Santa has come and gone...

Leaving a trail of mess behind him. Sounds like a song, doesn't it...

Santa is almost here...

It is almost midnight and I, again, have procrastinated which resulted in Daddybug and I wrapping presents until now. I am starting a list of what NOT to do next year. Waiting to wrap presents is #1.

But the house is cleaned up and I found all the presents I had hidden. I can rest in peace.

I bet Doodlebug is going to be up early. I kept telling the little buggers that the fast they go to sleep, the faster Christmas comes. It worked well on Ticklebug.

Merry Christmas! May Christmas be a day of good food, friends and family. Don't forget to thank God for the first Gift of his Son.

Mamabug

Really, I'm not pouting...

SB, you are pouting...(arms crossed, no eye contact, sad face)

No, I'm not.

I'm...

(Pick one)

1. just resting
2. just standing here
3. just looking around

No, that looks like a pout.

Oh, maaannnn! as she stalks off.

The day the City shuts down...

Just a friendly reminder that your neighborhood Kroger or Walmart will probably be closed early Christmas eve through Christmas day. Don't get caught needing milk or a missing ingredient or a prescription refill. 7 Eleven may not have it! : )

I learned this the hard way one year when we returned from out of town. We needed milk and a few other groceries only to discover the town had shut down. It was only 9pm. We scrounged up some dry donuts and an overpriced gallon of milk at the corner 7 eleven. Not the Cmas breakfast I had in mind.


This will be the first time that I can remember not being at Walmart for one reason or another on Cmas eve at 5pm. I got my shopping finished today. I am going to Kroger tomorrow to get milk and call it a day!

What a week! Ramblings...

I seem to be meeting myself coming and going. I signed up to be room mom for Doodlebug's Second grade class. Ignorance is bliss for only so long! I procrastinated too much and it caught up to me. I had to get a letter and party planned last night for next Thursday's Christmas party so I could send the letter home with the students today. Fortunately, Mrs. G gave me the name of an experienced room mom so I would know what to do. I am just going to copy her. Snugglebug was a good sport while I made copies and things to go in the folder. We also checked the ABC bags for Ticklebug's Kindergarten class like we do every Friday.

Snugglebug is hanging out with a new sitter while I type this. I am off to clean the bathrooms and a multitude of other things before my brother gets here tonight. It's weird how I am actually looking forward to being able to clean uninterrupted. It's kinda sick and pathetic.

Well, on that note, off I go to make my bathrooms sparkle. Gotta love that Method cleaner, Basic H and Barkeeper's Friend.

Works-For-Me-Wednesday-- Kids in the kitchen

I have implemented a new rule at our house. "No Work, No Eat". I finally had had enough of me doing all the work to get food on the table. So in order for that to happen I had to make things accessible for the little buggers in the kitchen and pantry.

A friend of mine who is a single mom of now grown kids told me how she rearranged the kitchen to make it possible for her kids to be more independent. I followed her advice and I moved all the kid sized plates, cups, bowls down to a low cupboard and put my crockpot and other stuff on the cupboard above the counter. I left the regular breakable plates and glasses up high. The silverware is already in a low drawer so that wasn't a problem. In the pantry I moved the cereal, breakfast food, and snack foods down on the lowest shelves.

As a result of the above changes, my kids can now serve themselves and others drinks and food. They can get a bowl of cereal for breakfast with minimum help and they help get everything out for dinner. Doodlebug is 7 and usually pours the drinks. Ticklebug is five and usually get the napkins and silverware. Snugglebug is 2 and she gets the plates out. They can get their own snacks and help pack their own lunches.

No only can they help with meal related things, but also they can now unload the dishwasher because anything that is plastic is within their reach. No more excuses!

I don't feel like a slave anymore and they are learning how to count the correct number of items, gauge how much liquid the cup will hold, and how to work together as a team to get the job done.

I realize the above is possibly a no-brainer but you know how easy it is as a mom to miss the obvious. It's not like we don't have anything on our minds!

For other great WFMW ideas head on over to Shannon at Rocks in My Dryer.

Our Littlest Angel...

I'm still too busy laughing to write much... Got any good captions for me?

Praise Baby music and DVDs...

Check out these music DVDs especially if you are looking for a last minute gift for a little bugger in your life. You know how fascinated little ones are with looking at other babies. What a combination-- real life kiddos and praise music. For example, Joy to the World DVD.

Check it out!

Neighbor Bugs...

This is normal.

This is not normal.

Flickbug, Ticklebug, Soccerbug, Doodlebug

Boomama's Souptacular Carnival...

Following Boomama's rules of "it must be hearty" I am going with a chili recipe I got years ago. I like it because the sausage jazzes it up and I can cook it on the stove quickly or in the Crockpot all day.

We like to eat it with corn chips and lots of shredded cheese. I personally like sour cream as well but I am alone in that preference in our household.

Heartwarming Chili

1 pound ground beef
1 pound ground pork

1 medium onion, chopped

1/2 cup chopped green pepper

1-1/2--2.0 cups of water

1 can (15oz) tomato sauce

1 can (15oz) pinto beans, rinsed and drained

1 can (14.5oz) diced tomatoes, UNdrained

1 envelope chili seasoning mix

1/4 teaspoon garlic salt

In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, cook beef, pork, onion and green pepper over medium heat until meat is no longer pink and vegetables are tender; drain.

Add all other ingredients except for toppings. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until heated through. Garnish as desired.

8-10 servings if you don't use big servings. Adjust water as needed to reach desired thickness.

***** Head on over to Boomama's for other great hearty soups. No wimps allowed!*****

Works-For-Me Wednesday: The What-Do-I-Fix? Edition

It was 5 o'clock, and the little buggers said they were hungry --over and over and over and over and over. The cupboards were bare. BUT this day, the day you had planned to take Kroger by storm, you ended up running Junior's lunch to him at school instead of getting groceries. You also took Sue to see the doctor because she coughed all night. You then stopped by the pharmacy, just making it home in time to lay your cranky two-year-old down for the afternoon nap. There was no time to shop.

The best solution to this problem that I have encountered was from a wonderful friend and neighbor, BestBug. Our usual 5 p.m. conversation goes something like this:

BB: "Do you have dinner planned yet?"
MB: "Uh, no. Do you?"
BB: " No, haven't even thought about it."
MB: "Wanna order pizza together? I have a buy-one-get-one-free coupon."

Little did I know that this time the conversation would go something like this:

BB: "Do you have dinner planned yet?"
MB: "Uh, no."
BB: "Here's a gallon of homemade vegetable soup. "

Only a stupid person would say "no thanks, I'll order pizza again". I am not stupid! I took that soup and RAN.

Unfortunately, if you don't have a BestBug in your life, you may have to settle for a 'popcorn night'. We pop loads of popcorn and cut up fruit, veggies, cheese, or whatever we have on hand and watch a movie.

Have you ever been a BestBug to someone and shared your dinner with them? Try it sometime. Knock their socks off with an unexpected dinner offer. You'll make their night!

Head on over to Shannon at Rocks in My Dryer for other awesome last minute ideas!

Quote of the Day...

This is what you would have heard had you been a crumb on the floor of our minivan after I had picked Snugglebug up from Preschool.

MB: Tell me about your day.

SB: Normal, that's normal.

MB: You had a normal day?

SB: yes, normal

I usually get good, fine or silence from the back seat. Today I got a little variety.

She is not even THREE yet. Where does she get this stuff? Guess it comes from having older siblings.

Calvin and Hobbes

I introduced Doodlebug and Ticklebug to Calvin and Hobbes this weekend. DB can read it and TB is having fun looking at the pictures when there is no one to read it to him.

Ticklebug likes the ones in which Calvin pretends he is a spaceman. Doodlebug likes the "gross" ones as she puts it. Basically, the ones involving toilets, bugs, worms, vomiting and general "potty" themes. It is cool to see their sense of humor and ability to "get" a joke develop.

Notable Quotes

Tonight...


MB: TB, go pack your lunch.


TB: What?


MB: TB, go pack your lunch.


TB: Huh?

As I am 4-5 feet away...

MB: We need to go buy you some new ears. Yours are broken. Target is having a buy one, get one free sale.

As he looks right at me as I am finishing talking ...

TB: What? (as in "what did you say")

For a split second there I thought he was messing with me. He wasn't. That made it even funnier.

I wonder what he was thinking about or listening to. : )

30 minutes later when I read to him what I had written for this post, he goes "my ears aren't broken, you're just kidding me." He just giggled and giggled.

Doesn't get any better than that.

Aaaahhhh, life with little buggers. I believe our little buggers were stamped with "For Entertainment Purposes Only" on their foreheads when they were born.

Operation Christmas Child...

We have continued the tradition in our family of filling up shoe boxes for children around the world who are not having a Christmas. This ministry is Operation Christmas Child through Samaritan's Purse-- Franklin Graham's ministry. My grandmother did it years ago, my mom did it, and now we are doing it with our kids.

Throughout the year I buy things on clearance for the boxes then whatever is left we go to the dollar stores and find what we need. This year it really seemed to click with Ticklebug and Doodlebug on what to get and why. I really enjoyed shopping for the items with them. We bought clear shoeboxes so they have a "treasure box" to go along with their treasures. The kids were old enough to help me pack the boxes which made it even easier and fun!

Maybe next year, I'll be organized enough to get a picture of us and a note into each box. I've read that sometimes the kiddos will write back.

Too Awesome for Words...

My MIL just emailed me about a free software program that they are using at her school called Tux Paint. It is so cool! It has life-like images and easy to use options of stamps, painting, letters, shapes and more. My kiddos love to mess with the "Paint" program on our computer but this is much more user friendly.

Check it out at TUX PAINT!

The World's Greatest White Elephant Gift...

Ok, maybe I am exaggerating a wee little bit but this was the best one I have ever given. It beats out the old shower head and How To Cut Hair DVD. I called my husband from the store and attempted to describe it to him. This is what he had to go on...

"It is a remote as long as my arm from my elbow to my palm and it is wider than my hand. The buttons on it are larger than my thumbprint."

Supposedly it works.

Isn't that the funniest thing?

What a great tabletop conversation piece that you could have until you are 95!

Just think, one remote for the rest of your life.

Ramblin'...

Snugglebug is 2.5 and her chatting is starting to make a lot more sense but can still be hilarious. The conversations you can have with her...


MB: SB, What is your favorite place to eat?
SB: Mimie's house, no, MmmDonald's


Mimie's or McDonald's .... Hmmm. She'll have to settle for the Golden Arches, Mimie is too far away. Believe me, it is settling. You should taste my mom's cooking! She makes good homemade noodles. I tried to make them once 9 years ago. The fact that it has been 9 years since I tried it again, says it all. I'll just have them at her house. Not only can she make noodles but she used to make bologna sandwiches a delicacy! You haven't lived until you have had bologna on WonderBread with chips for a picnic in the car after grocery shopping.

**************************************************************************************

You've heard of kids that can be hungry between bites? Well... let me tell you a little story. SB was in the middle of her breakfast this morning very adamantly stating that she was hungry. She must not have seen the delightful breakfast in front of her. I think it was code for "I would rather have the Halloween candy in the pantry and not this boring toast".

I fully admit that she got those genes from me. I've been known to eat ice cream for breakfast every great once in a while, of course. It has protein and carbohydrates. If I need a little more protein, I add nuts. Of course, I have to wait until the buggers are in school before I break that out.

Unusually thoughtful thoughts...Mulling over a sermon

Warning... No cute pictures ahead... keep reading only if you want to know what was on my mind today...

Our pastor spoke on giving today using II Corinthians 8 and 9 as the main text. He doesn't talk about money much but today he shared how he and his family chose to give and why. I read both of those chapters this afternoon for my quiet time. Although he talked about giving money there are other ways to give too. You can give of your time, your talents, your possessions, and more. Remember how Peter saw a crippled man and when the man asked for a handout Peter said "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." (Acts 3:5-7) "Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong". See, Peter gave what he had. He didn't ignore the need because he didn't have exactly what the man asked for. He looked to see what he could give and gave that.

What God wants is for me to be like him and give of what time, money, things, talents, or gifts that I possess. (Luke 6:38) I realized that what God wants me to give is probably different from what He wants someone else to give. Not only does he want my gifts to be according to what I have, but also to be given without reluctance. (II Corinthians 8:11-12, 9:7). Guilt should not be my motivator.

Many times I'll say: "I'll sign up to help there" or "I can do _____" or "I'll give _______." I can't stop there. I need to put my money (or service) where my mouth is like it says in II Corinthians 8:11.

"Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means." .

There is a lot of good stuff in those two chapters. There were verses I have heard all my life and others that jumped off the page at me for the first time. Time for me and God to have a little talk about what I have to give.

Speaking of Quiet..

Something like this is what I am putting on my Christmas list.

A mom can never have too much quiet.

Happy Place-- here I come!

Having trouble sleeping? Try...

Puzzles

I've been trying this new thing with Snugglebug this week at naptime. I let her play in her room for 15-30 minutes then I tell her it is time to sleep. It has been working quite well! Prior to this week she had been babbling for an hour or more before maybe going to sleep.

She was so off her game today that I put her to bed before 1pm rather than 2. I've had all I can take of 2 y/o DRAMA.

Can you hear that? It is the sound of heaven on earth!

It is 1:36 and I am HAPPY to report that the house is QUIET.

String or Not to String, That is the Question...

There is a debate among mothers about diapers. Cloth or Disposable. I guess now there is a debate about string or no string.

Check this out!


I would not have admitted that to anyone besides by best friend-- if that.

Ginormous Tinkertoys

Look what my Dad brought to play with! Tinkertoys that I played with at Gma C's house.

Works for Me Wednesday! My best friend...

In honor of WFMW, I would like to introduce you to one of my best friends "Swiffer Sweep and Vac". Swiffer meet the internets.

We met a couple of years ago as a result of a personal ad on TV. I was cynical after how I felt I had been let down in the past. I wasn't sure there was anything out there for me that would help meet my sweeping needs. My last relationship with a broom was more because it was comfortable and convenient as much as anything. I wasn't very content and my kids didn't really like him. In fact, they avoided him every time he came out. Our relationship was a take or leave it kind of thing. And he was ALWAYS leaving it! I just couldn't take it anymore!

When I saw that personal ad, I thought he was too good to be true. I figured he was misrepresenting himself and exaggerating. So I Googled him and then waited 6 weeks before I met him for the first time. I wasn't investing in this relationship without a good coupon to help cover my loss if the bottom fell out.

I was still cautious and skeptical but I brought him to my house to hang out a bit in the kitchen. Wow! He is the real deal! My floors were crumb free in no time flat and we had such fun. I was able to get along all the baseboards and into the corners under the cabinets where the mop can't reach. His swivel head made sweeping under the table and chairs effortless without moving a piece of furniture. I had so much fun that I begged him to stay longer and we tackled the entry and all the bathrooms. My kids loved racing around with him-- even the 3 y/o! How awesome is that! If they get along with him that well then he is a keeper.

He has been a part of our family ever since that day. There was no way I was letting go of him. I know a good thing when I see it!

So here we are today, almost at our two year anniversary. He asks for so little and gives so much. He's the best!

That's what works for me! Head on over to Shannon at Rocks in my Dryer for more tips and ideas. Happy Reading!

Random Pictures from November

Overheard...

This exchange was prompted by the fact that slow as a slug Ticklebug was not in his room at 6:58 a.m. like usual staring at the floor while in varying states of undress.

MB: " Where's TB?'
DB: " I don't know. Maybe he died and Daddybug went to bury him."
MB: What? LOL (laugh out loud) Where did that come from?

Ticklebug was sitting in the living room dressed all the way to his shoes with a huge grin on his face. "I beat you, I win". Says the child who had just said earlier "I'm too tired to race".

I will let him win that one any day.

Catchin' Fish

Here are the two fishermen... the fishergirl was already done...

Final Tally: 5 fish, 1 floater, 1 lost bobber, 1 stick fish, many dumped worms, 3 happy people

Camping Night...

Mimie and Grandpa C were in town when we went camping. Our friends Mr. L, Mr. H, Flickbug and Soccerbug came for dinner around the fire. Daddybug, Doodlebug, and Ticklebug spent the night. We had the best campsite around-- right across from the bathrooms. You know we were there quite often! We have the smartest Daddybug around!

It was a blast sharing our food and fun with friends and family. There is nothing like roasted hotdogs and brats, Doritos and smore's eaten outside in the fresh (sometimes smoky) air.

Although, my favorite part was the fact I didn't have to do dishes!

Kindergarten Farm Field Trip...

October was the month of the Kindergarten field trip to a "farm". I use that term loosely. Coming from Indiana originally, this was definitely a city version of a farm. Basically, a local park with a large open area hosted various farm animals as part of a traveling educational farm. The kids got to milk a brown cow that some wondered if chocolate milk came out of it. I took a turn at milking it. No big deal... : )

They watched pigs race, held various ducks, chickens and piglets, chased geese, petted calves, and picked a pumpkin from a pile. The biggest hit of the day was jumping off of round hay bales. They actually used hay for the hayride rather than straw. I think the boys just had fun being outside in the sunshine where they didn't have to sit still!

My little buggers are having such a different life experience than I did growing up. I was a country kid. Never thought I would be a city girl. I've gotten used to shopping and friends being nearby rather than 30-45 min away. If somehow I could get open sky, quiet and nearby shopping and Sonics-- I would be in heaven. Can't have everything... A girl can dream though...

Catchin' Up...

We've had a busy several weeks. My biggest little brother and his family came to visit for a long weekend with their little bugger AC from San Diego. It was a good time hanging out at playgrounds, eating at CiCi's, and chillin' at the house. It was entertaining and tiring watching AC and SB play together (sort of). Unfortunately, they had the same taste in toys-- babies, bags, phones, and strollers. Can ya tell they are girls?




AC



This is AC and DB. Fortunately, we had 2 babies and 2 strollers. DB was helping her wrap the baby doll up. AC's visit made quite an impression on SB. Today as we were shopping at Wallyworld for a sweatshirt, she informed me that we needed to buy one for "the baby". I thought she meant Baby Sally. She meant AC. : )

Works-For-Me-Wednesday--BACKWARDS

Well, I am going to give this a shot.. Shannon at Rocks In My Dryer is hosting WFMW-Backwards today and my question of the day is...

What authors or titles of books would be age appropriate for my 7/0 girl who is reading at a 5th grade level and is burning through books really fast? (She takes after her mother : ) I am especially looking for Christian books for her.

We know about Little House, Boxcar, and Magic Treehouse.

Well... FYI, I do know how to spell despite what the link says... sometimes... today wasn't the day. : ) Can you say "recommendation"?

Fishin'

Do you see our beautiful Stick fish? It was one for the record books! He needed help reeling it in.

Doodlebug, Ticklebug and Daddybug caught 5 fish today. Nobody got stuck with a hook. It was a good day!

Company is Coming...

Mimie and Grandpa C are on their way down here. I am busy clearing some space for them in the guest bedroom usually known as the clean laundry room. More photos to come...

"Potty Tour 2007-- New places to go, New potties to see"

Ok, enough of our routine. I about died laughing in Costco today. SB is 2.5 and now that she is potty trained, ALWAYS wants to check out the bathrooms in every store-- multiple times. . This time I thought I would be smart and ask her when we were by the bathrooms. She said "no". When I told her I needed the bathroom her eyes got HUGE and she got a goofy grin on her face like I was teasing her. She said "You do?" The look of incredulity on her face was HILARIOUS like she was the only one able to use the bathroom. We hit the restrooms two more times after that. I used to tease my mom about knowing where the bathroom was in every store because of having six kids. I dare you to ask me about any store...

Top 5 bathroom observations:

1. Everything is louder in bathrooms-- the sound of the flushes and the comments your kids make that you really wish noone else had heard.

2. The location of the bathroom is always, always, always far away when you need it.

3. If one child has to go, they all have to go. If they don't, insist they do b/c you'll barely get out the door when that child will change their mind.

4. Lean too far over the edge of the sink and a pony tail will trip the sensor on the faucet giving you a shower. (another SB story)

5. Don't bother going at home. They'll have to go the second you pull into the store's parking lot. Save time and just plan on going first thing at the store.

Can you add any more to my list? Leave me a comment.

Life goes on...

Daddybug made it back safe and sound yesterday from his "guys weekend away". Snugglebug was all excited about seeing him until he actually got in the van. Boy did she put on the "sour pickle" face. Either she was mad at him for leaving in the first place or she needed a nap. Maybe it was a cross between the two. The other two buggers got slap happy and goofy. I have to admit I was a little giddy too. Can you say ADULT CONVERSATION? I'm glad he had some words left over. I was just getting started on my stash. : )

Some people drive to ONE airport. We aren't in that group. We are 30 min from DFW and DAL both. DB flew out of DFW and back into DAL. The joys of non-revving! So, I picked him up at DAL and drove him to his car. A taxi costs $40 for a 20-25 min ride. SB fell asleep and stayed that way for almost an hour and a half.

Marshmallow Sculptures

We all made marshmallow sculptures today. Look at TB's m-mallow smile. I don't know which is bigger the real one or the fluffy one. On the left is TB's on the right is DB's. DB's is an alien ship with the appropriate alien family members. TB's is a garage with a gate. This was a great idea from a book I found on clearance at Border's.

Enter Baby Sally...

Doodlebug thinks Baby Sally needs to be introduced to the blogging world. I agree.

Baby Sally is Snugglebug's favorite thing in the whole wide world. You should see or hear SB get all kissy face on her-- even in her sleep. She goes almost everywhere SB goes until MB puts limits out. The only place SB doesn't take her is the bathroom- unless of course Sally has to go. She waits outside the door-- very patiently I might add.
She sits very quietly for her lunch of corn. Sally has the best manners and never asks for a thing-- so polite and unassuming.

Stay tuned for more blogging news... on the ADVENTURES OF BABY SALLY!

Baby Sally's Blog

http://adventuresofbabysally.blogspot.com/

Whoooooeee!

I need to pace myself on this blogging thing according to Daddybug. He's right. It sure is fun trying to be creative. But, I am too pooped to mess with it now. I'm all about watching NUMB3RS and vegging out. The only thing better would be to have DB sitting on the couch beside me. He is OOT for Purdue's homecoming game. I just got the little buggers to bed a little bit ago. I think I need to pace my self on the 3 kids business more than blogging. I thought that's what we were doing when we had them one at a time. I can tell it is Friday.

Me and my Buddy

Flickbug on the right and his mom were helping me today with a few things around the house. I caught the kiddos in a rare moment of comraderie. They aren't related but they fight like a brother and sister. Frequently heard is *scream *uff *nooooo! *waaaaaa* that's mine *MOOOMMMEEEEE *. But despite all that they still ask to play at each other's house.

I did NOT pick out SB's clothes. That is one of her favorite shirts and she prefers to wear only pink. No matter what her pattern choices she looked like a fashionista compared to what I looked like. Be glad I didn't take a picture.

Like how I cropped the picture so you can't see the mess of the kitchen, I mean, so you can focus on the darling children more easily? You aren't missing a thing.

Fixin' and Flippin'

Here are Ticklebug and Doodlebug on Dress up day. TB is a builder and DB is "eggzactly" what she wanted to be. I couldn't talk TB into going as "bacon".

Get it? Bacon and Eggs?

Maybe next year we can do a Dr. Suess theme-- green eggs and ham.

Before you ask, I did NOT come up with the egg idea. It was in a recent issue of FamilyFun magazine. I did go all over creation trying to find the few supplies it called for. Just so you know, foam board doesn't come bigger than 20X30 and 1/4 in. thick. The magazine described a much larger and thicker piece of foam. If Joann's and Michael's don't have it, I don't really need it. I should've reached that conclusion before I went to Michael's! I wonder if there is anything else I can use the costume for????

Mamabug and Doodlebug-- 2000 age 6mo


Mamabug and Snugglebug -2007 age 2



The girls look a lot alike to me. These were some of my favorite pictures.

I still look the same... at least I changed bandanas. Actually in the first picture, the bandanas are actually cloth napkins my mom made. So what, I wanted to match. The next time around I went for the real thing-- didn't care about matching much. : )

First Day of Second Grade and Kindergarten

Snugglebug is a pistol!

Snugglebug has been in rare form these last few days. She is acting like a teenager. The incongruity of a 2 y/o body with 13y/o attitude. She has gotten busted a few times for throwing herself on the floor in a fit so she aims for the couch or her bed now. All that was missing was an "you don't understand me". She gets in a snit and stomps off or dramatically throws herself on the couch. Ok, I can't help but snicker the first few times but every time her mouth opens is too much. Trying to figure out how to teach our little buggers to express themselves without being disrespectful or disobedient is a tough line to walk. You need the patience of Job and the wisdom of Solomon. I have NEITHER.

I was getting my exercise as I "assisted" her upstairs to her room for some 'chill out/time out' time. For some reason she didn't want to go. Hmmm? I could tell by the end of the day that we had done it a few times when I would ask "What did you do wrong?", she would reply in a singsong voice and huge grin " I was fussing" or "I threw a fit". I am going to need extra prayer to keep consistent with her.

This is the same child who felt free to tell Ticklebug to "Shut up" at the dinner table. Good thing Daddybug was there to call her on it. I was in shock! How is it that the 2y/o tried that one on for size before the 7 or 5y/o. I have NEVER (not exaggerating) heard the older two use that word or the adults. I am going to have to get over the shock fast before she eats me for lunch. My, are we going to have our hands full!!!!!!

Flickbug at Bueno

Another introduction is in order. Meet Flickbug age 4- neighbor and friend.

I can't help the fact that my best friend's 4y/o is hilarious and provides ample laughs. At Taco Bueno today he dumped the remaining ice from his drink onto a napkin. Huh?

I jokingly asked him if he was drying it off . His response with a look of DUH-isn't-it-obvious was "YES, It's too wet".

On the way to school...

On the drive to school yesterday we were talking about making friends at recess and having someone to play with. The 4 y/o friend with us who has an older brother in the 1st grade suggested that they all play together. I explained that the recesses don't overlap but that was a good idea. Not good enough...

My 5 y/o went on to say that "the little kids go first, then the big kids then the medium kids go". "Oh," said S the 4y/0, "Brother is a medium kid."

Makes perfect sense... Why didn't I think of that?

FYI: The recess order goes K-2nd-1st

If 2nd graders are BIG to Kindergarteners. Just wait until they see the 5th graders!

Overheard at the table...

A snippet of conversation at breakfast from a 4 y/o boy to a 2 y/o girl.

"Read the directions."

I have no idea what they were talking about. I thought that was what the girls say to the guys, not the other way around.

Doodlebug and Ticklebug-- SUPERHEROES at last!