Power Nap? Energy Shake? That's Not What You Need.....

I've pondered for almost a week now how I could share this story about my oldest daughter. It's too funny not to tell but I know it requires tact.

Unfortunately for you, I have not been able to think up a tactful way to share.

I took the kids to McDonald's last week (gasp! I know - please don't post nasty comments) and the three younger ones had happy meals. The girls' prizes were some sort of fairy dolls (that were, sadly, much more blessed than me in certain ways) and they were quickly more interested in playing than eating.

John David and I were talking and stopped just in time to observe Julia touching her doll's, uhm, chest area. She was in her own little world talking and playing so she didn't see us watching her.

Of course, we wondered where this was headed and we weren't disappointed because the next thing she said was, "It's time to power up! Rub the b**bies" to get powered up!"

(I'm blushing now. Can you see me?)

It Came Back

Last week we were teased with temperatures in the 40s and 50s a few times. Glorious. It was short lived though and once again the snow and wind are at it again outside my window. This old house could really use new windows that keep that cold out!

The kids use our adirondack chairs and their sled to make a snow fort.

And below is a picture of John David in a snowball fight.

As much as that boy loves the snow, he has finally said he's ready for winter to be over. I think everyone else around here would agree!

Kids' Museum

My parents and I took the kids to a local museum a couple of weeks ago. It's the perfect size place for some indoor fun (that was free with our library passes!). We'll definitely be going back soon!

Trip to the Chocolate Cafe

A couple of weekends ago we went downtown to the Chocolate Cafe.

The kids had never had fondue before ("fundue" as they called it) so it was a special treat.

Little hands were anxious to dig in!

It was also a belated birthday celebration with Joshua from Grandmamma and Dodie since they weren't in town for his actual birthday.

All the food was gone but there was still chocolate left. We couldn't waste it so we put our straws in it and started pretend drinking.

John David didn't understand the pretend part - hence his face in this photo. =)

Who Do You Say I Am

Aulora is very much potty trained and has been since she was 2. But little kids still need certain assistance when they go "big potty".

Today I was doing my part to help when Joshua came in the bathroom. He and Aulora had been playing pretend so I wasn't surprised when he asked her, "Who's this?" and pointed to me.

Aulora didn't skip a beat. With incredible grace (for someone who is in the middle of having their bottom wiped), she answered "Oh, she's just my servant."

Things to Remember

A few days ago each of the kids said something that I don't want to forget. Moments like these help make up for the hard stuff that goes along with being a mommy.

Joshua: Let me say, first of all, this boy loves his big brother. And his big brother adores him. It's not unusual for John David to get down on his knees and ask for a big bear hug. That's what he did the other day when Joshua jumped into his arms and squealed, "You're my favorite cowboy!!!"

Aulora: I'm not a morning person (Although I'm not a night person either and I get tired in the afternoon. Hmmm. Not sure what that means.) Anyway, we had snow days last week (like just about everyone else I'm thinking) and so I wasn't up early. Aulora woke up first and came into our room. She came to my side of the bed and put her sweet hands on my sleeping face. My eyes were closed but I listened as she prayed "Dear Lord, thank you for my wonderful mommy. Amen." Can you say sweetness?

Julia: Out of the blue Julia asked me, "How many pairs of panties do you think I have on?"

I guessed several times before I came to the number four.

"Do you know why I have on four pairs of panties?"

I told her I had no idea.

She said, "In case I get a spanking then it won't hurt so much."

I asked her, "Are you planning on getting a spanking today??"

"Nope," she said. "It's just in case of an emergency!"

John David: My boy and I have our best times together at bedtime. All the other kids are already tucked in and it's just me and him. This particular night he wanted me to tell him a story. (which used to mean a story from my childhood but I've told him all of those I can remember - multiple times - so for now I've resorted to silly poems and songs and jokes. ) I told him the "Fuzzy Wuzzy was a Bear" poem which he thought was hilarious. (Yes, he's 10. I don't know why it was so funny.) He wanted more. I did the only thing I could think of. I sang an old song I learned in Girl Scouts called "Make New Friends". Do you know it?

Make new friends

But keep the old

Some are silver

And the others gold.

Make new friends.

He looked at me so funny when I finished and then he cocked his head and said, "No wonder you didn't have many friends when you were growing up. You went around singing dorky songs like that!"