Please, tell me

For real.  What is so hard about putting trash in an actual trash can?  I mean, is it painful?  Are there finger eating crocodiles in the trash can?  Just ready to jump up and snap your fingers off the moment you try to put trash in the proper receptacle?  Are there laser beams that will maim you if cross them surrounding the trash can?  I know.  I got it.  If you put trash in a trash can instead of just dropping it on the floor where you happen to be standing, the room might stay clean and no one wants that.  No!  Not a clean house!  ::grips chest in pain:: 

What in the world would we do without a house full of trash.

I am determined to get these kids to put trash in a trash can if I have to follow them around with one.  Maybe I should just get trash bags to clip to a belt that they wear all day.

I bet the trash would still hit the floor.

 

Happenings

Sorry I have been quiet.  I had an unmentionable weekend, and now we are gearing up for the big day.  The day Daddy comes home!  Just for a visit, but we are still mega excited.  Aidan, I think, is the most excited.  He's at that age, I guess.  Every morning he comes to my doorway and asks "How many days now until Daddy is here?"  And every night, he asks me again.  "How many more days now until Daddy is here?"  And he reminds me several times a day "Three more days, Mommy!" 

It is all very exciting, but while he is counting days down, so I am.  But in a different manner.  I have to get this house cleaned!  Man.  I let it get bad.  Then I wasn't able to clean for the weekend, and that just made it worse.  The rooms I had almost done were trashed again, plus I still have the rooms that were previously trashed.  So that is what I have been doing.  Cleaning.  Fun stuff, fun stuff.  I did discover a tip that the kids thought was fun.  I found this site that suggested you get an empty laundry basket and put socks on your hands to clean a room.  Start at the doorway, and work your way around the room Clockwise from the door.  Anything that doesn't belong, pick up and put it in the basket, and dust everything with your hands as you go.  ::digs for link::  How to Professionally Clean Your House Fast - Associated Content  I think that is it.  Anyway, I put socks on the kids hands instead and sprayed them with Allergen Free Pledge and they had a blast and my living room smelled nice and clean. 

Other than that, not much going on.  I moved all three oldest kids' beds out this morning thinking I would find the game boy.  Instead I found 6 months worth of trash under my oldest sons bed and who knows what under my 2nd son's bed.  Yikes.  We had a talk.  Let's see if it helped. 

The morning had a disturbing portion.  All of a sudden I hear high pitched screaming and giggling and my boys all streaked by my room giggling their heads off naked from the waist down.  When I asked them what was up, they said "It's Penis Power!"

Um, OK?

Put your pants on boys, and keep 'em on.  I don't need to see any Penis Power going on around here.

Trust me.

You Are Catwoman

"Life's a bitch. Now so am I."

What Superheroine Are You?

This is what happens when the Lamp Blows on your TV

It started out innocently enough...

Just a little bit of mud...

But then it grew into a bog...

And then the Bog Monsters emerged...

And they started throwing mud...

And I ended up with this...

And then it was clean up time.  I chased the kids around with the hose and Jacob got out the super soaker.  And we made a game out of hosing them off.  Alexia came out and joined in the fun.  She rolled in the mud so we could clean her off, too.  I'm sorry, no pictures available of that, I was busy chasing kids with the hose!  I hosed off the house and the deck, also.   And then I was blessed with rain to get whatever I missed.

And then it was bath time.  Bubble Baths for all the short people.  Robby was quite tired when it was all over, but he didn't end up falling asleep until bed time.

aoljpictureUpload, aoljpictureUpload_23

Whoa, I wasn't prepared for that

Today I asked Jacob to use a little pink basket to pick up all the toys off of the living floor and to please take them to the basement.  He tells me "I have to have sex with the blanket first."

::blink, blink::

I looked over and he had his pants pulled down (underwear still up) and was kissing the blanket.

"What is sex, Jacob?"

"You smooch and kiss and get naked and mush your privates together."

::blink, blink, blink::  Wha-?

"Where did you hear that, Jacob?"

"In my (some weird part) of my head?"

I sat in thought for a minute.  Then I said, "Well, sex is done in private.  It's usually done between two people who are married.  But if you want to have sex with the blanket, then please go to your room and have sex with your own blanket.  Sex is done in private."

So he did.  He went upstairs for a few minutes and came down and said "I feel better."  And he cleaned up the living room.

Alrighty then.

I didn't really want to ask him where the blanket's privates were.  I wasn't opening that can of worms. 

I checked this computer to see what web sites he has been visiting.  Nothing out of the ordinary.  I need to check the one upstairs to see if he has been sneaking on the computer at night after I tuck him in.  I have no idea where he received his information on sex.  Possibly kids at school.  I'll check things on the computer and set up more Parent controls, JIC.

I am so not ready for this.  Maybe I should have the Hubby talk to him. 

Er, maybe I should just do it myself!  You will understand if you know the hubby! LOL

 

Taking things Literally

So my oldest son went to the Dentist today to get one filling and to get all of his adult teeth sealed.  Jacob and I were talking about the experience and the woman who was in there helping the Dentist.  I don't know her official title, but I told Jacob that she was Dr. K's "right-hand person."  And Jacob, being incredibly bright but incredibly literal, replied "No, Mommy, she was on his Left." 

              

So while I was mowing the grass this evening, my middle boy was being just that...a boy.  He found the mini-sledge hammer which I had tucked under a bush by the front door.  He took it and smashed some large stones to smithereens before I saw him and snagged the sledge hammer back.  He's such a boy.

Meanwhile, my daughter had found the box of Barbies that I had when I was a little girl.  She collected a huge pile of Barbies and Barbie stuff and sat in front of the garage playing.  My oldest son joined her after while.  They brought the Barbie stuff with them when it was time to come in and moved to her room.  I managed to snag a short video without them knowing I was there, but they caught on when the flash went off for pictures.  I got enough, though.  He is such a well rounded kid.  ::beams::

 

Saturday Continues

The Hubby and I were online exchanging IM's to bra web sites.  I am trying to find a good bra that fits.  It seems the largest bra I can find around here is still two sizes too small for me.  Yeah, I'm a big girl.  So anyway, he is sending respectable bra sites and I was clicking on them.  Well, my two oldest kids were standing behind me watching a movie, and I clicked on a link the Hubby sent.  Bad idea.  It was cup-less and nipple-less bras and of course both kids turned and looked at that exact moment.  I was fast getting the site down, but not fast enough.  Everyone fell in a fit of "Ohhhhhh'!" and giggles.  Including the Hubby, who did it on purpose.  The Brat.  Then I switched screen names and switched back.  I thought I had closed the offending site, but apparently I just minimized it, because it popped right back up.  More giggles and "Oooooooohhhh's"!  Not nice, Hubby.  So not cool.  We are teaching the kids that the human body is nothing to be embarrassed about, but that doesn't mean I want them ogling woman's breasts.  The site wasn't bad or anything, just bras.  Or, er...half bras.  But it will still be a long time before I click a link from him in front of the kids again.  He's such a kid sometimes.  I still love him, though.

So then I tried to play Chess with my Eight-year-old, whom always beats me.  Well, I beat him and he of course flew into a flurry of "You cheated! You lie!" and on and on with a stream of negative screams coming from him.  I told him to go to his room to calm down and he's like "I don't have to! I'm the winner."  I ended it and said "GO!" and then quit talking to him.  He was getting all spun up.  Man, I hate when that happens.  I'm giving him a wide birth.  He'll apologize when he's calm. 

My daughter did eventually clean her room.  I guess that's a good thing.  I was going to take the kids to the Museum, but Robby has a puny tummy.  He's had two rotten diapers.  Better stay home today.

Is it bedtime yet?

Banana Muffin Recipe

 

 

********Please Note!  These do not make good MINI banana muffins.  They are too dense and it taste like you are eating a warmed up mushy banana.  Ick!******************

**I did halve the sugar and they are fine.  I might add a few Mini-Chocolate Chips next time.  I have another recipe to try.  Not all of my kids liked these, so they didn't pass the test here.  I liked them, though.  I used to make a similar recipe with chocolate chips and Candied  Cherries on top.

**Very moist, but a little chewy.  I don't think I over-stirred them.  Hmm.  Slight after taste.  I'll share this recipe, but I'm still looking for a better one.  I have two more to try.  :-)

 

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 1 large muffins 55g Recipe makes 12 large muffins) The following items or measurements are not included below: Miracle Whip
Calories 145
Calories from Fat 3		(2%)
Amount Per Serving		%DV
	Total Fat 0.3g	0%
	Saturated Fat 0.1g	0%
	Monounsaturated Fat 0.0g
	Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g
	Trans Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 0mg		0%
Sodium 307mg		12%
Potassium 114mg		3%
Total Carbohydrate 33.8g		11%
	Dietary Fiber 1.7g	6%
	Sugars 15.0g
Protein 2.7g		5%
Vitamin A 13mcg		0%
Vitamin B6 0.1mg		5%
Vitamin B12 0.0mcg		0%
Vitamin C 1mg		2%
Vitamin E 0mcg		0%
Calcium 5mg		0%
Iron 0mg		2%
how is this calculated?

Easiest Banana Muffins Ever Recipe #136606

This recipe is so easy and so delicious! I got it from a neighbor of mine and her two kids love them. They rise up nice and high and real big. If your bananas are very very ripe then you can cut the sugar in half. I substitute sugar for Splenda also. Don't be turned of by the idea of putting Miracle Whip in muffins, you do not taste it! My guess is that it acts as a substitute for for the eggs and bit of oil you would normally find in a muffin recipe. I plan to try it in some other muffin recipes. TIPS: When mixing any muffin recipe, only mix the dry ingredients until they are just blended in. I mix and fold gently just until there is no more dry ingredients showing, it will appear to be lumpy. Rapid stirring or beating will make your muffin come out heavy and tough in texture.

by Chef #239889 (Kaggy)

12 large muffins

2-3	ripe bananas (to make 1 cup)
3/4	cup sugar
1	cup Miracle Whip
1 1/2	cups all-purpose flour
2/3	cup whole wheat flour
2	teaspoons baking soda
1/2	teaspoon salt

1. In medium size bowl beat bananas, sugar, and salad dressing. Stir in the flour, baking soda, and salt until it is just moistened. Fill muffin cups three quarters full. Bake at 350 degrees.

© 2007 Recipezaar. All Rights Reserved. http://www.recipezaar.com

Share your experience with others, and post your comments on the recipe. Type 136606 in the Search box at the top of Recipezaar, to get back to this recipe easily. Recipe Notes & Rating: 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star

 

So Saturday

 

 

 

So Saturday has begun.  My daughter is in her room crying because I "am the worst Mommy in the world."  You got it, I'm making her clean her room.  For the second day in a row.  I'm pretty sure this is her responsibility, not mine.  She was in her room for 6 hours yesterday cleaning.  I'm thinking she should have had it done instead of running all over and playing with her brother.  Obviously, I'm wrong, though, and I am mean and nasty because I won't let her get away with shoving everything behind her door or in her closet so I couldn't see it.  Oh, how nice, I just recieved a coded note in secret ink that says "I hate Mom or I Love you."  I wonder which one it is. 

My middle son is in his room pouting, too, because he has also had two days to clean his room and it's not done. 

I'm going to go make home made banana muffins and maybe the smell of baking yummies will entice them to finish up.

Giving up on working on that /s/ sound for the Summer

aoljpictureUpload, aoljpictureUpload_1

I forgot to mention

That when I was in the shower trying to wash my feet yesterday, I noticed a red, green and blue tic tac toe board on the bottom of my foot, complete with X's and O's.

Someone's got jokes to do that to Mommy while she sleeps.  And I didn't even notice.  Scary. 

Creepy much?

Like I didn't know he was there trying to pounce me by suprise.  Silly cat.

 

aoljpictureUpload, aoljpictureUpload_2

Hello Wednesday

Good evening to you, Wednesday,

Thank you for moving in gently and drifting by quietly.  You have been a busy day, but you have treated us well.  You allowed the children to all wake up in good moods.  They played school quietly while Mommy was able to read for a little while in order to start the day gently.  I really enjoyed the time you allowed me, instead of having to jump head first into the day. 

You carried us to the Car Dealer in beautiful weather and easy traffic.  The time spent at the Car Dealer was quiet and almost relaxing.  The littlest fell asleep on the way to the Dealership, and he allowed me to transport him to his stroller while he snoozed.  He even allowed me to carry his entire stroller up a flight up steps and he remained asleep for an hour after that.  He woke up in a great mood.  I had lunch ready for him and we continued to drift along peacefully. 

Bessy is healthy.  They could only find a minor leak, and she was repaired quickly.  Not cheaply, but quickly.  I am thankful for that.  By the time they looked at her, the kids were getting antsy.  We were able to head back home just in the nick of time!  Four Chess games and one game of Checkers were played.  The children enjoyed watching the men below work on all the cars.  Things went way better than I had ever dreamed. 

Oh Wednesday, you also brought another gift.  I am going to get the best Birthday Present ever this year!  The Hubby's leave was approved, and he will be arriving home on my Birthday.  I couldn't ask for anything better.  That's all I need, to be able to hold the Hubby again.  Fifteen more days!  The Hubby has his plane tickets reserved and I am still trying to find a sitter.  I hope I didn't procrastinate too long. 

Thank you, Wednesday, for being gentle and kind.  Now we relax at home while Mommy does Laundry and some Cleaning. 

Until next week, Wednesday, when we meet again.

So things

Things are pretty hectic.  Running here and running there and trying to take care of things.  Today Alexia had a Dance camp.  I think she liked it...I can't tell, though.  I'll have to ask her tomorrow.  She was on a huge sugar high and was gushing about the pretzels and ice cream and pizza she had!  She was so busy gushing over all that, she didn't say much about the dancing.  I took a video that I will try to get on here.  Oh, shoop, I'll just do it now.  Her age group dance exhibit was short but sweet.  I took a picture, too.  It's not that great, and she saw me with the camera up and covered her face.  

Oh, I forgot to add.  When we left Alexia there, my youngest was so worried.  He wanted to go back in and get her.  He was sad and crying that I wasn't bringing her with us! I told him we would come get her later and that I wasn't leaving her there forever and he said a tearful "K" and calmed down.  He was super happy to see her when we went back. 

So, that was that.  8:30 at night is not a good timeto ask three very active boys to be still and quiet.  They were everywhere.  They did quiet down a little when it first started and the High School Girls danced.  They enjoyed that.  They got bored when the little girls were dancing.  By the time we were leaving, they were everywhere.  I was about to pull my hair out.  I sent them all to bed when we got home.  I just needed them to go to bed. 

Tomorrow has the potential for being a very long day.  I have to take Bessy (my vehicle) to the doctor.  If anyone feels like it, cross your fingers for good news.  Her illness has the potential for being terminal.  Let's hope is just a simple cold, though, and not the alternative.  Yes, I love my Bessy.  :-)  The boys and I spent an hour and a half getting her cleaned up so she won't be embarrassed when she goes in tomorrow.  I do have a back up plan if the wait in the waiting room gets to be too long and too much for me. Chucky Cheese is across the street from Bessy's "doctor."  I would like to avoid it, (more because I don't want to spend money), but it's always good to have a back up plan.  I'm taking the chess board and some cards and trucks.  I'm also packing sandwiches and fruit, JIC.  Wish us luck!

This is what happens when I trust my Five year old with a 3/4 full Bottle of Baby Shampoo

I should have known better.  Don't worry, all of the pictures are modest.  You can see that my eight year old saw the fun and dove right in.  I was at the point where I didn't want to waste the water, and they both needed to be clean.  It was already done, I let them have fun.  We talked about the waste, and I will not trust him with a bottle of shampoo for a long while!  The thing is, he hasn't done this in almost two years.  He used to do it all the time.  I guess it was just too much to resist tonight!

 

The "apple" on the back of the toilet that he just couldn't resist.  It was 3/4 full when he started his bath.

aoljpictureUpload, aoljpictureUpload_7

Summer Days

I think we are settling into summer pretty well.  The two middle kids get up first and they play.  Then they get loud, and the youngest and Mommy wake up.  Then they all get loud, and the oldest wakes up.  We hang around upstairs until I feel like going downstairs.  We meander through breakfast.  We laze around and do pretty much nothing.  Nowhere to rush off to.  Nowhere to be.  It's wonderful! 

Today we finally made it downstairs around 9 A.M. I guess it was.  We had breakfast, watched Thomas on PBS, then lazed. A lot.  I read for a while.  I lay on the couch with kids bouncing on me.  It was nice.  Then I decided to make lunch.  By then I was feeling pretty lazy, so I managed to mow the back yard, both sides of it.  Then we were lazy some more.  LOL  After being lazy for a long time and having dinner, I drug myself outside to mow the front yard.  Unfortunately, I waited too long and only got the front on the house side of the yard, and half of the side.  I still have the unfinished half and then the other side yard to mow.  I guess I'll do it after Church tomorrow before it gets too hot.  I ran out of sunlight today.  I tried to teach my oldest to mow.  Bad idea. His method was ducking his head down and pushing the mower full speed ahead...into our neighbor and a group of friends!  I had to catch the mower.  I know my son pretty well, so I was jogging along beside him.  Good thing his Mommy has some knowledge of how he works! The neighbors almost lost some toes.  I'm not sure they would have still liked us after that.

Mowing was fun and all, but it's humid.  I was sweaty.  Ick.  We came in to play a game of checkers, but my youngest had hidden four of the pieces.  I asked him where he put them, and he told me he put them under the basement door.  I told him "No you didn't!" and laughed it off.  Then my other kids opened the door and found three of the pieces at the top of the steps.  Haha.  He was telling the truth!  Oops on Mommy's behalf!  We had to do some searching for the last piece, but we finally found it.  I promptly beat my son (**edit...beat him at checkers!) in like four minutes.  ::giggles in glee::  I wasn't a great player when I first got the board, but my son gave me some tips.  I think I got it now!  An eight year old had to teach me.  Nothing wrong with that, right? 

Three of the kids are finally in bed.  The youngest napped from 7 PM to 9 PM.  Lovely.  Guess who is still awake?  I thought he was down for the night.  Boy, was I wrong.

I have next week off, so I plan on enjoying it!  I'll tell about it as it happens.  :-)  No sitting, so the kids and I will be doing stuff together!  We have been getting a lot of use out of that wagon.  Sure enough, my shoulders ache.  I'm going to have buff shoulders if nothing else!

Momentous Day

 

Dear Robby,

Today you turned three.  I can't believe it!  It seems like just yesterday when I found out we were expecting you.  The time has flown so quickly!  In my heart, you are still just a baby. 

This year...

... you received your first hair cut.

You caught a nasty case of Stickeritis. 

You experienced your first Blizzard.

You earned your doctorate.

You rode a horse in the house...a lot...

You found a best friend.

You decided you needed to add a little something to your Birthday cake!  Thank you, sweetie.  You are right.  That red "3" needed a little something.  (Don't worry, everyone, it was chocolate sprinkles!)

 

You did so much more.  One of the biggest and most wonderful things that you have accomplished and experienced this year is that you have found your words!  This time last year, you didn't speak at all.  You started slowly, talking with your hands, and slowly moving up to "More".  And now, you are saying "Mommy!" My heart melts every time I hear you speak.  You have worked so hard and your words are so beautiful.  It turns out that you have quite a bit to say. 

You may be my smallest child, but you still have a very large piece of my heart.  I hope you carry it inside your own heart.  I know I carry you inside of mine.  I love you very much, Robby, and I am so happy you decided to join our family.  Thank you, my sweet baby boy.

Happy Birthday.  Mommy and Daddy love you!

 

 

aoljpictureUpload, aoljpictureUpload_9, aoljvideoUpload, aoljvideoUpload_1

Finally getting it done

I'm finally getting my teeth fixed.  I went in for another long appointment today and he built up the tooth that had the root canal done and he filled two other teeth.  They look good!  You can't tell really that the one tooth is fake or that the other one has a filling at the gum line.  I'm impressed.  :-)

I have to say, though, the root canal was easier for me than the fillings!  Since when do they stick a blow dryer thing in your mouth when you get fillings? LOL  And the drilling and stuff he did vibrated my entire head.  I didn't feel any pain, but the vibration was enough to make me a little whacky!

I go for three more fillings at the end of June.  So far, I am 3 down and 21 to go. LOL  The important thing is that I took those steps behind just getting a cleaning and I'm getting it done.  I've never followed through before.

Compliment

I'm going to Compliment Jacob.  I am so proud of him!

 

His report card was awesome!  He had moved almost everything up to Satisfactory progress, including his Social/Personal growth!

 

Standardized tests show him reading at a third grade level after seven months of school.  And in math...get this....in Math he tested at the fourth grade level after four months of school!  He was in the 91% for math, which means 91% of the Second Grade Students in our County tested lower on this test.

 

GO JACOB! 

 

So I'm thinking some of his behavioral issues might be boredom.  I *Know some are at home.  The last month of school, Jacob's teacher was giving him fourth and fifth grade math sheets to do in class while everyone else was reviewing.  And he had a really good last few weeks of school.

 

Mommy's proud of you Jacob!

Sweet

They had been like this for a while.  Robby was scritching Franken's belly and head.  Franken had his claws in and was completely relaxed, and Robby was being very gentle. They actually do these scritching sessions a lot, I just finally got it on camera!

Also, Yesterday I went out to mow the grass, and lost track of Robby.  When I came in to check on him, this is what I found.  He fell asleep standing in front of my computer chair.  Note his feet! LOL  Sadly, I scared him when I picked him up to move him so he didn't fall over.  So he woke up and I ended up carrying him while I finished mowing the grass.

Sorry his feet are on underwear, lol.  Aidan had stripped to put on his bathing suit.

I keep meaning to update this thing, but then I forget.  We have been incredibly busy, but then at the same time, I really don't have much to write.

I took the three oldest kids to the Dentist.  It was the first time for all of them.  I am proud to say that out of three kids ages Eight to Five, there was only one Cavity.  It was funny...the Dentist came out and told me my oldest had a little cavity to fix, and I responded "Only one?"  It took him aback for a minute then he started chuckling.  He said "I have to admit, that is the first time I have gotten that response.  Only one."  Yeah, I'm different like that.  ::wink:: 

Other than that, my life is full of end of school year meetings and the like.  And trying to clean my house and keep up the yard.  And keep up with the kids.  I'm exhausted!  I put the wagon together yesterday, and we went on an excursion yesterday, then this morning I packed them up and went to the grocery store.  Man...I was dripping with sweat by the time I lugged the toddler and the groceries up the hill in that thing.  Hahaha!  What a work out!  I'm going to get some mega shoulder muscles. 

The weather has been hot and sunny, and the kids and I are spending a lot of time outside.  I am also re-reading and catching up on the Betsy Series.  I read the first half of the series a long time ago, then lost touch with it because it took forever for the next book to come out.  So I'm on the fourth book now.  Well, I'm about to be.  I haven't actually started it yet.   I think the Fourth one is the one I never got into because I had forgotten what happened in the first three.  They are fresh in my mind now, though.  Here is a link in case anyone is curious.  Welcome to MaryJanice Davidson.net  She has several other series that I will move on to eventually.  The Hubby has them on his vast bookshelves, lol.  I need to read quickly, the new Stephanie Plum book comes out in 16 days!  And the Hubby is also bringing me home the new Odd Thomas book by Dean Koontz.  I know, I have a pretty eclectic taste in books, lol. 

Hmm, other than that, not too much going on.  I hope to go get to nap in the Dentist Chair this week.  I hope my friend remembered!  I left her a message in hopes that she would pick it up and call me back.  :-)  I could always show up with Robby, but it is a two hour long appointment.  That wouldn't be very fun for him.