Another fun day

Yesterday we fished,

paddle boated,

played with our friends



went to Enchanted Rock. Only to find a really long line of cars waiting to get in.

Made new plans.

Went to the LBJ ranch,

had a picnic,



learned about a president,






locked our sisters in an out house,

remembered our roots,




earned our Junior Ranger badges,









played just dance,

are ice cream,

and had another great day.


Jenn- Posted from my iPhone

A lovely day

What a wonderful way to spend the day...

We read,

took a walk,



played at the park,

soaked our feet,



one of us fell in the tub with out clothes on while soaking feet,



visited the bait shop,

fished,

had a kid led worship service,






paddle boated,

swam (kids, adults aren't that crazy),






played board games,

worked a puzzle,

played with friends,

roasted marshmallows,



fed Canadian geese,



practiced instruments,

and watched TV.

Yep, I'm ready to call it a night.


Jenn- Posted from my iPhone

A much needed hair cut

Rehm puts off hair cuts forever.



Before



After

Jenn- Posted from my iPhone

Respectful Evangelism

Today three very polite LDS missionaries knocked on my door. I don't typically answer the door during the day. When I saw who it was I hurriedly said, "I don't have time for this today!" and quickly closed the door.

One of them yelled after me, "Is there anything we can help you do?"

I thanked them and told them no. Again, yelling as I walked away from the door.

I really did not have time today to talk with them as I was getting ready to leave to go grocery shopping.

Honestly,I don't like people knocking on my door, if I don't know them, for any reason and have never liked this method of evangelism. I personally don't find it effective. But that is just my introverted opinion.

But, the sincere offer for help when it was obvious I was in a hurry has truly stuck with me today. I honestly think if I had said they could have helped, they really would have done whatever task I needed done. That was a much more meaningful form of evangelism than anything they could have told me about their denomination's specific beliefs.


Jenn- Posted from my iPhone

Happy Valentine's Day

In case you are not on my Christmas card mailing list, or if you received a empty envelop from our family, sorry Kellys,  this week, here is our Valentine's Day greetings to you.

No, I didn't get these out by Christmas.  Luckily several years ago I learned that Christmas cards didn't have to be Christmas cards.  In fact, I kind of like sending them on a different holiday when the card is one of a handful that arrive, instead of getting lost with all the others that arrive at Christmas. 

The picture was taken at Jo's Coffee on South Congress in Austin.  It seemed like a good spot for a Valentine's Day card.  It was very popular and there were several other people taking pictures there that day.

If you did not receive a card and would like to be on my holiday card mailing list (notice I didn't call it the Christmas card list) send me an email and I'll add you.

I hope everyone had a great Valentine's Day.
Jenn

A New Use for Duct Tape

Mom is currently going through chemotherapy for breast cancer. She is doing great and her prognosis is wonderful.

I'm currently visiting to hang out and see for my own eyes how she is handling the chemo.

Mom's hair has been falling out for a few weeks now. She had it buzzed before it started to fall out. What hair is left is prickly and itchy and driving her crazy.

Today we got out the duct tape and "waxed" her head. I'd take a strip, apply it against the grain, smooth it down good, then rip it off.

It was actually kind of fun. We laughed bunches. She said it didn't hurt and she says it feels much better now.

Mom and Sherri, tried this method a few weeks ago but didn't have as much success as the hair was shorter. Sherri, where did you come up with this method?

Jenn- Posted from my iPhone

I Love You the Most

I promise this is the last post on the kids 14 Days of Valentine's.

Honestly, when I saw this idea I thought it was cute but too much work. I wasn't going to do it. Over lunch, at the end of January, my friend Dianne said she was going to do it and urged me to give it a go myself.

I'm so glad I listened to her! My kids have absolutely loved it. They are very excited each day to see what I write. If I'm behind on getting them done, they remind me. The girls love to compare each other's each day, which definitely keeps it challenging for me.

I'm traveling this week. One of the girls' biggest concerns about me being gone was who would do their valentines.

When I told Ruby it was going to be Daddy she was not very confident in his ability. She inquired if I had taught him how to do them. I assured her I had. Actually, I did them for him. All he has to do is tape them on their doors. I think he is up to that challenge. And, he has plenty of other things to keep him busy while I'm gone.

A couple of days ago I decided to basically tell each child they were my favorite. That day they received the following:

Ruby: I love you the most

Eliza Claire: I love you the best

Charlotte: I love you the highest

Rehm: I love you the greatest

That night Ruby asked, "Do you really love me the most?"

I replied, "Yes! I love you the most. And, I love Eliza Claire the best. And, I love Charlotte the highest. And, I love Rehm the greatest."

"But, you love me the most, Mommy?" She insisted.

"Yes, Ruby, I most certainly do!"


Jenn- Posted from my iPhone

Priorities

It's been a long and full day. Many things did not get done that should have.

After coming home around 9:45 from a meeting, I should have made time for laundry,


And dishes, I won't show you but it's as bad as the laundry.

Instead, I did today's Valentines,


And worked on Eliza Claire's sleepover bag, it's almost done.



Yes, the house is a mess, but my kids feel loved and important. The other stuff can wait.

Jenn- Posted from my iPhone

Now for a Nicer Parenting Moment

Thanks to Pinterest I have been posting hearts with messages on each child's door this month. Actually, I have to post Rehm's in his room as it embarrasses him to have them on his door.



They all love it, but the girls are actually vocal about it. They love to check and see if they've gotten new messages and what everyone's say.

In fact, they love it so much they have started leaving hearts for us on our door.



Now, I have to admit, it is really hard to come up with 14 things per child that are special and not going to make anyone feel left out. Does that make me a bad mom? It should be easy to come up with 14 things I love about each kid, right? But it is so hard. Would it be easier if I had fewer children? I don't know but it makes me feel like I'm doing it wrong.


Jenn- Posted from my iPhone

Confessions of Tsumommy

My Mother-In-Law gave me this comic strip about a year ago.  I promptly hung it on my refrigerator.  It is still there today.


Since seeing the comic strip I have taken Tsumommy on as one of my many nicknames.  I've even asked to have it put on a personalized license plate on my van.  My dear husband assures me there are better uses of our money than to have a personalize license plate.  Maybe a bumper sticker or some kind of window decal with a wave and a Tsumommy Warning.  Oh, I know, the Tsunami warning sign with a wave with a mom head and kids running screaming away.

 

I did notice that there is a book out called Tsumommy:  Riding the wave of Motherhood when I was on Google trying to find the  Baby Blues comic strip.  I haven't read it but think I might have to at some point.  It came out prior to the Baby Blues comic strip so I guess I need to give it credit for the term.

Today has been a major TsuMommy kind of day.  The kids are out of school for three consecutive teacher work days and they are driving me crazy.  They are whiny and bickering and messy.
This morning they were going to play Wii but could not get any remote controls to work.  When I went to investigate I found a huge mess of poorly taken care of components and games and I was TsuMommy.

I'm so over them not taking care of their stuff.  I'm very close to packing up all the games, controllers and console and selling it all.  Of course when something doesn't work they have no clue why that might be the case.  Even when telling me about it they are standing on a Wiimote!

The solution today is they all lost electronic privileges.  And if any Wiimotes or other components need to be purchased it will be from their collective allowance.  I am not spending more money on this for them to continue to throw it on the floor and walk over it.

Yep, TsuMommy is in the house today!  It's a shame, as I really don't like her. 

Overheard in the Van

While driving around this afternoon, the girls were talking about school. Charlotte mentioned playing Jeopardy in math.

Ruby: What's Jeopardy?

Charlotte: It's a game show on TV that old people watch.

Grandpa, I think she may be referring to you. And I guess Rehm has been old since he was a toddler. He loves that show.

Jenn- Posted from my iPhone

Someone Thinks He Is a Seamtress

Can you call a boy a seamstress? What is the proper term for a male who likes to see? I honestly don't know and will have to go look it up when I'm finished writing.

Phineas loves all parts of the sewing process. Cutting, pinning, sewing, he likes it all. And he especially loves to take pins out of things you've just pinned and run through the house with them.

So far today he has been here.


And here.


And here.


He has also managed to knock off my box of pins and spill them all over the floor.

It is much harder to sew with an interested cat than an interested child!

In case you're wondering, today's project is a sleepover bag for Eliza Claire. I'm sure with all the help I'm getting, and all the other stuff I need to get done, I won't finish it today.

Jenn- Posted from my iPhone

What My Window Sill is Telling Me

It seems, unbeknownst to me, that I like to grow things. Who knew? Guess it is time to think about growing things outside instead of just by the kitchen sink.

Jenn- Posted from my iPhone

The Lint Fairy

About once a week I find evidence that the Lint Fairy has visited. She is such an awesome
fairy. She randomly visits and cleans the lint filter on my dryer.
I don't know why she does this but I do know she enjoys it immensely as I have caught a glimpse once or twice.


Jenn- Posted from my iPhone

Slurp!

Charlotte had her palette expander placed today. She hates it! She wishes it could come out, now!

Honestly, for all of the complaining she is doing great. Every few minutes she slurps really loudly. I know that will go away in a few days.



Two kids with palette expanders down, two to go...

Jenn- Posted from my iPhone

Shakespeare

After school Ruby pitched a fit. It started because she needed to do her reading and I asked her to bring her book downstairs. She wanted to read upstairs. It quickly elevated and The Wrath of Ruby visited for 45 minutes.

Anyway, we were running late to pick up Rehm. He got in the car.

Rehm: Why were you late?

Me: Don't ask!

Rehm: Oh, was there some "Shakespeare?"

Me: Yes, most definitely, Shakespeare.

He cracks me up! Luckily, "Shakespeare" went over the girls' head and did not lead to more drama.

Ruby, calmed down in time to be her sunny, happy self for Wednesday night dinner and programming at church. Unfortunately she missed choir.

Hoping the rest of you had a Shakespeare free evening.



Jenn- Posted from my iPhone

Feeling Old

On the way to Rehm's basketball game this morning Rehm and I were listening to the radio and talk. I told him I had fun last night at an 80s sing-a-long I went to with several of my friends.

Me: Rehm, can you believe they didn't play any Madonna last night?

Rehm: (complete silence)

Me: do you even know who Madonna is?

Rehm: Let me guess, someone who is really old but still famous.

Me: Wow, thanks for making me feel old.

Rehm: Oh, wait. Didn't she preform at the Super Bowl?

At least he had actually heard of her. I'm thinking we will be listening to some Madonna at our house this afternoon.

Jenn- Posted from my iPhone

What now?

Ruby wanted to try growing pumpkins, even though it was the wrong time of year.

We started with cutting open a pumpkin and filling it with dirt. We had several spouts but the cold weather kept killing them.

She found a stray seed and brought it inside to plant in one of my kitchen window pots.



Now we have this nice pumpkin vine and I'm wondering what we do with it now. I'm considering repotting in a milk jug and hoping to move it outside in about a month. I'm completely clueless on pumpkin growing.

Anyone have any suggestions?


Jenn- Posted from my iPhone

Parenting on Display

Let me set the scene for you.  Wednesdays are a very busy day.  The girls come home from school and have an hour to have snack and get homework done before we leave for choir.  We pick Rehm up from school and arrive at church, 30 minutes away, about 10 minutes late for choir.  Following choir we have church dinner and then Bible Study for me and mid-week programming for the kids.  It is a busy day.  There is no good way to do it.  And no way to skip it because all four kids love choir and their respective programming.

Today, when we were leaving the house I had to insist that Ruby bring a coat.  Not, wear it, just bring it.  She didn't want to but I knew she would need it before we got home as the lows are in the upper 20s this week.  She was not happy.  We get to choir and all the kids hop out of the car.  Ruby left her coat in the car.  I wasn't surprised since she didn't want to bring it with her in the first place. 

When I picked Ruby up from choir the first thing she asked is, "where's my coat?"  I asked if she brought it to choir.  She said she didn't.  I replied, "well, that means it is in the car."  She lost it!  According to her I was supposed to have known she wanted me to bring it in, even though she did not ask me to.  Then she insisted that we go immediately to the car to get it.

Of course, if I had brought the coat in we could have just as easily had a fit because I was supposed to know she wanted it left in the car.  You just never know what Ruby will be personally offended by at any given moment.

I had four hungry kids and food on the table waiting for all of them.  I explained that it wasn't a choice to get the coat right then but I would be happy to walk with her to get it after dinner. 

She proceeded to cry, yell and generally be mad at me.  By this time we were in the fellowship hall filled with other diners.  She started hitting me with a stuffed bunny she had with her just to make sure I really understood how upset she was with me.  I took the bunny away.  Of course, that made her madder.  She refused to eat.  She yelled while hiding under my chair.  She decided to eat a little bit but didn't like the way it was plated.  And on, and on, and on. 

All this time, we are sitting at a table with my Mother and Father in law and surrounded by many people.  My parenting was very much on display.  It was embarrassing and I felt like everyone in the room was staring at me and judging my fitness as a parent.  I know my perception and reality were not in sync.  But there is nothing like a misbehaving kid to make you feel like the whole world is judging you.

I remained firm in my expectations and weathered the Wrath of Ruby.  Finally, she had earned the privilege of having her bunny back and had met the requirements for me to walk her to the car for her coat.  She berated me on the way to the car for not being able to read her mind and know she wanted me to bring her coat.  I explained that we had had a miscommunication but she was not excepting any responsibility for the fiasco that had transpired. 

Once we retrieved the coat we had about two minutes of happy, tranquil Ruby.  Then I said something, I don't even remember what, that got her started again. 

At this point she was upset that I was going to Bible Study.  She told me I did too much and I needed to quit something so I would be home more nights.  I explained that my Bible Study takes place while she is at What-A-Wednesday.  It didn't matter.  I needed to quit something!

We get back in the building and she insists that I have to take her bunny to Bible Study with me.  Yes, the bunny that she got mad at me for taking away from her a half an hour earlier.  Now she could only survive the evening if it went with me.

We went to the restroom before taking her to class.  In the restroom, she informed me that I needed to stop embarrassing her!  All I had done all evening was embarrass her. 

I was very happy to drop her off at her class and told her teachers that I hope her behavior was much better for them than it had been for me.  Of course, she was an angel for them and her happy sunny self when we picked her up. 

Parenting this child sure is a tiring, full-time job.  She is worth every minute of it.  And, deep down I would not change her one tiny bit.  She is perfect and she is Ruby. 

 All my classmates loved that bunny joined us for study tonight.

Jenn

One Man's Trash...

Is another's treasure.

This morning on the way to drop off kids at school, I spotted a wooden box sitting out with someone's trash about a half a block from my house. It looked rustic and interesting. I thought if it was still there when I came home I might have to check it out.



I tried to talk myself out of going to get a closer look. But, I had something to mail and Pearl needed a walk so she would go potty. She is such a princess, she won't leave the patio if the grass is wet. It just so happened that the house with the box was the same direction as the mailbox.

As we passed the house I continued to try to talk myself out of the box. I mean what is the proper etiquette for taking someone's trash? Now, it's not like I was going through anyone's trash cans or bags. This was in plain sight and obviously part of their trash as it was sitting right up against a bag of trash.

Do you knock on the door and ask if they mind if you take their trash? Do you just grab it and go? I mean seriously, how awkward. I decided to grab and go.

Of course, I was walking so I had to carry it home. Nothing says trash re-homer quite like walking down the street with a wooden box, two dogs and a bag of poop.

I love it. I need to clean it a bit. I have no idea what I'm going to do with it. My husband is going to roll his eyes and shake his head when he asks where it came from.












Am I the only one that checks out other people's trash and occasionally comes home with a piece?


Jenn- Posted from my iPhone

*the picture by the garbage cans is staged outside my house, even I'm not crazy enough to stand and take pictures of garbage outside someone else's house. You have to draw the line somewhere!