Future hairdresser

Cookie Monster loves "doing yours hair," which, through a paci in his mouth translates to my hair. He loves touching it, combing it, whatever I let him do.
A few nights ago he was "cutting yours hair" (with play scissors of course), while he was wearing high heels. When pastor called and I told him what was going on, he got a big laugh out of that. What was even funnier though, happened after the phone conversation ended.
Cookie Monster had been using some of my old makeup brushes to put makeup on me too. After he finished my hair, he wanted to put makeup on me. But he couldn't find the brushes.
"Where's the makeup? Where's the makeup?" he kept shouting, hindered slightly by the paci in his mouth.
The paci didn't hinder what he said next: "Where's the paci? Damnit, Bella, where's the paci?"
My mom asked if we scolded him. How could we when we were laughing so hard we cried?

Toilet training

So what contaminants can be gathered from taking a "swig" from the toilet???
LaRue just decided she was thirsty, stuck her hand in a sucked off the excess. Gross.
This incident leads me to an ongoing discussion: Princess, would you please close the toilet lid and the bathroom door???!!!!!
Ooops, gotta go. LaRue is screaming because she can't seem to fit a doll shirt over her head while she is trying to climb on top of the Thomas the Train table.

Night night

Last night during one of my half-dozen trips in to kiss my kiddos and tell them good night, I caught the Princess reading. She and Farmer Boy have been reading with just a book light on for the last few nights.
Lately, they've been reading their Bibles. But she was taking that even more in-depth.
Apparently, she's been watching me because she had a pen and a bookmark and was using that bookmark to underline things in her Bible. It just melted my heart!
She smiled kind of sheepishly.
I smiled back, but also smiled in my heart.

Pit Play

Here is a picture of the Princess playing in the pit at her birthday party. It's the one I got stuck in.

Pray for Hollywood

For some time now, I've received emails from the Hollywood Prayer Network. This group actually prays alone and collectively, sometimes even on site, for actors and actresses.
Anyone who knows me, knows I believe in the power of prayer. They also know I have a dirty little secret that I like to read trashy magazines. I know, there are other things I could be doing. But I read them AFTER I do my Bible Study!
Anyhow, here are a couple of disturbing prayers to keep on your list:
-As if Michael Jackson wasn't disturbing enough, he has now decided to change religions. He just converted to Islam and changed his name to Mikaeel. Jackson was raised as a Jehovah's Witness and recently decided to convert, following his involvement with Muslim friends in his current album. A friend of his, Cat Stevens, also converted.
-Jennifer Aniston was recently quoted as saying: "I don't have a religion. I believe in a God. I don't know what it looks like but it's MY god. My own interpretation of the supernatural." She also recently posed pretty nude.
So, keep these "leaders" in your prayers. Whether we like it or not, they influence America and especially those who are lost.

It's a "White Trash" Christmas

Caught your attention, didn't I? Our seven year old is too smart for his own good. Actually, all of our kids are now that I think about it.
He and the 6-year-old Princess were rummaging through the wrapped Christmas presents, trying to guess what they are getting. When they asked why Cookie Monster has more packages, I explained that we spend the same amount of money on each of them, but that his individual gifts don't cost as much.
While the Princess digested that information, Mr. Money Man (Farmer Boy) responded with: "Our stuff is more expensive. You buy him white trash presents."
Yes Farmer Boy, we love you more.

Oh, to loose that baby weight and then some!

OK. So, let me issue a warning to any "plump" people out there (those like me....):
DO NOT THINK YOU CAN DANGLE FROM A BAR 8-FOOT HIGH AND FALL INTO A PIT FILLED WITH FOAM SQUARES AT GYMNASTICS.
If you weigh anything more than, say, a tiny child, you SINK!
And if you haven't worked out regularly for some time ... playing college softball 10+ years ago does not count .... it takes a long time to find your way out of the middle of the pit.
And if you are surrounded by, um, about 15 little 5 and 6 year olds, it takes even longer to find your way out. Oh, and your socks start to slide off in the middle of the foam. And your husband will dessert you.
Maybe one of those last words -- dessert -- is what has gotten me into this mess.
Anyhow, it was all part of the Princesses recent 6th birthday party. I just wanted to join in the fun and feel like a kid again.
Guess I should've stuck to my response to the gymnastics coach when I said that bar seemed really high and that I probably wouldn't have climbed up there when I was 5 or 6. I then told her I probably wouldn't now.
But then she went to the other side of the gym, and you know what they say.....
"When the coach is away, the plump people play."
Or was it PAY?
I need some Tylenol.

Merry Christmas to the DR --- $$$$$$

So, it's been awhile since I've added a post. There are a couple of reasons for that. Well, actually maybe one:
-EMERGENCY ROOMS
We took Cookie Monster to the ER while visiting Papa and Mema out of state. Of course, the injury involved Farmer Boy and the Princess, but at least not directly. The three, along with a cousin, were racing through the kitchen when Cookie Monster fell and hit the corner of a cabinet just right.
I never knew head injuries bled so bad. I about passed out from the sight of the blood. That injury required 5 staples and four adults to hold him down. However, he just smiled when they stapled his head.
Right at three weeks later, we took another trip to the ER. Thankfully, this happened at home. That way, we won't have the authorities knocking on our door.
LaRue somehow fell out of her highchair. We think the tray was not latched. She had 2 stiches in her head. She, however, did NOT smile during the procedue. Neither did I.
Three hours after arriving in the ER, I told them I was leaving. I was tired of wrestling with LaRue. I'm sure they thought I was rather rude, but I'm not going to let her down to mess on the floor and my arms were tired!
A third trip to the ER involved the Princess. She came home from school with a huge bulging black and blue growth on her knee. Of course, the dr.'s office couldn't fit her in. Turned out it was just a hematoma. Yuck. I was worried she broke something, which she has done before and not complained for a few days.
So, three trips to the ER within a very short timeframe.
Oh, and just a short time after LaRue's ER visit, we had the stomach flu at our house.
She was the only one to NOT get sick. Nothing like having the two boys puke during a 5-hour road trip.
The biggest Farmer Boy in our house couldn't understand why I was yelling at him as he drove 50 MPH on the interstate. I was holding two cups full of puke and had it running up my arm.
The speed limit was 75.
Now, three of the four kids have pink eye. Isn't life grand?

My momma always said...

I've found myself having to tell (shout at) my kids some very intuitive things lately:
1. "Do NOT stick your hand down the garbage disposal!"
2. "No, you can NOT microwave finger nail polish to make it softer."
3. "Do not lick your sister's face."
I thought everything we needed to know, we learned in kindergarten????......

My little task master

So how much homework can one little kid have?? Cookie Monster-- says he has homework. And tonight, even though there is no school for 3 days -- he needs to do it. His homework is "memorys." He hears about memory work throughout the week.

This comes from our little 2 year old (pictured in the Preschool shirt). Or, as he says, "two and halfs."

In addition to homework, he thinks he must prepare his own meals. One day he brought me a pile of cheese slices when I was scrapbooking. I told him he could have 1 slice and rest needed to be put back in the fridge. "OK," he said, running back upstairs. He returned with a knife and loaf of bread. Guess maybe we should feed him once a week or so??

Max Lucado Rocks!

These words are wisdom are from my favorite author! Enjoy!
Some words of wisdom from Max Lucado's Book "When God Whispers Your Name"
Pray all the time. If necessary, use words.
God forgets the past. Imitate him.
Greed I've often regretted. Generosity--never.
Don't ask God to do what you want. Ask God to do what is right.
No one is useless to God. No one.
Nails didn't hold God to a cross. Love did.
You will never forgive anyone more than God has already forgiven you.

Amazing Thought

This was in one of my daily devotionals:
"God is more interested in our character than our comfort. He desires that we produce more spiritual fruit. Therefore, He's always at work pruning the areas of our lives that don't match His plans. So, when God allows our world to be turned upside down, we are not experiencing a "setback" but rather a "cutback." In God's economy, a cutback can be a good thing because it makes room for more good stuff to come."
It's based on 2 verses:
"He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that is will be even more fruitful." John 15:2 (NIV)
Galatians 5:22-23, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control..." (NIV)
(Thanx Micca Monda Campbell)

Our Hired Hand

We have a new hired hand at our house. He's about 3 foot tall, carries a couple of pacis and loves to drink from a sipper. Lately, Cookie Monster thinks he decides when he and dad will be going to the farm. Even with 3 inches of rain, when asked if they were going to the farm, Cookie Monster replied: "Yes" (with a paci in his mouth of course).
If dad tries to leave without him, I am left peeling our strong hired hand off of the floor and comforting him with .... a paci.
If Cookie Monster gets to work, he says they are "going to the 'arm." At least gramma has a supply of chocolate donuts there to reward him for all his hard work:)

Dancing Ladies

So, Cookie Monster is talking A LOT more lately. Recently, he announced that the Princess watches "Hannah Montama" -- aka Hannah Montana. When asked what show Farmer Boy likes to watch, he said "Eat Ife" -- aka Suite Life. They are both Disney shows.
When asked what show dad watches, he just smiled.
This morning, he announced dad watches "Dancing Ladies."
Huh, wonder where he got that from?? I plead the fifth.
But dad does like to watch "Dancing with the Stars."

Work Work Work

When I called home today while I was running errands, Cookie Monster said "Hi." I asked what he was doing. "Work." Dad must be quite the slave driver I guess.

He just cracks me up. When someone goes to leave, he says "By y'all."

When it was time for the first day of school, he even packed his bag. He ran and got the Thomas backpack and filled it with an eraser, a bottle of glue and a snack. When he got to take the kids to school last week, he brought the bag along, filled with a frog (rubber of course), a rolling pin, a block, a snack and a spoon. He took it in to school and brought it along for chapel too. He just makes me laugh. One pic is of him wearing his bag the night he packed it.

Another pic was taken two nights ago after he fell asleep wearing his sunglasses in bed. The third photo is of him in is underwear (over a diaper). He's quite proud of them. Although, I think that will change in a few years when he sees this picture:))

My Little Cowgirl

The Princess started kindergarten recently. Already, she is being very vocal about what she wants to wear each day. Today, this was her creation! Someday, I know she'll say, "Why did you dress me that way?" It wasn't me dear.... I said to wear tennis shoes. BTW, those are capris she is wearing with the boots.

Little talker

Cookie Monster (age 2) is just starting to talk a whole lot. But we could understand him loud and clear this weekend when he proclaimed from the backseat, "Mom, (Farmer Boy)'s whining."
Farmer Boy (age 6) had the normal response, in his best whining/crying voice: "No I'm not!"
Too funny!

Women only

I love the idea of using reusable shopping bags. Because otherwise we have a huge pile of plastic bags and end up throwing some away after awhile. So I've been a responsible shopper when I remember to bring them in the store.
However, I ran in to a slight problem last week. When I handed the few bags to the clerk, she passed them to the teenage boy bagging groceries. He was pulling one bag out of another, when ...
What drops to the counter but.... a tampon! And a couple of pads.
The boy stood there, looking at it. I could tell he didn't know what it was. I started laughing and said, "Oh, I'll take that." And then I quickly grabbed the pads.
He still had no clue. But the people in the nearby checkout looked to see why the female clerk and I were laughing.
"He's probably more embarrassed than me," I told her. She agreed.
Poor boy.
Guess he got an anatomy lesson that day! And the poor thing is probably still getting teased.

Burpie Bessie

Our kids have created names for each family member. The Princess has been named: Burpie Bessie. That changed recently after 2 wonderful situations.
On a trip to the store with ALL 4 kids, The Princess was complaining that her stomach hurt. I thought we just needed to stop at the restroom and then get her some lunch.
Well, we were stopped at the door greeter getting our sticker to return an item. Huh, guess where we were? Our town's "shopping mall??" Suddenly, she barfed all over.
I quickly grabbed all four kids and turned around to leave. Then it happened again....
A trail of barf all the way to the door.
Then it happened in the parking lot.
Then near the car.
Good thing I had a change of clothes in the car and plenty of wipes. A caring bystander even stopped to offer help.
After getting the other 3 situated and all the barf cleaned up, I actually had to laugh (to myself of course).
How funny that she had barfed at the store that so many people despise -- Wal-Mart. Plus, my wise youngsters added: at least we didn't have to clean it up. This was true.
But the problem was, I'm not sure if we'll be allowed in any store in town soon. About 2 weeks earlier she got sick in the grocery store. We were just getting ready to take our lunch to our table when.....
The Princess barfed. Right in front of the deli.
If that doesn't kill your appetite, I don't know what will.
That day, I did not have extra clothes with. She just sat in her undies on the way home.
But once that episdoe happened, I quickly grabbed her and told Farmer Boy to go sit with the baby in a booth. We rushed to the bathroom, where... she barfed all the way to the door and also inside.
Again, I laughed.
At least I didn't have to clean it up.

Adventures in Stupidity

I had actually written this post last week, but got an error when I went to post it (isn't technology great?). Our family has invested in a hand-held GPS system. The kids and I took it out to search for geocaches last week. If you've never done this, I'd suggest you give it a try. It's sooo much fun. Check out http://www.geocaching.com/

Quick lingo lesson:

Geocache -- hidden treasure filled with trinkets

GPS -- satellite system that gives you the coordinates for the treasures

Muggle -- a non-geocacher who spoils the search

The first treasure we found was filled with fishing bobbers and dice. The kids each too one and left another toy in its place. We also left Bible verse cards. My mom suggested we do that. What a great idea to witness.

We didn't find a couple of the treasures. I think someone (a muggle) had plundered them.

The best search, though, was following a 1/2 mile long trail and then searching in 7 foot weeds.

Did I mention it was about 90 degrees outside? A friend drove by and called and asked if I was crazy. That was my thoughts exactly at that moment.

Thank goodness we found that treasure. Otherwise, the "how much further?" "Can I carry the GPS?" "She's carried it longer." "It's hot." "I got bit." whining would have been for nothing.

We found the tresure, but it was pretty bare. But we left plenty in return so others could have fun.

That night, we took dad for a couple searches. It's actually quite addicting once you get started.

I'm sure the old man across the street as entertained at one site. We were on our hands and knees looking under playground equipment. Never did find that one.

My niece left that week with a whole plethora of goodies: bracelets, fishing bobbers, bracelets and more bracelets.

The kids had fun though. Maybe we'll go out today and search for more.

Oh wait, the heat index is supposed to be around 100. Never mind.

What was I thinking?

Doggy debut

Today was the white puffball's big debut. She and the Princess were part of the local 4-H Dog Show at the County Fair. It was very cute.

Lilly was shaking the entire time, scared to death. However, that didn't stop all 15 pounds of her from barking at a dog that came near the Princess. Way to go, protecting my baby.

There were a few tears at the start. But the Princess did wonderfully with the help of her 4-H leader.

At the end, the five dogs were paraded around the arena. Lilly stood out with her pink 4-H shirt.

Someone asked me if I'm happy to be a 4-H mom. Actually, I am. I live for this kind of stuff!

Amen

Cookie Monster is talking more everyday. Today, when it was time to eat lunch he shouted "Amen, brother!" At least he knows it's time to pray.

Over the 4th, his new phrase was "moon me." (Thanx Farmer Boy and Princess).

Crazy Cat

We have 2 new family members. They don't yet have names, but Halloween came early here when an orange and a black cat showed up. Actually, they were part of a family of 6 kitties and a mom. We're not sure how they found their way here, but we're guessing they came from someone's home because they were pretty tame. Possibly our neighbor?

Mom and 4 of the kitties have since disappeared.

Two timid little ones remain, just outside the door where our 15-pound attack dog can see them and get agitated. She tries to go near them and their claws come out. It's actually quite funny. The little kitty flies across the deck, hissing.

When asked what we should name the cats, the kids suggested: "poop" and "butt." Nice, huh?

Anyhow, Farmer Boy called me quite excited a few days ago. "I caught the kitty," he said.

He used a net to nab him and then stowed him away in a pet carrier with a bowl of milk. Each time the kids tried to get near him, he hissed.

Captivity lasted one night. The munchkins brought the kitty onto the porch. Our attack dog went crazy that night, barking to protect her turf.

The next morning, we were greeted by the stench of cat poop from inside the carrier on the porch. I said the cat had to be let free.

A. I couldn't stand the smell

B. You don't cage cats.

C. It was about 105 degrees heat index outside.

The kids protested, but Dad let the cat go anyway. When the kids returned home that evening, the cats were still on the deck. They even let the Princess pick them up. They've actually grown quite attached.

Yesterday, the kids spent an hour, two diaper boxes and about 3 rolls of tape building a "home" for the cats. The rain ruined those condos.

The cats didn't mind, though. They're keeping watch for our attack dog. We've explained to the kids that we don't keep cats, that they "keep" us.

Oh, and I'm thinking the cat's name could be "Freedom?"

My baby the bully

So we spent the weekend in Kansas City with 9 kids, plus our 4, 2 dogs, 1 great-gramma, 2 people who should be labeled kids and a few more adults.
Not only did we run out of diapers because Cookie Monster ate his fill of beans and left presents: 1 on the floor of the car, 1 at the bottom of my parent's steps, but my baby put on a show.
(The second one was quite funny cuz one of those "people" found it.)
LaRue spent many minutes acting as her 10-month-old bully self. She spent time body-slamming her little 4-month-old cousin, stealing her pacifier and feeling her face. It was quite cute though, and nobody got hurt.
LaRue better keep in mind that the cousin is almost catching up with her 17-pound frame. That baby has rolls that have to be moved to change her diaper. Quite entertaining, actually.

Oh Honey

My kids pride themselves on their knowledge of farm life and operations. So, I guess it's no surprise that they know what a "honey wagon" is. They had to explain this to an adult female on our train ride. When the conductor asked for a honey truck to meet the train at one stop, Farmer Boy immediately broke out laughing.

"What's that?" a woman sitting nearby asked.

Um...maybe this photo will help you understand. It was taken outside a 7-11 in Park City.

Vacation pix

I finally have taken the time to add photos from our trip to Park City, Utah. The photos are (l to r): 1. The gem search at Dinosaur Park. We found lots of treasures there! 2. Cookie Monster enjoying the view from a "cave" at Dino Park. 3. Just read the above sign! 4. East High -- the site of High School Musical. The roof just out of view in the pic is where Troy and Gabriella take off to during the movie. 4. Apparently LaRue didn't like her trip to the moon at the Planetarium.

Enjoy!

Who's kids are these anywhere?

Oh my, where do I start???
The 15+ phone calls during Bible Study today? Finally, I decided to answer. Big mistake. "Mom, 'Farmer Boy' stole my money."
Farmer Boy interuppted with some unintelligible ramblings. Click.
Done with that conversation. That is, until I check the 4 voice mail messages left within a 25-second time frame.
Ahh, motherhood.
It's so entertaining when you're standing in front of the church singing. You look out to see your dear husband sitting alone with all 4 kiddos. The youngest is sitting calmly, smiling as she chews -- and then swallows -- chunks of the church bulletin.
A short time later, Cookie Monster, is waving something white in the air. Maybe it's just an act of praise. No, it's a pad. "What's a pad?" Farmer Boy asks after church.
Yikes!
Later that night, when it's bath time the Princess is in the bath with a water gun.
Farmer Boy entered the room to tell her to hurry up and was assaulted.
He came running to the kitchen, proclaiming her weapon of choice. His, he told, was also a water gun: his "willy." And he was going to taser me with it.
Nice.
Who's kids are these anyway?

So Relaxing

We've just returned from an amazing vacation. My husband and I both agree it was the best vacation we've ever had (except for our honeymoon), even with 4 kiddos with. I think the private hot tub helped. So did the train ride, which left us free to play with the kids, sleep, etc. Did I mention sleep?
We traveled 25 hours via Amtrak to Park City, Utah. The views were so awesome. I was brought to tears a few times because of God's amazing work there. We spent time at the Olympic Park. We even got to watch some athletes train. We saw the Great Salt Lake, the Mormon Tabernacle and even a raft full of people mooning us.
The last thing was the highlight of the trip for Farmer Boy and the Princess.
We played in the snow, saw where they are filming High School Musical 3 (I think I may have seen Ashley Tisdale) and even visited the biggest scrapbook store I've ever seen. That was Tracy's suggestion.
(Can you hear the sarcasm?)
Check out a couple of photos. I'll write more later.

Called to serve

15:30 hours. The doorbell sings its pretty melody. I see brown out the window. At first I shudder because I think it's the UPS guy delivering one of my many online purchases. Why shudder? Because my husband's home and I don't feel like hearing the huffing about what I bought.

No, it was NOT UPS. It was someone else in brown. Someone with a badge. I open the door to be greeted by a deputy asking "Is everything alright here?"

"Yes, why?" I ask.

"We had a 911 call."

Huh, read the end of paragraph 1. Yes, my husband is home. Why yes, he is downstairs "WATCHING" the kids. Maybe he tied them up and they're calling for help. I can hope.

Not so lucky. I call the brood to the door. The Princess immediately says Cookie Monster called. Yeah right, why do you look like you're ready to cry, little girl in pink? I have the deputy explain to them why it's not so funny to call 911. After he leaves, we talk about how they speed to get out here (remember our blog title: Crazy in the Country), how others actually could use their help at that time, how God doesn't like when we lie.....

I continue to quiz her. I even told her she doesn't lie really well. The tears start to fall. Still, the mystery remains. Who called while dad was sitting next to them on the couch?

Nighty night

This is our 4th kid and this is the first time we've ever had one fall asleep in the highchair. Guess that's what happens when you're at the end of the line and you're being ignored. If I remember right, we were dealing with a crisis involving one of the other three. Or was it the snake in the basement???

Luckily, she (the little Princess, not the snake) was rescued quickly.

Poor baby.

Happy Mother's .... wait, I'm going to beat you...Day!

Mother's Day was this past weekend. This was the first year my kids have asked if they could buy me a card. This was also the first year they've decided to tell dad how poorly he's doing as far as recognizing me for this day, or any other special day (my birthday) during the year. Kind of funny if you ask me.

We were shopping at the grocery store and I was about ready to strangle Farmer Boy and the Princess when, in a faint whisper, she came and said, "Can I get you a Mother's Day Card? I'll pick it out and put it in the cart and you just have to pay for it."

How can you resist that?

But wait, I was ready to beat them a second ago. Ah, saved by the cuteness. I agreed and let them pick out a beautiful work of art.

Much to my delight on Mother's Day, I opened up one card to hear the song, "Whooomp, there it is!" This was from Farmer Boy. The card was quite funny, but has been adopted by Cookie Monster as his personal DJ service.

The other was a beautiful shade of pink on the front, with flowers, perfume and other "girly" things. It read "For the Woman Who Shares My Life." I commented on how pretty the card was and then opened it up to read further...

"I'm a very lucky person. I married a loving, caring woman..."

By now, I was holding the card in front of my face to cover the smile and laughter.

"....Who has given me the most wonderful family I could ever dream of. There's no way I could show you how much you mean to me...but I'll always keep trying. Happy Mother's Day."

Seriously, I was trying not to pee my pants, squeezing my legs together while wiping away tears of laughter.

My husband had caught on by now and said how pretty the card was.

The Princess signed it "Love me and Love **'s sister."

These cards were followed by the homemade ones from school

Oh, and dad get me a gift.

This was honestly the best Mother's Day yet.

Twooo much....

We've finally hit the "Terrible Twos" with Cookie Monster. He was so sweet prior to turning two, I thought there would be no "terrible" attached to this year. Hah! Don't get me wrong, he is still very sweet. In fact, he makes me laugh SOOO much. It's like a light was flipped on a he found he needs to assert his independence. I don't ever remembering it happening so dramatically with the older two.
Oh, but maybe they are part of the problem. Anyhow, we went for his 2-year-check. Going to the doctor has never been a problem before. That day, though (with the other 3 kids in tow), he decided to through a fit on the way in, when he was asked to step on the scale, when he was asked to put on a gown for the exam, etc., etc., etc.
His fit was so extreme that he almost fell off the exam counter in the dr.'s office. Guess he didn't want to show some skin. Then when the dr. came in, he scowled at her.
When we returned home, I had to peel him off of his sister's jumperoo to take him up for a nap. He screamed in his bed. Normally, he just lays down. When brother and sister went to get him up from his nap, he was so made he didn't want to get out of bed. He came downstairs with a frown on his face.
That night, when it was bath time we saw yet another tantrum. Normally, he comes running, begging to take a bath. Not that day. He hid under a chair. Once I pulled him out and tricked him in to taking his socks off, the tantrum subsided a little. He did scream when I put him in the tub, though.
The Princess helped entertain him a little in the tub, so he calmed down. Once it was time to get out, yet another fit. Now, we've had a fit because he didn't want to take a bath -- another because he doesn't want to get out.
I'm sure there was another fit before we went to bed.
At least he offers PLENTY of laughs throughout the day. He makes my heart smile.
Just like the rest of my babies.

I want to be just like you Lord...

"Lord, I want to be just like You, cause she wants to be like me." Those words come from an amazing song by Phillips, Craig & Dean. Lately, my kids do challenge me to be more like Christ because I know they are watching everything I do.

The Princess made this drawing last week. As it says at the top and she told me, it's "God and Jesus in heaven." Oh, out of the mouths (& hands) of babes....

Cookie Monster, or Tickle Me Elmo?

So Cookie Monster is making us laugh so hard lately. I'm thinking maybe his name needs to be changed -- maybe Tickle Me Elmo? On Monday I came home from taking Farmer Boy to school to find Cookie Monster's face covered in black marks. I asked what happened. Dad said he'd been coloring.
OK, so it's marker. Whatever.
Closer inspection reveals something different, though.
Powder. Face powder.
Guess he needed it to cover up the black marks, which were ... mascara. He smiled very cute for the picture. He'll regret that someday.

That same day, I came up from the basement to discover him on the counter, with the bartstool pulled up. He was reaching on TOP of the refrigerator to grab some Teddy Grahams. Guess he wasn't full from breakfast.

Later that day, he tried one of his new tricks: biting. He bit me. So, I thought I would solve that the same way I did with the Princess. I grabbed his arm and chomped. It didn't work like it did with the Princess. When she started her biting phase, I bit her back. She cried. I cried and that was that. She NEVER bit again.

Not Cookie Monster. I bit. He laughed. Finally, I stopped. He still laughed.

Totally lives up to the meaning of his name.

Today, he was playing with the wagon he got for his birthday. It's one of the those plastic outdoor toys. He filled it full of toys and was pulling it around the house. Good thing he got it a day early because it came in really handy tonight.

He used it to pull around the french fries he was having for supper.

Never a dull moment. Actually, I hear laughter and .....

"No, don't bite."

Gotta go.

Language arts

I have a friend who was worried about her child's language. I confessed that I'd have to admit the shortcomings in our home if I were honest. Like the time that I told our daughter she shouldn't say "*itch" because it makes God sad.

Her response: "Does it make God sad when you say '*itch?'"
Yeah well. They learn really quick. But I think I've learned even more. Gotta love them.
Truly.

Learning to Talk

I guess it's all about communication in our home lately.
Cookie Monster is starting to voice his opinions more. Guess he realizes he needs to add to the chaos and noise. So, the pacifier ("bass" as he calls it) is starting to come out and words are flowing.
When asked who had the gas problem in the van on the way home, the two oldest shook their heads no.
Cookie Monster's reply: "Me."

After the dog barfed AGAIN, Cookie Monster went from room to room saying, "Lily barf, Lily barf."

Guess that's better than some of Farmer Boy's first sentences. I think they sounded something like "daddy moron." Oops, wonder where he got that from???
Dad, right.

Pillow Talk

"Mom, come see (the Princess)," I heard from the living room. So I stopped what I was doing and went in to see what was going on.
Dad, casually resting on the couch, was right next to the Princess.
By the time I arrived, she was beginning to get agitated.
Why, you ask?

Because Farmer Boy had zipped her into a pillowcase. Yes, a pillowcase. You know, the ones that cover body pillows.
You laugh. I laugh now.
A normal reaction.
However, slight problem considering the Princess has a history of having seizures. Normally these occur following an incident with said Farmer Boy.
While she begins flailing around. (As much as one can do in an 18-inch wide pillowcase, dad lays RIGHT next to her on the couch as if nothing is happening.)
Meanwhile, I'm trying to find the end of the zipper. It took what seemed like forever.
Farmer Boy was scolded. Dad was scolded.
All was well.
The end
Just another "Crazy in the Country" dad, er, Day!

Toilet talk

Toilet talk. So when does this stage end anyway?? Or the actions to go with it. Farmer boy has to take a "R" item for show-and-tell this week. One option: the runs. Yep. Finally, he decided on something else that causes the runs: Runza sandwiches.

Then this morning at Bible Study. Yes, Bible Study, the Princess kept farting. For everyone in the room to hear. She was quite proud of herself too.

And #3 (wait, I got scolded for referring to him as that), I mean, Cookie Monster now makes a refreshing "ahhhhh" sound after he farts.

Isn't parenting fun??

At least the babe is a girl, right. Oh wait, "the Princess" was the guilty party at Bible Study. Oh, many more years of this!!

Remember when..??

I know we all have a photo like one of these, somewhere. One of our favorites mimicks the "orange" picture below. Beware, you might wet yourself from laughing so hard. I received these in an email titled "Olan Mills' Awesomeness." Enjoy!

Here were the captions:

1. Olan Mills backdrop #4: Bucolic Meadow with Split Rail Fence. Is that an animal carcass behind her?
2. Drake won Bitchin'est Senior Mullet by a landslide.
3. I've got a 20 that says he drives a Camaro.
4. Patrick broke ranks and chose drag over the bow tie.
5. The library might be more believable if the shelves weren't sloping downhill.
6. This photo isn't discolored. The 70s really were that orange.
7. Bobbi isn't the first waitress to fall for her manager, but they both got fired from Shoney's.

Bloodshed

Nice, when I went to take a long, hot bath in this cold, cold weather a few days ago, I told kids not to bother me unless someone was bleeding. Their response: "We'll make someone bleed." Nice. Who's kids are these anyway???

Grrrr.......the attack dog!

The 15-pound protector of our home! I feel sorry for LaRue when she gets older. Let's hope by the time she can talk (back), I don't mistake her name for the dog since they both have "bell" in them.

#3, The Princess and Farm Boy

Forgive me, I'm new at the picture posting bit. But this is a recent view.

LaRue

Out of the mouths of babes...

My kids never cease to amaze me! Apparently when my friend called tonight, farmer boy answered the phone. When dad asked who it was, his reply was "someone who knows are names."

This call came shortly before the princess left me messages on my cell phone. Here's a sample:
"Mom, it's 9:02. My neck hurts. When will you be home? Love you, bye."

Next message: "Mom, it's 9:08. The TV doesn't work. When will you be home? Love you, bye."

A couple of days ago, it was the princess crying: "mom, daddy won't come upstairs with me. When will you be home? Love you, bye."

Anyhow, enough about the calls. Today was #3's second visit to time out. He looked too cute. I had to turn away to keep from laughing. The trip came after he smacked the princess as hard as he could with the vacuum hose.

LaRue is making us all smile, especially as she sucks on her first two fingers to comfort herself. She also balls herself up to spit and make noises. It's too cute!!