Saturday, May 14, 2011

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Probably Even The Kitchen Sink

It's been awhile since I've actually sat down to write the many blog posts flowing through my mind.  Many, many!  They will have to wait, because though I'm sure my thoughts on packaged cookie dough, couponing, and purple argyle socks will absolutely blow your mind (insert tongue in cheek here) I have some precious little people running around that say the funniest things. Funny little people sayings trump brilliant ramblings about how purple argyle socks make me happy.   It seems that living life has been getting in the way of writing about it ... which is OK! I am still desperate, though, to record all of the tiny moments that make up our days. Maybe more desperate than ever before, even.

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I belong to a message board along with a young military wife. Watching her grow and love and live over the past two years has been like watching the me from ten years ago. She is enjoying their first child; a daughter. To read her posts is like an instant flash back. Those flash backs are involuntary and I've no control over them. When I try to make myself remember things, there seems to be nothing there. I try so hard to remember tiny details from when Abigail was a baby and only fleeting moments dance by. Every moment is precious, so I'm really going to try better to write more often. I want my children to know that I cherish every day I have with them ... it is hard to convey that if I can't remember the contents of which those days were filled!



Preparation makes life run so much more smoothly! With my Tommy going back to school full time, his hours away from home are very consistent which is not something we are used to enjoying. Oh, how it has helped with planning and living life! I've always made a menu, that isn't what I'm talking about.  I've recently scheduled days to have each child as a kitchen helper.  I still enjoy all of the kids helping out on the weekends, by Monday through Thursday there is only one child allowed in the kitchen.

What is funny is that I started off by deciding who was going to be my helper by pairing them with their favorite meal. For instance, here is this weeks' menu:

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Monday
Emily- Oatmeal with blueberries
        Roasted Chicken and Veggies, broccoli
Tuesday
Ian- Eggs and cantaloupe
      Tacos, Rice, and Nachos
Wednesday
Abigail- Hard Boiled Eggs and Muffins
         Stuffed Shells, Garlic bread, and Green Beans
Thursday

Katherine- Baked Oatmeal and apples
            Burgers, Macaroni and Cheese, Baked beans, and salad

Now, know what is funny about this?  We haven't stuck with the actual menu at all.  I was running a little behind on Monday so didn't get the vegetables chopped and peeled to go into the oven with the chicken in time, so on Monday Emily and I made burgers- not her favorite, but she was still thrilled to be working with just me in the kitchen.  So, what will we have on Thursday?  I guess Katherine and I will do the roasted chicken.

I have so enjoyed our one on one time together.

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My Tommy does bedtime with the kids on Saturday and Sunday.  Well, I was in the kitchen freezing muffins, making his lunches for the week, and cleaning up.

Katherine came in and said, "Daddy tell me lay down 'side you."

I said, "Why did-" and before I could finish asking why he told her that she said,

"Momma, whatchoo doin'?  What have you?  Why is this dirty?  How come dishes is here?  Is that bacon?  Me like bacon.  Momma, whatchoo doin'?" 

I'm telling you, all of those questions plus some I can't remember were asked in rapid succession with in 20 seconds.  I suddenly knew why Daddy sent her down and didn't have to ask.

I finished getting that batch of of muffin batter in their papers and in the freezer, then went to cuddle with her on the couch.  She asked me to read  her a little board book, by the time I was done with the first page -which was a grand total of four words- she was fast asleep. 

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While I'm talking about Katherine, one day during school we were going through the calendar and she went and grabbed the "Special Event" square and plopped on a day.  (A day that was actually in the next month, but we won't tell her that.)

I said, "Katherine, what is special about that day."
She pondered for a second with her finger touching her lip, then she proclaimed with arms spread wide, "It is KATHERINE DAY!"

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Let's see, Emily.  The other day Miss Emily brought me a paper she had colored and proclaimed, "Happy Birthday to you!" as she handed it to me with a beaming smile.

"I tried to make a rainbow."

"I see that rainbow, very good! What are these? Clouds?"

"Mhmm!"

"And what about this down here?"

"A pot hole."
I love her creativity.  I don't think I would have ever thought about drawing a pot hole to go along with a rainbow.

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Mr.  Jonathan is nine months old.  Wow!  How is that possible?  He is currently jumping up and down in his "boingaboing" while chewing on the play carrot and apple. Okay, well, that currently was written  45 minutes ago.  This currently, he is crawling on the floor being stopped by the human barrier named Emily.  Emily is keeping him safe from Ian's lego pile and out from under the feet of Abigail who is practicing piano.

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Speaking of Abigail, what would I ever do without her?  She amazes me daily with her caring heart and desire to nurture others.  Yesterday I mused that coffee cups should be self refilling and she informed me that is what nine year old little girls are for.

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Now, Ian.  Ian is reveling in looking like a beaver, thanks to the two teeth that decided to fall out last week.  He has informed us that eating is much more fun without those two teeth.

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Ian's reading is coming along very well.  He is thoroughly enjoying his current Explode the Code book.  I love watching him learn, even more, I love watching him love to learn.

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My Tommy is doing so well with his school.  This time next year he will be graduating.  I can't believe he finally decided to use his Montgomery G.I. Bill, but am so thankful that he has the opportunity to  do so and that he is taking advantage of it!

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Overall, life is good.  We have a Savior who loves us and blesses us so dearly.  What can I say?  We are blessed.

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**Disclaimer**
     Pictures in this post have nothing to do with the post itself ... other than being just as discombobulated as the post itself.  :)


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