Kids in Cars

Is it ever OK to leave a little kid in a car alone? Even for just a second?


I haven't but I've got to admit the thought has crossed my mind more than once.

It's frustrating that sometimes it takes longer to get the boys out of the car than it does to run an errand. I hate returning our Red Box dvds. Seriously, it takes like 30 seconds to return the DVD but 10 minutes to get the boys out of the car and back in again. I just CAN'T leave them in there alone though. I mean what if someone steals them?! Ahhhhh. (I know they'd bring them back after 30 minutes.)


Well, I think I've answered my own question. I'll never forget my older brother David putting our vehicle in drive (on more than one occasion). I jumped out the back as our van rolled slowly down the street. Once he drove our Blazer right into the garage door! He did all of this with adults just a feet away (sneaky kid!)


I guess I should be thankful Noah can't get out of his car seat by himself.

Guys, I just gagged!

So, I'm in the kitchen fixing dinner when Noah comes up and says "here momma."

I didn't think much of it and without looking, held my hand out to accept his offering.

I let out a horrified shriek, as I looked down at the gift he had placed in my hand!

Much to my relief it was only play-doh. Whew. Seriously, brown play-doh? What were the makers thinking? I'm considering writing them another letter. 

Anyways, I've got some good prank ideas for Jeremy. I can't wait for him to come home. (evil laughter)

Skip the Poo

No, this is not another one of my toddler's poop stories.

I was at this dentist office earlier this week. I was reading a magazine while patiently waiting for the dentist to come check out my teeth. I stumbled across an article about skipping shampoo.

Apparently many people are completely skipping shampoo for many reasons. 1.) Save money 2.) Eco friendly- Fewer plastic bottles and chemicals 3.) Healthier and shinier hair.

It sounds kind of strange. The first two reasons make sense but how can not shampooing be healthier for your hair? According to the article shampoo strips  your hair of it's natural oils. Hmmm. Ok, that makes sense.

I think I'll give it a try (when I run out of the bottle I already have.) I could probably go without shampoo but there is no way I could skip the conditioner.

What do you think? Could you skip the poo?

Potty Like a Rockstar

We have been struggling to get Noah potty trained for some time now. Finally, we are making some progress.

In an effort to encourage Noah to use the potty, we took him with us to pick out BIG boy undies this weekend. Even if he didn't really understand what was going on, he was thrilled. As we approached the toddler section, we told him he could pick out which ever ones he wanted ( as long as they were for boys of course!) Sure enough, he pointed and shouted "Cars!" We had to pry them out of his arms just so we could check out!

We have kept our usual potty schedule, reminding him frequently to use the potty. However, instead of wearing just diapers, we have put him in undies for a couple of hours a day. The past few days have been rough. Let's just say I had to use the carpet cleaner more than a few times.

Job Security

Another example of what happens when you take your eyes off of a two year old, even when it's only for a minute.

 

 I made spaghetti for dinner tonight. Jeremy called and I checked the score to the Rangers game for him. It took me maybe 90 seconds.

 

Apparently, somebody was hungry. He helped himself to some meat sauce right off the stove top. (No worries, the stove was off and it was completely cooled.) 

 

 

I gave him a towel and made him help clean the mess up.

My mom tells me that stuff like this is just job security.

Snack ideas!

I am so blessed that Noah is not a picky eater. While he does have preferences, the kid will eat almost anything.

His favorite snack is chocolate animal crackers. Pretty typical for a two year old.

Of course, we all know that everything is better with dip. Eating carrots? How about some ranch, please!

Noah thinks outside the box.

Last week, he was innocently enjoying his animal crackers after dinner. With nothing else available to dip his crackers in, he turned to the last thing left on his dinner plate. Refried beans. Did I stop him? No way! He must have liked it because he finished both the crackers and the refried beans.

Earlier this summer Noah ventured to try ketchup on cantaloupe. It grossed me out but as long as he is eating his fruits and veggies, I'm not gonna complain!

Don't Turn Your Back

I've always been told that moms have eyes in the back of their heads. I am a mom now. I have been for a little over two years. So when do I get eyes in the back of my head? 

The truth is I could use them now more than ever! My boys are constantly getting into stuff. At this point it's mostly Noah but I fear how bad it will be when Asa is mobile.

The other day I had to make an important phone call. It was one of those calls where you don't want kids bothering you. Heaven forbid they interfere with my response to the automated computer operator. No matter what as soon as I pick up the phone, I am needed more than ever. Noah is hungry. Asa is hungry. Somebody starts crying. Somebody starts screaming. In a moment of frustration I turned my back to the kids and stuck a finger in one of my ears. Ten minutes later I returned to reality.

It was not good.

Noah got into mommy's deodorant.

This never would have been a problem if I had eyes in the back of my head.

Feliz Cumpleanos!

This past weekend I celebrated my 24th birthday. It was one of the best birthdays I can remember having in a long time.

I had only asked for 4 things 1.)  To get to sleep in to 9 a.m. 2.) A babysitter for the day 3.) The opportunity to shave my legs and 4.) An over the door shoe organizer rack. Am I easy to please or what?

But oh, I got so much more than I expected!

Aunt Penny offered to watch the boys for me. After a lazy morning around the house, sleeping in and shaving my legs, I spent the afternoon shopping with my cousin, Ash. She introduced me to Yogurtini. AMAZING. All the while, poor husband Jeremy had to work. That's OK because after work, he had a top secret date planned for the two of us. He had dropped a hint that morning suggesting that I carry an extra pair of socks in my purse for later. Hmmm....are we going bowling?

It was nearly the end of my afternoon with Ash but there was just one more thing to do before I met up with Jeremy. Aunt Penny called and needed us to bring up some ice. Apparently, a friend of the family had died and they were having a small get together. (If you can see where this is leading great because I didn't!) When we walked in with the ice, I was greeted with a loud SURPRISE!!!

 In a state of shock and confusion, I looked around to see a room full of family and friends smiling back at me. The biggest smile of all belonged to my wonderful husband. With the help of several family members, he had planned the fiesta themed surprise party. He had bought me 24 roses and 24 balloons. For dinner we had fajitas, enchiladas, taquitos, rice, beans, chips and salsa. My cake looked like a sombrero. We had non-alcoholic margaritas. There was even a pinata stuffed with my favorite candy.

I was so happy to see everyone and I had a wonderful time. I felt so loved and appreciated. Thank you to everyone that made my birthday so special.

P.S. To all of those who lied to me repeatedly to keep it a surprise, I forgive you!