Can I Eat Waffles?

Busy BUSY day has led to few pictures. So this may be short and sweet.

The high was certainly the weather being, yet again, beautiful, and good attitudes (for the most part) all around!

The low was still feeling chaotic and out of sync, but we're hoping a morning at home tomorrow will get everyone caught up.

Lucy and I went to get her glasses this morning. The poor guy that helped us didn't know what he was in for. As he's typing away putting our insurance info into the system Lucy just opens up conversation with an excited "Hey! Did you lose a tooth?! I did too; my mom said the new ones will grow in fast."

what is happening? 

This poor man was a perfectly professional looking person- who did unfortunately have some crooked teeth- which Lucy mistook for missing teeth.

Awesome.

Moving along in the appointment he goes back to typing, not a minute goes by before she leans over to me and whisper yells "I think he just BURPED"

HIDE ME IN A HOLE.

He only broke eye contact with the screen briefly enough for me to catch his evil stare. He wasn't a "kid person" to begin with, and I think it's safe to say Lucy was not winning him over.

Anyways, next up, he asks if she has any questions about her new glasses.

"Can I eat waffles in them?"   Yes.
"Can I cry in them?"    ...Yes.
"Are they magical?" ....No.
"I really think I look beautiful" ....uhhh, you do.

That wrapped things up and we got out of there as fast as possible.

Later on in the day I found her licking the lenses to clean them.

People have no idea what kid glasses go through to stay alive; but they sure do look cute on her-

"Like a butterfly"

The rest of the day was basically consumed with school, and car rides driving to and from various places. Conversations about "what it feels like when you eat a tooth" and what future children's names should be were regular. She thinks about this often and Miss Type A is quite concerned that she hasn't nailed them down yet. Today's tops were Sally and Tolly. 

I'm beginning to lose hope. 

Dinner with my mom was the high of the day. Got caught up on my NY trip, and enjoyed reconnecting. 

Tomorrow is a painting/horse riding birthday party for Lucy's friend from school. 

I think she is prepared to ride off into the sunset, a freshly painted piece of pottery slung over each horses back, and just then the birthday girl's steed reveals it's true identity- a unicorn.

Being 5 is awesome. 

And also ridiculous. 

Hurricane Smith

What has the last two hours of my life been??? 

A tornado, after a tsunami, after a hurricane. 

The day overall was great!! Finally had the eye appointment at the "fancy children's doctor" for Lucy. 3 months in the waiting for that one.

The waiting room was a step up from pearle vision. 

If you're looking for Lucy- you won't find her. She's in the movie room- complete with giant bean bag chairs, and a big screen tv playing monsters inc on a loop. 

It quickly explained my bill.

However, the doc was very encouraging, which is different than the previous doctor had been.   Lucy couldn't wait to get her patch on.

The thrill lasted all of 5 seconds at which point she realized she couldn't see (the good eye is covered). I'm not sure how we will get through this one, as she truly has terrible vision in the right eye- think we'll warm up to the 4 hour a day mark. 

In the mean time---one eyed willy and I are adjusting.

Hit the park with friends after school. 

Guess which one is mine.

What?? Am I dressed head to toe in an obscure Star Wars character's outfit?? Yes. Do I care that you have no idea who I am? No.

We went right to girl scouts after the park- Jack had found the mud while still on the playground so our car ride looked like this.

He did not want to take the mud clothes off prior to getting in the new van. In fact he told me "he hates when I make him dress in his penis"

Apparently, I do this often. 

Baths for the two little nuggets while Lucy is learning to be kind to her fellow scout and earning the latest patch. 

Fresh and clean batgirl. 

Finally, picked up Lucy and guess what?! COOKIES ARE IN!! 

...the evil side of Girl Scouts revealed. 

I have boxes all over the place- and the wolves are trying to tear open every one they can get their claws on. 

Luckily, I'm speedy- and we did dinner and bed at a lightning pace. 

At bed time Lucy confessed she really didn't like her hair today because "her head looks like a boy in the front" and I, of course, quickly disagreed- which was met with a slight eye roll. 

Ridiculous.

She's cute- and needs to realize it. Girl problems seem to sneak in so early. I hate it. 

From the girl scouts pick up on I felt like my children were all crazy, ravenous little creatures.

 Every once in a while I feel like everyone is watching me look like a chicken who just had it's eye poked but is still trying to feed it's chicks. 

...That was a weird analogy. 

Really though, for a moment I was actually embarrassed. I don't "fit in" to the girl scout mom's club thus far, and am the only one with (gasp) 3 kids. It was dinner time, after a long day outside, I am sick, and (discovered later) Tiny has a fever. Do these mom's never have moments/days like this?? Where it just feels entirely chaotic and you could scream but nobody would seem to hear you?? 

I decided I could not possibly be alone and ignored the looks of shock on everyones faces as the Smith whirlwind left the building. 

On that note- why is anything kid related ever scheduled anywhere near the evil 4/5 oclock hour??!

That's the time when we should all be hiding in our own homes and not exposing the world to our ugliest side. Counting the minutes til bedtime, but trying to keep it together for the last few moments of mama love that are so needed. 

We enjoyed dinner together, and went to bed well. Tomorrow is a new day- we will hopefully be delivering some of our cookies, and wrapping up those sales. 

Tonight, I sort. 

Good To Be Back!

Hold on to your yoga pants, mamas, cause we have a lot to cover!! 

Trip to New York was great. Got to get a lot of time with the Uncle- one of my favorite moments with him was when my brother found an old, absolutely horribly sounding, piano, and somehow made a beautiful moment happen.

Music really does the soul good. 

Shortly after arriving in the empire state, I realized I had forgotten my toothbrush. This became a ridiculous fiasco as it seemed impossible for me to remember to get one when I was out. I finally snagged these at a convenience store.

I actually have razor blades for teeth.

Aside from lots of family there was lots of food.

This doesn't even show all the pastries and pizza I consumed in my short stay. That beast of a sub on the left was half of a "small". 

If I ever lived in New York again I would literally weigh 400 pounds within a year. 

Some things I didn't miss about the great upstate region- 

1. "Can I have my blistex" actually being heard on more than one occasion

2. Timberlands everywhere

3. This meaning nothing...

No. I'll hunker down for three days and enjoy a shut down city thank you very much. 

Also- I've entirely forgotten how to drive there. I'm in a weird "nobody wants me" zone in the driving community. Too passive for New York, too aggressive for Seattle. 

Things I did miss about my home:

1. The people

2. The open space

These may not be green and rugged like Seattle is, but they are open and you can see forever. These spots have millions of memories for me. 

And old barns!! I miss old barns! 

My entrance back into reality has been rough to say the least. Danny is slammed with work, and my flight landed yesterday morning at 11 am local time. Giving me basically a whole day of kid life after travelling for 10 hours. 

I was greeted by the nuggets snotty faces and kissed every one of them. Violet was the cutest with her show of squeals and flinging limbs in excitement over the fact that I had not, in fact, abandoned her forever. 

I asked how long they'd been sick...Lucy quickly responded "for years...but can we go fishing today?"

Good to be back. 

The weather here is marvelous high 50s so how could we not go outside? We hit the dog park; as it seemed poor Bird needed attention as well (solely based on the screaming she displayed and entire inability to calm down with my return). 

Even fake dogs make appearances. Here's Jack with Cuddles and Sweet Puppy.

Only the most masculine pet names for him. 

Run little children, run.

...and go to sleep early. 

Headed home, check in the rear view mirror..

Good to be back. 

Then today started with catastrophe as Jack probably breathed too close to the long-dead flowers in Lucy's room, and all the pedals fell off. 

"This is the worst day eveeeer" 

7 am.

We recovered and so began the morning that never ended. I actually thought time froze for reasons too cruel to imagine. 

Got the house put back to mom standards, and picked up Jack from school. It's now 3 pm and nearly 60 degrees outside. We, again, must do something outside. Let's go for a bike ride!! 

Fatal. Error.

Here are the pictures that deceive you into thinking we had a great time- and I honestly hope the kids actually did. 

I was locked and loaded. Graham Crackers are used far more often than water on trips like these.

I'm actually screaming in this picture as I had told Lucy to hold Violet's hand so she didn't run into the water. Somehow this had been forgotten in the time it took me to raise my phone. 

Don't worry- I'm quick, and she stayed dry.

I should have known at the bloody nose to just give up the mission. 

The nose never stopped bleeding. Jack and Violet 2014 editions are FAR heavier than 2013 editions. My tire would not stay pumped up. My legs still feel like noodles. Lucy actually goes deaf on bike rides; this based solely on performance.

I believe the quote of the day was "Mom!! Control yourself!! You're like a catfish back there!"

A more accurate statement has probably never been made. However, control myself?!! You have no idea the control I'm having right now- it's just not in regards to my bike riding abilities.

Chicken for dinner, and jammies quickly there after. 

At what point can it be ok for this to actually cause me rage??? He's 4. Point your toe, kid. 

Taking some sudafed and settling in. Sad to miss the mom's night out with some awesome friends, but I need to kick this cold, and get some sleep. Nuggets need a lovey mama tomorrow :). 

Glad to be back in action- make sure to share with your friends! 

  

Red Eye Mama

Thought I'd get a quick post in tonight before I LEAVE FOR NEW YORK!! And, I'm not sure what tomorrow holds for posting possibilities...

Woke up at 5 this morning with a racing mind of all the things that could go wrong. Quite convinced the dog would never be fed, Lucy's hair would never be brushed, and Violet may indeed be lost before I return. As I broke down in the wee hours of the morning my loving, tender, perfect husband rolled over and said "if you don't go on this trip; I will literally murder you."

We have an odd relationship. That was just what I needed.

That, and a few other reminders of the fact that every one will be fine, and no permanent damage is likely to happen, AND I get to eat whatever I want all. weekend. long. were enough to get me springing out of bed and ready to take on my final day in reality!

I had MOPS this morning, what I thought was going to be chaotic was totally not, and instead quite awesome.

Next took tiny nugget home to nap and left her their while I got groceries with the big kids.

Totally kidding- Dad/Uncle were with her.

We spent far too much time in the pet aisle

"Someday when we get a new dog, we should get these" 

I love that they, for whatever reason, don't think to simply get a new toy for the current dog, but instead, a new animal all together to go with the toy. 

Speaking of dogs- that leads me to the "mystery of the day"

Guts and no carcass. 

Also- our dog does indeed have a mustache.

Some deep conversations about the fact that stars have names happened this afternoon. This blew Jack's mind- but not quite as much as the fact that Lucy so confidently told him "the sun is actually the biggest star".

Cue argument about if the sun is in fact the sun's name, or if it has something more "formal" it goes by- you know- in professional settings.

Lot's of conversations about me leaving today. Emotions were all over the place. Tears at one moment, planning for parties with Grandparents the next. 

Also- Lucy would like a bunk bed that is 100 feet long, and Jack chose mentos as his treat from the store.

He's not a normal child. 

But I love it.

Made my bed while the kids were taking baths in my bathroom. 

Jack comes running out dripping wet sobbing his sad pitiful cry. 

"Lucy told me to eat soap" 

Annnnd why didn't you just say no?

"Cause I wanted to do it!!...It's gross though.. I just want to go back to before I ate soap."

Practical lessons hit home with this one.

Ran downstairs to grab something. 

Glad I made the bed.

This accounts for two nuggets. But where is tiny?? 

FOUND HER!!

Jammied everybody up and gave them extra kisses to last for the next 5 days.

Love those hippo teeth.

Now, I'm off to pack and shower and catch my red eye back east!! 

Wish me luck as I fight my mama urges all weekend long, definitely am excited for time with my New York family, though. 

Just Say Yes

Powering on out of his room early this morning, boots on and axe in hand Jack headed straight to the back yard.

Hey, sometimes you just need to chop down a tree. I get it...not really.

Breakfast was entirely offensive as Lucy told Jacks he stinks. He came to me wounded, and poor Lucy was genuine in her whispered response "but Mom, he really does" 

Had an eye opening conversation about how even if it's true you don't point it out in a mean way, and we moved on.

Also, it's true. Boys are smelly and gross and there is just known reason why. 

Next Lucy came out "dressed as me" 

Yes I'm aware her body has an odd way of looking like a 16 year old's. I don't know what to do about it. Obviously- avoiding heels would be good. 

"Hey Mom, do you want to watch me jump over Violet" is heard from the other room. 

I'm not sure how many of you are aware of Jack's coordination abilities. This about sums it up.

....

Next I broke up an argument that poor Jack had to get a cold hard dose of reality in. Apparently I missed something in raising him, and he indeed thinks what we know as elbows are shoulders. 

Add another A+ to the mom book. 

Whatever, he takes it in stride and doesn't seem to care that he's probably been the lead of so many confusing moments with his peers. I like this about him. Very forgiving. 

Someone not quite as quick to forgive is the biggest nugget. (Though great in other ways). She decided just before dinner that tonight should be a party, and she should have a friend over. She even made popcorn. Sorry- no can do. It's too late and we have morning plans. 

We have still not recovered. She's literally crying herself to sleep about this one. Yes, I feel bad, but no I don't feel bad.

"Mom, you keep saying no. Just say yes!"

No.

"Mom my friend has to come over...after you change your clothes"

Definitely no.

She really really cares about what I wear, and I consider myself a relatively up to style mama. Worry about yourself. 

Next goof ball chased me with a shocker pen. 

1. I do not know why my husband owns such juvenile items.

2. He probably would throw it away if he had to deal with what I did today (sneaking boy who jabs it into any exposed skin).

3. Good thing he is terrible at sneaking and giggles the entire time. It was pretty easy to grab him prior to the assault. 

Round of peek-a-boo with Mae Mae finished out the evening.

She's getting there.. 

And that's that!! Tomorrow is MOPS and I leave tomorrow night for NY. YEA! 

Now, I'm off to take a few deep breaths before entering Lucy's room to see if we can calm down at all. Seems to be losing her voice. Such passion. 

Meet Sclutty

Hello new week! Hello Mom's leaving in two days! Hello let's clean things that haven't been cleaned in years because- in the 5 days she's gone- they may be noticed.

Really- what is wrong with me that I get like that?? Let's clean out the closet's! Let's organize the junk drawer!! Garage??? No problem!! And of course......fold the laundry. 

All because my brain will feel better if I'm gone and my pantry is organized. And we all know, any cleaning I do before the trip will be sooooo long gone by the time I return. Maybe if the things I tackle are obscure enough that nobody will touch them, and therefore be the only things left that are indeed cleaned when I get home- maybe I'll find comfort in it all then, and therefore my reasoning.

Whatever. I'm insane.

I love love love when my kiddos are on break. No needing to get out the door, or plan around their stuff. Just free to do as we please!

With that said- they watched tv, and I cleaned. Ha.

Violet dresses herself now.

She's really good at it.

Over breakfast Jack told Lucy she had to try putting syrup on her finger and tasting it because it tastes just like honey. 

I then offered him some honey. "No, I don't like honey."

Makes sense.

Also discussed at breakfast was that they were going to their grandparents this afternoon. 

"What?!! That's more exciting than squishing a bumble bee with my face!"

I'm sorry but, we have very different ideas of excitement. No thank you. 

Next sentence- "How did a bumble bee get dead?.....You squish it with a waffle."

Kids are terrible at jokes.

The rest of the morning was spent singing about Santa Clause coming to town, and asking me to stop singing whenever I joined in. I am determined to win them over. 

Lucy finally decided on a name for the puppy she's had for forever-

Meet Sclutty....

Next I gave the boy the wrong pillow when he asked me to hand him one.

Unforgivable. 

Then, I gave random things intense cleanings. In the process I found these in Jack's bed. 

To the untrained eye they are pieces of candy wrapper. To Jack they are a crab family he has lovingly cared for for over a week. So nice. 

Came down just in time to hear this as I came around the corner

And like a pack of hyenas, they gathered to steal the kill before I could take it away.

Around this time Jack randomly tells me he is never going to say potty words again. "Wow, buddy that is so awesome!" Lucy chimes in with, "me either, mom...... Actually, that's not true. I really like potty words"

Sigh.

OH MOM LOOK, CANDY!!

1. There goes my staaaaash.

2. Kids are resourceful. 

Next we picked up Uncle from work- who brought his bike with him. 

Jack struggles with new things.

Wrap up the day with trying to figure out ways to give all three the attention they each wanted. Ugh. Not sure I will ever go to sleep at night not feeling like I left someone out to give to someone else. Wah. 

Tucking Lucy in I found this on the wall.

"Oh, that's paper I was chewing and then threw because I heard you coming"

Oh, ok then. 

Goodnight, dear children, I'm off to tackle the laundry folding. This happens once every few months so, it will be the rest of my evening. Hoping the Olympics are entertaining!! 

Move it. Feel it.

Flurry of activity this morning began with Lucy coming out of her room, sullen. Mom, I think you're the tooth fairy.

Gulp.

"Why do you think that??" Because you were in my room doing things under my pillow.

Cruuuud.

"Well, I was just looking to see if you're tooth was there still." (This is true- I was trying to find it).

"Oh!! You just wanted to see if she came yet?!! Well, it's sooo crazy- she must have been hiding in the room cause when you left HER LETTER WAS THERE!"

The level of gullible this child possesses is just too easy sometimes.

'Yep!! That's what it was Luc! I can't believe we just missed her!"

Haha, AWESOME! Crisis averted and detailed description of the glitter "she" used, and note written followed.

By the way- if you're ever in a pinch for glitter- coloring sugar with a marker works just the same.

Then the flurry to get out of the house for church began. I swear no matter what service we go to we somehow end up in a rush to get there on time. I tell myself it's that way for every family. I don't care if I'm lying. It helps me be ok with things.

Sunday mornings have got to be our all time high for drinks spilled, injuries happening, offenses requiring lots of time to recover occur. It's obnoxious.

How many times can a Mom say "class is starting without you" before it ever sinks in??

Jack was ready first and spent some time looking at Dan's face through a telescope. It occupied them both quite well.

Violet got her hair brushed for the first time. We make cute bald babies and actually she is a solid year and a half ahead on her older sister as far as growth rate.

Drama. 

Here's to a lifetime of hair brushing, kiddo! 

Headed to church, the big nuggets had very different experiences with the music-

Move it. Feel it. 

After church we had small group, and each week we love it even more. We discussed the topic of trust- which led to the idea of how much perspective changes each moment. I think everyone takes things into their owns hands too much at times. I personally can allow anxiety over situations (like if I'm parenting correctly) get the best of me. Sometimes just choosing peace and trusting that things will work out is exactly what we need. It was encouraging to discuss this as I have certainly been guilty of getting so paranoid about the negative possibilities that I lose sight of the positive ones.

This blog has been awesome for me to just reflect each day on the humor, and moments throughout it. 

Anyways, our way home from church was a success.

Two out of three down?? You rejoice over such an accomplishment! 

Oh, and Lucy never sleeps so- if she does, she must be sick. 

We headed to Gram's house for Sunday dinner

The vermin took full advantage of the afternoon.

And Lucy made a famous recipe with Gram-

And I found this text series between my sister and the biggest nugget

Lucy's spelling is top notch.

We put the kids down, and have some board games out. Great Sunday, and looking forward to an exciting week! 

A Welcome Dry Spell

My high most certainly is getting caught up with the ol' husband. Our evening last night started off with dinner of my choice. Not sure what you fancy girls chose for your Valentine's Day dinner, but I was breaking my diet- I chose a burger joint. And I had no regrets whatsoever. Grease is my love language.

As I mentioned previously, we had reservations at a hotel in Seattle, a high end, highly reviewed hotel in Seattle.

Checking in I realized we were only on the 9th floor and had a view not of the city but of the freeway. Sadness. Oh well, still a fun thing, right??

Slide the key and Dan walks into the room- seemed nice, oh but there were people in the bed.

You heard, there were people in the bed of the room we had keys to.

Luckily, it happened over approximately .004 seconds and Dan nearly pushed me over getting out of that room.

For us it was certainly awkward, but I imagine it was much worse for the other people.

Wow. So being raised right I marched right back down to that desk and said my part. They were, as they should be, totally mortified.

We walked away with free valet parking through the next day, and were upgraded to the 27th floor with a view.

Score.

Totally worth that horrible moment back on the 9th floor with the peasants. 

Would like to know what they gave the other people, though. Those guys deserve a free week. 

Spent the morning down at the market eating delicious things and swung into a new favorite spot-

If you're in Seattle- this is the place to go.

Headed home around lunch time, greeted the nuggets and settled back into reality. 

Discussions of hamster names, what to ask for for Christmas (in 10 months), and recipe ideas ensued.

Gram stayed with us through the rest of the day, and made some of my favorite scones (thanks Amy for introducing me to the recipe). 

Really if you want a good savory scone-

 http://savorysweetlife.com/2011/05/roasted-tomato-feta-scones/

Lucy had a spare 2 minutes..

It went from paint on her hands to paint on her arms to paint...on everything. 

Then dinner and hanging out, and I was beginning to think it was a quiet day.

Just when you think you've gotten away with an unremarkable few hours, you announce bedtime is approaching. In the mere 15 minutes that followed. we lost teeth, we found spiders, we dressed-undressed and redressed the baby.

Picked up a valentine from yesterday that had some yarn on it, wrapped it around the tooth and pulled. Bam, check, done. 

She was thrilled.

And then, as if in slow motion....."I'm so excited for the tooth fairy to come tonight"

My face smiled and my hands shot up in the air rejoicing and my brain only sunk into a dark depression. 

That is not what I was planning on doing with my evening. 

Next Jack saw a spider in his room, his heart rate may have returned to normal by morning. We'll see.

Put him back in bed, and stopped in the girls room. Re-put tiny's PJs on one more time, and smiled at Lucy laying like a pencil with her eyes squeezed so tightly trying so hard to fall asleep. 

I may have told her tooth fairies only come if you are asleep...

Removed the day time T-rex from Jack's room

I get it.

Great day! Probably the best of the week. I'm sure things won't stay uneventful for too long ;). I'm so thankful for family that lives close and watches kiddos overnight, and that i can drive 20 minutes one way and be in the wilderness or 20 minutes the other and be in downtown Seattle. 

Off to make a beautiful glitter-filled note from our favorite fairy!