Fashion

I try to pick out the kids clothes every day. Not only do I enjoy putting together cute outfits for them, but I don't always trust what my husband will come up with. So, before I left for work today I picked out a green skirt and striped shirt for Madeline, and a Mickey Mouse shirt and jogging pants for Ben. When I came home from work today this is what I saw...

Madeline was still wearing the cute striped shirt, but instead of the green skirt Jacob had put a crazy floral skirt on her. His reasoning was that I had her in a skirt and that got dirty so he put her in another skirt. Logical, right? I knew the day where my kids wore strange clothing combos would come, just not so soon. I think I will keep trying to dress the kids myself as long as possible.

Sandwiches

While I was getting ready for work today Ben was clomping around the house in my sandals. I told Ben that I was going to make my sandwich to bring to work, and he said "no Mom, I'm wearing your sandwiches." I explained to him that they were sandals, not sandwiches, and had him repeat the word to me. And, he did... kind of. What did he call them? Sandal-wiches.

Monsday and Fraterday

Madeline's birthday is in two days, so after dinner I brought down her gifts to wrap while the kids were sleeping. Ben saw her gifts including a pretty nifty new doll. Being the caring older brother he is, he looked at me and said "Mom, you open her doll for her?" I explained to Ben that her birthday wasn't until Thursday and that was when she could have her doll. He said "no, it is her birthday. Her birthday is on Monsday." Really... Monsday? Well, I guess he has been talking to his aunt, who used to have a day called "Fraterday." Now the question is, which comes first? Monsday, or Fraterday? We may never know.

Yes, I haven't written in a long time. Yes, I have a somewhat, maybe a little bit, decent excuse. I am working part time now, and I just don't have a lot of time to blog. But, starting right now, I will try harder. So, I thought I would share something I saw at work today that made my heart melt and made me think of my children. There was a brother and sister who looked to be about two years apart (same as my kiddos). The brother was older and kind of husky. Just like my son. Yes, my son is husky. He had his three year old checkup today and is 4o pounds. Back to the story. The little girl had blonde hair, just like I had as a kid and just like my little girl will probably have. You could tell these two kids really loved each other. The older brother was helping his sister pick out a recorder and telling her about all the songs he was going to teach her. Then, he put his arm around her shoulder and led her to look at more toys. Both kids were so well behaved and caring. I love it when I see kids who are how kids should be these days. Nice, happy kids who truly do love their siblings and want to share with them. I hope my kids will be like this as they get older. I believe they have a good start.

Not useful anymore

My son is obsessed with Thomas the train. All day we hear stories about Thomas, and Percy, and Troublesome trucks, and pulling freight cars, etc. Any of you with toddler boys may know what I am talking about. On the Thomas movies, they always talk about being a "useful engine." So today, when I was getting ready for work and Ben was eating his oatmeal, he came into the bathroom looking sad with oatmeal all over his pants. He also had his Thomas wooden train whose face was covered in oatmeal. I asked what was wrong, and in all seriousness Ben looks and me an says "Thomas isn't a useful engine ANYMORE!" Apparently Thomas tried to eat Ben's breakfast and made a mess in the process. Naughty Thomas.

I should have known better

Ok, I probably shouldn't have let Ben into the kitchen while I was making dinner. Actually I should have just been watching him better. But, I work all day now and when I come home to make dinner and see the computer sitting on the kitchen counter, I just want to take some time to check emails and blogs and whatnot, which I used to be able to do during the day. I just get distracted sometimes. So, when I heard Ben behind me saying "it's soft, it's so soft," I should have known it would be some kind of mischief. My darling son had found a half stick of butter in the fridge, unwrapped it (he did throw the wrapper in the garbage can), and was rubbing it all over his hands. Apparently butter feels soft when rubbed on skin. The things you learn from a two year old... especially when mom isn't watching him properly.

Do you want to be a priest?

Today in the car we were listening to our favorite Catholic radio station. They had a little commercial about how the Church needs more young men to answer God's call to become priests. We asked Ben if he wanted to be a priest and his response was an excited "yeah!" Not being sure he knew what a priest does I asked him. His response was "TOOT, TOOT!" A little confused I asked him again "what does a priest do?" Again his response was "TOOT, TOOT!" By now my husband and I are both cracking up and to clarify I ask Ben "What does Fr. Barr do?" His response? "Says God Bless." That's more like it.

I love you...

Here is a conversation that my husband and son had this morning as my husband was getting ready for work.

Ben: Build tracks too, Dad?
Jacob: No, I have to go get ready for work.
Ben: I'll follow you.
Jacob: No, you stay here.
Ben: But, I love you. (imagine this being said with a pouty face)

Can we say guilt trip?

Happy New Year!

I was thinking back about my new year's resolution for 2008. I had said I wanted to cook better and more "creative" meals for my family. I think I achieved that. Tonight we are having Chili, which isn't too exciting, but it sure beats a frozen pizza. Now on to 2009. I was going to write some profound resolution like "I will be a happier, better mom." Or, "I will embrace all the changes that are coming with Jacob going back to school." But, this morning I came to a realization that will now be my 2009 resolution. I need to cook better pancakes. I am absolutely terrible at making pancakes. It's not an issue with the batter, it's more of a technical issue. I flip them either too early or too late, and when I do flip them they end up on top of each other. The funny thing about this is that Jacob says I taught him to make pancakes and his always turn out perfect. Half of this morning's batch ended up in the garbage because they were black, and I am pretty sure I had a couple that were doughy in the middle. So, I will keep practicing, and maybe in a year you can come over for pancakes... at your own risk.