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!)