I am listening to the kids and Daddy Piper tell knock knock jokes from the bath tub. Things could sure be alot worse, couldn't they?! The giggles spilling out from the bathroom are infectious. And then a gross poopy story but I will spare the details :-)
We went out to dinner tonight and then to get ice cream and look at lights. We were supposed to head to a friend of Daddy Piper's but the kids were already going down for the night so he'll head over later by himself. Frankly- my one beer at dinner did me in!
As I look back over the year, I recall many memories - some good, some bad and some really bad. I would never have thought this type of year would hit us. It has been financially devastating but spiritually rewarding. I am thankful to see 2009 leave and have lots of hope for 2010.
Goodbye 2009!!!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Happy New Years Eve
I am sitting here by the warm fire, at 4 in the morning, just enjoying the peace and quiet of the house. J just went back down after sleeping for most of the night. I fell asleep during the movie last night so I have no idea how that ended but I did get a good night of sleep :-) I already have the dishes done, that I didn't finish last night. I feel ahead of the morning right now. I do relish the peacefulness of the house right now.
We have fun plans to head to a friend's house tonight for a bonfire and get together for New Year's Eve. Can't believe that today is the last day of 2009. Lots to be sad/upset about looking back over 2009 but sooo much to be thankful for. We have our health, our home, plenty of food, each other, new friends to grow closer with, old friends to continue to grow closer too, family and for me, finding a church to call home. 2009 wasn't our best year, in fact I am hoping to call it our worst ever.
We have fun plans to head to a friend's house tonight for a bonfire and get together for New Year's Eve. Can't believe that today is the last day of 2009. Lots to be sad/upset about looking back over 2009 but sooo much to be thankful for. We have our health, our home, plenty of food, each other, new friends to grow closer with, old friends to continue to grow closer too, family and for me, finding a church to call home. 2009 wasn't our best year, in fact I am hoping to call it our worst ever.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Technology - is it a fad??
My day was filled with technology. Think this technology thing is just a fad? Is it gonna pass and we'll get our pen and paper back? Please?
Our computer went out back in September, when it was only 5 1/2 months old. Ridiculous! Thankfully since we have so many fail over the past couple of years, I got the warranty this time. So when it went out, I took it to the store and they vowed to fix it in a timely manner - 8-10 weeks. Meanwhile they gave me a loaner to use. The loaner was fine, as a loaner. Another thankful moment - I had backed up all the data a mere 4 weeks before it failed so I didn't lose much when it crashed. I used and abused the loaner for the next 12 weeks. I started making calls in late November, trying to get my computer back to its rightful place, my desk. The motherboard had failed (just like the previous HP we had) and they were having to replace it. Ok - no biggie. Another 2 weeks went by and I checked in again and got the same story. This time I dug deeper. Yes it failed but not only that, they had replaced it 4 times and each one failed so there must be something else wrong too. They would get back to me. I waited another 2 weeks, giving the holidays precedence over my computer woes. Finally on 12/29, I called in and tried to get the situation resolved. Many calls to reach the superviser who was going to just replace the unit versus trying to fix it anymore were not getting me anywhere. I cleared the loaner unit of any data and packed it up and headed to the store to get the situation resolved, once and for all.
Our homeschool event was rescheduled due to an llness (Poor GS!!) and we headed to ChikFilA for some fun playtime before going to the store. I only had the older 2 with me. J was napping so he stayed home with Daddy Piper. Playtime was fun!! I had some great adult conversation, the kids played and food was yummy. I corralled the kids and off we went to the big city. We took the computer in and prepared for battle. I was helped right away and almost immediately, the manager took a snippy attitude. A bit of background info: I had grown up seeing my mother be angry and confrontational during interactions like this. I usually handle things like that - angry and rudely. I have tried since having kids and especially since they are older to see this now, to be nice and do things more adult like. Okay - so when she came across irritated and angry, I responded with kindness. It is a new theory for me but it worked SO WELL!!!!! She wasn't going to be able to resolve the issue right then, would take a couple of weeks. No, I explained, it had gone all long enough. 6 weeks longer than the promised return date. I wanted this resolved today. She replied it was going to take her a few hours to get it done. I countered I had a few hours to wait. I just wanted it done, today. This whole time I had two crazy monkeys running around, entertaining themselves with hide and seek around a big screen tv. The manager was not going to be helpful but I guess a nice customer swayed her eventually (that would be me). She said she didn't have a suitable computer of the same brand to switch me. I just wanted something was the same specs, didn't need to be the same brand. She left and said she would "check some things out". The kids and I went and used the restroom and then strolled back to the computers to see for ourselves. Yes the department was wiped out. Way less inventory than back in March when I bought the computer. We did happen upon a Touch Screen HP that I am coveting but $1000 for a new unit like that is out of the question right now. The kids played with the touchscreen and vowed it "The coolest ever". We spotted the manager walking into the area and then into the storeroom area, I assumed to check inventory. We saw her a few minutes later pushing a cart with a computer in it so we hurried back up front.
The manager had found a unit to give us!! Bonus - it had Windows 7!!!!! She had found something that was similar to our previous computer but a tad better with more hard drive and of course, the Windows 7 (so now we have a home network between the laptop and the desktop). She took care of the paperwork. By this time the hide and seek near the big screen was driving me crazy. I didn't need to replace a tv today. I quietly grabbed each child, put them in the cart and bribed them with a candy stick - all the while not getting upset or raising my voice. It took awhile but the customer service lady finished it up. I thanked the manager for handling it today and to my satisfaction. I also made sure to tell her manager the same thing. We went up and checked out, paying nothing but also getting the warranty extended for my trouble.
The moral of the story for me is to remain calm in these situations. It made me feel really good to get the whole thing resolved and not have any anger involved!
So then later in the day, after trying to get the new computer loaded up with all our stuff and spending the afternoon on a chat thing with Norton to upload the backup, Daddy Piper's new cell phone arrived. It was actually for me since the once I traded with my niece drops calls constantly. I wasn't due for an upgrade but Daddy Piper was so he got the phone and then we had to switch the phone lines around to get it to work. I headed to the Verizon store after taking dinner to a my friend with the sick kiddo (made 2 of these dinners so our dinner was done too!!). It took about 45 minutes there and me getting on the phone with Verizon but we got it done. Back home for more technology headaches. The backup files from Norton wouldn't restore. I logged back into support and I was 42nd in line!!
Bathtime, prayers and bedtime for the kids. I didn't spend much time this afternoon or evening with them :-( But they had a ton of quality time with Daddy, playing the Wii. Back to the computer - got it all fixed finally.
Finished the evening off watching a movie with my dear husband, while enjoying a much deserved Dos Equis and homemade pico.
Our computer went out back in September, when it was only 5 1/2 months old. Ridiculous! Thankfully since we have so many fail over the past couple of years, I got the warranty this time. So when it went out, I took it to the store and they vowed to fix it in a timely manner - 8-10 weeks. Meanwhile they gave me a loaner to use. The loaner was fine, as a loaner. Another thankful moment - I had backed up all the data a mere 4 weeks before it failed so I didn't lose much when it crashed. I used and abused the loaner for the next 12 weeks. I started making calls in late November, trying to get my computer back to its rightful place, my desk. The motherboard had failed (just like the previous HP we had) and they were having to replace it. Ok - no biggie. Another 2 weeks went by and I checked in again and got the same story. This time I dug deeper. Yes it failed but not only that, they had replaced it 4 times and each one failed so there must be something else wrong too. They would get back to me. I waited another 2 weeks, giving the holidays precedence over my computer woes. Finally on 12/29, I called in and tried to get the situation resolved. Many calls to reach the superviser who was going to just replace the unit versus trying to fix it anymore were not getting me anywhere. I cleared the loaner unit of any data and packed it up and headed to the store to get the situation resolved, once and for all.
Our homeschool event was rescheduled due to an llness (Poor GS!!) and we headed to ChikFilA for some fun playtime before going to the store. I only had the older 2 with me. J was napping so he stayed home with Daddy Piper. Playtime was fun!! I had some great adult conversation, the kids played and food was yummy. I corralled the kids and off we went to the big city. We took the computer in and prepared for battle. I was helped right away and almost immediately, the manager took a snippy attitude. A bit of background info: I had grown up seeing my mother be angry and confrontational during interactions like this. I usually handle things like that - angry and rudely. I have tried since having kids and especially since they are older to see this now, to be nice and do things more adult like. Okay - so when she came across irritated and angry, I responded with kindness. It is a new theory for me but it worked SO WELL!!!!! She wasn't going to be able to resolve the issue right then, would take a couple of weeks. No, I explained, it had gone all long enough. 6 weeks longer than the promised return date. I wanted this resolved today. She replied it was going to take her a few hours to get it done. I countered I had a few hours to wait. I just wanted it done, today. This whole time I had two crazy monkeys running around, entertaining themselves with hide and seek around a big screen tv. The manager was not going to be helpful but I guess a nice customer swayed her eventually (that would be me). She said she didn't have a suitable computer of the same brand to switch me. I just wanted something was the same specs, didn't need to be the same brand. She left and said she would "check some things out". The kids and I went and used the restroom and then strolled back to the computers to see for ourselves. Yes the department was wiped out. Way less inventory than back in March when I bought the computer. We did happen upon a Touch Screen HP that I am coveting but $1000 for a new unit like that is out of the question right now. The kids played with the touchscreen and vowed it "The coolest ever". We spotted the manager walking into the area and then into the storeroom area, I assumed to check inventory. We saw her a few minutes later pushing a cart with a computer in it so we hurried back up front.
The manager had found a unit to give us!! Bonus - it had Windows 7!!!!! She had found something that was similar to our previous computer but a tad better with more hard drive and of course, the Windows 7 (so now we have a home network between the laptop and the desktop). She took care of the paperwork. By this time the hide and seek near the big screen was driving me crazy. I didn't need to replace a tv today. I quietly grabbed each child, put them in the cart and bribed them with a candy stick - all the while not getting upset or raising my voice. It took awhile but the customer service lady finished it up. I thanked the manager for handling it today and to my satisfaction. I also made sure to tell her manager the same thing. We went up and checked out, paying nothing but also getting the warranty extended for my trouble.
The moral of the story for me is to remain calm in these situations. It made me feel really good to get the whole thing resolved and not have any anger involved!
So then later in the day, after trying to get the new computer loaded up with all our stuff and spending the afternoon on a chat thing with Norton to upload the backup, Daddy Piper's new cell phone arrived. It was actually for me since the once I traded with my niece drops calls constantly. I wasn't due for an upgrade but Daddy Piper was so he got the phone and then we had to switch the phone lines around to get it to work. I headed to the Verizon store after taking dinner to a my friend with the sick kiddo (made 2 of these dinners so our dinner was done too!!). It took about 45 minutes there and me getting on the phone with Verizon but we got it done. Back home for more technology headaches. The backup files from Norton wouldn't restore. I logged back into support and I was 42nd in line!!
Bathtime, prayers and bedtime for the kids. I didn't spend much time this afternoon or evening with them :-( But they had a ton of quality time with Daddy, playing the Wii. Back to the computer - got it all fixed finally.
Finished the evening off watching a movie with my dear husband, while enjoying a much deserved Dos Equis and homemade pico.
Chores
We are trying to implement new stuff around here - Chores! The kids have their responsibilities and do them with reminders without a problem usually. I am wanting a way to keep up on and it and not have to tell them a million times. We are starting a chores system now. They are having to get up, get dressed, make beds and brush teeth every morning to earn a ticket. They can trade those tickets in for computer or TV time. Nighttime chores will be to pick up toys, brush teeth, take bath and prayers. This is based off a system our friend uses, the L family. It works for them.
Hopefully this will work for us too. I know it will if I remain consistent. Consistency and routine are hard when Daddy Piper's not working regularly. We are working on this!
Hopefully this will work for us too. I know it will if I remain consistent. Consistency and routine are hard when Daddy Piper's not working regularly. We are working on this!
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Fun Pics
S and J were playing outside. L yelled "Grab the camera andtake a picture Mama - the boys look so cute outside playing together" :-)
My girl rocks! It was just a millisecond after that when J tried to climb the playset and fell, busting his teeth/mouth.
Fresh from a bath. J had his lotion done already. L & S were dragging it out, hammingit up for the camera. All 3 kids love their chairs!!
Kids watching Hulu in the bath (Sesame Street)
J & S have more fun splashing then watching the show :-)Sunday, December 27, 2009
Bible in 90
I have signed up to read the Bible in 90 days. My special Bible came in the mail yesterday. I started reading it right away. I was overly confident that it would go quickly. Ha! It took me more than an hour to read the required 12 pages.
Homeschool Christmas Party
Today was the long awaited homeschool group party. We were supposed to do it last Sunday but a couple families couldn't make it. Then it was scheduled for today but a couple families weren't going to make it either. AGH - what to do?!? We went ahead and had it anyway. We were only missing one family when all was said and done (and we did miss them!!).
But let me back up some. I had woke up with a cold or something yesterday. I felt stuffed up and icky. I thought it might be something more in the afternoon when I got cold to the bones and couldn't warm up. I ordered pizza for dinner so I wouldn't have to cook. After eating, I did feel some better but not quite good. I went to bed early and J woke up almost immediately. Daddy Piper tried to comfort him but at night, he usually only wants his mama's milk. I got him and crawled back into bed. He and I slept wonderfully for the next 3 hours!!! Daddy Piper came to bed, moved J back to his bed and back to sleep I went until 4 this morning. I got up at 4 for the day. J got more of his mama's milk and went back to sleep until 8:30 - WOOHOO!! I napped a bit on the couch until the kids all started getting up. I woke up and felt super great. I think I was just extra run down with the holidays and stuff. I got up and got the morning going (the fire was already going since 4 - thank you Daddy Piper for cutting all the wood yesterday!). I had a ton of stuff to get ready for the afternoon. I had some good helpers though so it helped. My niece came down to spend some time with us. L & S had fun making the peanut balls and L helped decorate the pretzels. I lost my cool and was frustrated for a couple of hours, just trying to get ready. I finally gave up feeling overwhelmed and things went smoother. I will never learn, it seems, to relax and enjoy the process of getting things ready. Treats got made (yummy peanut butter balls and chocolate dipped pretzels) and I got the food set out. I also made pico, which was yum!
After showering while the kids napped, I got the rest of food ready. We had burgers and dogs with chips and salsa, veggie tray and a scrumptious salad. Everyone started showing up at 4 and the show got on the road. It lasted until about 7. We had a great time. The kids played well, food tasted wonderful, all the dads got along beautifully. We are so lucky to have built such a wonderful group.
L has seemed to find a kindred spirit in another member of our group (GL). It is so neat to see them play together. She grabbed his hand while running out to play. I so enjoy seeing her so happy, playing with him and the other kids.
L did mention today that her fish was the wrong color. She had asked for a gold one - yikes! This is the second time Santa messed up her request.
S enjoyed the company of all the boys from our group. He has grown into himself lately. He used to be really uncomfortable around groups of people but not anymore. He enjoys the other boys now and plays very well with them.
J spent most of the time with his Daddy. He has become a Daddy sidekick lately, truly loving being outside. He helped start the fire :-)
Now my niece is out and about with some friends. I have another hour or so to wait up for her before going to bed. Thankfully it's years before I have to do this with my own. And who said you get more sleep once the kids outgrew the baby stage???
But let me back up some. I had woke up with a cold or something yesterday. I felt stuffed up and icky. I thought it might be something more in the afternoon when I got cold to the bones and couldn't warm up. I ordered pizza for dinner so I wouldn't have to cook. After eating, I did feel some better but not quite good. I went to bed early and J woke up almost immediately. Daddy Piper tried to comfort him but at night, he usually only wants his mama's milk. I got him and crawled back into bed. He and I slept wonderfully for the next 3 hours!!! Daddy Piper came to bed, moved J back to his bed and back to sleep I went until 4 this morning. I got up at 4 for the day. J got more of his mama's milk and went back to sleep until 8:30 - WOOHOO!! I napped a bit on the couch until the kids all started getting up. I woke up and felt super great. I think I was just extra run down with the holidays and stuff. I got up and got the morning going (the fire was already going since 4 - thank you Daddy Piper for cutting all the wood yesterday!). I had a ton of stuff to get ready for the afternoon. I had some good helpers though so it helped. My niece came down to spend some time with us. L & S had fun making the peanut balls and L helped decorate the pretzels. I lost my cool and was frustrated for a couple of hours, just trying to get ready. I finally gave up feeling overwhelmed and things went smoother. I will never learn, it seems, to relax and enjoy the process of getting things ready. Treats got made (yummy peanut butter balls and chocolate dipped pretzels) and I got the food set out. I also made pico, which was yum!
After showering while the kids napped, I got the rest of food ready. We had burgers and dogs with chips and salsa, veggie tray and a scrumptious salad. Everyone started showing up at 4 and the show got on the road. It lasted until about 7. We had a great time. The kids played well, food tasted wonderful, all the dads got along beautifully. We are so lucky to have built such a wonderful group.
L has seemed to find a kindred spirit in another member of our group (GL). It is so neat to see them play together. She grabbed his hand while running out to play. I so enjoy seeing her so happy, playing with him and the other kids.
L did mention today that her fish was the wrong color. She had asked for a gold one - yikes! This is the second time Santa messed up her request.
S enjoyed the company of all the boys from our group. He has grown into himself lately. He used to be really uncomfortable around groups of people but not anymore. He enjoys the other boys now and plays very well with them.
J spent most of the time with his Daddy. He has become a Daddy sidekick lately, truly loving being outside. He helped start the fire :-)
Now my niece is out and about with some friends. I have another hour or so to wait up for her before going to bed. Thankfully it's years before I have to do this with my own. And who said you get more sleep once the kids outgrew the baby stage???
Friday, December 25, 2009
Merry Christmas 2009!
Perfect - this was a perfect Christmas from start to finish. I don't believe I have ever declared a holiday or any special event perfect before. 
The morning started out with L running in yelling "He brought me a fish!". Santa had brought her a fish - just as requested. I got up and came out (so thankful I put the coffee last night!) and then L woke up S to see his requested item, a GraveDigger Monster Truck. Daddy Piper got up quickly to attend to the fire mishap. I had started a fire but forgot to open the damper to release the smoke. I hadn't ever had it closed on me before and when I started the fire this morning, smoke filled the house - oops!! Anyway he got up, I got J and we started our Christmas morning. Thankfully all this happened at 8 this morning - not too early! S was classic waking up - he stumbled down the hall, almost crabby for being woke up, only to find a GraveDigger Remote Control awaiting him. He rubbed his eyes, as if he couldn't believe his own eyes. It was so cool to see him this way. If I had been more prepared, I would have grabbed the camera only 2 feet from me but I didn't. I lived the moment instead. J was super excited to see his own Pottery Barn chair. All the kids have them. They are worth every penny. We didn't have to buy this one though since Santa brought it : -) We spent the next couple of hours opening gifts, hear glorious squeals over the socks and undies in the stockings (S was sooooooo excited over his undies - he opened them and checked them out one by one). Their stockings were so full this year, Santa couldn't even hang them back up, he had to sit them by the fireplace - what a problem indeed!! We gathered close to the fire and finished opening all the goodies, which included things like the socks and undies, moon sand (bad idea Santa), glitter glue, Transformer trucks, sippies for J, nail polish and lip stuff for S, movies and Playdoh. Santa included only one candy gift this year. He gets smarter and smarter each year : -) It was easy to say yes to the pixi stick stuff. J's had some gummy Lifesavers. He started saying "Candy" and improved his "More" this morning. The neatest thing was all the stocking stuffers cost Santa almost nothing!!! Next up was gifts. For a year that has been super lean for us, the tree was loaded with gifts for the kids. L got some cute clothes, jammies, lunchbox, Tinkerbell movie, Connect 4 game, art case from Grandma, purse and goodies from Auntie LW and Fancy Nancy as her special Christmas book. S got Leapfrog tag reader with 6 books, jammies, lunchbox, Hungry Hippo game (which J loved!!), Santa Buddies movie, Tball set from Grandma, remote control car from Auntie LW and his special Christmas book was "Snow". J got his library bag, some books for his Leappad touch system, an Elmo phone, a telephone from Auntie LW, a HUGE dump truck from Grandma and a baby Christmas book. By the time we got all these fun things opened, I realized we were going to be late for my sister's house. I had to call her and tell her. No biggie. I then had to call my mother and tell her Merry Christmas. This was a terrible thing. I should have just text her. This was the only glitch in the day. She was mad because we were going to be late. No asking about the kids' Christmas morning or anything - just upset attitude. I wouldn't even discuss the call with Daddy Piper. I REFUSED to allow this to bring down our day. We opened our gifts from each other. The kids made Daddy Piper a picture frame and their cute picture and got him a Transformer shirt. He went all out with the gifts he got me. I got a dish rack and wooden kitchen utensils (just as I requested) and he included some grilling utensils and a new ironing board cover. He had these wrapped in a huge box so it threw me off totally!!! He did include my ring pop. I get jewelry every year - We have diamond years and we have ring pop years. This was a ring pop year!!! 
Daddy Piper called his mom to wish her a Merry Christmas, I started breakfast and the kids played in the room where ToysRUs threw up : -) We had toys and stuff all over this house. It was truly the things Christmas mornings are made of. There was laughter, playing, fighting, fusshing and lots of fun!! We forgot to put out the bop bag thing. Daddy Piper quickly got it out and ready. The plug came out of the bottom and water went everywhere. On the second try, it worked great : -) S was super excited about this, because it was just like Daddy had when he was a boy!! 
Breakfast and getting dressed went quickly then it was time to gather a couple of toys and hit the road to Auntie DP's house. L was insistant on bringing her red purse from Auntie LW, filled to the brim. I think that is one of her most prized gifts. It is a super cute purse, just perfect for her lipstuff and phone. S LOVES his Gravedigger Monster Truck from his stocking. He brought that along with his new water bottle. The drive went pretty quick. Well as quickly as it could go with L asking "Are we there?" "How much longer?" "Where's the tunnel?" "Are we there yet?". I got car sick driving up. I had a sinus headache when we left and this contributed to that yucky, nauseous feeling.L hates going to DP's house because she usually gets trampled by the dogs. We reassured her it wouldn't happen. Today was S's turn to get hurt. He got hurt this time - he fell on a rebar and scratched his cheek.
We spent about 4 hours at my sister's. It was wonderful. Everyone was in a great mood. J wasn't too sure of anyone at first but came around pretty quickly. We opened gifts with them almost right away. Tons of fun stuff from both my sister and my mother. My sister put the dogs away and the kids enjoyed playing outside with SP and RP with their new remote control trucks.
I spent some of the time helping with their laptops. We got them hooked up wirelessly with Verizon. That was quite the ordeal but we got it worked out. I love working on computer stuff like that.
All 3 kids make themselves at home at my sister's house. They go right into RP's room and play with his toys. I am not sure he enjoys that all too much but he tolerates it okay. All 3 kids are also flooded with sugar from their Auntie. I try not to intervene too much but seriously, I don't think J was without a sucker for most of the 4 hours we were there : -)
The trip home was quiet for the most of it. J and S slept almost all the way home. L sang Christmas carols and complained loudly that it was too dark to draw or read.
Tonight S was going to feed the fish otherwise known as Cookie. He grabbed the food and the top popped off. It went everywhere. This was a classic moment when I would have gotten upset but chose not too. It really is a choice, most of the time. He started crying, I grabbed him and hugged him, got the Swiffer and cleaned it up. No harm done. It felt great not to be upset. S was quickly comforted when he saw I wasn't upset. I need to work on that - not getting upset over the minor stuff. And truly - spilling fish food accidentally is minor stuff.
Dinner was frozen pizza then it was quick baths and off to bed. Goodnight prayers, hugs and kisses then they were off to snoozeland. Or maybe not. Daddy forgot the damper thing again and this time the fire alarm went off, LOUDLY. L slept through it. S hopped up to investigate. J just kept hollering "Daddy?Daddy?Daddy?" from his bed. Daddy comforted everyone, got the alarm shut off and opened the damper : -)
This was a wonderful, special holiday with lots of fun memories to hold onto forever. I am so thankful for my family this year. Attending the Christmas service last night meant so much to me. I am looking forward to learning more about God in the coming year as I attend a Bible in 90 days study thing Jan-March.
Life is good. God is good!!!!!
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Merry Christmas Eve
Today went off just as anticipated. Daddy was determined to go through the day with no yelling and he managed to do just that. I did get frustrated early in the day but managed to get it under control and the rest of the day went off without a hitch and just lots of fun!
This morning we made some yummies for the neighbors. Daddy Piper and S got more wood for the fireplace while J, L and I finished the treats. We had a snacky kind of lunch since we were going to have an early dinner. Well that turned into a full lunch. I was worried no one would have an appetite at 4 for dinner. No worries - dinner wasn't until 5 anyway :- ) Daddy Piper and the kids delivered the goodies (**how funny - story below**). While they were gone, I was finishing up dinner, mainly the whiskey sauce. I couldn't find the beef stock to make the sauce. I had everything made up to the adding the stock. I couldn't find that stuff anywhere. When I got home from Target last night, Daddy Piper helped put away the stuff. He didn't put the stock away where I would have put it. So today while making the sauce, I started to get super upset and then put it into perspective and let it go - not worth getting upset. I text him and he sent L home to tell me where it was : -)
Dinner was a ribeye roast, green bean casserole, roasted potatoes and fresh fruit. It was delicious.
J has been running a fever. Poor guy. I think it's just his teeth.
Tonight was the service at church. We attended as a family!! We did leave early though because J's fever spiked again :-(
Tonight we took the pic of me with the kids in our matching jammies - an annual tradition from L's first Christmas.
*** The neighbor brought over a goodie box. I had told Daddy Piper I couldn't imagine him delivering my baked goods for me. Then later in the day - that's exactly what happened. It was pretty funny.
Fun gifts
I made these fun gifts for our neighbors and some friends. They were super easy and such fun to make with L & S (J tried to help but kept eating all the choco chips!!)
Christmas eve has gone well so far!! We have made these fun things for the neighbors.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Wonderful Wednesday
I am curled up in front of the fire, staying warm, hoping my baby boy gets over his fever quick. These teeth he is cutting right now are coming in sooooo hard, poor guy! I wanted to catch up the photos frome the last week or so. Things are good around here. Super excited for Christmas. Happy to be a wife and mom this time of year, happy to be a family. We have had 2 couples that we are friends with divorce or separate in the past few months. I am extra thankful for my family right now.
J helped Daddy Piper work on the big truck. Okay he didn't help but did get in the way a bit. He did help by adding a layer of laughter into the hardwork.
All 3 kids helped make Christmas goodies. Even J got involved in the fun. 
I let the kids watch Prep & Landing on Hulu on the laptop while they were in the bath the other night. It was a fun treat for them!
We made our gingerbread house, without the K family - SAD! But it was fun nonetheless, just less fun than usual.
Yesterday after nap, I found S with J in J's crib. He was trying to comfort him until I could get there! 
We made our gingerbread house, without the K family - SAD! But it was fun nonetheless, just less fun than usual. 
Yesterday after nap, I found S with J in J's crib. He was trying to comfort him until I could get there! Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Totally Tuesday
My niece came down to do some shopping with my sis yesterday and pic up their new (or new to them) car. My wonderful sis let my niece stay down and drive home herself for the first time!!! It was nice to have her here for the afternoon and evening. We got so wrapped up in her coming that we almost forgot about the kids' art class. I woke them up from nap quick and we ran to art. S almost forgot to put his pants on before we left!!! Oh and we got home from running errands (trip to Peterbilt and then to Target for some last minute gift shopping by Daddy Piper) anyway after the morning and half the afternoon running errands, when we got home there was a chicken in our yard! S and Daddy Piper chased that thing up and down the fence line, trying to get it back in the neighbor's yard. It was so comical to watch them chase that chicken. I was on the phone with my awesome friend JF from MN while all this excitement was going on. So the kids got settled down for naps just to have me wake them up to run to art. Art class went great, as usual. L is super creative so it's a great outlet for her and S just has fun.
Dinner was crab, a rice pilaf and yummy green beans. The house REEKED like stinky seafood all night and into today. (Now I can smell our wonderful Christmas tree!!). After putting the kids to bed, my niece SDP and I went to see a movie. It was just an excuse to have some time alone really. We chose Brothers (which was a great movie but I cried and it made my heart hurt with all the emotional stuff). We had great conversation while waiting for the show to start. She is growing up so quickly. I was there to witness her birth, hold her during her first sunrise, all her first and now she's facing some grownup firsts. I am glad to be a part of her life.
Our neighbor dropped off a little gift last night. It was a DVD and 2 movie tickets, with childcare included for a date night for Daddy Piper and I!!!!
So my silly sister forgot something in the car they left with my niece so she had to leave pretty early this morning. It did work out though since this afternoon a rainstorm rolled in. We spent the afternoon hibernating in our house and enjoying the great chilly weather!! I did get a bit of a nap in that was interrupted by Daddy Piper yelling at S. Seems S went in to play with J while they were both supposed to be napping in separate rooms :-) When L & S got up from their nap, we put together our gingerbread house. We usually do this with the K family but they are battling illness right now so we did it at home this year. It was fun! I did let go of perfection and we had fun again.
Tonight will be chili for dinner with yummy cornbread (or cornbread for me - crackers for everyone else since I am the only one who likes cornbread).
The kids are playing campout/sleepover right now. I think L will be having her first sleepover soon with the K family for SK's birthday. Should be fun!
Oh and the nightly prayer time continues. It was so inspiring to see our family praying together. God does work miracles, every single day!
Dinner was crab, a rice pilaf and yummy green beans. The house REEKED like stinky seafood all night and into today. (Now I can smell our wonderful Christmas tree!!). After putting the kids to bed, my niece SDP and I went to see a movie. It was just an excuse to have some time alone really. We chose Brothers (which was a great movie but I cried and it made my heart hurt with all the emotional stuff). We had great conversation while waiting for the show to start. She is growing up so quickly. I was there to witness her birth, hold her during her first sunrise, all her first and now she's facing some grownup firsts. I am glad to be a part of her life.
Our neighbor dropped off a little gift last night. It was a DVD and 2 movie tickets, with childcare included for a date night for Daddy Piper and I!!!!
So my silly sister forgot something in the car they left with my niece so she had to leave pretty early this morning. It did work out though since this afternoon a rainstorm rolled in. We spent the afternoon hibernating in our house and enjoying the great chilly weather!! I did get a bit of a nap in that was interrupted by Daddy Piper yelling at S. Seems S went in to play with J while they were both supposed to be napping in separate rooms :-) When L & S got up from their nap, we put together our gingerbread house. We usually do this with the K family but they are battling illness right now so we did it at home this year. It was fun! I did let go of perfection and we had fun again.
Tonight will be chili for dinner with yummy cornbread (or cornbread for me - crackers for everyone else since I am the only one who likes cornbread).
The kids are playing campout/sleepover right now. I think L will be having her first sleepover soon with the K family for SK's birthday. Should be fun!
Oh and the nightly prayer time continues. It was so inspiring to see our family praying together. God does work miracles, every single day!
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Momentous Occasion
Today was a first in our household. We went to church together as a family! The kids had their Sunday school program and Daddy wanted to come with and see it with me. I didn't invite or pester - he volunteered to come along. It was amazing to have him experience it with us. The kids did great with their singing. L did try to make shadow puppets during the performance : -) J wasn't happy about being in the nursery but having Daddy Piper along helped when J wasn't too quiet during the service. The kids were all so happy to have us there. They were waving and smiling during the whole performance!!!
After church, we went out to brunch. It was nice to have a lunch out that was prepared by someone else!!
After church, we went out to brunch. It was nice to have a lunch out that was prepared by someone else!!
Saturday, December 19, 2009
It's been a nice week.....
I didn't post much this week since Daddy Piper had work ALL WEEK LONG! We had a great week, with a sense of normalcy that cannot be described unless you have been there. Having only worked a handful of days in the last 5 months, working all week this week really improved Daddy Piper's mood. With his mood better and my financial stress lessened - things were wonderful around here!!!
Friday we went and got a special ornament for the K family and finally got J his first Christmas ornament - yep only a year late! I didn't realize I hadn't gotten him one last year until we unpacked the box this year. Oh well - he'll never know, right?
Friday we went and got a special ornament for the K family and finally got J his first Christmas ornament - yep only a year late! I didn't realize I hadn't gotten him one last year until we unpacked the box this year. Oh well - he'll never know, right?
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Holy Cow!
Things are a changin' 'round here.... Daddy Piper had work 2 days in a row and is booked out for tomorrow - WOOHOO!!!!!!
Baby J
Today was Baby J's well check. He weighed 26 pounds - 10 ounces, 32 1/2" long and I forgot his head (poor 3rd child!!). He was in the 75-90% for all 3 areas. I can't believe that. He was my smallest baby and I just knew he was going to be short like his Mama but doesn't appear that way. He is growing like a weed!!! He did have to get 4 shots, poor guy. He wasn't too happy about it. He was more upset about being held down than he was about the actual shot though. He came home and took a short nap and seemed better when he got up.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Things S says...
L & S are out back playing. S is sitting on the picnic bench under the playset; L is sitting down on the sand box part.
Mama: "What are you guys doing?"
S: "Oh L is getting her beauty on so we can go camping!!"
The things kids say!!!
Mama: "What are you guys doing?"
S: "Oh L is getting her beauty on so we can go camping!!"
The things kids say!!!
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Super Saturday
The morning started out absolutely wonderfully amazing. I slept from 9:45 until 4:30 this morning. Almost 7 hours straight - Hallelujah and AMEN!!! It was marvelous! Daddy Piper got J at midnight and got him back down without needing any mama milk and then J went on to sleep until 4:30 this morning. When he woke up at 4:30, he was greeted by a happy mama : -)
I got up and got the fire going to warm up the house and made my coffee for the morning. J ate like one hungry monkey. He devoured his mama's milk and then went back to sleep until 8:30! L was up with the sun and S shortly after. I love that they wake up so happily, when they wake up on their own anyway. S is a complete bearcat if he is woken up. S gets up, eats something and then he is ready to get dressed and get outside for the day.
I am trying to post about our our day but I am laughing so hard to Comedy All Star on Shotime right now. I am crying I am laughing so hard. I am sure the kids are going to come out and wonder what is going on out here!!!!!
So after the morning started out on a good note, I had to shower quick to get ready for L's Daisy event this morning. We were going to the holiday bazaar to get gifts for each other to give at the party next week. Daddy Piper showered and I got dressed. J ran in and grabbed Daddy's water from his bedside table and went running. He has this funny little look and thinks he is hot stuff. Unfortunately, he has no balance carrying a water glass so water gets dumped almost immediately. I cleaned it up and got L dressed and off we went. W left the boys home to finish the tire thing Daddy Piper is building out back. I had thought we were so late and here we ended up being 15 minutes early :-)
We rode with the troop leader and 4 other little girls. L enjoyed that immensely. They had fun singing songs and playing the "Yellow" game. We got to the bazaar and it was packed. There was tons of fun crafts for the girls to choose from. L wanted to look at everything before picking out her gift. She chose a pink jewelry box. They had gift wrapping stations and I let the girls wrap their own, with no help. It was fun to watch them to this for themselves. We traded the cake walk for getting donuts. This created a bit of a stir. The other leader was concerned the girls would be disappointed in not winning (if that was the case). I think not winning sometimes is just fine. Oh well - they got donuts and we rounded them up and headed home. We finished early so we drove around and drop the girls back home. On the drive though, the girls were being typical little girls and raising their hands for different things. One of them said "If you got to X elementary school, raise your hand" Of course - all the girls except L raised her hand. I started to feel soooo bad for her. No one likes to feel left out. She recovered nicely by saying "Everyone homeschooled, raise your hand." and raised her hand very proudly, without hesitation. Then all the girls started asking about homeschool and she was so happy with herself. I didn't feel bad anymore : -)
We got back home early. Daddy Piper was just getting J down for his nap. S was out back playing (shock - shock!), climbing on the tires. It was nice chatting with Daddy Piper about our morning. I finished the dishes (from last night - GASP!) and then started lunch. I called the kids in for lunch. S came running in and I glanced at him running in the back, he was filthy. I could not believe how dirty that little boy got today playing outside. And he was even wearing his "work" pants. He did get mad though since it was L's day to pick a movie. Oh goodness - his temper flared. I talked him down though. He eventually agreed to sit and watch L's movie with her - just barely though. He is mighty proud of himself these days. He can reach the light switches, on his tip toes and by turning it on but not off yet.
The big kids went down for a nap. I found a code for a free photo book. (I have gotten so many free photo gifts this year. Thank you to all the photo companies for the great coupons!) I created a photo book of our pictures from my good friend. After that was done, I printed a coupon for B&N and headed there with my GC from my MIL from my birthday back in May. I was able to get the kids' Christmas books for nothing out of pocket. J rode along with me. When we got to B&N there was a golden retriever rescue outside and two of their puppies followed us into the store. Those puppies were so adorable. I guess they weren't puppies, older really and great listeners. Hopefully we can get a dog again soon - when things settle down some, I suppose. Anyway - at the store, I think J said his brother's name. I was trying to find a book for S and J said his name over and over. He is growing by leaps and bounds.
S said tonight "I see your mouth moving but I ain't hearing the words coming out of your mouth" - nice S!!!
Okay - the comedians aren't too funny so I got to finish my post. We are off to church tomorrow morning and then a bike ride in the afternoon. If the weather holds out, Daddy Piper will have work on Monday - THANK YOU GOD!!!!!
I got up and got the fire going to warm up the house and made my coffee for the morning. J ate like one hungry monkey. He devoured his mama's milk and then went back to sleep until 8:30! L was up with the sun and S shortly after. I love that they wake up so happily, when they wake up on their own anyway. S is a complete bearcat if he is woken up. S gets up, eats something and then he is ready to get dressed and get outside for the day.
I am trying to post about our our day but I am laughing so hard to Comedy All Star on Shotime right now. I am crying I am laughing so hard. I am sure the kids are going to come out and wonder what is going on out here!!!!!
So after the morning started out on a good note, I had to shower quick to get ready for L's Daisy event this morning. We were going to the holiday bazaar to get gifts for each other to give at the party next week. Daddy Piper showered and I got dressed. J ran in and grabbed Daddy's water from his bedside table and went running. He has this funny little look and thinks he is hot stuff. Unfortunately, he has no balance carrying a water glass so water gets dumped almost immediately. I cleaned it up and got L dressed and off we went. W left the boys home to finish the tire thing Daddy Piper is building out back. I had thought we were so late and here we ended up being 15 minutes early :-)
We rode with the troop leader and 4 other little girls. L enjoyed that immensely. They had fun singing songs and playing the "Yellow" game. We got to the bazaar and it was packed. There was tons of fun crafts for the girls to choose from. L wanted to look at everything before picking out her gift. She chose a pink jewelry box. They had gift wrapping stations and I let the girls wrap their own, with no help. It was fun to watch them to this for themselves. We traded the cake walk for getting donuts. This created a bit of a stir. The other leader was concerned the girls would be disappointed in not winning (if that was the case). I think not winning sometimes is just fine. Oh well - they got donuts and we rounded them up and headed home. We finished early so we drove around and drop the girls back home. On the drive though, the girls were being typical little girls and raising their hands for different things. One of them said "If you got to X elementary school, raise your hand" Of course - all the girls except L raised her hand. I started to feel soooo bad for her. No one likes to feel left out. She recovered nicely by saying "Everyone homeschooled, raise your hand." and raised her hand very proudly, without hesitation. Then all the girls started asking about homeschool and she was so happy with herself. I didn't feel bad anymore : -)
We got back home early. Daddy Piper was just getting J down for his nap. S was out back playing (shock - shock!), climbing on the tires. It was nice chatting with Daddy Piper about our morning. I finished the dishes (from last night - GASP!) and then started lunch. I called the kids in for lunch. S came running in and I glanced at him running in the back, he was filthy. I could not believe how dirty that little boy got today playing outside. And he was even wearing his "work" pants. He did get mad though since it was L's day to pick a movie. Oh goodness - his temper flared. I talked him down though. He eventually agreed to sit and watch L's movie with her - just barely though. He is mighty proud of himself these days. He can reach the light switches, on his tip toes and by turning it on but not off yet.
The big kids went down for a nap. I found a code for a free photo book. (I have gotten so many free photo gifts this year. Thank you to all the photo companies for the great coupons!) I created a photo book of our pictures from my good friend. After that was done, I printed a coupon for B&N and headed there with my GC from my MIL from my birthday back in May. I was able to get the kids' Christmas books for nothing out of pocket. J rode along with me. When we got to B&N there was a golden retriever rescue outside and two of their puppies followed us into the store. Those puppies were so adorable. I guess they weren't puppies, older really and great listeners. Hopefully we can get a dog again soon - when things settle down some, I suppose. Anyway - at the store, I think J said his brother's name. I was trying to find a book for S and J said his name over and over. He is growing by leaps and bounds.
S said tonight "I see your mouth moving but I ain't hearing the words coming out of your mouth" - nice S!!!
Okay - the comedians aren't too funny so I got to finish my post. We are off to church tomorrow morning and then a bike ride in the afternoon. If the weather holds out, Daddy Piper will have work on Monday - THANK YOU GOD!!!!!
Pico
Pico is this yummy stuff that is like salsa but not blended together. I make it using equal amounts of onion, tomato, cilantro and 2-3 jalapenos and then lime juice and salt to taste. This tastes super yummy with Tostito chips and a Dos Equis beer to wash it down : -)
Friday, December 11, 2009
Stinkin' Thinkin'
I am in an abnormally crabby mood today. I am not happy with some stuff right now and am just waiting to see what happens.... Cryptic yep but can't get into details just know that some stuff SUCKS!
And I ate an entire bowl of Pico for lunch today. And my pants are tight. And I need a nap. And some clean socks.
And I ate an entire bowl of Pico for lunch today. And my pants are tight. And I need a nap. And some clean socks.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Museum Visit
The morning started out before daybreak. I awoke to a smothering of kisses. They were the open mouthed, slobbery kind. My baby boy was loving on his mama. I couldn't quite work up the gumption to get upset about the time since the kisses were so sweet and filled with love. He was simply adorable laughing and leaning over me, coming at me open mouthed and trying to give kisses. I just gave up on going back to sleep and got up for the day. We needed to get a move on anyway since we had planned to leave kinda early to go to the Children's Museum here in town. I had planned on packing our lunch to take with us but that was not meant to be. I pulled out all the fixin's for a great lunch. J decided to take that moment to pull out 2 packages of blueberries and dump them on the kitchen floor. The story gets better - he then proceeded to traipse through them, squishing each one with precision. I tried to laugh it off and tried even harder not to let it be a bad start to the day. I started to pick them up, the ones not smooshed beyond oblivion and J sat down and helped me. Having him help, so intently picking each one up, really changed my mood. It was a snapshot in time. He was trying so hard to pick them up with me and was so cute doing it.
Lunch was not made - there simply wasn't time after the blueberry debacle. I finished getting the kids ready and off the five of us headed to the big city. Everyone was in a good mood and I am extremely happy to report that we stayed that way for the entire day!
We made it to the museum in record time and the fun quickly began. Thankfully we had a free pass to get so that saved us close to $50!! We went right to the fun stuff. I had wanted to bring the stroller in and Daddy vetoed that idea in favor of keeping up with J. I think that was the only negative because I had to keep with my diaper bag and all the coats. Next time - bring a stroller. Right away there was a tricycle car wash area where the kids were able to ride their trikes through a pretend carwash. S tried to pull L but she was way too heavy for him. L loaded J on her trike, S rode alone - all was good. They got a rush out of riding through there. The giggles and fun started there and didn't end until we left 2 hours later. Next up there was an art studio where the kids made gingerbread men, painted on a castle and played in a real gingerbread house. J played on the sand table while all the fun creative play was going on. From there we headed up another level where there was a 3 and under room. I stayed there with J while Daddy took the other 2 off to explore the rest of the museum. J LOVED this room. Everything was his level and he had a ball. He climbed the stairs and headed over to this fenced part where he stood and giggled and laughed for a solid five minutes. It was absolutely wonderful to have this time to play with J. I think it might have been one of the first times he has played with kids his own size. We don't have anyone close by that his kids his age. The closest is 2 years old. J went from one to the other playing in that room. He pushed the button to play the bell, crawled underneath the crawl space, went down the slide and played in the play kitchen. I went right along with him, enjoying every second of it. We left there after an half hour or so to find the rest of our family. We found them at the race car exhibit. The kids would push the cars and the cars would race down and end up at the bottom. L & S enjoyed this one the most. S could have stayed there for hours sending those cars racing to the end. L ditched it for something more exciting though - driving a pretend motorcycle! There was a pretend race car and motorcycle. J was upset because I had to hold him in this area = he was getting ran over by the bigger kids. Daddy Piper took J through the noodles and he didn't enjoy that one bit. I took J back to the 3 and under room. On the way, we passed through the noodle thing and I wanted to try it. YIKES - I was totally having an anxiety attack and J was crying. I was hyperventilating because I felt claustrophobic. And I think my mini me felt the same way. Boy aren't we quite the pair. Back to the 3 and under room we went - safety :-) J and I finished up our museum trip in that room while Daddy Piper and the kids enjoyed the rest of the exhibits.
We were hungry at this point so it was off to find some grub. On the drive in, L remembered a Barrel kind of place was somewhere around here. She couldn't quite remember the name of the whole place but it was some kind of barrel (Cracker Barrel). She eventually saw a sign for it and was delighted when we chose that place for lunch.
Lunch went off without a hitch. Everyone ate great. J was the destructive monster, like usual. He just isn't the kid to sit still without having something to occupy him. He was taking his plate and holding it up to his mouth and eating lunch off it that way. He is just a way different child than L or S ever was. I know a parent isn't supposed to compare but it happens sometimes. As we were almost done with our lunch, an older gentleman came over and said "Picture perfect family" and complimented us on our family and in particular, the children's behavior. Gosh - that felt awesome! I did say though that he must not have seen Destructo in the corner : -)
We snagged some candy sticks and headed out. Naps were next up on the agenda. We did have to make a quick stop at the library for S to go #2. He had to go baaaaaaddddd and couldn't hold it one more second and the library was the closest stop. Back in the van, headed to the house. We got everyone settled down after more kids went #2 (what is up with that - they all had to go!!). Daddy Piper, J and myself napped while L & S just rested for their required hour.
After naps, S and I ran to Target to get the gingerbread house I forgot last night (when I totally rocked at coupon shopping - got $164 worth of stuff for $32 and that includes the last of my Christmas shopping. To date Christmas has cost us less than $200!!). S was buckled in the van and mentioned that the next Target trip, he wanted to bring his shopping cart. I surprised him by pulling back in the drive and grabbing it quick. The quick shopping trip was so bonding for us. I like having time alone with the kids like that. I think some of the best conversations we have are in the car.
Dinner was chicken and noodles, per S request. My chicken and black bean concoction I put in the crockpot this morning was a flop :-(
After dinner, the kids played and then had their bath where they were super wild. They watched Shrek the Halls and I nursed J to sleep then we decorated the gingerbread train with the big kids. I tried not to be obsessive about what goes where (SHOCKER!!) and just have fun and it worked - we had fun!!
The day went so well. No nasty exchanges or snide comments, well behaved children - all combined made for a very nice day!!!
Lunch was not made - there simply wasn't time after the blueberry debacle. I finished getting the kids ready and off the five of us headed to the big city. Everyone was in a good mood and I am extremely happy to report that we stayed that way for the entire day!
We made it to the museum in record time and the fun quickly began. Thankfully we had a free pass to get so that saved us close to $50!! We went right to the fun stuff. I had wanted to bring the stroller in and Daddy vetoed that idea in favor of keeping up with J. I think that was the only negative because I had to keep with my diaper bag and all the coats. Next time - bring a stroller. Right away there was a tricycle car wash area where the kids were able to ride their trikes through a pretend carwash. S tried to pull L but she was way too heavy for him. L loaded J on her trike, S rode alone - all was good. They got a rush out of riding through there. The giggles and fun started there and didn't end until we left 2 hours later. Next up there was an art studio where the kids made gingerbread men, painted on a castle and played in a real gingerbread house. J played on the sand table while all the fun creative play was going on. From there we headed up another level where there was a 3 and under room. I stayed there with J while Daddy took the other 2 off to explore the rest of the museum. J LOVED this room. Everything was his level and he had a ball. He climbed the stairs and headed over to this fenced part where he stood and giggled and laughed for a solid five minutes. It was absolutely wonderful to have this time to play with J. I think it might have been one of the first times he has played with kids his own size. We don't have anyone close by that his kids his age. The closest is 2 years old. J went from one to the other playing in that room. He pushed the button to play the bell, crawled underneath the crawl space, went down the slide and played in the play kitchen. I went right along with him, enjoying every second of it. We left there after an half hour or so to find the rest of our family. We found them at the race car exhibit. The kids would push the cars and the cars would race down and end up at the bottom. L & S enjoyed this one the most. S could have stayed there for hours sending those cars racing to the end. L ditched it for something more exciting though - driving a pretend motorcycle! There was a pretend race car and motorcycle. J was upset because I had to hold him in this area = he was getting ran over by the bigger kids. Daddy Piper took J through the noodles and he didn't enjoy that one bit. I took J back to the 3 and under room. On the way, we passed through the noodle thing and I wanted to try it. YIKES - I was totally having an anxiety attack and J was crying. I was hyperventilating because I felt claustrophobic. And I think my mini me felt the same way. Boy aren't we quite the pair. Back to the 3 and under room we went - safety :-) J and I finished up our museum trip in that room while Daddy Piper and the kids enjoyed the rest of the exhibits.
We were hungry at this point so it was off to find some grub. On the drive in, L remembered a Barrel kind of place was somewhere around here. She couldn't quite remember the name of the whole place but it was some kind of barrel (Cracker Barrel). She eventually saw a sign for it and was delighted when we chose that place for lunch.
Lunch went off without a hitch. Everyone ate great. J was the destructive monster, like usual. He just isn't the kid to sit still without having something to occupy him. He was taking his plate and holding it up to his mouth and eating lunch off it that way. He is just a way different child than L or S ever was. I know a parent isn't supposed to compare but it happens sometimes. As we were almost done with our lunch, an older gentleman came over and said "Picture perfect family" and complimented us on our family and in particular, the children's behavior. Gosh - that felt awesome! I did say though that he must not have seen Destructo in the corner : -)
We snagged some candy sticks and headed out. Naps were next up on the agenda. We did have to make a quick stop at the library for S to go #2. He had to go baaaaaaddddd and couldn't hold it one more second and the library was the closest stop. Back in the van, headed to the house. We got everyone settled down after more kids went #2 (what is up with that - they all had to go!!). Daddy Piper, J and myself napped while L & S just rested for their required hour.
After naps, S and I ran to Target to get the gingerbread house I forgot last night (when I totally rocked at coupon shopping - got $164 worth of stuff for $32 and that includes the last of my Christmas shopping. To date Christmas has cost us less than $200!!). S was buckled in the van and mentioned that the next Target trip, he wanted to bring his shopping cart. I surprised him by pulling back in the drive and grabbing it quick. The quick shopping trip was so bonding for us. I like having time alone with the kids like that. I think some of the best conversations we have are in the car.
Dinner was chicken and noodles, per S request. My chicken and black bean concoction I put in the crockpot this morning was a flop :-(
After dinner, the kids played and then had their bath where they were super wild. They watched Shrek the Halls and I nursed J to sleep then we decorated the gingerbread train with the big kids. I tried not to be obsessive about what goes where (SHOCKER!!) and just have fun and it worked - we had fun!!
The day went so well. No nasty exchanges or snide comments, well behaved children - all combined made for a very nice day!!!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Terrific Tuesday
We had a new friend and her mom come to play. She brought along her little sister too. It was great fun for L to have another little girl who is also homeschooled over to play. And best of all - our friend is home from CA and she came over too!!!!!! It was so delightful to have her and her girls come play. We just love them so much and have missed them like crazy. I can't write much - must cook dinner.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Ordinary, Marvelous Monday
I have been overcome with thankfulness over and over today.
- I love my kids getting to wake up on their own instead of being rustled from their beds to rush off anywhere early - especially on a cold, drizzly day like today.
- My washing machine rocks! I only have 1 load left to do and even better - everything has been folded and put away as it comes from the dryer.
- Super grateful Daddy Piper has work today. The day started out early but that's a good thing. He left the house with his lunchbox, a kiss and an uber happy wife. I hope those 3 things help make his day pleasant.
- A warm fire to keep us cozy and the house toasty - free of cost!!
- A bright twinkling Christmas tree with presents underneath. This is the worst financial year we have faced as a couple (or in my life actually) and yet we have plenty under the tree for the kids.
- Being the mommy. I love hearing that word yelled out (most of the time!).
- Plenty of food in our home. Expecially Pioneer Woman's Pico de Gallo!!!
- A warm snuggly baby fresh from his nap.
- The opprtunity to homeschool our children.
- A laptop with wireless capabilities to blog from the couch.wq
- God. I am finding Him, like I never have before and such a delightful journey to be on!
I could go on and on for things to be thankful for this Monday morning and what a wonderful thing that is!!
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Toilet Trouble
L and I were on the laptop looking at blog layouts, trying to find a cute Christmas one. I heard J playing in the other room, laughing and having fun. I thought I better check on him. This is what I found....
It was funny. Super hilarious actually. But it could have been so much worse, if he had gone in head first. Bathroom doors must be shut!
p.s. I took him out and then put him back and took the picture!!
O Christmas Tree
We are in the process of putting our tree up. We get a live one and a cut one every year. The live one gets planted outside (we have 6 from all our Christmas's in this house). The cut one stays inside and gets decorated to the max! The first ornament has been hung. It's our special one from this year (free from Photoworks!). I present our 2009 ornament....
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Another soccer season ends...
Today was the last day of soccer for S. He got a trophy, which made him super proud! We are so happy that its over though. We played on a different league this time and it was such a drive to get to the games. UGH! Next season will be back at the original one. L thinks she might want to play again too - but is reconsidering because of all the running :-)
After soccer we rushed home and had lunch then I had to head to Girl Scout Cookie Training, It lasted a couple of hours. Nothing too intense but there will be lots of little things to keep track of. I am glad I have a co-cookie mom to help!!
This evening was supposed to be spent getting a Christmas tree but L isn't feeling hot so she's currently snuggled in the recliner (the one with heat and massage - HEAVEN!). We enjoyed a herbed panko shrimp linguine dinner and brownies for dessert.
Now it's family time and bath time and bedtime..... I live for this time of day. Everyone is usually relaxed and in a good mood and the next couple hours are filled with lots of giggles and hugs : -)
After soccer we rushed home and had lunch then I had to head to Girl Scout Cookie Training, It lasted a couple of hours. Nothing too intense but there will be lots of little things to keep track of. I am glad I have a co-cookie mom to help!!
This evening was supposed to be spent getting a Christmas tree but L isn't feeling hot so she's currently snuggled in the recliner (the one with heat and massage - HEAVEN!). We enjoyed a herbed panko shrimp linguine dinner and brownies for dessert.
Now it's family time and bath time and bedtime..... I live for this time of day. Everyone is usually relaxed and in a good mood and the next couple hours are filled with lots of giggles and hugs : -)
Friday, December 4, 2009
A GREAT Day!
This morning started out super early. J was up by 3 and wasn't too keen on going back down. I just gave up by 5 and started a fire and coffee for the day. I don't think he didn't want to trade his mama's warm arms for his cold sheets. I wasn't too upset though since snuggling with him is such a rare treat these days. We aren't nursing much during the day but our nights are filled with nursing spells - thankfully!! L & S had their lessons right away this morning, while still in their pj's. They were rewarded with computer time while I got ready for the day. A wonderfully awesome phone call came in about some upcoming work for Daddy Piper. This really changed the mood of the day. He has work on Monday!!!! Daddy Piper was ready for his business lunch. He needed me to move the van to get his car out. Well, I couldn't find my keys. I mean I couldn't find them ANYWHERE and I already lost the other set so I am down to this one set. I had all the kids looking for the keys - even asking J if he had them. He didn't answer me or rather answered with "Dat - Dat - Dat" His answer for everything right now :-) I finally found my keys hanging on the key rack of all places! He left and the kids and I worked on our Christmas cards. They helped put on the return labels and did a great job. We need to get those things out. They are almost ready. We just need to finish addressing the million bazillion envelopes we send out every year. We stopped with that fun project and started watching a movie my sister sent us. J took his nap and I cuddled with L & S and tried to watch the movie. They weren't too interested and then J decided a nap wasn't in his schedule. We loaded up and went to the local grocery
store where the kids played in the provided childcare while I picked up a few things. We finished up and headed home. While we were walking out, I asked L what they did in the play area. She said "We played Rob a Bank". Okay - another product of her imagination, I suppose. Now it was naptime - oh thank God since it's been 11 hours since I got up with J. Everyone napped - YEA!! Typical afternoon stuff then a yummy dinner of rib eye steak with whiskey sauce from Pioneer Woman, green beans, homemade potato wedges with sour cream dip stuff and fresh fruit. A wonderful meal that everyone enjoyed!!!
J is trying to say all kinds of words lately. He is saying "Dat", "Dis", "Bubba", "Mine", and other babbles that don't amount to much. He has cut his eye teeth so he has 16 teeth now. He got super mad when I got him dressed to go outside and had to run back to check on the wedges. He screamed and chased me down. He kept pointing to his shoes and crying. I took him right outside. He is such an outside kid already.
S has had a better couple of days. His temper has fizzled out some. He even snuggled with me on the couch tonight - letting me hold him!! He is excited about going to work with Daddy next week.
Now I am sitting in front of the fire, listening to Dateline and truly feeling contented. Tomorrow is soccer, Girl Scout Cookie training, a trip to a boutique with L and getting our Christmas tree. Life is good!
store where the kids played in the provided childcare while I picked up a few things. We finished up and headed home. While we were walking out, I asked L what they did in the play area. She said "We played Rob a Bank". Okay - another product of her imagination, I suppose. Now it was naptime - oh thank God since it's been 11 hours since I got up with J. Everyone napped - YEA!! Typical afternoon stuff then a yummy dinner of rib eye steak with whiskey sauce from Pioneer Woman, green beans, homemade potato wedges with sour cream dip stuff and fresh fruit. A wonderful meal that everyone enjoyed!!!
J is trying to say all kinds of words lately. He is saying "Dat", "Dis", "Bubba", "Mine", and other babbles that don't amount to much. He has cut his eye teeth so he has 16 teeth now. He got super mad when I got him dressed to go outside and had to run back to check on the wedges. He screamed and chased me down. He kept pointing to his shoes and crying. I took him right outside. He is such an outside kid already.
S has had a better couple of days. His temper has fizzled out some. He even snuggled with me on the couch tonight - letting me hold him!! He is excited about going to work with Daddy next week.
Now I am sitting in front of the fire, listening to Dateline and truly feeling contented. Tomorrow is soccer, Girl Scout Cookie training, a trip to a boutique with L and getting our Christmas tree. Life is good!
Silly Kids
Daddy made brownies tonight. He lets the kids lick the bowl & whisk, even with raw egg, which is something I never do! They all enjoyed the raw dough. 
Even J got to dip his finger in the bowl : -)
L, S & J emptied out the tupperware cabinet while I was doing dishes. Actually Daddy Piper assisted in the rinsing and drying of dishes. Okay back to the story. L and S climbed up on the bowls and such and acted like they were skating. S got up on the pitchers....
And he fell within a microsecond of standing up. He wasn't hurt physically but his ego sure was : -)
Even J got to dip his finger in the bowl : -)
L, S & J emptied out the tupperware cabinet while I was doing dishes. Actually Daddy Piper assisted in the rinsing and drying of dishes. Okay back to the story. L and S climbed up on the bowls and such and acted like they were skating. S got up on the pitchers....
And he fell within a microsecond of standing up. He wasn't hurt physically but his ego sure was : -)
Sweet Child O'Mine
Today I ran outside to chat with Daddy Piper while all 3 kids were napping. I came back in after about 10 minutes to hear J howling from his crib. I grabbed him and checked on L & S. S was sleeping and L was not so I got her up to hang out with me while I calmed J down. L was super sweet when she came out of her room. She told me she had tried to calm J down by giving him his bink but "he just wouldn't settle down, Mom". She thought I was napping and tried her hardest to take care of J so I could get some rest. What a sweet little girl I have!
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Coupons Clean Out
I didn't get any coupons clipped tonight but I did get the binder cleaned out from the expired ones so now I will send those to the base in Germany that we donate to.
There is more drama with my mother these days. She is trying to make things up and create more problems. Frankly, I have enough problems in my life without creating more right now. Her latest is Christmas and the plans we made. She wants us to join her at my aunts and we were going to my sisters, like she has done every other year. I am not sure where this latest drama road will lead but I hope to hit a dead end soon and have no more drama!!!!
There is some possible good news on the work front. Daddy Piper heard from a contractor today that he's worked with in the past and will be lunching with him tomorrow. It is the first glimmer of hope we have had in 3 months so it made for good moods around here today!!
J about tore my heart up today. He is not wanting his Mama very much these days and is showing a preference for his father. He wasn't even affected by me being gone for 4 hours today. It kills me when he reaches for his daddy over me but on the other hand, it is so heartwarming to see my man holding my baby : -)
Last night we had some major conflict with S. We were doing our nightly advent calendar and I was teasing S about him not getting any of the chocolate when he got super angry and raised his hand to hit me. I quickly corrected his behavior and he wasn't appreciative so off to time out he went. He got even more angry while in time out and then when I went to get him out of time out, he clenched his fists and raised them up to me, in an attempt to hit me. I was absolutely dismayed by his behavior. He was sent to his room to calm down. I went in there to talk about what had happened. It was rough. I am so worried when he gets so angry. He shouldn't have such anger at age 3. We talked and talked and talked and reiterated using words instead of our hands. I don't hit him so I won't allow him to hit me. His dad had a talk with him too. I didn't see any anger today so maybe the talk helped. I did hold firm though about not getting a chocolate after the horrible behavior so maybe that helped too.
Blogging from the couch = more blog posts!!
There is more drama with my mother these days. She is trying to make things up and create more problems. Frankly, I have enough problems in my life without creating more right now. Her latest is Christmas and the plans we made. She wants us to join her at my aunts and we were going to my sisters, like she has done every other year. I am not sure where this latest drama road will lead but I hope to hit a dead end soon and have no more drama!!!!
There is some possible good news on the work front. Daddy Piper heard from a contractor today that he's worked with in the past and will be lunching with him tomorrow. It is the first glimmer of hope we have had in 3 months so it made for good moods around here today!!
J about tore my heart up today. He is not wanting his Mama very much these days and is showing a preference for his father. He wasn't even affected by me being gone for 4 hours today. It kills me when he reaches for his daddy over me but on the other hand, it is so heartwarming to see my man holding my baby : -)
Last night we had some major conflict with S. We were doing our nightly advent calendar and I was teasing S about him not getting any of the chocolate when he got super angry and raised his hand to hit me. I quickly corrected his behavior and he wasn't appreciative so off to time out he went. He got even more angry while in time out and then when I went to get him out of time out, he clenched his fists and raised them up to me, in an attempt to hit me. I was absolutely dismayed by his behavior. He was sent to his room to calm down. I went in there to talk about what had happened. It was rough. I am so worried when he gets so angry. He shouldn't have such anger at age 3. We talked and talked and talked and reiterated using words instead of our hands. I don't hit him so I won't allow him to hit me. His dad had a talk with him too. I didn't see any anger today so maybe the talk helped. I did hold firm though about not getting a chocolate after the horrible behavior so maybe that helped too.
Blogging from the couch = more blog posts!!
Blogging from the Bath
I am blogging from the bath tonight. Well, not in the bath but sitting on the stepstool while J takes a bath : -) J is taking a bath by himself tonight (an unusal occurance) and loving every second of it. He doesn't have to share one toy!!
Last night was interesting. L sleep walked 4 times last night with the last time ending in a poopy mess. I won't go in to details because it might embarrass her someday but it was quite the poopy mess!!! After showering her off, I sat up with her and talked about what could be causing the behavior. I sleepwalk myself when I am stressed, worried or nervous so I asked her if she felt any of these things. She admitted a few minutes later to feeling nervous about the nursing home visit today with her Daisy troop. After talking about it some, she went to bed and slept the rest of the night peacefully. Talking sure makes things better, doesn't it?!
Today was fun!! We went to a children's theatre and saw a play based on a popular's children book that the kids enjoy. The show was an hour and half long with no intermission and the kids were super well behaved. We went with our homeschool group. It was a fun tim! After the show, L had to be raced to her Daisy meeting. The play ran longer than I had planned so we were late getting L to her meeting. Thankfully, they were at a park so it ended up being no big deal. I ran S back home to J and Daddy Piper, had some lunch and rushed back to get L. I had a quick nap this afternoon. Quick naps are usually so delightful - just long enough to feel rested but not too long that I feel like the afternoon was wasted.
I am feeling better. I think J is too. It is probably due to the wonderful chili we had from a good friend last night :-)
Another good friend came home from California today. I am so looking forward to seeing her and her girls. We have missed her like crazy!
I gotta run and do some dishes and clip my coupons from Sunday still - way behind!!
Last night was interesting. L sleep walked 4 times last night with the last time ending in a poopy mess. I won't go in to details because it might embarrass her someday but it was quite the poopy mess!!! After showering her off, I sat up with her and talked about what could be causing the behavior. I sleepwalk myself when I am stressed, worried or nervous so I asked her if she felt any of these things. She admitted a few minutes later to feeling nervous about the nursing home visit today with her Daisy troop. After talking about it some, she went to bed and slept the rest of the night peacefully. Talking sure makes things better, doesn't it?!
Today was fun!! We went to a children's theatre and saw a play based on a popular's children book that the kids enjoy. The show was an hour and half long with no intermission and the kids were super well behaved. We went with our homeschool group. It was a fun tim! After the show, L had to be raced to her Daisy meeting. The play ran longer than I had planned so we were late getting L to her meeting. Thankfully, they were at a park so it ended up being no big deal. I ran S back home to J and Daddy Piper, had some lunch and rushed back to get L. I had a quick nap this afternoon. Quick naps are usually so delightful - just long enough to feel rested but not too long that I feel like the afternoon was wasted.
I am feeling better. I think J is too. It is probably due to the wonderful chili we had from a good friend last night :-)
Another good friend came home from California today. I am so looking forward to seeing her and her girls. We have missed her like crazy!
I gotta run and do some dishes and clip my coupons from Sunday still - way behind!!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Snuggly J
I had the pleasure of nursing and snuggling with my sickie tonight. J isn't too much into snuggling and being a cuddly baby these days so this was a supreme treat for this mama!! He fell asleep while nursing and that warmed my heart :-)
Now I am sitting on the couch watching a show with my hubby and hoping all the kids stay asleep awhile for needing me again.
We are going to have to sit out the homeschool group fun tomorrow since I am sick and J is sick now too. I hate missing our group.
Tonight while putting the kids to bed, they didn't want to stay down and needed a million things before finally settling down an hour after being put to bed. L was negotiating for water. I told her no and she cried out that she was super dehydrated. Oh my goodness dear. I did deny her water since she was playing games. I felt bad and went back with water a few minutes later. She was greatly pleased : -) I just hate giving in to every request at bedtime since it seems to drag it out longer and longer. They need to just go to bed. I napped today from 1 till 3. I guess during that time, they were monkeying around during their nap time and had computer time taken away. Computer time is a privilege around here. And taking it away as punishment is usually a productive tool. They were so upset with no computer time but I bet during nap tomorrow, they won't be disruptive!
Oh and all of this was posted from my new laptop - WOOHOO! :-)
Now I am sitting on the couch watching a show with my hubby and hoping all the kids stay asleep awhile for needing me again.
We are going to have to sit out the homeschool group fun tomorrow since I am sick and J is sick now too. I hate missing our group.
Tonight while putting the kids to bed, they didn't want to stay down and needed a million things before finally settling down an hour after being put to bed. L was negotiating for water. I told her no and she cried out that she was super dehydrated. Oh my goodness dear. I did deny her water since she was playing games. I felt bad and went back with water a few minutes later. She was greatly pleased : -) I just hate giving in to every request at bedtime since it seems to drag it out longer and longer. They need to just go to bed. I napped today from 1 till 3. I guess during that time, they were monkeying around during their nap time and had computer time taken away. Computer time is a privilege around here. And taking it away as punishment is usually a productive tool. They were so upset with no computer time but I bet during nap tomorrow, they won't be disruptive!
Oh and all of this was posted from my new laptop - WOOHOO! :-)
Sickie Tuesday
I am now getting sick. I thought all morning that it was just allergies from our dirty air and the trees blossoming all around us but nope - after puking half the afternoon, I am thinking I am sick.
This morning, I took the kids to a homeschool PE class thing to try. We went with other families from our homeschool group. S wasn't too keen on trying it out to begin with but got into it shortly after beginning. L got right into from the get go and loved it. I thought S was a bit too young but he truly enjoyed it. About half way through, he ran over and said "I love this Mama - I want to do it every week!". How great! The other kids from our group weren't too interested so that's a bummer. It is fun though since there is another little girl in the PE class that we have known for awhile, since the girls were about 2 I think.
J just woke up with a 102 fever so I guess he's sick now. Gotta go.....
This morning, I took the kids to a homeschool PE class thing to try. We went with other families from our homeschool group. S wasn't too keen on trying it out to begin with but got into it shortly after beginning. L got right into from the get go and loved it. I thought S was a bit too young but he truly enjoyed it. About half way through, he ran over and said "I love this Mama - I want to do it every week!". How great! The other kids from our group weren't too interested so that's a bummer. It is fun though since there is another little girl in the PE class that we have known for awhile, since the girls were about 2 I think.
J just woke up with a 102 fever so I guess he's sick now. Gotta go.....
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