Miss E, showing me a "cute little chocolate" she got from Easter

Yesterday, Miss E had a preschool field trip to a farm, where the kids were going to see cows and pigs, etc. etc. Anyone who knows Miss E knows that this is right up her alley. She LURVES stuff like this. She was worried last week that she'd miss it because she'd end up getting strep, like Miss A (wait, I don't think I mentioned that...yeah, Miss A came up positive on the "long" strep test after passing the quick one last Friday. She's feeling better, but it was quite a comedy of errors getting her antibiotics to her as most pharmacies close at 6pm on Saturdays, which is when we found out about the strep. We did not know that at the time they close so early. We do now. sigh. Wal-mart's pharmacy opens up at 10am on Sundays. We also did not know that at the time but do now. ANYWAY!), but she prevailed and went off happily to school.

When Super J came home with her around noon, I excitedly asked her what happened and what did she see. She told me that she saw all sorts of pigs and piglets! And cows! And a pig snorted at her! Like this! And she blew her nose all over the place. It was gross, but funny.

Then Super J said he had something interesting to tell me, at which point Miss E said that she couldn't get out of the "race car." At least, that's what I thought she said. No. It turns out it was much more involved than that.

She had ridden over to the farm in DRAKE'S car (he's a fellow student). Oh. That makes more sense. But here's the kicker of the story. Once they arrived, all the other kids proceeded to get out of the van, but Miss E couldn't get the bottom part of the 5 point harness seat belt to unlatch (she had ended up sitting in someone else's car seat during a change from driving from one part of the farm to the next, because she normally just sits in her own booster seat, which HAD been sent with her). Unfortunately, NO ONE NOTICED that she never got out of the van and left her...in the van...with the doors locked and windows rolled up. For at least FIFTEEN MINUTES!

Here's where I have problems:

WHAT!!!!!!! Did Drake's mom not realize that she didn't have ALL THE KIDS THAT WENT INTO HER CAR, OUT OF THE CAR????

Thank heavens it was overcast outside and not a hot day. I mean, seriously! The thought makes me sick, even now.

On the other hand, thank heavens she was locked in the car and not abducted. This sounds terrible, but SERIOUSLY! No one noticed that she was not with "the group" for 15 minutes????? Can you imagine the head start someone could have gotten with a little girl for 15 extra minutes? Who was watching my child?

And here's what makes me sad. No one noticed she wasn't with the group for 15 minutes. Where were her friends? Where were the people who said, "Where is Miss E?" My sweet little Miss E, who is beautiful and has the kindest, sweetest heart. Who wouldn't want to be her friend? Admittedly, she does indeed live in her own little world much of the time. She's very content to play some imaginary game (often including rocks and literal trash she finds interesting) solitarily for long periods of time. She can get obsessive about things that drive me to the edge. But she's not invisible...is she? How could they not notice she wasn't there for 15 minutes???

Suffice to say, her teacher felt terrible when she found her, tear-streaked, in the car (her teacher was walking by and heard her). Suffice to say that it's a good thing that Super J picked her up and not me. Suffice to say that I've had a delayed reaction about this and am now pretty darn mad and have made an appointment to go in and talk to the teacher. Not to rip into her, but to try to find out how to prevent this from happening again and to try to figure out how we can help Miss E, so that this doesn't happen to her again.

Thankfully, she is safe and sound. She doesn't seem worse for the wear or the experience...But it could have been SUCH a TERRIBLE mistake. TERRIBLE. At this sweet little four year old's expense. And it makes me mad and sad at the same time.

Mmm Mmmm Good!

Yesterday, Miss A and Miss E prepared breakfast for Super J and myself.

Miss A made my breakfast. It consisted of about an inch of water, some mandarin oranges and, within a Clementine orange's rind (aka: "cup"), Miss A's special blend of mashed banana, some applesauce and some Mrs. Butterworth's Syrup, garnished with a few segments of said Clementine. When I woke up, Miss A announced that they had been saving it for me "forever!" She was very excited to present it. Here's a different shot of it (please ignore the state of the cookie sheet that she chose to present said breakfast):


You can tell we watch lots of Food Network, no?

Miss E made Super J's.

Ironically, though mine had better presentation, there were more edible parts for Super J (he had a "Miss A Special" made up of Applesauce, some smashed banana and a touch of Mrs. B's syrup...heavy on the applesauce). And he had more water to, um, enjoy it with.

Things I am loving and...not...at this stage

Gentle Reader, today is day 4 (or 3, if you ask Super J who is probably more correct in his calculations than my pregnant brain wants to give him credit for) of being "laid up and on crutches." I can officially say, I Ams Hating It. I am way too busy, have way too much stuff to do and WAY too fat and pregnant for me to be in this hot mess. ARGH!

There. That being said...

Things that I have appreciated about it:

1. My friends and loving thoughts sent along the way and childcare options and help options and visitations. Thank you, one and all. You are incredible. Though I am still feeling foolish and goofish and all that goes along with this, you have made me feel loved despite/in spite of myself. Thank you.

2. I actually am caught up on my book club books. When you can do practically nothing but sit "in your cell" (as Super J likes to call my love seat/prop your leg up area) or lie in bed, it's amazing how entertaining good books can be.

3. Going to the bathroom by myself. Shades of horrified future, on Friday when I could not put any weight on my foot, it was quite the experience to be accompanied to the toilet and I must admit to being terrified that it might have to continue for longer than it did. Ugh. I have never been so grateful to get crutches for this reason. And I never want to get old...just sayin'.

4. Which brings us to "Crutches". Even without a fracture (I'll have to call later this afternoon to find out one way or another, but I totally still think it's a sprain), I am supposed to use my crutches until I can manage walking on my own...which I told Super J was today. Hmmmmmm...maybe not (remember: I AM the queen of unrealistic expectations). It has made negotiating things (ie: the bathroom trips) sooooo much better and getting up and down the stairs. Yay.

5. The amazing thing called the human body and it's ability to heal, especially through the power of prayer and priesthood blessings. I am 100% sure that I am this far along because of it.

6. That I have not gone into labor! HALLELUJAH! I was telling Super J just last night how crazy it was that all my pregnancy aches and pains, while I'm still aware of them, have been lowered on the pain threshold level because of all these new and impressive boo-boos. And, let me just mention how wonderful it is to feel that baby moving in there, turning about and just reminding me that she's quite okay after all this drama.

7. Last, but not least: My family. Super J has been above and beyond Super. He took all three girls to a Primary activity and then the mall on Saturday and then to a baseball game (our nephews) and out and about and brought home GREEK FOOD for dinner. Yum. Heck! *I* haven't even taken all of them to the mall by myself. Yesterday, he took them all to church and worked with them and made dinner...I could go on. And you should see the girls thriving under his care. If I thought they LURVED him before, now I really know. Miss A and E have been sooooo sweet (though all three tend to be a wee bit oblivous when it comes to bumping into the foot when it's propped up...oh well) AND!!!! Miss O has been AWESOME going to bed and nap time for him. Yay! And I just found out that my mom might be able to come up later in the week, which will be great whether I'm in a cast, go into labor, or none of the above.

I know there are so many more things that I'm grateful for (spell-check being one of them! ha! Sorry if you got this before I ran the spell check..."throught"? What is that???). But for now, I'm grateful for the opportunity to go change a diaper...I think. lolol.

Nesting at 37 weeks

I subscribe to various online Pregnancy sites that send me reminders of things like appropriate exercises for my ever changing form for week such and so (though, honestly, my excitement of the exercise phase lasted and then imploded around week 26), or what the baby is doing at week such and so, or my "3D Pregnancy Calendar." I have to admit, I like this one because it comes a day earlier than the others and has a different twist because you can see what the baby looks like (animated-wise, anyway) in "3D", and it's very optimistic in its little peppy "you can do it because your body is amazing! Your baby is amazing! Look what's going on! And your partner is amazing! Check it out!" attitude.

In fact, under the header of "Your Body" this is what it said:

You made it! Your baby is considered full term at the end of this week. So kick your swollen feet up and swig back a glass of lemonade. All that hard work has finally paid off!

When I read that, you know what I did, Gentle Reader? Did I go and get me that glass of lemonade? Nope. Did I kick up my swollen feet? Nope (at least, not yet). Here's what I did: I burst into tears. Right into the UGLY CRY I did go. I cannot explain it, but it's like seeing the finish line after running a long race that you were prepared for, had every confidence of finishing, but were getting a little bogged down towards the end. So, I had a nice cry and was quite grateful that no one else was in the room with me so I could pull it together before I had to face the children or the laundry again.

Speaking of laundry, today's little newsletter also talked about "nesting." This is where you supposedly clean like a crazy person to get ready for your new arrival. I kind of have to laugh at this, because what's going on with me is that I see ALL sorts of things that need to be done, but I only have the energy right now to keep up the normal every day tasks. For example, I did the dishes today. The extra step I took was that I washed my plastic cup collection (actually, I just brought down and washed all the plastic cups that migrated upstairs when I took them full of water for the night). I've done several loads of laundry, but the extra step is that I actually folded and put some of it away (talk to Super J, he'll tell you that's nigh unto nesting right there for me).

I'm even trying to keep a happy attitude about the state of my living room. My sweet Misses, bless their hearts, have taken over my living room with Polly Pockets, Barbies, Mermaids and Lego's. So whilst the living room/dining room start out somewhat tidy, it's bedlam by the time I get up from my afternoon nap. I mean, crazy whirlwind of toys all over the floor bedlam along with a fort made from the blankets and chairs, type of thing. If someone came to the door expecting to come in, I'd be embarrassed by the state of my space. I want to be cranky at the girls for not cleaning up after being LEFT ALONE downstairs for A COUPLE OF HOURS, but I'm actually just really grateful that they are playing so well with each other that I get over myself pretty quick.

I should add: they truly aren't alone because they know they can come get me at any time, and I keep my door open and an ear out for them, but they quite contentedly play and know that after a certain show, they can go and get a snack from the "snack box." Anyway, you see where I'm going with this. It's just actually very comforting knowing that I can take a break and they are responsible enough to, while spreading their toys everywhere with much glee, don't do anything besides just untidy two areas of the house. It could be so so so much worse.

But it kinda saps away my "nesting" energies because every day we must clean up Polly and Barbie and "Shelly" (aka: Miss E's beloved Mermaid) and everyone/thing else who is put through their playing paces during the afternoon. So, though I see that the baseboards need to be cleaned and the wood floors need to be mopped with their special wood floor cleaner, and the blinds need to be dusted...well, I just prioritize and try to realize that we'll all make it through if we can just get Polly and Barbie and Shelly picked up.

And so goes nesting. Oh well.

Maybe it's just time to go kick up my swollen feet.

Ugh. Giggle. Snort.

Ugh: I have developed a strange rash on the back of my neck, right under the hairline. I put some hydro cortisone cream on it, so it no longer itches, but I was wondering what type of plague I have been gifted. Heat rash? Allergic reaction to something? Psoriasis? Eczema??? I called the Nurse Line at the ol' OBGYN (because you never know what they'll say about a mystery rash this far along) and we are "just keeping an eye on it, unless it gets worse" for now.

Giggle: Today I taught Miss O how to "Ugga Mugga" or Eskimo Kiss (rubbing noses). So cute. So potentially dangerous. She doesn't quite have the grasp of " be gentle" down, so it often begins with a head-butt (and as we learned with Miss E, nothing says I love you like a good solid unexpected smack in the head), but we're getting there.

Snort: Driving to get some lunch (I know, so pathetic), I hear this from the back of the Red Rocket...

Miss A: "Miss E, I bet you can't count to 10"
Miss E: counts to 10
Miss A: "I bet you can't count to 105!"
Miss E: "Oh yeah? I bet you can't count to the biggest number ever!"
Miss A: "Yes I can! What number?"
Miss E: With a big voice, "A Million!"
Miss A: (really fast) "1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 1 Million."
Miss E: With sincere awe, "Wow."
Me: while driving in the front, literally guffaw, and then I try to hush myself up before they notice I have laughed because I don't want to spoil a precious moment amongst sisters.

Room Service

Miss A has taken it upon herself to bring us Breakfast In Bed, and it's starting to be on a fairly regular basis. I think she views it as such a treat when she gets it (because I try to do it for their birthdays or if they are really sick, we set them up in "The Guest Room" and I'll bring up soothing breakfast foods that they can eat while watching t.v.), that she wants to return the favor. She loves it. Miss E loves it.

So, spearheaded by Miss A, they will often work together to bring up various delights for breakfast. Initially it started out as crackers and water. Sometimes with a side of raisins. These were all things that they knew they could get into without getting in trouble. Once, I got a pop-tart and some buttered Ritz Crackers. And a side of water. Well, a week or so ago, Miss A brought up about a fourth cup of raisin bran and milk, in a bowl, on a cookie sheet for myself AND Super J. She didn't get in any trouble (thus, precedent is set) even though she spilled milk on the upstairs carpet. She worked hard to "clean" up the spot and we told her how nice a surprise it was.

And so, it really shouldn't be any surprise when she brought up a bowl of cereal for Super J this morning. It was filled with a combo of Life Cereal, Raisin Bran with just a hint of Captain Crunch (or whatever the name of the knock-off cereal it is we are currently eating). It was very very full, milk already in the bowl, and he had a cup of water next to it.

The sad part (beside the combo of cereals...Super J is not so much a reveller in combo cereal) is that Super J was in the shower. He'd just jumped in, so the cereal sat and sat (because Super J enjoys a LONG shower. I don't understand this, because when I'm getting showered, I am IN and OUT. Probably because I have been trained by years of having babies roaming the house, unsupervised, I am used to the GET IT DONE AND GET OUT mentality, but Super J? It's like a special thinking room and he often sorts through work issues or project ideas and comes out not only clean but with renewed energy and vigor to get things done. I wish that worked for me). AHEM! CLEARLY I've digressed...now, back to our regularly scheduled topic...so, yeah, the cereal...it sat and sat and got INCREDIBLY soggy and, when I viewed it, you could barely make out what type of cereal was in it (the winner??? The Raisin Bran stuff).

She also brought me up some breakfast, too, this morning: a banana and some water, which I didn't eat because it was kinda on the...um...how to describe the banana wrested from its peel by a 5 and 4 year old? Well, let's just call it "tired."

Anyway, when I came downstairs, there were all sorts of cereal boxes on the table and the milk was still out. I asked Miss A if she'd eaten breakfast.

"No, I want waffles."

I guess I need to show her how to work the toaster! But who knows WHAT kind of treat we'll get then. lol.

Randomness, often associated with Water (and Tigers and Cherries, Oh My!)

So many little thoughts that I wanted to record...where to start, where to start...

**Miss O no longer calls her sisters "Ado" for Miss A and "Odo" for Miss E. Instead, she calls Miss A "Adol" and Miss E, "Bith."

**The other evening, right after showers but just before bed, I was getting Miss O dressed and noticed her leg seemed wet...especially considering that she'd just gotten dried off (fyi: we shower the girls in the "guest room" bathroom and then they literally run into their bedroom to get their pjs on). I asked her if she'd gone potty and she gave me the sign language sign for potty. I got her diaper on (just in case that sign was because she was NEEDING to go potty) and asked her WHERE she'd gone. Super J went with her...into OUR room...and followed her over where she had, indeed, peed. Right on Super J's shoes and a Dora the Explorer book. But she was so proud that she could associate "potty" with what she'd just done that she came running back to me, rather exultant. It was quite funny, though probably because they weren't MY shoes.

**My mother-in-law sent a small package (the idea that she has to send stuff in the mail in order for it to be received in our household is a post for another time) for Super J's birthday in which she gifted him a pink oxford shirt and a book called, "Moments for Fathers: Positive Reflections to Strengthen His Spirit." Okay. But more impressive is that she sent ME a "baby shower" card, saying that she was sorry, but she wasn't invited to any baby shower (?????) but wanted me to have a little something. Um...I'm not HAVING a baby shower, but I digress. She sent me...wait for it...a polyester aqua-colored peignoir from "Woman Within." Gentle Reader, that's lingerie. It is WILDLY inappropriate. Super J said that we should go ahead and dress up in them and take a picture and send it to his mom. I'm dying about a thousand deaths. For some reason, my m-i-l seems to think that gifting me stuff like this is quite acceptable (and has sent me a number of these types of "ensembles" over the years). For those who might wonder about such etiquette, the answer is NO! It is NOT acceptable. For crying out loud.

**Besides, we can't take pictures (*Shudder*...and no pun intended) because Super J left our camera in a little restaurant on his drive home from Nauvoo. They are supposed to be Fed-Ex-ing it, but we'll just have to wait and see if they really are going to. Sigh. I probably would have just driven back and gotten the camera instead of relying on the honesty of these people, but I hope to be proved wrong.

**Happily, on a different note: For F.H.E. last night, we took the girls swimming at our little neighborhood pool for the activity. The girls got to show off what they learned in Swim Class in the past two weeks, and it was both enlightening and terrifying at the same time. Their skill set has vastly improved, as has their confidence and I loved that. However, only Miss A can really "swim", but Miss E is determined that her ability to dunk her head in the water and cast herself off before losing her ability to hold her breath and emerge from the water gasping is officially a sign of her competence in the "swimming" category. She kept telling me over and over, "But I know how to swim!!!" (remember, this is the girl who thought that because she could kick her legs while floating in a pool ring that she was now qualified to teach a swim class). Yes, she knows how to swim...just enough to cause trouble.

**Which leads to these little gems: had TERRIBLE dreams all last night. One involved Miss E jumping into a Cherry Bog before anyone was able to either catch her or determine how deep the bog was. Now, I know cherries grow on trees and my subconscious was getting them confused with those cranberry drink commercials, tossed in with a strange mix of Star Wars, where Luke is in the trash compactor and you are worried he's going to be drowned by that weird creature, amongst the floating debris where you can't see the bottom, the water is so murky. I was so freaked out by this that I woke myself up (have you ever done that, mid-nightmare?). Ugh. Hard to shake off.

Then, that was followed up by yet ANOTHER bad dream closer to waking-up time, where we went to visit some new neighbors in our subdivision who had a cemetery right outside their house (I know, it's a WHAT????? kind of moment right there, because if you've ever been in our subdivision there is NO cemetery even near it, but so dreams go) and there were some unusual squash plants and an orange tree and Super J went to pick some oranges and this new neighbor husband guy went with him and then, out of no where, the family's pet tiger (?????) became HUGE and ANGRY and started mauling the two men and some random dog and...and...and I started running after them all with a rake. Ummmmmm...TERRIBLE!!!!!! As I type it, I realize just how dumb the whole things sounds, but at the time in that weird dream state, it was very scary. I woke up, feeling very...thick and stiff and bleary-eyed. And I must confess that even now, after breakfast, I'm still feeling a bit like that.

**Which leads to THIS gem: I'm taking the girls to a swim play date at noon...that I kinda set up...with some of Miss A's friends from preschool. Why oh why did I not simply set up a play date at McDonald's? I mean, then at least lunch would be taken care of and I could sit in some A/C. Nope. Instead, we'll pay $5.00 each for this "aquatic center" and hope there is enough shade as the temperature gets to be 90 degrees outside and that Miss E doesn't jump into a Cherry Bog and no tigers maul anyone around because I highly doubt there are any rakes nearby, only to end up going through the drivethru at McDonald's when it's all over, thus spending twice the money!.

Oh well. Maybe if I'm lucky, Miss O won't pee on my shoes, though I wouldn't be sad if she did on that polyester aqua-colored peignoir. Unless you want it, Gentle Reader. In that case, give me a call.

They have arrived!!!!

Super J, Grandpa, and the girls actually got to Iowa yesterday afternoon, in plenty of time to catch a nice dinner and then go swimming. When we talked last night, around 10:30 (he said he was trying to keep them up longer to prep them for tonight...hope that theory passes the mustard), they sounded happy but tired.

Here's a photo of the girls (Cousin L, Miss A and Miss E) and Grandpa out at Grandpa's "farm"

...And They're Off!

Whooooooweeeee!

My house is a STY right now, filled with items that are completely out of place and dishes that have been left undone, and a bit of mayhem and chaos are left in their wake, but--

Super J and the girls are on their way! They are locked and loaded in the Red Rocket (brakes fixed and all seems well) and getting ready to go pick up their cousin who, in a last minute decision, was allowed to go with them to the great Nauvoo "outdoor festival" (as the girls are calling it). Can you just imagine the excitement? Seriously. They were almost vibrating they are so stoked by the turn of events. A Daddy/Daughter date? With Grandpa? WITH Cousin L????? Let the Rejoicing Begin!

And we do love Cousin L. She (who, in all seriousness, will be a tremendous help to Super J because a) the girls ADORE Cousin L and b) now there will be someone who can accompany the girls into the various public bathrooms) is 9 going on 24--very mature for her age and very responsible and very sweet and dang-gum smart. Holy cow. If she and Miss A can maintain some Alpha Female balance (they are both the "Oldest Siblings" in their respective families), I think all involved will have a GLORIOUS time.

And, to make things even better, Grandpa doesn't even know Cousin L is coming. It's truly going to be a happy surprise for him, especially since I understand that Grandma was having some issues about "allowing" Grandpa to go to said "outdoor festival" as late as last night. Ohhhhhhhhhhh the family drama. Ohhhhhhhhhhh the opposition to getting things done. But as Grandpa reassured Super J last night, "Contrary to what you have heard, I'm coming."

Super J has said that he will send pictures of their trip. I shall post them for I know we are all eagerly awaiting news of the travel. But first, Super J must get them through Swim Lessons and get on the road for a very long trip in the car.

Let the fun...begin!

Screeching Halt

Probably last Friday or Saturday, we first heard it and then it continued, on and off, but since Super J is taking it on his vacation, we decided to get the brakes on the Red Rocket checked because they were shrieking in protest whenever we braked too hard or too quickly.

Sure enough, the pads were worn and the rotors had to be replaced.

Doesn't it just disgust you when you have an unexpected expense like that come up. And yet, you are also kinda relieved because now you know that it's a problem the most precious of passengers won't have to deal with on the road. So, I am immensely glad that it's been taken care of, even though it was a bit of a surprise.

It's also given me an opportunity to practice driving Super J's White Giant...his big ol' truck (makes you kinda want to start singing and humming, "I'm driving down Highway 40 in my big ol' pick-up truck" doesn't it?). Man that thing is big, and I'm not the best judge of spatial relations concerning how to park it because the length of the thing is still kinda mysterious to me, so I always look for spots with PLENTY of room. You should have seen where I parked it for swimming lessons. Ha.

And speaking of swim lessons...one day left. And Super J is going to take the girls and then they will leave from the pool. Can we get a "Hallelujah?" Hallelujah!!!! We made it. Whew.

So here's to getting brakes fixed, having transportation (even though it's massive) to use while the hubby takes the girls on vacation, and a few days of quality Miss O & Mommy time starting tomorrow. Even feeling SUPER tired, life is good. Let's just hope I don't go into preterm labor while Super J is out of town. That would be a bummer, just gotta say. :)

Life...continued.

Driving to swimming lessons (more on that later):

Miss A: "Mom! I saw some Queen's Ant's Lace!"

Miss E: "Yeah, Mom! We see some Queen Ant's Lace!!!"

Pause, pause.

Me: "You mean, Queen ANNE'S Lace?"

Both: "Who?"

"Queen Anne. That's was her name. Not as in the bugs, but her name is ANNE."

"Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh."
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Update: Super J fixed the broom. And there was much rejoicing in Crumb Land ("hooray!").

I asked, are you sure you can fix it? He just looked at me like I'd asked him if he had two eyes. I'm sure, somewhere in the distance, theme music started. He went out to the garage and, using who knows what, he got the broken-off screw thingy out of the broom head and put a very green handle (from an old broom or mop, I dunno. It looked vaguely familiar, but I haven't used something with a green handle for quite some time) on the yellow broom head. It's not real pretty to look at, but it works. And it didn't cost a thing.
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I have a fear that Miss O is currently enjoying an ear infection. There is no fever, but the child refuses to go down for bed tonight! It's 12:00ish, and I have finally succumbed to letting her just cry. She's been given ibruprofen, some ear drops and finally something to releave congestion (and hopefully some pressure in the ear). It's either ear infection or 2 year old molars are starting to come in. Either way, now we are both tired of each other and I am done. Argh. I hate getting to this point because I feel like a bad mommy. Oh well. I shall not dwell.

Instead, let me enthrall you with the fact that we went to our first Mommy & me swimming lesson today (Misses A & E had "real" lessons during the same time. Blessedly, they are all 30 minutes long, which truly is quite short when one is actually in the water). Initially, Miss O was JOYOUS to be there. She kicked like a pro--both on her tummy and on her back. She put her chin in the water. She kinda put her ear in the water. She did GREAT.

For 15 minutes.

And then she was done and wanted out of the pool and wanted NOTHING more to do with it...until the "lesson" was done and everyone else was getting out of the pool, and then she was DESPERATE to get back into the pool. Ugh. Very hard to pick up fit-pitching child who should not be quite so close to the pool when pitching said fit when one has swallowed a bowling ball which currently resides in el stomacho (you may not be able to tell by this word choice, but I don't know Spanish. Sorry). So, I don't know what's wrong with her. Swimmers ear? Ear infection? Molars? She's almost 2 (in a week! Holy Smokes (or smocks, as I just typed...that seems to kinda work, too).

In the meantime, Miss A & E were very very good, both behaviorally and at their swim lessons. They do want to stay and play in the little adjoining water park, that is right next to the pools where the swim lessons take place. I, honestly, don't know if I have that in me. I was EXHAUSTED by the time we got home. It takes about an hour to prep for swim lessons and get everyone fed, pottied, dressed, buckled in the car and then readied for the lesson, then it takes 20 minutes to get back to the car AFTER swim lessons and then you come home, get everyone changed and snacked (but not too much snack because lunch is just around the corner). Yep. Tired.

And on that happy note, I cannot believe we are going to swim lessons for the next 7 weekdays. What was I thinking??? Oh yeah. I don't want my kids to drown when they go to our local, un-life-guarded pool because they have a false sense that they "can swim" because they use one of those blow-up tube thingies.

True story: The other day, I was reminding Miss E that she was starting swimming classes and she happily chirped, "Can I be the teacher?"

"Ummmm, no honey. They are lessons for you to take."

"But I already know how to swim" (with the inner tube thingy).

"And that's why you are taking more lessons, hon."
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So, Super J left town this afternoon (after fixing the broom...Ta Da!) for a business trip.

In honor of that, I took the liberty of going to Panera Bread for a little something for Momma and then took the kids to McDonald's for some Happy Meals and Playland playtime (and, honestly, a Redbox Chick flick for me).

Here's the quick and dirty review of the evenings events:

Panera Bread: a little slice of the hot place when one has 3 kiddos and Miss O decides she is going to do her impression of a legless sack of potatoes (I know, I know, potato sacks often do NOT have legs and if they did, they'd be very scary indeed, but let's just say she went boneless practically the entire time we were there because she DID NOT WANT TO HOLD MY HAND and was OFFENDED that I was making her. Ugh). AND, on top of that...where do they get the help these days. No, wait. That's not fair. But let's call a spade a spade and say that the highschoolers at Panera on this particular evening were about as helpful as...rotted basil. And as filled with energy and happiness to be working at Panera, I might add, as that rotted basil. Not impressed.

Walking out to the car from Panera Bread: HUGE slice of the hot place because some idiot older man driver in a little sporty coupe decided he was going to speed through the parking lot, give me and my little ducklings the right of way to cross the street, only to then turn into the lane at a quick speed trying to get the empty parking spot that was right next to where we were walking. Miss O TRIPS (of course), luckily NOT in the path of the car, but parallel to it, successfully freaking me, Misses A & E, and I hope with any good fortune, that asinine driver completely OUT. Seriously, she totally could have been hit because of this #$%@*&(^% speedy driving.

I mean, if it was AT ALL busy, I might have understood his rush to Get. That. Spot. But there was no other car coming or going near us. AND there was another empty spot two cars down from this particular spot. AND there were 3 empty car spots open from that second option spot. I must admit, I was NOT thinking kind Christian thoughts about this gentleman (clearly). Instead, I wanted to really light into him for his Total Display of Stupidity. I was hashed. But I was still freaked from my child almost being hit and so I just got us all in the Red Rocket and took a big drag from my beverage (diet caffine free Pepsi with a shot of Pepsi. Very nice. I like it better than Coke products, as stated before...somewhere), and, true confessions, horked down my half turkey sandwich.

McDonald's: Thus in my stellar mood, we drive around the outdoor mall and arrive at McDonald's. We go in, order the food, and I get a beverage (they have Light Minute Maid Lemonade at this McDonald's. Also very nice and refreshing). I realize after I paid that I should have gotten a large because then I'd get a free redbox DVD rental. Argh. I ask the cashier, "Is it too late to upgrade my drink to a large?"

"Nope," she says, and starts swapping the cups.

"How much?" I ask, digging through my wallet and getting some change ready.

Get this: "No charge."

I could have reached over and kissed her. I mean, how nice was that. And she even gave me one of the free DVD rental cups.

I also wanted to say, "Panera Bread has NOTHING on you tonight, friendly helpful people at McDonald's!"

AND to make things, seriously, even better...there were hardly any people in the Playland. I hesitate to say this, but it was almost soothing to be there. The kids played...used the bathroom facilities (Alot...ohholycow, they must have been saving up for a trip to use public restrooms!)...and had a nice, low key time.

Holy Smocks! It's after 1:00am. Okay, tomorrow, I shall continue this enthralling tale of my Monday evening, with a riviting story of how much of a dork I am when trying to get a movie out of the Red Box. Yegads. And I'll give you a review of the movie, 27 Dresses.

Things spoken, heard, seen and felt this weekend...

Let's start this off with this, from Miss A.

The whole family was driving to Costco on Saturday and from the back seat, I hear very excitedly, "Mom! Mom! I just saw some Queen Anne's Lice!"

Pause, pause.

"You mean, Queen Anne's Lace?"

"Oh, yeah."
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During Primary (our Children's Meeting), our Primary President started talking about one of the girls in the congregation who was just baptized on Saturday and was talking it up, saying that something very exciting had happened to someone and asked if anyone knew what it was.

Miss E raises her hands, gets called on, and then proceeds to stand and tell everyone, "We have been very good and must think...(about who knows what because she said something I couldn't quite understand)...and it's so wonderful that tomorrow we get to start swimming lessons!!!!"

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While at Costco, one of the ladies (who was probably 50-ish and of Latin descent, based on her accent) who hands out samples was starting with her little sales pitch when all of a sudden she stops and says, "Where did you get your top????"

I was wearing a maternity top that my mom had gotten for me from the Army Post near where she lives. I told this sweet lady this and she said, "I love the colors and it looks super comfortable. I wish I could get one!"

I made some lame comment about needing to be comfortable at this stage and then walked off...not sure if I should be complimented about how a retiree enjoyed my wardrobe selection or offended that she just joined the throngs who people who don't realize that, once again, I'm PREGNANT!

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And speaking of things felt this weekend...I had a TERRIBLE, tear (as in salt water leaking from the eye, not a ripping tear) inducing pain this morning. It was definitely not a contraction, but a literal pain that felt like it took probably 10 minutes of laying down to vanquish. Ugh. My mantra is now: I only need to get through 4 more weeks. Four more weeks. That's it.

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We have a "toddler" bird living near our house...I believe it's a Robin...and it's learning to fly. Watching it the past few days, it's been fascinating to see the interactions with the parental birds as it is literally getting its wings. I'm not sure where the nest is located (it's NOT in the swing set), but the birds fly and land on the banister of our deck and sometimes they all just sit there, like the parents are waiting for the youngling to catch it's proverbial wind. Ahhhhh, Nature. Fascinating to watch.

The girls particularly enjoyed today when we saw a parent bird feed the "toddler" and then later saw the same parent bird fly with a worm in its mouth, but the "baby" wasn't there. Interesting. On a completely different note about Nature, these birds sure poop alot on the ol' banister.

**********************************************
And we'll end with yet another fine example of my parenting:

Miss A and E were throwing some nerf ball at each other (both have very poor aim and were laughing and running away from one another). Miss E kept saying, "Don't hit my nose! Don't hit my nose" and Miss A finally reassured her that Miss E could move her hand (which had been covering said nose) because she wasn't going to hit her there and then Miss A proceeded to...throw the ball and hit Miss E on the nose.

I caught the whole thing and said, "Miss A! Why did you do that? You know what happens to liars, don't you? They go to the Hot Place." (and I literally said, "hot place," just so you know)

Well, it was dinner time and we got everyone settled and served, prayed over the food and everyone was digging in when Miss A says, very earnestly, "Mom, can you tell me more about this 'Hot Place?'"

Ohhhhhhhhhfortheloveofpancakes!!!!!

I tried to get her to wait until after supper, but she said, "No. I'd rather hear about it now."

Super J jumps in with the oh-so-helpful, "Well, according to 'true' church doctrine," AHEM!!!!! I thinks in my head, "...the Hot Place is truly only reserved for those who openly rebel against Christ, and I highly doubt that you will be included in this, so don't worry about it."

Ummmmm, yeah. That really didn't do anything to help.

So then I, with even more clumsy finesse, start in with, "Well, you know that if we want to go back to be with Heavenly Father, we must be on our best behavior and so we can't lie, because we can't be with Heavenly Father and our families if we make the decision to lie to people, so it's best to tell the truth, because any place without our Father in Heaven or our Families is going to be the Hot Place and they call it the Hot Place because you are so embarrassed and sad that you aren't with those you love." (Ugh!!!!! At this point, I'm just so glad she hasn't asked a direct question about sex! I wonder how bad I'd be blathering about that, when the time comes. Yegads!)

Super J and I both look at each other and then say, to Miss A who still looks very concerned, "Honey, you really don't need to worry about it. Let's just not lie."

Miss A says, "So, I'll just work to do better."

"Yes, Honey, that's a great idea."

...And something I'll work on, too.

Feelin' the love

How to even start this?

Many a post here is about my wicked parenting skills (and not necessarily in that "Yo, Dude, your parenting skills are wicked!" vernacular), and frustrations with my offspring.

But I just have to tell you that this morning, I'm so in love with my girls. Not only are they beautiful, which I must say, they are, but they are so good and so smart and so sweet.

Case in point: the girls found our plastic Easter Egg collection. I'm not 100% sure where they discovered it, because it was technically hidden down in the basement, awaiting next years big hunt, but they found them and brought them upstairs and have been playing hide the plastic eggs for the last two days. In my current condition and (sadly) mood, I am not one to grouse when they discover a great game like this that enables me to not have to do much beside count their discoveries.

Well, they just came in to me with an egg that was half blue and half green. They proceed to be delighted at this and to inform me that this is truly a MAGIC egg because it is green and blue. And they are so sincere about this. I mean, SINCERE and HEARTFELT. Any moment, I expect the blue/green egg to morph into a fairy and start fluttering away, sprinkling magic dust in all our eyes. This is how sincere they are in presenting me with this egg.

And maybe a wee bit of that magic dust gets on me anyway, because I feel a full measured burst of love for these amazing creatures that have blessed my life with their willingness to be a part of mine. Wow, I love 'em.

I just wanted to share. Like I said, I often can share the frustrating stuff of parenting...but it's kinda nice to be able to share the really great and wonderful stuff, too.

And then along comes Polly...

I have moments of parenting where I realize I must take responsibility for the error of my ways. Sometimes, it's more obvious than others...such as when I hear one of my daughters utter a word they have heard me speak in moments of frustration. A recent example, when Miss A said, "I am FREAKIN' hot!" Oh, uh huh. She's 5. She did not learn "freakin'" from her father, nor I suspect, from her Baptist Preschool. Alas, that one is all mine.

Something else that is all mine? Miss A and E's current obsession with the Polly Pocket line of dolls (this picture is NOT our collection, but sadly comes kinda close). These dolls are almost 4 inches tall and are made with some sort of plastic that makes their arms and legs kinda bend...which is needed when trying to get them into the spandex-like plastic fashions that accompany them. Even Miss O loves these things, but I have to admit that I normally confine Polly Pocket playtime during her naps because at least Miss A and E don't pester me as much to change dresses every few minutes. That, and I needed to be sure that Miss O wouldn't try to EAT any of Polly Pockets and her vast assortment of accessories, which she didn't/doesn't. Happily, Miss O rarely tries to eat a toy...I'm rather grateful for that, and I chalk that up there with her rare back washes as something I really like about her.

Anyhoo...it takes a certain dexterity to manipulate these "dresses" and accessories on and off of Polly. And when I mean dexterity, I probably mean patience and a true desire to play with the goshdarn things (see? And I wonder where my girls get this from!). Frankly, it's HARD to do! I think this is one reason why the girls end up dressing Polly (and I should mention, most of our Polly's are from the Disney Princess line, which is it's own little slice of the hot place because they have the most obnoxious lump of plastic atop their heads...yes, yes, I know it's supposed to be their luscious locks of hair, but seriously, it makes getting the dresses on and off even harder!!!!) in very extravagant gowns (they are easier to change in and out of because they have bigger neck openings) or letting them frolic about in their painted on underwear (the latter being seen most often).

I don't know why I even gave initial approval for them, but if I recall, they were all prizes when we were trying to potty train one of the girls and then they seemed like nice gifts for Holidays and...well...as a parent, sometimes you just start to glaze over when reality and plastic toys combine. It's a scary moment and a scary thing to admit, but it's true.

I bring this up, Gentle Reader, because of an episode we "enjoyed" yesterday. As you can imagine, the accessories for Polly (who, remember, is less than 4 inches high and quite stick-like with almost non-existent feet) are intsy. Tiny. Very very small. You get the picture.

I was on my way out the door to meet some friends for a girls' night out, leaving the Misses A, E, and O in Super J's awesome care, when I hear shrieking. I walk into the "office" and see the girls are sitting in mourning by my Dyson vacuum, which has a container in which you can see all dirt, dust and debris you've sucked up. True confessions: I love love love to vacuum and love love love to see the result of this passion, but I also love to empty that part of the vacuum because, let's face it, it's pretty gross. Alas, I had not emptied it yet and (can you see where this is going????) I had inadvertently sucked up a single accessory (I think they identified it as a belt. Of all things. A belt.) from the Polly Pocket collection.

Let the weeping and wailing commence in 3...2...1...and it begins.

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhholycow.

Super J shoos me from the house. I feel guilty for about 3 minutes (ha! Obviously a bit more if I'm blogging about it) until I get on the road, because seriously, I had NO CLUE I had vacuumed up that wee bit o'plastic.

When I get home, I hear more of the story. Turns out that the weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth did not end for at least...half an hour, if not longer? And it took some tough lovin' from Daddy (and an escalation of events from being sent to their room to a swat) to finally get the girls to quiet down because Super J was not, based on the weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth, going to dig through the dusty debris and pull out Polly's belt. Nope. He did the opposite. He took the canister and threw it all away. Gone went the dust and debris. Gone went Polly's belt. Holler, holler, holler went Miss A and E (and Miss O, I understand, tried to squeeze out a tear or two in honor of her sisters' distress, but really couldn't maintain any semblance of sadness because...well, she could care less at this age what's going on, especially if it doesn't concern her directly).

Eventually, the tide of woe subsided and, so I'm told by all, they had a lovely evening together, even enjoying some Otter pops out on the deck.

And more interestingly still, today the girls have been quite fastidious about picking up all their toys. Go Daddy. True confessions? I'd have just plucked the belt out of the canister and called it a day. lol.

"Sisters, Sisters, there were never such devoted sisters..."

Okay, I just had to share this because it was too funny. Of course, maybe it's just me, but I thought it was funny and now I'm thrusting it upon you, Gentle Reader.

Ahem...For the last two weeks or so, Miss E has been praying at bedtime that Miss A won't wake her up. As parents, we usually roll our eyes at this because whenever they come downstairs after they have been tucked in, it's always because Miss A or Miss E has woken (or kept) the other up. But her prayers have been going like this: "Dear Heavenly Father. Thank thee for the day. Please help Miss A not to ever wake me up again." And then she closes. Well, we finally told Miss E that she needed to start praying about things she's thankful for, including Miss A.

So, yesterday, Super J comes home and is so tired he heads upstairs for a power nap. Of course the girls, who love their daddy beyond all things explainable, follow him up and so he's the one that told me the following:

Turns out that Miss E says to him, "Daddy, will you please tell Miss A to stop waking me up!!!!"

"What do you mean?"

"You need to tell her to stop waking me up at night! I'm going to go get her so you can tell her."

She gets Miss A.

Super J has Miss A lay down by him and asks, "Miss A, do you wake up Miss E during the night?"

Pause. Pause. "Sometimes."

"Why do you do that?"

"Because when I wake up, I'm bored and want someone to talk to."

This, Super J then tells me, is why the girls haven't been coming in as often during the middle of the night and waking *him* up. Miss A will wake up and start bugging Miss E with, "Miss E! Miss E! Are you awake???" over and over until Miss E wakes up.

This also explains why Miss E is getting so crabby in the afternoons and often falls asleep on the couch around 5pm (when she's not having an upset stomach, that is).

Ahhhhhhhhhhh, sisters. And ahhhhhhhhh, the parents who took probably a month to figure this out. lol.

Simple Pleasures

Sometimes, simple is so wonderful. Why do I not take advantage of simple things more often??????

Tonight we decided to have F.H.E. because tomorrow is going to be a crazy day (and Super J decided we needed to address a few issues on reverence that came up today during Sacrament Meeting...I wouldn't know about those issues as I was OUT in the hall, literally chasing Miss O who was dashing about like a crazed animal in our very humid church building. Nothing like going into Primary already worked up in sweat and lather. Pretty. And now, let us sing.)...wonderful but busy, you know?

So, tonight we had Cheesy Tuna Helper for dinner. That's it. No veggies. No salad. No fruit. Just tuna helper, which took maybe 15 minutes to make. Oh. And Lemon/Lime "Cool-aid" (some off brand) with only about 3/4th the sugar, but a treat none-the-less.

And for the after F.H.E. treat? Brownies. From the box. Made exactly as they were directed with nothing added (I'm quite fond of adding chocolate chips or nuts or a combo and maybe something for the top...anything to make it "special." So when I say I made it just from the box, that's something for me). Confessedly, I did offer the girls a scoop of ice cream, which 2 of the three accepted. So I gave them vanilla. Simple. Delicious (though still messy).

Okay, have to add that Miss A (the abstainer) just asked for a scoop of ice cream saying, "I always planned to have my ice cream AFTER my brownie."

Oh, uh huh? Really? I'm a sucker right now, though, so I gave her one.

Simple. Not complicated. I need to do this more often. Will I??? Nah. Probably not. But it's something I need to consider. :)

Miss E's Preschool Closing Program

Tonight we got to go Miss A & E's Preschool at a near-by Baptist Church, for Miss E's end of year program (Miss A's commencement is on Thursday--can you imagine? Commencement from Preschool...gotta love it). The 3 yr old class (who now are mainly 4 yr olds) were soooooo cute. They just sang a lot of the songs they had learned through the year. You should have seen their rendition of "Where is Thumbkin?"...Even Miss E was looking at her hands like, "Yeah, where IS Thumbkin?" and those pointer fingers???? Too funny. Even as an adult, it's kinda hard to hold "Middleman" and "Ringman" up, so you can only imagine what these kids were working with.

And, of COURSE, we have pictures, and yes...I'll be posting. I know I say that about all these events, but just you wait! When I get my pictures downloaded, it'll be a smattering of EVERYTHING from Florida to birthday parties to this! It'll be shocking, I'm sure, to actually see stuff I've been talking about. :)

Still, we were very happy she had such a good year. She's super excited to be going back next year. Why, you ask? I know the answer because I actually did ask. She's excited because, "I get to go on Field Trips." Oh. Okay. That's a lot of excitement for 4 field trips, believe you me. :)

And we have lift-off!!!!!!!

The Astronaut Party is over! WHEW!

I had amazing help, which was unplanned but definitely appreciated, with some of the moms staying and helping (we even had a dad stay and help and I think Super J was pleased as punch to have someone go to Costco to get pizza with him). It turned out much better than anticipated, but I was SURPRISED to find that my little angels were the most monstrous of them all--actually, pretty much the ONLY monsters at the party. What the heck is that all about???? Seriously, I had to send Miss A to her room because she was practically attacking other adults with the cheap Chinese rocket toys and such we'd gotten as party favors. And Miss E???? The most pouty child until the pizza showed up. So annoying. And, frankly, so embarrassing.

But other than a few mishaps like that (and why oh why did I (a) not get enough "space" helmets and (b) get everyone the same kind??????), things went well. We had enough food, the cake turned out (pictures to be posted later) and was edible (last night around 11:30, I had my doubts), and best of all, Miss E was ECSTATIC about her gifts (this was after the pizza and she'd eaten. She was definitely a different child). Seriously. I kid not. I have never seen a child with such enthusiastic reactions to each and every present. It literally brought tears to my eyes (it didn't help that I was a wee bit on the fatigued side, I'm sure, but still!). I made a joke during the party that it was like we never got her anything, she was sooooo effusive about her gifts, but I think it made everyone feel good. AND, we got it on "tape." Yep. We got the gambit of emotions at this particular Astronaut Party: snotty kid, annoying kid, super excited kid and super sweet kid. It'll be so fun to show her when she has a four year old of her own.

All in all, a good party: good friends, good food (well...pizza and cake...how bad can that be?) and cheap Chinese party favors resembling space ships and such. What's not to like?

The good, the bad...

I...am in recovery mode.

I'm not sure what happened last night, but Miss O was up several times and Miss E kept popping up and finally decided she couldn't sleep until she'd spent at least an hour in our bed with us (I lost track of time). I eventually asked Super J to put her back to bed around 2:12 A.M. because I couldn't sleep with my sweet bambino breathing on my arm...over and over again...hot moist breath...on my arm, continuously. Or my back, if I turned over. Kinda freaked me out, as I normally am hugging a pillow that tends to be on the cool side.

Miss E is a sweetie and I don't begrudge her needing a little...security? I mean, after all, we were gone for 4 days and I think we are seeing some of the aftermath happening. But still. Holy cow.

So, I thought I'm going to look for some silver linings. Are you ready? Me, too.

1) Hopefully, this evening I'm going to a book warehouse sale with the awesome Miss A.L. Wahoo! I feel sure to find some great deals, because you get $10 off if you spend $50. I know, I know. This is the wrong reason to spend $50, but with Summer coming up, we are ready for some new books in our house collection that I don't have to hyperventilate about when Miss O starts pulling out pages and ripping covers off (which happens with library books and our preschool books). So, taking that into consideration: It is, comparatively, a SMALL price to pay.

2) Um...

3)...I know there are more.

4) Hang on...one is coming to me. Um...I am awake and here to face a new day! Unfortunately, that 85% crabbiness has been up-ed to about 97%, but that's not focusing on the silver linings in life. Moving on...

5) Oh! We are regular viewers of American Idol, and the two Davids are in the AI finale! That's fun. Out of all of the contestants, I like them the best. It took me a while to become a David Cook fan, but surely it happened. I'm not necessarily a David A. fan, but I do find his voice is often smooth and creamy, like a good yogurt (is that a compliment??? Hmmm), and I think he's honestly sweet. Unfortunately, he suffers from Mitt Romney/Mormon syndrome, where people think he's a fake kind of nice, but I think it's a mixture of being a Utah Mormon ("Gosh!" and a lack of dancing ability...not that that is a consistant thing in Utah, because BYU has some amazing dancers...holy cow!...but let's be honest and say this boy is a prime example of "The Deacon Shuffle." Sad.) and then I read an article about him being super shy, and thinking of some family members, I could actually see that, so I started cutting him some slack. How overwhelming an experience for both of these young men (Ohhhhhhh, that I am at the point to call them young men! I used to date guys the age of David Cook when I was still single. Now I'd be a cougar. Ewwwww. Thank goodness for Super J).

Anyway, I think it'll be an interesting contest because they both have such different appeals and fan bases. Seriously, Gentle Reader, did you see all the crying girls and rapturous audiences???? Truth be told, I myself cried during each of the visits back home, thinking how crazy tired these AI contestants must be and how overwhelming to feel such support from strangers who are embracing you while you are trying to fulfil a dream/goal. Craziness! This is one reason I would never want to be on AI. I get no sleep as it is, and look at how happy I am. Sheesh! I'd have been voted off very early, even if people were in love with my choir voice.

What kind of voice do you have? I mean, obviously there are people who have voices to be soloists, voices cut out to be in bands and then there are those of us who can be in choirs. I have a choir voice. It's nothing too much on it's own, but it blends really well with others. I'm okay with that. When they come out with "American Consensus Singers," I might have to sign up. There's no way I'd be cut out for the actual "AI," though. Just being honest.

6) There are more, obviously, when I look at overt silver linings that are all around me. I mean, seriously, I am BLESSED with Super J and The Misses A,E, and O. I'm enjoying a regular pregnancy and it's progressing just fine. We live in a country where there have been no earthquakes that have trapped over 20,000 and killed over 10,000 via natural disaster. I live in the land of plenty and definitely have my 3 months of storage...even as gas prices are going up, there is a sense of security. We have enough. Heck! I can afford to go buy some books for my household. So, yes. I am blessed and those are HUGE silver linings.

Perhaps I just wish that consistent sleep was part of 'em, too, at this point because I gotta tell ya...I feel like I was hit by a bus!

Have a great day! I'm working on mine. :)

Skill Learning: The Wonders of Closing a Door

There are many things we learn as we grow and gain experience and wisdom. Don't you agree with that, Gentle Reader?

One of the things that I am waiting for my sweet offspring to learn is how to shut a door...properly. Don't get me wrong...they can shut the door just fine. But when they shut it, they don't turn the knob--at all. Instead, they just pull the door closed and it comes awfully close to a slam, but without the mean intent or intensity.

Miss E is especially adept at this type of closure.

I've been noticing the past few days since my return that she closes all doors this way, especially bathrooms. When I'm in them (Note to parents of smaller children who are not capable of turning knobs yet: when they figure it out, you'd better be prepared to lock the bathroom doors OR have visitors while taking care of business. Seriously. I don't think I've...um...powered my nose during the day, by myself [not counting recent vacation] since eh, maybe 5 years ago, that I have not greeted at least once by a daughter. It's not the worst thing in the world, but I'm just saying, don't say you haven't been warned). I'd be a little worried if I hadn't noticed Miss A doing this as well.

So, what does one do? I've verbally explained stuff to them, but so far, no takers. Hmmmm. Perhaps this is a special F.H.E. family activity where we go over it and practice??? Would that be good? The only problem is that right now, Miss O has not figured out how to turn knobs yet, so I don't really want to draw attention to it just yet. I think.

Instead, I shall just grouse to you, Gentle Reader. For now. I'll keep you posted on these events. Much like yesterday's bout with Miss O, if I weren't crabby 85% of the time, it probably wouldn't bother me (as I said before, I've just recently caught on to this fact myself--not that I'm crabby 85% of the time [sadly, I'm all to aware of that], but the door issue) and I'd let our public school systems teach my kids these skills (I jest! I jest!). We'll see how long I can last in my current state of annoyed apathy. But I just wanted to share. :)