I am watching Grace this morning. After two accidents I was more then happy when she asked for my help in going poop in the potty. Since we are in the beginning stages of potty training with Grant, I asked Grace if he could come watch her go. "Sure!"
Upon Grace finishing, and us cheering her on, Grant looked in the toilet. "GRACE!! YOU POOPED A SNAKE!?" Grant yelled very concerned...and intrigued. Then he tried to encourage her to go in a diaper because then "Mommy will just pick it up for you and throw it in the garbage!" (Thanks Grant)
Then Grace showed Grant how she pulls up her big girl panties. Grant was again mesmerized. "GRACE! THOSE ARE BEAUTIFUL!!"
"No, Grant, they are just princess panties..."
"Oh. Well I don't want princess panties. And I don't want to poop snakes."
Priceless.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Monday, March 12, 2012
Catastophe
Aid had a table fall on his head. We went to the ER, which was not a fun experience, and he came out of it with two black eyes a second forehead and a dinosaur book. And a valuable lesson that we don't swing from tables....
It's been awhile (this happened in November) but I didn't have the memory card to upload the pictures. If you can believe it this is not the worst that it looked. The following morning both eyes were swollen shut. He still has slight bruising under his eyes, but they look more like he hasn't slept in weeks. I can't believe how long it has taken him to heal.
My poor baby.
It's been awhile (this happened in November) but I didn't have the memory card to upload the pictures. If you can believe it this is not the worst that it looked. The following morning both eyes were swollen shut. He still has slight bruising under his eyes, but they look more like he hasn't slept in weeks. I can't believe how long it has taken him to heal.
My poor baby.
For Crying Out Loud
So many of you know about my camera debacle. I almost can't talk about it I'm so mad.
Just under a year ago Bob bought me a new camera. He knows that I can be a little hard on cameras, or more accurately, I'm a little careless with them and leave them within reach of the 3 and 5 year old...who are rough on cameras. So he bought the diamond warranty. Basically I could drop kick the camera off of the house and they would fix it for me.
So when I had to take it in a few months after I got it we both had a good chuckle. It surprised neither of us. The lens was having some difficulty opening and we assumed the 3 year old had gotten a hold of it again. 7 weeks later I got the camera back. This time it lasted for another couple of months before the same problem started happening. The lens won't open properly and then it shuts down. I was slightly irritated this time because I really had been vigilant about putting it away in it's case. The man working commented that it sounded like it may be a lemon and they should just give me a new camera. 8 weeks later it came back. This time it only worked for about a week. I went back to the store livid. The saleswoman made the same comment about it being a lemon. "Great, so can I get a replacement?" She explained that the manufacturer had to determine if it was a lemon....which would take the same 6-9 weeks as the repair. I turned it in just before Christmas. 12 weeks later I got my postcard saying it was done. I anxiously awaited Bob to return with it. This time it didn't even open. AT. ALL. Several swear words escaped and I immediately called them. They said to again bring it in and they would send it back. "You're kidding right?" At least this time it was the same woman who I had turned it into before so not only had she already heard the whole story but seemed equally upset on my behalf. She spoke to a manager who again explained that only the manufacturer could determine if it was a lemon. She promised me that she was not going to just turn it in but she was going to contact the manufacturer rep that they worked with and plead my case. She got all of the documentation in order and has promised to call me tomorrow. The kicker? The manager explained that if the company replaces their lemon then the terms of the warranty have been met so we would not have a warranty on the new camera? So what you're telling me is I have basically bought two cameras (the warranty was basically the same price as the camera) and now won't have coverage? That doesn't seem fair to me at all. And what about customer satisfaction? I half expected the store to offer me a warranty for having had to go through this for the last year. But no. Customer service is a thing of the past and it's more about bottom line.
That said, they did loan me a camera until this gets resolved since it has been since before Christmas since I have had one at all. What made me sad was the gap in how big they all grew. I know that I was more in those moments rather then trying to capture them, but still just a little sad that I missed documenting them....
BEFORE:
Yep. I last had a camera at our first snow of the year.
Stella was still doing tummy time. (Don't let this smile deceive you, she hated every second!
Some play ground play before the first snow....
Castle building....
Naked fort building...(what? That's not how you play it?)
AFTER:
Ah brothers...
I can't promise the best pictures with the camera on loan....it's not great. (and I have few requirements) but at least it's something.
Good grief.
Just under a year ago Bob bought me a new camera. He knows that I can be a little hard on cameras, or more accurately, I'm a little careless with them and leave them within reach of the 3 and 5 year old...who are rough on cameras. So he bought the diamond warranty. Basically I could drop kick the camera off of the house and they would fix it for me.
So when I had to take it in a few months after I got it we both had a good chuckle. It surprised neither of us. The lens was having some difficulty opening and we assumed the 3 year old had gotten a hold of it again. 7 weeks later I got the camera back. This time it lasted for another couple of months before the same problem started happening. The lens won't open properly and then it shuts down. I was slightly irritated this time because I really had been vigilant about putting it away in it's case. The man working commented that it sounded like it may be a lemon and they should just give me a new camera. 8 weeks later it came back. This time it only worked for about a week. I went back to the store livid. The saleswoman made the same comment about it being a lemon. "Great, so can I get a replacement?" She explained that the manufacturer had to determine if it was a lemon....which would take the same 6-9 weeks as the repair. I turned it in just before Christmas. 12 weeks later I got my postcard saying it was done. I anxiously awaited Bob to return with it. This time it didn't even open. AT. ALL. Several swear words escaped and I immediately called them. They said to again bring it in and they would send it back. "You're kidding right?" At least this time it was the same woman who I had turned it into before so not only had she already heard the whole story but seemed equally upset on my behalf. She spoke to a manager who again explained that only the manufacturer could determine if it was a lemon. She promised me that she was not going to just turn it in but she was going to contact the manufacturer rep that they worked with and plead my case. She got all of the documentation in order and has promised to call me tomorrow. The kicker? The manager explained that if the company replaces their lemon then the terms of the warranty have been met so we would not have a warranty on the new camera? So what you're telling me is I have basically bought two cameras (the warranty was basically the same price as the camera) and now won't have coverage? That doesn't seem fair to me at all. And what about customer satisfaction? I half expected the store to offer me a warranty for having had to go through this for the last year. But no. Customer service is a thing of the past and it's more about bottom line.
That said, they did loan me a camera until this gets resolved since it has been since before Christmas since I have had one at all. What made me sad was the gap in how big they all grew. I know that I was more in those moments rather then trying to capture them, but still just a little sad that I missed documenting them....
BEFORE:
Some play ground play before the first snow....
Naked fort building...(what? That's not how you play it?)
AFTER:
Ah brothers...
I can't promise the best pictures with the camera on loan....it's not great. (and I have few requirements) but at least it's something.
Good grief.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Drink!
I found an old box of Jenga up in the boys' closet and thought they would enjoy playing around with the blocks. Boy was I right. Aid, in particular, has been obsessing and building intricate dragons and castles and dinosaurs with the blocks. I am really impressed with his creativity and use of symmetry. The creations really do look like dragons.
There is one catch that I will fix come pay day....
Turns out the Jenga blocks were also used as a drinking game in college. So while I am praising Aid (who Thank God can't read yet) on his dragon sculpture, I'm reading the game directions on each block and trying to remember what an "alcohol popper" was.
And feeling old.
There is one catch that I will fix come pay day....
Turns out the Jenga blocks were also used as a drinking game in college. So while I am praising Aid (who Thank God can't read yet) on his dragon sculpture, I'm reading the game directions on each block and trying to remember what an "alcohol popper" was.
And feeling old.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
My Two Valentines
We had such a great day today!
First, the cable guy came!! We have not had cable for about 6 years now. It's been horrible. Every time I visit my parents I basically sit in front of the tv relishing HGTV, MTV, and whatever those Kardashian girls are up to. ( Don't judge, the boys abandon me to play with their cousins and basically forget I am in the house whenever they are there!!) And finally, FINALLY, Bob half heartedly agreed to let me get it. I didn't wait around for him to change his mind. I signed us up the next day.
We were all really excited about it and I let the boys flip through every glorious cartoon channel with their bowl of ice cream until they couldn't stand it. Then they gave me the best Valentines present they ever could and played happily together while me and a girlfriend watched horrible reality tv gossiping and giggling away. It was pure heaven.
Bob also sent me flowers! Now, don't get me wrong, he has gotten me flowers before. But there is something about having flowers SENT to you that's just so romantic. Especially as a stay at home mom...I need some of the perks working women get, and they get flowers sent to their office!
We ended the night the same way we always do. Cuddling up and reading. We have a solid bed time routine and it makes us all feel wonderful. I read 2-3 books to the boys (depending on how late it is...sometimes 4) then I tuck them in and Bob sings them a few songs. After I can hear them all snoring I go in and wake up Bob, who has inevitably fallen asleep on the floor. What I really love about it, is that every night, no matter how badly the day has gone, we all enjoy this time. It feels good sending them off to sleep knowing they feel safe and loved. It's really quite beautiful. As I leave the room, they always yell out things to me, they are usually the same things.
"Mom! You're beautiful!- To which I reply, "You're adorable!"
"We love you mom!"- To which I say, "Oh, I love you so so much!"
"Sweet dreams!" - To which I repeat back, "Sweet dreams my loves."
The same statements exchanged night after night.
Tonight, however, I got a "Happy Valentines Day Mom!" To which I replied, "Thank you. You two are my valentines and I love you!" Then Grant followed up, "Do you love Dad Mom?!"
"Yes, I love Dad!"
Oh, do I love Dad. He was instrumental in giving me you two. I have three boys that fill up my heart and are my world. I'm a lucky girl....
Happy Valentines Day!
First, the cable guy came!! We have not had cable for about 6 years now. It's been horrible. Every time I visit my parents I basically sit in front of the tv relishing HGTV, MTV, and whatever those Kardashian girls are up to. ( Don't judge, the boys abandon me to play with their cousins and basically forget I am in the house whenever they are there!!) And finally, FINALLY, Bob half heartedly agreed to let me get it. I didn't wait around for him to change his mind. I signed us up the next day.
We were all really excited about it and I let the boys flip through every glorious cartoon channel with their bowl of ice cream until they couldn't stand it. Then they gave me the best Valentines present they ever could and played happily together while me and a girlfriend watched horrible reality tv gossiping and giggling away. It was pure heaven.
Bob also sent me flowers! Now, don't get me wrong, he has gotten me flowers before. But there is something about having flowers SENT to you that's just so romantic. Especially as a stay at home mom...I need some of the perks working women get, and they get flowers sent to their office!
We ended the night the same way we always do. Cuddling up and reading. We have a solid bed time routine and it makes us all feel wonderful. I read 2-3 books to the boys (depending on how late it is...sometimes 4) then I tuck them in and Bob sings them a few songs. After I can hear them all snoring I go in and wake up Bob, who has inevitably fallen asleep on the floor. What I really love about it, is that every night, no matter how badly the day has gone, we all enjoy this time. It feels good sending them off to sleep knowing they feel safe and loved. It's really quite beautiful. As I leave the room, they always yell out things to me, they are usually the same things.
"Mom! You're beautiful!- To which I reply, "You're adorable!"
"We love you mom!"- To which I say, "Oh, I love you so so much!"
"Sweet dreams!" - To which I repeat back, "Sweet dreams my loves."
The same statements exchanged night after night.
Tonight, however, I got a "Happy Valentines Day Mom!" To which I replied, "Thank you. You two are my valentines and I love you!" Then Grant followed up, "Do you love Dad Mom?!"
"Yes, I love Dad!"
Oh, do I love Dad. He was instrumental in giving me you two. I have three boys that fill up my heart and are my world. I'm a lucky girl....
Happy Valentines Day!
Sunday, January 29, 2012
D'oh!
I have been trying to get the boys to eat more veggies. This, as you can guess, is a struggle. They will do corn (which I know technically isn't a vegetable but close enough) and they will do my brown sugar carrots. Beyond that it's usually a struggle. And we always lose.
The other night, I had Aid help me cut up beans. I have found a new recipe that is so delicious it would be hard for any veggie hater to deny that they are yummy. He was very excited about them and said he couldn't wait to eat them! I threw in, " And, if you eat your beans, there will be ice cream for dessert."
"Total mom score!" I thought.
I underestimate these two.
As we were eating dinner I noticed that neither had touched the beans (all three I put on their plate. 3!!) I said, "Remember if you eat your beans you get your ice cream! Let's have a race and see who can eat their beans first!"
On your mark, get set, GO!
Aid hesitated and Grant saw his opening. (He usually loses the races.) He ate one, and then shoved the other two in his mouth. He turned to look at Aid who was making gagging sounds and spitting his out. So then of coarse, Grant made gagging sounds and spit his out. They both got a stern lecture about how rude it is, etc. I threw in, "And there will definitely be no ice cream tonight!" (Ha! Take that ya little bugger!)
"That's ok. It's ok if we don't get ice cream isn't it Grantie?" Aid says. "Yup!" Grant agrees and they walk off.
Me and Bob looked at each other. "I really thought that was going to work," I said to Bob. "Score one for Aid," Bob replied.
Foiled again. But there will be a rematch little man. Don't think I give up that easily!!
The other night, I had Aid help me cut up beans. I have found a new recipe that is so delicious it would be hard for any veggie hater to deny that they are yummy. He was very excited about them and said he couldn't wait to eat them! I threw in, " And, if you eat your beans, there will be ice cream for dessert."
"Total mom score!" I thought.
I underestimate these two.
As we were eating dinner I noticed that neither had touched the beans (all three I put on their plate. 3!!) I said, "Remember if you eat your beans you get your ice cream! Let's have a race and see who can eat their beans first!"
On your mark, get set, GO!
Aid hesitated and Grant saw his opening. (He usually loses the races.) He ate one, and then shoved the other two in his mouth. He turned to look at Aid who was making gagging sounds and spitting his out. So then of coarse, Grant made gagging sounds and spit his out. They both got a stern lecture about how rude it is, etc. I threw in, "And there will definitely be no ice cream tonight!" (Ha! Take that ya little bugger!)
"That's ok. It's ok if we don't get ice cream isn't it Grantie?" Aid says. "Yup!" Grant agrees and they walk off.
Me and Bob looked at each other. "I really thought that was going to work," I said to Bob. "Score one for Aid," Bob replied.
Foiled again. But there will be a rematch little man. Don't think I give up that easily!!
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Grandma Bread
My mom makes this Amish/Friendship type bread. It's delicious. And the boys love it. Grant, especially, asks for it morning noon and night. It's one of those revolving-starter breads that you have to bake every 10 days. I kept it up for about a month before I dropped it like a hot potato. I do not like baking. I dislike it even more if I am required to do it every 10 days. Even more when you realize how much sugar and flour you will have to go through to maintain it.
But my mother loves her grandchildren and will do just about anything to make them happy..... including sending them frozen Grandma bread. We get several loaves at a time and they go into the freezer. So now Grant can wake up in the morning and have his daily dose of it. I can't believe she does it. I know some may see it as silly; but it warms my heart that just as they are running out another box arrives. They feel thought of. Remembered. And loved.
Thank you Mom. You are such a good Grandma to these two. Distance has not changed that. Not even a little bit.
But my mother loves her grandchildren and will do just about anything to make them happy..... including sending them frozen Grandma bread. We get several loaves at a time and they go into the freezer. So now Grant can wake up in the morning and have his daily dose of it. I can't believe she does it. I know some may see it as silly; but it warms my heart that just as they are running out another box arrives. They feel thought of. Remembered. And loved.
Thank you Mom. You are such a good Grandma to these two. Distance has not changed that. Not even a little bit.
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