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?