Gotta Look Good for Family

My mom taught me that you should always look presentable - especially when you are seeing someone you haven't seen in a while.  So, as we were walking up to the restaurant to see Ashley and Emmala, I did  little check of the kids.  Chase caught on to what I was doing, and because he is loving his mohawk, he wanted it to look it's best too!  So, just as any boy would do, he spit in his hands, rubbed it together and straightened up his mohawk.

Mary Frances and I were totally grossed out, but knowing the kid, we weren't too surprised.  So, we all got a good laugh and rolled our eyes as we waked up.  Just a minute later, Ashley walks out the door to hug us and walks right up to Chase, rubs his head and says, "Cool haircut, dude!"

The rest of us all looked at each other, mortified, and Mary Frances pipes up, "I wouldn't do that if I were you!"  So, then we explained what happened, all had a good laugh, and encouraged Ashley to wash her hands before eating!

These are the stories we will be telling for years to come - especially at Chase's wedding and when he has kids!! It's the fun of being a parent, right!?!

No one's watching...

Here are some scans of some pictures I found in my office a few days ago. Apparently Mary Frances and her friend, Kylie, were having a good time!!

Sneaky, Sneaky

Just before Mary Frances walked out the door this morning, I heard her open the pantry door and wondered what she was doing. When I asked she didn't answer. So, I walked in the kitchen, and she pointed to her backpack with a frown.

After investigating the backpack and not finding anything extra, I noticed that something was actually missing - her LUNCHBOX! I said, "Mary Frances, did you put your lunchbox away?"

She shook her head and said she wanted to buy lunch at school.

Well, if you read my blog much, you already know that the children are allowed to eat lunch at school every Friday. For some reason, that is a treat to them! But, for Mary Frances, that just isn't enough. She does not understand why I have to pack her lunch everyday!

So, I had a very sweet conversation with her explaining that I do not want her to be sneaky. I told her she can always tell me how she feels. I also explained that I understand that she wants to buy lunch at school but that the lunches I pack are much healthier. I went on to explain they have a lot of grease and fat in them that is not in the lunch I make.

So, she wanted to know what fat is. I just told her it is bad stuff in the food that is not good for our bodies. I told her that the schools try really hard to make healthy lunches, but they aren't as good as the ones I make.

So, she was still sad and pressed me to let her eat at school more often. So, I told her that maybe next week she could eat there twice.

Then, she said, "Will you come eat lunch with me tomorrow when I buy lunch?" So, I went to my calendar and told her I was writing it down. Her face lit up, and she gave me a great big hug. Ahh...she left happy! It was a good discussion!

The Hole Puncher

Will Cinnamon Toast Crunch mess up my hole puncher? I don't think so, but I do think it is a unique use of the office tool!

While I'm getting ready in the mornings, I peek my head out every once-in-a-while to make sure the kids aren't destroying anything. This morning I found Chase punching holes in his cereal, and to my amazement it actually was working. There really is Cinnamon Toast Crunch in my hole puncher. Of course, the rest of the cereal was all over the floor because it couldn't stand the pressure.

Thank goodness for the gift of creativity!

Only at My House...

I thought this was supposed to be underwear, not overhead wear!

Chase goes Skiing...

Chase had to visit the doctor a few weeks ago. We had no idea you could go skiing while you wait!!
Only a boy would do such a thing! Fortunately for them, they have no clue what those things are for!

A new Hair Cut

Thomas decided to cut his own hair while Ray C. and I were out a few weeks ago! The babysitter felt so bad, but it could have happened to any of us! He's now sporting a cute buzz cut!

Do You Think This Will Work?

I actually took this picture this morning as we were coming back from taking the kids to school!

3 kids, 2 adults, and 1 plane!

YEAH! We're leaving for Florida this afternoon on a PLANE!! I am sure most of you cannot wait for the blog entry when we return!! Can you imagine what it must be like to travel with THREE little ones? I'm only a little nervous but mostly excited. It will certainly be an memorable adventure!

I had decided to require each child to carry a backpack with adequate supplies to slow them down enough to keep up with them in the airport, but Thomas reminded me this morning that they need to carry their car seats with them! So, I guess the backpacks will be light since they have to carry the seats - and YES, I am making them carry their own seats. They are only booster seats. They should be fine. I'll pitch in if need be, but I need as much to weigh them down as possible! Remember, this is survival thinking.

I have also considered taking a rope like preschools use to keep them all in line - meaning they each have to hold the rope to walk in a single file line. I haven't completely x'd this off, but I think I might at least keep a jump rope in my bag in case I need it!!

Any other suggestions? We are going to get to the airport early enough to not be late but not too early. I don't want to be sitting there too long with not much to do. Of course, they will have some games and coloring books.

Regardless, I am looking forward to it! We love adventures. So, here we go... Pray for the other people on the plane!!