Tiny Talk Tuesdays

I am trying to remember cute things my kids say throughout the day, but keep forgetting to take a mental note. Anyway, here's what I vaguely remember from the past few days:

Mom: Kyra, Katie, hurry up and put your shoes on, we have to get in the car and run a few errands.
Kyra (2): I want to have a pink earring.
Mom: No babe, an errand not an earring. It's a small task you have to do, like go to the store.
(looking at me with a puzzled look)
Kyra: I want to go to the store and get a pink earring.
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(Kyra just got off her little potty chair, with another successful go)
Katie (16 mo): Potty! Potty! Potty! (she yells, while twirling around)
Kyra: Katie, why don't you go potty?
(Katie climbs in the potty chair, both feet first, and gets stuck, only to tip over with the seat around her ankles -we all fall on the floor in laughter -of course we wouldn't be laughing so much if the "potty" had still been in the little toilet!)
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Kyra: Mom, I'm a girl right?
Mom: yes.
Kyra: Daddy's a boy right?
Mom: yes
Kyra: Rudy's a boy, and Molly's a girl right?
Mom: yes
Kyra: I look just like Molly because she's a girl.
(hmmm... this would sound logical if it weren't for the fact that Molly is a DOG)

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You Can Teach an Old Dog New Tricks

For those of you who know me, know that I am not a very adventurous person. I like to stick to things I am familiar with and know I can do well. Heaven forbid I were to leave my comfort zone. However, with my kids new found joy in riding my father in-law's 4 wheeler, I decided I should learn how to drive (or rather my hubby pressured me into it). So, as I stand there looking at this beast, my husband says "See it's easy, you press this button here, kick out the stand here, push your foot down 3 times on this lever here, and press the gas! Oh and don't burn your leg here." Sure, sounds easy, now can you go over that 5 more times, but more slowly? Needless to say, I did it!! I was quite proud of myself. I was a little jerky, and am sure that I had it in the wrong gear for most of the time, but I did it! So, with my new found confidence maybe I should try the tractor next? Maybe tomorrow.

Little Magnets

My sister in-law had written in one of her blogs, how her children seemed oddly to always be magnetized to her. Now only since reading her blog have I realized how true that really is! We have always believed our dog was magnetically charged to us (we frequently call him the velcro vizsla, since he doesn't seem to leave our side). In fact, if the kids come in for a hug or a kiss, the dog has to come too (would you believe that if we dance to a song then he has to be part of the action too?). Anyway, this past weekend my hubby and I were having a heart to heart conversation. I gave strict instructions to my 2 year old that we were to be left alone in the kitchen unless something was really wrong (of course I knew that wouldn't last, but it was worth a shot). She did her part for about 2 minutes, and then I heard two tiny footsteps creep quietly in the hallway closer and closer to the kitchen until her tippy toes were just barely touching the divider between the carpet in the hallway and the kitchen floor. I gave her "the eye," and she just whispered - "what? I'm not in the kitchen!" A smile creeped over my face and she ran to my side. Yup, those magnets can't stay gone for long!

TGIF

All I can say is, TGIF! I made it through the week. I know I've kind of been whining about the kids, but I've had it. When my husband came through the door this evening I gave him a look that said, you'd better spend every waking minute with them this weekend. My utmost praises to those of you moms, who mother more than 2 children (because 2 is about all I an handle right now). I think I am ready for a psychiatric evaluation. Thankfully, the rugrats are in bed now, I can regroup, remind myself of all the joy they bring (because they really do) and take it all on again in the morning.

PS I have to say that just when you think you are going to scream and pull your hair out, the little ones seem to do something funny or cute (thank goodness for that).

What a face

I wake up everyday, hoping that this screaming, biting, scratching stage in my toddler is over. And to my dismay, it's not. I think God is testing me at my capabilities of being patient. And let me tell you, it's wearing pretty darn thin. Yesterday, we went to the play area at the mall. I thought it would be a good way to expend some energy on such a dreary day. While my 2 year old politely waited her turn for the slide or any other object, my 16 mo old had something else in mind. As she scurried up the stairs and found at least 5 kids in line for the slide, she pushed them aside (including the little girl about her same age), and dove down the slide head first. I sheepishly apologized on her behalf, and tried to explain to her that she needed to take her turn. Of course that went well. She proceeded by going to every plastic tree stump or animal and claiming it as her own by screaming at whatever child was currently playing on it (as if to say "I Tarzan, you Jane, GO). Needless to say, we left. I think we will just have to hide in our house until she can talk! Of course who can look at a face like hers and stay upset?

Stumped

Question: How do two quiet, reserved, type B people, produce a strong willed, push the buttons to no end child?
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I thought today would be a good day to stay home, since we have been having so many outings. Maybe picking some vegetables would give the kids some fresh air and give them a sense of accomplishment for picking their own veggies. So here's how that went:

Kyra: "Is the wire fence off?" (we have an electric fence around the garden so animals don't get in)
Mom: "Yes it's off, just step over."
Kyra: "Are you sure?"
Mom: "Yes"
-in she comes, tripping over the wire flat into the mud, and crying
Mom: sigh
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-I pick up Katie and set her in the garden. I show her the pile of zucchini I made, and tell
her to put them in the plastic bag. Evidently she had something different in mind, because
when I turned around she had put each zucchini back in their original spot (as to replant them)
-Okay, so that didn't work. I took her out of the garden to play with the baby stroller, turned
my head to pick some more, looked up to find her back in the garden eating a chunk of mud.
-I quickly wipe off as much as I can, all the time she's screaming and squirming like there
is no tomorrow (everyone knows of course how much toddler's love their face wiped), and into
the tomato cage she falls. I think we've had enough of the garden today.

The Fair

When I told my almost 3 year old we were going to the fair tonight, she squealed with delight (evidently when we went last year, it left a big impression). Who can beat fair rides, elephant ears, music, and of course smelly animals? Anyway, it was great fun. First they had a circus with lions, tigers, and....elephants (no, not bears). Kyra was most impressed by the elephant and the 4 year old in the sparkly outfit who got to ride the elephant! Then she went on some rides, which to my amazement she actually went on the Ferris Wheel and kiddy roller coaster (for those of you who don't know, Kyra is a rather timid child). She even loved the dragon coaster and had to explain what it was like by twisting her body back and forth and making dips with her hands (quite cute). We shared 2 rootbeer floats, of which both children drank the majority, and then headed to see some animals. Although, frightened at first, Katie (16 mo old) had fun racing back and forth to the baby goats and cows. She moo'd to their face quite loudly as if frustrated that they weren't responding to her (laughter kept flowing). Ahh, what fun to see the awe on children's faces as they experience new and exciting things.

Corn Obsession

You mention the word corn to my husband and his family, and you are guaranteed conversation for hours. Although I commonly roll my eyes at their so called obsession with growing corn, it is rather neat to see that they enjoy watching the fruits of their labor (and who doesn't have their obsessions - for instance this blog has become a bit of an obsession as of late). Anyway, with the lack of rain, their corn is starting to yellow so they had to brainstorm ideas of how to get water to the corn. For those of you who don't know us, we live on 12 acres that my husband, brother, and Father cultivate. Fortunately my husband is rather good at coming up with creative solutions (for this I am always amazed). So out to Menards and TSC my father in law went. They bought a water pump and rigged it up to the creek running in our back yard. They set up the irrigation pipes and were able to use 10 heads (I'm not sure if I have all the farm terminology correct), and wham, they were in business. It is quite neat to watch, just don't tell my husband I said so.

Fun in the Sun

After my husband had to sacrifice his whole Saturday fixing up the barns and tendin to the corn (yes, that farming runs deep in his blood), he decided to take it easy on Sunday and spend his time with his girls on this gorgeous day (of course I don't think you can ever really take it easy with a 16 month old). Anyway, we had a great day in the sun. First we headed for the beach, where Katie continually either put sand in her mouth or on top of her head. They had a blast though and it was fun to watch Kyra (who last year wouldn't even take foot in the water) ask to race me back and forth in the water.

After the girls had their fill of sun, we headed to McDonald's for a bite to eat. While Kyra found a friend to pal around with at the Tree House, we made the mistake of giving Katie her own ice cream cone. It was hilarious watching her smoosh it in her face. Of course when we tried to take it away to wipe her face, she got mad and crushed the cone (what's a little ice cream all over the caked in sand in her hair?).

Finally, we arrived home and got ready for bed. But the day wasn't complete without a bedtime four wheeler ride. What a great day.

Put on Your New Clothes

This morning we had a sermon on how we should dress. Now before you start thinking, "my goodness she goes to a mighty strict church if they're going to tell her what to wear," hold your thoughts (because that's what I thought the preacher was going to preach about). The sermon was based on Colossians 3: 1-17. Many of you might be familiar with these verses, as I have been atuned to hearing. However, I had one of those moments where I had heard the verse a hundred times, but today God really spoke to me.

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." - Col. 3: 12-14

The pastor spoke of taking off all those winter clothes (sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed), and putting on your summer clothes (love, forgiveness, kindness, etc). I realized, that in this 80 degree weather I still had my winter clothes on. I hate to say it, but I am one to hold grudges (just ask my husband - he knew it from the minute he looked at me yesterday morning). So, I pray that God helps me to truly love and forgive as I start a new day. And hopefully, just maybe, I will remember what clothes to wear day to day.

Girls Night Out

Well, thank goodness for girlfriends, because without the pick me up of a girls night out I might have had nothing positive to say for the day. It wasn't that I had an awful day, but I was just struggling to find something positive and thus staying true to my goal in blogging (that being finding positive things in my life throughout daily living). The kids were tired most of the day, so were a bit whiny, my husband was tired from working all week (after having 2 weeks off from vacation), and I was drawing a blank as to what to write. However a girlfriend of mine was having a baby shower, so my husband graciously took the kids for the night while I went out. And it was great. I saw a few people I hadn't seen in awhile, had good conversation, and best of all laughed a TON. Of course whenever I go out with my friend Tracie, she's always good for a guaranteed laugh. She just has a great sense of humor. So thank you Tracie and girlfriends all over. Although, we may not see each other all the time, your encouraging words, empathy, and laughter is always welcomed and needed to make it through life. Love you lots.

Summer Cleaning

Well, I finally did it. I got my "spring" cleaning done. I know it is already mid summer, but I guess you could say I find it both a challenge to clean with two little rascals as well as, just not liking to clean! I am always one to keep my house rather tidy, but dusting and scrubbing floors is sadly not very high on my priority list. But I do find it rather hard to do with little ones. Usually I'll start straightening up so I can vacuum, only to go back in to the room I straightened and find it all messed up again with either dog chews, blocks, or doll clothes. So, today I woke up with the goal in mind to charge through the house with every spare moment I had. Fortunately Katie and Kyra were playing rather nice together and on this particular day were having fun being chased by the vacuum cleaner. So, to all who have clean houses the majority of the time, my hat is off to you, for now I'll just revel in the clean house I have for the time being.

Oh, too late - spilled potato chips on the floor.

URINE for Something Special

The name of the game is pee! So here's how our evening went:

Me: gave both the girls a bath.
Daddy: "Honey the phone's for you, I'll dry the girls"
Kyra: "I have to go potty daddy"

Dad proceeds to wipe Katie off while Kyra catches Dad off guard and hands him something.

Kyra: "Here you go Daddy"
Daddy: "What's this?"
Kyra: "It's my pee on the toilet paper! Aren't you proud?"
Daddy: Sheepishly smiling, turns around to wash his hands. He wipes his hands and turns around only to find Katie splashing in the Kyra's potty chair (urine not taken out yet!)
"Honey, get off the phone please, it's time to put Katie back in the tub!"

Black and White

I love both of my girls. Of course they are as different as night and day. It is both a joy and a challenge to see how opposite their personalities are. For instance, my first born daughter (almost 3)is very much like myself - articulate, maternal, clean, and hesitant. My second born (a 16 month old) is very much like her father - exploritory, dirty, and definitely hands on. Now, with the 2 year old, I love hearing the stories she comes up with and laugh at the "mess she made" - which consisted of a drop of ice cream on her shirt. However, it would be nice if the little gnat in her bedroom would not have to be smooshed before going to bed. In my 1 year old, I enjoy watching her explore new things, take the bull by the horns, and show a rather no nonsense type of attitude. However, it would be nice if she didn't scream a blood curdling scream in my ear for not getting her way or fall off the bed for the 15th time. Either way, it is fun to watch how they experience life differently. If anything, it is kind of nice to know that I'll have my shopping partner and my husband will have his fishing buddy.

Bike Rides

One of my favorite things to do in the summer is take walks or bike rides with my family along the Kent Trails. Of course the bike riding thing is a little new, since we just got the bike trailer, but all the same it's fun. I think the best thing about it is that the whole family is spending time together (even if conversation has to be shouted out to the person zooming ahead - that being my husband who is trying to race me). So when he loaded up the car and headed out for our evening stroll last evening, I smiled at the fact that we were doing something together as a family (and something active none the less). Of course, you can tell that my oldest daughter (2 yr old) is a veteran of the trail, because she quickly added " how much longer until we get the ice cream?" So much for a little exercise!?

Thorn Birds

One of my favorite movies (mini series) as a teenager was the "Thorn Birds." It had everything a juicy film needs to draw in those hopeless romantics (a forbidden love, anger, distrust, pain, and of course passion). And as a teenager, I wanted nothing more than for someone to whisk me off of my feet and carry me off into the sunset. Then several years later, I met my husband to be. We had the time of our lives the summer before we were married. I thought I had finally met my night in shinning armor. Of course several years of marriage, conversations with other fellow friends, and life experience revealed that true love and life does not work that way, at least not all the time. I am not saying that marriage isn't good, that's not it at all, just not what I pictured. I have struggled to find the balance between being a good wife, mother, and the search to find out who I truly am and the person I want to be (you'd think I would know that by the age of 30). So, I guess I'd like to say that as I just embarked upon my 7th year of marriage, I have a new goal in life - to be less selfish along with thinking more positively. As it reads in the Bible - Phillipians 2:3 "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves." I have spent way to much time thinking, "Oh I wish my husband did this for me," or "why couldn't he have thought to put the kids to bed without me having to tell him?" I suppose we all struggle with this issue at one time or other, but I definitely am one to put on a pity party for myself. So, you all can be my witness that I am starting this new goal (be easy on me, because I am human and habits are hard to break!) But, I believe that God is transforming me to become more like him - a rose in the making - and even at the mid age of 30, I know I have a promising future - both in marriage and in the life God created for me.