Going my way...

Ever have one of those days where it doesn't feel like anything is going as planned? Yeah, me too. Today in fact. So, in my effort to have a more positive attitude this year I will list everything that has gone well this week.

First, I love the library. I took the kids to the library yesterday and was a little nervous as Samuel usually has complete meltdowns when it is time to leave. We had a little talk in the car about what was expected of him and I came prepared with a little treat - a sucker. Everything went so well I was able to check out (and the fact that I was able to check out period is saying something) this little gem:

It's called a Family Literacy Kit and comes in huge yellow and blue bags. This particular bag has a Dinosaur theme and contains everything you need to teach your child about dinosaurs including five play dinosaurs, a musical CD, an Elmo dinosaur DVD, books, and a puzzle. It even comes with a handbook with tips and activities to do with your child and encourage reading. I love it!

The stars aligned and I got to see my best friend Whitney (who looks fabbity-fab being pregnant with her fourth). Seriously, it was one of those coincidences where we happened to go to an OSU basketball game and she happened to extend a short visit to Stillwater and next thing I know I'm swinging by her parent's house to say hi.

Speaking of which, we got a wild hair and went to the National Invitation Tournament game in Stillwater and watch our beloved Pokes play... and WIN! Yeah, it's not the NCAA, but I still love my Cowboys no matter what. It was so much fun to do something different.

And to wrap it up I love my family and my sweet kids. They always bring a smile to my face and make me pause and enjoy the small things in life. When I take a moment to think about it, this week has been great!

P.S. This is from our little Mardi Gras celebration and Lillian wasn't liking the masks so much...

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!