some random thoughts...and Molly

This was Molly yesterday. I wanted to eat her, starting with the red hair. I love her red hair. She got it from her great-grandma Venice Bird. Gosh I love that woman. That's why we decided to name our little girl Molly Venice (like the city...in Italy). Anyhow, I was so thrilled when the doctors told me her hair was red right after her delivery. I love it. You can't get this color from a bottle. Nope. I have secretly lived with a fear for the past 2 years that she was going to turn blond. The twins are, although Lizzy's hair started out black. I keep telling myself that Molly's eyebrows are so strawberry, she'll be red forever. I've been putting her hair in two braids lately, so I'm able to see the underneath stuff a lot better. On our farm field trip the other day, I saw some serious blond stuff back by the part. My heart stopped for a second. Please, please, no! I guess she'd still be quite cute, no matter what color, but seriously...please no.

I LOVE this country road for pictures. I've done several photo shoots there, and drag my kids there quite often too. I was concerned because it was so bright yesterday, but they actually turned out pretty cute. It's a bit risky, being in the middle of the street and all, but so worth it, don't you think?

My niece Christy left for Delaware today. Man, are we going to miss her. She is an absolute favorite to my kids. Yesterday I asked Molly if she loved me. She said...me love Tisty. I love her too.

forever Erma...

Erma Bombeck. One of the funniest and most honest women ever to grace this earth. My mom has loved Erma for as long as I can remember. She reminds me a little of my mom actually. My mom and her amazing parents. Just laugh at your crazy, stressful, messy life. Here is one of our favorite columns I've been thinking about alot this week. It's fairly long...but so worth the read.

Everyone said Sharon was a terrific mother.

Her neighbors said it.

Sharon painted the inside of her garbage cans with enamel, grew her own vegetables, cut her own grass every week, made winter coats for the entire family from remnants, donated blood and baked Barbara Mandrell a doll cake for her birthday.

Her mother said it.

Sharon drove her to the doctor’s when she had an appointment, color-coordinated the children’s clothes and put them in labeled drawers, laundered aluminum foil and used it again, planned family reunions, wrote her Congressman, cut everyone’s hair and knew her health insurance policy number by heart.

Her children’s teacher said it.

She helped her children every night with their homework, delivered her son’s paper route when it rained, packed nutritious lunches with little raised faces on the sandwiches, was homeroom mother, belonged to five car pools and once blew up 234 balloons by herself for the seventh grade cotillion.

Her husband said it.

Sharon washed the car when it rained, saved antifreeze from year to year, paid all the bills, arranged their social schedule, sprayed the garden for bugs, moved the hose during the summer, put the children on their backs at night to make sure they didn’t sleep on their faces, and once found a twelve-dollar error on a tax return filed by H & R Block.

Her best friend said it.

Sharon build a bed out of scraps left over from the patio, crocheted a Santa Claus to cover the extra roll of toilet paper at Christmastime, washed fruit before her children ate it, learned to play the harpsichord, kept a Boston fern alive for a whole year, and when the group ate lunch out, Sharon always figured out who owed what.

Her minister said it.

Sharon found time to read all the dirty books and campaign against them. She played guitar at evening services. She corresponded with a poor family in Guatemala…in SPANISH. She put together a cookbook to raise funds for a new coffee maker for the church. She collected door to door for all the health organizations.

Sharon was one of those women blessed with a knack for being organized. She planned a “theme party” for the dog’s birthday, made her children elaborate Halloween costumes out of old grocery bags and her knots came out just right on the shoelaces when they broke. She put a basketball hoop over the clothes hanger as an incentive for good habits, started seedlings in a toilet paper spindle, and insulated their house with empty egg cartons, which everyone else threw away.

Sharon kept a schedule that would have brought any other women to her knees. Need twenty-five women to chaperone a party? Give the list to Sharon. Need a mother to convert the school library to the Dewey Decimal System? Call Sharon. Need someone to organize a block party, garage sale or a school festival? Get Sharon.

Sharon was a SUPER MOM!Her gynecologist said it.Her butcher said it. Her tennis partner said it.Her children…

Her children never said it.

They spent a lot of time with Rick’s mother, who was always home and who ate cookies out of a box and played games with them.

Sometimes I feel like my kids lives are getting away from me. I don't want to wish I spent more time with them. I don't want to have a list of regrets. I'm trying to be really honest about what I have in my life that distracts me from my kids. Those things that THEY are understanding to be more important than them. NOTHING is more important than them. Not blogs, crafts, books, phone calls, tv...nothing.

Molly is obsessed with this game called Zingo. It's supposed to be for ages 4-8, but she totally gets it...and asks for it several times a day. If you're on the hunt for great games to play with your little ones...this is one of the best. Helps them learn new words. Yesterday, we sat on the floor together twice and did the Zingo thing. My goal was NO computer while she was awake. I almost did it. And you know what? I was happier.

the farm life...

I think I was meant to live on a farm. Today our playgroup went to my friend Angela's family farm. I love the pace on a farm, the smells (at least the horse ones), the quiet. I've always been slightly envious of farming families with their horses, their manual labor, their relaxed attitudes. It really suited Molly today. She couldn't get enough of the horses. She had no fear of them. I found myself not really wanting to leave. I felt like I was in another, slower paced world...yet I was only a mile from home. Farms are so open. So much space for the kids to run and play. So much space that your mind feels less full, less stressed. I may be paying some frequent visits to Angela in the future...

if she'll have me.

root a toot toot!

No picture today...blogger won't let me for some reason. So, this morning came way too early. Dave and I stayed up too late. Lots of shows to watch...and I'm not really willing to sacrifice them for a good nights sleep. Tuesday is my early day. Every other day, I'm able to go to the rec. center at 8:30 am. Early, but not terrible. If I want to fit it in on Tuesdays, I have to go at 6:30 am. I woke up feeling blue and dreading my run. I thought I'd give it a shot anyway. So, I got dressed, drove to the rec. center, got on that treadmill and nearly died. My legs felt like they weighed a ton. Pretty much every other day is like this for me. I have an ON day, then an OFF day, but I'm able to push through it and finish. I just couldn't do it today. Could not do it. I generally run 3 miles, which takes me about 33 minutes. Today, by minute 11, I couldn't go any farther. So, I walked the rest of the way, and even THAT wore me out. I came home quite discouraged and disappointed in myself. I'd like to think that I don't give up easily. I've been doing this 5 days a week since the first of March. Does the fact that I quit today mean that it will be easier to quit tomorrow? I was bummed out. It kindof set the tone for my whole morning. Blech.

Well, the day brightened. When Dave got home at 5:30, I got in the car, drove to the rec. center, got on that treadmill, and I did it. I ran 3 miles. It wasn't easy but I did it. I was tired, but so happy with myself. 5.5 miles today. I realize that for some of you that's nothing. For me it's huge. We'll see what tomorrow brings.

spring break...woohoo!

Who would have thought that an overnight trip to SLC could be so full? Thanks for the great idea Michelle. Like I said earlier, I wanted spring break this year to be slightly memorable. I wanted some quality time with my little family. Guess what...you don't have to go do Disneyland to get it...although that IS on our list for next year. The kids had been asking me for 3 days if they could pack yet. We had a blast. Happy kids. Here's the low-down:

We stopped by the Pioneer Museum while driving around looking for a bathroom. I have to admit, I wasn't real excited about this one. But, the kids loved it. The sweet ladies over there gave them all a scavenger hunt, and would you believe it...they found it all AND had a great time?

An amazing refurbished firetruck. It was gorgeous...and firetrucks don't tend to impress me.

After that, we headed over to the conference center. The kids had never been there, and I wanted them to see where General Coference takes place and where the prophet speaks to us. This is just outside, by the fountains. Nothing special, I just thought it was cute of Emily.

This is Lizzy, same place, 5 seconds later. It really was this cold and windy. Her poor face says it all. It looked SO much nicer than it felt. Oh well.

Harry was our tourguide. He was a gem. I wanted to hug him...but didn't. He had so much information to share with us about all the treasures in the center. That place is full of treasures. If we look a little off in this picture...we are. It's taken in a mirror a couple floors up. Sweet Molly sat in her stroller like that for the whole trip. I love her for it. She missed her nap both days, but somehow managed to hold it together. I was so happy.

Thursday we were off to Sweets candy factory. Dave had a friend who worked there and was able to take us on a tour. Quite the popular thing, I guess. The place was packed. It was actually really fun. We told the kids it was like Willy Wonka's. Well...it was a stretch, but close enough. We had to wear hair nets. Who doesn't love hair nets? We made off with gobs of candy, namely salt water taffy (juicy pear = heaven). :)

Hoogle zoo was next on the list. We met my niece and her "friend" Bryce there. It was FUN, FUN, but frigid. No jackets either. Oh well, we pushed through it and had a great time. The train ride was our first stop. Dang that is one short ride. Worth every penny, I guess, since it was only a buck.

Molly WOULD NOT look at the camera. Look at that sassy little thing.

She loved the penguins though. We all did. I think they may be my favorite part of the zoo. They are funny...and don't even realize it. Plus they are outside = NO STINK. I could seriously have vomited when we went into the reptile/bird/whatever area. Whew. It hit me right in the face...I had to keep sniffing my map.

Alex waited ALL day to go to the little play area. I think all he really wanted was to go in the burrow. Was it worth it bud? He says yes.

Lastly the elephants. They have some new (or new to ME) elephant thingy you can climb on. When you sit on the trunk, it toots and honks and plays music. Interesting and funny. Christy WAS NOT going to be left out!

We are really tired today, but man, did we have fun. I think my favorite part of all was staying in the hotel. Once we got Molly to sleep, we all cozied up and watched AI together. I kept looking over at the kids on their bed and smiling. They were so happy. Giddy. I wish I could capture that feeling in a bottle. I love them so much.

humor me...

I feel the urge to write my thoughts on each of my reality shows. I hope you can still love me, even after you see how much of our evenings are spent watching other people's lives. Love, love the reality shows. The quality ones, you know? Not Big Brother. Heavens no. I think what I love so much about this kind of television is that it's fast, no re-runs, I get nervous, excited...

Biggest Loser was awesome this season...and has inspired me to get control of my weight. If they can do it, I sure as heck can, right? It was SO cool to see a girl win! SO COOL! Ali looks unbelievable. I would really have liked to see Kelly win though. She was kindof the underdog the whole way, and I love the underdogs. Every single time. She looked absolutely gorgeous at the finale.

I will be the first to admit that I am not too keen on Mariah Carey. I was dreading the songs actually. David Cook was "molten hot"! I couldn't believe what he was able to do with that pop song. He seriously DOES NOT disappoint. I have had him picked since the top 24, and with my obnoxious, obsessive voting, I think he may be able to pull it off. I love the sound of his voice. I want his album. Here's how I ranked the others. You may or may not agree, but I AM right...sorry...

1. David Cook - blew me away

2. Jason Castro - haven't liked him much the last few weeks, but he was fantastic on Tues.

3. David Archuletta - consistent, but Dave and I think his voice always sounds the same, whereas Cook can mix it up a little
4. Carley Smithson - does anyone else agree with me that the judges ride her a bit too hard?

5. Kristy Lee Cook - OK, she obviously wasn't really #5 since she's gone, but I was actually a little impressed

6. Syesha Mercado - decent

7. Brooke White - I'm sad to have to rank her here, but I was NOT loving her performance. I love her, but I think she rushed the whole thing and was quite "pitchy". I can't believe I just said that.

WOW! They did it. Ozzy was blind-sided. I can't say that I'm happy he's gone, but I'm not crying about it either. He was amazing...I'll admit it, but he was also arrogant and controlling. It was incredibly smart for them to get rid of him. Dave and I were on the edge of our seats wondering if he would play the idol. Now THAT was the dumbest move in Survivor history, Ozzy. My heart was racing like I was watching firgure skating in the Olympics (you know what I'm talking about...don't act like you don't). I wouldn't be surprised if a fan won this whole thing. And I wouldn't be disappointed either.

From the very first night, I had Noelle as my choice. After Monday night, I'm seeing that I may actually be right. She's completely down to earth. I think it may be her, which will surprise everyone. Ellen has picked Shayne. I can hardly stomach that girl. I would almost be willing to put some $ on this one.

Kristy Yamaguchi...wow! Her dance on Monday was gorgeous...and I'm not even a dancer. It was so graceful and flowy. She will no doubt win this thing. I've never actually voted for this show...maybe I'll start.

Thanks for letting me get all that off my chest...whew...feels good!

it's back...

Samantha Who? is back! Along with a slew of other shows...for a month or so. We LOVE this show. It's a laugh out loud kind of program. Christina Applegate does not dissapoint (ever) as an amnesiac who can't remember her past...her old nasty self. The girl is a natural comedian. She just knows how to be funny, without having to try too hard. Her mom is played by Jean Smart who, if you ask me is one of the funniest women around. I loved her on 24, but her niche is comedy. On this show, she is ditsy, selfish, narcissistic and hilarious! The whole cast is fantastic. I hate when actors say that shows are smart, but this show is smart. The dialog is quick and witty. If you haven't seen an episode, give it a shot. It won't let you down...I promise.

Do you want to know what's sad...I could do a post like this every day for the next month. Let me just come right out and say it. Hi, I'm Amy...and I love television.

what a day :)

Yesterday was GORGEOUS! The beautiful weather lifted my spirits, and everybody else's too. Christy came over for dinner (only 1 sunday left) :( then we headed out on a walk. It was quite a bit longer than we planned, and afterwards we spent the rest of the night vegging on the couch. We were exhausted. That is so pitiful. Anyhow, we walked to the playground, no time contraints, and just enjoyed eachother.

Pre-walk...this was Emily. SO mad that I wouldn't let her ride her bike. SO MAD...but still adorable somehow. I hope this isn't a sign of things to come. She is such a pleasant kid though...this is her 10 minutes later. Skipping, giggling, happy.

At some point today, each of these kids of mine looked just perfect to me. You know that feeling when you catch a glimpse, the light is bouncing off their hair, they are content, and your heart skips a beat? Yesterday was just one of those days...it kept on skipping. I would say...don't move!...and try to catch it with the camera. It never quite worked though. Each of the 4 was SO beautiful and so perfect in their own way, their own moments. I love these children. I feel very blessed to have them as my own. Very blessed. Lizzy had just shown me where their PE teacher made them run the other day. They say 1 mile...I'm not sure. But, she was proud and I was happy.

The sky was seriously THIS blue. Alex would have these moments in between all the running, sliding and jumping, where he looked pensive. Don't know what he was thinking about, but I could have watched him all day.

Yeah...she's on a dumpster, but look at that sky! Can you believe it? She loves and trusts her Daddy.

This last one doesn't really affect me like the others, but it makes me laugh. This child is obsessed with picking her "toe jammies". It's slightly gross, but really cute. Dave had to stop on the way home because she got the urge.

Spring break is this week...and I am not going to be my usual lazy self. I am going to fill the week up with some great stuff! I'll let you know how it goes. Ta ta.

2 happy things...

2 things that made me smile today...it is gorgeous outside! By gorgeous, I'm talking maybe 60 degrees, sunny, clear skies. We have waited a long time for this weather and quite frankly, I think we deserve it. Alex and Emily thought it was warm enough for swimsuits and sprinklers! Crazy! Emily backed out, but Alex went for it. He acted like it was fun, but I think I know better. Love him though. He's such a great kid.

The other thing that made me happy is Dave using his tablesaw. I got it for him for Fathers Day either 2 or 3 years ago. I can count the times he's used it on one hand...actually 3 fingers. Dave is really artistic and really talented, and I've just been dying for him to get to work making me some stuff. Really though, shelves, frames, you name it...he can make it. I think he's quite happy too. Can't wait to see what he comes up with!

HUH?!

What the crap? I'm sorry for being so vulgar, Dad...but seriously! Michael Johns? My jaw was hanging to the floor for a good five minutes. Not just crazy, but wrong. I'm beginning to get more than frustrated that Syesha, Jason and Kristy Lee are still in the game. None of them are "bad" necessarily, but none of them are good enough to win. I'm burned out on Jason and his kooky faces that he pulls. He's fun. He's folky, but there's not much more to him. I liked him a lot at first, but he just isn't good enough. Syesha and Kristy Lee are frustrating me too. They are both OK singers, but not great singers. I start to get pretty mad at this stage of the game, because it becomes all about who's popular not who's the best. And by the way...David Cook is still the best, in case you were wondering. I don't know how he'll beat David A., but he will. Love him.

OK...so here is something I've been thinking about. I think the voting system over at AI needs to change. I have too many that I like and I think are worthy of staying, but I can't vote for all of them enough without being on the phone until the lines close. So, people slip through the cracks. Rather than voting for our favorite, I think we should vote for who leaves. Whoever stinks...gets the most votes...goes home. Every week I'm in a pickle...not sure who to spend my time voting for (actually, I AM sure...David C., but I'd love to vote for others too...it's a time issue). If we voted for the worst, Syesha would have been gone a long time ago.

Whew...glad I got all that off my chest. I'm bummed for Michael, but he'll sell records. I have no doubt. I'll buy one.

107 more days...

Do you ever have one of those mornings? You know, the one that comes too early. The one where you're just not sure you really want to get out of bed and get things started. The one where you desperately need something to look forward to. Something to smile about. I hope I'm not the only one. Don't get me wrong, I love my family. I love being with them, doing things for them. But today, I just need some extra ooomph. The Office and ER start tonight. I'm thrilled about those! Dave and I actually have a datenight on Sat. - wahoo! I've kept my "sick" weight off. Still not enough. SO...the countdown for Fenwick Island is on. It's still a good 3 months away, but it will do. I live for this week at the beach, back east, with my WHOLE family.

These pictures make me happy. REALLY happy. I am obsessed with these photobooth things. A trip to the boardwalk in Rehoboth or Ocean City just isn't whole until you fork out a little too much $ for a strip. I have 7 on my fridge, right now. They make me excited. I can almost smell the boardwalk fries, hear the seagulls. I found a photobooth at Kmart when out on my shopping spree with the twins the other day. I was over the moon! Aside from us being quite pale, you can hardly tell the difference. Only 107 days!

some things about me...

My cute friend Jessica just tagged me. I know, I know...I've already done one of these on here, but this one is different...a little. If you love me, you'll keep reading. I just may have some secrets in here:

4 places I have worked:
OK, first of all, I didn't have a job until my sophomore year at BYU. Lame? Not really. My dad preferred to pay, while I tried to keep up my grades without having to stress. So, here they are:
1. TCBY...and it REALLY is the country's best. I loved this place, but I would eat (steal) a lot of yogurt. How did I not realize that wasn't the right thing to do?
2. REI - worked at the Orem store from start to finish. Started in the camping/climbing department (yes, I actually used to be a rock-climber...pick your jaw up off the floor), then I was the banker, then the clothing/footwear lead. I loved it there, and made so many great friends.
3. RAH - recreation and habilitation services. This was a recreation facility for mentally handicapped children and adults. Without question THE MOST rewarding job I have ever had. Plus, this is where I met Dave, kind, gentle, patient Dave.
4. stay at home photographer - love this most current job. Wish I could afford new/improved equipment, and some classes though. We'll get there.

4 movies I could watch over and over:
1. Enchanted - my kids are in love with this movie. You know how they are...they become obsessed, and watch things 3 times a day. This one I can handle. Not sick of it yet. Check with me next week.
2. Hairspray - same description as above. LOVE the music so much. The soundtrack is in all day around here.
3. Sense and Sensibility - Emma Thompson, Hugh Grant. Mmmm.
4. Fools Rush In - you know, the one with Matthew Perry from Friends. I love this movie. I don't even really know why, but I do.

4 places I have lived:
1. Born and raised in Dover, DE. I make it back there every 2 years or so. I love it so much.
2. Provo, Utah - since 1991 when I came out for school. Still here. Never thought I would be, but I am...and that's OK.
3. Jerusalem, Israel - Jan. to June 1994 - yeah, I went for study abroad. It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I am so, so grateful I had the chance to go.
4. There IS no 4. That is so sad.

4 people who email me regularly:
I am not really an email kindof gal...so I may change this to phone call...
1. My mom - we talk nearly every day, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I love her. She makes me laugh. She validates me.
2. My sisters - mostly Laura and Lisa. Thank heavens for sisters. My truest friends, hands down.
3. Megan - one of my best friends from my old ward. Her twin boys are a week younger than my twin girls. I think that explains it.
4. Carrie - one of my oldest friends from college. I just realized that I have known her for 16 years. We are actually going to lunch today. She knows ALL about me and loves me anyway.
5. I've got lots of great buds who make me smile. I love talking to them, catching up. Too long a list to name them all, but I love them.

4 of my favorite foods:
1. Whatever fruit is in season. YUM.
2. meat - total carnivore. I love it all.
3. here are my 2 dirty habits - slim-jims and donuts. I know, you're thinking "slim-jims". Seriously. I know they are greasy, tough, gristly. Still love em. You won't change my mind. As for the donuts, I mostly love good old Dunkin Donuts. Wish we had one around here. I would be there in 5 minutes getting an apple filled!
4. anything out - I LOVE eating out. I will eat anywhere...and try almost anything. Dave and I are quite adventerous.

4 places I'd rather be right now:
1. Delaware...I love it in the spring.
2. Washington - visiting Laura and her new house.
3. at the movies - gosh I love going to the movies.
4. Somewhere in Europe...never been, but know I would LOVE it.

4 things I'm looking forward to in 2008:
1. Fenwick Island Delaware baby!
2. Schofield family reunion
3. So you think you can dance!
4. Christmas...already in the planning stages. I love it, love it.

I'm gonna stop there. Are you exhausted? Too much info, I know. It was fun though, and made me think. I know this sounds trite, but I love my life. I wouldn't trade it for yours, or yours, or yours.

appreciated...

This past weekend was General Conference. I enjoyed at least the afternoon session each day...and some of the morning. Morning = Molly awake, afternoon = Molly napping. For 2 days, I had been waiting to hear from M. Russell Ballard.

He speaks to me. He is calming. I was so interested to hear what he had to say. What he said was truly inspired. He spoke to young mothers...that's me. Lately, I have felt tired. Worn out. Not totally validated. A stay -at-home mothers work is hard, no matter what the world says. It's hard. Elder Ballard seemed to be speaking directly for the Lord. He thanked us (ALL of us...members and not) for all that we do. He acknowledged how difficult it can be. He basically rejuvinated me. He spoke directly to our husbands AND our children. He told them to thank us, be kind to us, clean up after yourself. We'll be watching this again tonight (I'll add a link as soon as it gets posted). He was worth waiting for. I am so grateful for his tenderness, his willingness to listen to the spirit. I was deeply moved.

On Friday night, I was looking in my journal for something. I started to read from a few years ago. There isn't much there. I realized that the last time I wrote was a few days after Molly was born. I looked for stuff on my older 3. Very little. I didn't write about my wedding, the births of my 3 older children, my friends. I panicked. I was craving some information about my little family. I needed details. They weren't there. I realized that I can't remember everything. I was scared of losing memories, smells, images. SO...I am changing my ways. I am becoming a journal writer. On Saturaday, I went to the bookstore and bought a gorgeous 25$ leather journal. The perfect size. The perfect color. I love it. I have written in it several times already. Yesterday in Elder Ballard's talk, he quoted Anna Quindlen:

"...but the biggest mistake I made is the one that most of us make while doing this. I did not live in the moment enough. This is particularly clear now that the moment is gone, captured only in photographs. There is one picture of the three on them sitting in the grass on a quilt in the shadow of the swing set on a summer day, ages 6, 4, and 1. And I wish I could remember what we ate, and what we talked about, and how they sounded, and how they looked when they slept that night. I wish I had not been in a hurry to get on to the next things: dinner, bath, book, bed. I wish I had treasured the doing a little more and the getting it done a little less."

I have loved that quote for some time, but it screamed out at me yesterday. I need to slow down, enjoy, savor, and write.

30 seconds...

30 seconds. I turn my head for 30 seconds. She can sense it. She knows the window is small, but there's still a window. What can I ruin? Oooo...mommy's bronzer. Mmmhmm.

I never use it anyway. :)

peace...

Watch this. You won't regret it.

time out!

So I've been quite sick the past few days. Today is looking much better though, thanks for asking. First off...this is not a plea for someone to call me to see if there's anything they can do. We're fine. BUT, I have made a few observations, or been reminded of some thoughts I've had.

#1 - I've lost 5 lbs in two days! Will I be able to keep it off? No. As soon as I even think about food, that weight will come back. That is NOT right. I don't really want to eat, but when I DO find myself craving something, the joy is taken away from me because my nose is so freaking clogged I can't taste anything. I can enjoy the texture, the chewing, but no taste. Why bother?!

#2 - Can I please call in a pinch hitter? A substitute? How are we expected to carry on with our duties as a housewife, when we sweat and get winded just looking at the stairs? Yesterday was rough. I took some dayquil to keep me awake while I was watching Molly, then nyquil at her naptime. The dayquil didn't really work. I dozed off several times on the couch while she "watched a movie". At one point I heard her calling for me saying something about poopie. I wanted to roll over and pretend I didn't hear. But my pinch hitter wasn't around, so I HAD to do it. She had removed her messy diaper, then dropped it and all it's contents on the floor, then slid her dirty little self up onto the toilet. Yeah...she's ready to potty train! Not today, please. Anyhow, quite a doozy to clean up. A little while later I decided to take a bath. I didn't want to waste precious time while she was asleep later for a bath, so I did it while she was awake. Usually I can put her on the floor, turn on a movie (yes, lots of movies at my house yesterday) and she's fine. As soon as I turned off the water, I heard a cupboard door slam. Well, my bottom cupboards are all child-proofed, which means, she dragged a barstool over to my candy stash up above the counter. I had JUST gotten in the tub. Really , I still had the goosebumps from that perfectly hot water. I yelled for her to put the stool back. Uh-uh. Please. Uh-uh. MOLLY, put the stool back NOW! UH-UH! NOOOOOOOOWWWWW! Let's just say, it was not a relaxing soak in the tub.

She's doing much better today. I decided to leave the door unlocked during my bath to see of that helped. It did...to an extent. She was watching Rabatootie (Ratatouille). She came in that bathroom every 10 seconds. I'm not joking. As soon as she would shut the door, and I would see her little shadow move away...she was back. Mommy, Rabatootie in water. Hahahaha. Mommy, me want a banany. Mommy, your toes falling off? I will say this, she left everytime I asked her to. A step up from yesterday, right?

And when you look like this, how mad can a mommy get?

body art?

Was I THIS fascinated with bandaids as a child? My children are obsessed, to say the least! I have pictures of the twins when they were two, right after they raided the bandaid boxes. One on every finger, both knees, arms, legs, cheeks. I guess for them it is like art. They are expressing themselves right? Would the fascination still be there if I bought plain old tan ones? I think so. They stop crying when you put a bandaid on. They work better than candy or long cuddles with mommy. Molly just fell down in the carpeted living room. The word "fell" is a little extreme too. She tripped, then softly landed on her bum. She wanted a bandaid. I asked her where. She said on her arm. Where on your arm? Right heeuh...as she moved her finger around, trying to find any thing that remotely resembled an owie. She found a freckle. After many tears, she now has a spiderman bandaid on that freckle. Hope it helps Molly.

*This picture is from yesterday, when she convinced me she needed one on her "yeg".

sick?

I have a confession to make. Try not to hold it against me. I actually like when one of my kids is home sick from school. No, I don't like them actually being sick, just what comes with it. Let me try to explain, so your whole opinion of me doesn't change.

First of all...I get so much one on one time with whoever the poor child is. Aside from a monthly date night with each kid, this is virtually impossible. They are constantly vying for my attention. When they are home sick, they have it, especially when Molly is napping. Yesterday, it was Lizzy home. She had the movies of her choice, whatever she wanted to eat, and games, games, games. We spent alot of time playing Pretty Pretty Princess and laughing. I love that.

Second...I have someone to distract Molly. She generally follows me around during the day, making housework difficult, and me...extremely frustrated. She's fairly high-maintenance. The kids love to play with her though. When I have one of them home, it changes everything. Take today...it is now 10 am, I have already done the laundry (including folding and put away), the dishes, showered, dressed, and now this blog. See what I mean? Lizzy seems to be feeling a lot better right now, so this is probably the last day with her home. I'll miss her tomorrow.

Lastly, I just wanted to show you what Emily and Alex did for Lizzy on Sunday with our Jenga blocks. Sometimes they are SO kind to eachother. It gives me joy. Serious joy.