Dinner and a Show

I had just run to the bathroom to attend to nature's necessities when the door suddenly banged open.

I looked to see my one year old (covered in peanut butter and jelly) grinning from ear-to-ear.

"Do you mind?" I said.

"Not at all Mom," she said, "please continue."

And she toddled her way in, plopped herself on the floor, and looked up at me expectantly while munching on her sandwich.

That's when I realized: she had brought the dinner and I was the show.

Proof...

That it snowed...albeit a month ago...

and Carlin got stuck pulling into the driveway.

That we played in it...



And that Lillian hated it...

It's Here...

The sneezing so often I'm getting a headache...

The itchy/watery eyes, I'm quite convinced I will rub them right out of the socket...

The runny nose - it's trying to compete with Niagara Falls...

Two showers a day...

Constant barrage of laundry - I can't wear anything twice...

Popping Claritin like it's going out of style...

Vaccuuming, dusting, sweeping, mopping like I had someone important coming to my house...

And all because of ALLERGY SEASON! Blast the unseasonably warm weather.

It looks like this outside:

And I feel like this:

Maybe it's time to see a doctor...

Day in Paradise

Today started out with a poopy-mess all over Lillian's crib (still haven't figured out how she does that one). I barely got my surprise breakfast made for Carlin.

Most recently the kids took to eating various sorts of paper and pushing my card-making mess off the table.

There is a pile of clean laundry a mile-high sitting on my couch.

And I'm out of dishwasher detergent.

I couldn't help but think of this song:


It is just another day in paradise. How I love my children...


And my husband.

Pictures... mainly for my Mother

My Mom was complaining that I haven't updated everyone with pictures of Lillian. I have been really bad about pictures lately, not that I haven't been taking them, just getting them from the camera to the computer seems like such a hassle.

So Mom here you go, show off those grandkids!

First, we must present Samuel and his crafts:

This is what I call "Dragon Samuel" - a craft we did in honor of Chinese New Year.

And this is "Happy Frog with White on Blue."

A shot from one of our snow days.


And I have to show off Lillian's curls, sorry that the pictures aren't better, but when her hair gets wet it goes crazy curly. I never, ever thought I would have a kid with curly hair.


Here's a couple more of Lillian cheesing it for the camera. I just love the little smile she has every time she sees the camera.

Chinese New Year

Happy Chinese New Year everyone!

I don't know about y'all, but we are going a bit stir-crazy. Snowed like crazy on Tuesday and even if I had the gumption to drive around on the unpaved Oklahoma roads with fellow Okie drivers, everywhere is closed. Or at least has been for the past couple of days.

So what's a girl to do with two kids and cabin fever?

Celebrate the Chinese New Year of course!

We will make Chinese firecrackers, Chinese lanterns, and Chinese dragons!

For all craft ideas click here.


Maybe watch Mulan, because it is one of the best Disney movies and takes place in China!

And in an effort to get both the kids and myself out of the house (because the last time we left the house was church on Sunday, happens when you only have one car... and snow) we will be going to Pei Wei.

Perhaps one of the best Asian food places ever. Tasty, healthy food all for a low, family friendly price. And all you can eat fortune cookies. Yumm.

I also did some research and found that according to the Chinese Zodiac Calendar Carlin was born the year of the Dog, I was born the year of the Ox, Samuel was born the year of the Rat, and Lillian was born the year of the Tiger. Interestingly enough the Ox and Rat are most compatible while the Dog and Tiger are most compatible. Explains why we have a Momma's boy and a Daddy's girl? Maybe...

Here's the explanation of the Ox: Another of the powerful Chinese Zodiac signs, the Ox is steadfast, solid, a goal-oriented leader, detail-oriented, hard-working, stubborn, serious and introverted but can feel lonely and insecure. Takes comfort in friends and family and is a reliable, protective and strong companion. Does that describe me or what?

I think I hear Samuel waking up from his nap. Let the festivities begin!

Three little words

This week has been really rough for me and Samuel.

You know those days when you wonder if you're even getting through to your child? Yah, well, it's been one of those MONTHS for me. There has been a lot of crying, whining, yelling, and chasing.

And it's only Wednesday.

This morning was like any other. Samuel cried for the first half hour and only wanted to be held by me. When he wasn't held by me he followed me around the house crying. I was packing bags, making lunches, gathering library books, making breakfast, and trying to get dress.

Samuel rejected his breakfast several times before he finally sat down and ate it.
We were sitting there, Samuel eating his breakfast and me feeding Lillian. And then I heard it, muffled due to toast in his mouth.

"Tank uuu Mommy."

I looked over and saw his little hand come up to his chin and then push away (sign language).

"Thank you Mommy." he said again.

So many thoughts ran through my mind at that moment, tears came to my eyes, my heart burst out of my chest. Funny how three little words can change your entire day.