tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73276577108396355202024-02-19T15:53:26.940-06:00Life in LaLa LandThe story of a stay at home mom and her attempt to navigate through life with her children and sanity still intact.Lahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15912739494124274499noreply@blogger.comBlogger67125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7327657710839635520.post-69009770449497779432009-10-26T09:21:00.004-05:002009-10-27T08:32:43.566-05:00The SicknessI remember a time when my family was healthy, when the sun shined, children smiled, and I could work out. Alas, this time is no more, we have been hit by the flu/colds and crappy gunk that gets in your body and won't leave you! I'm going on three weeks now of not running, walking, or doing anything remotely physical because anything physical makes my lungs burn, nose run, and causes an uncontrollable cough. Those of you that know me know this is a huge deal. I love to work out, it stabilizes me and makes me sane. So that's right, right now I'm and unstable insane woman with the cold from hell! The kids are not fairing much better. The girls were home sick last week and are currently limping along. S was strong for awhile, but now it seems he too has been overcome. While cuddling on the couch today he grabbed my hand in his little chubby baby hand and said, "Mama, I need you, I need you to help me, hold my hand." My heart melted right on the couch.<br /><br />This is my plan for the day; forget about the laundry mountain overtaking the house, just sit on the couch, hold my little boy's hand, and try to remember a time when everyone was healthy.<br /><br />Thanks for listening to me complain, we are a pathetic bunch right now!Lahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15912739494124274499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7327657710839635520.post-90196916369092450652009-09-22T12:55:00.002-05:002009-09-22T13:01:26.035-05:00An UpdateApparently A forgot that she doesn't like going to school and had a great day. She told me she won't cry anymore when she gets on the bus or at school (we'll see if this resolve holds tomorrow). She also told me there is a boy in her class, she can't remember his name, who lives in our town. (not a big shocker to me since 99.9% of her class lives in our town, but apparently a revelation to A) She and the nameless little boy planned a playdate. These were the directions she gave to get to his house. "You go past the daycare, drive a little while and stop at his house." She told me this with the greatest authority that these directions would actually get us there. Can you just imagine two four years olds out on the playground discussing direction and the playdate they want to have. I love kids.Lahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15912739494124274499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7327657710839635520.post-79979882563030729122009-09-22T09:08:00.003-05:002009-09-22T09:29:22.175-05:00Why is Parenting So Hard?!?Sometimes I feel very ill-equipped to be a mom. All I can do is think to myself, "Where the hell is that manual that was supposed to come with them!" I'm currently feeling this way thanks to my middle child A. <br /><br />This year A hit a milestone, she started school. The first day was definitely harder on me then it was her. I cried as she happily got on the bus, smiling and waving. Move ahead three weeks and everything has changed. She cries when getting on the bus, cries at school, and wants me to pick her up. To top off all the drama, I can't seem to get out of her what exactly changed or happened to make her so sad. It breaks my heart that she doesn't want to go to school. I even had to break out the "Mom and Dad could go to jail if you don't go to school" line. Not quite true since she's only in 4k, but what she doesn't know won't hurt her. <br /><br />I've talked with her teacher, who says she's fine once school gets started, tried to set aside special Mom/A time, and tried asking what is going on. Nothing is working!<br /><br />I'm at a complete loss. Since talking to her doesn't seem to help, I'm not sure if I should just let it ride it's course or what. I don't want to set a precedent of taking her to and from school every day just for my own sanity, but I just don't know what else to do. Is there anyone out there who has gone through this before? Any advice would be greatly appreciated! I just want my happy, school loving daughter back!Lahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15912739494124274499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7327657710839635520.post-25321487705660472422009-09-14T12:33:00.002-05:002009-09-14T13:10:21.826-05:00Four Year Old LogicMy four year old, A, is a very special girl with a logic all of her own. The other day she had some issues with her dad over the correct way to ask for breakfast. (in our house a please and thank you must be involved or the request doesn't get to far) I believe there were also some dirty looks involved on A's part when her first demand wasn't met. The dirty looks in turn did not fly with R. In the midst of all of this hubbub I decided to make an escape up to the shower. <br /><br />Mid shower I hear a voice, "Mom! Mom! Where are you?" Hmmm, let me think about that, you are standing in the room, looking into the bathroom, and the shower is running. This is a tough one.... <br /><br />Once A discovered my secret hiding spot she went into a looooong story about how she didn't understand why Dad was mad at her for her sassy look. She didn't mean give him a sassy look at all and if by chance she "accidentally" looked at him with sass it was just because she was remembering the scary dream she had last night. Apparently R and I need to remember that all of A's naughty looks are caused by scary dreams.<br /><br />After this very long excuse, I was about ready to get out of the shower and told A to go brush teeth. I could hear her exasperated sigh at my mere suggestion of teeth brushing. "Mooom, I can't brush my teeth, I'm still hungry! Can you get me some more breakfast?!"<br /><br />Yes after finishing her first bowl of cereal, she had walked all the way upstairs to ask me, while I was in the shower, to get her some more breakfast. I believe there was a perfectly capable father in the kitchen, but asking him was just not logical. Especially if you are a four year old with your own brand of logic and a penchant for sassy looks.Lahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15912739494124274499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7327657710839635520.post-16998041593093200492009-09-11T09:19:00.002-05:002009-09-11T10:19:10.481-05:00I'm Back...After a long break called summer where my actual life got in the way of me blogging about my life I'm officially back. I was going to start this post with humorous stories about my children and life, per usual, but today my heart continues to pull me to Sept. 11, 2001. This day is forever etched into my heart as it is with most, hopefully all, people who lived through that horrific day and are continuing to deal with the aftermath.<br /><br />In 2001 I was a senior in college. I lived with two of my best friends and my biggest worry was if I could find a twenty to buy drinks with on a Friday night. All of my life I had felt the US was a nation in an untouchable bubble, we were immune to the atrocities in happening all over the world simply because we were us. On the morning of September 11 all of my naivete went away. I vividly remember waking up to the radio and hearing the first tower had been hit. At first I thought it must have been a small plane and that it was nothing, then I stumbled down the stairs, turned on the Today Show and reality set in. The United States was being attacked. I was in complete shock. I was glued to the news that entire day, I watched the second tower get hit, people running from the buildings, and both towers falling. Never in my life have I felt so helpless and scared. I wanted to help, but didn't know what to do. Eventually I forgot all my classes and drove home. As most people did that day I had a deep need to be around those I loved, to see them with my own eyes and thank God they were safe. My heart continues to be filled with grief for all of those who lost loved ones on that day. <br /><br />September 11, 2001 forever changed the world and it's ripple effect continues and will continue through generations. The day after we brought J home from the hospital US troops invaded Iraq. My daughter knew two days of life without war. A and S have never known a time with out it. My children will never get to experience the joy of a tearful reunion at the gate of an airport. They will never be able to travel to other countries without going through heavy security with passports. They will know and understand what terror threat levels are. They will understand the importance of the armed forces and those who unselfishly give to protect our way of life. They will know the US does not reside in an impenetrable bubble.<br /><br />Despite all of these changes I still feel blessed to live in the United States and live the life I lead. Everyday I look into the eyes of my children and I see hope, hope for a better day, hope that one person can make a difference, and hope that all the deaths on that day were not in vain. Despite that actions of terrorist hope is still alive in the world. I pray that will never change. <br /><br />"All the great spiritual leaders in history were people of hope. Abraham, Moses, Ruth, Mary, Jesus, Rumi, Gandhi, and Dorothy Day all lived with a promise in their hearts that guided them toward the future without the need to know exactly what it would look like. Let's live with hope." - Henri J. NouwenLahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15912739494124274499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7327657710839635520.post-68027655702798230772009-07-24T08:58:00.000-05:002009-07-24T09:00:38.430-05:00Grrrreat...I just looked up from making a picnic lunch to see S going to town on a bag of dried plums a.k.a prunes. That is going to be a great diaper. Something to look forward to...Lahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15912739494124274499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7327657710839635520.post-89166561327284642092009-07-22T14:32:00.000-05:002009-07-22T15:02:04.166-05:00Strawberry PickingThis year, in the midst of all of the craziness that is our summer, I decided to take the kids strawberry picking. I vaguely remember doing this with my mom a thought what a perfect memory for my children, maybe we'll even make it a yearly thing. <br /><br />Just as I thought, we had a blast. S definitely ate his weight in strawberries, but in his defense the highschooler who showed us to our row said "pick as many as you want, eat as many as you want". Bad idea to tell that to a two year old! Despite S's best efforts, we picked so many we even had to stop by R's office to show him our haul. The girls were extremely impressed with their picking abilities.<br /><br />In all of my vague childhood memories of strawberry picking, I have no recollection of what my mom did with all the berries. When I got home and looked at the berries covering my counter I thought "Oh crap, that's a lot of fruit!" Undaunted I started to cook; strawberry pie, strawberry jam, strawberry bars, strawberry fruit leather (now I'm starting to feel like Bubba from Forrest Gump). The kids also started to eat and eat and eat. When I got to the point where I felt like I couldn't look at another bright red berry, I decided it was time to freeze. Since I was stuck in my own strawberry stupor I mistakenly thought the kids were also strawberried out. Never underestimate the strawberry eating abilities of three little kids. <br /><br />I carefully washed the fruit and laid it out. Three of the berries were so pretty I decided to get my camera.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTM8gTu-mNeg8E3Tbu7CwsTS-2QnmEjIdCwRvL_fHTDBuNArbpPmiEI5zcwJ0YofV9os9Xs1s7ChBy_cS6sStpAsJc1mz1Ww3gkwfV9fzqqVd1KZPJEXH5Gb5k6mbHElZydsvFHtsdGld6/s1600-h/IMG_0920.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTM8gTu-mNeg8E3Tbu7CwsTS-2QnmEjIdCwRvL_fHTDBuNArbpPmiEI5zcwJ0YofV9os9Xs1s7ChBy_cS6sStpAsJc1mz1Ww3gkwfV9fzqqVd1KZPJEXH5Gb5k6mbHElZydsvFHtsdGld6/s320/IMG_0920.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361374798721862482" /></a>Three beautiful summer berries. Good enough to eat.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicMjuZVC6tVyPKux_MSMRY6fnej5xfjFTXXkyCEoU-SE2yZ_VvCGHILgkcDlsy3Q6JhTWJzG1JgDwEqqVZ_moVznhZONFu9_mJAYFmS0WLurc6KmtlgdZkvZ-ntvtxRqKQUQj64s-Ea7xD/s1600-h/IMG_0921.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicMjuZVC6tVyPKux_MSMRY6fnej5xfjFTXXkyCEoU-SE2yZ_VvCGHILgkcDlsy3Q6JhTWJzG1JgDwEqqVZ_moVznhZONFu9_mJAYFmS0WLurc6KmtlgdZkvZ-ntvtxRqKQUQj64s-Ea7xD/s320/IMG_0921.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361375126603154194" /></a><br />Oops, someone did. Apparently I have one (or three) strawberry elves at my house.<br /><br />I walked away for two more seconds and came back to this...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLkFcPS4UpDQ0C5kOU5FVUI3F024EjrU6krT1ygxN6QLmJusKbpFK7u_McXzm04DSZ-9EYoBI6uKUQHpI7nBmDjmsEAYzZWv4sUZ6ZM1XISkpY1vuJQP6hxqIjU1caJnjj3yEDGG9F_svE/s1600-h/IMG_0922.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLkFcPS4UpDQ0C5kOU5FVUI3F024EjrU6krT1ygxN6QLmJusKbpFK7u_McXzm04DSZ-9EYoBI6uKUQHpI7nBmDjmsEAYzZWv4sUZ6ZM1XISkpY1vuJQP6hxqIjU1caJnjj3yEDGG9F_svE/s320/IMG_0922.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361375625769539202" /></a><br /><br />The third berry looked so lonely I just had to eat it myself, strawberry elves be darned! Apparently I wasn't as strawberried out as I thought, must be where the kiddos get it from.Lahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15912739494124274499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7327657710839635520.post-65062109972098295852009-07-20T17:51:00.000-05:002009-07-20T18:21:48.987-05:00I Don't Know Why.....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1T2iQoVdcrqYZpPFe6UCniWvUlCfV7-5lVs6t6xlnKO6l8U5fqGRCjNBXlSRemp7TmzbyDHapbqCOdwnIFxwcgUvefLmrEVKQ6Zl7vdrvPKr6jT59ANZmC3dshmz96F5C3HorTyK5E45e/s1600-h/IMG_0888.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1T2iQoVdcrqYZpPFe6UCniWvUlCfV7-5lVs6t6xlnKO6l8U5fqGRCjNBXlSRemp7TmzbyDHapbqCOdwnIFxwcgUvefLmrEVKQ6Zl7vdrvPKr6jT59ANZmC3dshmz96F5C3HorTyK5E45e/s320/IMG_0888.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360682559321034690" /></a><br />But when I watch R bend down to teach something to our kids I always fall a little bit more in love with him...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1fP4X_WK6xMlC87IyJmApVKwFIbSO49febfSm2Rro2CD-Mv2X1CAx_EkatVwMylkiRRWxmsMxF6m12osa_ZhOHbQzhG0S60J2LK0iQY1La6AdINviVOuQQmgVt8Vwr5bYZPknAnSEfbTE/s1600-h/IMG_0890.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1fP4X_WK6xMlC87IyJmApVKwFIbSO49febfSm2Rro2CD-Mv2X1CAx_EkatVwMylkiRRWxmsMxF6m12osa_ZhOHbQzhG0S60J2LK0iQY1La6AdINviVOuQQmgVt8Vwr5bYZPknAnSEfbTE/s320/IMG_0890.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360679496303715922" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />There's just something about a man and his kids, or maybe just my husband and my kids (since I don't seem to be falling in love with strange fathers on walks with their kids). What ever it is, it gets me everytime. I would like to think that it is too darn cute not to love, but maybe it is just that I get to look at my hubby's tush with out him noticing. Most likely it's a little bit of both.Lahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15912739494124274499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7327657710839635520.post-70711288882651452852009-06-16T07:56:00.000-05:002009-06-16T07:58:27.747-05:00Oh the Irony...Yesterday after a long afternoon playing in the sprinkler with the kids, I stood up from my lounge spot in the yard and found a Cheeto stuck to the cellulite on the back of my thigh. Why is the universe so cruel?!Lahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15912739494124274499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7327657710839635520.post-45427182082997807192009-06-06T10:22:00.000-05:002009-06-06T10:57:23.972-05:00BoysAs a mother of a boy I can officially say I do not understand my son very well. I love him, but I think my lack of a Y chromosome makes it impossible to truly understand what is happening inside his little head. Why, for example, does he have a built in radar for balls. We could be walking down the street and if there is a ball within a mile radius he will find it. It is an amazing gift, too bad we couldn't focus that energy into say finding lost shoes or socks. Now that would be a gift I could understand and really get behind. And, what is up with trucks? Why are they the coolest thing in the world? Can anyone enlighten me?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3qCx0wpDZXbc0bjVsP7jt88zxZoqSb2bOVgIYv1yZvjdheofwBV6OhBxBXY02L9sVPIBmj4Re1qmeQoeq5ce48hSQ7otw-o016-O59emeuXdEvQrsLfToTqLLCDIbVoKw2cM9HuA6aO3a/s1600-h/sean+and+his+truck.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3qCx0wpDZXbc0bjVsP7jt88zxZoqSb2bOVgIYv1yZvjdheofwBV6OhBxBXY02L9sVPIBmj4Re1qmeQoeq5ce48hSQ7otw-o016-O59emeuXdEvQrsLfToTqLLCDIbVoKw2cM9HuA6aO3a/s320/sean+and+his+truck.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344241398306963538" /></a><br /><br />He also seems to feel that the more dangerous something is the more fun it should be. Logical, right? Why wouldn't you want to ride your trike at top speed towards the road only to turn at the last second. Then of course it is imperative that you laugh hysterically at your mom because she is running and screaming behind you. Or better yet have your dad lift you way, way above his head just so you can make a basket. Balls and danger, that is definitely the epitome of fun.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh98RlqjoxTveoLITrsvo9KKrwhjjm07CyOKNTigjzL0SgPGyzB8E2QX563Y2rkaTv54jW0idxu2V2bHBByv7_IIc_aMw-Kx_rk8x7Ty5OF9bUW_WxLsHXllW9foexim8N8bX8wyvmlV_T6/s1600-h/sean+basketball.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh98RlqjoxTveoLITrsvo9KKrwhjjm07CyOKNTigjzL0SgPGyzB8E2QX563Y2rkaTv54jW0idxu2V2bHBByv7_IIc_aMw-Kx_rk8x7Ty5OF9bUW_WxLsHXllW9foexim8N8bX8wyvmlV_T6/s320/sean+basketball.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344242508932066498" /></a> <br /><br />It is amazing to me that for as much as I don't understand S, R seems to be completely on the same wavelength as our two year old. They seems to read each other's mind. There must be a secret Y chromosome club where you can learn all the super cool boy stuff. Definitely no double xers allowed.<br /><br />I guess I'm going to have to resign myself to not understanding the inner workings of my son, or husband for that matter. Good thing they are so cute. It makes it very easy to love them anyway.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQMWlqo5bBtid5zKzfCBxxC3zgAztNGzF5rakmJWx8aEKXHC1BX56fBKzuT_V6-agTL3K4hbS-X5KdYrRXol5etS3HZOJ4cZZHZ27m7U7WkZ7ZouHgfrSOWQsq-PwqzlHv2RYWCc2qz_vo/s1600-h/dad+and+sean.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQMWlqo5bBtid5zKzfCBxxC3zgAztNGzF5rakmJWx8aEKXHC1BX56fBKzuT_V6-agTL3K4hbS-X5KdYrRXol5etS3HZOJ4cZZHZ27m7U7WkZ7ZouHgfrSOWQsq-PwqzlHv2RYWCc2qz_vo/s320/dad+and+sean.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344242992029717922" /></a>Lahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15912739494124274499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7327657710839635520.post-33084885079152674102009-05-15T09:59:00.000-05:002009-05-15T11:12:10.637-05:00The CakeLast weekend was S's second birthday. That's right my baby is now two, let me take a deep breath and compose myself for a minute.....okay, I'm better now. <br /><br />S, as you my or may not know, is obsessed with all things Lightning McQueen. I decided to play into this obsession and make him a 3D Lighting McQueen cake. For some reason I have some sick, masochistic desire to make my children elaborate birthday cakes. Example:<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUtuosYVq_vgJhy8Z4w6-JYy9XgbJLxWoLyTYeiyU7Xdne70lyNqZ2hzed8DPrakzm_cx7a1M6_CfzTapC2kdoEcZGGe9LoSM2rSF2ERRsCrQgjXyewdnOk8o3eX-76TbKb6g5Yw8lmukI/s1600-h/julia's+5th+birthday+002.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUtuosYVq_vgJhy8Z4w6-JYy9XgbJLxWoLyTYeiyU7Xdne70lyNqZ2hzed8DPrakzm_cx7a1M6_CfzTapC2kdoEcZGGe9LoSM2rSF2ERRsCrQgjXyewdnOk8o3eX-76TbKb6g5Yw8lmukI/s320/julia's+5th+birthday+002.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336067075295791266" /></a>I made this cake for J's 5th birthday.<br /><br />Since it was not my first time to the carnival I decided I needed to up my game and use fondant. Mind you, I have never used fondant before, never seen anyone use it, or taken any classes that have anything to do with cake decorating or decorating with fondant. I decided to completely ignore my lack of knowledge and push through. To try to plan my attack I turn to the font of all knowledge, the Internet. I was able to find a few examples of McQueen cakes and a recipe for homemade fondant. Score! <br /><br />With this new found information I started the process. I made the fondant. Homemade fondant is super easy, just one package of mini marshmallows, one pound of powdered sugar and about four table spoons of water. Easy and a heck of a lot cheaper then store bought fondant. Now, to the cake structure.<br /><br />First, two loaf pans of cake.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoDM-YAHhrMAu782a0UprLcedT0DBWKEG3cY-oBxwVvqLQdbUY3aEsVcTyFxK09XuXSzHmFNgjzTdT8hN2YwoZZvfgmEkJ5gx9Irz5xpOSBvqlrdAT_XzCDOSfd4kvLY1sNXDfuTO9ZpDY/s1600-h/loaves.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoDM-YAHhrMAu782a0UprLcedT0DBWKEG3cY-oBxwVvqLQdbUY3aEsVcTyFxK09XuXSzHmFNgjzTdT8hN2YwoZZvfgmEkJ5gx9Irz5xpOSBvqlrdAT_XzCDOSfd4kvLY1sNXDfuTO9ZpDY/s320/loaves.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336082771613444322" /></a><br /> <br /><br />The next step was to slice the cakes in half lengthwise to make layers, fill the layers with raspberry jam, my filling of choice, and put the loaves back together. I then cut off one third of the length of the first loaf. I secured the whole loaf to my cake board with a little frosting and added the 1/3 chunk to the end to increase the length. I then took a little frosting and "glued" the 2/3 chunk on top of the extended loaves. This was the rough form of the car, from here I started to shape. This is what I ended up with.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBiNXZVoUo3qeegmCj7s0Xh2zfhPpcwxRzaCJXqUuDdKTAoLpj6ouv3DFG6OaQlvniQ5CtbIG0gBusuewKlfPq-VJmnOgoQEtvtyjNebzNrf4aaPHFAezLJlBNj7A2FJF4WxrIZvp1wnpt/s1600-h/car+form.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBiNXZVoUo3qeegmCj7s0Xh2zfhPpcwxRzaCJXqUuDdKTAoLpj6ouv3DFG6OaQlvniQ5CtbIG0gBusuewKlfPq-VJmnOgoQEtvtyjNebzNrf4aaPHFAezLJlBNj7A2FJF4WxrIZvp1wnpt/s320/car+form.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336071452886631954" /></a><br />I did all the shaping free hand with a serrated knife and used a chunk I cut off for the spoiler. <br /><br />After I was satisfied with the shape, between you and me I was never really satisfied with it but I had to force myself to stop cutting, I frosted the entire cake with a thin crumb coat. In hindsight the crumb coat could have been thicker, live and learn.<br /><br />Next the fondant. I took a large ball of the fondant I had made and dyed it red. My recipe for red is an entire jar of red gel food coloring and a few drops of yellow. The yellow will help it from getting to pink, but if you put too much in it will turn orange. Dyeing fondant consists of kneading the color in to the sugar dough, basically glop the food coloring on and go to town. Be sure to wear gloves and protect you counter top with something. It will definitely dye anything it touches at this stage. <br /><br />After the fondant is the desired color roll is out to about 1/4 of an inch, using powdered sugar to keep it from sticking. Using your rolling pin, pick up the rolled fondant and drape it over your cake. Gently press it into the shape of the cake until the entire thing is covered. This is an area where my technique could use some work. There were some areas where the fondant pulled and didn't look smooth. To finish, use a knife to cut the excess of the edge.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbHGe0h6oRuIWOk7Ly0othC2tBoMaxZc3OvPc-GtqM81TlJ39aYJFrMneQJiDWhzPhng6sMwUJyTMOwvyBVuMwCr1SgddpT5qniQ2qDq9qHptod62l09boPJana-55R9flHDi98F8ooobW/s1600-h/fondant+layer.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbHGe0h6oRuIWOk7Ly0othC2tBoMaxZc3OvPc-GtqM81TlJ39aYJFrMneQJiDWhzPhng6sMwUJyTMOwvyBVuMwCr1SgddpT5qniQ2qDq9qHptod62l09boPJana-55R9flHDi98F8ooobW/s320/fondant+layer.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336074841278465346" /></a> <br /><br />Now the decorating. This is my favorite part, but also the most time consuming. For Lightning I measured the cake and made templates for all the windows and lighting bolt. I followed the same process as above to roll out the fondant and then, using the templates, cut out the shapes. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiygU42RUbsxPUmSQdXkPuRKiI9ikCrz87I4mLaB74DJZSYSjU7E2kSduDasse-q_0GQ1XHaZ4OzyfwM_kxVNobKmYsvkWactmj0dAWY296_WolzSKNiEAjzoeuMad9LhVKuBKsGru6wxBF/s1600-h/fondant+shapes.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiygU42RUbsxPUmSQdXkPuRKiI9ikCrz87I4mLaB74DJZSYSjU7E2kSduDasse-q_0GQ1XHaZ4OzyfwM_kxVNobKmYsvkWactmj0dAWY296_WolzSKNiEAjzoeuMad9LhVKuBKsGru6wxBF/s320/fondant+shapes.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336075758206533890" /></a><br /><br />I glued the shapes into place using royal icing. (water and powder sugar)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp4P0YW88fJc757Wm4fAvwgOYHRzVXeF41nWlgi61G34Ku5nJTghi64X03CPK0Ei0IR0b9jL6HN3LGXuQweRuf3i3ezxmy_ZAXUQxl2rJN9p6iKbza3nOcyRwr1ZerBGAWBvXNdPjE_i6v/s1600-h/decorate+1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp4P0YW88fJc757Wm4fAvwgOYHRzVXeF41nWlgi61G34Ku5nJTghi64X03CPK0Ei0IR0b9jL6HN3LGXuQweRuf3i3ezxmy_ZAXUQxl2rJN9p6iKbza3nOcyRwr1ZerBGAWBvXNdPjE_i6v/s320/decorate+1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336076232477447634" /></a><br /><br />I painted the lighting bolt using food color markers. These are very helpful things to have around. Unfortunately the only place I could find them in my metropolis was Wal-mart and I hate Wal-mart, ugh.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaPioZUJ6cyBYlg0VHg_zGxeX53PeGhduTv-8K9N9zlOXtSwsvbAK9hwirxyyWn37s8XFN-TvUbWmvwEooWsoggaYHJ6iyIX_VKOPKXN-ndmbIkBrKPCouzg8zc5B0qTIm8zhNgU1nzKQl/s1600-h/decorate+2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaPioZUJ6cyBYlg0VHg_zGxeX53PeGhduTv-8K9N9zlOXtSwsvbAK9hwirxyyWn37s8XFN-TvUbWmvwEooWsoggaYHJ6iyIX_VKOPKXN-ndmbIkBrKPCouzg8zc5B0qTIm8zhNgU1nzKQl/s320/decorate+2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336076883241491074" /></a><br /><br />For the tires and circle on his hood, I dyed fondant black on cut out circles. Specifically for the tires I made rice crispy treats, formed them into tires and then covered those in black fondant.<br /><br /><br />I did the detail work using black frosting and yellow glitter frosting that I bought. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXXQ_g5eKumRN1qI3onPeDHU4FPI5b1QRj8fF6Y-5GkegT_O7OXvOAN4et0S_CtaIAoVYUIxjbxxr1wlJjpBBkOPJohlEtAlgBWGIEEQlxyMV8zZfblL77qANKwXPHCm9wxDYL_41BREw7/s1600-h/finished+1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXXQ_g5eKumRN1qI3onPeDHU4FPI5b1QRj8fF6Y-5GkegT_O7OXvOAN4et0S_CtaIAoVYUIxjbxxr1wlJjpBBkOPJohlEtAlgBWGIEEQlxyMV8zZfblL77qANKwXPHCm9wxDYL_41BREw7/s320/finished+1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336077924446112610" /></a><br /><br />I have to say I was pretty pleased with the results, but the best moment was when S saw it and said "Night-ning!" He definitely knows his way to my heart. Happy birthday my sweet baby boy!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLmO6_VOstRSWQuGXrcF71FkqzB4bJ6KGH4flpougPchKOulc-rputN7GjceYfWB1MTpNjZjh1S7kiC4zNj6a3srKuwGueIHPpiuWndjj1e1jvJS1YSxNCHJCX42XUECjysViGnI_mJR_8/s1600-h/finished+2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLmO6_VOstRSWQuGXrcF71FkqzB4bJ6KGH4flpougPchKOulc-rputN7GjceYfWB1MTpNjZjh1S7kiC4zNj6a3srKuwGueIHPpiuWndjj1e1jvJS1YSxNCHJCX42XUECjysViGnI_mJR_8/s320/finished+2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336078633277057970" /></a>Lahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15912739494124274499noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7327657710839635520.post-30528716622802543482009-05-08T13:09:00.000-05:002009-05-08T13:26:42.606-05:00Missing ThemI just got back from a weekend trip to visit my sister and brother-in-law in Atlanta. While a full three and a half days away from the responsibilities that are my children might seem blissful it made me realized something, I really, really missed my kiddos. Surprise, surprise, I enjoy spending time with my children. Now, stop thinking I'm a horrible mother for not knowing this in the first place. Let me explain. My trip to Atlanta came right at the tail end of a long cold winter and the cold, wet start to spring. Both my children and I were stir crazy, craving the outdoors, warm weather, sunshine, and large grassy parks with playground equipment. In more general terms we were driving each other nuts. There is a dirty secret no one tells you about being a stay-at-home parent, there are times when you forget how fun and enjoyable kids can be. Instead of seeing the fun all you see is the work. When this happens my advice is to get out of Dodge! Go somewhere were silence and alone time is plentiful. Absence makes the heart grow fonder is definitely true, in my case three days away makes me a better mom.Lahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15912739494124274499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7327657710839635520.post-46749572726576639072009-04-29T15:08:00.000-05:002009-04-29T15:10:53.791-05:00Big News!We have some big news here......J lost her first tooth!! This is very, very exciting. As she put it, "I've been waiting my whole life for this two happen! A whole six years to lose this tooth!" Now if I can only figure out the tooth fairy's going rate.Lahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15912739494124274499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7327657710839635520.post-66377428245991112192009-04-29T08:21:00.001-05:002009-04-29T15:08:10.651-05:00Goin' to the ATLI'm about to embark on a much needed long weekend in Atlanta. I'm lucky enough to have a sister and brother-in-law who live there so I don't need much of excuse to fly down. Since I am going sans kids I told my sister I don't care what we do just as long as I can sleep in, no one tries to touch me, and no one whines mom at me. Hopefully it won't be hard for F and M to live with these rules!<br /><br />One of the draw backs from being a stay-at-home parent is that when you do leave for a while your kids are slightly out of sorts. My kids are amazed at the fact that I'm going to leave them with their dad and that he will be actually cooking for them. For some reason they don't believe R knows how to make a meal. I find this hilarious because obviously R can cook and has cooked for them. They also are very confused on who will be getting them dressed and whether or not R can handle taking them to school. Again, obviously R can handle all of these things and has in the past, he's a very hands on dad, but the kids seem to have no concept of a day with out me. This is not the first time I've gone on a trip but apparently all those times before were so traumatizing they have blocked them out. I'm joking here.<br /><br />J originally tried to convince me she should come with. Five seconds after I booked my ticket she looked at me with very forlorn, puppy dog eyes and said, "Mom, I just really wish I could see Fido and Rover again...sigh..." Fido and Rover are my sisters cats. Interesting that she thinks she is more likely to convince me to let her come with because she misses cats, not her aunt and uncle. <br /><br />Yesterday A took a new tract in trying to deter me from my trip. Out of nowhere she looked at me and said, "Mom, I don't know why you are going to 'lanta. It's boring there." She has never even been to the city. J then informed her that M and F live there. A just blankly looked at her and said, "Oh, it's still boring." A the foremost authority on all things fun.<br /><br />If I was a mom who was prone to guilt maybe these attempts would work on me. Lucky enough I'm not and they don't. Sure, I'm going to miss my kids, but I don't feel guilty about leaving them with their dad for a while. I'm sure when I get back I will be a better mom. It's kind of the all work and no play idea. Right now I'm a dull mom, but when I get back I'll be a fun mom again. I'm also sure that contrary to what they think, they will be fine. Things might not run quite like they do when I'm around but everyone will survive. Also, don't tell A this, but I'm positive my trip won't be boring!Lahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15912739494124274499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7327657710839635520.post-30308688882614791422009-04-27T08:23:00.000-05:002009-04-27T08:36:16.798-05:00Jimmy...S has started to refer to himself in the third person. "Juice please" has become, "S 'uice pease!" Asking to get down is now "S 'own!", you can imagine the rest. While this is slightly cute now I have visions of raising the Jimmy guy from Seinfeld. S constantly referring to himself in the third person, creating confusion and annoying everyone. I can just see S in his twenties trying to ask a girl out, "S really likes you!" "S would love to have dinner with you." I don't think it will be quite so cute then. Cross your fingers this is just a stage!Lahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15912739494124274499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7327657710839635520.post-45245803020071758252009-04-22T14:35:00.000-05:002009-04-22T14:45:36.614-05:00Sorry About the RantIf you read my last post, sorry about the rant. It is just people can make me pretty fired up! To lighten the mood here are some quotes from my kiddos:<br /><br />A was cuddling on the couch with a rock from our garden. When R asked her what she was doing she said, "Laying with my rock." R then says, "No I meant what is the rock doing in the house." A looked at him like he was a giant idiot and said, "Daaaad! Rock wanted to watch TV." Of course, that explains everything.<br /><br />J came home from school and was telling me about the question of the day, was her teacher going to have a baby. Apparently most of the kids said no, the teacher doesn't looked outwardly pregnant. J told me "I thought about it and Mrs. P doesn't look pregnant, but I said yes. Why would they ask the question if it wasn't true." Smart girl, she already know no woman wants the world to think she's pregnant when she isn't!<br /><br />Finally last night during a bath with S, A asked me why S has a "peanut" and she doesn't. Maybe it's time for separate tubs!<br /><br />I hope these brought a smile to your face!Lahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15912739494124274499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7327657710839635520.post-29562576180722210062009-04-22T13:42:00.000-05:002009-04-23T09:29:44.791-05:00What DO you do all day?I was recently asked this question. This question makes me laugh for two reasons, first you would never think it appropriate to ask a doctor, lawyer, teacher, etc what they do all day so why is it appropriate to ask me, a stay-at-home parent. Secondly, if you are dumb enough to ask me this you have never spent any time with children. Now don't get me wrong, I love that I am lucky enough to be able to stay home with my kids, but this job is not all relaxing play dates and smiles. <br /><br />So for those of you out there who are really confused as to the ways that stay-at-home parents fill what must be their ample free time here you go, a peek into a day in my life.<br /><br />This morning I got up at 5:45 am to swim. This makes R slightly grumpy because I tend to wake him up too, being quiet has never been one of my strong suits, but the only guaranteed time alone to work out I have is when everyone else is sleeping.<br /><br />After coming home from swimming I made breakfast. Now, normally I wouldn't do this but I was craving bacon and eggs and there is no way I could get around making it for everyone. The smell of bacon woke my entire family and we all tucked in to a big breakfast. After breakfast I filled the dishwasher, got the kids dressed, cleaned myself up, and sorted a pile of laundry so huge that R asked me if I was trying to build a ski jump with all of our dirty clothes. A dirty look was required for that comment.<br /><br />It is now 8:30, time to go to Target. Both A and J have parties this weekend that require presents. April must be birthday party season because I feel as if we are going to have to take out a second mortgage on the house to pay for all of the presents! The highlights of Target were J having a fit because she couldn't ride in a cart, S pulling a Houdini act and getting out of his seat belt and the cart, A going a number 2 in the Target bathroom, me attempting to buy a treat only to have J complaining that she didn't like what I was buying (I knew she did, but had to convince her. She was in quite the mood this morning.) and finally picking out two perfectly wonderful presents. The "scary mom/you better behave" voice was only pulled out a few times.<br /><br />On to the grocery store. Wednesday is double coupon day, so I have to go today. Yep, I'm cheap like that. I'm such a dork, I almost get a high off of saving a ton of money with coupons. <br /><br />I had to resort to the scary mom voice right away to keep A and S from killing each other in the car cart, luckily it seemed to work. As we were turning into the frozen foods, J knocked over an entire spice display her cart. (she likes to use the little carts at the store, it makes her feel big.) God bless the girl, she and I cleaned everything up with out any complaints. I'm hoping the embarrassment will remind her to pay attention next time. We escaped the store with only a few minor set backs, saved around fifty dollars and only forgot the eggs, whoohoo! Unfortunately the lack of eggs puts a cramp in my cookie making plans for this afternoon but oh well.<br /><br />The time is 10:45 and our next stop is the library. Going to the library is partly my fault, I desperately needed to return some overdue books. We were in and out of there fairly quickly. We all picked out books and the only issue we had was S throwing a fit because he didn't want to leave. I had to play the "we are leaving without you" game to get him to stop crying and come. A didn't seem to realize that I wasn't actually going to leave with out S and proceeded to get very upset. With two crying kids I'm sure I looked like the mother of the year. The librarians must have been happy to see our backs.<br /><br />Three some what calm kids later, it is amazing what a little Hannah Montana music can do, and we are back home for lunch. I've fed the kids and attempting to fold my laundry ski jump. Unfortunately blogging/procrastinating seemed much more interesting.<br /><br />So there you have it, all you curious people, that is what I do all day. Next time you think to ask a parent what exactly they do all day, don't. The question is rude and demeaning, besides that was just my morning you don't want to hear about my afternoon!Lahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15912739494124274499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7327657710839635520.post-35370594516650720772009-04-20T15:35:00.000-05:002009-04-20T17:14:58.116-05:00Baseball Games and Easter EggsOur family has been very busy lately. For some reason it seems as if spring hits and everyone comes out of hibernation and plans different play dates and birthday parties, add on top of that Easter and spring break and you've got yourself a full schedule. <br /><br />To celebrate spring we decided to go to opening day for the local minor league team, the Timber Rattlers. (Their nickname is the T-rats, but I have an aversion to calling them that. I don't know why, some things are better left unexplained.)Another big draw to this game was the bobble head giveaway. For some reason my husband and children couldn't resist a bobble head of Fang, the Timber Rattler's mascot, and Bernie Brewer together. Again, this is something I can't explain. We had a great time except for the cold. It was about thirty degrees out, people here are so crazy for spring to come that they take their little kids to ball games in freezing weather!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifx8qUU1V_aEw44XrtMvf0WYxfky81_0hZU6TT22ZcdxrgLGoOYlJJGQw78ziZ4P-D7TWVERqFjL17-X_bOrBQuOZpHv4H2X-a-niPyt0piswpQhFtHYfAg0ilD6EJf81mfxwQuPo-7il2/s1600-h/IMG_0656.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifx8qUU1V_aEw44XrtMvf0WYxfky81_0hZU6TT22ZcdxrgLGoOYlJJGQw78ziZ4P-D7TWVERqFjL17-X_bOrBQuOZpHv4H2X-a-niPyt0piswpQhFtHYfAg0ilD6EJf81mfxwQuPo-7il2/s200/IMG_0656.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326880648068200450" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_U1yjwL2ye1ifuiNcJRPDGythxN_ZhRSg91801O3uAY3OvSekGT9DhgMxGkp8uyj5uoF6mHJPwwA1s9jBIhv96i_PQoPYQaBgUsEu9BVcb6QU4mb8m5ljfJi_Mv1BeQn09RxhyphenhyphenH9wSHCI/s1600-h/IMG_0651.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_U1yjwL2ye1ifuiNcJRPDGythxN_ZhRSg91801O3uAY3OvSekGT9DhgMxGkp8uyj5uoF6mHJPwwA1s9jBIhv96i_PQoPYQaBgUsEu9BVcb6QU4mb8m5ljfJi_Mv1BeQn09RxhyphenhyphenH9wSHCI/s200/IMG_0651.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326880890728556658" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Here is J trying to use her dad to stay warm and Fang stretching before the game. I know you all are jealous that your minor league team doesn't have a giant rattle snake as their mascot.<br /><br />After baseball we went straight into Easter. This year I made two very smart decisions when it came to egg dying. First I did it with the girls while S was napping. Brilliant! No dye was spilled, no eggs were broken, it was a very peaceful and enjoyable egg dying afternoon. Now I realize that later he might feel slighted because he missed out, but I will gladly pay for that five minutes in therapy!<br /><br />My second smart decision was that I didn't buy a egg dying kit. I completely stumbled into this one folks, I was just being cheap and didn't want to spend the two dollars. Instead of the traditional Paas the girls and I used food coloring. The girls thought this was great. They chose their own colors and counted out the drops of coloring needed for each recipe, as a side note there is not a lot of distinction between watermelon and fuchsia. J and A declared this the best egg dying time ever. High praise from a six and three year old.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSn5NffbJCbKcobX8HARlq1xbqcwactuZgk6Axk89UYBvi0WImo3Nh9ZUihMZ9sNQ-tBE0HAq2Aw8y5ynygnX-3Fvi01uQaGY8K8y9yYUuZvxSjqdQV2jONsxZCU1R3Zbe2Ed-eTTdL-BI/s1600-h/IMG_0662.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSn5NffbJCbKcobX8HARlq1xbqcwactuZgk6Axk89UYBvi0WImo3Nh9ZUihMZ9sNQ-tBE0HAq2Aw8y5ynygnX-3Fvi01uQaGY8K8y9yYUuZvxSjqdQV2jONsxZCU1R3Zbe2Ed-eTTdL-BI/s320/IMG_0662.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326887925989165682" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9YkAKsobr8Pf6rCY0LaISghvsllRIRThpsnmCxBUuIjVAgbck4uKGkT_dczw5crYyQP-5sqN-WOBMrRqF3l9et24dNvQWIJgHWgKmlkFpp57gFdkBmx0Dn0DZMhTAKHm9q47dRJ4F-ynD/s1600-h/IMG_0661.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9YkAKsobr8Pf6rCY0LaISghvsllRIRThpsnmCxBUuIjVAgbck4uKGkT_dczw5crYyQP-5sqN-WOBMrRqF3l9et24dNvQWIJgHWgKmlkFpp57gFdkBmx0Dn0DZMhTAKHm9q47dRJ4F-ynD/s320/IMG_0661.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326888175783307490" /></a> <br />A and J working on their masterpieces.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-kTT4-ODyOgl2USY4SRFmrXPaK5m7FaCI5IgobYm0IIHqwu1uPAPBgehkklf0lz9tHHjhJtETHarW5QWjXpyuy_iOFiojma0paZ20QUcHe323LEsmfPh1A329AaHm6DNTY_AAqygQ6XBU/s1600-h/IMG_0669.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-kTT4-ODyOgl2USY4SRFmrXPaK5m7FaCI5IgobYm0IIHqwu1uPAPBgehkklf0lz9tHHjhJtETHarW5QWjXpyuy_iOFiojma0paZ20QUcHe323LEsmfPh1A329AaHm6DNTY_AAqygQ6XBU/s320/IMG_0669.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326886259117691490" /></a><br />The finished product. Who knew the being cheap could end up so cute?Lahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15912739494124274499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7327657710839635520.post-2017256476659104072009-04-07T11:52:00.000-05:002009-04-07T11:58:33.004-05:00My Son is Now a ManWell if not a man then definitely a big boy. The other day I was getting him ready for a bath, I stripped him down and turned to undress his sister. In retrospect this is where I went wrong. I finished undressing A just in time to see S lean over, brace himself on the wall, let go a giant stream of urine and laugh hysterically. Only a boy would think peeing all over the bathroom scale was hilarious. Do you think it's time for potty training?Lahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15912739494124274499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7327657710839635520.post-63231445201548966782009-04-03T10:53:00.000-05:002009-04-03T11:18:57.601-05:00What the Kids and I Did Today...In an effort to bring spring into our house and attempt to be a creative "project mom" the kids and I made these....<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW1YgIu8MPo6g_OObdHwCdz_YOAYwW4aHJCUL3mPzibyCFM70rEKiVimKTPzqo0OXsCPVEuuHg702I8dwJ0Dz8VUwxOnQCiF63CIZn4hseN7QFZQOCf1OxE2D0l0Go83zgtgcA8ZbJzuc8/s1600-h/chicks.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW1YgIu8MPo6g_OObdHwCdz_YOAYwW4aHJCUL3mPzibyCFM70rEKiVimKTPzqo0OXsCPVEuuHg702I8dwJ0Dz8VUwxOnQCiF63CIZn4hseN7QFZQOCf1OxE2D0l0Go83zgtgcA8ZbJzuc8/s320/chicks.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320498838384919282" /></a><br />Spring chick cake balls! Aren't they adorable! I can't take credit for the idea, I found it on a blog called Bakerella. Bakerella is fabulous and even more OCD then me when it comes to baking.<br /><br /> <br /><br />Here is my favorite chick from the flock I made.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZC2T1lG2MbKGCziDNFOowQZSlJv_O5wwwvjmiEzFirNLY-Rxz1aW-UG1WhCLoF0RK5igbSWkRgeE_Wg5_rtsbs-Ui6wP7_E1ksMCF_o2F4DNmOfcuQvdjkCPpkCFskX7Q0XTEsJpwHpWq/s1600-h/finished+chick.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZC2T1lG2MbKGCziDNFOowQZSlJv_O5wwwvjmiEzFirNLY-Rxz1aW-UG1WhCLoF0RK5igbSWkRgeE_Wg5_rtsbs-Ui6wP7_E1ksMCF_o2F4DNmOfcuQvdjkCPpkCFskX7Q0XTEsJpwHpWq/s320/finished+chick.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320495218110584802" /></a>Doesn't it just say "come eat my delicious round body!"<br /><br /><br /><br />Here is S's chick.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN5_VeGPM-rSRIbiGqcySsRLzIeBH-HoxsnzC09JJWBRff7-GmOZHm_YBUa0P9E0cTMxdYT3G_ZFyHAJYeg92fybQVZXmjbu3zgBKl2WsipCH067OLxdOCkmLBo3P9iPH-TbOLN0CUbHsw/s1600-h/seans+chick.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN5_VeGPM-rSRIbiGqcySsRLzIeBH-HoxsnzC09JJWBRff7-GmOZHm_YBUa0P9E0cTMxdYT3G_ZFyHAJYeg92fybQVZXmjbu3zgBKl2WsipCH067OLxdOCkmLBo3P9iPH-TbOLN0CUbHsw/s320/seans+chick.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320499576047086306" /></a> Never one to turn down an offer, he took my chick seriously.<br /><br /><br />Here is A's chick.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie27hht_Oc_fWB6-L34xKqbFT6UN_tylZn1An6QlBVExdmtvWYfpUIimzEj-pcq9iSoUhbsXQ9qH2oep8Lxya9NQYzSVUYX-fZgqVtlCjzeDEGYtAygdQ1AQ1lbCF0lybSqlbZJUB7pl0z/s320/annas+chick.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320496427044501714" /a> Notice the red eyelashes, they are a point of pride for A.<br /><br /><br />Finally J, she took this project very seriously.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKT9Hd8svPe1ns607t_E31sJCSWtQpy6qaFCaBUXZW76GCh5_tpplLT4B8c5_exemjhMYbX0oLXmpAylP-NV5boJFu7XeckesgBoSEbsIbKkNdp3ITdy3Bi6Mbe9S-H1DQQVUIDjESDO1D/s1600-h/j+working.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKT9Hd8svPe1ns607t_E31sJCSWtQpy6qaFCaBUXZW76GCh5_tpplLT4B8c5_exemjhMYbX0oLXmpAylP-NV5boJFu7XeckesgBoSEbsIbKkNdp3ITdy3Bi6Mbe9S-H1DQQVUIDjESDO1D/s320/j+working.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320497093943607442" /></a> Diligently working after everyone has finished. Can you tell she's a first born?<br /><br /><br /><br />The finished product.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVcLea23KCIgfbkz-RmwhTlWNIl1BMNpSsOlwBZzR2nU9Cd1wkFLbg4X6Vktk5bh-DAfi-olIyCPGfP8y6otODyy80gC196i1Z_5sSuhd4NduL2a1ReeqelGGT1_cnkBwAcZz2JhCZS_I2/s1600-h/finished+product.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVcLea23KCIgfbkz-RmwhTlWNIl1BMNpSsOlwBZzR2nU9Cd1wkFLbg4X6Vktk5bh-DAfi-olIyCPGfP8y6otODyy80gC196i1Z_5sSuhd4NduL2a1ReeqelGGT1_cnkBwAcZz2JhCZS_I2/s320/finished+product.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320497545778394786" /></a> Personally I think the glasses are a nice touch.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Enough fun for now, time to get the yellow candy melt off of my floor, table and ceiling. <br /><br />Happy Spring!Lahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15912739494124274499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7327657710839635520.post-47937118588407854962009-03-27T06:30:00.001-05:002009-03-27T07:09:40.687-05:00A Grandma's AdviceFor reasons unknown my thought have been drifting to my Grandma Hamper lately. Grandma has a tendency to pop into my head when I'm having a particularly challenging parenting time, and let me tell you S has been a doosy lately! Grandma always gave me great advice on child rearing and life in general. Although it is hard to pick the best thing she ever said to me, what she told me the day before my wedding is definitely a front runner. Here's the story:<br /><br />My grandma and I were at the church preparing for my rehearsal. Now I think Grandma was slightly worried about me given that I was so young, 22, and the fact that I was pregnant. (If you really want you could figure out my age with that information) I know my grandma adored R and was very happy for both of us, but she still was my grandma and grandma was nothing if not a realist. So anyway, Grandma and I are sitting in the church, me in all of my pre-wedding glory and Grandma filled with all of her life experience ready to impart some wisdom on me. <br /><br />She turned and looked at me and said, "Laura, do you really want to marry R?" This, of course, was an easy yes for me.<br /><br />Grandma in all seriousness said, "Good, then before you get married I want you to categorize all of his faults." At this point I'm thinking, "Whaaa? Why would I want to think of all of the faults of my future husband right before my wedding?" Believe me I knew there were faults there, we had been together for six years, but I just didn't want to focus on them!<br /><br />Grandma continued, oblivious to what was happening in my head,"You need to think of all of his faults, decided if you can live with them, and then forget them all. You will never be able to change R and you need to accept that now if you want to love him for the rest of your life."<br /><br />This advice time and again has been proven true. I did what Grandma said and attempted to forget what I perceived as R's faults. In the six years we have been married I have not changed my husband and I don't even attempt to fool myself that I ever will. Believe me, the fault are still there but, thanks to Grandma, I accepted that they are going to be around for the rest of our lives and I love him anyway. <br /><br />All of you spring brides/newlyweds take heed, Grandma was married for over fifty years, I think she knew what she was talking about.Lahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15912739494124274499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7327657710839635520.post-49248062352925553202009-03-22T12:30:00.000-05:002009-03-22T12:38:48.249-05:00Those Cheeky TeethYou will have to excuse my poor photography, take a look at this picture of my darling daughters mouth.....<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm-OXW-vSmz7Ej4RZIFCHROpfMUpRpp8jyPAIchE2MhKYiZfx6AxI6wbrBoClXpVC2BSc4V_55hY1E78-mMBMX-qQuROp3E0Dz-zT3i2RyMikK1ubBgr2eLcsXBh4nI_K7SR-cLAP-NOtP/s1600-h/IMG_0608.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm-OXW-vSmz7Ej4RZIFCHROpfMUpRpp8jyPAIchE2MhKYiZfx6AxI6wbrBoClXpVC2BSc4V_55hY1E78-mMBMX-qQuROp3E0Dz-zT3i2RyMikK1ubBgr2eLcsXBh4nI_K7SR-cLAP-NOtP/s320/IMG_0608.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316066188611358322" /></a><br /><br />The extra white line behind all the beautifully straight, perfectly intact baby teeth is an adult tooth. This tooth, which is now about half way out, has taken it upon itself to grow behind all of her baby teeth. Not just behind mind you, but behind <em>and</em> at an angle...all I can hear is the cha-ching of the orthodontist's cash register....braces here we come...crap!Lahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15912739494124274499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7327657710839635520.post-19747320416224291552009-03-21T20:56:00.000-05:002009-03-21T21:20:08.006-05:00The Snack DiscussionR and I have an ongoing discussion on the snack habits of our children. R thinks they snack too much leading to their lack of appetite at meal time and an increased amount spent at the grocery store. I don't think they have a snack issue, sure they like their fruit and granola bars, but who doesn't? I generally let them snack when they ask for something but don't give them anything for about an hour before meals. R thinks I should start a scheduled snack time and if they want anything more make them wait for the next meal. This goes a little against my grain. I'm believer in the theory that kids know when they are hungry and know when they are full.<br /><br />As a side note, I belive as people go through life we have a tendency to lose the abilty to recognize when we are full and that the inability of people to understand when their bodies are telling them they have had enough food is a big contributor to the obesity epidemic in our society. As parents I think it is very important to teach our children the concept of listening to our bodies and eating when we are hungry and not when we aren't, regardless of the scheduled eating times. Sorry about that, I'll get off my soap box now.<br /><br />Back to my kids and their snacking. Following my whole theory, if they want a snack, as long as it is healthy and it's not too close to a meal, why not give it too them. So, after that long drawn out story, here is my question; How do you handle snack time and why? I'm sending this issue out to all of you in cyber space in the hopes of getting some advice and ending this ongoing "discussion" in my marriage. (In reality I'm hoping all of you will prove me right!)Lahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15912739494124274499noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7327657710839635520.post-23306095048103872142009-03-19T18:50:00.000-05:002009-03-21T21:22:21.420-05:00A Hidden JemI was just perusing my old pictures and found this....<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj16kLkdxPVcI-shU3iZww2VNLAX1IRywnvf2wa0QjmKg7Y8rCBQGqgq7mAC4r1bxq5gxwU11W4s3j54MZGtgzXWDBv5nZExTS_8g8YYke5CE7OvbV7ESNHhZdhf6mQHc4RyAXM3233mWVk/s1600-h/s+bottom+copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 124px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj16kLkdxPVcI-shU3iZww2VNLAX1IRywnvf2wa0QjmKg7Y8rCBQGqgq7mAC4r1bxq5gxwU11W4s3j54MZGtgzXWDBv5nZExTS_8g8YYke5CE7OvbV7ESNHhZdhf6mQHc4RyAXM3233mWVk/s200/s+bottom+copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315055364711821730" /></a><br /><br />Seriously, have you ever seen anything so cute as a naked baby bum. I think the years between the ages of zero and three are really the only times when some one's naked bottom is cute, but that's just me. This picture will probably be at the forefront of S's senior picture board! It might scar him for life, but I do think it is my job as his mother to document just how cute his naked heine was.Lahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15912739494124274499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7327657710839635520.post-14062347587015148592009-03-13T13:15:00.000-05:002009-03-13T13:33:07.459-05:00LaLa's Rules of Life1. Cleaning my house is a lesson in futility. No matter what room I clean the kids will find it and make a mess with in five minutes.<br /><br />2. It takes one adult to watch A and J and about three to watch S.<br /><br />3. I'm a much happier person if I get to sweat a little in the morning.<br /><br />4. I'm a much happier person if I get to eat chocolate during the day. You need something to combat all of that exercise!<br /><br />5. Children will live up to the expectations you set for them. Whether positive or negative expectations, they will never fail to disappoint.<br /><br />6. A girls night out with good conversation and possibly a few glasses of wine can do wonders for your mental health, marriage and parenting.<br /><br />7. Laundry is a vicious, vicious cycle!<br /><br />8. Raising children is a team sport where everyone involved takes a turn playing every position. It generally is a bad day when S fills in as coach.<br /><br />9. Try to listen to your children, their take on life is amazing and hilarious.<br /><br />10. In a house full of children too much quiet is never a good thing.<br /><br />11. Whenever I think I'm getting the hang of parenting my children change the rules. They like to keep me in my place!Lahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15912739494124274499noreply@blogger.com0