End of the Summer…. August 20, 2009

The end of the summer is QUICKLY approaching!  So one day last week, I asked the girls what they would like to do yet before summer ends.  I had nothing to do with what they suggested. It’s amazing, but THIS is the list them came up with!

* Go to the fair

* Swimming lessons (go swimming)

* Catch butterflies

* 4 wheeler ride

* go to lots of places

* Rest time- movies in mom’s room

* Look for animal foot prints

* Have a  movie night

* Pray to God

* Read books at the library

Can you believe this?  SO so cute!

so far we have checked off the fair, swimming, movie night…  I should really work on figuring out when we’re doing the rest of it! Ava starts school in about 10 days!  Four wheeler ride this weekend when Daddy’s home I think,  and animal foot prints… maybe at Grandma and Grandpa’s this weekend.

The thing every child in Wisconsin must learn the hard way… December 22, 2008

Well, it happened in The Christmas Story and people make jokes about it.  It ranks right up there with window licking in the gross/weird things kids do factor…. Yup I’m talking about sticking your tongue to cold metal. Today as we were leaving Wally World, I was putting Cooper in his carseat and left Ava to her own devices for just a couple seconds.  Sure enough, curiosity got to her and she stuck her tongue to the cart return!  7 degrees BELOW zero, and before I even knew she did it, she pulled it off by herself!  She didn’t cry and she got in the van and said,

“Mom, it didn’t stay there, it came off.”

I asked, “What came off, What are you talking about?”

“My tongue, it didn’t stay there.”

Me: “Did you stick your tongue on something cold?”

Ava: “No, only a little, it was an accident.”

Me: “Oh no, Ava did you stick your tongue where the carts go?  Let me see your tongue…”

Ava: Instantly crying, “Yeah I did right there… See….” and sticks out her tongue.

 

Oh Dear Lord, Will it Ever End? August 24, 2008

The funny thing about that title is that all too soon it will end, and then it will mean that my Ella Butt is a big girl.   And so we begin, ANOTHER poop story!   (I should have just called this blog “Shit Tales, by Ella”)

 

Thursday night we left for our family vacation to the Twin Cities.  This is a whole different story.  I just wanted to preface this story by saying we left our house at 7pm thursday night and were gone and BUSY ALLL weekend!  Our last stop was at Walmart, 30 minutes from home, to pick up some groceries.  For some reason, I’m guessing pure exhaustion, Ella has been having more accidents than normal the past couple days.  So, she had peed her panties bit while we were travelling.   I told her we could take them off and that she’d just have to go without panties under her dress until we got home. (Yes, I was THAT prepared!)  At Walmart, we were trying to get everything done as fast as possible.  I was emptying my camera card onto some picture cds, and hubby was off getting “man stuff”.  While selecting pictures I hear Avali say, “Mom, Ella pooped on the floor! Mom, Mom, LOOK!!”   Sure enough, I turn and just in front of our cart, my darling little Ella had dropped a deuce right there on the floor of Walmart electronics department!  Seriously  people, you cant make this stuff up!!!  So i did what every parent would do, grabbed a wet wipe picked it up, dropped it into the nearest trash receptical, and walked away.  (Sorry walmart electronics associates, for the weird smell in your department.  I’m sure no one could even GEUSS that there would be a turd in the can!)

Ahh, yes…  like I said, I’m sure all too soon, this will all just be a faint memory (if that) and she’ll be heading off to school like her big sis.  But for today,  its just another Shit Tale by Ella!

School shopping with my “baby” August 13, 2008

Well, no matter how much I wanted to fight it, delay it, deny it… the time is coming!  Avali is going to school! 


Okay okay, to some of you two days a week may not be all that much… but I’m dying here!  What kind of basket case, overprotective mom takes pictures of their kid school shopping for the first time?  What kind of mom, I’m horribly embarrassed to admit this, nearly cries…in WALMART… while buying crayons? Well… that would be me. 

There are moments where I do feel ready for this.  The girls are fighting, a LOT, lately!  Whenever one of those fights breaks out I think, “This will be so good for them!”  Shortly after though, I just wonder how it is that my first little baby is going to school already!  Ava and I had our “special day” today and got to have some one on one time. (Well I offered her one on one time, but she said, “I love Cooper and I want him to come with us” … but that’s what she wanted at least!)    Wow what a GIRLY-GIRL she is though!!!  She wanted to try on EVERYTHING!  And she wanted to buy everything glittery!  These are just a sampling of the outfits she modeled for Cooper and me today!  You must take note *in the first picture* of the barefoot redneck baby in the cart slurpin his bottle!

            … 8 glue sticks….                                                …. ♫ Lovin the glitter notebook ♫ ….

            “I never had one of these before!”                      And a packer jersey for Dad!!!

    The “pose”                                                              Holding up well for a full day of shopping!!

What I’ve learned… July 14, 2008

I honestly believe the things I’ve learned this weekend are things that must be shared! These just arent things that you can find in parenting, diet, or relationship books.

1 ) Once you are a parent, it is ok again to fall asleep with a jar of fireflies. (But only if you have a child with you!) When you wake up and realize what has happened, you will be grossed out and embarrassed that you slept with a jar of bugs in your bed!

2 ) Kids should not be allowed to eat raisins or corn before they are potty trained! This is especially true when you have a baby in cloth diapers. And NEVER EVER allow them to eat both of these forbidden foods on the same day! NEVER!

3 ) When you are remodelling, it will always, and I mean always take longer than expected. When you are remodelling something crucial, like a bathroom… it will take at least twice as long as you expected!

4 ) Diets work… IF you stay on them. However, I have learned that if you reward yourself for going on a walk with something like…..a chocolate shake, you will not lose a damn thing!

5 ) When you have kids fighting over fun colored mini marshmallows, do not be surprised when you hear yourself say, “No! Those do NOT go in the dryer!” Because we all know, that the dryer is the perfect place to hide treasures like these from your sister! (Can we all guess which daughter was hiding them? *Ella* )

6 ) For some strange reason it is absolutely adorable to see a handsome little one year old boy wearing a “Lock up your daughters” shirt… And for some reason, as a mom I was willing to pay money for the shirt to put on him. BUT… in several years he will probably actually deserve a shirt like that… and I will not be so proud!

 

7 ) Girls can go from being sweet and innocent at age four to being into fashion and accessories in a matter of a week. You will never even know what hit you! Indecisiveness and the NEED to try on 8 swimming suits will make your quick trip to pick up a suit turn into an all afternoon event! But watching her model and shake her booty in the fitting room will have you laughing your butt off… while you try to stop your other child from disappearing under the fitting room door in only her panties!

8 ) You think that after a baby turns one you dont need to worry about infant type things like thrush. BUT at age one, your son can get thrush… and it will hurt as bad as if he were two months!

9 ) When you try to do fun hands on learning things like growing a vegetable garden and um… raising chickens and ducks, do them separately (or at least in separate areas of the yard.) As of right now, the kids have not been able to witness anything actually grow from our garden. The tomatoes and broccoli will get to be about the size of a grape, and the next day they will have completely disappeared. Well, I guess if nothing else they are learning the importance of a fence!

10 ) Back to the chickens and the ducks… when big blue eyes look at you and ask for something as innocent as a baby chick you will have a REALLY hard time telling them no. The result will be three months later having a flock of poultry waddling around your yard. But it will be absolutely priceless to watch the kids chase them, take care of them, and learn how to say chicky and duck way before they would have otherwise!

11 ) You will know when you have a true blue best friend when she drives out of her way to go to your childs lemonade stand, pays your child $1 for a glass of lemonade instead of the .10 she had asked. But beyond that, she drinks the lemonade, comments about how good it is… and then quietly spits out the bits of sand that were in the last sip! (With a smile no less!)

12 )  When shopping for fabric for sundresses to wear camping (so they dont wreck the cute ones), do not let your girls pick out the fabric they want!  This is a potentially embarrassing decision because……

 

your kids will end up wearing something with hideous prints like THESE!!!

And the last thing is too important to even get a number. Something about becoming a parent makes you completely lose your mind! All of a sudden, you are no longer the level headed person who would NEVER have a pet duck. You are no longer the rushed person heading in for one thing at the store and coming out three hours later with “the most perfect” swimming suit (on clearance for $3!) You are no longer the phobic person who constantly uses purel and screeches as the sight of a bug. Now you know a depth of love like no other! You know that you would go to the ends of the earth and beyond if it would put a smile on your childs face. I have learned that living in this house that is just too small for our growing family is absolutely where I am happiest… because this is where my family is. This is where we make unforgettable memories like seeing a bear, chasing fireflies, rolling in the grass, making mudpies, and looking at the stars in our jammas on the deck!

A day in the life of Coop-Man James May 9, 2008

My little busy man is turning one in just over a month… what’s a mommy to do?  Yup, a day in pictures!  (excuse the alignment please! Work in progress!)

  At around 6 am I woke up in bed with mom… and of course the sisters were there too!  I wish I could remember what I did with that thing I always suck on… how could I lose it?      

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oh that’s right it’s on my left hand… always my left one… I’m not quite sure how I lose it everytime I need it… Man, I love this thing! I think it’s probably a little early yet, maybe I’ll just take a little nap until everyone else is ready to get up.  ( I know, I’m a pretty nice kid, huh?)     

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ok, Mama, really I’m ready to wake up and play!!!  Come on, wake up! Oh by the way, what happened last night?  Why am I still wearing my sweatshirt from yesterday? Geez mom!!       

 

 

 

 

 

 

Avali… your turn… come on!   Wakie wakie!!!  I need someone to play with!!!  If I climb on you you HAVE to wake up right?!?!?  ( I must add, climbing on Avali is one of my all-time favorite things to do!  I love it when she gets that goofy giggle when I climb on her.  She’s so silly!)      

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Ok, I know mom always says “no” or something like that when I climb on the nightstand… but I’m not exactly sure what that means.  I think that means that she wants me to climb all the way on there and throw stuff on the floor.  That’s fun!     

 

After I woke everyone up, Mommy brought me downstairs.  Every morning when we go downstairs she sets me down in front of my toy basket and goes to get cups for the girls.  I used to sit still and actually play with my toys, but now I’m getting kind of bored… and I don’t stay there for long!   Off to explore under the table. Usually I get stuck under the bench… but one of these days I’m going to do it all by myself!   

Yup, I was right!  Today was the day! I got through there all by myself… only stuck for a little bit!              

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mom! Mooooooooom!  Could you please hold me?  I’ve given you fifteen minutes for the mommy board and email… now it’s all about Coop-Man again!  It’s only fair…   Oh by the way, Ella gave me a strawberry. Are there any left… those things are SO good!     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oooooo-weeeee LOVE me some breakfast!  This morning was Gerber Diced Apples and Cheerios.  Lola really likes it when I share my cheerios with her.  The apples are not up for sharing… those are MINE!      

Well between the sweating while I was sleeping and the strawberry and then the sticky apples, I need a bath!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do you love my old man face?!

      

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brushing my teeth is the best! (When I’m done, mom does it… and then I get to chew on the brush for another hour or so.)  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Lola girl… where are you?!?! Oh well, it looks like she left her dog food in here for me! Yay!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Oh seriously mom, you act like your surprised! You KNEW I was going to try to eat it! (I think this may be better than my cheerios!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

I know you said that you have to put your make up on before we leave, but couldn’t you just hold me while you do it?  I always get so neglected when we get ready to go somewhere!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ahah!  Thumb again!  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 I’m so sleepy from my busy morning, I guess it’s time to take a little snooze in the van.

 

 

 

Mom said she wanted to try new shoes on me… so that means I can eat my old ones! 

Sidenote- I tried to lose one of the old shoes in the garden center too, but mom realized

it was gone and found it!  Geez mom gimme a break! I don’t like them!

 

Mom seriously, you’ve had that camera out ALL day!  Put it away already, I want some lunch!

 

 

 

 

 

 

So this is the only time I can get away with sitting on the table like this, but look at me use

my fork! Are you impressed?

 

 

 

    

 

Ah yes, my eating utensil of choice!  Look at me go!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Correct me if I’m wrong but doesn’t this seem easier? 

I think Lola has the right idea!

 

 

 

 

 My mommy says she’s very sorry about all the lunch time pictures, but something

about how I’m so cute she can’t decide or something.  I wasn’t really listening cuz I was

looking in the mirror!  She’s right though…

 

 

 

  Oh you should have been there, it was so scary!  She loaded up all the other kids, and left me sitting

by the table.  I thought she was leaving me there!  Oh it was awful! I just know she’s going to leave

me behind someday, even though she swears that will never happen!

 

 

 

 

 

Safe and sound with my family in the van. What a relief!  I have my best blankie ever… thanks Aunt Shannon!

I guess that means it’s time for another nap… especially since Ella and our friend Angelina are sleeping too!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mom you’re going to let me help you right?  I’m so good with gardening!

 

 

 

 

Oh, I didn’t think it would tip that easily! Woops, good thing we’re outside I guess!

 

 

 

 

 

Mom, you’re not mad are you?

 

 

 

  

 

Well, Mom and I worked pretty hard on these, but I think they turned out pretty nice!

 

 

 

 

 

Mom acted all surprised again when I started to eat the dirt.  She had to know I was going

to eat it… just like the dog food!  When will she learn?

 

 

 

 

 

 

I don’t know if you can tell by this look, but I was staring at Maggie and yelilng at her.

She barks ALL the time, and I usually bark right back at her!

 

 

 

 

Oh YAY!!! I made a big enough mess of myself today that I get another bath!  I knew I could do it!!!

 

 

 

 

 

Ok, so pants off… then I can climb in right?

 

 

 

 

 

Lola, do you need your teet brushed today too?  It’s so much fun, you’ll love it!

 

 

 

 

 

Would you just get back over here!!  I said you need your teeth brushed!

(Mom always takes my brush away before I get it in Lolas mouth. I hate that!)

Doesn’t she know that dogs need it too, one of these times I’ll get it in there!

 

 

 

Oh yes!  Pajamas, and now a big ole bowl of bedtime cereal! Yum yum!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Gimme that spoon Woman!!! I’m HUNGRY!!!

 

 

 

 That’s more like it!! (I normally don’t like baby cereal but this stuff has raisins in it. Yum!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Time to more on to bigger and better… do you see what I see?

 

 

 

 

 

 Snuggles, full tummy, oh this is the life!

 

 

 

 

 

 Ah-hem… a little privacy please Dad!

 

 

 

 

 

 Look at me I’m a happy boy!  Off for some more playtime before bed.

 

 

 

 

 

 Look out Lola here I come! Brushing my teeth again, climbing again!

(I’m starting to think this may not be so safe.) 

 

 

 

 

 And off to get Ava! She loves this too!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Time to climb on the Momma, she loves to wrestle too!

 

 

 

 

 

 KISSES!!!  Look out Mom!  I’m gonna eat you!

 

 

 

 

 

And away I go again… busy litttle man!

 

 

 

 

 

A little bit later, Mom caught me and snuggled and rocked me til I fell asleep.

She always does this before bedtime.  She’s never going to learn is she?  I’m never

going to go to sleep on my own!

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks everyone for watching my day in the life of Coop-Man James…

I hope you enjoyed my pictures! (Did you know that this is only the second day I’ve slept in my crib?

Mom says something about me being spoiled… I’m not sure though… I was busy sitting on her

lap with my toys.   Mwah!

A nice long walk… April 17, 2008

So spring is finally arriving here… FINALLY!!!  I decided two days ago that it was time to take a nice long walk with the kids.  We had about and hour and a half before we had to leave for an appointment in town.  After throwing some clothes on the kids, getting myself ready for the day, we head outside to get the jogging stroller.  Now, I remember a red and blue jogging stroller.  I KNOW we had one…  “Why can I not find it in the garage?”  What could my husband have done with it?  At this point I am looking in the rafters and behind stuff… places that I KNOW that stroller would not fit!  Then all of a sudden it dawned on me… the trailer… it’s got to be in the trailer behind the garage.  I set Cooper down and go to look in the trailer.  Sure enough, there it is!  Now all I have to do is hoist it up over the 4 foot walls of the trailer… no biggie. *said incredibly sarcastically!*  Alright, so now we have three ready and waiting kids, a ready mama, and a stroller… that’s missing the front wheel.  It was used as a bike trailer the last time it was used.  Ok, so, back to the garage… find the wheel, put it on.  We are SOOO ready to go for this “nice long walk”  until I realize that the back two tires are flat!  Is this a joke?  Back to the garage, figure out the air compressor, and  yes, finally get the tires pumped up.  Whew!!!  For real now, we are ready!

In go Cooper and Ella… and off we go!  We made it maybe a quarter of a mile and Grandma surprised us with a visit.  Back to the house…

It was a walk anyway!  Better luck next time!

Fingers April 10, 2008

“Fingers” is the one word that has really changed leaving the house with the kids.  Over the course of the past two years I have really been struggling with how to keep the kids neraby once they start walking.  Several people have recommend the leashes or tethers… and I’m just not a fan.  My saving grace has been to say “fingers” when we leave the store.  For some reason the kids are much more responsive to this than hold my hand.  When I am holding Cooper in one arm, that leaves one hand for the two girls.  Fingers solves that all together, Ella holds the index finger and Ava gets the pinky.  When I can feel one of them slipping with their grip, we make a game.  “Tighter… squeeze it, squeeze it!”  And I can know without looking which one lets go.  So mom’s with mobile kids… Try it!  “Fingers”