As usual my children are ignoring their toys.
Phoebe and Annika found my hammer that has four different screw drivers hidden inside (they screw apart like those Russian dolls). They are on the floor playing this evening and we over hear this...
P: Where are the twins, dear? (Being the hammer "mommy".)
A: You can't play like that. You gotta be a screwdriver to be in this family!
Ahh yes. Those are our kids. I don't know, I laughed pretty hard. Maybe I'm just slap happy.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Random lists
So I did mine on facebook. I decided to do a short list for each of my little blessings.
Sparkle
1. She loves any kind of bean. Limas are her favorite. Maybe even her favorite food.
2. She is a night person big time and will eat 90% of her calories for the day after 5 pm.
3. She giggles a lot and has a tendency to wet her pants.
4. #3 is probably because she only goes to the bathroom 2 times a day. I have to remind her in the morning or she will wait until lunchtime.
5. I believe her favorite animal is the crocodile. We used to have hundreds of pretend crocodiles in the van that we had to throw out the window at stop signs.
6. She is a backseat driver.
7. She picks up the lyrics to songs very quickly and sings constantly.
8. She would let me do everything for her. Everything.
9. She hates to leave the house.
Peanut
1. Eats an apple every day. She would eat more if I would let her. Same with candy.
2. She is definitely a morning person and eats nonstop all morning, but never finishes dinner.
3. She is a fairly deep thinker (for 4) and asks amazing questions.
4. She prefers to be dressed "rainbow"--the more colors she has on the happier she is.
5. Her favorite animal is the polar bear--this obsession has been strong for 2 years now.
6. She could care less where we are going, as long as she is going.
7. She LOVES to help with anything I will let her.
8. She has no fear of anything physical and is a total daredevil. But she hates the dark.
9. Her goal in life is to do everything first, especially ahead of Phebes.
Tan the Man
1. Likes wooden spoons, toothbrushes, and pots and pans. Forget the toys.
2. Likes to rip paper.
3. Prefers meat and potatoes.
4. Will hum and hit me until I sing to him.
5. Is insanely inquisitive.
6. Grins right before he does something he knows he shouldn't.
7. Loves water and will do anything to get to it.
8. Hates his carseat and driving anywhere. But actually seems to enjoy shopping.
9. Loves pillows. He lays on them on the floor, has one in his bed, and is always trying to get to one.
Sparkle
1. She loves any kind of bean. Limas are her favorite. Maybe even her favorite food.
2. She is a night person big time and will eat 90% of her calories for the day after 5 pm.
3. She giggles a lot and has a tendency to wet her pants.
4. #3 is probably because she only goes to the bathroom 2 times a day. I have to remind her in the morning or she will wait until lunchtime.
5. I believe her favorite animal is the crocodile. We used to have hundreds of pretend crocodiles in the van that we had to throw out the window at stop signs.
6. She is a backseat driver.
7. She picks up the lyrics to songs very quickly and sings constantly.
8. She would let me do everything for her. Everything.
9. She hates to leave the house.
Peanut
1. Eats an apple every day. She would eat more if I would let her. Same with candy.
2. She is definitely a morning person and eats nonstop all morning, but never finishes dinner.
3. She is a fairly deep thinker (for 4) and asks amazing questions.
4. She prefers to be dressed "rainbow"--the more colors she has on the happier she is.
5. Her favorite animal is the polar bear--this obsession has been strong for 2 years now.
6. She could care less where we are going, as long as she is going.
7. She LOVES to help with anything I will let her.
8. She has no fear of anything physical and is a total daredevil. But she hates the dark.
9. Her goal in life is to do everything first, especially ahead of Phebes.
Tan the Man
1. Likes wooden spoons, toothbrushes, and pots and pans. Forget the toys.
2. Likes to rip paper.
3. Prefers meat and potatoes.
4. Will hum and hit me until I sing to him.
5. Is insanely inquisitive.
6. Grins right before he does something he knows he shouldn't.
7. Loves water and will do anything to get to it.
8. Hates his carseat and driving anywhere. But actually seems to enjoy shopping.
9. Loves pillows. He lays on them on the floor, has one in his bed, and is always trying to get to one.
Monday, February 9, 2009
da earth
Peanut asked me this morning, "Is da earf losing it's color?" Sure looks like it right now. This time of year is so hard. We had a nice warm weekend that melted off all the snow. It was lovely outside and we went for walks and tried to enjoy it. But today the cold is coming back. It is ALL gray outside. Everything. But I have hope for spring.
The girls are very interested in the whole concept of earth lately. That it is big, round, blue and green, floating in the sky, all kinds of things. Pretty interesting stuff when it is through the eyes and mind of a child.
Peanut had a good weekend--it was her turn to spend the night ALONE at Grandma and Papa's house and go out for lunch at a fancy restaurant. OOOOO. She had a blast. She woke up (dressed the night before) bright and early Saturday and sat with her coat on at the door waiting for me. She didn't miss us at all according to her. Although our house was incedibly quiet without her constant stream of chatter. The big discussion of the weekend seemed to be who would win a fight, a polar bear or a crocodile?
Before we left her we all (mom, kids, and grandparents) went swimming at the amazing Elgin zero depth pool. We had so much fun and needed that warm water and chlorine.
Sparkle also enjoyed her night with no Peanut, although she did miss her. We watched Wall-E and had her favorite--air popped popcorn with lots of butter. She went to a pirate birthday party yesterday and came home quite excited. Kids really do love just the simple home parties.
Tank. He knows how to screw the lid off detergent bottles. And then half of it spilled on the carpet. I guess the house smells really good. He is walking more and more and more. And starting to climb. He also discovered his belly and loves to rub it.
Jeff was busy building for me this weekend. He is such an awesome husband. He built this cool desk with a huge countertop and put in some shelves for me. I love shelves. I am going to paint and hang pictures this week and then I will post pictures of my super fabulous art office. I am beyond excited. Jeff is so funny. The man has to build everything as sturdy as he can. Not that that is bad. It's more how he delights in it. He doesn't want to admit it, but he had a lot of fun playing with his tools. And he got the new tool that is required for every project. I don't complain if it means I get stuff built. But it's fun to tease him about what new tool is he going to "need."
The girls are very interested in the whole concept of earth lately. That it is big, round, blue and green, floating in the sky, all kinds of things. Pretty interesting stuff when it is through the eyes and mind of a child.
Peanut had a good weekend--it was her turn to spend the night ALONE at Grandma and Papa's house and go out for lunch at a fancy restaurant. OOOOO. She had a blast. She woke up (dressed the night before) bright and early Saturday and sat with her coat on at the door waiting for me. She didn't miss us at all according to her. Although our house was incedibly quiet without her constant stream of chatter. The big discussion of the weekend seemed to be who would win a fight, a polar bear or a crocodile?
Before we left her we all (mom, kids, and grandparents) went swimming at the amazing Elgin zero depth pool. We had so much fun and needed that warm water and chlorine.
Sparkle also enjoyed her night with no Peanut, although she did miss her. We watched Wall-E and had her favorite--air popped popcorn with lots of butter. She went to a pirate birthday party yesterday and came home quite excited. Kids really do love just the simple home parties.
Tank. He knows how to screw the lid off detergent bottles. And then half of it spilled on the carpet. I guess the house smells really good. He is walking more and more and more. And starting to climb. He also discovered his belly and loves to rub it.
Jeff was busy building for me this weekend. He is such an awesome husband. He built this cool desk with a huge countertop and put in some shelves for me. I love shelves. I am going to paint and hang pictures this week and then I will post pictures of my super fabulous art office. I am beyond excited. Jeff is so funny. The man has to build everything as sturdy as he can. Not that that is bad. It's more how he delights in it. He doesn't want to admit it, but he had a lot of fun playing with his tools. And he got the new tool that is required for every project. I don't complain if it means I get stuff built. But it's fun to tease him about what new tool is he going to "need."
Monday, February 2, 2009
Basics of Busy-ness
Tanner is walking---or at least going four or five steps at a time. That in and of itself is enough right there. But this has also given him the confidence to play in toilets, eat the dirt out of our plants, empty drawers comepletely, dump any trash, throw the girls' toys, and not sleep. I thought he was supposed to wear himself out and nap more.? Not him. Little bugger is going strong.
Annika has been sick. Poor peanut. We know something is wrong when she doesn't eat a bowl of cereal, a granola bar, an apple, some yogurt, topped off with candy before 10.
Phoebe is very prepared for Valentine's Day. She has been making all sorts of projects. She's been partying with friends quite a bit as well.
Same for me. I spent Saturday downtown with a couple GMAC wives/friends doing the gallery/shopping/dining thing. We managed to stay quite warm and had a great time.
Jeff continues to rock out...he bought his own Guitar Hero. He is getting quite good. He should be for as much as he is practicing. :)
Annika has been sick. Poor peanut. We know something is wrong when she doesn't eat a bowl of cereal, a granola bar, an apple, some yogurt, topped off with candy before 10.
Phoebe is very prepared for Valentine's Day. She has been making all sorts of projects. She's been partying with friends quite a bit as well.
Same for me. I spent Saturday downtown with a couple GMAC wives/friends doing the gallery/shopping/dining thing. We managed to stay quite warm and had a great time.
Jeff continues to rock out...he bought his own Guitar Hero. He is getting quite good. He should be for as much as he is practicing. :)
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Oh SNAP!
All of the following situations have either good or bad (sometimes both) SNAP connotations.
***Sorry about the layout. I remember now why I just stick to centered photos.
1. We lost the cell phone. But found it. Jeff put it in a bag with Girl Scout cookies. I attempted to hide all of the cookies from myself, and therefore also hid the phone. You decide who is actually at fault. I say Jeff because he has two strikes against him. He brought the cookies home in the first place, and then he left the phone in the bag.
SNAP!
2.
Phoebe got her certificate for good citizenship. SNAP!
3.
The girls conducted a photo shoot of their own. SNAP!
4. Tanner learned to climb the stairs, and then slides down on his belly like a penguin.SNAP!
5. So that he can get to one of his new obsessions...the phone. He holds it behind his head to talk. SNAP!
6. We got the playroom all cleaned up. So Phoebe spilled out all of her Pretty Ponies for a beauty retreat. SNAP!
7. Annika learned how to snap first. Phoebe is close. SNAP!
8. I was called on for my true calling...brushing the Ponies' hair. I am told this is how I play best. SNAP!
***Sorry about the layout. I remember now why I just stick to centered photos.
1. We lost the cell phone. But found it. Jeff put it in a bag with Girl Scout cookies. I attempted to hide all of the cookies from myself, and therefore also hid the phone. You decide who is actually at fault. I say Jeff because he has two strikes against him. He brought the cookies home in the first place, and then he left the phone in the bag.
SNAP!
2.
Phoebe got her certificate for good citizenship. SNAP!
3.
The girls conducted a photo shoot of their own. SNAP!
4. Tanner learned to climb the stairs, and then slides down on his belly like a penguin.SNAP!
5. So that he can get to one of his new obsessions...the phone. He holds it behind his head to talk. SNAP!
6. We got the playroom all cleaned up. So Phoebe spilled out all of her Pretty Ponies for a beauty retreat. SNAP!
8. I was called on for my true calling...brushing the Ponies' hair. I am told this is how I play best. SNAP!
9. Tomorrow I turn 34. I am actually totally okay with it. I decided this is definitely one of the best sections of my life thus far. Good times. SNAP!
10. I worked a TON the past week, so now I am not working most of this week or the next. SNAP!
11. Jeff and Phoebe had five days in a row of vacation (with the weekend). They played lots and lots of Wii. SNAP!
12. Jeff sold me Stan the D*** Tan Minivan so I could make it legal with Illinois plates and we wouldn't have to pay tax or past registrations. Now that sucker is all MINE! SNAP! And it is legal. Double SNAP!
13. Jeff put up lots of shelves and hooks this weekend for me, so I am starting to get organized. SNAP!
14. Jeff purchased an elliptical machine off Ebay for $250. The seller buys the stuff in storage units that people abandon and then turns it over super cheap. SNAP!
There you go. That was a lot of snapping. My fingers are sore.
There you go. That was a lot of snapping. My fingers are sore.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
We never rest
I got home from work tonight at 10. Everyone was awake, which is the usual. Does anyone sleep in this family???? I know I wish I did. 
Sparkle Princess headed up the sugar cookie decorating last Friday. She'll never pass up a good sparkly sugar. She loves all of the snow we have been getting and is hoping for no school tomorrow. She left one spot in the yard with no snow angel and she really wants to cover it.
Tank has been busy. He shoved a wiffle ball down our drain in the laundry room. So of course everything backed up. He figured out how to open the pressure gate so he can go down the stairs. And of course, true to his bottomfeeder nature, is eating as much off the floor as he can. I can't sweep unless he is in his high chair or napping because he comes to check out the pile for a little snack. YUCK! He is also grinding all four teeth. And biting.
Peanut has turned into Elmo officially. She wears her costume every night for bed. And its even better with the matching slippers. I told her I don't know which face to kiss, there are too many to choose from. And her fascination with potty humor has escalated. She now, "Takes a squirt." Which she announces loudly with a giggle. She is just so ladylike.
Jeff was beside himself with joy tonight. The MLB channel went 24/7/365. The rest of the family groaned. But then he got out Guitar Hero and everyone was happy again. The kids love rockin' out. Even Tank.
Sparkle Princess headed up the sugar cookie decorating last Friday. She'll never pass up a good sparkly sugar. She loves all of the snow we have been getting and is hoping for no school tomorrow. She left one spot in the yard with no snow angel and she really wants to cover it.
Tank has been busy. He shoved a wiffle ball down our drain in the laundry room. So of course everything backed up. He figured out how to open the pressure gate so he can go down the stairs. And of course, true to his bottomfeeder nature, is eating as much off the floor as he can. I can't sweep unless he is in his high chair or napping because he comes to check out the pile for a little snack. YUCK! He is also grinding all four teeth. And biting.
Peanut has turned into Elmo officially. She wears her costume every night for bed. And its even better with the matching slippers. I told her I don't know which face to kiss, there are too many to choose from. And her fascination with potty humor has escalated. She now, "Takes a squirt." Which she announces loudly with a giggle. She is just so ladylike. Jeff was beside himself with joy tonight. The MLB channel went 24/7/365. The rest of the family groaned. But then he got out Guitar Hero and everyone was happy again. The kids love rockin' out. Even Tank.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Cheers for Phebes
Phebes is on a roll lately. I haven't done as many posts about her I noticed, and was planning to do something special about her. Well, she has presented me with a wealth of material the last week.
We are now among the Wii. Jeff taught them to bowl, golf and Mario Cart so far. Phebes has the cutest bowling strategy--she kicks her left leg up in back, does a little hop, and swings her arm with a giggle. But the best part is that it works. Really well. She beat me. Here's her score (#1)...
And if you look closely at her scorecard you'll notice she had THREE strikes. Hilarious.
She is quite proud.
We are now among the Wii. Jeff taught them to bowl, golf and Mario Cart so far. Phebes has the cutest bowling strategy--she kicks her left leg up in back, does a little hop, and swings her arm with a giggle. But the best part is that it works. Really well. She beat me. Here's her score (#1)...
And if you look closely at her scorecard you'll notice she had THREE strikes. Hilarious.
She is quite proud.
We are also quite proud. She was chosen as one of the kindergarteners to be honored at the school board meeting next week for her good character and for doing well in her studies. Phebes of course is slightly embarassed. She doesn't want us to know that she is good at school, what she is learning, or anything. We are to be kept in the dark. So she is slightly peeved with her teacher for letting us in on this secret.
She is also taking on the role of "brains of the operation." The girls played their first prank on Jeff last night...and it was all her idea. She had Ahnka put on her coat, hat, boots, etc. Then had her tell Jeff she was going outside to play. Jeff thinking they were just pretending (it was close to 8 o' clock) said, "Okay, have fun." Just as Phebes knew he would. So then they went to the back door, opened it, and then slammed it and waited inside. With the desired result, Jeff came running and yelling only to find two little girls in fits of giggles. Oh! I wish I had been home and not working! She was only too happy to tell me all about it today at breakfast.
And last, but not least, especially to her. Her hair has grown. Now that humidity is not curling it up it reaches all the way to the middle of her back. She stares at it in the mirror and strokes it. This may not seem like a big thing, but for those of you who knew her in the skirt on her head days (nine months actually), this is HUGE. She has been waiting for this for three years.
So, kudos to my oldest.
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