"Apologizing to a 4 year old"

Ava doesn't wear pull-ups anymore, and she has few and far between accidents. I've got one of those plastic pads that goes under the sheet on her side of the bed, so it isn't that big of a deal, just changing of the sheets.

So, in the middle of the night she wakes me up and says, "Mommy feel of my leg." She has wet the bed. I got up and got the stuff to clean her up and change her pajamas...trying to do this in the dark to keep from waking Archer up.

I was fine with changing her, but then she wanted to start talking and I got ill. I was telling her to be quiet, and then guess what happened...Archer woke up! I couldn't get him to go back to sleep, so I had to put him in the bed with us too.

This all took place around 4 o'clock in the morning, and I had to get up at 5 o'clock for work. I know I should have been more patient with her, but I just wanted to go back to sleep for a little while longer! After about 10 minutes, Archer was back to sleep. I thought Ava was too, when she said, "Mommy".

I looked over and said, "What?"

She said, "I love you."

Guilt Trip! I felt so bad for the way I had been talking to her. Don't think she didn't know what she was doing either. She is one smart cookie. I told her I loved her too, and she went back to sleep.

This morning when I called to check on her before preschool I told her I was sorry for being mean to her. She didn't say anything. I asked her if she was mad at me and she said "Yes, for 3 days!"

Talk about holding a grudge. I got her down to 2 days, and she said maybe 1 if I was good when I got home tonight. What a funny kid!

"On your mark, Get set, GO!"

Today I go to my first consignment sale of the season!
I am so very eXcItEd!
I wish I could say I know exactly what I'm looking for,
and that I will shop within my limits.
But, thats no fun and I'm pretty sure
that I will buy more than a few things they don't need.

Let the shopping begin!

"Not Me Monday"

On Saturday, I didn't go with my mom to pick up her B.R.A.N.D. new babylock sewing/embroidery machine. We didn't spend all afternoon trying to figure it out, and we didn't ruin approximately 3 kid shirts and maybe 1 bib. Our crafting projects are always right on and turn out perfectly precise!

While my mom was busy at the sewing shop, I didn't take Ava and Archer to the nearby park where EVERYBODY and their mamas showed up to have some outside fun. I did not get sUpEr eXcItEd thinking about how great this spring and summer is going to be with Ava and Archer at these ages.

I didn't invite a couple of Ava's cousins, Mary and Grace, over for the afternoon so she would have some entertainment lined up so I could focus on our sewing endeavors. They didn't spend all afternoon playing in the backyard enjoying that great weather.

Archer did not break out in a rash that by bedtime had spread from head to toe. We weren't up all night with his crazy thrashing around and jerking. Our pediatrician's office was luckily open on Sunday morning for a few hours, so I was able to take him in to see the doctor. Just the blasted 'ol roseola virus. We missed church on Sunday because of Archer's rash, but we didn't waste the great weather. We all ate lunch at my mom's and spent the afternoon playing outside.

I didn't get my kids down for their nap, selfishly, because I needed some rest too after my miserable night with Archer! I use their nap time as a time to catch up on my motherly responsibilities; such as laundry, cleaning house, preparing meals, etc.

I didn't wait until Sunday night to finally get started straightening my house up. I wouldn't put that off for days, maybe even a week...my house is always clean. You know my motto, "Everything in its place..."

I am NOT extremely lucky and blessed!

I am NOT in love with my two precious babes!

"Outnumbered at the Library"

Last week, me and my mom were feeling adventurous or cRaZy...the jury is still out. Since the kids were out of preschool on Monday for President's Day, we decided to take the kids to the library. My sister had to work, so we had my 2 and her 3. Thats right, we were outnumbered by 3...all 4 and under!

We got everyone up and dressed. Loaded up in my dad's 12 passenger van, and made our departure. We stopped at the gas station on the way for snacks. We weren't sure if the library would be open since it was a holiday, but they were.

The kids had a good time reading some books, playing dress-up, playing with the toys, and just exploring. My favorite quote of the day came from Huett. We had been at the library for probably 30 minutes when he looks up at my mom and says, "GranGran, when are we going to go to the library?"

Somehow in the excitement, he didn't realize we WERE at the library. Silly boy.

This is the only picture I managed to snap while we were there. I wish I had gotten more!

After, we went for lunch at Chick-fil-A which is usually the best place for us to go with the kids. We didn't think about all of the extra people being there because schools were out. There was too many kids in the play area to begin with, and then 3 teenage girls busted up in there like they had any business in the children's area! Some lady got onto them, but they just ignored her. My mom promptly got the kids out and to the table to eat. I thought they would put up more of a fight about not getting to play very long, but they don't like it when there are too many big people in there either.

We managed, but don't think we didn't get some looks like, you've got your hands full!

Our last stop was to...wait for it...Target! We just can't seem to go anywhere these days without making a stop at Target. I had Archer and Charlie in my buggy, and I was running out of room for stuff while I was shopping. Everytime I leave Target I feel like I'm becoming a hoarder, because I buy this stuff on sale thats priced great, but I'm not sure I have anywhere to put it right now! Oh well, I'm not that bad!

When we got back home, it was nap-time for my little bunch. I L.O.V.E my babies when they are napping peacefully! My kids play hard, and they sleep hard!

"Six Word Saturday"

lucky mommy playing outside with babes!

"Valentine's Party"

Maybe if I was in some sort of relationship, I wouldn't have wanted to host a Valentine's Spend-the-Night Party for Ava and my two nephews Huett and Sam. But, I'm not and truth be told I got pretty excited about this little party. Archer was home too, but he went to bed pretty early that night, so he missed most of the fun.

Here's Ava in her shirt I made for her on my mom's machine, with her cute frilly skirt. Oh, did you notice the ladybug antennas? She added that herself.

This was Ava and Archer's little Valentine goodies.
Here is my Valentine decorations documented for the world to see...did I go overboard?

Disclaimer: The stuff made out of card stock didn't get put out until the afternoon before the party, but I kind of wish I had had them out all month. I didn't know I could get so crazy with cardstock, scissors, and some tape!

Some of our Valentine refreshments...

Last but not least, my personal favorite...

While the kids were winding down from their play time, we snacked on some popcorn.

Then, we pulled out the couch bed which led to jumping on the couch bed, and then jumping OFF the couch bed onto all of the pulled off cushions! They even played hide and seek under the couch bed. It was like their own little play-yard inside!

We watched Charlie Brown's Valentine and the Wonder Pets Save the Love-bugs. It was a lot of fun.

I don't know if I would put this much time and effort into doing fun things like this for the kids if I was in a relationship or married again. It feels good to make these kind of memories with them. So, my Valentine's Day wasn't filled with candle-light and roses...just night-lights and little people.

"Chicken Tortilla Chowder"

During the week, my family, my mom and dad, my Nana, and my sister's family eat together 2-3 nights a week. So, that means when its my turn to cook, I am cooking for a lot of people. So, I am all about finding something that tastes yummy, but isn't too hard to make.

My mom found this recipe in a newspaper that my grandmother brought over.

The great thing about this recipe is that you are starting out with a bunch of stuff thats already cooked. Its a semi-scratch recipe. We even used Tyson's grilled and diced chicken breast thats ready to be heated!

Have a look at this ...

Chicken Tortilla Chowder

2 cans cream potato soup, undiluted (10 3/4oz. cans)
2 cans cream of chicken soup, undiluted (10 3/4oz. cans)
2 cups milk
1 can chicken broth (14 1/2oz.)
1 can mexicorn, drained (11oz.)
2 cups chopped, cooked chicken
1 can chopped green chilies (4oz.)
3 flour tortillas(8 inch)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

In a large saucepan, heat the soups, milk and broth, stirring frequently. Add corn, chicken and chilies; bring to a boil.

Cut tortilla strips into 2 x 1/2 inch strips. Or, you could just tear them to pieces like my sister is doing here.

Stir in the tortilla strips. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered for 5 minutes. Stir in the cheese until melted.

Sprinkle each serving with extra cheese and a dollop of sour cream if desired. Not desired in this case...

A BIG F.Y.I. the pictures reflect this recipe doubled! Remember the afore mentioned masses I was feeding! Another minor change I made to the recipe was to add 2 more cans of corn and some extra tortilla strips.

I hope somebody will be cooking this for their family this weekend. Or, you could just go ahead and stock up on these ingredients to have on hand whenever you need an easy go-to meal.

"Where do we go from here?"

Ava has been caught up in heaven, dying, cemetaries, and the finality of it all. That is my adult way of putting it. She has her innocent, child's view of it all. Ever since my "B-I-L" Mikey's grandfather died back in the fall of '08.

She felt like he was her "Popeye" too. The conversations are always mixed with a little silly, but lately she has started getting a little sad and scared about it too.

She use to just kid about Popeye coming back in a hot air balloon or her riding to space in her rocket ship to visit him. She sometimes out of the blue will tell me she misses him. Last weekend we stopped by Mikey's Aunt Michelle's house and when we were leaving Ava said, "Poor Aunt Chelle". I asked her why, and she said "Because now she is all by herself since Popeye went to heaven." I assured her that Aunt Chelle had plenty of family and friends that are always visiting her, but it still just tugged at my heartstrings.

Her thoughts about death and dying are changing lately. Now that she realizes that people who die really aren't coming back, she has started saying things like, "I am not going to heaven." And, "Mommy I never want you to go to heaven, ever!"

She is scared of the thought of the people she loves not being with her. Well, so am I!

I want to reassure her that when people go to heaven, it is so great, that they don't want to come back. But still...she's 4 years old...thats hard to wrap her head around. And the truth is, I don't ever want to be here on earth without her, but even that scenario means that she will experience one of the greatest heartaches known...losing her mom.

Her little innocent comments have gotten me all stirred up. I know as she gets older her understanding will grow and change, but how can I take away the fear of death and dying? Truth be told, it still scares this 30 year old mom too!

"Love who?"

Easier said than done...

"ribbon"

I need some ideas for this...

"Happy Heart Day"

I wanted to do something cute for Valentine's Day for Ava to pass out at preschool and Sunday School. I followed Dana's tutorial on her A.W.E.S.O.M.E. blog, which just happens to be focusing on boys this month.

They turned out sUpEr CuTe...if I do say so myself. Yes, it was kinda time consuming separating 4 bags full of M&M's, but a moms gotta do what a moms gotta do!

Archer is going to steal a few hearts Sunday in the nursery when he gives his Valentine cards to his teachers.

Happy Valentine's Day Everybody.

"Keepin' my eyes open"

The bank took the other offer on the house.

So, I guess I will just have to keep looking!

"It all comes out in the wash..."

When I came back from getting Archer to bed,
this is how I found Miss Ava Claire...

When I asked her what she was up to she said,
"Ooooh, just washing a few dishes."

She said,
"Doesn't this fork look so nice and sparkly?"

It doesn't take much to make her happy!

I wish washing dishes made me this happy.
She sat on that stool for a good 30 minutes washing.
See what this cold weather is doing to the kids.
We have got to get them out of the house!

"A-V-A craft"

Friday night, I couldn't sleep and I was feeling crafty. So, I remembered that I had bought these cardboard letters at Hobby Lobby back in the day to do something with. I gathered up some paint, and got busy.

I wasn't sure what I wanted to do with them, but you can't mess up with pink, green, and white polka dots. I know they are a little played out, but I still love polka dots.

That was how I left it Friday night. Sunday afternoon I finished the project by repeating the process on the other sides. I decided to place the letters on Ava's "turn-table wardrobe" thing I bought her at Target. Since her name is a palindrome, it worked out great. I used two-sided sticky tape to keep them in place. She thinks it is pretty "awesome"!

"Trust and Obey"

I renewed my dedication to church and tithing yesterday.

I've gotten lazy when it comes to getting the kids and myself to church when we need to be. We routinely make it to most Sunday morning services, but we don't always make it to Sunday School. And you can forget about us going to Sunday night or Wednesday night services.

I haven't been faithful in my tithing the way the bible teaches us to be. What I have was given to me by God, and I am just getting back to giving him what already belongs to him.

I am trusting his promises that he will take care of us.

I went to church last night for the first time in years, and I really enjoyed it.

Also, growing up we went to church "everytime the doors were open". If I keep haphazardly attending church the way I've been, then my kids probably won't think it is important to go at all! I can't be the reason that happens!

Trusting and Obeying in Him...

"10 months"

Archer is 10 months old today!
He just keeps getting sweeter.
He's a lovable, huggable guy!

He can get anywhere he wants to go by crawling. He pulls up on anything and everything! He recognizes his name. He says "Ma-Ma-Ma-Ma" when he sees me. I'm almost sure that he can say a baby version of Ava. He loves to eat his veggies and fruit. He likes to eat some table food too, especially rice and mashed potatoes. He sleeps from 8-ish until 7-ish every night. Takes two 2-3 hour naps a day. He is a handful to get dressed, because he constantly tries to turn over on his stomach or sit-up. Stands alone for 2-3 seconds at a time. Takes a step every once in awhile. He won't let me feed him his bottles anymore...he wants to hold them himself. He still only has the 4 teeth...2 on bottom and 2 on top. His hair is unruly these days.

My baby is already getting too big too fast!

Love you baby boy.

"Bonded"

This is how I found my 2 little ones the other morning when I came out of the bathroom. Ava had climbed her little self into the playpen. She was being so patient with Archer showing him how to play the pop-up game. And, he was just eating the attention up. What a sweet relationship that is blooming...
After my camera captured that first shot, they turned to look up at me.

I think Archer was tired of her help by this time...

I have a great relationship with my brother and sister. I am so glad that I was able to give that gift to Ava and Archer. What a precious, precious bond.

"Six Word Saturday"

-made an offer, holding my breath-

I finally sold my house in December after being on the market for almost a year. I am currently living in my parent's basement apartment...mother-in-law suite. I have a goal of being in a new home for the new school year of 2011, when my daughter will start kindergarten. I went and checked out 2 homes yesterday. One of the houses we checked out was a foreclosure in a nice subdivision. I made an offer on that house, but it will not go to the bank until Monday. Keep your fingers crossed for me. I know there is at least one other bid in for the house.

"I will never peel a potato again."

This is an easy, simple recipe for potato salad, but my motive behind this post is to really rave about these potatoes! Oreida has a new product in the freezer section, and I am addicted to it. They are real potatoes peeled and diced. You put the bag and all in the microwave for 10 minutes, and then you have your potatoes ready to be prepared however you want them. We use them for mashed potatoes, potato salad, and for soups.

My mom said, "I will never peel a potato again."

2 bags Oreida Steam and Mash Potatoes
3 heaping spoonfuls of mayonnaise
1 1/2 heaping spoonfuls of mustard
1 cup pickles
5 boiled eggs
Salt and Pepper to taste

Another thing I would like to rave about is this As Seen on T.V. chopper. I love using this for a recipe, because it is so fun to use! You have to be diligent about keeping it clean, but I think it is worth it. So, I use this contraption on my boiled eggs and my pickles. You must stack them up like this to use it on pickles, or the peel will make it hard to push it down. That goes for bell peppers too.

Doesn't that look so very professional? and yummy...
Mix the mayonnaise, mustard, pickles, eggs, salt, and pepper together.
Throw your bag of potatoes into the microwave for 10 minutes...then your other bag.
Pour the potatoes into your mix and stir it up!
Voila!...the easiest and tastiest potato salad you've ever had.