funerals

My husband and I attended a receiving of friends tonight for the grandfather of a very dear friend to us. My husband's aunt was gracious enough to watch the kids for us while we went. When we returned home, we were discussing how out of place I feel and fear of saying the wrong thing or not knowing what to say. The comment was made about some people commenting on how good the deceased person looks (I'm sure out of kindness or because they don't know what to say). So I got to thinking that when I die, I want someone to really do a bad job on my makeup. I want tacky eyeshadow on and my lipstick to be crooked and reddest blush they can find. I want people to be able to walk past my casket and laugh out loud and be happy because I will be happy!

On another topic relating to funerals: Dear Abby recently responded to a person's concerns about dead people not being buried in their underwear and socks. I thought about how embarrassing this would be for me (if I could see it)- I have large breasts and if they don't put a bra on me (and I'm laying in the casket on my back), I know my boobs are going to fall to the sides. I really want them to look better for all those that have to come by and look. What is even sadder is that I think about these things!

can I?

Last night was Pumpkin Pie's piano recital and she done wonderfully. She was one of the few that did not make any mistakes and we are so proud of the hard work that she puts into practicing. Sweet Pea has been requesting for the past year to take Violin lessons and we have put it off because we think she may be a little too young to start. So, last night, some of the other kids in the recital played violins. Sweet Pea was listening to one of them play, looked at me and said, "Can I play hers when she is done?" She thought that she could get up and play the Violin at the recital (and know how) just because she wants to play. I am thankful for her self-confidence and we are now going to look into Violin lessons.

Piano Recital

Pumpkin Pie has a Piano Recital this week and I thought I would give everyone a special performance. She will be playing "When the Saints Go Marching In" and does an excellent job with it. I am so proud of her!

Joke

I just typed up a whole thing and accidentally erased it...Ughh!
Anyway, I thought that I would share a joke with everyone today. It is something that we heard on Backyardigans but my husband tells it to me when I am getting irritated with something. It is not a funny joke, more corny than anything. So here it is...

What do you call something that is big, red, and eats rocks?


A big, red, rock eater! (Cheesy huh!)

On another note, I have been unable to recall the funny things that Pumpkin Pie said the other day but I will blame that on my migraine today that just recently eased up a little bit.

R.I.P. Angel Grace; Welcome Mario

I blamed Matt for Angel Grace's departure at first. I typically clean the fish bowl and I asked him to on Friday. Saturday morning, Angel Grace was floating. We decided to spare the girls and simply replace the fish. Wal-mart had one gold fish left but it was not for sale at this time due to it being ill. The guy disclosed that the woman who sold us Angel Grace sold her out of the sick tank and all of their goldfish have been ill. So Matt went over to Pet Care Warehouse. It must be an epidemic because all of their goldfish are sick as well. We ended up with a Beta that the girls have named "Mario". Pumpkin Pie understands that Angel Grace died. However, Sweet Pea insists that Angel Grace got bigger and turned into a boy. I decided that it was not worth correcting her at this point. An added bonus: the guy at the Pet Care Warehouse says that Mario should live 3-5 years in the bowl where goldfish need to be in a filtered tank. He thought Brandi's survival of seven years was a miracle!

the humans are back

Yes, I feel guilty about it but we had fast food again today but it was all because we had plans to take the kids to Dollywood today (stupid storm)! I am having brain freeze right now because I am tired and will try to post again tomorrow as well (as there were quite a few funny things that Pumpkin Pie said today and she is typically the more solemn child).

We are in drive thru at Wendy's when Sweet Pea starts whining that daddy didn't order her cheeseburger. I state several times in my efforts to appease her that he did order her cheeseburger and I would make sure that she got the cheeseburger. Out of her mouth comes, "That HUMAN is not going to give me my cheeseburger" (referring to the lady at the window). Pumpkin Pie then asks why Sweet Pea has to refer to everyone as a HUMAN. I, being a smartellic state, "Because your sister is from another planet." Pumpkin Pie did not laugh.

Stay tuned for tomorrow's post...if I can remember it.

songs

I heard a cute story today from one of my patients that rings true. How many times have you sang a song only to realize later that you had the words all wrong? My one that sticks out in my mind from childhood is "Life in the fast lane, surely make you lose your mind..." I was convinced that the words were "I'm in the Vaseline..." More recently a friend was singing a country song with me and we were being silly. The words actually state "put a lead foot down on my accelerator..." but my friend thought the song said "put my left foot down on the accelerator..." and even went so far as to ask how hard it would be to drive like that. I had to laugh for a little while and then explain the words.

So to the story...I typically don't like to share anything about my patients but this was too cute. A patient was telling me today that she heard the song "Hit me with your best shot" and later in the day, they were driving somewhere when her sister started singing "Hit me with your pet shop".

I guess we all do it from time to time but sure is fun to hear about it. So share yours!

holding true

Last week I talked about wanting to spend more time with my kids. I have held true to that. My house has not been cleaned-cleaned this week (I have kept it picked up, dishes done, laundry done). Today, I had court (for work) and picked the kids up. We stayed outside from the time we got home (about 3:00) until supper time. We did have to go in then because of baths, homework, etc... I thought I would share this picture that Pumpkin Pie drew of our family. She has never been the kind of kid that likes to draw, color, or write but has recently started showing an interest in drawing. She joked that she made dad's hair white because he is going gray!

froggy

This morning on the way to school...

Sweet Pea: it sure is foggy out this morning.
Me: It is froggy this morning.
Sweet Pea: Not froggy, foggy. You are losing your mind.
Me: I was just being silly.
Sweet Pea: Well, that just wasn't funny!

daddy's girlfriend

This is an oldie but still makes me smile at the thought of what our children can pick up from others.

Sweet pea came home from school one day and asked when her daddy was going to get a girlfriend. In my naivety, I commented that I am daddy's girlfriend. Sweet Pea becomes frustrated and says, "No Mom, (insert child's name here) says that her mom and dad don't live together anymore because her dad has a girlfriend. So when is daddy getting a girlfriend?" Imagine me trying to explain why (insert child's name here) parent's are divorced and why her dad will not be getting a girlfriend. She seemed pleased with this and has never questioned it again.

Husbands!

Three in one day, you all sure are special!

My dear, sweet spouse was reading my blog this morning and decided to bring to remembrance some occasions that I have told my children to "Just forget it." Obviously, I had forgotten these occasions and they are far and few between (such as numerous requests for someone to do something and I finally give up and say "Just forget it" and then do it myself). So I became irritated with my husband, not for bringing out some of my faults but for the fact that he can give examples of things that I have done wrong but he cannot recall simple things that I have requested that he do (such as putting mail in the mailbox or writing out a check for Pumpkin Pie's lunch that week, etc...). How can a man remember something as trivial as a phrase used sparingly but he cannot remember to pick up his socks that you nag about day after day!
He then remarks, "how did this get turned into an argument about what I do wrong?" I respond, "I'm a woman, that's what we do."

Braids

Pumpkin Pie has been requesting that I learn to French Braid her hair. I decided that I would give it a shot and this is how it turned out. Not bad for my first try, if I must say so myself. I

am going to have to practice so that I can get it tighter but she sure was happy with a new hairstyle.

Fish

Here is the long awaited picture of the newest addition to our family- Miss Angel Grace. The girls have really loved having a fish around and they visit her bowl often just to say hello. How can you tell if it is a boy or girl you ask?

Well apparently my kids decide!

pictures

I found an adorable Wendy Bellisimo frog picture at Ross today for a steal of only $5 and anyone who knows her designs know that they typically cost much more. I was purchasing the picture for my sister as she loves anything with frogs. Sweet Pea stated that this picture needed to be in our home. I asked where we would put it and Sweet Pea replies, "We would hang it on the wall." Well, why didn't I think of that!

Zombie's

A six year old today mentions to me that his birthday is coming up. I commented and asked what he wanted for his birthday. He says, "A Zombie" and I thought, hmmm, how ironic. Turns out he wants Resident Evil but we won't go there. (He's only going to be seven!)

where did she learn that

Sweet Pea was on the phone with my mom earlier today (yes, I was eavesdropping to be sure the conversation was appropriate). Sweet Pea was attempting to tell my mom about her tongue injury- she fell while dancing in the bathroom and bit through her tongue on each side. My mom was having a hard time understanding this story and was asking Sweet Pea what she said. Sweet Pea became aggravated and said, "Just forget about it." My mom insisted again that she wanted to hear the story; Sweet Pea again stated, "I said just forget about it." I promise that I don't recall saying this to either of my children but it is possible!

Changes

As I looked out the window this evening, I realized that I am not who I want to be. My kids and husband were outside washing the cars and I was inside cleaning the house. I used to be with my kids all of the time. Somewhere along the way, I have lost what is important. I think it has been the fight that I have been pursuing to adopt my oldest daughter. I always felt like I had to prove that I was a good mom to everyone else when the only person I had to prove it to was Pumpkin Pie. She was the one that counted! I have come to the point where I thought I had to do it all. My kids had to have the best and the house has to be clean all of the time and the kids have to always look perfect, etc...the list goes on and on of things that I started assuming that I needed to do.
I have decided, through my jealousy of my husband getting to be outside with the kids, that it is high time that I re-prioritize my life. I want my kids to remember the things I done with them. I don't want them to be comparing parents with friends later on and the only thing they have to say about me is, "my mom kept the house clean." So if you come over and my house isn't clean or my laundry is piled up or my kids are eating cereal/frozen pizza/sandwich for the third night in a row, know that it is because we have more important things to do, like play Barbies or see who can jump higher on the trampoline or who can spin on the tire swing the most without puking. And when you see me at Walmart and my shoes don't match and my kids don't look like they have been bathed that day, simply know that I love my kids and I want them to remember the fun times, not that they got bathed every night. God gives us blessings every day and sometimes they are hard to see when you are looking everywhere but right under your nose!

Humans?

On our way to daycare today, we are driving through the neighborhood (on our way out)--

Sweet Pea: Hey mom, did you see that weird cat in that humans yard?

I have been pondering for most of the day "why human?" She could have said neighbor or person, but she chose the term "human". Maybe my child is not human after all. By the way, I did not get a peek of the "weird cat".

On another topic:
I understand that kids are inquisitive, especially around 3 to 5 years of age. Pumpkin Pie is beyond that age group but over the past several weeks, she has questioned everything. "what's that?, what are chemicals?, How come you done..., Where did ___ come from?", etc...and on and on and on. I try to answer the questions but it isn't fair; she is increasing the difficulty level of the questions.

Proof that Scooby Doo is educational

Today while Sweet Pea was using the potty (I was folding clothes), we had the following conversation:

Sweet Pea: Mom, can I be a Zombie when I grow up?
Mom: Well, what is a Zombie?
Sweet Pea: They walk around asleep all day.
Mom: You know that you don't like to sleep much.
Sweet Pea: Well, maybe I could be a mummy (and she hops up to show what they do)
Mom: That would be an interesting job. How much money do they make?
Sweet Pea: I don't know but they are on tv.

End of conversation- seems that fame is payment enough for this child. I can gladly say that I was much more distraught over Pumpkin Pie's job choice at five years old than I am at Sweet Pea's now. Pumpkin Pie came home from kindergarten to inform me that she would be a missionary when she grows up. Three years later, she continues that same dream. As a parent, you can't help but fear for them when they feel led to do something that could be potentially dangerous. It sure doesn't help that I have a very dear friend that also chose this line of work for a while that Pumpkin Pie admires.

All parents have them...

All parents have at least one child that they don't particularly like their kid to hang out with. Each of my girls have at least one and I try to be nice because they have to make their own choices but I have decided to share a conversation that I heard last week.
I was picking Sweet Pea up from school last week when another of her friend's was also leaving (one that I like). This child had brought Playdoh to school that particular day and went to her cubby, only to find the Playdoh missing. The child that I am not fond of states, "Well, I know it is not in my backpack." (ding, ding, ding!) The teacher walks over and looks in the childs backpack and this child says, "I don't know how that got in there, but I sure didn't put it there."
I know it is a small thing in the whole realm of things and I know that kids are going to lie. I was about her age the first and only time that I ever stole anything (a McDonald's car from a neighbor, which I did feel guilty about and return). However, this is a recurring theme with this child and she bullies my child. However, Sweet Pea likes playing with her most of the time...so what is a parent to do!?!

And the fish is...

I broke down and bought a goldfish for the girls today! Boy am I glad that it wasn't a dog or I would really be in trouble. Sweet Pea has not stopped asking if she can hold it in her hands and does not understand that the fish has to stay in water. Pumpkin Pie is enthralled and wants to teach it tricks but I know that her attention to the fish will soon wear off. The girls have agreed and the fishy is officially named Angel Grace (they had to cooperate on the name). I feel confident that I will have funny stories to tell soon in regards to the fish.

Bigger than a Giant

For those of you Backyardigans Connoisseurs, a new episode came on this week where Tasha is a giant. In this episode, she sings no one is bigger than a giant and the other characters learn to adapt to the giant (so to speak). I don't know where Sweet Pea came up with this but driving down the road yesterday, she says, "Hey mom, God is bigger than a giant, right?" I replied that He indeed is bigger than a giant and that was the end of it. It just makes me wonder how their little brains work and where these questions come from.
It is at least comforting that some things from church are making it into her brain as I often feel like she isn't really paying attention!

Dollywood

Today we ventured out to Dollywood but it was much better than I expected. We got there early and beat a lot of the crowd. We were also joined with some very good company (give my little shout out); thanks for hanging with us today.
So, we have been attempting to break Sweet Pea from having to go to sleep with mommy and then being moved into her bed. We did what most parents do-we bribed! Our deal was that if she could sleep in her bed for a week, she would get to make all of the decisions for our morning away from home. Obviously, this too was a mistake because I did not discuss it with Pumpkin Pie before making this deal. We get home this afternoon and Pumpkin Pie is in a horrible, grumpy mood. We go through everything that we can think of to drag what is wrong out of her. As we are discussing, she states, "Well [Sweet Pea] gets to do everything she wants to do" (referring to the Dollywood trip) and her dad and I have to go through this long discussion to prove that we do not play favorites. To make a long story short, I thought about what the rest of my life is going to be like with these two children (and hopefully more in the future) and this is a battle that I will face forever. It isn't going to go away when they grow up and I still do the same thing with my brother (I often tell him he is the favorite and gets everything and we are both over 20 years old). It is no wonder that my husband is getting gray hair!!!
On a side note, Pepper has not appeared in my backyard yet! Thank you Jesus!

God can do anything

Sweet Pea has been determined to get a pet recently. I have avoided this as I really don't want the extra hassles that come along with a pet. She particularly has been wanting her Aunt's dog, Pepper. Tonight at the supper table, Sweet Pea starts the conversation with, "Did you know that God will give you anything that you want?" My husband and I both chimed in to explain that is not how it exactly works. Sweet Pea was not having it. She refused to listen and continued with "...and I know what I want. I'm going to ask God for it and Jesus will come down and take Pepper from her house and bring her to my house." I guess the faith of a child could move a mountain but I have to admit that I would be a little freaked to find Pepper in my backyard tomorrow. I also think that God would have a fight on His hands to get Pepper away from Sweet Pea's aunt!

oldie but goodie

So my kids didn't do anything cute today...it happens. I thought I would share a fond story from Sweet Pea.

Sweet Pea went through a quite lengthy phase that really isn't quite over yet. She would insist daily that I needed to stay at home with her instead of her going to daycare. (I would much rather be a stay at home mom but...) So on this particular day, I went to pick Sweet Pea up as I normally did and was going through our routine of putting her in the car and asking her about her day. While doing this, I noticed a wet spot on her shirt and asked her about it. Anyone who knows Sweet Pea knows she is super expressive and she proceeded to inform me that Aidan had gotten her wet on the playground and the following comment: "this would not happen if you would stay home with me." I could not help but laugh at her, which only intensified her anger at me for not being a stay at home mom. I gave hugs and kisses and told her I was sorry but she has gone on to tell others this story since then. She is obviously not over me working!

God's will

My friend Shannon has left a lot of food for thought recently about religion and what works we can each do. In saying that, I heard a story that occurred approximately 20 years ago about a child and it touched me. I thought I would pass that story along so that it may touch others (and hope that the person who told it will forgive me for telling it without their permission).

A young mother with two little boys done her best to raise them up right. She took them to church and thought that she was sheltering them from her marital troubles. Her 8 year old son figured things out and asked his dad one day about why he was leaving each night (as he was not remaining committed to the marriage). Being that this wonderful mom had raised her children up right, she just knew that this son was going to ask for the church to pray for his dad because his dad was cheating on his mom and she took him to church anyway, hoping and praying the whole way that he would not air out the family laundry but not wanting to tell him not to (as he needed to go the way that the Lord led him). This 8 year old boy went up to the front of his church and started to speak. The mom's heart fell to the floor knowing what he was about to say and then he managed to shock her (as he often did). He announced that he needed the church's prayers because he had been called to the ministry. Never did he speak about what his dad was doing; he simply followed what God led him to do. Twenty years later, that same man is now a pastor at a church because he followed that calling that God gave him at 8 years old.

I often think about the things that my kids come up with and how crazy it sounds. If I had been that mother, I would have probably not believed that at 8 years old, he had received his calling but that mom did believe in her child. How many times do we question God and what His plan is? I know that I do. That story has given me a new outlook and helped me to start looking for God in the little things in life. I hope to see a lot more of God wherever I am looking.

Sorry that today's story wasn't funny but...I'll make it up to you later.

church motivation

From here on, my 8 year old daughter will be referred to as Pumpkin Pie and my 4 year old daughter will be referred to as Sweet Pea. So before I begin today's story, let me provide some background. For years, we went to a church that I practically grew up in and requires a 1hour 15minute drive to get to. We decided that with two children, gas prices, and the time consumed driving, we would find a church closer to home. Here we are two years later, still visiting churches and discouraged with not finding one that we really enjoy (not that the ones that we visited were bad, just not what we were looking for). Sweet Pea has a hard time going into new churches and I get anxious thinking about some of the past experiences but this is not the place or time for those stories. This morning, we are getting ready for church and Sweet Pea is none to happy about going to church. I overhear the following conversation between my two precious daughters:
Pumpkin Pie: I promise you will like this church. We have been to it before.
Sweet Pea: No I won't. I want to stay home with Mommy.
Pumpkin Pie: Do you know what happens if you go to church with us?
Sweet Pea: What sissy?
Pumpkin Pie: We can go to the bathroom by ourselves and daddy can't come with us so we can play.
Sweet Pea: Mommy I want to go to church today.
Just for the record, my kids are not allowed to go to the bathroom by themselves because I know that they will play and their dad does not interfere with their bathroom time and privacy at home so I am still not quite sure why this was such a big deal for Sweet Pea but it did and she was happy to go to church today.

New to blogging

So after much debate and persuasion from a dear friend...I have decided to create my own blog. Try not to be too disappointed but I will not be including pictures of my beautiful children at this time due to extraneous variables (wow that makes me sound smart). So the whole point of creating this blog is to share cute things that my children say each day. I will attempt to keep up with this and provide everyone who reads this with a bright spot of the day and a little laughter. Thanks for hanging in there with me as I learn how to do this as this is my first time blogging.