Put it all into perspective

This last weekend as we ran around to soccer games, grocery store, doing laundry, visiting my parents, and all the regular chaos little did I know how much I take for granted about my life. Especially when you get into work this morning and are informed that a co-workers 6wk old son died this weekend. Don't know the cause or anything.

I can't put into words how much my heart aches for her.......and all of the other mothers who've lost a child. I can tell you though that I did cuddle with Baby A a little longer than needed when putting her to bed, read more books to S than I needed to, and gave into "more movie" from T. Never mind the outrageous amounts of hugs and kissies given and received.

Seriously here - with all of the problems we've faced they seem so petty and trivial compared to the loss of a child. So - when you think your life sucks and there's no way out, remember to count your blessings....especially those cute little babies asleep in their beds.

"The Train is Big" by S

Before Christmas break S started to complain that he was bored in school. I thought nothing of it until after break was over and shortly after he was back in school started once again with the "I'm bored". Talked with his teacher and she agreed to give him some "special" projects to work on. This was his first. I'm very proud and I hope you enjoy S reading his book.

Hint: turn the volumn down....S is quiet loud when reading this.

Some of my favorite pics

T - what can I say....he loves his blankies now, just like he did back then.

Baby A - unfortunately Daddy's right....you have gotten cuter as you've gotten older. You were such a homely looking little infant - but look at you now!!!

Bye-Bye Toddler - Hello Little Boy

We've been trying for 3 months to get T's haircut. Everytime we went he'd throw a fit. So, a week or so ago we just took the plunge and had the stylist just buzz it off (she used a #3 guard that left about an inch). Talk about drastically changing his appearance. His hair is still curly, but without those long locks he looks so much older than 2 1/2 yrs old. Unfortunately he's got little scragglies all over the place that need to be trimmed.....just not sure how we're going to do it though.

On a side note: we had this done with S and R were at their other parents house. When S got home on the first thing he said is "Mommy, Tyler looks so handsome. He's a big boy now." First, WTH - where did my 6yo go? Secondly, aaaaaahhhhhh - that was soo sweet. S really is a good big brother.

Sign you need a new toothbrush. . . .

. . . .is when your toothbrush falls into the toilet....an unflushed toilet. Can I just say "eeeeeeeewwwwwww". And yes I did dig it out - luckily or not before I hoped into the shower.

Jumping on the Potty Training Train

About a month ago we finally got the T-man into his toddler bed and out of the crib. Now we're venturing into Potty Training (HELL). Call me a bad mom or whatever, but this is one area where I really wish he was in daycare....let them deal with him and Potty Training.

Yeah, yeah....I know we need to start introducing the idea into his cute little head. But dang it...if the boy is already ripping diapers off and peeing on the floor, etc it can only get worse once he's in training pants.

So K and I devised a plan of action. For the remainder of the month of March we're going to sit him on the potty every morning during diaper change, and everynight before diaper change. We're hoping this way he'll get used to the potty seat/toilet so the first weekend in April we can just go gung-ho with the training.

So wish us luck, say a little prayer, cross your fingers this works. Especially since I'm tired of paying for diapers for two.

Confirmation I'm old

Went to my parent's a few weeks back to have my birthday dinner. My mom informs me "I've never felt old when you kids have birthdays....until now. I can't believe I have an almost 40 yo daughter."

Gee thanks....I know I'm on the downside of my 30's....but I didn't need you saying it outloud.

She STANDS . . . .and the audience goes wild!

She = Baby A

Audience = me, K, and all 3 boys

Little over a week ago I caught Baby A trying to pull herslef up.....then this last weekend viola! She now must pull her self up on everything.

Okay, I'm going to take a moment to freak out a bit....she's 9mos old....yes, 9mos old and pulling herself up and more than willing to have you let go. The boys didn't start walking until at least a year......oye - thought we had more time.

Best Birthday Present Ever!!!

Well - only really applies to when you have an infant/toddler who isn't quiet sleeping through the night. For my 36th b-day Little Miss A slept through the whole night. However that was short lived as the next night she was up every 2-3 hrs, but hey I'll take what I can get.

Flat Tire from H-E-L-L

Every other Sunday at 6pm I meet DSSD at a McDonald's about mid-way between our respective houses. This particular Sunday I decided to hit Super Wally World which is right next door to our exchange McD's and grab a few things. Wanted to do it before with only 2 kids rather than after with 3 - plus I wanted to get home at a decent time.

Anyhoo - the exchange goes fine - you know, me asking all the questions and DSSD answering...never once volunteering anything. Got S loaded, ran around to wait in line at the drive through, got our food, and hit the interstate. All was good for about 5 minutes......then it happened................POP! And immediately the front passenger tire went flat. Luckily there really wasn't anyone around I crossed traffic and pulled to the shoulder.

Here's where the fun began. Since we're down to one car K had no way to rescue us so I called my dad (he lives about 30 mins away from the exchange point). One advanted to being Daddy's Little Girl after all these years....he came to the rescue no questions asked.

So rather than bore you with witty comments here's just an outline of all the crap that happened:
1. You'd gone shopping before picking up S and your front passanger seat was loaded with groceries. Luckily you only really bought frozen meals and cheese sticks that might get ruined.
2. You had all the kids with you and they were hungry and tired.
3. DH (that D stands for Dumb or Dumbass) decided to leave all his RC Car crap in the back - you know to make it more difficult to get to the spare tire.
4. You have no idea if you have a spare tire and if it's good
5. You're down to one vehicle as you've sold the other two to pay off bills, etc and haven't gotten a cheap replacement - this means DH can't come help.
6. Call father to come help - guess what he gets 1/2 way to where you're at....yup a flat tire.
7. You get to entertain your kids in the car for 1.5 hrs
8. Oh, and when your dad finally does arrive to help so does the rain
9. Almost forgot to mention - I was on I-35....not a back road but the friggin interstate
10. Lastly, not only did Addison's diaper leak, but so did Tyler's. Luckily I had a change of clothes for Addison, but poor Tyler wasn't so lucky.
11. And what I found most surprising not a cop, nor driver stopped to ask if I needed help

The only positive to this all was that I had picked up food for Baby A at the store, and I'd picked up happy meals for the boys and myself. It took us almost 45 min to get home driving at 45mph with my flashers on. Yes, I really pissed off the other drivers - but when you're driving on a donut and there's a wind advisory can you really blame me?

Oh, and we had to replace the tire. ($75 for just one....figure that should last another 12mos and we'll just replace all 4 tires.)

SO - there you go.......anything that could go wrong just about did. I'm just very thankful the car gods deceided to at least bless me with a spare that not only was in good shape but had air.

Snickerdoodle Snob

Yup - that's me. What is a Snickerdoodle Snob you ask?? We'll for me I won't eat nor buy just any snickerdoodle. You see a snickerdoodle is more than just a sugar cookie rolled in a cinnamon and sugar mixture and baked to perfection. It's all about the Cream of Tartar. (And if you want to know more about cream of tartar than you want please check out: http://www.ochef.com/933.htm) Actually the recipe as a whole is different.

Cream of Tartar - yes, any snickerdoodle made with this magic substance is worth my consideration and the $$ to purchase such a treat. Of course unless the ingredients are listed I don't even waste my time. However, the coffee shop next door to work has the most tempting version yet. I asked - and low and behold all that is mighty they make 'em themselves and yes they use Cream of Tartar!! You see the owner is a snickerdoodle snob as well!!! You bet your sweet bippy I bought myself one and slowly enjoyed every last morsel with a great cup o' joe.

However, I must resist....otherwise any weight I've lost will be gained very quickly from eating one of those delicious little morsels.