The Schreibers

fun finds

2011-04-16T13:07:00.001-05:00

The boys and I ventured to Joanie's Junk this morning. I'd heard fabulous things about the shop, so the first free weekend we had we went to check it out and were definitely not disappointed! She had some beautiful furniture pieces in the shop and trust me, I racked my brain as to where I could put a few pieces, but I just came home with a few small treasures.

I found another of my favorite turquoise Ball mason jars. I LOVE these jars, but they are somewhat hard to find. I have two others, but this is the first I found with a lid. I snatched it up about two seconds after walking in the door. It's living in my windowsill for the moment.

My next find was this sweet chalkboard for only 50 cents. I knew it had to come home with me. I'm not sure where it will land, but I stuck it outside the front door for today. I wanted to write something creative and profound on it....obviously couldn't come up with anything. :-)

My last find was the reason we ventured over today. I saw the globe posted on Facebook and needed to go see it. I don't know what it is, but I cannot turn down a globe. Matt thinks I'm crazy, but I think they're so fun and colorful. I threw it atop one of my shelves when we got home.

I can't wait to go back...maybe without the boys. They were quite good after I enforced the "touch with just one finger" rule. They were quite the helpers finding lots of fun treasures they thought we should take home.

allergy update

2011-04-14T23:39:00.001-05:00

Landon had his follow up appointment this morning with his allergist. It was a good, non-eventful appointment. His allergist was running over an hour behind, which bothered me more than the boys. It actually turned out to be a blessing. Landon was playing at a train table in the lobby with another little boy who looked to be slightly older than him. Landon can and does make friends with darn near everybody, but hearing him talk to this boy warmed my heart. His name was Nate. Nate told Landon he was there to get some more allergy shots. Landon told me later "Mom, that boy Nate...he has an allergy, too. That's kinda cool isn't it?" I think he was pretty happy to meet another little boy that had an allergy like him.

Tonight I was at the store getting groceries and I happened down the snack aisle. I got pissed off at the jars of cashews. I may have even gave them "the look". Something so simple, yet so dangerous for my son. It's irritating. But I know it could be so much worse. I believe a cashew/tree nut allergy will be easier to manage in life versus various other foods.

The boys and I enjoyed a lazy afternoon today, we all tooks naps and watched Cars. Perfect for a rainy, Spring day.

never a dull moment.

2011-04-12T14:52:00.000-05:00

When Landon was one he fell off our bed and busted open the bottom of his chin. Being new parents we rushed him to the ER for three stitches. I cried more than Landon. The nurse laughed and said "Oh honey, he's okay and he's a boy...I'm sure you'll be back to see us again." And she was right. Times four. Last week was ER trip #4 for our boys. The trip for Landon's anaphylactic reaction to a cashew was definitely the scariest, but this one ranks right up there.

Landon slammed his thumb in Matt's truck door.
And cut off part of his thumb.
And his mommy freaked out. Big time.

I'm not sure if God was trying to toughen me up when he gave me two boys. It's not working. Momma can't handle severed fingers. I've told Matt to never, ever again greet me with the words "Landon's thumb is in this bag." immediately followed by "You need to calm down." Seriously? Almost any other way to break the news to me would have been better.

Landon is healing pretty well. He ended up cutting off most of his nail to the tip of his finger. They said it should "fill in" eventually. He told me he was happy it was his left thumb and not his "tough thumb."

Several people have asked me how Reid handled it. He screamed and screamed the entire way to the ER. Was he scared? Sad for Landon? Upset Mommy was crying? Nope....his beloved blankie had been dropped in the mud and was dirty. He was just plain pissed. Now it's funny, at the time it was not.

Just because it's cute...Landon drew a picture of him and I fishing in a sailboat.
It makes me happy.

my brain

2011-04-07T11:24:00.000-05:00

Every year I purchase a new agenda with good intentions of being organized and every year I find each certain agenda is missing some feature or has a layout that doesn't quite jive with me. Until this year. I found it. Enter the momAgenda. I received a purple momAgenda from my mom for Christmas and love, love, love it. It is the only agenda that I have used religiously every day and has kept me organized, kind of like my external brain. I left it at work on accident over a weekend and felt lost. What are we doing this week? What appointments do we have? What am I making for supper? Who am I? Who are you? Okay, so it wasn't that dramatic. But I was relieved to get it back and realize I hadn't missed anything important, because my boys not only stole my heart when they were born I'm pretty sure they took most of my brain and memory as well. If it's not wrote down, it's likely not going to happen.

My favorite feature about this agenda is that each of us have our own row. I can keep track of each persons appointments, events, etc. separate from mine. Now that the boys are getting older this is quite handy and will only be more efficient for me as they begin participating in more activities. Right now since we only have the two kiddos, they each get a row, Matt gets a row and I keep track of bills due on the fourth. On the bottom is a row to plan meals.

This week I noticed "my brain" starting to come apart at the seams. (Matt, however will claim my brain started coming apart at the seams years ago.) Nothing major, and not overly surprising since I tote it all over, but I sent a quick email to customer service just to let them know. About 20 minutes later I received a reply; she apologized and said a new one would go out that same day. Whoa...what? They make awesome agendas and have awesome customer service?! She said they were out of purple and asked me to choose any other color, so I went crazy with the zebra print. I'm one of those strange people that get excited about new agendas, notebooks, crayons, pencils, etc. I'm forever a Kindergartner at heart. My new brain should be here Monday; I'm excited to start filling it out. I used to wait all week for the weekend to get here, now I can't wait until Monday so my new planner will arrive...I think it's official. I'm a nerd.

crazy love.

2011-02-05T21:44:00.003-06:00

I have good news. I have been keeping one of my new years goals almost perfectly these past two weeks, staying home. In fact, I have been keeping this goal so well that a trip to get groceries yesterday felt like a vacation, I was even excited to put my make up on and I changed out of my black-wear-every-day yoga pants and actually put on pants that buttoned...it was a big day! Now the bad news, I have been staying home because the flu has found us. I thought we were going to escape, but it tracked us down and has been camping out in our living room.

So, I have spent nearly a week in the chair holding either a two or five year old and a puke bucket within reach. To keep busy while sitting in said chair holding a sleeping boy, I have been working my way through the book "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan. It is actually my second time checking this book out from the library, but the first time I'm actually finding time to read it. I rarely find a book that I love enough to own, but I have already decided I will be purchasing this book and I'm only halfway done. In short, it's about God's love for us and the love God wants us to have for Him.

While putting Reid to bed tonight, I was reading through chapter six and saw 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 printed, Matt and my wedding verse. I know it, I skimmed through it. Then the next sentence "those words have grown tired and overly familiar, haven't they?" Oops, I was busted. The book went on to encourage me to reread the passage replacing the word "love" with my name. So I did. The verse didn't sound so familiar then.

"Carrie is patient and kind; she does not envy or boast; Carrie is not arrogant or rude. Carrie does not insist on having her own way; Carrie is not irritable or resentful; she does not rejoice at wrongdoings, but rejoices in truth."

Talk about a harsh look in the mirror. Have I been patient and kind every time I've cleaned puke up off the rug, floor, blankets, clothes, chair, or couch this last week? No. Was I envious of Matt sitting on the couch with his feet up (due to a sprained ankle) when I was caring for a child with a fever? Yes. The list could go on.

So tomorrow I'm going to try.
Be a little more patient.
Take a deep breath.
Speak more kindly.
Think positive and remember that I've been surrounded by love these past weeks.

Sick, puky, stinky, feverish, cranky, whiny love.
Crazy love.

sick day. birthday countdown!

2011-01-21T09:03:00.000-06:00

We had another snow day yesterday; I'm pretty sure I was more excited than Landon and I'm positive Matt was more excited than anyone. I stayed up late reading my new book since I knew it was a stay at home day. I decided to call it a night at about 1:00, laid down and heard what has to be one of the worst sounds in the world. Your child, puking, all over his bed. The flu had been going around daycare and Reid caught the bug. So our fun snow day turned into a sick day. Poor thing. Luckily, it was a 24 hour version as he's good as new today.

The big news at our house....

We've had a countdown going since Christmas. He is beyond excited to turn five. It seems kind of unnecessary to me, he's doing just fine as a four year old. I asked him who gave him permission to turn five and got a giggle and "Mom, I'm growing up!" Geez, thanks. I hadn't noticed.

But look at that face, how can you not share his excitement...five looks fun!

snow day

2011-01-11T11:51:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was the first snow day of the year. I was just as excited as the boys to have a snow day. It was a day full of playing in the snow, hot cocoa, movies and soup. Thankfully we had another snow day today so I can get to the laundry, dishes and cleaning that I avoided yesterday.

It was a perfect playing-in-the-snow type of day yesterday. The wind was calm, the temperature was bearable, and there was big, fluffy snowflakes swirling around. The boys were begging all morning to go out, and when Reid finally saw the snow boots out of the closet he looked up at me and said "Me so excited, Mama!" It was a great day!

Fun with Photobooth!

2011-01-08T08:13:00.000-06:00

Landon loves playing games or typing letters on my computer. But one of his favorite activities on it is using the Photobooth application that came with the computer. It utilizes the built-in camera and you can set different effects anywhere from comic book or black/white to these funny effects that include swirl, dent and squeeze I believe. It is so funny to watch him play with these because he breaks down into giggles after every picture and then we all laugh at how funny the pictures turn out.

I can really tell how much he favors his father after looking at these pictures! :-)

Notice More

2011-01-07T13:03:00.001-06:00

My next goal for 2011 is notice more. Maybe it should be notice the positive more.

Our home is definitely a work in progress. We have been working on it since we moved in and still have a long ways to go. I have a definite problem with focusing on the parts that still need to be finished, painted, moved, installed, etc. rather than focusing on what we have finished, painted, moved and installed. I need to remember that even though our to-do list is still there, we have made huge steps in making this house our home.

In regards to the boys, I have a tendency to notice the mess they are making rather than the fun they are having, and generally when they are having fun, they are making a mess. So this morning I ignored this...

and noticed this.

Stay Home.

2011-01-04T12:13:00.001-06:00

I mentioned in my "Goals for 2011" post I would break down my plan of action for each goal...so here we go.

My first goal for Home/Family is be there; stay home. Plain and simple, should be the easiest goal of all. Just be there. But we struggle with this. There are so many activities and events that we like to attend that some weeks we run from place to place and feel like our home is just the place to sleep. So in 2011, hopefully we can say "no" and turn down a few events or invitations and not run all year long.

To go along with my definition of "be there", not only physically do I want us to be there, but also spiritually, mentally be there. The other night the four of us had a camp out in our living room. The boys got a two person tent for Christmas and all four of us snuggled up in there. As we lay in the tent, Landon playing on his Explorer, Reid playing on his Leapster2, Matt watching a football game, and myself reading a blog, I thought how sad and silly is this! All of us watching a screen of some sort, not talking, not laughing, not being there at that exact moment even though we were literally crammed together. So, off went the computer, Leapsters, and TV (the only one complaining was the 30 year old...). After that we talked, laughed and Daddy read stories to the boys. Fun! (No, not all four us made it through the night in the tent. Reid had "not 'nuff room for me" so him and I slept upstairs.)

So there is my first goal. Be there.

Next up...notice more.

Goals for 2011

2011-01-03T10:37:00.000-06:00

Resolutions are generally made in my home with good intentions, but that's about as far as it gets. As for my 2010 resolutions, I can't even remember what they were. This year, I am trying to set our family up for success. So instead of resolutions, which seem made to be broken, I am creating goals. As Dave Ramsey says "A dream is a goal without a plan." So this year I have goals...and a plan and likely a list or twelve. I love lists, especially with little boxes next to the items to make a big ol' check in when said task is finished. Writing down my goals seems to make them more concrete and will hopefully hold me accountable! This is just an overview...stay tuned for posts detailing my plan of action for each.

HOME/FAMILY
-Be there.
-Notice more.
-Play more.
-Read.
-Become a better cook. This will be a tough one, I can screw up just about any recipe. Even Jello.
-Declutter, organize and avoid CHAOS (can't have anyone over syndrome).
-Pray. Devote time to Him. This one was Matt's idea and I love it.

FINANCES
-Tweak our budget and stick to it.
-Get the debt snowball a rollin'.
-Introduce Financial Peace Jr. to L & R.
-Enjoy and pay cash for our vacation in July and not have any expenses follow us home.

DIET
-Drink more water.
-Include veggies and fruits more often.

For now, these are my 2011 goals, out there for the world to see.

Christmas Chaos

2010-12-31T10:31:00.000-06:00

With our last Christmas celebration last night, I think today is the day to de-Christmas our home. There were fewer decorations up this year due to a certain four year old and a certain two year old...and a certain 30 year old who think playing Nerf guns and football in the house is necessary. Last year a lamb from my nativity scene lost a leg amongst the chaos, so this year my Willow Tree nativity stayed packaged up in exchange for a Little People set the boys were free to play with and I didn't have to worry about any amputations. Fewer decorations means less clean up time I suppose.

It seems that each Christmas brings more fun as the boys understand more and get more excited about the celebration. In anticipation of Santa, Landon was planning a sneak attack to spy on him and Reid's plan of action was to hide under Daddy's blanket until he was gone. Landon was excited to pick out the best cookies, make chocolate milk and set out treats for the reindeer. He knew exactly what they would like to eat...oatmeal and carrots covered in sprinkles.

Of course Santa is not the reason we celebrate Christmas and this year was the first year the boys really seemed to understand that it was Jesus' birthday. Many arguments ensued between Landon and Reid about how old Jesus was going to be. Landon was sure it was 70 and Reid's positive he is five.

As much as we were anticipating the Christmas season, it came and went all too quickly. We saw many family and friends and are blessed to be able to celebrate with so many of them. My boys were "blessed" with my toys again this year. I'm still not sure where they will all live in our home. Landon's favorite seems to be a Leapster Explorer and Reid's loving playing with his new Mack truck and Lightning McQueen cars.

We hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and will have a wonderful 2011!

preschool

2010-09-09T08:04:00.000-05:00

Our little school boy started preschool last week and is loving it! He is in the afternoon class and thinks it's pretty cool that he gets to go have fun while the little kids have to lay down for a nap. His favorite part of the whole day is the school bus ride. We had to hurry home from dentists appointments last week so he could get on the bus, he did NOT want me to drive him to school. He knows most of the kids in his class and is learning the names of his new friends quickly.

Most days when I ask him what he did during the day he sighs and says "I don't know, Mom. Just stuff." I thought I wouldn't face the annoyed response for a few more years! If I ask him "What was your favorite part of preschool today?" I can usually get a little better response, usually "playing outside." Reid is quickly taking after his big brother; I asked him about daycare several days ago and his response was a groan followed by "Don't wanna talk 'bout it." Haha! He's heard that before!

Reid and I have been enjoying our time together in the afternoons. We have had very little one on one time since he was born and it's fun to see him by himself. He talks a lot more and has his own ideas when Landon's not around to follow! We went to the library together the other day and it was fun putting puzzles together and reading some books there. He is always very ready to go pick up his big brother though!

Now for the first day of school pics. He was a tad excited if you can't tell! I have to admit it was a little hard to see him climb on the bus. For years now I've told him he gets to ride the bus when he's a big kid. But this time when he turned and said "can I get on?" my first thought was "it will be your turn when you're older, honey." But not this time, it was there for him now! He still looks forward to going everyday.

winner, winner!

2010-06-29T16:50:00.000-05:00

A week ago I received an exciting email before heading off to bed. I was the winner of a giveaway on Cathy Mores' photography blog! Cathy is an amazing photographer and designer. I was so excited to win; I have always thought the Pantone color mugs were so fun and who doesn't love Starbucks?! The box o' goodies arrived this morning. I love the mug and will be enjoying my Archer Farms Fudge Brownie coffee in it tomorrow morning.

Thanks, Cathy!

(The goodies, plus Reid trying to sneak into the picture.)

Happy birthday, Reid!

2010-04-25T22:30:00.000-05:00

Two years ago today our family turned from a family of three into a happy family of four. If having one son meant my heart was full, my heart was exploding when Reid entered our family. He has brought so much joy and laughter into our home. At two, Reid is busy, sweet, and determined. He loves being outside and everything that goes along with it. I love his random hugs, given by putting his head down and running full blast until he collides with your legs in a bear hug. Reid tries his best to keep up with his best buddy and big brother and always has since he was mobile.

We love you, Sweet Reid. Everyday you fill our home with love, joy, and laughter. You are a blessing to us and we are excited to watch you learn and grow every day.

random musings

2010-03-11T09:26:00.000-06:00

Tonight officially marks the start of Spring Break for the boys and I. Matt has one more day. I think Landon is the most excite one of all because it means ten stay home days! Yay! I have a few blog posts in the cooker, but today is just a few random musings from the boys that made us chuckle.

Our mornings are generally quite hectic. Lunches to make, kiddos to dress, bags to pack, juice cups to fill, etc. Yesterday, Landon made us all stop and laugh though. After getting dressed, he headed to the bathroom. He came stumbling out getting his pants buttoned back up and said "Hey Dad, I just saw something new when I was going to the bathroom!" He wouldn't elaborate, but I can only imagine what he "discovered."

The other night when Matt was working late, the boys and I enjoyed an evening reading our new library books and playing Batman. The boys helped me get their supper all ready and set their little table. As we sat down to eat, Reid sat down by me and grabbed my hand. He held it for a moment, which I thought was so sweet. He then proceeded to spit an entire mouthful of apples into my hand. Gee, thanks sweet child. So much for holding hands.

My boys are definitely brothers. Reid has began rubbing his hair when he falls asleep, something Landon has done since he was a baby. Reid has also began to assume that the fly of jeans is a "pocket". Landon also tried to store tiny treasures in that little "pocket" when he was Reid's age. Birds of a feather flock together.

Last night was a sweet moment. I tucked the boys in bed, read them a new story from the "Jesus book" and a chapter from "Charlotte's Web". After the lamp went out, they snuggled together, Landon made sure Reid had his bunky and then Landon covered himself with his bunky and they were both asleep within minutes. (Never happens!!) They looked so precious cuddled up sleeping together laying there with full tummies, scrubbed faces and soft pj's....and....they both slept through the night! What a good night.

Well, hows that for a completely random post. Hopefully will get the next ones finished up soon!

holy birthday, batman

2010-02-21T13:18:00.001-06:00

Sorry for the hiatus; life gets in the way sometimes. We've been sick...all of us, for weeks now. (Hello, Spring...are you there?!). We're also in the process of renovating our bedroom, which is still, ahem, not done yet. Patience is a virtue, right?! Anyways, we celebrated Landon's 4th birthday at the end of January and had a great time!

The birthday boy.

Matt did some of the party shopping this year. His method? "I didn't want to go down any aisles so I grabbed everything off end caps to save time." Umm..hon, you're strange, but the cups are really cool!

We made Landon wait until the morning of his birthday to open his gift from Matt, Reid and I. He plays daily with his Batcave!

I really hate to leave you with this picture, but I think the only thing to say is...they look like their dad.

Happy birthday, Landon!

2010-01-24T20:50:00.000-06:00

Today's Landon's 4th birthday and I think he had a great day. Cake, presents, pop, Grandpa and Grandma...what more can you ask for?! He's feeling a little under the weather, but he was a trooper all day.

Today is not only special to me because it is Landon's birthday, but also because I received the greatest gift and blessing on this day four years ago at 10:56 p.m. Not only did I receive the gift of a beautiful, perfect son, but that son gave me the gift of being a mommy...the best blessing in the world.

Happy birthday, Landon...you've come a long way "baby"!

1,2,3

2010-01-22T17:17:00.001-06:00

Doesn't hardly seem like four years have flew by already...here's out "little man" on his past three birthdays.

the days are long but the years are short

2010-01-19T21:04:00.000-06:00

Landon will turn four this weekend. Earlier this week I thought back to what we may have been doing four years ago this week.

Today was my due date four years ago. I remember walking into work and getting asked "You're still here?!?!" I had thoughts of handing the tiny man an eviction notice if he chose to hang out in there much longer. Matt was coaching junior high basketball and we were both terrified I would go into labor when he was at an away game.

We were ready...the nursery set up just so, every baby gadget imaginable had been purchased, clothes washed, carseat installed, baby name on the wall....("Matt, I changed my mind about the baby's name." "WHAT? Now?...I'll go take down the name from the nursery."), new name put on the wall, bags packed, camera batteries charged, only one thing missing....umm, baby?...sorry to bother you, I'm sure you must be comfy, but....you can come out now! We're ready to meet you!!

done, done and almost done

2009-12-18T08:07:00.000-06:00

We're done! Yay! Matt took his final last night and I finished up my last class on Wednesday night. Such a good feeling to be done for a little while. Next up...student teaching starting in January. Should be quite an experience!

We're also getting close to being all ready for Christmas. Tree is up. Gifts are wrapped and under tree. I think the gifts are tempting Matt more than the boys! The boys are ready for Santa to stop by and talk of the big guy have Landon sleeping in his own bed more than he has in a year! Santa's helper, Elfie, sits on the shelf in the boys' room making sure he stays in his own bed and reports to Santa, who writes Landon an email several times a week telling him to keep it up! I think Santa may be a year-round man in our home if he has this much pull! Now on to the tree trimming pictures...

sweet peace from my sweetpeas

2009-11-13T08:01:00.000-06:00

Shhh...be vewwwy vewwwy quiet!

splish, splash i was taking a bath

2009-11-04T07:46:00.000-06:00

Just a few pics from bath time last night. Few things are cuter than a freshly scrubbed little boy!

We also want to welcome Miss Kaydence Danielle into the family....congrats to Doug, Melissa & Kirstin! We can't wait to meet the little princess!

halloween party

2009-10-31T09:32:00.001-05:00

The boys had a Halloween Party at daycare on Thursday. The rain prevented them from trick or treating the businesses in town, but they still had lots of fun partying!

What a good lookin' bunch of kids!

Reid was a little unsure of the whole thing. I'm pretty sure he was thinking "I'll stand here and rub my bunk and when I open my eyes everyone will be back to normal!" Darn...didn't work.

He made a cute little tiger nonetheless!

Playing pin the stem on the pumpkin.

No party is complete with doing the chicken dance!

workin' at the car wash

2009-10-21T21:43:00.001-05:00

The boys and I have enjoyed several days of much needed "outside time". The weather has been gorgeous this week and we have been enjoying every day outside! The other day we decided to start up a car wash to tidy up their cozy coupe. The tractors, house, fence, and Nellie all got a good scrubbin' by the boys as well. We also played in the dirt, played ball and went down the slide more times than I can count! What a fun fall day!

If you're wondering why they have no shirts on Landon needed to "get some fresh air on his belly" and monkey see, monkey do, Reid's shirt had to come off, too.

the golden pumpkin

2009-10-20T16:40:00.000-05:00

Reid was awarded "The Golden Pumpkin" today at daycare. The pumpkin is given to the child who shares, listens and behaves exceptionally well during the day. The pumpkin will be returned tomorrow so another child can take it home. Reid was very excited to bring home the pumpkin (we'll see how returning it goes tomorrow!). We were told he should put it next to his supper plate tonight to show everyone how well he behaved. There are teeth marks from a previous child on it who must have put it a little too close to his supper plate! Way to go Reid!!

(Landon's only comment was "I will try hard not to wrestle or take anyone down on Thursday.")

favorite day of the week

2009-09-28T10:15:00.001-05:00

Back when I was working outside of the house Saturday and Sunday were generally my favorite days of the week. Now being at home, everyday is pretty much like the last, so they're all my favorite! However, I officially have a new favorite day of the week. Tuesday.

Here's a conversation between Landon and I last week:

"Mommy, do you love me?"

"Yes, Landon, I love you very much!"

"But, do you love me everyday?"

"I love you every single day."

"Well, I love you on Tuesdays."

That officially makes Tuesdays my favorite day of the week! I'm hoping I get a few extra hugs tomorrow.

e for effort?

2009-09-21T16:11:00.001-05:00

On somber September 11, a post was wrote on one of my favorite blogs (Young House Love) about emergency preparedness. Have you thought about how you would fare in an emergency? I hadn't thought much about it...but I think it's time that I should.

1. First things first...water. At least three gallons per person in the household (don't forget pets!) We have one Bug Juice in the fridge that we could all fight over I guess. Better put some bottled jugs on my shopping list!

2. At least three days worth of non-perishable food. I think we would be fine here, as long as no one was picky...which means we likely wouldn't be fine. Anyone know of a non-perishable brand of chicken nuggets? Then we'd be golden.

3. At least five days of pet food for your favorite, furry friend. I guess we get a point here because we do generally keep at least half a bag on hand for our dear Penelope.

4. Battery-powered radio. Ummm....nope, guess I shouldn't rely on cell reception and iPods for too long!

5. Flashlights and candles. We're good on the flashlight front....new batteries and all. No back-ups on hand, minus one point. :-( Although we have plenty of candles and I know where the matches are! Yeah, plus one!

6. First-Aid Kit. We don't necessarily have it all together in a kit, but our medicine cabinet is busting at the seams with various supplies.

I'd say our score isn't so great...definitely room for improvement! I think this list is very bare bones when you think about it. Add babies to the household and a whole other list could be generated. Diapers, wipes, ready to pour formula, baby food, etc.

How about you? Did you pass the test?

summer replay

2009-09-21T16:03:00.001-05:00

Today was the first day it really felt like summer was over, which is bittersweet. I love fall because I don't love the heat all that much, but summer is fun because the boys love being outside getting down and dirty. So here is a replay of our summer fun...swimming, parades, carnivals and Reid's favorite...watermelon! Enjoy!

not me monday...on tuesday

2009-09-15T07:49:00.001-05:00

As described my MckMama at "mycharmingkids.net". "Are you feeling guilty for eating all the M&M's that you said you bought for the kids? Hope that no one saw when you wiped your child's nose on their own shirt? Overcome with embarrassment when you lost your toddler in your own home while your neighbor was over? We'll don't be! Not Me! Monday was born out of my desire to admit some of my imperfections and reveal a few moments I'd rather forget. You may find it therapeutic to join in and do the same thing!"

Kids say the darndest things, but what about Moms? I'd say we rank right up there. These are a few of the "did I really just have to say that?" moments I've had here lately.

"We don't give purple nurples, especially not at Target. Well then I'll tell Daddy he shouldn't give purple nurples either."

"Get your finger out of your nose, it's ucky. No, I don't want your finger in my nose either."

"Stop chasing your brother with the tongs. I'm very sorry he hit you with the spatula, but hand over the tongs."

"Get your spoon out of your undies. No, now you need a clean one. And go wash your hands!"

"Do you want me to dump water on your head....then don't do it to your brother!"

"Hands do not belong in the toilet."

So there you have it....I never thought I would have to address giving purple nurples in Target, but having kids always brings surprises! Now it's your turn...what have you done or said this week that made you think "Did I really just have to say that?!"

let's get ready to rumble!

2009-09-12T10:08:00.000-05:00

Our Cats head to Lafayette, Louisiana tonight to take on the Ragin' Cajuns and it's televised on ESPN 360, so clear your Saturday night schedule....it's game time! Throw on your purple, get out the nachos, wings, maybe even a beer or two, heck even get the Wabash going in your living room and cheer the Cats on to another victory! Go State!

On a much sadder note, we have enter the rebellious toddler years. I always thought it was the rebellious teen years, but Landon is proving me wrong. The boy refused to put on his KSU football jersey or any other purple shirt for that matter. Then said "When I'm big, I'm going to a KU game!" and ran around shouting "Go Jayhawks!" Who's kid is this? I'm thinking of painting his face purple and making him write "I love KSU" 100 times. It might work.

friday night football

2009-09-11T10:51:00.000-05:00

We love fall around our house for several reasons. The summer heat is ending, soup on the table in the evenings, and high school football. Matt's team started their season up last week against a tough competitor. Tonight the Rams head to Frankfort to take on the Wildcats and we're hoping for a Ram victory! The game is the B104.7 game of the week, so check it out on radio or sport your blue and red and head on over to Frankfort to cheer on the Rams!

about me and the blog

2009-09-11T09:10:00.000-05:00

This kind of feels like the first day of classes all over again. "Tell us your name and one interesting fact about yourself!" I always hated that, but here we go...I've been married to my hubby for five years and have been stay-at-home mom and online student for the past three years. Matt and I have been blessed with two healthy, beautiful, messy boys, Landon (3) and Reid (1). I love staying home with my boys to watch them learn and grow. Each day has it's challenges, but the rewards are much greater!

I love reading other peoples' blogs, so I thought I would give it a try. After hearing "But, what do you DO all day at home?" countless times, I thought this might give you a glimpse into our lives. So here we go...enjoy!