Good Samaritan

I have the most amazing story to tell.  I was at walmart on day and struck up a conversation with a complete stranger in the baking aisle.  Eventually we parted ways.  The remainder of my trip was hetic to say the least.  The girls were in rare form.....pretty much evil....they would take off their shoes and socks and throw them out of the cart.  They were hitting one another and bickering non-stop.  I was almost in tears from their uncontrollable behavior.  It was not a smooth shopping trip to say the least. 

As I was about to leave the woman I spoke to earlier came up to me, handed me an envelope, and said "I hope you have a very merry Christmas." 

I blurted out a confused "thank you" as she walked off.  

I opened it.  Inside was a Christmas card with TWO $50 bills!! 

Immediately, I burst into tears and chased after her.  Once I caught up to her I hugged her neck and thanked her.  I was so grateful and shocked by the whole thing. 

The day before we were down to only $2 in our checking account.  My hard working husband was paid the day I went shopping and met the generous stranger, but still, money was more then a little tight.  We wondered how we were going to buy a Christmas tree with the morgage coming up. 

So here are the picures of my beautiful children decorating our beautiful tree all thanks to a beautiful stranger.

I am looking forward to the day when I am at a place in my life where I can financially "pay it forward" to a complete stranger like this lady did to me and my famliy. 

Have YOU ever been on the recieving end or giving end of something like this??  What happened??

Thanksgiving

Yes, I realize that it is 5 days until Christmas and I am just now getting to post Thanksgiving picture.  The 2010 official worst blogger award goes to yours truly.  *sigh*  Honestly, I just don't have it in me lately.  Hopefully I can get in the grove again soon....

Without further adu, the much anticipated Thanksgiving photos....well, a couple of them anyway....

Gavin, Zander and Jace enjoying what they refer to as "the feast!"

There we all are. 

The 2 amigas, hamming it up.

Sun vs. Son

My husband and I are raising our children without a "religion".  We believe they are to young to understand and don't want to condition their little minds.  Our goal is to let them decide for themself when they reach an age of maturity.  Instead we focus on teaching them love, compassion, and discipline.  With that said, Zander is the only 6 year old I know that can point out a picture of Jesus, Buddha, and Krishna....and tell you about all three.  I'm not saying this to boast or condemn anyone or their personal beliefs....just giving you a little background inside our family for this very funny story.....

My conversation with Zander (age 6) as we were cleaning my room.

Zander:  Mom, next Thanksgiving I'm going to be thankful for Jesus.

Me:  Great.  Why do you say that? 

Zander:  I love playing outside.

Me:  Huh?  I don't understand.

Zander:  I love playing outside.  Jesus is the god of the sun you know.

your guide to surviving the carpool lane

Today my kids and I nearly witnessed a fist fight between two dads in the drop off and carpool lane at their elementary school because one was "doing it wrong".  It's serious business people.  Especially if you're running late on a Monday morning.

Pick Up & Drop Off Survival Guide

1.  There is only a 15 minute window when children can be dropped off before school.  If you arrive in the first 5 minutes you should be fine.  The other parents are more forgiving if your child gets his coat shut in the door (Gavin!) and they have to wait an extra 30 seconds.  If you arrive 5 minutes until the bell rings you will most likely hear honks and/or get flipped the bird.

2.  When you pull into the school parking lot order your children to unbuckle and put their backpacks on.  Every second counts!  Have them stand and file in a single line on the right side of the minivan, ready to jump out when the door opens.  Be sure to say your "I love yous" and "Have a good day's" while you are still in the line of vehicles.  Once you are in the zone you will have no time for all that.  Multi-task people. 

3.  When you finally make it to the front of the line and put your car into park have your kids hop out quickly.   No parents under any circumstance is allowed out of the vehicle in the drop off lane!  What?  Your kindergartner is having trouble with their 5 point harness car seat?  Well, my friend, you need to park your car a block from the school and walk your child in.....other wise you are running risk of being an outcast at the PTA.....just sayin'. 

Bonus Tip:  Run drills and practice all summer long.  ;) 

What's your pet peeve in the drop off lane at school? 

Zoo Trip

We enjoyed a beautiful day at the Tulsa Zoo today. 

It's been a long time since we've ALL enjoyed the day together.

Gavin's favorite subject was "penis" today.  Don't really understand his fascination with the word or the actual member itself.....but whatever, he's four.  And he's a boy.  I suppose it comes with the territory?

We were looking at the elephants when Sneezy (the male elephant) used the bathroom.  Gavin blurted out in a crowd of people "WOW!  Look at the size of that penis!" 

"Gavin, SHHHHHHH!!!"  I begged.

"That's the biggest penis I've ever seen!!  Holy Moly!!"  he continued to yell.  The crowd of on lookers cracked up.....which, of course, egged Gavin on. 

Ely and I were laughing so hard our stomachs ached.  Great parenting, I know.....but have you ever seen a male elephant pee?!  In my son's defense, it is a sight.  It's like a 5th leg. 

Gotta copy big brothers! 

At the petting zoo Gavin  brought up his favorite topic again.  He was bragging to a group of adults about all the animals he's seen that day.  "I saw a cow....and guess what?!  He had FIVE penises!"  The ladies mouth dropped and the men rolled with laughter. 

I was mortified at the time, had no idea what he was talking about until the stranger corrected him between his hiccups of laughter, "You mean utters, son?" 

"Whatever,"  Gavin said.  "They look like penises"

.  Oh geez.  Please let this be a phase.

Conversation While in Bed

Tonight as I was putting the boys to bed I overheard a conversation that was TOOOOO funny not to document.

Gavin:  I'm 8 years old.

Zander:  No your not.  I'm 6 and you're only 4. 

Gavin:  I'm older then you.

Zander:  (getting very upset)  No your NOT!  I'm 6, your 4!!

Gavin:  I'm older.

Zander:  You're my baby brother.

Gavin: (getting upset)  I am NOT a baby!

Zander:  I'm older then you, so you're my baby brother.

Gavin:  Yeah?  Well, I'm cuter then you.

Zander:  Whatever.

Pantless at the Tulsa State Fair

I put on my super mom cape today and took all 4 kids to the Tulsa State Fair....by myself.  Call me crazy, but I'm their mother, if I can't take care of them who can?!  Right?

Really it wasn't that bad.  In fact, we had a wonderful time.  We got there early.  Like 9:30 AM.  Because we got there so early, we had front row parking and it wasn't crowded yet. 

First stop, petting zoo.  We spent at least an hour in here.  The kids had a blast feeding and petting the lambs, goats, and ponies. 

We got to see newborn piglets being washed.  My children giggled uncontrollably listening to them squeal.  Well, all of them except Maya.  She was concerned and repeated, "Baby piggies cry.  Ahhh...poor baby."  over and over again.

Gavin and Camille

Maya, I think...

The boys lOVED looking at the hissing cockroaches, spiders and lizards.... 

while the twins enjoyed the ride on toys in the kids building.

Next we got dirty in the giant sand box.  This is where my easy day became challenging.  First of all, sand is my long time arch enemy.  Don't get me wrong, the kids love it.  We use to have a sandbox in our backyard and they would play for hours in it.  Still I got rid of it.  The constant dirtiness of my floors and it getting in every crevasse of their body was driving me crazy.  I should of known better then to allow them all in there....but how do you say no the biggest sand box they have ever seen?  You can't. 

To make a long story short, Camille somehow twisted her diaper and peed through her jeans!  Yeah, we're way past the phase where I carry a change of clothes.  I drug the boys out of the sand box and headed toward the bathroom. 

Zander and Gavin refused to go into the women's bathroom.  They're four and six, it would be humiliating right?  Geez.  I made them swear to sit outside the door together and not to talk or look at anyone.  I cleaned Camille up the best I could with wipes, put on a fresh diaper and we were on our way.....pant-less.  I called her Lady GaGa for the rest of the day. 

Yeah, I felt a little "white trash" but it's all good. 

Craft time!

I somewhat planned ahead and had graham crackers to lure the girls back into their stroller. 

Money spent at the fair? $2.  Memories created?  Priceless. 

How did I go to the fair with a group of 5 and only spend $2?!  I received 2 free tickets from a friend, that covered me and Zander....the other 3 children are 4 and under - FREE!  We opted out of the rides.  Fortunately, we have never really done them with our children and they don't know what their missing....yet.  Plus, when you go early in the morning the rides aren't running yet.  Bonus!  As for the food, I have no desire what so ever to eat a donut burger or a deep fried twinkie.  Gag me.  I know, I'm weird. 

Around noon the fair started to get busy and I decided it was time to go.  Gavin's eyes welled up with tears at the thought of leaving all the fun.  I bribed him with a happy meal and we were all smiles as we left the fair. 

Hey, no judging.  I spent nearly 3 hours alone at the state fair with 4 children ages 6 and under!

Beautiful Day

I lOVE this beautiful fall weather we have been having! 

Today the girls and I went to Hunter park to feed the ducks. 

Camille and Maya

Stopping to smell the flowers along the way.  As parents we are supose to teach our children about life....but mine are teaching me what life is really all about. 

Maya laid like this for a good ten minutes.  I had no choice but to put down the camera and join her.

"Look Mama!  A SQUIRL!"  ~Camille

Tiger Cub

Zander is a Tiger Cub in Boy Scouts.  He lOVES it....especially the uniform.  So handsome.

Showing off the boy scout sign. 

I love this little man.  Anyone want to buy some popcorn?  It's his boy scout fund raiser.  Apparently the kernels are made of gold because it's so darn expensive.  I feel guilty asking friends and family to buy from him!  Thanks to 3 people (Jay, Jacque, & Memaw!) Zander has already gone well over the $125 mark and will receive a swiss army knife.  (3 sales, $160, told you it must be made of gold!) 

Picky Eaters

My girls have taken "picky eater" to a whole new level.  This is totally new territory for me.  The boys ate everything I put in front of them.  If they didn't like it....well, tough cookies.  Eat it anyway or starve.  I didn't play that game. 

Not sure what really changed.  Maybe with the more children I have the more relaxed and laid back I get?  Or is it they are girls and I'm more lenient with them?  What ever it is, they don't eat if they don't want to.  If it's new or different....not interested. 

This is how Maya eats her toast.  Yeah, most kids don't want the crust, I get it.....but only the top layer of the toast....that's just crazy! 

Camille

In efforts to get the girls to eat more I have been trying to include them in the cooking. 

Maya

We made pizzas the other night.  Kids love pizza, right?

They had so much fun making them. 

My plan didn't work.  Maya still would not even try the pizza.  She picked at the cheese a little, but only drank her milk.  Hoping this phase will end, but have a feeling it's just her personality.  Oh well.  Thank heavens for smoothies....I think that is her only form of nutrition (which I sneak all kinds of veggies in!)

Tall Tales

Today Camille told a whopper, and she's only two!  I'm talking bold face lie here!

I walk into the kitchen where she had halfway climbed the bar stool and with a sharpie started to write on some important papers I had laying on the counter top. 

"Camille!  No, no!"  I scolded.  Then I realized that she just wanted to draw and told her ask Momma for the crayons. 

"I didn't do it Momma.  Obi did it.  No, no Obi!  No draw on Mamma paper!" she scolded the poor dog. 

Sunday Funday

Ely was promoted to construction manager at work.  I am so proud of him....but that means more work.  And crazy hours.  We miss him around here.  My sister Jacque and her boyfriend Kevin took me and the kiddos out last Sunday.  It was so much fun!

We met up at Queenie's in Utica Square for lunch.  It was a beautiful day. 

After lunch we headed over to the Philbrook Museum for the last day of the Egyptian exhibit. 

I decided to let the girls walk instead of ride in the stroller.  They had a great time learning boundaries.  ;)

Just FYI, my children have the loudest voices.  Inside voices do not exist.

After looking at all (some) of the art we headed outside to my second favorite Tulsa garden. 

He's growing up so fast.

 

No trip to the museum is complete before you put your head inside the hippo made of car bumpers.

Camille

After our long day "uncle" Keven treated us to ice cream!

Thank you Dooky and Kevin for a great day!  We love you!