And my 6 year old says . . .

My daughter who is six went shopping with me tonight. While in the restroom she asks me, "Mom, what does T-A-M-P-O-N spell?" I tell her. She says, "What are those?" I tell her something she will use when she gets older. Then she asks, "Mom, what does N-A-P-K-I-N spell?" I tell her. She says, "Why would someone need a napkin?".

And then her final observation . . .

"Hey mom, those Tom Toms are only 25 cents!"

~end~

And my 2 year old says . . .

Setup 1: My Boy and I are having PBJs together at the kitchen island. He decides to get chatty and deep.

My Boy: "I like Daddy."
Me: "Oh Yeah. Why?"
My Boy: "He is nice. And he is shiny."

Setup 2: My Boy likes to help clean. He wanted to do the patio door windows.

Me: "Let me spray some Windex on a paper towel for you."
My Boy: "And then I clean the window?"
Me: "Yup, you need Windex to clean the window."
Five minutes later My Boy returns to me with his paper towel . . .
My Boy: "Mommy, I need more Winn Dixie on this."

(If you don't already know, Winn Dixie is a local grocery store!)

b

Being Two.

My two year old is amusing us daily! He says things that make my hubby and I just share "The look" and laugh.

The last two days he has been telling us over and over that "I no like hot water. I like warm water. Hot water is for girls."

Or

"I no like that dip. That dip too spicy for me."

He is so adorable! He is a gem. I know. He is my boy. I get to say that about him and you, being my reader, get to read it!

Tonight, he wanted to lay with me at bedtime. We have a new rule that neither parent lies with either child at bedtime anymore. So I asked Sissy if she would let him lay with her. She was very reluctant. But being the good sister that she is she obliged. Right now, the two of them are snuggled in her bed together sleeping soundly and it is sweet enough to melt a mother's heart.

I love my kids.

rrr

And my 6 year old says . . .

Last night My Girl asked about our old dog Dakota. She was just shy of 3 when Dakota died. She often asks about her. Well, last night hubby explained she died shortly after Katrina hit. My Girl started to cry hard. She said she really missed her. She asked a million questions. Like, where is she now? Well, we like to be honest and told her that she was cremated and her remains are in a can in the guest bedroom. Of course I had to explain what cremated was, and why a can, etc.

Eventually after more questioning, she rolled over to go to sleep and I remained in her bed awhile longer with her. Just when I thought she was fast asleep she popped up and looked at me with big eyes and a smile. I said, "What?"

She said, "Can I take Dakota's can of dust to school tomorrow for show-n-tell?"

Look, mommy, my poop!

The boy is potty training and wearing his big boy undies. I took him to Wal-Mart yesterday. Upon arrival I took him to the potty. I wasn’t there but 30 minutes. In the checkout I smell something. I feel his butt and realize he pooped his pants. I pay and know the bathroom is right there upfront and I have extra clothes in my purse.

As I am putting the bags in the cart he says,”Look mommy, my poop!” I look and there on the floor is his poop. It fell out of his underwear onto the floor. A big turd right there in the middle of the Wal-mart checkout. I asked the cashier for a napkin. She asked what happened. I told her and you should have seen the look on her face. She was young and probably doesn’t have kids. The lady behind me in line and her teenage daughter both leaned over their cart and looked. They both scrunched up their noses. I simply bent down picked it up and walked away with My Boy in tow walking like a cowboy because his butt had poop in it.

When I got to the car I just started laughing at what a scene that was. It didn’t really phase me but the looks on everyone’s faces. I can only imagine what they were thinking.

And my five year old says . . .

At dinner my 5 year old (six next month!) asks how a telephone works. I passed that one to daddy for an explanation. He gives here a very detailed and scientific explanation. She laps it up!

He ends by saying, "So when Nana calls, her voice travels in tiny bits of info super fast over the phone lines and then they all come together on your phone and you can hear what she says."

I add, "Yup, and they travel that fast over thousands of miles. Cool huh?"

She says, "Man, Nana's voice must be really tired."

Dear Santa, all I want is snow.

My girl was born in Pittsburgh, PA 2 days after a snow storm that closed down the city. Which is rare up north. It has to be really bad to close down the roads in a city. She has seen and played in snow. I have pictures! But, she was too young to remember. I guess it should be no surprise to me that she is hell bent on having snow for Christmas. We keep trying to tell her it that snow in Louisiana is just short of a miracle. It did snow our first Christmas down here - lightly. (2004) First time in 50 years but we were in Ohio that year. We got snowed in at my parents for a week.

So I was cleaning up and found this scrap of paper under our tree. I almost threw it out until I read it. It choked me up a bit. I placed it nicely on the tree out of brother's reach and hope Santa can make my girl's one christmas wish come true. (Note the arrow pointing at the word "Snow")



She also drew this for Santa. Not sure why the bat was included . . .

What happened to my boy?

My Boy is almost 2.5 years. He was always this very sweet, obedient, calm, agreeable and funny child. Then one day last week something blew up in his head apparently and now he is becoming a little devil!

He climbs up on the counters and gets into my cabinets. He pushes the barstool over the fridge, opens the doors (bottom freezer type) and stands inside the refrigerator looking for something to eat and THROWS out what he doesn't want on the floor!

He has broken our DVD player, multiple toys, the air pump and more!

It is not like he suddenly became mobile or anything. It is like he took the crazy pill. He has gotten bossy. He throws temper tantrums. He is constantly looking for food in the fridge and freezer. He yells at me. He is demanding!

I had it with him tonight and as we always do we laid down togther in my bed for bedtime. He falls asleep there and then I move him into his bed. I was laying next to him. He reached over and grabbed a hunk of my hair. He always holds my hair and sucks my thumb to go to sleep. He said, "Mommy, I over here." I laughed and moved closer to him. He said, "I need to kiss sissy." So I called sissy in for a good night kiss. Then, he laid there silently just kicking his legs and trying to go to sleep. Suddenly, out of no where he sits up and puts his face really close to mine and says, "Hi mommy!" I said hello back and laughed. He gave me a kiss and laid back down. He was out in a heart beat but not with out going under while singing the Itsy Bitsy Spider song. Eventually, the words faded and I picked him up and put him in his bed. There was my sweet boy I remember.

What I learned this week

So I lied. I feel like writing again. Trying to wind down from a night of intense web work and just started thinking (it's 12:15am). One can always think better in complete silence. Doesn't happen unless all are asleep in this household.

So I was thinking about my day, the week, etc. Here is what I learned.

1. Victoria Secret is funding my panty collection. They just keep sending me these cards for a free panty. Pratically every other month. They really want me to use the coupon on there for $10 off a free bra, but I hate to tell them I ain't buyin' no bra for awhile. Times are tough Vicki. Bras from your store are PURE luxury. But, hey, keep sending me those free panty cards. Hubby likes them too!

2. I haven't met a Blue Bell I didn't like. Up north we don't have Blue Bell Ice Cream. So when my neighbor suggested I try it when we moved here I hit the jackpot! The kids and I had Extreme Chocolate tonight. I am particularly found of Banana Pudding and Banana Split. My girl likes to go for Mint Chocolate Chip. Hubby likes plain Vanilla. I just think they are all phenomenal. OH! We tried Snickerdoodle last week. Yummy!

3. Just when you think you know someone, you find out you really don't. And something happens between you that will change your relationship forever. And you suddenly look back at your past times together and realize that maybe you just ignored that part of the person or simply shrugged it off. In retrospect it seems so apparent. Was I naive, oblivious, dupped or just being ole' me and giving everyone the benefit of the doubt?

4. Now is the time to Christmas shop. Everything seems to be on clearance everywhere. Holiday merchandise prep has started. They are clearancing the shelves for all the new shiney holiday stuff. I picked up a huge victorian doll dressed so gaudy I could puke for my daughter. She spotted it at K-Mart and about died because I wouldn't buy it for her. Se actually had tears and claimed her extreme love for this doll. I made mental note to return to pick up this hideous doll for her for Christmas. It was a whopping $7.00 on clearance. Yup, it was that bad that it was on the clearance rack. I have a feeling though it may be her favorite gift this year. Two years ago it was the singing rudolph from my sister-in-law. Of all the things!

5. Everyone was right when they said, "Have another child and give your daughter a playmate" when I complained how she would never leave me alone and always needed my attention. My 2 year old has reached a point now where he is fun for my 5 year old to play with. He worships her and follows her in any activity she wants to do. He is a perfect playmate for her because he does what she says. They are so cute together. It is like a whole new feeling for me as a mom to watch my kids play together so well. I never really gave it much thought when I was pregnant or when he was little. But it is pretty darn cool. Sibling love!

6. If I stay up any later I will be a bad mom tomorrow! So off to bed I go. Goodnight

I'm one proud momma!

Yesterday morning My Girl and I participated in the Junior League's "Stomp Out Obesity" one-mile fun run.

This was the first race My Girl has ever participated in. I was excited to introduce her to running races as I used to do them pre-kids and enjoyed the challenge myself. I wasn't expecting much from a 5 year old. We practiced a few times running down our street to the stop sign and back. It was .2 miles roundtrip and she would be exhausted by the time we got back and often stopped several times on the way. I was doing this with her more for the experience than anything. I figure introducing her to this early in life might spark a love of something that she can continue with the rest of her life if she chooses.

We decided to join two friends from school and their moms. We figured if we did it together they would have more fun and be more likely to keep going! We expected to walk most of it. Boy did we underestimate our kids!

We got our race numbers, stretched, lined up at the starting line and off we went. Of course the kids ran like crazy at first. We kept encouraging them to slow down and pace themselves. Eventually, they seemed to get the hang of pacing. They actually ran most of the way. Occasional stops to walk, but not for very long. I know My Girl would stop to walk and say, "Carry me!" and then 15 seconds later she would take off after her friends and often times blow by them determined to keep up or take the lead. I think the crowd of runners kept her motivated and a little competitive spirit came out of her!

I made a big deal about the half-way point and kept encouraging her that she was almost done and to keep going. She smiled a lot, worked hard at running and loved slapping the hands of volunteers stationed along the race route. Near the end we could see the finish line. We just had to make a loop around and we would be done. I pointed that out. She picked up her pace. I actually had to work to keep up with her. My pace is pretty slow. I yelled from a few strides behind her encouragement to keep going and not to get too fast. About 250 yards out from the finish she stopped running and walked. I told her it was ok we could walk but when we got close and I said, "Go!" we had to sprint across the line. No sooner did I finish saying that and she yelled, "Go!" and off we went and sprinted the rest of the way! She finished at 12:01 minutes. I couldn't believe it! I was so impressed. She ran 99% of the way and actually had a decent time for a first timer! The best part of it all was one of the first things she said after the race. "I'm never doing THAT again.!"

I was so proud of her I beamed the rest of the day and told everyone I ran into who would listen. I called all relatives and shared the news! She got so tired of me talking about it she told me I wasn't allowed to tell anyone else.

Sorry honey, but I am one proud momma!

The new running shoes that made it all happen!

I am the most popular!

I am officially nominating myself and awarding myself "The Most Popular Member of My Family!"

I am so popular in fact that every time I walk by my daughter she has to say my name in admiration. Most times in request of a snack, drink refill, tv channel change, blanket, shoe removal, etc. But none the less she is requesting ME! the most popular family member.

The boy, he admires me so much he runs around the house all day yelling out my name in a repetitive banter. Momma! Momma! Momma! Momma! Momma! MOMMA! (that is his extra loud screech meaning you better respond "Mrs. Most Popular Member of the Family!) I would say he showers me with admiration at least 4000 times a day. It is incredible!

Just last night while settling the kids down before bed we decided to watch Matilda together. Both kids were admanant about sitting with yours truly. Not Daddy! Yuck! They even fought over me! It was so thrilling. They just hopped up into the big gold comfy chair and snuggled up to me. I don't think I have ever had anyone actually FIGHT over me.

The best is that even the dog thinks I am the most popular. She does not get out of her bed or leave our bedroom until THE QUEEN (me) has risen. Daddy can be up showering, making coffee, up with the kids, but the dog will not move until I do. My daughter complained tonight that the dog won't stay in her room at night. She leaves when I leave. Yes, I am sooooooo wanted by all! Even the dog!

And last buy not least, my hubby (like the kids) thinks I am the best snuggler too. Except not on the gold chair watching tv . . .

So with dark circled eyes, a weary smile, dishes in the sink and nine loads of laundry to do I proudly accept my award of "The Most Popular Member of My Family!"

How did you meet daddy?

Yup! My girl popped that question tonight at dinner. A mere 4 years old and already I have to answer such questions. After I explained how I met him she followed my reply with this:

"So then you played with him, sang songs, went to the park, danced around, played games, and then told each other your names? Oh no, you are suppose to tell each other your names first!"

Ugh. Well, it sorta went like that . . .

For more laughs you have to read this article that arrived in my inbox recently! It will crack you up!

How to decide who to marry- by kids

My boy made me cry today

My son (a mere 14 months) made me tear up today. One of his newest things is to smack his lips in a kissing sound at us and then try to kiss us on the lips. It is cute. It is really precious when he does it to his sissy.

Well, today at naptime, I was holding him like you do an infant because his teeth were really bothering him and he couldn't get to sleep. He was all snuggled up to me and dozing off to sleep when he suddenly sat up, eyes half open and gave me the standard two lip smack notice and then planted one right on my lips. He then snuggled back down and went right to sleep.

It was as if he understands now that you kiss your loved ones before going to sleep.

* sniff sniff *

4 year old says . . .

Tonight at bedtime my daughter said,
"Daddy is the smartest daddy. He can make anything. Well, not one thing. He can't make a fanbut."
"What is a fanbut?" I ask.
"A fanbut is like a smokehouse."

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Today my mom called and said my dad wasn't feeling well because it was hot at work and he might be dehydrated. She told the same to my daughter on the phone when she asked about Papa. So this conversation happens later.

"Honey, hurry up into the car."
"Why?"
"Because brother is sitting in the cart and it is hot out here."
"What will happen? Will he get dehydrated?"
(We get into car and I start the car.)
"Mommy, turn the air on higher. I am hot and getting dehydrated."

______________________________________

"Mommy why do you always go to the gym"
"Because I need to workout"
"Why? So you can get a flat stomach like mine?"

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