Saturday, July 23, 2011

Man on a Mission

Paul and I decided to go to PetSmart last night to pick up something we needed for the cats. We had forgotten Genevieve's stroller, so for the first time ever, she was going to sit in a shopping cart. While putting her in, some guy came into the store and grabbed a cart beside us and took off. I didn't think  much of it and after getting her in the cart, we headed for the cat section. By the time we got there, Genevieve was looking all sorts of uncomfy. She had her feet up in the air and she was practically on her back and Paul was trying to adjust her so she wouldn't fall out. There was no one around, so we weren't in any ones way.

Then BAM, the man who was all in a hurry when we were first putting her into the cart appeared and literally almost took Paul out. I was behind Paul and I backed off and made the "Go ahead" gesture because god forbid we get in his way. Paul had stopped a few steps ahead to finish arranging Jenna and to look at the cat supplies, when the guy had practically crawled up Paul's backside. I had finally had enough (ever heard of personal space) so I said " Please move Paul and let this guy get what he needs." I mean, this guy obviously had a cat emergency and he needed his supplies bad. He never apologized for almost running Paul over or giving Jenna whiplash.

We continued to walk around the store and make comments/jokes about how bad someone could need something for their pet in such a hurry. He obviously had no regard for anyone else and his sole purpose in life was to get a litter box.

We stopped to observe the animals they had, when someone ran past us and said "Excuse me." When I looked up, I noticed it was the guy on a cat mission. I couldn't believe my eyes and said "OMG, he does actually know how to say excuse me." LOL

In hindsight, maybe I was too harsh. Maybe someone had his wife held ransom (or worse his cat), and if he didn't get the litter box within so many minutes, the wife/cat was as good as gone. Or maybe the whole world was being put in danger, and he just saved my life by getting those supplies as quickly as possible. Anything's possible I guess. I just wish the man could have slowed down and backed off my husbands back a little, Paul was after all, there first!

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Fantastic News

So today I received word that my most recent medical tests came back without any issues. I am so happy right now. I had the test done last week and with Ashleigh starting 3rd grade, Coop in Kindy, and everythign else in between I completely forgot even seeing the doctor. I came home from the schools Open House tonight and Paul asked if I had checked our voicemail. He was so excited to tell me that the doctor called and said everything looked good. It was so nice for them to actually tell us on vm rather than just leaving an open ended message that required me to wait nervously until tomorrow to find out the results! Whew!

The Color Purple

No, I am not talking about the book. I am talking about a shirt. A mostly gray shirt with a few stripes of purple and white to be exact.

This morning, Cooper sat on the steps whining and whimpering. I finally asked what was wrong and he told me he didn't have any more new shirts for school. I told him there was one on his dresser and he explained that he did not want to wear that one.

Me: Ummm, why?
Cooper: It's PURPLE!!!
Me: Yeah, ummm, it has like 3 purple stripes. So?
Cooper: Purple is not my favorite color!
Me: Yes, I know but you only have one favorite color and you wear all sorts of other colors even though they aren't your favorite.
Cooper: But PURPLE is a girl color!
Me: What?
Cooper: I'm not wearing it.
Me: Ok. But I see nothing wrong with you wearing any color. Are you sure you won't wear this?Cooper: I'm not going to wear it.
Me: Fine. Here's an orange shirt. Is THAT color ok for you?
Cooper: Yes, can I also wear an undershirt?
Me: Sure
And as I start to put the shirt on him....
Cooper: It's not a GIRL undershirt, is it?
Me: No, WHY????
Cooper: Cause, I don't want to wear a girls undershirt.


Really, this conversation is coming from the ONLY boy in the family, meaning in all of the grandchildren he is seriously the only boy.He has played with baby dolls, Barbies, and all things pink and purple more so than he has with what is typically consider "boyish" toys. I have pictures of this child dressed like a fairy. I may have to attach it to this post if I remember (it's on my other computer) just for proof. He's been in Kindergarten for like 4 days and all of a sudden he thinks certain things are for boys and others are for girls.

Ugh, and I thought the girls were going to be the only ones to give me all the drama! I mean seriously, does this shirt even look one bit girly? Come on!

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

I can't find my Mommy!

Most parents have probably been there, done that, but when you are in a public place (it has even happened to us at our own home) and you all of a sudden can not locate your child, I believe we all die a little! I mean literally, our hearts stop beating. You can totally see me flat line...at least until the panic sets in.

Today, I was an awesome Mommy! I decided to take Addison to our library's story time for some fun stories, music, dancing and a puppet show. She was shy at first so I sat with her until she was comfortable and then I took Genevieve to look at some books. I could still see Addy, listening to the instructor and dancing all around ( the instructor even came up to her later and complimented her on her dancing). It was almost time to go, so Genevieve and I headed back to the group. The instructor was giving out hand stamps to all the kids and I was talking to someone that had asked me a question, when Addy ran up to ask me if she could get her hand stamped. I told her yes and then I walked a few steps over to Genevieve's stroller where Addy had been the whole time. I had a few books I wanted to check out and figured once Addy returned, we would be on our way.

Today, I was also an awful Mommy! I strapped Jenna in and looked up, slightly wondering where Addy was but there were still a ton of kids getting their hand stamped, so I stood there for a few seconds. Then my heart sank, I felt sick, I started to sweat and for the life of me couldn't even think of what Addy had worn. I was in a room full of mommies and caretakers, so I knew she had to be mixed in between them somewhere. All of a sudden, it hit me...she had on her orange stripped sundress and I instantly found her. She was at the entrance to the library, looking out the doors into the entrance hall where others mingle, drink coffee, read books,etc. I was behind someone and I knew when I saw her looking out the doors that she was in panic mode herself. I still felt sick to my stomach. When I was finally close enough and she saw me, she of course began to cry... she thought I had left her.

This sort of thing doesn't happen often. Actually I can only remember 2 other times 1)when Cooper had just started walking and there was some miscommunication between Paul and I at one of Ashleigh's 1st soccer games and 2) I had gone in to check on Ashleigh before going to bed when she was about 2 and we could not find her (she had somehow ended up under her bed and we couldn't see her because of the bedskirt).

So far, all 3 times have been equally frightening. It's seems to only happen once per kid, but I am hoping that we can avoid this with Genevieve. I don't think my heart can take it again!

I'd also like to take this time to apologize to my Mom, Grandma, and Pap-Pap for any times this happened while they were out with me...I can remember a few;)
View Image

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

365 Photo Challenge

The 365 Photo Challenge has crossed my path several times during the last few days. The theory behind taking a picture each day to capture that moment,that memory, will serve to benefit me in 3 ways....1) I can't remember what I did yesterday, let alone last year, so this will help capture all those memories that are so quickly forgotten, 2) it will help document our lives, which is what this blog is intended to do, and 3) it will hopefully improve my nonexistent photography skills.

I am not doing the typical 365 day challenge where you would capture a photo of YOU. You meaning what defines you, your specific thoughts that day, what you felt at a particular moment that day, something that impacted you on that day, etc. Instead, I am going to begin this challenge for each member of the family to capture their moments, feelings, activities and new adventures. All in all, I am using the same thought process but expanding it to capture everyones days for an entire year. Off the bat, this seems like a huge challenge. Basically, it means I will need to take a picture of each person doing something each day or of something that represents them. I think the easiest way to start, would be to begin taking photos on each individuals birthday. This way, I know when we stumble upon yet another birthday for that individual, the challenge is either done or just beginning again. Labels will separate the photos from one another so they will be able to sort within the blog.

I am really excited to get started. First birthday up is Genevieve's. It sounds like a ton of fun and I encourage you to take the challenge as well. You may be shocked to look back over your past year to see what all has changed and what you accomplished!

Monday, July 18, 2011

But I don't want to grow up....

You know how kids always say the funniest, cutest, and craziest things? Well, with 4 kids, we hear a ton of comments. Some will crack you up, others are quite serious and you can't believe a child would even think to say it, and some will bring tears to your eyes. And with girls, these comments usually also demonstrate their quick changing moods. Oh how fun the teen years will be! LOL

Today, while Addison was eating breakfast, she was watching Little Bill and they were attending a wedding. She looked at me and the converation went like this:

Addy: Did you love your wedding Mommy?
Me: Absolutely! It was fantastic!
Addy: I can't wait until I get married. I'm gonna have a pretty dress and a boyfriend.
Me: Yes, but it's going to be a long time before that happens.
Addy: Will you let my boyfriend come to the house after we're married?
Me: Of Course, but you don't need to worry about that right now.
Addy: I don't want to get married.
Me: Ok. Why?
Addy: (Crying) Because I don't want to grow up. I don't want to leave you and Daddy!
Me: That's sweet hunny. You can stay with Mommy and Daddy for as long as you want.
Addy: Ok. ( Sniffle, sniffle)
Me: Why are you crying, you don't need to worry about it for at least another 16 years.Wipe your tears. One day you'll be running for the door.
Addy: Ok, but you'll still let me stay here right?
Me: Yes, Addy.

View Image

Sunday, July 17, 2011

S'Mores Sandwich Bar Cookies

Ashleigh was suppose to have a reading "camp out" at school on the day we had to pull her out early to leave for our WV/PA trip. They were suppose to read stories and make S'Mores. She was super excited, until I gave her the news that she wouldn't be there for it. I told her we would make some S'Mores Cookies ( I received the recipe in the mail) the night before we left for the trip for a snack on the way up, but sadly we never got the opportunity.

We finally made them today. Ashleigh was busy playing out side, but Cooper and Addison took some time out to help.

***SN: Mixer was not on when pictures were taken :)

Cooper holding the mixer.                                          Addison taking her turn with the mixer.




Addison adding the Vanilla.                                       Cooper cracking an egg.

Both of them pouring the dry ingredients in.

They would be helping out if they didn't get to lick the beaters...


We mixed everything together and placed part of the cake mixture into the pan....


Baked and then added the chocolate...


Added the marshmallows and the rest of the cake mix...


Baked again...


And after cooling for a while (could have been longer but everyone was excited to try it)...



It turned out super good according to everyone ( I haven't had a piece yet)...Cooper even asked me to make them again ;)

S'Mores Sandwich Bar Cookies
Ingredients
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine, softened
3/4 cup sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-1/3 cups flour
3/4 cup graham crackers, coarsely chopped  (I put them in the blender for a thinner consistancy) 
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
5 Hershey Milk Chocolate Bars (1.55oz  each)
3 cups miniature marshmallows

Instructions

1. Heat over to 350*. Grease 8 inch square baking pan.

2. Beat butter and sugar until well blended in large bowl. Add egg and vanilla; beat well. Stir togetherflour, graham cracker crumbs, baking powder,and salt; add to butter mixture, beating until blended. Press half of dough into the pan. Bake 15 minutes.

3. Arrange unwrapped chocolate bars over baked layer, breaking as needed to fit. Sprinkle on marshmallows; scatter bits of remaining dough over marshmallows, forming a top layer. Bake 10-15 minutes or until lightly brown (I cooked for 18 minutes). Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Cut into 16 bars.