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.