Working Man

Jack is the funniest kid. Seriously - he makes me laugh all day and adds a lot of spice to my life. Here's his latest.

Every morning he is a little traumatized that he doesn't get to go to school with Brooklyn. But lately he has decided that if he can't go to school, then going to work is the next best thing. So, he gets himself dressed, combs his hair (with a little help), and brushes his teeth. Then he gathers his essentials. Phone. Lunch bag. Mom's keys.

Then he marches up to me and says,

"Mom...give me a kiss. I'm going to work."

"Have a good day Jack, I'll miss you."

And let me tell you, building train tracks all morning is tough work.

Notice the shoes on the wrong feet.

Love this boy.

Musca Domestica

I had no idea 7 years ago that I had landed such a talented man. As if it weren't enough that he is tall, dark, and handsome. I have known all along about his athleticism. What I didn't know though, is that he's got reflexes as quick as Mr. Miyagi.

The other night we were sitting on the bed reading scriptures before going to sleep. I was deep into the book of Alma when my attention was drawn away by this super annoying, loud-buzzing fly. Irritating. I couldn't even re-focus on the scriptures because all I could think about was that fly and how his buzzing was so loud and annoying that I probably wouldn't be able to sleep. Not to mention how he would probably be landing on me all night long, throwing up on my face and then sucking it back up. Gross. So, I gently suggest that Dave take care of this creature for me before we go to bed.

"Sure," he says.

And faster that I can get the covers past my knees - his left arm whips out and he snatches that thing right out of the air.

Amazing.

"Did you see that?!"

"With my left arm even!"

With a little skip in his step, he shakes his fist holding his little prisoner (to make it dizzy he says) and then throws it into the porcelain throne.

Ahhh...I shall sleep peacefully tonight. Way to go Dave.

Big Bad Brad Strikes Again

Here lies the remains of Brooklyn's very beautiful school project.

It was a very lovely letter "S" with little suns glued on it.

It lived a short, but good life.

Brooklyn is still mourning her loss.

Voila

Here is this year's St. Patrick's Day dinner.

Let me describe since I am pretty sure almost nothing on that plate is recognizable.

Pork chop w/ green applesauce, green mashed potatoes and gravy, broccoli, cooked apples. Oh, and green milk. And green jello for dessert.

I am sure you all wish you'd been invited to our house for dinner tonight. Tomorrow's diapers should be thrilling.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

My 4th Child

You didn't know? Yes, I am the mother of 4. And this 4th child of mine is a gem. I mean, talk about obedient.

And quiet.

This, my friends, is the newest member of the family. Dinosaur.

Dinosaur joined our family on December 25, 2008. He was given to Jack. At that time, his neck was nice and straight, but due to excessive love and travelling, he is a little limp. (Seriously, this guy has been everywhere. I am thinking of honoring him in his own book titled, "Where's Dinosaur?" I don't think I have taken a picture of Jack in the last 3 months without dinosaur being somewhere in the picture.)

Let me explain Dinosaur's critical role in the family. He has, with amazing skill, relieved large amounts of "Mom stress" (great word Janet) in my life.

Here's the scenario.

Me: "Come on Jack, you have to get dressed, we have to take Brooklyn to school."

Jack: "No, I don't want to get dressed."

Me: "Jack, please come and get dressed - you can't go outside naked."

Jack: "No." Ha ha ha - running away...

Me: "Come on Jack - I will give you 43 marshmallows if you will just please, get dressed."

Jack: "No."

Me: Tackling him, pinning his head with my feet, and breathing like I just ran a mile, I successfully get a new diaper on him.

Jack: removes the diaper.

Me: In my most pleasant voice, "Ok, Dinosaur! Will you come and get dressed? We need to take Brooklyn to school."

Dinosaur: "Of course, I would love to come and be an extremely cooperative dinosaur. Let me ask Jack if he will bring me to you."

Me: "Wow - what a good boy you are dinosaur! Here's your new diaper. (Yes, I diapered the dinosaur....and things with tails should never be diapered.) "Good boy." Now let's put on your shirt."

"Wait a minute dinosaur, this shirt doesn't fit you."

Jack: "Mom, that shirt is too big for dinosaur. That shirt is big for Jack."

Me: "By George you're right. Would you like to try it on?"

Jack: "Yes Mom, I want to get dressed like Dinosaur."

TA DA

Seriously people, it's ridiculous, I know, but I really do this. With the shirt. And the pants. And the shoes. And the toothbrush. And the comb.

Yes, it takes lots of extra time, but hey, it works.

Right now you may be thinking, wow, what a lunatic. No wonder her kids are crazy. But, I am here to testify that this dear, dear dinosaur has caused a permanent attitude shift in my darling 2 year old. Dinosaur does still have to be present for all "activities," but he will now do most without a 15 minute dinosaur dialogue.

If I'd only known.

I wonder what it would take to potty train Dinosaur...

Mom Power

I love this girl. (Taken 3-15-09)

She was at the dentist last week being an absolute angel while the dentist filled a cavity. The dentist was a little crazy, but Brooklyn seemed to find her amusing. Their final conversation went something like this:


Dentist: (with her cool French accent) Brooklyn - what do you want to be when you grow up?


A teacher?


A doctor?


A veterinarian?


A dentist?


Brooklyn: No, I'm going to be a Mom.


Dentist: (looking a little confused) Oh. But don't you want to be anything else?


Brooklyn: No.


Dentist: Maybe you could be a princess mom.


Brooklyn: No, I just want to be a regular Mom.

That's my girl.

Telling it like it is.

All you Moms out there - take a little break for a laugh.

Thanks Sharlene for showing me these hilarious videos.