Not for young eyes/ears

We were out Friday night, running an errand. While waiting for an appointment, Sweet Pea was playing with an animal puzzle. She was pretending that the animals were real and having me talk with each one. She brought over a parrot puzzle piece and pretended that he was pecking me on the shoulder. I commented, "He's pecking me." Sweet Pea replies, "Don't worry, his pecker isn't that big."

You do the math!

Matt and I were conversing with Pumpkin Pie tonight regarding a concern that she has. Pumpkin Pie commented that she trusts me more than she does her dad. Of course, her dad asks her what makes her trust me more than him. She replies, "Mom's a therapist; you work at (insert company name here). You do the math!" I attempted to hold in my laughter, but my eyes started watering. Matt did not find it amusing. I, on the other hand, could not be more proud that my daughter holds my job (which makes quite a bit less than my husband) at a higher standard than her dad's. She really is improving on the kiss butt factor.

Busy, busy, busy!

This week has been so hectic thus far... sorry for not posting more. Sweet Pea has been in a foul mood this week and I almost guarantee that if I charted it, I would be able to identify a cycle (every four weeks, she seems to go through a moody phase). Pumpkin Pie is doing wonderful right now, except for the minor things that all kids go through. We recently had a discussion about the name brand clothing and how clothing does not make a person pretty. It makes me wonder if I have encouraged her to be shallow but then I think, nahhh, she's a kid! Of course, I also couldn't take any of the blame for any "faults". I'm still working on getting the pictures ready for the kitchen and will post a picture of them when I get them done.
On a happier note, we completed our examination for our accreditation at work today. I'm so thankful to have that done. However, we will not know how we did (done, just for Shannon) for several weeks.

Our Weekend

Wow, what a weekend! I am exhausted. Friday, I got off work early and started working on the laundry room and downstairs bathroom. Matt finished it when he got home.

Saturday, we started painting the kitchen. Matt's cousin and family came to visit and I now have baby fever, but don't get your hopes up anytime soon. So we finished the kitchen today! It was a very involved process because so much trimming was required. I am working on the artwork for the kitchen as you will see in the pictures below, however, I am not artsy and do not think that this will work. If you have any great suggestions, let me know. The weekend has definitely been tiresome and this week at work is very big for the center. We are being examined for our national accreditation at work so keep us in your prayers. It means that we could get some necessary funding to provide some much needed services for the kids. The before picture of the kitchen was actually taken when our house was being built because it is the only one I have of the actual kitchen (without anyone in it) because I forgot to take some before pictures. My attempt at artwork is a little off..

not your baby

After a long, drawn out battle of who will last longer and be meaner, Sweet Pea hit where it hurts. She has been in a mood to say the least and tonight was worse than others this week. She decided that she wanted to play longer, not brush her teeth, and not go to bed. After attempting all of the other tried and true methods (negotiation, threatening, time out, etc...), I resorted to a pop on the bottom, which I don't often do with her and never do with Pumpkin Pie. Following the wail of tears and screams, the following pitiful words came out: "I'm not your baby anymore and I really mean it this time. I'm not going to be your baby ever again." Once she calmed down, she did change her mind and decided that she would be my baby again. We apologized and currently a new argument is resulting because she thinks she deserves television time. I, on the other hand, think it is bed time. Any wagers on who will win?!

toys

A coworker of mine brought her son to work with her today. He requested to see what was in the closet in her office. She responded by telling him that he has seen it before and knows what is in it. He then questioned why the closet is there and she explains that it is there to allow kids who do not have a lot of toys or are going through a bad time, to cheer them up, etc...and they get a toy after they come to talk. He then asks, "Mommy, if I talk to you, can I get a toy because I don't have a lot of toys?" She, of course, laughs and tells him that he does have a lot of toys. I have to say that he is a cutie and put some thought into that attempt to manipulate.

To Beagle or not to Beagle?

We have a family decision to make! For all of you dog owners, we are trying to decide whether or not to invest in a Beagle that will be born soon. I want a dog that can go inside and outside but I am a neat freak and am very concerned about how I will react to the things that go along with having a dog. I am hoping that everyone will give their advice and ups and downs to having a dog. Thanks so much for your help in our decision.

Happy Father's Day

It has been a nice weekend! Friday night, we relaxed. Saturday, some friends came over and I really enjoyed the time just hanging out. Today, we went to my grandparents'! My Papaw is not doing well so keep him in your prayers. I know it is a matter of time before his body finally just gives out. He has been like a dad to me so it will be really hard to lose him.
On a happier note, Sweet Pea has my attitude for sure. My brother jokingly asked her where his present was for Father's Day. Sweet Pea replied, "Well your not a father." It wasn't just what she said but the tone that she used and the attitude that she said it with. Matt says that he feels like he is talking to me a lot of times when he argues with her. I guess I am training her up right!

suck up

Sweet Pea is a suck up! She is very good at it and she knows how to earn brownie points for later. Tonight, after her shower, she comes into my bedroom. She lovingly states that she is going to wear my favorite pajamas on her. I thanked her and she immediately states that I am supposed to ask her which ones are my favorite. So, I ask which of her pajamas are my favorite. Her reply: "The ones with the hearts on them because I am always in your heart." Now if that doesn't make your heart melt...

Before she goes to complete her bed stuff, I stated feeling yucky because I had been sweating. Sweet Pea comes up and sniffs me. She then says, "Mmmm, you smell so good that I could eat you for breakfast." I don't know where she comes up with it but I do know that Pumpkin Pie is sitting back, watching, and learning.

Just want to say thanks to all those that called, sent messages, etc...for my special day. It really makes a gal feel loved.

Whopper

Our children were playing together this evening, pretending to go fishing. Pumpkin Pie comments, "I caught a whopper." A few minutes later, from the back of the car, comes a sweet little voice: "Daddy, is a whopper bigger than a Bass?" My husband attempts to refrain from laughing before answering this question. I have to say her sweet Uncle Tad, who is kind enough to take us out on his boat, would be sadly disappointed in her lack of Ictheology. (Look that one up Tad)

Pet peeves and Injuries

I'll start with the pet peeves. I have many!!! I think I have vented about this before but I noticed it again recently: women (older usually) wearing tank tops, no bra, and sagging out everywhere for the world to see. It drives me insane. I do not understand what the desire is to expose themselves in such an embarrassing way. On another note, I noticed another of my many pet peeves today. I have attempted to teach my children that if a door is shut, you knock before entering. It amazes me how many people do not apply this in their life. I noticed this because I had to use a public restroom several times over the past week, while running errands, etc... It would seem that especially in a more public area, if the bathroom door (on a single bathroom) is shut, KNOCK!
Now that I have vented about my peeves...those who are close to my family will recall Sweet Pea's injury a couple of months back that required a visit to the emergency room (from a daycare injury). Today, Pumpkin Pie required a visit to the dentist. It appears that she chipped a tooth while on a field trip today. Thank goodness it seems to have been minor and did not hit the root. It just goes to prove that no one will watch your children as close as their mother does. Now, the challenge is to convince my husband that we could live on one income. I enjoy our home and my job too much to quit work though!
Our plans for last weekend were thrown off due to a change in the family that was going to visits schedule. I did enjoy a visit from one of my best friend's though. I am hoping to plan a fun weekend getaway for the kids soon though, since we will not be able to take a full week vacation this year. This weekend is looking promising though. We are hoping to visit with some friends that we haven't seen in several weeks and Sunday is Father's day!
I know this was a little more scattered but forgive me as that seems to be how our weeks have been lately.

Guest Blogger

Editor’s Note: Matt is guest blogging tonight.

Amber has been very busy recently and she asked me to jump in with something tonight. In keeping with the theme of the blog, the girls have played in the water most of the weekend. We have a larger inflatable pool and a smaller one with a slide, so they made the most of the hot, sunny weekend. They both have a very nice tan, whereas Dad is more of a light red. I wanted to take it a step further and bring Mario out to play in the pool with us, but I got vetoed.

Amber is better at remembering specific things that the girls do and say, but I have noticed a couple of trends recently. Pumpkin Pie is a lot like her Dad…A LOT! Recently, she has shown an increasing penchant for falling down…slipping down the steps, stumbling over the rug in the living room, etc. Bless her heart, she comes by it honest. Sweet Pea, on the other hand, is Amber’s “Mini-Me”…never met a stranger, independent and outspoken. The fun thing is when Mom or Dad try to deal out the discipline and she digs her heels in refuses to budge. As parents, we have to stand firm, but when she gets something in her head she will stick to it to the end of time. Again, she comes by it honest.

In other news, inflatable objects have been in grave danger in and around our house this weekend. One of our inflatable pools went down early on and we had to go out and get another. Then on Saturday evening I noticed that my driver side rear tire was low, so I aired it up with the intention of taking it to get patched on Monday. When I got up this morning to check the tire, I found that the tire was low, but the front tire on the same side was completely flat! New tires were needed by the end of Summer anyway, so we just took it and got 4 new tires. My wife has a knack for flattening tires by picking up nails, screws, glass, even a metal coathanger (true story)! Needless to say she is relishing in my recent tire woes. However, she put most of the wear on these tires before she got her new vehicle so I contend that the damage was done and the weekends events were inevitable.

I know this has been a little long and I appreciate you sticking with me. Amber will return soon with more quotes and funny stories. She will be proud that today’s entry contains no politics, sports, or PS3 conversation.

whatcha doin?

I came home from my long day at work. After work, I have supervision for my license. I was greeted at the door by my sweet girls. I jokingly asked my husband what he has been doing since he has been home (in my sarcastic voice). My sarcastic mini-me replies, "taking care of the kids." My husband had to laugh!

more money

This morning, we were teaching a Bible story to the girls about giving from a cheerful heart. When asked about the reason that mommy does the job that she does, Sweet Pea states that mommy works "to get us more money." We then explained the other reasons that mommy does the job I do. I think that I have put too much emphasis on having to go to work in order to be able to buy them the things that they enjoy instead of on the main reason that I chose my profession. Pumpkin Pie also commented that I only work with sexually abused children, again we have put a lot of emphasis on personal safety and boundaries and I have not given enough focus for her to see all of the other types of abuse that kids suffer daily. I guess I need to reevaluate how I am setting an example for them!

how sweet

Sweet Pea fell asleep on the couch last night watching television with the family. After the show, Pumpkin Pie got ready for bed and came down to give us goodnight love. Not wanting to disturb her little sister, she simply blew a kiss in her direction. I thought it was a very sweet gesture to want her sister to know that she loves her, even if she is already asleep.