Spring is finally here! For now anyway. It’s my sons spring break from school. It’s warm and sunshiny out. I love being able to open all the windows and let new, fresh air in. And the birds here where we live are loud and sing all day. It’s probably the reason I will try to live here as long as I can. It’s so peaceful. We live in a small community called an association. It’s private, one way in and one way out. Where I grew up, we call that the hood! LOL It’s nice to walk around here, it’s right by the lake and it’s very wooded and hilly. It feels great to be able to get out and breath the warm air. For so many months it’s so cold, sometimes so cold it hurts to breath!
I had 4 kids Monday not including Bailey. I wore them out, but really they wore me out! It was a busy crazy day, in a good way. I had Sue’s son because their daycare was closed. Thankfully it was nice enough to be outside the majority of the day. We walked to the park, that was an exercise! Try pushing two toddlers up numerous hills. Needless to say I was tired. We all played hard, and I’m sure we all slept well that night!
My mom is here visiting for the week. She took the kids to the mall to shop, as always. lol (grandmas are the best at spoiling!) She bought Bailey something that I’m pretty sure he never thought he’d own in a million years. A Justin Morneau signed picture!! He plays 1st base for the Minnesota Twins. He called me from the store, he says “I thought I was going to faint!”. Bailey idolizes him, to put it mildly!
Wednesday my mom and I took Bailey and my niece to see, How to Train a Dragon in 3D! In my opinion it was the best animated movie I think I’ve seen. EVER! I would never want to watch it without 3D glasses. I just might buy the movie and glasses and watch it again! I highly recommend that movie, to every one of any age.
Oh hey, one last thing. Have any of you tried the new Bounce bar for the dryer? I did, and it doesn’t work! I’m getting shocked all over the place!
Well, you all have a great Thursday and a terrific weekend!
Us Girls..Our Views 
LOL!!! I have to get this off my chest here and now!!! I only use DOWNY!! Serves you right!! Just kidding.
I know how happy Bailey must be to have the Morneau autograph. How the heck is this grandma gonna top that??? I love the photo and am glad she’s here spending time with the kids. Christopher was so excited to go to Aunties AND that Bailey was going to be home. Our school district doesn’t have spring break.
I’ve really loved this weather too. I love the birds that are coming back. I’ve got lots of Robins now and the doves are back. I’m expecting the Grosbeaks in the next couple of weeks. I sure hope my pair of geese come back. They are usually here by now. Bailey has my bird bug.
I’ve felt a lot better this week health wise. It’s funny how not feeling well makes you really appreciate it when you feel good.
Is anyone watching Dancing? I simply can NOT believe Shannon went home first. I never thought she’d win but to go home first???? I never would have thunk it.
I’m sure I’ve forgotten a million things and will be back.
I always use Bounce dryer sheets. The bar that you stick on the inside of your dryer, it sounded good. It’s not! I’ll go back to the sheets.
I do too Nikki!
I love the smell of them, and I need it for the static. The only thing I hate, and this is why I tried the bar; I find the sheets all over my house! Then Felix gets a hold of them and shreds them to pieces! LOL
The weather’s beautiful here too.. I LOVE the spring and the fresh air. It always makes me happy. 🙂
That signed picture really sounds like an awesome gift and I can just see the excitement in his face!!
I saw the preview for “how to train your dragon” and it looks really cute. I’ll definitely have to go see considering I’ve always liked animated movies. Maybe I’ll go this weekend. What do y’all think of 3D movies? Do you like them? Do you think its worth the extra money? I do like 3D but it seems like its better for some movies than others and I dont really like spending $3 or so more dollars each time I want to go see a movie just because its in 3D. For some movies I found it totally worth it (Avatar), others not so much (Alice in Wonderland). I’d be curious to hear other peoples opinions since 3D seems to be the new thing that’s here to stay.
I saw the bounce bar in the store the other day and was curious..but am glad I didnt waste my money on it! I’ll stick to the bounce dryer sheets.
Joy, I don’t watch dancing w/stars but heard about it on the radio today. Its a shame that she went home…
OK….I think I’m done now. Have a good night 🙂
It is very much worth the extra money! My husband was so impressed when we left the theater and the kids really like it too!
I’m so disappointed in DWTS. Shannon?! Really??? Kate has got to go!
I’m so glad the kids loved the movie as much as we did. I think it’s the best animated movie I’ve seen since Cars. The storyline is wonderful and seeing it in 3D is amazing!
I am so glad it’s suppose to be nice tomorrow and I have the day off 🙂 I hope to get all the gravel in the yard raked back in the driveway where it belongs!
I haven’t been watching DWTS, but I’m not surprised Shannon was the first to go. Honestly, I was surprised that she was even chosen to participate. I don’t think her rep ever recovered from whatever happened when she was on 90210… I don’t think she has all that many fans, and since it’s a ‘call/text vote’ thing, you’ve GOT to have the fan base, not just the talent.
That’s very true.
Yes, hooray for Spring! It feels great just to be able to take the girls for a walk around the block. It was getting tiresome just to bring the kids home when it’s already dark and sit around the house until bedtime. We tried to jazz it up, but there is nothing like sunlight!
I hear ya about pushing two tots up the hill, LOL. We live in a very hilly area and I was really pumped when I realized how much exercise my kids could give me on a simple walk. However, I started making my kids do their own walking by about 1.5. We’d walk to the park a mile away, up and down steep hills. They were sooooo slow, LOL! I was always conflicted because on the one hand, they needed the exercise, but on the other hand, I could use a brisk walk too! Not to mention the worry that they’d decide to need a potty break when we were half a mile from the nearest bathroom. Thank goodness they are a lot faster now.
Today I didn’t take the girls anywhere (other than a walk around the block). I had bought some Easter cookie and cupcake kits, and it was now or never. So after a quick dinner, my kids and I made cupcakes and cookies. Oh, what decadence! Both kids were in heaven, because I normally don’t let either of them indulge in sweets, but today I let them taste the batter, lick the spoons, eat all the cookie rejects and topping spillover, etc. They really went to town with the flour, so we had an unscheduled hair wash. Tomorrow we will ice the cupcakes. I hope they came out OK. I left them in a bit longer than I intended because I got distracted (how did that happen?).
Even though my back hurts now and I have hours of work ahead of me before I can sleep (yeah, that same client I’ve been whining about for weeks), tonight I feel a little impressed with myself. Within 2 hours, I prepared dinner, fed my kids, baked a double batch each of decorated sugar cookies and cupcakes (starting from box mixes), cleaned up (in several iterations) without leaving a trace of mess, did a load of laundry, bathed my kids and got them to bed. And for the most part, I wasn’t rushing around or feeling stressed. Over the past couple of years, I’ve had to learn how to do a lot in little time with my kids underfoot, so I guess now it’s pretty much second nature. I probably wouldn’t want every day to be like today, though.
So I’ve been telling my kids about the story of Good Friday and Easter. Today my little one said, “Mommy, I want to talk about Jesus. Can we talk about him dying?” A friend of mine suggested my kids are too young to hear about that stuff and I should just focus on the Easter Bunny. But I don’t know. I finally decided on a church to take the girls to (first time) for Easter service, and I’d like them to have a clue about it. So anyhoo, what with all her “whys,” I found myself explaining stuff about eternal life and redemption and forgiveness to a 3-year-old. And I get the feeling she understood it at a basic level. Or, I could just be crazy.
Speaking of crazy, there is something very strange going on in our family, and I might put together a blog post about it once it gets resolved. A middleschool boy in my family was sent to the principal for the 1st time in his life, and found himself facing an expulsion hearing due to some “zero tolerance” policy that was misapplied. This kid was a model student to the nth degree, seriously, until this “incident.” I don’t want to say too much yet, but it’s made the past week interesting to say the least.
So what are you all doing for the holiday? Do you have Friday off? I don’t (surprise!). Nor Saturday, but I’m going to try to pay a visit on Saturday p.m. to an old lady who used to live across the street from my childhood home. We used to go over there all the time and she was so nice. She didn’t have her own kids, so the neighborhood kids were sort of her hobby. She watched me and my sibs grow up and would love to see how we are now. So I will call her and see if she is available Saturday evening, when my sister will also be with me. We used to go over to see her every Easter morning in our Easter clothes, and she’d take our photo and keep it in her “picture books.” So I am thinking I’ll dress up my kids in their Easter dresses for the visit, just for fun. Let’s see if it works out. The girls can color eggs Saturday morning. Then on Easter, we’ll go to church, then to a birthday/Easter party at my brother’s house, then over to see my sister’s newest puppies, then to my parents’ house, where I will probably finish the day doing their taxes. Anyway, that’s the plan. Sound ambitious enough?
I hope everyone has a happy Easter!
The cookies and cupcakes sound awesome. I’ll bet they had a blast. I also think it’s very cool that you would take them to visit the older neighbor. I’ll bet she’ll love it. Are you going home for Easter weekend?
Easter Sunday we are going to Paul and Joys. It’s always nice getting the family together. It’s nice having a smaller family, it’s not so overwhelming.
Since my mom is here now and leaving tomorrow we colored eggs last night. I LOVE doing that kind of stuff with the kids. It’s fun seeing how creative they can be.
Tomorrow is my last day with one of my daycare boys. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little relieved. I’m over trying to get through to his parents. I’ll miss him, not the parents. And if they think I am going to take him when his new daycare can’t…for whatever reason, sick or closed, I’m not. I’m getting better at saying “no.” I am not doing over nights or Saturdays for them either. They aren’t getting they cake and eating it too…I don’t think so!
This whole “zero tolerance” is crap IMHO! I know it’s hard to judge based on each situation, then parents can say…well you did this for that student why not mine. But come on, something has to give! Good luck with that, I look forward to hearing more about it. I hope it all works out!
I’m SO glad you guys are telling me that “Dragon” is good! I absolutely *loved* the ads for it during the Olympics (could be because Craig Ferguson was doing the voice-overs, and I love him, too), and have been hoping beyond hope that the movie is all it’s cracked up to be.
I’m not thrilled about the whole 3D thing, though. I’ve never liked 3D stuff, and don’t understand the sudden fetish for it. I mean, at least three movies in the last few months have been 3D! Avatar, Clash of the Titans (which I think has already gone to video), and now Dragon. And there may be a few others that I missed.
One question, though. Josh is a little skittish with movies. He wanted to leave halfway through the Chipmunks “Squeakuel” because he was worried about the Chippies (or maybe the ‘ettes) getting into trouble. He crawled up in my lap, and it was quite a thing to convince him to stay all the way through. He’s ok with CARS, but most any other movie/video, he gets REALLY worried and wants to turn it off.
So, what I’m asking here is this: How scary is the “scary part”? Because EVERY movie has a ‘scary’ part, or one that builds worry/concern, otherwise it would be one long Barney episode, and I might just have to hang myself right there in the theatre.
***
This week has been WICKED crazy for me, too. Fascinating, but very busy. And, unfortunately, that’s all I can say about it, because, like SKL’s middle-schooler, it’s part of an ongoing process, and I can’t say anything about it until it’s done and over with.
But today, I’m heading up to Dillard’s (Macy’s for those of you NOT in “flyover country”) for a Clinique consultation. I intend for her to take very good care of me, and to leave there looking stunning, and 50 lbs lighter.
Hey, a girl can dream, can’t she?
***
Easter. Oh, we’ve got a very quiet one planned this year. I just realized, what, Tuesday? That Easter is this Sunday, so I kind of had a brain implosion over it. On top of it, Josh has recently had some behavioral issues at school (I hope and pray that it’s just “one of those phases” and it’ll be done soon), and has had all of his toys taken away from him. He’s down to only books for something to do, and must earn each toy back with good behavior at school. Yeah, it was the Nuclear Option, and we exercised it.
Anyway, I must now talk with The Bunny and make it clear to him that he is not to bring any toys this year. He does have a very cool/fun Recipe Box for him, but that, to me, is a tool. And so is the magnifying glass that will be in the basket. We don’t do much by way of “Easter Gifts” anyway, so it’s not a HUGE deal… my sister-in-law always did a huge basket for the kids, though so it was almost like Christmas Morning. So this year will be quieter. We don’t have guests coming, so it’s just the three of us.
Traditionally, we color eggs the day before, thanks to a request sent by The Bunny (which should be delivered tomorrow) that we color the eggs for him, since he’s so busy, he doesn’t have time to do it. Then we leave them out the night before in a little basket, and he comes and hides them. Josh really enjoys that.
I may also teach him to make a Bunny or Lamb Cake.
SKL, we’ve talked about Jesus, too… ‘course, Josh is 6, and goes to Catholic School, so we have help with the story, but all along, I’ve found that if I’m simple with him (simple/uncomplicated, not simple/dumbed-down), and answer his questions honestly, it’s soooo much easier going forward. I had that awkwardness when he asked me where babies come from – at age 4! He asked if he grew in my tummy, and then thought about it and asked me if he came out… from the correct place!! (in 4-year-old language of course, and thinking about bodily functions, and how stuff comes out)… and then I explained to him that he was born by C-section! He thought about it, and simply accepted it, after asking a few questions. No mystery, no making up of stuff, no Stork, and consequently, no confusion. So I think you’re doing it exactly right. Their language, their level, and it gives them a jump on critical thinking.
Good God, I’ve talked a lot this morning, haven’t I?
There are some scary parts in the movie. It’s actually more suspense than scary, but to a 5 year old it may seem scary. Christopher held onto his glasses the whole time during the movie and I’m not sure if it was b/c he was scared or the glasses felt weird. The opening scene is all action so maybe seeing it “regular” wouldn’t be so much. The 3D really puts it ‘in your face’ you could say so…It’s a great movie though so try and see it!
Sue… can you watch it as well, without the glasses on? Or does it look all weird if you take them off? I’m thinking the 3D might be too intense, but the story itself would be ok…
It looks weird, kind of fuzzy with out the glasses. Where we went they had it playing on 2 different screens. With and without the glasses.
I love that you’re going to Clinique. That sounds like so much fun.
I’m all for the honesty too if it works. I was the same way with my boys and I found they weren’t ever afraid to come to me with things.
Bailey looks like he loves his picture!
I want to go see the Dragon movie but my kids don’t so it looks like I will have to wait until it comes out on video.
We are doing a crawfish boil Easter Day. I can’t wait! We will get up and go to church and then head up to my mother-in-laws house. I bought 6 dozen confetti eggs for my girls and my nephews. I figure the mess won’t be at my house!! 😉
I hope everyone has a Happy Easter!
One of the kids in my daughter’s 4-H club did a presentation on confetti eggs and we thought it was great! Her grandparents live in Texas and it’s something they always did so I’m thinking it must be a southern/Texas thing. Have you always done it? Can you buy them ready made?
We have always done them but when we were kids we had to make them ourselves. Of course now you can buy them already made!
One year we “made” a confetti egg, we dyed it and put masking tape on the top to make it look just right. What we didn’t do was take the egg out of it and put the confetti in. We broke it over my dad’s head. It was freakin great! He didn’t think so but it was funny!
Okay, I give. What’s a confetti egg?
What? What’s a confetti egg? Let me move that rock you are living under!! Too funny!
A confetti egg is a real egg with the inside removed and replaced with confetti. Then you nail people with them!
http://www.project-tnt.com/fiesta/Make%20Eggs.htm
I never knew that either! What fun!!
It really does sound fun. I’m going to give it a try.
Sooooo glad you guys liked the movie! I’m thinking of going back next week when the kids are in school just to watch it by myself again!!
Weather. It’s been awesome herre too. I couldn’t help myself, so last weekend me and the kids put in a few tomato and yellow squash plants!
We use the Bounce drier sheets. They can double as bug repelant if you tuck one in the colar of your shirt. It may lool wierd but at least I don’t have to spray stuff all over me.
The weather is gorgeous here but its wreaking havoc on my sinuses and allergies. Everything is in full bloom and the layer of pollen is unreal. Add to it hte amount of people burning stuff right now and its a lethal combination.
We had our spring break the 2nd week in march. I had 6 kids here all day every day.. it wore me out..
Good to see you Tosha. You haven’t been around much.
hey joy.. Yeah i’ve not been feeling well for well over a month so i havent been online much… Long story short I go to the dr tomorrow. We think its my blood pressure. It’s good to see you guys too!
I just finished Last Song by Nicholas Sparks and it was SOOO good. I loved it. Now I want to see the movie. In my mind, the cast was perfectly cast.
My oldest just finished that book. I think my girls are going to see it tomorrow, since they are off from school. They don’t want mom to tag along so I will find something else to do!
Let me know how they like it. I’m dying now to see it but I’m not good with theaters. I didn’t realize Kelly Preston played her mom which was a huge bonus. I love Greg Kinnear.
My oldest said it was very close to the book. They both really liked it. I had to laugh because when they came out from the movie you could tell they had been crying.
I don’t cry very often while reading books but this one made me get choked up a few times. How was the rating? Was there swearing or sex? There was no sex in the book. I’m wondering if Trinity could see it. She’s 9.
No, Trin’s not seeing it.
I guess you can scratch that.
LOL!! I let my 10 year old see it but she sees a lot of movies she probably shouldn’t!!
Cute picture of Baily, looks happy with his new gift. There is nothing better than the first few days of warm Spring weather after a long Winter. It’s been really gray here so when the sun first came out a couple of weeks ago it was exhilarating. It seemed like the whole town was in a good mood. My weeks been good getting back to blogging has been fun a bit surreal. I’m a little overwhelmed with the running list of chores going on in my head. I have to remember like the joke How do you eat an elephant? One bit at a time. The Spring chores will get done one chore at a time and hopefully enjoying some of those moments when I can stop and feel the sunshine warming my back, grateful for the change of Season. For some reason I’m really looking forward to Spring this year looking forward to seeing the bright flower colors, the warmer weather maybe even camping. Life is Good.
Minnesota has spring? Who knew!
I’m waiting for Clash of the Titans. I was my son’s age when the original came out, and this one looks like fun.
Yesterday I was home late, so I did not had the energy to read and react, so that is why I am a day late 🙂 You got a lot of comments, Nikki! Nice for you!
Spring is my favorite season too, the birds songs are priceless as well as the smell of the blooming fruit trees.
I never use bounce sheets or what ever for the dryer. So the other stuff you mentioned I do not know about.
Have a great Easter weekend!