Kids say the Darndest Things

My kids are a constant source of entertainment and amusement for me. I'm never quite sure what will come out of their mouths. I have found myself in grocery store lineups, restaurants, church etc., when all of a sudden something comes spewing out that shocks me to embarrassed silence, has me laughing so hard I can't stop or causes me to smile and my heart to warm. Here are a few of those moments.

Benen, my three-and-a-half year old, looked my good friend in the eye and said, "You got nipples." We were sitting in a restaurant with my parents, brother and good friends. I almost spewed my water across the table. I was desperately trying to deny what he said while my frantic brain scrambled for an excuse. After many questions, to which he insistently and loudly repeated himself, I finally figured out what he was saying. My friend had a cold and he was trying to say, "You've got the sniffles."

Benen comes running to the bottom of the stairs and yells, "Mom! Connor needs you!" Apparently my five year old thought he needed my assistance in the bathroom. I yelled back, "Connor is five and he's more than capable of wiping himself!" What do I hear? I hear Benen saying, "Connor, you're five and more than capable of wiping yourself!"

We led worship in church on Sunday and I had just sat down when the children were called to the front. The pastor was talking about words and how sometimes bad words can hurt people. Then he asks, "Do you ever say bad words?" Without missing a beat, Connor pipes up, "I don't, but my mom does!"

My youngest son, Kolten, is 19 months. He took five steps tonight....and I missed it. That'll teach me not to grocery shop!

I was tucking my oldest boy into bed when he tearfully told me he was sad that his dad had to go to work the next morning. I reminded him that dad goes to work every morning. He said he wanted his dad to stay home instead and I asked him why. His response was, "Dad plays with us in the mornings and all you really like to do is sleep." He said it really sweetly, while one hand patted my cheek. And in my defense, I only sleep until maybe 8:30, 8:45 at the latest. I just am NOT a morning person. So I'm sleepy until that first cup of coffee hits my system.

Well, those are a few moments in the last little while that stood out to me. There are many more, but it's late and I need to get to bed. Something tells me there will be two little bodies scrambling onto my bed at some ungodly hour, earnest eyes staring at me, begging me to get them a bowl of Rice Krispies. And since I have to feed them to keep them alive, I'll drag my sluggish butt out of bed, pour the cereal and milk and then wait while the coffee maker drips me a nice, strong espresso!

Rockin' Blogger & Random Ramblings

Wow! Jen at jenstersmusings just bestowed this "Rockin' Blogger" award on me. ME!! I am waaaaaay overwhelmed! Click here to jump over and check out her blog. It's the one I lusted after last week. LOL! And you'll see her reasons for bestowing this award on me. She's so funny, she makes me laugh!

So, now it is time for me to pass on this award to five people who I think ROCK! I didn't realize how difficult this decision would be, but here are my choices....

The women of Girls Write Out! These four wonderful, witty, wacky women never cease to amaze me! And they make me laugh out loud!

Brenda over at No Rules. Just Write. She is an amazing, talented author with a sense of humor that just gets to me! I love her blog, her website and her books. She claims that writing dialogue is easy for her. She just transcribes the voices in her head! LOL!

Cheryl at Squirrel's Treehouse. She is an amazing woman of God whose outlook is inspiring. Her blog makes me laugh and, when I read her posts, I totally get why she's soon to be published! She has such a fun, unique way of writing.

Angela at lighten up. She has such a wonderful sense of humor, her kids are adorable and funny and her stories about her husband's antics just crack me up! She's an aspiring author who, I know, is going to make it!

Marianne at Reading, Writing and Stuff That Makes Me Crazy and LASR. How she manages to maintain her blog, website and the review blog just boggles my mind. She's been a great help as I've ventured into new waters and she still manages to find time to write great stories!

So there you have it. Those are my choices.

So, today I was sitting downstairs and my kids were playing superheroes...naturally. I heard my 5 year-old, Connor, say to his 3 1/2 year-old brother, Benen, "Come on Agent double 'O'." And then they leaped over the couch. Now, I know for a fact my children have never seen a Bond movie, which begs the question, where did he learn this?? It just proves my theory that these traits are woven into a male's genetic makeup. They're just born with it!

What do you do with a spoiled baby? I thought it ridiculous when someone would say the baby of the family always gets spoiled. Apparently it's true. I have a baby with 'tude! It's not that we haven't set boundaries and rules. We have! We just haven't enforced them as strictly. And now we're really having to crack down. *sigh*

It's hot. I mean hot, hot, HOT! And I'm watching my children bounce around and climb over furniture with an abundance of energy. Where do they get it? And could someone please find a way to bottle it?? I'd like a little for myself. And I'd like to save some for when they're teenagers and realize the luxury of laying around. LOL!

LASR

I joined a group called LASR. It stands for Long And Short Reviews and is a blog site, started by Marianne and Judy, where a bunch of us read and write reviews. There is a huge selection of stories including short stories, novellas, anthologies and full-length novels.

You can request which stories you want to review based on a number of different criteria such as, title, author, genre, and heat level. Some of the genres are historical, contemporary, suspense, romance, inspirational and paranormal. Most stories are a combination of genres and almost all include a romance thread.

So, you're probably wondering why I'm going on about this. Well, LASR has the opportunity to grow in a big way. They have been offered a "contract" where they will review all works put out by a publishing press. That's huge, exciting news!! However, it means that we are in desperate need of more people willing to help with the reviews.

You can choose to be a full-time contributor or be a volunteer reviewer where you work on your own time and at your own pace. You can do as many or as few reviews as you can handle. Every little bit helps. And it's FREE READING MATERIAL!! For some of us, that's like paying us in gold. LOL!

So, if this is something that you would be interested in pursuing, you can contact Marianne or Judy at lasreviews@gmail.com and ask for more details. They would be more than happy to answer any questions you have. I can say they have been great to work with and are always prompt and thorough in their assistance.

So hop on over to LASR and check it out. You can read some reviews, check out some interesting reading material and get a feel for how the reviews go. If you scroll down far enough, you'll see some of the reviews that I've done and you'll realize how simple and fun it is!

And can you pass on the word? The more people we get on board the better!

Too Hot or Too Cold

Would you rather be too hot or too cold?

I'd rather be too cold. The way I see it, you can always put on more layers. Sweaters, hats, scarves, wool socks. And if, by some chance, you're sporting your whole wardrobe and are still cold, you can always build a fire. Or crank up the thermostat.

The problem with hot weather is there is only so much you can take off. And I'm just not someone comfortable walking around in teeny-tiny tops and short-shorts. I just don't like that much of me hangin' out. 'Course there's a lot more of me than some people. LOL! But still, what do you do on a hot day, when you're stripped down as far as God and decency will allow and you're still sweating?? What then? That's the thing I don't like about hot weather - sweat. Ick. There's nothing worse than chasing three boys around in the stifling heat all sweaty, sticky and smelly. Gross. It just makes me plain cranky.

Now, all that whining aside, good friends of ours (surrogate grandparents to our children) have a in-ground, heated, outdoor pool...that they let us use whenever we so wish. It makes those unbearable days bearable. So, you may not be hearing from me as often. I'll be poolside, relaxing, soaking up the sun...and jumping in the water when I feel sufficiently baked. :-)

The Lazy Blogger

I have been feeling lazy lately. I think the summer heat has turned my brain into a melted pile of mush. I've become lethargic, indifferent and uninspired. I try to think of stuff and......nothing. Just a big, blank space where once ideas frolicked and danced.

But no more. And I'm blaming it on the heat. The most frequent thoughts in my mind are, "boy it's hot," and "I wonder if it'll cool down anytime soon," and "maybe we should go swimming...that is, if I can manage to scrounge up the energy to slather sunscreen on three kids and suit them up, manage to wiggle my slick self into a swim suit (didn't this fit better before?), load up kids and bags in the van, drive with air-conditioner blasting across town, unload them and toss them in the pool. With floatation devices."

Those are my most frequent thoughts. Not really blog-worthy. So, I'm being lazy, letting the sun and heat fry my already fried brain. After all, we only get two months of summer.

Pack 'Em Up and Ship 'Em Out

My kids are going camping with my in-laws. I'm taking my oldest two boys out to the campground and they're spending three days with Grandma and Grandpa. YIPEEE!

Today, as I'm packing their suitcases and getting everything ready, there's a part of me that's sad. I'm not sure what I'm going to do with all the extra time. Oh yeah, read. LOL! But seriously, I'm going to miss all their hugs and kisses and I'm feeling a tad lonely just thinking about it. I have to keep even and calm because my oldest really takes on my emotions and if he thinks I'll be too lonely without him, he'll cry and not want to go.

Now, the other part of me - the stressed-out-tired-mom part - is jumping for joy! I'll have the baby, but really, what's one kid after three?? It's a vacation, that's what it is. There's this strange sense of freedom, knowing I can pick up (only one kid) and go wherever, whenever. *sigh* I'm looking forward to that. This is the side of me that is shouting, "Only three days??!!"

But I'm going to make the most of it. I'm going to enjoy relaxing - really relaxing - by the pool, spending more time with hubby and getting out a little more. Three days is going to fly by!

Blog Envy

I'm suffering from Blog Envy. Check out Jen's blog and you'll see what I mean.

Every time I venture over there to see what she's up to, my mouth starts watering and I imagine I can smell fresh coffee brewing. I want to crawl through my computer screen, sift those beans through my fingers and sip that enticing cup of coffee. *sigh*

I'm jealous. I know coveting is a sin, but I'm lusting after this blog background. I just can't help myself. It's become my kryptonite.

On the bright side, Jen writes a ROCKIN' blog! So, it's no real sacrifice to spend some time over there! I suggest you pop over there and take a peek. Just click on the link above, or here, and then sit back and enjoy! Jen has a wonderful, positive spirit and shares her joys and sorrows with an honesty and humour that's refreshing.

And you'll drool over her background. Just remember to wipe your keyboard when you're done. LOL!

When the Fancy Strikes

The other day, I came downstairs in the morning to find my three-inch, high-heel sandals laying on the family room floor. I was a little baffled, believing I had put them away in the closet. I shrugged, picked them up and returned them to the porch closet. The following morning, I rolled out of bed and came downstairs to check on the boys. I found them watching t.v. and again my sandals were laying on the floor. Okay, I was definitely confused. I went upstairs to get breakfast ready and called the boys. As they came up stairs I asked them what had happened.

Me: "Who took out my sandals?"

Son #2: "I did."

Me: "Why? What were you doing?"

Son #2: "I was being Minnie. I needed to walk like this." And he proceeded to walk on tippy-toes as if in high-heel shoes.

Me: "Oh. Okay."

Apparently they had been watching the Mickey Mouse Club on t.v. and my three-year-old was dressing up like Minnie Mouse complete with high-heel shoes. I thought it was too cute and a great use of imagination. So, I've been letting him wear my sandals when the fancy strikes him to be Minnie.

That was until Saturday. Saturday he decided he wanted to wear my sandals OUTSIDE.

Me: "No."

Son #2: "But I wanna be Minnie."

Me: "You're not going outside in my shoes."

Son #2: "But I need to walk like this." He demonstrates.

Me: "You can use your imagination. Be Minnie. But you're not wearing my shoes outside."

There are just some lines I'm not willing to cross.

Pucker Up!

Your Famous Movie Kiss is from The Princess Bride

"This is true love - you think this happens every day?"

What Famous Movie Kiss Are You?

Whoooo-hooooo! This is one of my all-time, favorite movies! How could you not love it?? I must say that I am trilled to be this kiss. I think this is one of the most romantic, passionate kisses ever!! *sigh* Every time I watch this movie I get butterflies at this scene!

Take the test and let me know in the comments what kiss you are. Steamy? Sweet? Spontaneous? Don't be shy!

What Type of Writer Should You Be?

People have been commenting that I should write. Write what? I think to myself. So, when I saw this test I just had to take it. I'm a little surprised at the results!

You Should Be a Film Writer

You don't just create compelling stories, you see them as clearly as a movie in your mind. You have a knack for details and dialogue. You can really make a character come to life. Chances are, you enjoy creating all types of stories. The joy is in the storytelling. And nothing would please you more than millions of people seeing your story on the big screen!

What Type of Writer Should You Be?

What Kind of Chocolate Are You?

You are Milk Chocolate

A total dreamer, you spend most of your time with your head in the clouds. You often think of the future, and you are always working toward your ideal life. Also nostalgic, you rarely forget a meaningful moment... even those from long ago.

What Kind of Chocolate Are You?

Excuse for not Blogging #12

I'M OFF TO PLAY!!

The temperature here is supposed to reach 33 degrees Celsius (not sure what that is in Fahrenheit) and that means it's the perfect day to spend cooling off in the pool! So, we're off to spend some time relaxing and swimming. I'm hopeful this day will go smoother than my last attempt. LOL!

Have a great day, all!

He's a Big Kid Now!

We've entered a new phase of life. My three-and-a-half year old has now officially gained "big boy" status. And I'm not talking potty trained.

The other day, he realized he was finally tall enough to climb the door jambs. He puts his hands and feet spread-eagle and then slowly inches his way up the frame. This is a huge accomplishment! Last year he was jealous of his older brother, but now figures he's a big boy too!

And I have hands and feet prints UP my doorways! You know what I see in the future? I see them getting big enough to climb the walls in the hallway! LOL!

Inside the heart of a man...

...lives unending love and loyalty to *insert sport of choice here*. For my DH it's hockey and, more specifically, the Edmonton Oilers. I have never seen such deep devotion and pride. It's humbling really.

This past week began the start of hockey trades. I don't understand a thing about it except that it keeps my husband glued to the computer for hours on end. And when he's not on the computer, he's watching TSN or Sportsnet....while listening to live feed on the Internet! I have had to chuckle at hubby running to the computer every few minutes for the most recent news. And it's updated every 2 to 3 minutes!

He has lived and breathed hockey for the last week. I find it amusing that it has so consumed his mind. We'll be in the van driving somewhere and he starts to mumble about deadlines, possible trades, caps etc. He turns to me and blurts out stats and numbers like I should understand this strange language he's speaking.

For the most part I've managed to subdue the laughter and I try to appear interested. But there have been times when the humour has gotten the best of me. It's just too funny! You would think the love of his life was coming to town he's that excited. But of course, I live with him. LOL! Oh, what passion!

But, I'm hardly one to talk. Nothing is more exciting to me than the release of a long awaited book by a most beloved author! :-) Okay, okay...and chocolate and coffee! I guess everyone has their weaknesses!

The Next Picasso

I’m a proud mother today! Well, I’m a proud mother everyday, but today I would like to display for you my son’s artwork.

He drew this the other day on his Doodle Pro and, since I can’t hang it on the fridge, I’m going to hang it here. On my blog. Cyberspace is my virtual “fridge.”

He’s five years old and I think this is genius for his age. Perhaps because it is better than I could do. LOL!

I'll explain the picture for those who may not be up on their Veggie Tales. This is a picture of Larry Boy - notice the super-suction ears. My son drew this picture from memory...he watches a lot of Larry Boy. For those of you who frequent this blog, you know my son's obsession with superheroes. It is no surprise that he drew a hero.

What is surprising is the detail that he included. There's the pointy thing on the top of his head, the mask, the super-suction ears, the mouth with one tooth, the jacket with it's ties and the belt. I think this is pretty impressive for a five year old. 'Course, I also thought those first scribbles were worthy of display. LOL!

Okay, have I bragged enough??