Who's child is she?
Accessories make the outfit
And Lauren lives by that motto. Here I thought her costume was enough going on for one outfit and she proved me wrong because hot pink, feather heels are just what it needed.
Who's child is she?
Who's child is she?
Halloween 2009
Hot off the presses! The kids are watching a new Halloween movie and maintaining an elevated level of sugar as I type this. And wouldn't you know that the costume I couldn't get Lauren to put on is now the costume that I can't get her to take off! Go figure!
This afternoon we carved pumpkins. The boys did one and the girls did one. Well, Lauren and I did one and Ella just watched!
Josh wanted to make his look like a vampire but I told him we didn't want to scare little kids. So...he settled with a jagged tooth jack-o-lantern.
Lauren and I gave our pumpkin two teeth, like Ella, and had it look off to the side, how Lauren always does. And of course it had to have a "happy face"!!
And what you've all been waiting for: the kids in their costumes!!
Meet....
Super Mario,
A froggie,
And our little chickadee!
We all headed out so we could see the kids go door to door. Lauren wanted to be held for the first ten houses, or so. But it didn't take long for her to get into it and soon she was trick and treating like an ol' pro!
I headed back to the house to hand out candy and get Ella in the warm house. And about 45 minutes later I had the cutest trick or treaters ever!!!
I'm sure they'll crash sooner or later from all the sugar, but I'm just taking it as a sign of a successful Halloween!
This afternoon we carved pumpkins. The boys did one and the girls did one. Well, Lauren and I did one and Ella just watched!
Josh wanted to make his look like a vampire but I told him we didn't want to scare little kids. So...he settled with a jagged tooth jack-o-lantern.
Lauren and I gave our pumpkin two teeth, like Ella, and had it look off to the side, how Lauren always does. And of course it had to have a "happy face"!!
And what you've all been waiting for: the kids in their costumes!!
Meet....
Super Mario,
A froggie,
And our little chickadee!
We all headed out so we could see the kids go door to door. Lauren wanted to be held for the first ten houses, or so. But it didn't take long for her to get into it and soon she was trick and treating like an ol' pro!
I headed back to the house to hand out candy and get Ella in the warm house. And about 45 minutes later I had the cutest trick or treaters ever!!!
I'm sure they'll crash sooner or later from all the sugar, but I'm just taking it as a sign of a successful Halloween!
Truly my daughter
This weekend we went to Dad and Thomas' church. Services up there last a bit longer because they have such an amazing organist and he adds so much to the worship experience. Well, this Sunday the kids were very well behaved and only during the Benediction did Ella begin to act up a bit.
But as the organist began playing the recessional she quieted right down.
All I can say is she is a girl after my own heart. My van and work radio are both tuned into 91.7 (Iowa Public Radio - Classical) at all times.
Maybe she'll be my musical child. The one who will take cello lessons with me. The one who will go to the Cedar Rapids Symphony with me. The one who will go with me to NYC to see the New York Philharmonic.
Or maybe it was just a fluke.
But, God, I hope not.
But as the organist began playing the recessional she quieted right down.
All I can say is she is a girl after my own heart. My van and work radio are both tuned into 91.7 (Iowa Public Radio - Classical) at all times.
Maybe she'll be my musical child. The one who will take cello lessons with me. The one who will go to the Cedar Rapids Symphony with me. The one who will go with me to NYC to see the New York Philharmonic.
Or maybe it was just a fluke.
But, God, I hope not.
Fair Warning
You know how in the newspaper there are all those legal notices in the back? Basically the three pages of nonsense that I never read unless someone else has the section I'm waiting for.
Well, this is my "legal notice" to all people who don't have children yet feel that parental advice is something they are qualified to give me.
And as long as we are discussing qualifications, just because you were a child once does not make you qualified in giving parental advice. Just because you work with children does not make you qualified in giving parental advice. And just because you have nieces and nephews does not make you qualified in giving parental advice.
I don't know what it is but lately I've been receiving a lot of unsolicited comments and/or suggestions. All of them from women in their twenties. And all of them from women having no children of their own.
Each time this happens I think back to my own comments from my "pre-child(ren)" days. And I am still haunted by the comments I made about people who let their two year old have a pacifier. See below.
(On my way to the hospital to have Ella. Lauren is two months shy of turning two.)
If I ask for your advice then, by all means, I expect your opinion. In fact, as a mother I regularly ask the advice of OTHER MOTHERS. But if I just so happen to mention that my two year-old climbed into bed with me in the middle of the night, I am not intending to open my children's sleeping habits up for discussion.
So I am giving all people fair warning: if you feel the need to make an unsolicited comment and/or suggestion about how my children behave, what I allow them to do, what products I use, what food I feed them or what activities I let them partake in, you better be ready for a comment in return. Because in the same fashion in which you have commented on my parenting, I will comment on how you dress, your job, your hair or any other item as I see fit. Because in my opinion, it is just as out of line.
Kids have bad days just like adults. And mom's have bad days every once in awhile, too. So some days I let things slide depending on what type of day I, or the kids, may be having. I do not do this because I want to mess up their sleeping habits for the rest of their life. Or because I think McDonald's is a well rounded meal. Or because I think the Wii is intellectually stimulating.
I do it because some fights are not worth fighting. I do it because some things in moderation will not kill a person. I do it to keep myself sane. But most times I do it because I am only one person and I cannot possibly do it all.
When it comes to my children ask yourself these three questions. Are they healthy? Are they happy? Are they loved? If the answer is "Yes" to all three of these then maybe I'm not doing such a bad job after all.
One of the biggest lessons I've learned in becoming a mother is to pick your battles. And this is not one you want to pick with me.
Well, this is my "legal notice" to all people who don't have children yet feel that parental advice is something they are qualified to give me.
And as long as we are discussing qualifications, just because you were a child once does not make you qualified in giving parental advice. Just because you work with children does not make you qualified in giving parental advice. And just because you have nieces and nephews does not make you qualified in giving parental advice.
I don't know what it is but lately I've been receiving a lot of unsolicited comments and/or suggestions. All of them from women in their twenties. And all of them from women having no children of their own.
Each time this happens I think back to my own comments from my "pre-child(ren)" days. And I am still haunted by the comments I made about people who let their two year old have a pacifier. See below.
(On my way to the hospital to have Ella. Lauren is two months shy of turning two.)
If I ask for your advice then, by all means, I expect your opinion. In fact, as a mother I regularly ask the advice of OTHER MOTHERS. But if I just so happen to mention that my two year-old climbed into bed with me in the middle of the night, I am not intending to open my children's sleeping habits up for discussion.
So I am giving all people fair warning: if you feel the need to make an unsolicited comment and/or suggestion about how my children behave, what I allow them to do, what products I use, what food I feed them or what activities I let them partake in, you better be ready for a comment in return. Because in the same fashion in which you have commented on my parenting, I will comment on how you dress, your job, your hair or any other item as I see fit. Because in my opinion, it is just as out of line.
Kids have bad days just like adults. And mom's have bad days every once in awhile, too. So some days I let things slide depending on what type of day I, or the kids, may be having. I do not do this because I want to mess up their sleeping habits for the rest of their life. Or because I think McDonald's is a well rounded meal. Or because I think the Wii is intellectually stimulating.
I do it because some fights are not worth fighting. I do it because some things in moderation will not kill a person. I do it to keep myself sane. But most times I do it because I am only one person and I cannot possibly do it all.
When it comes to my children ask yourself these three questions. Are they healthy? Are they happy? Are they loved? If the answer is "Yes" to all three of these then maybe I'm not doing such a bad job after all.
One of the biggest lessons I've learned in becoming a mother is to pick your battles. And this is not one you want to pick with me.
A possilibity for this year's Christmas card photo
Wishing you a "Bitchslap" Christmas and Happy New Year!
- The Brickers
Or...it's a What's Ella thinking?
My guess:
"That girl better not try that out on me...or she'll get one right back!"
Out of the mouths of babes
Conversation #1
Josh kept asking if we were in Wisconsin yet. I kept telling him that we weren't going to Wisconsin but that we were instead going to Minnesota. I told him I'd let him know when we were getting close to the border, though.
So about five miles away from the border we had this converstaion:
Me: Josh, we're almost out of Iowa!
Josh: Cool!
Josh: Mom! Did I tell you we got a globe in my class room?
Me: You did! Remember, you told me that the North Pole is on top!
Josh: Oh yeah. And Minnesota is on top of Iowa, right?
Me: Yup!
Josh: Mom, did you know how small Iowa really is?
Me: I know! It's pretty crazy, huh? We've been driving for a long time and we are STILL in Iowa, yet Iowa is one of the smallest states. It's hard to imagine how big everything else is then, isn't it?
Me: Okay...here comes the border!!
Josh: Mom, where are the dot-dot-dots? Are those it?
Me: No, sweety. The border doesn't actually have the dot-dot-dots. Those are the lines on the road separating the lanes.
Josh: Ohhhhh.
Too cute!
Conversation #2
Saturday afternoon I was trying to get Josh to come to Ikea with me. I didn't really want to go alone but I really didn't want to dump all three kids with Dad and Thomas.
Me: Josh...want to go to Ikea with me?
Josh: Uh, no.
Me: Come on, Josh!
Josh: Uh, no.
Me: Oh, you know you want to come to Ikea with me!
Josh: Uh, no.
Me: Josh, mommy wants to go to Ikea. Don't you want to make me happy and come to Ikea with me?
Josh: Uh, no.
Me: I'd buy you something there.
**Josh stops playing the Wii**
Josh: Do they have Pokemon cards there?
Me: Uh, no.
Josh: Then...uh, no.
Josh kept asking if we were in Wisconsin yet. I kept telling him that we weren't going to Wisconsin but that we were instead going to Minnesota. I told him I'd let him know when we were getting close to the border, though.
So about five miles away from the border we had this converstaion:
Me: Josh, we're almost out of Iowa!
Josh: Cool!
Josh: Mom! Did I tell you we got a globe in my class room?
Me: You did! Remember, you told me that the North Pole is on top!
Josh: Oh yeah. And Minnesota is on top of Iowa, right?
Me: Yup!
Josh: Mom, did you know how small Iowa really is?
Me: I know! It's pretty crazy, huh? We've been driving for a long time and we are STILL in Iowa, yet Iowa is one of the smallest states. It's hard to imagine how big everything else is then, isn't it?
Me: Okay...here comes the border!!
Josh: Mom, where are the dot-dot-dots? Are those it?
Me: No, sweety. The border doesn't actually have the dot-dot-dots. Those are the lines on the road separating the lanes.
Josh: Ohhhhh.
Too cute!
Conversation #2
Saturday afternoon I was trying to get Josh to come to Ikea with me. I didn't really want to go alone but I really didn't want to dump all three kids with Dad and Thomas.
Me: Josh...want to go to Ikea with me?
Josh: Uh, no.
Me: Come on, Josh!
Josh: Uh, no.
Me: Oh, you know you want to come to Ikea with me!
Josh: Uh, no.
Me: Josh, mommy wants to go to Ikea. Don't you want to make me happy and come to Ikea with me?
Josh: Uh, no.
Me: I'd buy you something there.
**Josh stops playing the Wii**
Josh: Do they have Pokemon cards there?
Me: Uh, no.
Josh: Then...uh, no.
Another first for me!
I did it! I did it ALL by myself! And I am dang proud of it, too! Of what, you ask? I made a trip to Minneapolis this weekend - just me and the kids!
Before the trip I was telling friends, co-workers and Dad of my plan and they all just thought I was crazy. To be honest, their doubt in my abilities was a little irritating. But then I started packing and finishing up laundry on Friday afternoon and the flashes of what could happen started to panic me a bit.
My thoughts:
> Lauren could throw one of her massive temper tantrums in the middle of no where and you wouldn't have anyone there to talk you out of leaving her by the road!
> How exactly do you plan on keeping your children germ free in a truck stop bathroom with Ella on the hip?
> What if you blow a tire and are stuck somewhere?
> Who's going to load up the van for me?
> The drive home on Sunday always sucks and you can't take a nap if you are supposed to be driving!
Yet none of those thoughts deterred me, in the end. So I left work at noon, headed home to finish up some laundry, packed our bags, loaded up the car and picked up the kids from school/daycare and we were on the road by 3:30.
The kids were angels! We stopped in Charles City for supper and had a drive thru dinner thanks to McDonald's. I got the kids all set up with their happy meals and we were off again! The next time we stopped wasn't until Albert Lea.
This was the ONE time I had a minor panic attack. Three kids, one HUGE truck stop, dozens of semis, hundreds of cars, people everywhere and just me there to make sure no one was lost, hit or taken. Bathroom breaks with three kids can be pretty funny. I know I got a "look" or two but I'm pretty sure they were all from women who didn't have children so I take that with a grain of salt. I was just proud of myself that I didn't look back and say, "Ya know what? Call me in five years when you have small kids and all mine are potty trained! Then I can look at YOU and just laugh."
We all piled into the handicap stall and took our turn. I held Ella, then Josh held Ella, then I held Lauren...and so on and so on, until we had all done our business. Then it was time to change Ella.
I had packed my travel backpack to a "T". That thing is pretty much my lifeline when I travel. There is a front pocket with toy dinosaurs and trees for easy entertainment in any environment. The top front pocket is packed with spoons and baby food. The side pockets each hold a six ounce bottle. And the inside has coloring books, crayons, snacks, a sippy cup, pull-ups, diapers, two four ounce bottles and my wallet. See anything missing?
The wipes!
Yeah, this being my third child I no longer waste money on the small travel size wipes. As stated in a prior blog, I usually travel with the convenient 300 count bag and that doesn't really fit in my backpack. So there I was, changing Ella at the changing station (which is right by the sinks) and wetting down paper towels to wipe her. Meanwhile, the kids were playing with the industrial hand dryer and running around touching every disgusting surface they could find. Yeah...that's when I got most of "the looks".
After we all washed our hands again, we headed to the snack area as the Bricker Train (us holding hands). A box of $10 Cheez-its later and we were off again!
We actually made pretty good time on Friday (considering the two stops). And since we all made it there safely I wasn't going to complain!
We stayed up and visited for awhile and all hit the hay. And then about 5:00 am, Josh woke up and said his tummy was angry. That's never good.
So, him and I went down in the living room (bucket in hand) and tried to get him comfortable. Poor kid. He finally fell back asleep around 6:30 but by then the girls were up so no rest for the weary.
After everyone got up we went and grabbed breakfast and headed to Costco.
Oh, Costco. Be still my little coupon clipping, heart. It's like a Sam's, but better. There's just something about buying OxyClean in a 15 pound tub to make a mother smile. Well, either that or the nine pound bag of chocolate chips.
After Costco we headed home and put Ella down for a nap. It gave me a chance to get some shut-eye and Josh a chance to play the Wii with Thomas.
Dad and Lauren worked on lunch and I sat and watched.
Dad and Thomas' kitchen is so pretty. It was just remodeled and I ooo'ed and aww'ed and even drooled a little. Their floor is so pretty that I honestly wanted to lay down on it and make make-believe snow angels!
But I would kill for his pantry. Literally. Having a pantry that clean and organized would be worth doing ten to twenty in a state prison.
Right down to the spice rack in alphabetical order.
Nap time was over to soon and Ella joined the party!
Saturday night Katie came over for dessert. She is a dear friend of Thomas' and I adore her! She is so fun to hang out with! Of course she couldn't wait to meet Ella and see what my little Lauren was up to. So we all ate ice cream and Josh used that opportunity to squeeze in some extra Wii time while mom wasn't watching.
And after a late night of gab we had to hit the hay so we could make it to church in the morning.
Dad wants to know how I can make it to church on time with three kids when normally they are just pulling into the parking lot during the last verse of the first hymn. I told him it's part of my "have to be ten minutes early for everything" disorder.
After church we went over to our favorite breakfast place: Bryant Lake Bowl!
After I loaded the car it was already time to turn around and go home!
The kids did even BETTER on the way home! They all slept for the first two and a half hours and woke up right outside of Nashua. We stopped and did our bathroom breaks (which was much less eventful than Friday's), picked up some new snacks and were back on the road in twenty minutes. Before we knew it, we were home!
It was a great trip!! And each child got a big hug and kiss from me for being such a great traveler! I certainly would not hesitate doing it again but, that being said, I do have a list of tips for people who travel alone with more than one child:
1) Stop at small town gas stations as opposed to the biggest truck stop on I-35.
2) Timing is everything. Traveling during naptime is a necessity.
3) Two words: DVD player.
4) Set up the passenger seat like an emergency supply kit to avoid several stops.
- Snacks
- DVDs
- Pre-filled powder formula bottles
- Bottled water (for bottles)
- Camera
- Phone
- Wipes
- Gum
- Flask - just kidding ;-)
5) Forget the diaper bag, pack a backpack!!
6) Always have your GPS set and ready to find the closest McDonald's.
7) Don't psych yourself out!
Happy, safe travels!
Before the trip I was telling friends, co-workers and Dad of my plan and they all just thought I was crazy. To be honest, their doubt in my abilities was a little irritating. But then I started packing and finishing up laundry on Friday afternoon and the flashes of what could happen started to panic me a bit.
My thoughts:
> Lauren could throw one of her massive temper tantrums in the middle of no where and you wouldn't have anyone there to talk you out of leaving her by the road!
> How exactly do you plan on keeping your children germ free in a truck stop bathroom with Ella on the hip?
> What if you blow a tire and are stuck somewhere?
> Who's going to load up the van for me?
> The drive home on Sunday always sucks and you can't take a nap if you are supposed to be driving!
Yet none of those thoughts deterred me, in the end. So I left work at noon, headed home to finish up some laundry, packed our bags, loaded up the car and picked up the kids from school/daycare and we were on the road by 3:30.
The kids were angels! We stopped in Charles City for supper and had a drive thru dinner thanks to McDonald's. I got the kids all set up with their happy meals and we were off again! The next time we stopped wasn't until Albert Lea.
This was the ONE time I had a minor panic attack. Three kids, one HUGE truck stop, dozens of semis, hundreds of cars, people everywhere and just me there to make sure no one was lost, hit or taken. Bathroom breaks with three kids can be pretty funny. I know I got a "look" or two but I'm pretty sure they were all from women who didn't have children so I take that with a grain of salt. I was just proud of myself that I didn't look back and say, "Ya know what? Call me in five years when you have small kids and all mine are potty trained! Then I can look at YOU and just laugh."
We all piled into the handicap stall and took our turn. I held Ella, then Josh held Ella, then I held Lauren...and so on and so on, until we had all done our business. Then it was time to change Ella.
I had packed my travel backpack to a "T". That thing is pretty much my lifeline when I travel. There is a front pocket with toy dinosaurs and trees for easy entertainment in any environment. The top front pocket is packed with spoons and baby food. The side pockets each hold a six ounce bottle. And the inside has coloring books, crayons, snacks, a sippy cup, pull-ups, diapers, two four ounce bottles and my wallet. See anything missing?
The wipes!
Yeah, this being my third child I no longer waste money on the small travel size wipes. As stated in a prior blog, I usually travel with the convenient 300 count bag and that doesn't really fit in my backpack. So there I was, changing Ella at the changing station (which is right by the sinks) and wetting down paper towels to wipe her. Meanwhile, the kids were playing with the industrial hand dryer and running around touching every disgusting surface they could find. Yeah...that's when I got most of "the looks".
After we all washed our hands again, we headed to the snack area as the Bricker Train (us holding hands). A box of $10 Cheez-its later and we were off again!
We actually made pretty good time on Friday (considering the two stops). And since we all made it there safely I wasn't going to complain!
We stayed up and visited for awhile and all hit the hay. And then about 5:00 am, Josh woke up and said his tummy was angry. That's never good.
So, him and I went down in the living room (bucket in hand) and tried to get him comfortable. Poor kid. He finally fell back asleep around 6:30 but by then the girls were up so no rest for the weary.
After everyone got up we went and grabbed breakfast and headed to Costco.
Oh, Costco. Be still my little coupon clipping, heart. It's like a Sam's, but better. There's just something about buying OxyClean in a 15 pound tub to make a mother smile. Well, either that or the nine pound bag of chocolate chips.
After Costco we headed home and put Ella down for a nap. It gave me a chance to get some shut-eye and Josh a chance to play the Wii with Thomas.
Dad and Lauren worked on lunch and I sat and watched.
Dad and Thomas' kitchen is so pretty. It was just remodeled and I ooo'ed and aww'ed and even drooled a little. Their floor is so pretty that I honestly wanted to lay down on it and make make-believe snow angels!
But I would kill for his pantry. Literally. Having a pantry that clean and organized would be worth doing ten to twenty in a state prison.
Right down to the spice rack in alphabetical order.
Nap time was over to soon and Ella joined the party!
Saturday night Katie came over for dessert. She is a dear friend of Thomas' and I adore her! She is so fun to hang out with! Of course she couldn't wait to meet Ella and see what my little Lauren was up to. So we all ate ice cream and Josh used that opportunity to squeeze in some extra Wii time while mom wasn't watching.
And after a late night of gab we had to hit the hay so we could make it to church in the morning.
Dad wants to know how I can make it to church on time with three kids when normally they are just pulling into the parking lot during the last verse of the first hymn. I told him it's part of my "have to be ten minutes early for everything" disorder.
After church we went over to our favorite breakfast place: Bryant Lake Bowl!
After I loaded the car it was already time to turn around and go home!
The kids did even BETTER on the way home! They all slept for the first two and a half hours and woke up right outside of Nashua. We stopped and did our bathroom breaks (which was much less eventful than Friday's), picked up some new snacks and were back on the road in twenty minutes. Before we knew it, we were home!
It was a great trip!! And each child got a big hug and kiss from me for being such a great traveler! I certainly would not hesitate doing it again but, that being said, I do have a list of tips for people who travel alone with more than one child:
1) Stop at small town gas stations as opposed to the biggest truck stop on I-35.
2) Timing is everything. Traveling during naptime is a necessity.
3) Two words: DVD player.
4) Set up the passenger seat like an emergency supply kit to avoid several stops.
- Snacks
- DVDs
- Pre-filled powder formula bottles
- Bottled water (for bottles)
- Camera
- Phone
- Wipes
- Gum
- Flask - just kidding ;-)
5) Forget the diaper bag, pack a backpack!!
6) Always have your GPS set and ready to find the closest McDonald's.
7) Don't psych yourself out!
Happy, safe travels!
Forward Moving
Ella figured out how to move backward. She's figured out how to move side to side. And now she has figured out how to move forward, too!!
I am officially, utterly, devastatingly outnumbered four to one (Including the dog. And yes, the dog counts. While I was trying to corral the three children for dinner tonight she was busy shredding a box of Kleenex in the living room. So, SHE COUNTS! ).
Now that Ella's figured this out, the chaos in this house just grew exponentially. Not only that but everything that can be reached or touched within eight to ten inches of the floor has become something Ella wants to put in her mouth. And that's not a good thing 99 times out of 100.
Choking is my #1 concern.
Getting her hands on their toys is Josh and Lauren's #1 concern.
I am officially, utterly, devastatingly outnumbered four to one (Including the dog. And yes, the dog counts. While I was trying to corral the three children for dinner tonight she was busy shredding a box of Kleenex in the living room. So, SHE COUNTS! ).
Now that Ella's figured this out, the chaos in this house just grew exponentially. Not only that but everything that can be reached or touched within eight to ten inches of the floor has become something Ella wants to put in her mouth. And that's not a good thing 99 times out of 100.
Choking is my #1 concern.
Getting her hands on their toys is Josh and Lauren's #1 concern.
Out of the mouths of babes
Conversation #1
On our way over to Jaime and Heath's on Sunday, we were scolding Lauren for coloring her hands and clothes with the red marker for a SECOND time.
Me: Lauren, where do you keep getting these markers?
Lauren: Josh.
Me: Josh!
Josh: It's not markers mom. It's just one marker.
Me: Josh, watch it!
Josh: Sorry, mom.
Me: I'm not kidding. You have either got to throw that thing away or find a really good hiding place.
Josh: K, mom.
**Josh mumbling to himself**
I think I can build something that will keep her away from it. Hmmm...yeah, that would work. No, wait. Mom and dad probably wouldn't like it. Well? Hmmm...but it would work. Should I? Where would you even buy that?
Josh: Mom?
Me: Yeah?
Josh: Could I build something to keep her away from it?
Me: Like what?
Josh: Well, it's this thing with lasers...
Me and Dustin: NO!
Josh: Yeah...I thought so.
Conversation #2
Lauren's obsession with Dora is as strong as ever. And if that child could watch Dora 24/7, she would!
Me: What do you guys want to watch?
Lauren: Dora!
Josh: Anything NOT Dora!
Lauren: No, Josh!
Josh: Ya know what, Lauren? Two year-old's love Dora. I loved Dora when I was two. But I'm six now. And six year-old's HATE Dora.
On our way over to Jaime and Heath's on Sunday, we were scolding Lauren for coloring her hands and clothes with the red marker for a SECOND time.
Me: Lauren, where do you keep getting these markers?
Lauren: Josh.
Me: Josh!
Josh: It's not markers mom. It's just one marker.
Me: Josh, watch it!
Josh: Sorry, mom.
Me: I'm not kidding. You have either got to throw that thing away or find a really good hiding place.
Josh: K, mom.
**Josh mumbling to himself**
I think I can build something that will keep her away from it. Hmmm...yeah, that would work. No, wait. Mom and dad probably wouldn't like it. Well? Hmmm...but it would work. Should I? Where would you even buy that?
Josh: Mom?
Me: Yeah?
Josh: Could I build something to keep her away from it?
Me: Like what?
Josh: Well, it's this thing with lasers...
Me and Dustin: NO!
Josh: Yeah...I thought so.
Conversation #2
Lauren's obsession with Dora is as strong as ever. And if that child could watch Dora 24/7, she would!
Me: What do you guys want to watch?
Lauren: Dora!
Josh: Anything NOT Dora!
Lauren: No, Josh!
Josh: Ya know what, Lauren? Two year-old's love Dora. I loved Dora when I was two. But I'm six now. And six year-old's HATE Dora.
Visual learner
Each morning as I'm dropping the girls off to daycare we go through the same routine. First, I unbuckle Lauren. Then, I go get Ella. By this time Lauren has already gotten out of the car and finally, we walk in together.
This morning as I was walking over to get Ella I caught Lauren buckling in her baby.
Normally, her putzing around would drive me nuts. But watching her work so hard to keep her baby safe was touching. So I let her be and had to grab the camera.
She's going to be such a good mother.
This morning as I was walking over to get Ella I caught Lauren buckling in her baby.
Normally, her putzing around would drive me nuts. But watching her work so hard to keep her baby safe was touching. So I let her be and had to grab the camera.
She's going to be such a good mother.
Box Tops
Josh's school, like every other school in America, collects Box Tops to earn money. We received a flyer about it a few weeks ago, listing the prize levels for each classroom. My son being, well...my son, has thrown himself all in to this competetion and has dreams of single handedly earning his classroom a pizza party. We have spent the last two weeks hounding grandparents, and great-grandparents, for their Box Tops.
And at his school conference the other week, we were told by Mrs. Martin, that at snack time one day she was handing out snacks and Josh screamed, "BOX TOPS!" from across the room. Startled she said, "What?" His response, "There's a box top on that box, Mrs. Martin! You have to cut it out!"
We have taken every box of cereal, every package of diapers, every package of Pull-ups, every Ziploc box, every Kleenex box, every snack box, every box, bag or package and cut out Box Tops for the past two weeks.
And after all that work today he is turning in 85 Box Tops!
As he frantically counted all his Box Tops last night he asked if I would also make a plea to anyone who reads the blog to collect Box Tops for him. The kid certainly has a knack for marketing, huh?
And as an added bonus, he said, "Be sure to tell them 'Please', mom?"
So, here it goes....
To anyone who may read our family blog, would you please collect your Box Tops throughout the year and send them to Josh?
Thank you!
And at his school conference the other week, we were told by Mrs. Martin, that at snack time one day she was handing out snacks and Josh screamed, "BOX TOPS!" from across the room. Startled she said, "What?" His response, "There's a box top on that box, Mrs. Martin! You have to cut it out!"
We have taken every box of cereal, every package of diapers, every package of Pull-ups, every Ziploc box, every Kleenex box, every snack box, every box, bag or package and cut out Box Tops for the past two weeks.
And after all that work today he is turning in 85 Box Tops!
As he frantically counted all his Box Tops last night he asked if I would also make a plea to anyone who reads the blog to collect Box Tops for him. The kid certainly has a knack for marketing, huh?
And as an added bonus, he said, "Be sure to tell them 'Please', mom?"
So, here it goes....
To anyone who may read our family blog, would you please collect your Box Tops throughout the year and send them to Josh?
Thank you!
Missions accomplished!
Every fall, it seems, I get some surge of motivation to get my "game" back! I'm finding that with three kids, being organized is not so much a desirable attribute as it is a necessity.
Josh didn't have school on Friday so he stayed home with Dad. I figured it would be a "loaf" day for the both of them but was I wrong! After we exchanged kids, I walked into a clean house! It took the kids a few minutes to wake me up after I passed out but when I finally "came to" I had a permanent smile on my face - much like the Joker from Batman.
As Josh helped me up from the floor, he said, "Now mom, let's try and keep this place clean. It's a lot of work to pick up everything."
And with that...I passed out again.
While I am deeply appreciative of all the work those two boys did, I am also appreciative of fact that it helped remind them exactly how much work it is to keep up the house. And that, whether they like to believe it or not, the house does not pick up after itself. I've tried my hardest to not expect much from Dustin in that department, over the past two and a half years, but every once in awhile I get tired of all my jobs, too. And I think he picked up on that.
Sadly, once three kids descend upon on clean house, it doesn't take long for the foyer to look like a tornado went through. Three coats, three hats, six mittens, two blankets, eight shoes, one school bag, one diaper bags, five papers, one bottle and a missing sock. That's what was on the floor by the time I walked into the family room. **sigh**
After Ella went to bed, the kids played in the family room and I made my shopping lists for Saturday. I've found a new system and it REALLY seems to be working.
Each week I have a blank shopping list on my fridge to which I add items throughout the week as I see I need them. So I take my list, I get out the ads, get out my coupons, and get an envelope for each store. Then I match my coupons with the ads and write them on the front of the envelope. Like such...
If I have a coupon, the item gets a check mark and the coupon is put inside the envelope. Once I'm done with my envelopes, I head to my computer and see if I can find printable coupons for the unchecked items.
It may sound like a lot of work, but trust me, it's worth it.
Fareway - spent $70.15, saved $28.25.
Walgreens - spent $58.59, saved $31.69
Target - spent $373.51, saved $109.64
This weekend we had to buy the girls new carseats (cha. ching.). Ella has gotten too big (i.e. heavy) for her carseat carrier. And since the one I had my eye on for her was on ad this weekend (and my 10% off coupon at Target was about to expire, plus I had a $5 coupon) I figured it was a good time to get it. Lauren has also outgrown her carseat...well, with the addition of her winter coat and all. So, she got a new one as well.
One thing I won't skimp on is car seats. And these should properly fit, and keep the girls safe, for at least another year or two.
Once I got them home and fit them to each of the girls, Lauren helped me install them. I did hers first and she buckled herself in and watched me clean the van and install Ella's.
I'd say she likes it!
Our friends from Omaha were in town this weekend and we got a surprise phone call Saturday afternoon from them to tell us they were free for dinner!!! We were very excited to meet up with them and, as always, had a great time catching up!
I put the kids down for a nap, in anticipation of our big evening, finished some laundry and took a bit of a nap myself. When I went to wake Lauren up I started screaming. I thought she was bleeding and before I could turn on the lights Josh yelled, "Mom...it's only marker!"
Then I got mad.
She had colored her hands, her socks and her shirt red. And when she fell asleep, her hands sweat and her face was covered with it, too.
I thought she had learned her lesson...until she did it again on Sunday.
The red marker is now kept where I keep the Vaseline.
Yesterday we went over to Jaime and Heath's house for a little get together. The weather was AMAZING and completely perfect fall weather! So when we got home Dustin figured it would be a good time to pick up the leaves and mow one last time. Josh was out helping him and came running inside because Dustin let him push the mower. I went running out to yell and Dustin and before I could get one word out he said, "Stop! I was right behind him holding the bar, too. You didn't think I would let him do it on his own, did you?"
My response, "Why do you think I came running out here?"
They also found where two birds had fought in our backyard and left a pile of feathers.
Josh was pretty excited to see all the feathers and he asked what happened.
Me: Oh, a brother and sister bird probably had a fight.
Josh: Oh...but why did all their feather fall out.
Me: Well,...either they pulled each other's out....
Josh: Or?
Me: It's just their mother's because she pulled her own out.
Josh: Been there, huh, mom?
Josh didn't have school on Friday so he stayed home with Dad. I figured it would be a "loaf" day for the both of them but was I wrong! After we exchanged kids, I walked into a clean house! It took the kids a few minutes to wake me up after I passed out but when I finally "came to" I had a permanent smile on my face - much like the Joker from Batman.
As Josh helped me up from the floor, he said, "Now mom, let's try and keep this place clean. It's a lot of work to pick up everything."
And with that...I passed out again.
While I am deeply appreciative of all the work those two boys did, I am also appreciative of fact that it helped remind them exactly how much work it is to keep up the house. And that, whether they like to believe it or not, the house does not pick up after itself. I've tried my hardest to not expect much from Dustin in that department, over the past two and a half years, but every once in awhile I get tired of all my jobs, too. And I think he picked up on that.
Sadly, once three kids descend upon on clean house, it doesn't take long for the foyer to look like a tornado went through. Three coats, three hats, six mittens, two blankets, eight shoes, one school bag, one diaper bags, five papers, one bottle and a missing sock. That's what was on the floor by the time I walked into the family room. **sigh**
After Ella went to bed, the kids played in the family room and I made my shopping lists for Saturday. I've found a new system and it REALLY seems to be working.
Each week I have a blank shopping list on my fridge to which I add items throughout the week as I see I need them. So I take my list, I get out the ads, get out my coupons, and get an envelope for each store. Then I match my coupons with the ads and write them on the front of the envelope. Like such...
If I have a coupon, the item gets a check mark and the coupon is put inside the envelope. Once I'm done with my envelopes, I head to my computer and see if I can find printable coupons for the unchecked items.
It may sound like a lot of work, but trust me, it's worth it.
Fareway - spent $70.15, saved $28.25.
Walgreens - spent $58.59, saved $31.69
Target - spent $373.51, saved $109.64
This weekend we had to buy the girls new carseats (cha. ching.). Ella has gotten too big (i.e. heavy) for her carseat carrier. And since the one I had my eye on for her was on ad this weekend (and my 10% off coupon at Target was about to expire, plus I had a $5 coupon) I figured it was a good time to get it. Lauren has also outgrown her carseat...well, with the addition of her winter coat and all. So, she got a new one as well.
One thing I won't skimp on is car seats. And these should properly fit, and keep the girls safe, for at least another year or two.
Once I got them home and fit them to each of the girls, Lauren helped me install them. I did hers first and she buckled herself in and watched me clean the van and install Ella's.
I'd say she likes it!
Our friends from Omaha were in town this weekend and we got a surprise phone call Saturday afternoon from them to tell us they were free for dinner!!! We were very excited to meet up with them and, as always, had a great time catching up!
I put the kids down for a nap, in anticipation of our big evening, finished some laundry and took a bit of a nap myself. When I went to wake Lauren up I started screaming. I thought she was bleeding and before I could turn on the lights Josh yelled, "Mom...it's only marker!"
Then I got mad.
She had colored her hands, her socks and her shirt red. And when she fell asleep, her hands sweat and her face was covered with it, too.
I thought she had learned her lesson...until she did it again on Sunday.
The red marker is now kept where I keep the Vaseline.
Yesterday we went over to Jaime and Heath's house for a little get together. The weather was AMAZING and completely perfect fall weather! So when we got home Dustin figured it would be a good time to pick up the leaves and mow one last time. Josh was out helping him and came running inside because Dustin let him push the mower. I went running out to yell and Dustin and before I could get one word out he said, "Stop! I was right behind him holding the bar, too. You didn't think I would let him do it on his own, did you?"
My response, "Why do you think I came running out here?"
They also found where two birds had fought in our backyard and left a pile of feathers.
Josh was pretty excited to see all the feathers and he asked what happened.
Me: Oh, a brother and sister bird probably had a fight.
Josh: Oh...but why did all their feather fall out.
Me: Well,...either they pulled each other's out....
Josh: Or?
Me: It's just their mother's because she pulled her own out.
Josh: Been there, huh, mom?
The final game
Josh's first season of football is officially over! While I am proud of myself for sticking with it, for entertaining two small girls each Tuesday and Thursday during an unseasonably cold fall, for planning ahead twice a week and packing a "dinner" each morning for everyone and for generally keeping a positive attitude (even though practice ran late till 6:45 each time and Ella's bedtime is 7:00)...I am even more proud of Joshie!
He absolutely loved every second of this experience and it has created a new found enthusiasm in him for the game of football. Dustin is thrilled! Dustin and him watch football together now, they play catch in the backyard (and in the house...grrrr) and Dustin even has Josh running around the house spouting off scores and statistics. It is Dustin's dream come to life, I swear.
Me? I'm glad he's found something he enjoys. But if I have to tell that child to stop throwing the football in the house one more time I'm gonna lose it. I keep telling him that even though we have really tall ceilings, and even though Lauren says she'll catch it, and even though Ella likes to watch you tackle the dog...football is not an indoor activity.
It was a great season! Now on to Basketball!!!
He absolutely loved every second of this experience and it has created a new found enthusiasm in him for the game of football. Dustin is thrilled! Dustin and him watch football together now, they play catch in the backyard (and in the house...grrrr) and Dustin even has Josh running around the house spouting off scores and statistics. It is Dustin's dream come to life, I swear.
Me? I'm glad he's found something he enjoys. But if I have to tell that child to stop throwing the football in the house one more time I'm gonna lose it. I keep telling him that even though we have really tall ceilings, and even though Lauren says she'll catch it, and even though Ella likes to watch you tackle the dog...football is not an indoor activity.
It was a great season! Now on to Basketball!!!
What's Lauren thinking?
I was informed this weekend that the "What's Ella thinking" feature is a favorite in Wisconsin. It was suggested I do the same with Lauren...so here you go.
This was caught while Josh was teasing his sister and switched the language on the DVD player.
My guess...
"Uh...wait a second. When did Dora learn how to speak French?"
This was caught while Josh was teasing his sister and switched the language on the DVD player.
My guess...
"Uh...wait a second. When did Dora learn how to speak French?"
The gift that keeps on giving
Nothing says "Happy Birthday" like showing up with your three wild children and sleepy husband, unannounced for a three day birthday party binge. Well, that's not entirely true. It wasn't completely unannounced because they knew we were coming; they just weren't expecting us so early.
Pop-pop's 83rd birthday was on Friday. So the entire Bruni/Bricker family trecked up to Wisconsin to drink a little wine, play a little Sheep's head and look at some old family slides.
After staying up past midnight to finish packing on Thursday night and getting up a little after five Friday morning, I was glad he was so happy to see us. Because, to be honest, if someone brought their three kids to my house on my birthday...I'd probably tell them to get back in their car and get out of my driveway. But I guess that's yet another difference between being a thirty year old mother of three and an eight-three year old, retired great-grandfather.
Continuing my two and a half year phase of a "one woman show", I did all the laundry, all the packing and all the loading up. So that by the time Dustin got off of work on Friday morning we were all waiting for him to shower so we could get on the road. Since we had some spare time...I got a few pre-trip photos of the kids!
Do you think they were excited?!?
I drove so that Dustin could sleep and while I'm glad he got some rest, he missed quite the drive. The kids were good. In fact, they were AWESOME! No tears (not even from Ella) and no fighting. It was like taking a drive before I had kids. But the best part was the view. The trees had started turning colors and by the time we hit Dubuque I had to tell myself to pay attention to the road and not to the trees.
We only had to stop in Madison for a quick potty break and then we were back on the road in no time. And every twenty minutes Lauren would ask, "We got to Pop-pop's house, mommy?"
Friday night we went to eat at The Pub in Mayville, Wisconsin. It's about as old fashion Friday Night Fish Fry as you can get - good, greasy and plenty of it. Ella is busy working on her top two teeth so she gnawed on the table instead.
After dinner we headed home to dig into some birthday cake but not before a jaunt past the old cheese factory. About the time I buckled my seat belt I realized it was going to be a long ride home. Ella was done riding in the car for the day and, by God, she was going to let everyone in rural Wisconsin hear about it.
Thankfully, all we had to do was show her cake and she was all smiles again.
Josh and Lauren wanted to be in charge of the candles. And like any good great-grandfather would, Pop-pop let them defile his beautiful cake with randomly placed candles.
Saturday we set up the projector and looked at hundreds of old slides. I have never laughed so hard in my life! Between the fact that my brother is the spitting of my grandfather in 1952 and the fact that my grandmother didn't know how to cut my mother's hair...oh, man...I have ribbing material for the next five years, at least. What a riot!
Each slide brought stories, most of which I've never heard before. Not to mention, before Saturday I had only seen a dozen, or so, photos of my late grandmother.
Ella spent most her time grazing in the kitchen with the rest of the kids.
Then, of course, Saturday night was the big Hawkeye game. I've come to the understanding, after all these years, that Dustin "shuts down" when it comes to game time. One minute he's visiting and then the next minute he's glued to the tv watching ESPN and hanging on every word of the announcers. I packed everything up and we planned our trip back to the hotel for half time.
And as soon as we got back to the hotel...he was back at it.
Poor Ella was his good luck charm. So she had to stay up till the very end because every time he set her down Michigan scored.
Then it was Sunday and time to go home already. We went to church, went to lunch and took some pictures and we hit the road again.
The kids traveled great and we didn't even have to stop once on the way home!
Happy Birthday, Pop-pop!!! We hope you had a great birthday!
Pop-pop's 83rd birthday was on Friday. So the entire Bruni/Bricker family trecked up to Wisconsin to drink a little wine, play a little Sheep's head and look at some old family slides.
After staying up past midnight to finish packing on Thursday night and getting up a little after five Friday morning, I was glad he was so happy to see us. Because, to be honest, if someone brought their three kids to my house on my birthday...I'd probably tell them to get back in their car and get out of my driveway. But I guess that's yet another difference between being a thirty year old mother of three and an eight-three year old, retired great-grandfather.
Continuing my two and a half year phase of a "one woman show", I did all the laundry, all the packing and all the loading up. So that by the time Dustin got off of work on Friday morning we were all waiting for him to shower so we could get on the road. Since we had some spare time...I got a few pre-trip photos of the kids!
Do you think they were excited?!?
I drove so that Dustin could sleep and while I'm glad he got some rest, he missed quite the drive. The kids were good. In fact, they were AWESOME! No tears (not even from Ella) and no fighting. It was like taking a drive before I had kids. But the best part was the view. The trees had started turning colors and by the time we hit Dubuque I had to tell myself to pay attention to the road and not to the trees.
We only had to stop in Madison for a quick potty break and then we were back on the road in no time. And every twenty minutes Lauren would ask, "We got to Pop-pop's house, mommy?"
Friday night we went to eat at The Pub in Mayville, Wisconsin. It's about as old fashion Friday Night Fish Fry as you can get - good, greasy and plenty of it. Ella is busy working on her top two teeth so she gnawed on the table instead.
After dinner we headed home to dig into some birthday cake but not before a jaunt past the old cheese factory. About the time I buckled my seat belt I realized it was going to be a long ride home. Ella was done riding in the car for the day and, by God, she was going to let everyone in rural Wisconsin hear about it.
Thankfully, all we had to do was show her cake and she was all smiles again.
Josh and Lauren wanted to be in charge of the candles. And like any good great-grandfather would, Pop-pop let them defile his beautiful cake with randomly placed candles.
Saturday we set up the projector and looked at hundreds of old slides. I have never laughed so hard in my life! Between the fact that my brother is the spitting of my grandfather in 1952 and the fact that my grandmother didn't know how to cut my mother's hair...oh, man...I have ribbing material for the next five years, at least. What a riot!
Each slide brought stories, most of which I've never heard before. Not to mention, before Saturday I had only seen a dozen, or so, photos of my late grandmother.
Ella spent most her time grazing in the kitchen with the rest of the kids.
Then, of course, Saturday night was the big Hawkeye game. I've come to the understanding, after all these years, that Dustin "shuts down" when it comes to game time. One minute he's visiting and then the next minute he's glued to the tv watching ESPN and hanging on every word of the announcers. I packed everything up and we planned our trip back to the hotel for half time.
And as soon as we got back to the hotel...he was back at it.
Poor Ella was his good luck charm. So she had to stay up till the very end because every time he set her down Michigan scored.
Then it was Sunday and time to go home already. We went to church, went to lunch and took some pictures and we hit the road again.
The kids traveled great and we didn't even have to stop once on the way home!
Happy Birthday, Pop-pop!!! We hope you had a great birthday!
