Worth the chaos

Either we’re really brave or really stupid, but my friend Sarah and I took our kids (minus one of hers) to eat at a (nicer) restaurant last night. 

I thought Adelaide would be my biggest challenge, but she was overshadowed in that designation by none other than Drew.  It must have been the fact that he was the only male.

Whenever you take little kids out, you just have to prepare yourself that you’ll be eating fast and trying to get out of there before the meltdown begins. But even so, it was fun, VERY good food, and hey! WE DIDN’T HAVE TO COOK!

A very full Sunday

Yesterday was a very big day for Adelaide since it was the children’s Promotion Sunday at church. She went to her very first Sunday School class! (Screamed a tiny bit when I left but then did she fine.)

She was very proud of her paper (which had one lonely streak of coloring on it). But the first thing she said when I picked her up was “I ate goldfish.”

We’re all about priorities.

A few more of my favorites:

Yes, I have a weakness for little girls in white dresses. And big floppy hairbows.

We had lunch with our shepherding group after church. BBQ: a perfect way to kick off the summer. The weather was perfect and we had a GREAT time. Thanks, W’s!

After naps and a light supper, the kids and I met Nicky and Steve at the park down by the riverfront for the evening. Andy worked 14+ hour days all last week because another manager was on vacation – so he was in bed sound asleep. But we had a great time anyway.

Nicky brought spaghetti, and my girls helped themselves:

Drew spent the ENTIRE time running and kicking the soccer ball.

Needless to say, he needed another sponge bath when we got home.

Mr. Steve bought the kids ice cream to share:

And, not surprisingly, Madeline made a new friend:

A good, fun-filled, beautiful Sunday.

Memorial Day 2009 – One for the history books

I had a mental lapse yesterday morning and agreed to go hiking with Andy and the kids.  It ended up being the hike from, well, you know where.

For one thing, everything was wet; wet leaves, wet dirt, wet rocks.  Which meant that everything was slick.  And there are parts that if you were to slip off the side of the trail, you’d fall about 40 feet.  (We made the kids hold our hands during those lengths, obviously.)  So I was a little on edge to begin with.

We all did mostly fine getting up to the falls, and when it got kind of rocky, I started carrying Adelaide.  We were at a fairly level spot of just big rocks to step on or around, when I slipped on one and fell.  Cut my elbow and scraped/bruised a patch on each leg.  (Adelaide was fine since she landed cradled in my elbow.)

After that we decided to call it a day and head back down.  The kids got distracted by another family splashing in this little water pool we passed and we had a hard time getting them to focus on being careful with their steps downward.  And our puppy was just altogether a nuisance.

Both girls cried pretty much the whole way back to the car.  Madeline wanted to ride Andy’s shoulders but her jeans were sopping and muddy and Adelaide wouldn’t let me put her down even though my arm felt like it was going to fall off.  I was also bleeding and my legs were sore – I SO just wanted to snap my fingers and be home!

We had a very low-key afternoon consisting of lunch and naps.  We put the kids down early because we needed to leave in enough time to pick up fruit and chips and get to some friends’ house for a Memorial Day cook-out with several other families (mostly from church).

(Side note: of course it would start pouring the very minute I was getting out of the van to run into the store.  Goodbye, smooth hair.)

We managed to make it through the meal and ice cream treats without incident…unless you count Adelaide covering herself head-to-toe in fudgesicle:

And then Drew came in with a scraped and bloody knee.  We cleaned it up and applied a band-aid and he ran back outside to play.

It wasn’t three minutes later one of the kids said Drew had fallen.  There was a little confusion because at first we thought they were referring to the first time.  But then one of the guys carried him in, blood streaming down his leg.  I’ll spare you the details but he basically split his knee open and Andy ended up taking him to the ER.  The girls and I stayed for a while and then got a ride home.

He said it was an entirely miserable experience.  First Andy was directed to clean the wound, (something about kids taking pain from parents better?  Don’t ask me) and then he and two nurses had to hold Drew down for the numbing Novocain shots.   The little guy got so worked up he couldn’t breathe (he sounded a little wheezy yesterday for some reason) so they also gave him two steroid shots in the rear to get the swelling in his neck down.

The doctor had a very poor bedside manner and Andy said for that reason alone he was glad I wasn’t there.  (Hmph.)  Drew got 9 stitches and almost as many stickers (which are now stuck to my living room wall).  They had given him Tylenol with Codeine for the pain and so of course Andy had to tell him to stop running in the parking lot.

And also?  The ER ain’t cheap.

So I think for today we’ll be staying inside, trying to avoid further catastrophe.

In Real Life

One thing I love about the blogosphere is getting to meet online friends in real life. While I was at Dolly’s, Trina from Fabulously Frugalicious was able to come over and spend Saturday afternoon with us.

Ruthie (age 5) took our picture. I cropped out a lot. (She was at tummy level, can you blame me?) And I would just like to note that Trina is wearing heels and we were wearing flip-flops. So there is a little discrepancy in height (and yes, I’m totally making myself feel better).

We had a great time hanging out and gabbing — I knew it wouldn’t be awkward (and it wasn’t AT ALL). Even the kids all played well together:

If you have a chance to go to a bloggy meet-up, DO IT!!!

Six children five and under is too much for two mommies in Costco

(Alternate title: The cat hates me.)

So here I am in the Deep South, visiting Dolly and trying not to lift a finger.  (Vacation is not for finger-lifting, you know.)  She also has a kitten and I’ve been painfully reminded of how allergic I am to the feline species.

(She left to pick up Chinese for dinner last night, asking if she should pick up some Claritin for me while she was out.  I thought I’d be okay and brushed her off.  And then as soon as she pulled out of the driveway, I sneezed at least fifteen times in a row.  I immediately called her back and begged for mercy Claritin.)

Today we lazed around here (we’re good at lazing around) and then took the kids to a park.  Came back for lunch and naps and then ran over to Costco to grab a pizza for dinner.

Dolly also ordered the two of us mocha freezes to enjoy while we browsed (I mean, why not? we had to wait for the pizza to bake, after all) and as soon as we had walked away from the counter, my arm got bumped by a child’s head and my mocha crashed dramatically all over the floor.

(And I’m sure it warranted all fifty-gazillion paper towels the employee threw down on the floor.  Hmph.  At least they gave me a new one for free.)

Our shopping trip continued in much the same fashion; children arguing over sips of my drink and who got to push the cart, Madeline’s toes getting run over, and Adelaide first protesting sitting up in the seat of the cart and then kicking Drew when he got too close.  Oh, and him pouting and hurt because I wouldn’t let him push the cart since he can’t even see over the top and kept ramming both product displays and innocent people.

At one point I said out loud to no one in particular, “who are these children?  Ain’t never seen ‘em before.”

I managed to get a set of summer pajamas for Drew and a darling smocked church dress for Madeline.  (Costco: The One-Stop Shop.)  Dolly made out pretty well, too.  We got our pizza and headed home, both of us glad not to have to cook.

Tonight after everyone was bathed and tucked in (and repeated requests for potty stops and drinks of water were dealt with), we popped in a movie and the evil spirit within her cat came out to taunt me.

That cat is seriously out to get me.  He jumps and lands on me out of NOWHERE, digging his claws into my unsuspecting legs and feet and I about jump out of my skin from shock.  Rinse and repeat at least a dozen times.  He’s seriously about to give me a heart attack, or at least a nervous breakdown.   Don’t be fooled by his look of kitten innocence.

(And just because he’s the size of a squirrel doesn’t mean he can’t do some serious damage with those tiny razor claws.  I’m telling you, don’t be fooled!)

Although, I bet Max could take him.

Changing Scenery

No time to blog this morning because the kids and I are packing up and heading down to Dolly’s.  Let the fun begin!

I might catch up by Monday

We’ve been so busy this week my house has totally slipped down the priority list. Well, more like fell off. We’re also having highs in the upper 80′s so all the summer clothes got pulled out of the attic out of sheer necessity and are currently still strewn about the hallway, waiting for drawer space.

(Sidenote: while I was up there, the kids got curious and opened the hall door, which pushed the attic ladder and door up. I thought I was going to be trapped up there since Andy was already at work. But Drew was able to pull it down enough so I could step on his doorknob and jump. Nothing like a little bit of mid-afternoon drama.)

My birthday finale was last night. I’ve mentioned several times that I have a group of girlfriends who go out together for each other’s birthdays. (Self-organized. If you ask me to come to your birthday dinner, I’ll try my hardest to come… that is, you don’t have to twist my arm very hard for a girls night out.)

Anyway, we went to Andy’s new restaurant and drooled over our food. I am still kicking myself that I didn’t even get one photo. But I will show you a photo of the apron Nicky made me:

(It pays to have friends that are creative.)

So that was last night. Then this morning, our church youth ministry sponsored a free parenting conference, “Parenting on Purpose” and did all the childcare and served us lunch. It was fabulous. Our pastor and Sunday school teacher were speakers so I knew it would be. I’ll share a little of it this week when I get a minute to go over my notes, etc.

It ended around 2 and I made a beeline for home so Adelaide could get a decent nap (which she didn’t), and then one of my sisters came over so I could run to the store while they were all asleep. It was a lifesaver because our fellowship group meets tomorrow after church and we’re supposed to bring cookies (Oreo’s, anyone?) and also, I had planned on meeting Sarah for a picnic supper tonight at the park and needed something to actually, you know, feed my kids.

We had a great time; the weather was perfect and it wasn’t too crowded.

And now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got Sunday clothes to get ready, winter clothes to throw up to the attic, banana bread to bake, a bathroom to clean, and the eternal laundry to fold.

Not your average day

Today was anything but normal. I had to be at the pediatrician’s office at 9 a.m. sharp for Drew’s 5-year-old checkup and kindergarten shots. They also did a hemoglobin finger prick, which happened first, and he wasn’t watching the nurse when she did it and immediately yelled, “OUCH! SOMEONE HURT ME!” (As if it had been a ghost.)

She and I had a little laugh over that. Then came all 5 of his shots, poor guy. He didn’t cry much but certainly made a loud squirming ruckus. You try holding down a strong little boy when someone’s poking and prodding him – it isn’t easy!!

We pulled into the drive thru at McD’s after and got two small chocolate shakes, ignoring the fact that it was 10:40 a.m. Doesn’t everyone love shakes that early in the morning? (Although Starbucks would have been a better choice for me.)

The whole way home he would randomly say, “Mama? I don’t like shots.”

You and everyone else, kid.

Brite came over for a glass of sweet tea this afternoon, and we had us a little chat. Adelaide was already napping but the other two were running around, inside and out. Right before she left I held her baby so she could use the bathroom, and when we walked out the door together a few minutes later, both of my kids were down in the ditch, stripped down to their underwear.

Only me.

She even got photographic evidence (I still can’t find my camera). They had been playing in the rainwater that had collected in the ditch in front of our house and had obviously gotten pretty wet. I guess they thought that it’d be better to be naked than hampered down with soggy clothes. I’m just glad they still had on their skivvies. (You really never know with those two.)

(Being so close in age, well, my theory is that they come up with things together that they would never think of on their own. I.e. the sum is naughtier than its parts.)

So into the bath they went (and don’t tell them, but at that point I was actually very glad I wasn’t the one who had to peel off wet dirty clothes). We all got naps today, which I was very thankful for, especially after being out so early this morning.

The kids talked me into heading to the park after dinner tonight, and I’m glad we went because they really needed to expend some of that energy. Yesterday was rainy and this morning was still pretty wet, so they’ve been cooped up a lot the past few days. I even had them run on the bike track.

The last thing we did today was a quick run to get gas in my car and diapers at Walmart. The rest of this week is going to be pretty crazy and I didn’t want to have to stop for those things. Unfortunately, I forgot the toilet paper. And we’re totally out.

I’m helping in Drew’s classroom during lunch tomorrow for Teacher Appreciation Day. So I’m sure I’ll have a story or two from THAT.

Sweet Visits

Last night a friend from college came to see me, and brought her three-month-old bundle of pink. My sisters showed up conveniently about five minutes before, and were able to help me with the last-minute bedtime preparations so I could spend my time gabbing with Monique. (Thankfully the kids had already been bathed before the doorbell ever rang, so there really wasn’t much to do.)

We had tea and she stayed really late – a great time in my book!

And then my phone rang this morning, and it was my Aunt Florence, who is in town for my cousin/her son’s music concert. She wondered if she and Aunt Collyn could stop by, and maybe Nicky wouldn’t mind walking over as well.

I wasted no time calling Nicky and special-ordering muffins, while I was at it. I mean, if I’m expected to have an impromptu tea party, the least she could do is bring the muffins. Oh, and don’t forget the pineapple!

(Don’t you wish you were my neighbor?)

We had a sweet, lovely time together. My sister turned up again with a friend (who needed to interview Madeline for her Dev. Psych class), which meant we also had someone to watch all the kids outside so we could enjoy our tea and muffins from the comfort of the living room. Nice!

I mentioned a family heartbreak a few weeks back. My aunt showed us her pictures and told us some of the details we hadn’t yet heard. It was such a bittersweet time – sweet to be together, yet sorrowful about the reality of it all. (Again, sorry to be so vague, but I’ll fill you in if and when I have permission.)

It was such a blessing to be able to spend time with dear people I don’t get to see very often. (Unfortunately I don’t have any pictures since my camera has decided to walk off.)

Oddly-behaving weather and sweet treats

When we woke up to snow flurries yesterday I was a little nervous they’d cancel school. The last “snow” day didn’t even HAVE any snow; it was cold but a bright blue, clear sky. You really never know with Southerners. Snow? Cold? Wimps.

But Drew got to go to school and was able to have his Easter party, which meant he came home with a basket full of loot. He sweetly shared everything with Madeline and I didn’t even have to prod him.

And today we’re back to Spring. Wore short sleeves to the park, even. I packed the kids a lunch and we ended up staying a long time because my friend Michelle happened to be there with her gang and I had someone to hang out with. (If I go alone, funny thing, we don’t stay as long.)

I talked my sisters into coming over tonight and we ate the rest of last night’s chili and made rice krispie treats. I’m almost 29 and they’re still one of my favorite things.

And now I’ve got to get a Chic Critique post ready so Jo-Lynne doesn’t fire me.

I’m curious, what was your favorite childhood treat??

And the week’s nearly half over

I’ve had almost no motivation to blog this week and so I haven’t. (Odd for me, I know.) It’s been really warm here and we’ve been spending most of our time outside and at the park.

And thus I’ve been reminded of one of the things I loathe about summer: the necessity of daily baths. (A true exercise of a mother’s sanity.)

(Case in point. Tonight, while I was running around collecting fresh pajamas, they dumped in what was left of the tissue box. Shredded, nasty, dissolving stuff.)

(Also, Drew’s feet were so dirty they probably warranted a pumice stone.)

One of the shining highlights from today was getting to meet Sarah from Genesis Moments for breakfast. (We originally met at Blissdom.)

Thanks again, Sarah!!

Other things I’ve been up to: inhaling a box of Girl Scout cookies Andy has yet to find, not doing the laundry, and reading a funny (but crude) book. You?

With a side of fries

I know I’ve mentioned it a time or two, but I’ve got a group of girlfriends that always go out for birthdays. We’ve been doing this for YEARS. (What can we say? It’s a great excuse! The hubbies have to honor or they would have some very unhappy wives!)

(And woe would be them. Two words: Dog House.)

(Although yes, technically in my case Andy wouldn’t be home to notice either way. My sisters watched the kids again last night; they’re the best around.)

Anyway, it was my friend Sarah’s turn this time and she changed it up a bit, both in location and attendees. Each birthday honoree is responsible for getting their own dinner together. If you wait for it to be planned, you’ll be waiting a very long time.

And, as always, we shut the place down.

I’m thinking we need to start a Bunco group next.

Totally a God-thing

The most random thing happened to me last night. My phone rang while I was getting the kids ready for bed and it turned out to be one of my old college housemates that I haven’t seen in a couple of years.

She and her mom were in the area and wondered if they could stop by (I had told Larissa to call me one evening when she was free). Since my philosophy is THE MORE THE MERRIER, I said Yes! Come over!

(Just pardon the whole bowl of popcorn my kids just spilled and smashed into the living room carpet. Oh, and also don’t mind the vacuum running full speed when you get here. You didn’t really want to hear yourselves, did you?)

I was helping Madeline into her pj’s when the door rang, and apparently Drew opened the door, let them in, didn’t say a word, and went back to his post at the vacuum. Can we say awkward?

(Not to mention the fact that he just opened the door. Clearly we haven’t had the let-mommy-open-the-door-for-strangers talk.)

As usual, the kids had every excuse under the sun about why they shouldn’t have to go to bed quite yet. (Especially with guests over.) Once they were in bed and the talking had stopped (they tell me about their “needs” through the walls, which my sisters find terribly amusing), the three of us had a WONDERFUL time together.

It was totally a God-thing. Here was a friend I haven’t seen in a while, haven’t seen her mom in even longer, and it just so happened that we’d all been going through the same life issues over the past couple of years. It was SO uplifting and encouraging to chat and find we had a surprising amount of common ground.

And the funny thing was, before she called, I had really been struggling with my attitude and impatience for Monday to just get over already. So it was truly a little God-gift to have an impromptu tea party with them in my living room last night.

(And Mom, don’t mind the popcorn under the sofa.)

Too Busy to Blog

Andy took yesterday off so that he could attend the men’s retreat at our church. In the morning we had decided to take a family outing to the children’s museum but couldn’t find on-street parking anywhere close. We scrapped our plans in favor of running around by the riverwalk and going to a playground there.

I had already planned to meet a friend for lunch at a different playground, so needless to say, my kids got lots of quality playtime outside yesterday. (And also very dirty.)

Last night we were invited over to have pizza with some friends from church whose daddy was also at the retreat. The only noteworthy tidbit was from Adelaide knocking her booster seat over backwards on the floor (while she was in it) and I walked in the kitchen to find her crying with her feet up in the air, her head on the floor, her cheeks full of Cheetos and the rest scattered about the kitchen. It was quite the picture.

We got home almost two hours past their bedtime and Madeline started weeping and wailing “I’m tired!!!” No doubt. Adelaide did not even climb out of her crib once, if that’s any indication of how drained they were.

(Of course they didn’t sleep in this morning or anything, though — oh no. That would be too logical.)

Today we’ve got Dolly and her crew here. Actually right now Dolly’s out with our hairdresser friend getting a new ‘do. She’ll have before and after pics, I’m sure, so stay tuned for that.

And it’s been fun in the meantime to love on this little nugget:

***Edited to add: Before and After photos here!

Pardon me while I ramble some.

Last week was really a lot of fun. I’m thankful because a) it was freezing and we were mostly forced to stay inside and b) I’m susceptible to the winter blues. Staying warm AND upbeat is a bit of an accomplishment. For me, anyway.

(Friday it was 26 degrees here; I really mean FREEZING. This is the South. Not Alaska.)

Some highlights: Sarah and I took our girls and her little boy to the museum on Tuesday, which is always a great time. (Except I did get a(n unfair) parking ticket.)

(Just realized I never told Andy.)

(Oh well.)

On Wednesday we had some friends here to play and eat lunch. It was good to finally catch up with her. Wednesday night my college friend Kristine (who lives in the area) came over for dinner and to hang out with me and the kiddies. Can you tell I like to have people over? And hey, it usually ensures a cleaned house.

(Unless it’s Nicky or Dolly because they no longer count as guests. Overflowing laundry bins on the kitchen floor are fair game. Enter at your own risk.)

On Thursday I finally got to meet another college friend’s brand new baby. Drew was in preschool so Andy only had to care for the girls – prime time to visit friends and get some errands done. Except I ended up being late-ish to pick up Drew and another little boy because I took a (couple) wrong turn(s) from her house and got (really) lost.

On Saturday I had an appointment with my hairdresser friend and finally got a real haircut. A new haircut (and color!) always helps to lift the spirits (and you know it’s true).

Last night my sisters came over for a while. (I don’t clean for them, either, by the way.) They even helped me fold some laundry and get the kids ready for bed. Andy and I had planned on going down to B’ham for church this morning and spend a day there but decided last minute we just couldn’t swing it and stayed home. (Sorry again, D. Hope you found takers on your extra food!)

I tried to get some photos of Madeline in her dress today because it’s one of my favorites. Clearly she wasn’t in the mood to be photographed:

But what can you do?

High Time

Earlier in the week Andy mentioned that he had Friday off and a friend of his was coming up to go golfing during the day and would I like to have a girls’ night out later while they stayed home with the kids?

Um, excuse me, are you my husband? Because I’m pretty sure you just turned into Santa Claus.

(If you’re wondering how on earth a mostly-normal, reasonable man would volunteer for such a tremendously exciting Friday night, I should also tell you that his friend planned on bringing his Xbox. Whatever that is.)

(Men.)

So I got on the phone, posthaste, and talked two of my friends into dinner and shopping with me last night.

And, since I’m a fair friend, I told Nicky if she didn’t want to spend any money, she was welcome to sit and wait for us in the car.

I’m very thoughtful, I know.

After dinner we browsed Ann Taylor Loft and all three of us found some good deals. (So no, she didn’t take me up on my car-sitting offer.)

At World Market, I found a few fresh tea towels (because mine were just sad). I bought this green one on top:

And this bicycle/flower shop/Arc de Triomphe one on top:

The three of us at Starbucks:

And then I came home and found this, which made me fall on the floor laughing:

My living room rearranged to accommodate Xbox Fest 2009.

A Christmas Wedding

A few words of introduction… I gave my camera to Andy when the ceremony began. He promptly forgot about it and then tossed it into his car. So I have no pictures of the ceremony itself or the reception. (Unfortunately too, since it was possibly the most beautiful reception hall I’ve ever been in.)

Stepping into her shoes:

My friend Suzanne, the beautiful bride:

Twins:

The Dress:

Train detail:

Self-inspection:

Flower Girl:

Arriving at the church for pre-wedding photos:

A Christmas wedding:

The flower girl and her mama:

Bridesmaids (4 of 6):

Petal basket:

And they lived happily ever after. The end.

What we’ve been up to all weekend

For some reason the Rehearsal Dinner slideshow I slaved over won’t upload to Blogger, but here are a few of the highlights from Friday night:

(And I think I may have forgotten to mention that Madeline was the flower girl.)

If you’re interested in seeing the rest of the photo highlights, click here.

Wedding pictures to follow!