Opening a closed chapter...

Something was tugging at me today to go to my blog and read some old posts...well my life sure must have been busy lately since I haven't posted since the end of 2009! Crazy it doesn't seem like that long at all. I really do enjoy writing...I guess I need to make it a habit instead of a "once in a while" kind of thing! I read a few of my older posts and then one particular one caught my eye. It was entitled "Closing a Chapter." For those of you that haven't read it...that post was written the night before my husband went in for "the big procedure" to prevent us from having anymore kids. I was explaining my thoughts, fears, and hopes about that part of our life closing. Little did I know that about 10 months later...all that changed! God decided that I needed a miracle baby ( or at least that is what I am calling him). I became pregnant again in May 2010 with our 4th child...something we didn't think was even a possibility anymore. At first my reaction was not the best...I was scared, annoyed, a little irritated, and just wondering why. My husbands job is unsteady...we have a house that feels filled to the max already...and it just wasn't in "my" plans at all. It is funny how God doesn't really care what is in OUR plans....they are all about His plans. Just another way He is showing me that. It took me about four months of crying...wondering...and being sick to finally realize how excited I really was about bringing this new life into our world! Now (in the last weeks of pregnancy) I can't wait for this little guy to get here. My heart is overflowing with love and joy that this new season is going to bring to our family. My kids are all so much older now...they are just as, if not more, excited than my husband and I for him to arrive. It's going to be awesome to watch my 7, 5, and almost 4 year old interact with their new brother! They are all so excited in their owns ways. My 7 year old, Rose, is just a little mother hen....she just can't wait for her baby brother to get here...so she can help take care of him. She has such a special heart I know that the baby is going to be blessed with her for a big sister. Then my 5 year old, Robert, is thrilled beyond words to be getting a brother. He is currently out numbered with the two girls. He prayed every single night that the baby was going to be a boy...it was so cute and special. Although at first the baby is not going to be as fun as he is thinking...but he is super excited none the less! And lastly my 4 year old, AnnMarrie, who is consumed with talking about "the baby." It is so part of her world already and he is not even here yet. She loves playing with baby dolls and being "mommy." She wants to hold him, play with him, and just love him! I am SO excited to see her react with him....and I pray that being the youngest child now she doesn't get upset when all the attention is not on her. So many new and exciting changes are ahead for my family. In a few short weeks our family is going from 5 to 6 and I personally can't wait!! Thank you God for blessing me with this miracle baby that I didn't know that I needed! So thankful your plans are always better than mine!

Enjoy your coffee!!

Family Fun

This past weekend was pretty amazing! I enjoyed the whole weekend with my family....doing things that really didn't cost anything...plus they were enjoyable...which is great! It's been a while since we were able to be out and about having some fun. Mr. Jo is laid off right now so it usually puts a restaint on the things that we are able to do with the kids. This Friday we took the kids to storytime at Barnes and Noble. It's was a pajama storytime with Winnie the Pooh for valentines day. The kids were pretty excited to go. I was surprised at how big of a turn out there really was. The kid book area was packed in with little ones (which is not always my idea of a good time), but the kids did have fun. They got to meet Winnie the Pooh! How exciting. Well...it was exciting for the girls...but Robert was another story. We realized that at Christmas time this year he did not like Santa Claus....we thought it was the whole coming in your house at night thing...wierd...and big beard with a red and white outfit...but we may have been wrong. On Friday when he saw Winnie the Pooh (a character he enjoys watching on tv) he FREAKED out....it's was actually kind of amusing. He started to whine....and panic a little walked really fast to get far away and hide behind daddy. I was trying to calm him down...but laughing at the same time. Crazy! What in the world is this character going to do to him. Robert wanted no part of partcipating in picture taking with him. Rose and AnnMarie walked right up and got a snap shot...they loved it...but not Robert. We are coming to the conclusion that he  just does not like people in costumes. We would really love to take him to Disney world...but if this is going to be his reaction everytime he sees a character we might want to rethink that! 

On Saturday...we went to the zoo! It was great. It was the first time in months that it has been nice out..I think that it was almost 50 degrees! Yippee! To top it off..the zoo was completely free that day. We got to do so much stuff...and the kids loved seeing all the animals. On the way there Robert was very curious of what he was going to see at the zoo. He says "I don't want to see the lions and the monkeys..mommy. I only want to see the elephants and the girafes." I asked why he didn't want to see the lions or the monkeys? His response should have been obvious to me. "Well mommy...I don' want them to eat me." Duh..why didn't I think of that..of course he wouldn't want to be eaten by them! lol! Well..I did inform him that they would be in cages and not able to get him. Good thing...he was reassured that all would be well and he agreed to see the lions and the monkeys. When we got to that part in the zoo...he was excited! It was awesome to see the kids so happy. Everytime AnnMarie would finally focus in on a animal she would wave..it was pretty much adorable! What a blessed weekend! I am so happy to have such wonderful weather..and a wonderful family! 

Enjoy your coffee (or hot chocolate!) :)

Through a childs eyes

Sometimes I think that I don't give kids enough credit. They are smart little buggers and sure do catch on to most things that are going on around them. My oldest daughter, Rose, well she is quite the little conversationer (if that's a word!). We are driving in the car the other day and she says I think that Aunt Tara (my sister who is pregnant) is going to have a girl. I told her that the dr says that it is going to be a boy...she didn't like that response. She was quite sure that her assumption was that it was going to be a girl and that was just how it was. However Rose did come around to accepting the fact that the dr just might be right after all. Then she decides that her and I should think up names that Aunt Tara should use. She says..."hmmmm I think that we should name the baby Dragon." Well..isn't that just the best name for a baby! LOL. Okay you make sure and tell Aunt Tara that this is what she should consider for a name...I am sure she will completely agree with you. Then the conversation proceeds on...but I need give everyone a little history first.. *my sister had a baby last year...and he was very sick..had a heart defect lots of surgeries..and then passed away last august* So the conversation continues with Rose saying "Do you think that this baby will have lots of surgeries like the other baby did..." I told her I sure hope not and that we would pray extra hard for him to be okay. Then she says "I don't think that this baby is going to go with God." Oh my goodness..I couldn't believe that she said that...what an amazing thing for a little girl to say. I told her that she was absolutely correct and that this baby was going to stay with Aunt Tara so he could play with all his cousins. She liked that response alot. This just goes to show you that no matter what the age little kids pick up on everything that is going on around them. Even when you don't think they understand...they get it. I love my little girl to death and sure hope that she is right about my soon to be new nephew...he is not going with God till much later in life...Enjoy your coffee!

An absent husband

So it seems that my hubby is leaving me again. Not in the divorce doesn't love me anymore way...more like the he has to go work somewhere else to make money kind of way! He is going about 3 1/2 hours away to work for about a month. Mr. Jo is due to leave tomorrow afternoon and we are all getting a little nervous about it I think. The time away will be hard for all of us....Rose thinks her daddy is moving....not sure what Robert thinks or if he even has a clue...and as for the baby AnnMarie...there is absolutely no clue! We have had a great week with him home with us...getting in lots of family time. We took the kids to the Field Museum on Saturday. It was alot of fun....the kids lasted a lot longer that I thought they were going to. I am looking forward to getting in a good routine when he is gone. My house for some reason always stays ALOT cleaner when he is not here....odd isn't it?! I will however miss him terribly...and of course the adult interaction daily. After spending a whole day with three kids under the age of 5 I am ready for some adult conversation. I guess the tv and phone will just have to do. I have been offered alot of help if needed in the next month. Which is such a blessing. Most people however probably don't know that I won't ask for help. I have a real issue with asking for things....unless it's my mom! :) She is the one person I can call and have a freak out if needed...thank God for her! I hope the Mr. Jo takes good care of himself and that he comes home safely to us. I can't imagine all those single mothers out there....or the mothers that deal with an absent husband on a constant basis. I could not be one of them. For us this is very out of the ordinary. Bless all of you moms that can do this and do it this on a regular basis...major kudos for all of you. Please keep my husband and our family in your prayers and we journey into this next month....Enjoy your coffee!

The money store

So recently my husband, Mr Jo, and I started taking a financial class. I was leary at first but I am really learning something from it and I really like it. It seems as the years go by we get more crazy with our money and aren't planning well for the future. This class really outlines the simple things that everyone should know and be practicing but aren't. It's very eye opening! There is a great deal of emphasis on teaching your kids the correct way to handle money so in turn you can change your family tree and they won't end up with the same situtations that you are in. My four year old, Rose, is not quite getting this money concept. She has chores (when I remember to tell her to do them) and she gets a certain dollar amount for them if they are finished. Lately when she asks for something I say well you are going to have to do some things around here and then earn the money so you can buy it yourself. She's not liking that idea to much. The other day she asks to go out to a restuarant. I say no I am sorry honey we can't today. To which she replies won't don't have any money right ( gee like I haven't said that before). Rose then says well where can we go to buy more money! Oh my...I about fell over...obviously she really doesn't get this whole money idea. Then today she says " I WANT THE NEW HANNAH MONTANA DVD!" First off I say we don't ask for things like that (or demand them) and second off if you save up your money you can buy it yourself. I tell her go clean up your room and I will give you some money for it and you can start saving for that dvd it will probably cost nineteen dollars. Rose replies...nineteen?!....how about five dollars instead? Well of course Rose let's just call up walmart and tell them that you have reduced the price of the dvd so it's more affordable to you! None the less...she didn't get her room picked up...she didn't get any money...and she's not going to get the Hannah Montant dvd anytime soon.
Enjoy your coffee!

Toliet Tales

Why doesn't God send us our children with the ability to go potty in the toliet? I mean that to me makes complete sense. There born with some sort of trait that allows them to know when they have to go to the bathroom and we could take them....a little signal perhaps....a sneeze...a wink of the eye...but to my dismay this does not happen. We as parents are forced to potty train our children. It just must be one of God's cruel jokes for us....I can imagine that he is sitting there laughing at the thought of all of us crazy moms trying to get this job done. Now if you are one of those parents that says "oh my child was so easy...they did this..and this..and this..then they were trained" or "she/he pretty much just trained themselves"...you can stop reading this right now and go sit in a corner because you are annoying! I have recently started training my second child (who happens to be a boy) to go on the potty. He is just not getting it...my daughter was much easier to train. I can't get him to pay attention to me....to listen to me...I have no flippin clue if he even understands what I am telling him...it's sooo frustrating. After one week of taking him to the potty numerous times a day...yesterday I finally got him to go pee three times on the toliet...and actually I just think that it was a lucky chance that he was sitting there when he decided he had to go. Personally I believe that I say "Let's go to the potty Robert" and he thinks okay...I'll go...but I am NOT peeing on that toliet. I mean I take him we sit there for what feels like forever..and then nothing...not a drop..it's soooo...uuhhhh frustrating..and then as soon as he leaves the room...he ends up peeing. It's like he's thinking "ha ha mommy I just held it and now I went in my pants...nah nah nah poo poo at you." Well to my disliking I am continueing on this journey of potty training and it's only the 2 day into the 2nd week....but I see a LONG path ahead of me...and it's not looking like fun...Enjoy your coffee!

The hidden computer.....and a busy life...

See what happens when I move the computer into a different room...I don't see it...I don't sit at it...then I don't get on it.....and I don't blog....it's a terrible cycle. I must admit the computer being in a different room has really helped the rest of the house. Someone how though it keeps me from getting on it....even checking my email has become difficult...my online friends seem to think they are being ignored...BUT the plus side of all of this is I am actually getting things done around here....cause I am not being distracted by the computer every fifteen minutes. I have missed you all...I do enjoy blogging as it does give me an outlet for things in my mind..I need all the space in there that I can get. It seems as though we have become a very busy family lately. Trying to fit all of our activities into one week is becoming quite a task. We seem to only have Thursday and Saturday free every week....and boy when those are your only days to either be a family or do other things they fill up fast....actually I don't even like to count Saturdays because they are usually always filled up as well. Between dance, school, small group, church, work for me, work and overtime for Mr. Jo...we have crazy lives. We are loving all the things we are involved in right now in our lives but sometimes it is nice to just sit on the couch and do nothing(which is rarely happening). The days are going by so fast as well lately. These kids of mine just need to stop growing I can't believe that my baby is going to be four next month...and the littlest one just turned seven months...seven months(and she finally got her first tooth)...it feels like I just had her yesterday(considering I am still carrying around her baby weight)....every week feels like a day..and that's just too damn fast. Life is good right now...things are coming together....and we are enjoying each other...the ride is fast....but we are trying to slowly take it all in....I hope to try and continue to blog....I just am going to have to start penciling it in my schedule (tee hee)...Enjoy your coffee!

My life adjustment...

I think that I must just put this in writing...before it gets bad again..and I don't' believe it.

"Life feels pretty good right now."

Well now that it's said...life will start in a downward spiral into a nothingness! I had a minor...okay major issue about 2 weeks ago. This issue caused me to panic...and truthfully break down completely (to those of you that got the butt end of it...soo sorry)...but it has gotten better. The issue has been solved..well mostly. And we had to get help....but not as much as we were first assuming. Although this little problem caused me to panic..it kind of made me look at my life right now...and readjust my thinking. Which for me was very good..cause I have been in such a negative frame of mind...for many many months now. With the holidays coming..I thought for sure that it was going to get worse. I am stepping back...taking a deep breath...and going forward with my "life on loan"....and focusing on the positive. Realizing that God has a plan for me..and this is just a small bump in my life long road....I am sure there will many more bumps ahead...and it's all going to depends on how I handle them as to how much those bumps are really going to hurt. I am blessed with so many loving people in my life right now to help me work through things...and just be there to listen to me complain...cry..or talk...to those of you many kisses and hugs of appreciation. I think that recently I have stepped back...and looked at life as it is right now...we may be struggling in some senses...but we are blessed in so many more...I cherish that. The days ahead...are only going to be what I make of them...and from now on I choose to make them good. End of story..Enjoy your coffee!

The toys have been conquered!

So I broke down...and cleaned the toy room. The day started with no real intention to clean at all...by cleaning I mean I made all sorts of messes(by trying to organize)...but cleaned some up too. I was supposed to have a friend come over for a play date...so I thought..maybe I should sweep the living room floor as it was looking rather ick....then under the entertainment center caught my eye...there was toys galore...no kidding....cause toys haunt my everyday life. I thought well I have the time..I might as well move it and sweep under there and retrieve all those long lost toys.....and while I am at it..I will move the couch and love seat as well....oh boy did things get busy from there....I was going good...moving things...cleaning under things...(just a side note when looking for new furniture...make sure it sits on the floor and things can't slide under it....things will get lost...for a very very long time)...I grabbed a bin from the toy room(there were obviously empty ones since my children never fill them) and started piling the new found toys into them. After I got done cleaning under things..I grabbed all the toys from the living and dining rooms. Then the issue began...I walked with the full bins to the toy room...and ugh....it was sooo messy...that I could not just set those bins in there (like I wanted to )..and walk away. Soooo being the wonderful wife and mommy that I am...I started to clean...(luckily as this started...our play date conveniently called and cancelled). As I am starting to pick up toys..it's going through my head as to why I should bother...I needed some guidance...some plans as to what to do with the toy drama that is soaking up my life....and my house. So first things first....the play kitchen has to go...it's big..it's dirty...it has crayon all over it (no idea where that came from...Robert!)...so I thought...well I will put it out the curb with a "free" sign attached and see what happens. Although I was sooo not prepared for Rose's reaction...you would of thought that I was chopping off her left arm...the way that she was screaming...crying...sobbing...omg..it was hilarious....I explained to her that we would give it to some other little kids..that really needed it...blah ..blah..blah...(she of course wasn't buying it)...but I am mean(but it did get taken...and she was okay with it ...alot later that is)..so I put it on the curb anyway....(this also allowed to store away ALL the play food..and dishes..etc...*jumping for joy*)...then I had this brilliant idea..that I would ship bags of toys to each of the kids rooms..and separate out the baby toys....boy did that make a HUGE difference in the toy room (not to mention all the crap I threw out)....the room actually looked kind of bare when I was getting close to being done...so being the brilliant person that I am..I thought...why not put the computer desk in there (like it was many moons ago..before our hooligans came along)...and to my benefit removing it from the living room...(ha ha...now Mr. Jo can't ignore me by watching tv and being the computer at the same time)...and the room looks really nice....less toys...so that maybe they will play with them..and toys in their rooms...for when we have no tv time and mommy wants some peace and quiet....and mommy finally might get daddy's full attention in the evenings(ah who am I kididng now he just won't watch tv..and I'll never see him)...I really think everyone will benefit (well maybe not Mr. Jo...but ahhh you can't please them all!)

As a side note though Mr. Jo did take a table I was trying to use as my craft table...although it wasn't working the way I had it....and put it in the empty spot in the living room....he even organized all my scrapbook stuff..into bins ..and drawers....it looks amazing..and the fact that he did that just for me....was very very nice of him....he just might have to be rewarded...but enough about that...Enjoy your coffee!

Toys... to play with or not to play with?

Why....oh why do I have toys for my children? Why ...oh why do I have a special room just for their toys? Why..oh why do my damn children mess up their toy room and then NOT play in it? Why..oh why do my children like to play with their toys in the living room..and NOT the toy room? Why...oh why do I not just throw them all away? Why...cause I am a nice mommy (that is completely losing her mind) that's why!

Okay here's what Wikipedia says:
A toy is an object used in play. Toys are usually associated with children and pets, but it is not unusual for adult humans and some non-domesticated animals to play with toys(I mean seriously...they had to put that in there!). Many items are manufactured to serve as toys, but items produced for other purposes can also be used as toys. A child may pick up a household item and 'fly' it around pretending that it is an airplane, or an animal might play with a pine cone by batting at it, chasing it, and throwing it up in the air. Some toys are intended primarily as collector's items and are not to be played with.

The first line "A toy is an object used in PLAY!" A toy is not to be thrown out of the basket or bin that it is so nicely stored in....a toy is not to be stepped on...a toy is for your entertainment. My children obviously missed this memo. Toys are not just for messing up their special room...you actually can play with them..and then PUT THEM AWAY! I know..you might think that I am being a little harsh...my children are still little...but I am not. Those little heathens literally go in there...dump out the baskets and bin...pull out the draws..pull all the books off the shelves..and then their play time is over(and this is always right after mommy has spent her time cleaning it). I mean ...really...and then they have the nerve to not want to play in there anymore ...as Rose says "cause it's messy"..well DUH..you did it....I should just give them all away....or sell them....or just pack them up and hide them...but then again..that's a lot of work for me...and I am just not willing to give up my precious time of sitting at the computer for that.

Enjoy your coffee!

Sick or Dead?

So as I am begining to be well aware that having a almost four year old makes my life way more interesting. The conversations I have been having with Rose lately are just priceless! We are driving to Nana's house last night on the way home from dance....and we see an ambulance turn the corner on the opposite side of the road..with it's lights flashing and sirens going. This is the conversation that followed:

Rose: "Mommy....what is that thing called again?"

Me: "It's called an ambulance."

Rose: "Oh..right an...andulamce...I member."

Me: " No honey, it's a.m.b.u.l.a.n.c.e."

Rose: "that's what I said......someone must be sick....OR dead!"

Me: "No I am sure they are just sick honey...not dead...why don't we say a prayer for the person in the ambulance that they get better."

Rose: "They ARE sick or dead mommy...probably dead."

Me: "Let's not say that they are dead...if they have their lights on that means the person is just really sick (making this up..hoping to get her off the dead subject.)"

Rose: "When you are dead you go to the dr.......dead people go to dr's...."

Me: " (OMG)....no honey when you are dead you aren't alive anymore so they won't need to go to the dr...."

Rose: "But...they are probably dead...right?!"

Me: " Can we please just stop talking about being dead...we will just assume that the person in the ambulance is sick..and going to the hospital..ok..?!"

Rose: "ugh....but I think they are dea......OH look mommy horses.....can I ride a horse someday...?"

Me: "Sure honey..(thinking..thank God you have ADD like your daddy...and we can stop talking about dead people)

Rose: " Ok ..I will ride a horse when I getter bigger...ok :) "

Some Halloween Help?!

Okay so every year it's a tradition that my in-laws have a Halloween Bash. It is requested that you dress up. Especially if you are part of the family (well duh I obviously am!)sooo..I need help! My husband and I have done pretty good the last couple of years with costumes. This year for some reason I am struggling. We have little money (and boy do I mean little ) ...sooo we need to think of something that we can put together ourselves maybe with a few props cheaply. We have previously been..."A Wizard & Medival Queen"..."Tweedle Dee & Tweedle Dumb"...."Pink Ladies & T-Birds"...."Devil & Pregnant Lady (that was Mr. Jo)...."A Bears fan & Bare foot and Pregnant "(we just went as ourselves...i was pregnant with AnnMarie last year...it was fun) So now this year is quickly approaching and I need some ideas. I love dressing up it brings some of the childhood fun into it. We however need something that is easy and cheap...sooo send me your ideas....anything...so go get some coffee and think(maybe some of our ideas will help you..if you are the dress up type)... Enjoy your coffee!

Robert's Art Project

Crayons next time...Enough Said! Enjoy your coffee!

Another shower adventure with Rose

I obviously didn't learn anything from my last shower experience with my daughter..but she was very insistant that she take a shower with me last night (cause she thinks it's such a big girl thing to do)..so being the best mommy ever..I let her. Boy was that a mistake.

I'll set the scene...small town, IL...little two story house on main st......little bathroom...(and little I mean you almost have to be a contorstionist to walk in there)...me..and my daughter, Rose
(almost 4)..undressing to take a shower....

Me: (undressing so I can get in the shower)

Rose: (Looking at me with great question in her face) "I am growing big boobs too mommy." (touching herself as she's saying this)

Me: "Oh, really...that's nice."

Rose: "They are going to be really big like yours...they just are still growing ..right now."

Me: "okay" (thinking..stupid stupid me..for letting her take a shower with me again)

Rose: "What is that ,mommy, on your boobs?" (with the strangest look on her face)

Me: "That is my nipple...." (OMG...trying not to laugh and cry at the same time)

Rose: *laughs..giggles* "Oh....I don't have nipples..hee hee!"

Me: "Yes you do they are right there...(pointing to her little dots on her chest)"

Rose: "Those aren't nipples silly..."

Me: "Okay (thinking..I'll go along with it if it means an end to this conversation)
(Thank God..converstation over...although she is still looking at me with question..but I hurry and get into the shower)

So later that night..we are at walmart(sucky)..and I really need a new bra...I am looking at them..and Mr Jo takes the kids to another part of the store (god forbid he is in the bra section)..but Rose is wanting to stay with me (of course she is)..so I let her. I grab a handful of bras and head into the dressing room...Rose in tow. I tell her to sit down and she does...watching me intently as I am trying on these bras. She is smiling..and I am thinking oh no..what is she going to say now. Then she gets up and giggles..."I want to try one on too." Without waiting for an answer she picks one up...and is trying to open it "where are the buttons on these things she says." Then..she proceeds to take off her shirt (even though I said ...Over the shirt!) but..she obviously doesn't listen. With no luck finding the button she just slips it over her head...now she is standing in front of the mirror..posing..and smiling at her self...(me standing behind her trying to not laugh)..then I realize....How do you know when your boobs are TOO big....when your bra cup is as big as your almost 4 year olds head! Needless to say...I really need to quit letting Miss Rose shower and dress with mommy...she's getting to curious.....and it's freaking me out! Enjoy your coffee!

An adventure in kid raising

For those of you that don't have boys (or boys like mine at least) you are very very lucky! My middle child, Robert, is just a little spit-fire. His new favorite word is "no." Oh yes and as you can imagine..it's just a blast to have him use it. I am all for updating your vocabulary but he could have never learned that word and I would be okay with it. The thing is he says it with such charm and personality, and of course always followed with a smile (cause he assumes that makes everything sooo much better). On top of loving his new word, no, he also has become quite the little terror lately. Purposely causing problems...or throwing things...hitting..biting..you know the fun stuff. My mom was nice enough to take me and the two youngest kids to breakfast the other morning. My sister was with as well..for this eventful gathering. Now the baby, AnnMarie, is a very good baby..doesn't cry for no reason..sits well and plays...but then there is her older brother...oh geez. We get seated in a booth and I have Robert on the side with me. He decides that he is going to talk to the lady sitting behind us (who is waiting for her party so kindly talks back with him)...I am trying to get him to sit down and be a good boy... he's refusing. He is taking the jelly little packets and the creamers and biting into them...I was only imagining one of them squirting open and flying across the table at my mom and sister (now that I think about it..it would have been pretty damn funny). It's time to feed AnnMarie so I have her sitting on the table giving her a bottle...and she knocks over a glass of water...everywhere...I get Robert to stand up..but he is refusing cause he wants to grab the ice cubes so he can eat them...there was water everywhere..and AnnMarie...continued happily eating. I give Robert two of his "people" to play with and a truck (thinking this will keep him entertained...yeah right). He does play for a bit...but decides to drop them under the table(oh and he was playing behind us and the lady thought he dropped a toy down her back)...and refuses to get them...also dropped his sippy cup down there...he thinks it's just hilarious that they are under there....and keep in mind its a tight booth..me, mom, and my sister...can't just squeeze under there. Sooo....the three of us are trying to get the toys and sippy cup with our feet. I can't even see most of them cause they are on my side...my sister is trying to guide me...we are all laughing...and as we get the pieces onto the table...Robert is taking them and throwing them over at mom(and by throwing I mean whipping them)...she is ducking and laughing..well...the laughing contributes to the throwing and Robert assumes we are liking the game he is playing so we are having a hard time getting him to stop. Finally...his fire deceases. At this point we are thinking..can we have the check now...breakfast is thankfully over..our bellies are full...Robert has had his fun (for now that is) ..and my mom and sister are thinking we are Never going to eat at a restaurant with you are your children again! Well....dealing with kids...in public always was an adventure...I am sure there are more fun times to come. Enjoy your coffee!

Our long weekend

So I haven't blogged in a couple of days. I guess I am feeling very ..ummm..blah (sorry that's the only word that is coming to mind). Since we had a long weekend...I am a little thrown off for my week. Considering it's Wednesday and I feel as if it is Tuesday. I guess maybe...since I have nothing better to do today..(well I do ..but who really wants to clean)..I can give you a synopsis of my weekend...it was rather...ehh..umm..boring (i am a mother of three living in the Midwest how exciting could it get plus I wanted to say it was "blah" but I have already used that description)..so since there is nothing better for me to think about writing why not indulge you with the highlights of my life (right..)Here goes nothin:





Friday: Oh yeah...we did nothing. I know shocker. My mother stopped by for a bit...she was off work, but she was on this kick that she needed to be alone...well alone in the sense..she didn't want anyone to go with her for the day (i.e. my children). Which actually I found quite funny. She wasn't working...she wasn't cleaning...she didn't have her grandchildren...she was doing nothing. It was driving her crazy...she looked like a lost puppy. She just wandered around for the day stopping here and there...then going home and not really knowing what to do (you see she is a busy body so this was very funny to witness). By the end of the day she was so annoyed with being alone..(she obviously doesn't have three small children at home anymore to keep her busy)..she says to me "Mrs. Jo, don't EVER let me do that again....this being alone all day stuff...trying to find things to do ...was for the birds." I was laughing sooo hard. After talking with her numerous times that day...my family and I just vegged out and watched the boob tube all night. Very enjoyable.





Saturday: We went and took family pictures. I have a wonderful surrogate mother that is a professional photographer (and may I just say that she is wonderful!). We went to a park...the bugs were horrible...and my kids were only semi cooperating. We did get some nice pics...and some very funny ones. I laugh at some of them..because even though it's not your average everyone smiling looking at the camera pic it captures my family to a tee....here's an example:

As you can see....my son Robert is trying to run away (typical he's always on the go)...Rose is sticking out her tongue...and AnnMarie is off in wonder land playing with the grass. As the parents Mr Jo and I are trying to smile ...even though we know that are children aren't participating. But hey that's us..I wouldn't have it any other way.

Sunday: Well you can see my previous blogs:Broken Car Part1 and Part 2 to hear about Sunday....oh..Sunday the day from hell!

Monday: My sister in law's neighbor was getting rid of a twin bed frame and mattress (conveniently the night before I had told my SIL that I was looking for one)..and she very kindly brought it over to us. Robert has been having lots of tough nights sleeping and we figured that it might have been due to his toddler bed mattress (aka crib mattress) I believe that it was ancient. Mr Jo and I figured that it might be beneficial for Robert to have a new big boy bed so he could sleep through the night (who am I kidding it was so we could sleep through the night). Robert did not like his bed at first he was very upset that "his bed" (meaning the old one ) wasn't there...but that soon changed and now he loves it...and so does his big sister...they have both slept in the bed for the past two nights..and might I add that it has been two nights of pure joy due to that bed Mr. Jo and I have gotten two wonderful nights of sleep..and only sleep! Yea!

Well...that was my weekend...in a nutshell....looking back it was enjoyable ..well mostly anyway...Enjoy your coffee!

1 Headache, 2 Batches of cookies, and 3 Baths....

The Tuesday night adventure:

The next time you think baking cookies is a good idea...Rethink. Yesterday afternoon I thought that maybe it would be fun to make cookies with Rose...and Mr. Jo had been wanting cookies anyway...so I could make them both happy. Well that was the dumbest idea I had all week. I got out the cookbook looking for a peanut butter cookie recipe...found one that was sort of like what I wanted ..but not really (that should have been my first clue to not bake)..and I also spotted a recipe called "chocolate revel bars" and ooh that sounded yummy. So I decided to do both. (dumb..dumb..dumb) I started the peanut butter ones..and miss Rose helped. We got them all mixed up and I got them in the oven.....I was watching them and thinking ugh..they are so flat! I mean really...(it prolly didn't help that I really don't' have a good cookie sheet..mine is so old I think it has wrinkles) sooo anyway I decide ..so they are flat they will be fine...I take them out..and this is what I get

As you can see...they are F.L.A.T..and when I tried to use the spatula to get them off the pan they smushed all together..and I couldn't leave them in any longer cause they would have burnt. Ugh...I should have stopped right here....but..it's me and obviously I am a moron. So I am already irritated with first batch as I start the second (thinking at least they are a bar cookie so I won't need a cookie sheet). I get almost done mixing the second batch and I am at the second to last ingredients...flour.. my flour jar is empty..but I know I have more in the freezer...Well I thought I did anyway...I mean really...does anything else want to piss me off! So here is the second batch all in a bowl..and no more freakin flour...so I send hubby to the store(my knight in shining armor)..he returns with flour..and I can finish. So here's the second batch...the look of it was kind of frightening.

Okay so ...it looks like slop right? I mean come on..this so IS NOT a bar cookie...although I must admit that both of these cookies were really good (despite their crappy appearance).

Onto the next adventure of the night....baths. It was bath night in our household...all kids under 4 feet take a bath together (under 4 feet rule so Mr. Jo can't get in..you now that he is sooo my fourth kid...fortunatley he did take a shower on his own..good boy). So anyway...I get Rose and Robert in there first. I always warn them not to splash cause they get the whole bathroom soaking wet. I must mention that my bathroom is like the size of a coat closet...well okay...maybe smaller. It's tiny..and I hate it...but that neither here nor there. Back to the baths...they proceed to get water everywhere....Rose tells me her pee pee is red...Robert is using the side of the tub like a slide...and AnnMarie..just stares at everyone in complete horror.

Rose posing...she'll like this one when she's sixteen!

Robert...I wonder how water got everywhere could be that he kept squirting things!

The three amigos on their water adventure

So let's recap....2 batches of cookies...one that looked like crap...and one that looked flat..but both fortunately tasted great...3 baths....lots of water....everywhere..but at least they got clean...OH and I forgot to mention I had a headache start right after that first batch of cookies....I mean how mean is God...like I wasn't stressed out enough..let's add a headache into the mix..Well..thank you. So 1 headache, 2 batches of cookies, and 3 baths but, the night eventually ended..and everybody went to bed with their sweet tooth's cured and clean bodies...does it get any better! Enjoy your coffee!

The joy or lack there of ..for school!

Well...Ms. Rose went to school for the very first time on Wednesday. It seems that she had a good time (you ask..why did I say "it seems")...well...she is giving me answers to questions I ask about school in a very general manner. I say did you have fun at school today..."yes"...what did you you do at school today "I don't know"...did you make new friends "sure"..what are their names.."i don't know"...did you go to gym class today.."no"...did you wear your new gym shoes today "yes"..then you went to gym.."no"..."we played games" (in the gym of course I guess she just doesn't know what it is)
She however does love riding the bus.

She is always very excited to get to go to school in the morning as soon as she's up..she asks if she ca

n go to school...I say sure honey..let's wait a bit..it's not time yet...and she gives me the "rose look"..like okay..but I really want to go now. Today when I got her off the bus she was very upset...they have assigned seats on the bus (which is good since they are only preschool age)BUT..she didn't get to sit next to Lover Boy on the bus (Lover boy aka: the neighbor boy who is her "boyfriend"). I asked her who did she sit with and she said some boy..ugh..I wanted to sit with Lover boy...(what on earth were these bus drivers thinking making my little girl sit with some other boy on the bus..come on i mean what nerve).
So school as been interesting so far...she seems interested(if that's what I can gather from her oh so extensive answers) and excited to go.....I thought that this kind of thing was supposed to happen when the kids were older and unresponsive...and I am getting this from my almost 4 year old....what on earth am I in for when she 14....
Enjoy your coffee! (I am sure needing more these days!)

Some hairy humor

When to know that you have tooo much chest hair (not us girls don't worry..I am talking to the men today...although girls if you have this problem seek professional help)?
Today I shaved Mr. Jo's head. His hair has been extremely long for quite a while now and it was only a matter of time before it needed shaved again. We decided to do it before dinner..in the kitchen...Mr. Jo is sitting in his shorts and no shirt ( I know ladies control yourselves). I think Mr. Jo is a little apprehensive about the fact that I am behind him with a razor..but he controls himself and lets me proceed. Rose is completely interested in this matter and of course is in the kitchen asking a million questions..and "helping mommy" (of course she is just in the way..but that's neither here nor there). Rose is playing with items in the box from the razor (we were able to borrow from a friend)...and there were scissors and a comb in there. I needed to use the scissors to cut the rest of the lose ends that the razor didn't get...Rose thought that I needed the comb to assist the razor...but to her dismay I did not...Soo she proceeds to use the comb in the best way that she sees fit.....
Combing her daddy's chest and stomach hair! I thought that I was going to lose it. I was laughing sooo hard...(and Mr. Jo doesn't really find this as humorous as me)..Rose is looking at me like "what" isn't that what it's for. Needless to say I think that Ms. Rose has made daddy a little self conscious of his hairy chest ;)
Enjoy your coffee!

The guilt-stricken Nana

So have I told you about my mom yet....I suppose not...well her name is Nana (not her real name of course..don't go getting all confused). She is a loved and cherished member of this family. She is the woman that has made me the woman that I am today (not sure yet if that's a good thing or a bad thing?). Nana is one awesome "grandma" (we don't call her that ..it makes her feel old) and her grandchildren just adore her. Mr. Jo and I adore her as well...as she is the the one and only person that will take all three of our children..pretty much whenever we have something to do (kudos to you Nana!). Nana and my eldest daughter , Rose, have a special bond. Rose being the first grandchild...the first girl...she is always going to be first in my mother's eyes (her love is the same with all the kids..but theirs is a special one). Rose gets to go with Nana alot, being the oldest has it's perks, and she jumps at the chance whenever she gets to spend the night with her Nana. The other night Nana picks up Rose to stay the night...they were off to go shopping for a bit before going home...and later that night..this is the phone call I received:

Me: "Hello"
Nana: "Hi...(sounding a bit distraught)...I just wanted to let you know I HAD to spank Rose"
Me: "Okay...(sort of laughing in my head ..thinking how awful this must have been for her since Rose is her "holy child")
Nana: "We are shopping and she was hiding on me...I stopped her and said that you can't hide on Nana cause I will think someone took you. After I did that to her I turned around to talk to your brother and when I turned back she was gone."
Me: "Really....(thinking...at least she does this to others and not just to me in the store)"
Nana: "Her shoes were sitting in the cart all nice and neat like someone was saying..haha I took your kid.(oh way to dramatic mom).. I started frantically running around the area...calling her name..and no response."
Me: (of course I am keeping cool at this point...trying not to laugh..cause it was sort of funny)
Nana: "Then all of the sudden I hear her say "here I am " and she's standing there smiling......So..I spanked her butt.(huge sigh..like it was the worst thing she's ever had to do)"
Me: "Okay mom..that's fine...she prolly deserved it..she knows better."
Nana: "Well I wasn't going to call you but after I did it ..I just kept thinking..oh no I spanked Rose...(me really wanting to laugh at this point)...and I felt bad."
Me: "No it's fine...don't worry...she'll get over it"
Nana: "I hope so..she's really mad at Nana right now...okay well that's all I wanted ..Bye"

So to some of you it just might not be as funny as it was to me. I got off the phone and told Mr. Jo about the conversation and he laughed as well. It was just so priceless...that mom had to spank Rose..being that Rose is her holy child..the child that does no wrong...the child that smiles just right and gets what she wants. Just the thought of the guilt that my mom was feeling for having to spank her (which totally was okay) was hilarious. Sorry mom....you set yourself up for this one. But alas not to worry...Rose is over it..she still loves her Nana...and the world will continue to turn...even though her Nana has probably scared her for life.
Enjoy your coffee!