as perfect. God’s grace has extended to me in measureless ways over the years!
• Artistic expression will push a man (or boy) to endure his hard work—like building a straight, white fence that he and others will enjoy viewing. Trimming a hedge, raking up leaves, and arranging the flower beds can drive one to enjoy his work. Painting your own room some exotic color that provokes admiration tends to make one forget that he is working. Some kids love to clean up old places—attics, garages, barns, etc. Others despise the job. Try to give each of them jobs that are suited to their likes. Your real goal is to raise a boy who has a will to work, who assumes it is his responsibility to provide for others, to do the dirty work, because he is THE MAN.
• You want to stretch them, to challenge them, but not to break them beneath a load they cannot yet carry. That will come soon enough. Let’s put it this way. A 3-year-old can work for maybe one minute at a time putting leaves in a basket. After that, it becomes misery. A 6-year-old can work for ten to twenty minutes doing the dishes or cleaning up the yard. A 10-year-old might be able to work alone for about one hour, but he can work with you nearly all day as long as he has several diversions and breaks along the way and can quit early enough to enjoy the promise of a swim or a special treat, plus, a little money as reward. A 13-year-old can go to work with his dad or someone else and keep at it all day—two or three days in a week, but he should not be made to work five days a week, eight hours a day. A 16-year-old can work like any man and should be so engaged. The ages and hours will obviously differ from one kid to another and from one environment to another.

I teach them and train them to:

• To enquire and investigate
• To be skeptical of all experts, from religion to medicine
• To have empathy and seek justice
• To maintain their honor in truth
• To choose a good name over riches
• To honor women and protect them
• To nurture and protect all children
• To see the humor in all of life
• To be thankful to others
• To make money without being a slave to it
• To work hard, and then play hard—in that order
• To not denigrate or ridicule any man

Just as a man’s passion for his wife (I don’t mean s*x) can be supplanted by excessive attention to work, to the computer, to pornography, to sports, to hobbies, or all of life’s responsibilities put together, so can a father’s passion be distracted from his high-calling as a father if he makes choices that will freeze out his intensity for his children. It is true that the person makes the choices, but the choices also make the person. You will give attention to that which you love, but it is also an axiom that, you will come to love and feel passionate about that to which you give your full attention.

To put it plainly: If you had a proper upbringing and your heart is in the right place, you will be passionate about your children without anybody telling you to do so. But the reality is that most of us had parents like ourselves. When you add to the equation the fact that we are all inclined to selfishness, our children suffer from our deficiencies. However, although you may have come to the unsatisfactory place where you now find yourself, in part, through unfortunate circumstances, and in part, due to your own bad choices, your future need not be enslaved to your past! But it will if you remain indifferent, and in your present state of inertia! You can change your heart by changing your actions. You can change your priorities by prioritizing your schedule.

my 4 puppies

This evening, Sweet Hubby gave Ms. P a "puppy face" (Sharpie marker on strips of athletic tape). Then Ms. K wanted her face done up...and Mr. G (halfway reluctantly) - decided to join the girls in the "fun" too...what the heck!

My 3 "puppies" followed me from room to room & clock to clock - around the entire house tonight while I changed all the clocks for DST. Sweet Hubby asked them to all bark on his count to 3...one, two, three...OH MY! That was hilarious! So, the girls thoroughly enjoyed being my puppies - that is something they play together all the time (being various animals). I think Mr. G was more interested in how to change the time on the clocks, to be honest.

One of my favorite animal-play stories with them was the time when Ms. P was the puppy and Ms. K was her "owner". I came upstairs to find Ms. P tied (very loosely - don't worry!) to the plastic play slide upstairs while Ms. K went "shopping"! Ms. K had even gotten her a little plastic bowl and filled it with water from the bathroom sink and set it on a hand towel in front of "puppy Ms. P" who was waiting for her owner (Ms. K) to come back from "shopping". Ms. P was actually LAPPING the water out of the bowl just like a real dog (the hand towel was pretty wet). She could only go so far because the "collar" and "leash" they had made for her were not very long. The "collar" was a stretchy hair headband (a really soft one) - and the "leash" was made up of shoe laces they took out of shoes, all tied together in knots! (which I, of course, had to re-lace all of those shoes afterwards). I'm telling you - Ms. P & Ms. K really get into playing animal - it's funny. Although Mr. G would have rather been playing Legos, he still tagged along - I think he was simply caught up in the moment!

how many toothbrushes...???

Okay, honestly, how many toothbrushes does one family need?!

I am embarressed to say, but we have 20 kids toothbrushes!! What in the world?! How did that happen?! I think we probably have every toothbrush since our kids were born. I just found a Ziploc bag in the kids bathroom with most all of them in there...all clean, of course. Don't worry - we run our toothbrushes through the dishwasher every so often - so it's not like I have 20 dirty toothbrushes saved in a baggie. :) We really only keep 2/child out on their bathroom countertops...one electric and one regular...

Still stuck on what I said about running our toothbrushes through the dishwasher? Check this out - or read below:

(here is the link: http://www.ehow.com/how_2078790_sanitize-toothbrush.html)

Six ways to Sanitize Your Toothbrush (who knew?!?):

1. Rinse your brush every time you use it. Pour a little mouthwash on the brush to kill the germs, then rinse it well with water to remove all the toothpaste and debris. Soak your brush for about five minutes once a week in mouthwash to sanitize the brush of germs and bacteria. (yum...I like this idea...)
2. Wash your brush with antibacterial soap regularly and rinse well to remove all traces of soap. (I don't like this idea very much - AB soap on my toothbrush?! ick...I don't think so...)
3. Boil your toothbrush for about five minutes, which will kill most bacteria, however it can wear out your toothbrush faster. This is the better alternative for babies and small children instead of using chemicals to sanitize the toothbrush. (too much work - for a TOOTHBRUSH?! - honestly...)
4. Put your toothbrush in the dishwasher and use dishwashing soap with bleach. The high heat in the washer, along with the heavy duty soap, will thoroughly clean your toothbrush. But just like boiling, the bristles will wear out faster. (easy!!)
5. Soak your toothbrush in 3 percent hydrogen peroxide and 97 percent water at least once a week to kill bacteria, or after every brushing when you are sick to prevent the spreading of germs and bacteria.
6. Use toothbrush sanitizer machines. Some use ultraviolet sterilizing lamps to sanitize the toothbrush, killing harmful bacteria and viruses. Others use steam and dry heat. Look for products that are approved and regulated by the FDA to ensure that you get an effective machine. (are you serious?! - they actually make these machines?! wow...)

happy at home

I've never been much of a home-body. I like to be busy, and out doing things, mingling with others, shopping, feeling important - you know - all of that "stuff" that comes with being out of your home during the day (or night). To some extent it becomes necessary to "get out" of the house...but, I have decided, this year, to be home MORE. And eat at the dining table MORE (even for lunch). Even if you don't eat out, and you pack a lunch from home if you're going to be gone through lunchtime, there is just something about sitting down AT the dining table to eat WITH your kids (or at least with those who are home with you while the others are at school!). And to let the children who are not yet at school, PLAY --> AT HOME.

Last year, I was always out and about - either at someone's house, at Bible Study, at school, ballet, or running errands. It's "easy" to be out - your kids cause "less problems" while you're out. There's no time for chaos/arguments between siblings/etc when you're out, and everyone is strapped into their carseats - how hard is that?! Not to mention that your house stays much cleaner if you're not home to get it dirty. You're always going from one place to another, the scenery is always changing, and the kids who are with you usually end up with toys or food treats of some sort while you're out. Under those parameters, what child wouldn't want to be out with you during the day when they are given treats?! Sure makes staying home seem less appealing to them.

I started out the year very busy again...able to escape the "boringness" (and hard work) of being home...and also escaping some sibling issues while out - the kids are happy as long as they have a new toy or a sucker, right?! But, honestly, I have so enjoyed being home more with the kids this year. Maybe once a week I will run some errands with Ms. P. But, I'm really trying to spend more time at home with Ms. P. I don't want her to think that we always have to be "out doing something" to have fun.

It's so great to have kids that are happy to play all day at home and not "need" some outside form of entertainment (or treat) all the time. We have scaled back the quantity of toys...and honestly, they don't need much! Mr. G is perfectly content with Legos - Ms. K & Ms. P have started doing more and more with Legos recently, too. The girls make cute little animals (I'm talking hundreds). Then the little single Lego pieces become the little animals' food. So, when all 3 kids play with Legos - we're talking MEGA CLEAN UP afterwards. But, it's so sweet that they all play and build and use their imagination TOGETHER. I am blessed to have 3 children who like to play TOGETHER. I love that and treasure that (and praise them for it!).

So - cheers to more time at home...facing the dirty dishes...the laundry...reading books...doing puzzles...and just hanging out at home. We have many years ahead of us to fill our days with Bible Studies, errands, shopping, etc, etc, etc...for now - I'm trying to be content to stay home and eat PB & J and yogurt for lunch, with my kids at home - sitting at the dining table. :)

a fresh start

Ms. P, feeling much better, with her favorite blanket

(a baby shower gift made for her by my friend, Nancy)

After 14 days of multiple cases of croup, colds, strep throat, and a stomach virus (not the flu), it seems as though the kids are finally on the mend as of this morning. As of yesterday morning, Ms. K & Ms. P were not feeling good at all...but by late afternoon, things were looking up, fevers were down and people were actually eating food and playing more. As of this morning, Ms. P's fever is completely gone, Ms. K (despite her cough, which she will probably linger for the next week or so) and Mr. G are doing great. Thank goodness!


Mr. G had his first basketball game yesterday morning. I will take pictures next weekend. Then he got to go to the store afterwards and get a Transformer - his reward for having such a fantastic, positive and helpful attitude lately. He's been cheerful and obedient the past 2 weeks, and overall just has a great attitude - not complaining when asked to do work around the house or whatever. He was due for a new toy purchase - so grandma & grandpa took him with his money to the store yesterday after his game. Way to go, Mr. G!!


I got a ton done around the house yesterday. Since I was "stuck" home with sick kids on a Saturday, I decided to get some home organization projects done that I've been putting off...and in addition to that, I got tired of hearing which stuffed animals had whose "sick germs" on them and basically cleaned the entire house (which included throwing some stuffed animals in the laundry). The sick girls enjoyed getting to lounge around all day and watch movies (something we normally don't do - especially not on a Saturday!). Mr. G was content playing with his new Transformers and Legos most of the afternoon.


I want to start out this week with a fresh, clean home - and hope that our 2-week stretch of illness is over!

giving your kids a sense of family

Last night, while out with 2 awesome friends, we had a discussion about families and helping give your children that feeling of belonging. What one friend shared was starting to teach your kids at a young age some things that your family does and doesn't do.

This was her example. She is teaching her kids that they don't say the Lord's name in vain. So, they don't say "Oh my God" - but they say "Oh my goodness". They recently found it necessary to inform their oldest child this and in doing so - always add their last name to the statement. Let's say their last name was Smith - "the Smith family doesn't say 'oh my God', we say 'oh my goodness'" (or whatever).

I just love this concept - a way of letting your kids know that all families are different and do things differently and that's okay, but letting them know that "the Smith family does it this way". It really gives the kids a sense of boundaries and helps define some gray areas of what some families do and what some families don't do. Not that either is right or wrong, but just to make it clear to them of what is expected in THEIR own family.

*We also talked about how important it would be when doing this to not take it to the extreme - like your family is some elite group of people or something. I could see how this could get out of control. (ie: "the Smith family only wears clothes from the GAP" - or whatever!). So, there would need to be a fine line drawn between character qualities, stuff like that, versus the "our family is better than that other family" mentality...

will it ever end?

I had such a wonderful night...I went out with 2 friends - we had so much fun! (Thank you C&N - I really needed a girls night out this week!!)

Sweet Hubby & the kids had a ball tonight, as well. Mr. G & Ms. K and other elementary kids had a game night at church - and had lots of fun. So sweet hubby hung out there with Ms. P - had a soda and a rice krispie treat and just had a great, relaxing time.

Sweet Hubby & I enjoyed a bowl of Special K cereal and chatted for a while before bed...then were awakened by crying and coughing...AGAIN...this time Ms. P is throwing up. 3 sets of sheets, 4 pair of jammies and 1 bath later - I'm wondering when this string of illness will ever end? :( I *really* would LOVE a full stretch of 7 or 8 hours worth of sleep sometime (preferably sooner than later)...that would be so nice.

This truly was not my intention when starting this blog...seems like all I've been able to talk about lately is sick kids. It's a bummer...but should be over soon...

sooo...did I mention how much I love January?!?!

Mr. G was sick last week, then Ms. P, and now --(I knew it was coming)-- now Ms. K is sick. I was at a friend's house tonight and sweet hubby called me. Ms. K had woke up and was having a major croup episode. By the time I got home, he had been able to get her settled down and "stable". I came home to her lounging on the couch with a warm blanket and some tea, watching a movie. Just as we think we are able to head to bed, no such luck. I heard Ms. P...she's coughing...no wait! She, too, is having a croup episode - just one hour after Ms. K! (I thought Ms. P was supposed to be getting better?!)

Let's just say we have spent some time on the back patio tonight - and we weren't sipping lemonade enjoying the sunset! It's dark and it's SO VERY cold out there! Which, just happens to be perfect for someone with croup. (I'm so glad it was not windy tonight). Sitting outside, in 0 degree temps with freezing cold children wrapped in blankets waiting for the cold air to help them breathe, is not my idea of a fun time. But, all seems to be okay now, both girls are on the couch in warm blankets, with tea, watching Lion King 1-1/2.

But, check back with me this weekend - I'm sure that by Saturday, it will be sweet hubby & I, lounging on the couch, wrapped in warm blankets, with tea, watching Lion King 1-1/2!

If we escape this round of illness...I will be so thankful. But, then, there's always my second-favorite month of the year to contend with: FEBRUARY! gggrrrr...how many days until Hawaii?!

thank you pink bubblegum

Ms. P has been sick, and when the kids have cold symptoms, I really try to refrain myself from being over-paranoid and waste time and money (the doc's OR mine) by rushing them to the doctor *until* they've had symptoms for MINIMUM of 7 days. It has not yet been 7 days for Ms. P, but we have been watching the back of her throat the past couple days and it is so red, swollen and her tonsils are almost touching eachother now, making it difficult for her to breathe, and she's just not getting better at all...so I broke the 7 day rule and made a trip to the doctor this afternoon - good thing I did - she has strep throat.

It was a fun outing, as much fun as going to the doctor can be. But, the nice thing was that she slept the car ride over, through the entire appointment (I cannot tell you how easy this made things for me and the doctor!!), then driving and picking up the prescription - so about 2 hours total. So, she got in a great nap, which she really needed as she hasn't been sleeping good at all the past couple nights.

I was nervous about giving her the antibiotic - as she's been getting a little weird about taking medication lately with this recent illness. We got Mr. G some Tylenol "strips" last time he was sick...and she *really* wants "strips". They do make medicine strips for some of the kids medications out now, but most of them are for kids age 6 & up. So, she's still mostly only able to take the liquid form of medicine still. So, for the liquid stuff, she's really into flavors and colors and it has been making it difficult to give her anything that doesn't meet the flavor or color requirement! Luckily, she was prescribed Amoxicillin today, and as most of you know, Amoxicillin is the oh so common PINK BUBBLEGUM medicine - that you have to keep in the fridge. The bubblegum flavor definitely meets the taste preference for her & of course the pink meets the color requirement, which is fantastic! I'm so glad I won't be struggling with her to take her medicine for the next 10 days, so that's a relief. She LOVES it! And, when I pulled out the second bottle to put in the fridge, she got so excited that she had not one, but two bottles of it!

Of course, I don't like it when any one of us gets sick, but I must admit, my favorite illness are the ones that you have to take antibiotics in order to get better. I know antibiotics get over-prescribed, and people don't finish full dosage regimen (don't people know they are contributing to the oh so scary SUPER bacteria everytime they do that?! Sweet Hubby tried doing that once - he wasn't going to finish his complete prescription dose b/c he was feeling better so he was going to stop at day 8 of 10 - oh my - he heard about that from me...and won't do that again) - BUT - the reason I "like" antibiotics is that you start feeling better SO FAST! So, hopefully that's the case with Ms. P and we all sleep much better tonight...thank you PINK and thank you BUBBLEGUM!

chapstick thief

Our youngest daughter, Ms. P, LOVES (words cannot describe) Chapstick! She will get it out of our nightstands any chance she gets. Normally, when she finds a Chapstick, she will proceed to smear it on her lips until someone notices and takes it away. Yesterday was not the case. She came to tell me something. She said:

"There, mom (lifting up her shirt). That's better...that's much better mom...the chapstick feels MUCH better on my tummy. I just used a little bit. But, we don't put chapstick on our tummy..." (as if correcting - and contradicting - herself!).

Oh my - you should have seen the goop all over her belly! She suggested we use a diaper wipe to get it all off...that kind-of worked...the chapstick was totally ruined and had to be thrown away, so our stash is dwindling and the kind of chapstick we buy is very hard to find for some reason! The stores are always out of it! Hopefully she never tries that again!

"the tiny one" mystery

Sledding is so much fun this year! Our kids are at great ages for it and it's still so magical to them! Our first sledding outing was great, and our youngest, I'll call her Ms. P, was enjoying herself until she saw "it" - "the tiny one". What is "the tiny one" you are asking yourself? We had no clue until we got home from sledding later that day...

We were sledding along and having a glorious time until little bear started to get grumpier and grumpier. Was she cold? No. Was she tired. Probably - but not too tired to play outside. Was she hungry? No. We had been snacking on popcorn in the car. Clean diaper? Yes. Maybe she was scared? We tried taking her down smaller hills - maybe "the tiny one" meant the tiny hill?? Nope. Not the problem - she still wanted to go down the big hill.

You see, there was this boy. He had this sled. Okay - it was no sled - it was an inflatable snowmobile. Can you imagine such a thing?! How do people think of these incredible kids toys and where were these brilliant minds when WE were kids?! So - this inflatable snowmobile was "the tiny one" that Ms. P kept telling us she wanted all day sledding. I must admit - it was cute. And my daughters are ALL OVER anything that is cute and tiny. So - thinking that one of these inflatable snowmobiles would be suitable for Ms. P at least for another year or two, we googled online that night for "inflatable sled"...and finally found it - the EXACT one the boy had. Same red, orange and yellow flames on the sides and everything. It's really quite hideous...I must say. I would never have ordered one for my son when he was her age...I tend to prefer the more "classic toys" for my kids and not some inflatable snowmobile with red flames on it! Especially not for my DAUGHTER to ride! Oh my...if you ever see us sledding...please bear with this crazy purchase...but know that she will be having a blast - no matter how silly she looks. Yes, we let our daughter ride an inflatable snowmobile - WITH flames - for a sled! We are going out sledding with some friends Sunday after church...I hope the snowmobile is delivered SOON so that we can take it with us on Sunday! If so, I'll put up some pictures.

It's amazing how much you change by the 3rd child...the things you'll buy for your 3rd child that you probably would not have bought for your first...