Huh ...

So, after feeling horrible (and that's a bit of an understatement) since being extended that one calling on Sunday morning, I'm feeling a lot better.

I wrote an email (another) to the Bishopric counselor who extended the call.

I gave a lot of reasons/excuses of why I'm really not comfortable with this calling.

• I have never felt so clueless in a calling as when I had this one five years ago.
• I hate being in front of people ... and that's a requirement of this calling.
• In our ward (congregation), our Scouting program is ... special. We have two wards combined, which isn't that usual. Half of the leadership is from the other ward. ... And, if I'm in charge and some of the other ward's folks don't want to do what I say, they just might not do it at all.
  (This is the reason why my twins have their activities on different days. If our ward had its own Scouting program, Bruise and Bucket would have their activities on the same weekday and in the same building.)
• If I accept this calling, I'll have two weeks where I'm not home for three days in a row of those weeks (Between dropping off Bucket for Activity Days and picking her up, being present for Cub Scouts three evenings a month, Round Table meetings on the second Wednesday, Parent-Teacher Committee meeting on the THIRD Wednesday of the month, IMMEDIATELY followed by our monthly Relief Society meeting ... Yeah, that's a LOT of time away from my family).
• A big reason why I've been TRYING to accept this calling is because I hate disappointing people or being unsupportive.
• I'm sure that I'll receive blessings IF I accept it and work on it, but ... whenever I think about accepting/performing this calling, I cry (and cry and cry and cry).
• Part of this calling is getting a group to be enthusiastic about this auxiliary. It's quite difficult to develop enthusiasm if your leader is sobbing. Just saying.
• While I have a testimony that this auxiliary is important, I don't have a testimony that it requires me in it as anything but a supportive semi-outsider.
• My husband already has a BIG calling. I'm working to support him as Elders Quorum president. Which he's been for FOUR YEARS (or, as I prefer to say it "FOUR-EVER"), through THREE different bishops. ... And he doesn't have any impression that they'll be releasing him anytime soon.

I could also state that I'm rather lazy and I LIKE to be at home. And I already have a calling that they never mentioned releasing me from (and we JUST got a new Relief Society president ... I like her. I don't want her to scrabble about to find a replacement for me immediately). I'm cool with my calling ... I don't mind being in it (even though, as Compassionate Service Leader, it's really a "feast or famine" calling. There are months when I don't need to do much at all. Others where I'm desperately working to find weeks of dinners/meals delivered to families. Or emergency delegations of people to help box up an apartment. Stuff like that. It can be stressful. Usually, though, it's not. I just make sure that ladies who've had their babies get some meals delivered to them. I try and make sure that I'm delivering some meals, too. I don't want my sisters in the ward to have to do anything that I'm not willing to do ... but, for some things, I can't, since it's hard to schlep a toddler over to clean/pack a house. I've managed with an infant. Toddlers are harder).

But, yeah. After sending the email yesterday morning, I've finally felt calm/peaceful.
I'm not randomly bursting into tears or snapping at my kids (well, not AS much on that last one).
I feel so much better.

Maybe that's my answer.

And it could be that I've let myself become spiritually lacking. I'm pants at reading my scriptures and saying individual prayers. I never feel like the most spiritual person on the block. Ever.

And so, when I'd pray about this calling, I wouldn't sense any real answer. No definite "no." But I sure wasn't getting anything feeling peaceful ... or anything that interrupted the gloomy cloud that was hanging over me. Even when I'd try and make it like a spiritual Magic 8-ball.
"Okay, I'll take it. I'll do this. I have the ability to do it. I don't want to do it, but I can manage ... okay? Is that what I need to do? ... ... ..." *starts crying again.*

"All right, I'm turning it down. Not going to do it. I mean, I don't HAVE to accept it. I'm trying to support my leaders. But, well, maybe there's some other way." *cries more*

I still haven't officially accepted or rejected this calling ... and I don't really have any idea on what I should do/choose. But ... well, it feels okay again. Well, as okay as it can when I don't know what to do. But, still.

I haven't heard back from the counselor. I'm wondering if he's gone back to the bishopric about it.
At least they know that I really don't WANT to let them down or be unsupportive. I worked to make that clear. And they will know that I might not be spiritual enough to receive (or, at least, to recognize) an answer on my own in regards to this.

But, yeah, that's really about all there is about that.

And I should let you know that Michael took Bruise to Cub Scouts yesterday evening. They stopped by the store on their way home. Brought me gelato and flowers. Bruise picked out red carnations. (I think he remembers that I love carnations and their sweet, spicy scent. Because he remarked to Michael that these ones really didn't smell. Which is true of about all carnations from a florist's shop. Sad.)

But, Bruise picked out red carnations because, as he said, "Red is the color of the heart."

Yeah, my husband has raised a great boy.

(Bucket, Bubbles and I read books together while the boys were away. In case you wondered.)

Back to school and other stuff

Wow ... I'm sure that you were all waiting, on the edge of your seat, with bated breath for the latest installment of my crazy.

Well, sorry to keep you waiting for a little over two weeks ... apparently, I'm busy and/or lazy.

Let's see ... what all have I done SINCE then?

A bit. Sort of a lot.

My mom came up and watched the kids while Michael and I borrowed his dad's trailer and headed down (after his workday) to my Nana's house (now on the market) to load up furniture.
We got a couch (that almost exactly matches the throw pillows that I had bought about a year ago), an end table, a rocking recliner chair, some pictures, and the coffee table that my Great-grandpa made (So now I have a jewelry box that he made and gave me when I was little, a box that was my dad's, a tray he made, a clock that he made -- he made matching ones for Nana's three boys, and Dad gave me his; and the coffee table that was in Nana and Pop-pop's house for as long as I can remember.  So, yeah, it's crazy how much more MATURE our house looks as we collect real furniture.

I managed to get a few bruises and scratches.
And, while cleaning out the old couch so that we could get the green couch in, I managed to stick an upholstery staple through the vein on the back of my hand.
With Michael's help, I got it wrapped up. Once the bleeding was under control, it was fine ... though it was quite sore. And the back of my hand had a gnarly bruise. Fun times, fun times.

There was a sale on bookcases at Target, so we traded out our crappy bookcases in the front room for some taller, nicer-looking ones ... Again, our house looks so much better now. I have to paint the frames for our family pictures ... and then hang them up somewhere else ... but it looks much nicer and open now.

The kids had a fun time at the mall's kids' club activity. A local wildlife center brought in some birds that they're rehabilitating. Bubbles wasn't really into sitting quietly and watching, so I took her into Bath and Body Works where we shopped a bit, got a bit more of a present for my mom.

My mom had her birthday, but didn't come up until a couple days after (My stepdad needed her around for Monday). Bubbles had her stitches out, she's healing quite nicely.
The kids finished their swim lessons ... they didn't pass this level this time, but they were quite close.
They kept improving every day, which is important ... and, probably more important, they had a good time.

I took the kids to the first PTC meeting of the year. Bubbles was TIRED and that made it hard to concentrate ... thank goodness for another mom (mom of one of Bruise and Bucket's good friends) and her foster daughter, who took Bubbles around and kept an eye on her.
Thankfully, the other parents, teachers, staff, and the principal at the meeting all think that Bubbles is pretty cute. Phew.

My aunt and Mom came up to celebrate her (Mom's) birthday. I took the kids to Mom C's ... and Ju (my aunt) and I took Mom out to lunch at a local tea room ... and then we looked around downtown a bit.
There's a carousel museum, which they really liked. Hopefully, in a couple years, they'll have the money (the city, that is) to build the carousel.

After Michael got home, we took Mom and Ju out to dinner and picked up an ice cream cake. Good times.
I made waffles (Ju's request, since Mom and the kids weren't picky) for breakfast.
Ju approves of my skills with making jams (I'm scared to try canning things ... which I need to get over. I've managed to get over my spider phobia ... now to get over my fear of the sewing machine and canning). I made a peach butter (with a hint of ginger), raspberry jam (it WAS syrup, but thickened already), Strawberry-vanilla syrup/jam (which, while cooking, smelled like cotton candy), and a blueberry-lavender butter with a hint of vanilla.
So, yeah, I should start actually CANNING things. It'd be a nice thing to do.

We took the kids to a local art festival and hot-air balloon lift-off. And we went to the aquarium with Michael's folks.

I donated blood ... and, while waiting to do so, got to chat with a friend from high school. She and I have both lived in the same town for YEARS ... but we only run into each other randomly. Like at Target or something ... but this was the first time that we really had time to chat and catch up. That was really nice.

Also, the guy who drew my blood was great. We talked about music and food.
And I almost didn't feel the needle go in, so that's a definite plus, too. ^_^

I got together with my Visiting Teaching companion (who I used to Visit Teach before the kids were born), and we visited a gal and her daughter. We talked books a lot. I love talking about books and getting suggestions. ^_^

We went to the kids' school's open house ... but one of their teachers (the one that we hadn't met) wasn't there, since she was sick. But we had a nice time chatting with their other teacher.

We finally made it over to the outdoor pool to use our coupons that the kids got from their summer reading program. Bruise went down the slide at least four times. Bucket went once. Bubbles is too little ... she mostly clung to Michael and me.
After that, we went to get ice cream from a place that's been around since Michael can remember. I think his dad, when he was younger, also went there for ice cream.

We had a BBQ over at Mom and Dad's ... got to visit with some of Michael's siblings.
And we went back, the next day, for dinner again ... mostly so that we could visit with his baby sister and her family, who live out of state.

Apparently, and this is probably TMI, I was a hormonal wreck on Sunday. I was tired, fasting makes me cranky, Bubbles was cranky, I only realized AFTER I was at church that I had failed to make transportation arrangements for a gal in the ward (mentally-challenged), AND ... on top of all that ... It was announced that the ward potluck social DID have assignments for dishes.

COULD THEY NOT HAVE MENTIONED THAT A COUPLE WEEKS AGO?
Because, here's my grief ... they ALWAYS assign dishes by last name.
And they ALWAYS assign A-M (where we fall) a salad/side dish.
NEVER a dessert.
And I LIKE to make desserts.

So, I had taken Bubbles home so that SHE could nap and that I didn't have to be at church, looking like I was THISCLOSE to tears (because, well, I was already crying. Stupid hormones). And I went onto Facebook and just put out my rant.

And, GOLLY, did I get tons of comments. It was crazy and hilarious.
I think that everyone supported my idea that desserts are more fun and that I should just bring one anyways.

So, I'm walking the line ... I'm gonna bring a Snickers Salad.
What? It's totally a salad. There are APPLES in it.
And chopped up Snickers bars, Cool Whip, pudding mix, and caramel ...
But there's FRUIT, so it's TOTALLY a salad.

And, apparently, there are other folks in the ward, who'd like the dish-assignments to be switched around a bit. So, yeah.
Then there are the people who just like desserts a LOT more.

Of course, before we were in this ward, apparently there was a potluck where TONS of people brought desserts ... and some people complained that there weren't "enough" healthy options.

Seriously, who is going to a church potluck for HEALTHY FOOD?
Yeah ... I'm kind of insane.

But, yeah.

In other news, Bubbles is starting to say some words.

• "Hi"
• "Hi dere."
• "Fisssss" (fish)
• "Duhhee" (duckie)
• "Jeehuss" (Jesus)
• "MEHH!" (Amen)
• "Cheehhz" (cheese ... which she did a LOT so Mom C would take her picture. A LOT. My little ham.)
• "Bye!"
• "Kiihee" (kitty)
• "Ehhs" (yes)
• "No."
• "Peehs" (please)

That's most of it. And she's babbling a lot more. She loves to talk on toy phones. It's great. She'll talk ... then she'll take it from her ear, turn it over, and put it by her thigh (since Michael and I both keep our phones in our pockets, for the most part). Cracks me up.

Bruise got a haircut ... we did it ourselves ... over the course of a weekend. Because, well, it just takes me that long to get a cut that I'm satisfied with. :P

He also is quite the comedian.

A couple weeks ago at church, this is how things went down (a.k.a., this is why I suck at being reverent)
Be aware, all conversation is whispers:

I play with his hair and make tiny ponytails.Bruise: Mom, stop. I don't want to have girly hair.
Me: But, [Bruise], are you saying that all men with long hair have girly hair?
Bruise: YES.
Me: [Bruise], are you saying that JESUS has girly hair?
Bruise: No. Because I LOVE Jesus.
Me: But he has long hair ... why would you say that he has girly hair?
Bruise: *right IN. MY. FACE.* BECAUSE. HE. DOES.

A couple minutes later:
Bruise is wearing very short black socks. His suit pants have ridden up, to expose most of his lower legsMe: Bruise. Get your pant legs down. I see your chicken legs!
(It's true, you know. This boy is skinny. I could build a accurate model of him with pipe cleaners.)
Bruise: *slides so that he's in my lap* Mom. I see your chicken legs, your chicken arms, your chicken face, your chicken nose, your chicken lips, your chicken hair, AND YOUR CHICKEN BODY.

SERIOUSLY, Y'ALL. Can you BLAME me for being distracted in Sacrament meeting????

In other news, we braved the home improvement store again.
In the near future, we'll be replacing a couple light fixtures (one above a kitchen counter. The other's the back porch light) and replacing the dimmer switch in the dining room. I also now have the bolt needed to repair the swinging bench on the front porch ... once I sand that sucker down, refinish the wood, and spray the metal ORB (as the Petersiks at Young House Love refer to "oil-rubbed bronze"). It'll look nice when it's done. Which means that I need to DO IT.

Also, we bought Michael some new clothes yesterday. And I was feeling a little down, since *I* like new clothes. But a friend had me come over and look through clothes that she and her daughter were going to donate. So, guess what? I have new clothes, too. Good times.

So ... now Bubbles is asleep. Bruise and Bucket are at school. Michael's at work.
The house is quiet and I don't quite know what to do with myself.

Except for the whole crapload of chores and the never-ending to-do list, right? :P
And there's a crapload of shows on Netflix that aren't going to watch themselves. :P

I should be cleaning ...

The goal is to have the house clean before the Orkin man comes for a check-up on the house this week.

We'll see how that goes.

Now, what all has gone on since I posted last?

• I visit taught a friend over at the park Wednesday morning. Good times.
• My mom came up to visit.
• Michael had a meeting with the Bishop.
• Thursday, mom went home.
• We went to the park for Art at the park. The kids played and made some crafts.
• We went around Downtown and got some stamps for their "passports."
• We tie-dyed scarves.
• I went to a Relief Society activity in the evening.
• Friday, we went to the Fair -- rode rides, bought some dip mixes, looked at everything.
• The kids stayed with a sitter while Michael and I went back to the fair and went to the Collective Soul concert. (They sound just like they do in the recording ... except that the lead singer left a few years back. The new lead singer is very good, though.)
• Saturday, we went to the farmers' market, got a couple more stamps in the kids' passports, walked around a park, cleaned the house a little ...
• While I was coloring my hair (nothing exciting -- just back to my root color), Michael went to cook up the steaks we had marinating.
  And, well, the grill caught on fire.
  And, since it was next to a window, the glass got hot.
  And cracked as it cooled.
  So we need to replace that window.
  Good thing -- It's a double-paned window, so the kids aren't cutting themselves or anything.
  Bad thing -- The window (ALL THE WINDOWS, apparently) are an irregular size.
  So we have to custom order a new window. *sigh*
  And we missed the Stake Activity. Oh well.
• Sunday, we went to Sacrament
  Before we left (right after Sacrament meeting), we got to see some friends.
  Looks like some are going to be moving back! That's awesome!
  Then we went home, changed, and headed over to my family reunion.
  I had to have people point out everyone (out of, what, 25 people??) that were there, since I never remember names. Ugh.
  Then we went home, Michael got a nap, and we cleaned up the house a bit.
  I ended up going to a friend's house after putting the kids to bed. Got back late. Michael waited up for me. Sweet man.

Wednesday, Bruise got really frustrated in trying to memorize the Fourth Article of Faith.
I tried to get him to laugh (instead of cry).
I ended up with him cradled across my lap.
Bubbles, obviously, was VERY CONCERNED with her big brother crying.
She crawled into HIS lap and alternated between patting his shoulder and poking at his tears.
And I told Bruise that I loved him -- even when he got frustrated; even when he cried; and that I'd always love him.
"Because we're family," he sniffled.
And Bucket wrapped HER arms around the three of us and proclaimed, "I LOVE MY FAMILY ... But I HATE my FARTS!!"

And we all dissolved into laughing.

And she choked out, "BECAUSE THEY'RE SO STINKY!!!"

Then she had to go out to my mom and tell HER what she'd said.

That girl.

But, yeah.

Also, yesterday, Michael and I were looking at house plans ... for the future, when we have money. Because, everyone can figure this out -- a family of five doesn't really fit so well in a two-bedroom house.

The kids were looking with us.

As we're looking, I liked some houses. I really would like at least four bedrooms. And if the guest bedroom had an attached bathroom, so much the better!!

But the kids and Michael really liked a three-bedroom one. And one of those bedrooms would probably be an office (hence why I'd like FOUR bedrooms).

Me: Well, it only has three bedrooms. And if we have that room be the office, where will Mom sleep when she comes to visit?
Michael: We'll have Bruise bunk in with his sisters.
Bruise: OR, if we had an attic, I could sleep up there.
(Note: NONE of the houses we've looked at have an attic. Or a second floor at all.)
Me: *sarcastically* Or we could just shove you into the cupboard under the stairs!
Bruise and Bucket: JUST LIKE HARRY POTTER!!!!!!!!
Michael: Nerd family.

Yup, that's how we roll.

And now I should go finish dishes or cleaning the bathroom or the bedroom or vacuuming or the laundry. *sigh*

Gracious, people will think that I've died.

Yes, yes, I know it's been a little while.

Things are going better with the one friendship. We're chatting a bit. So that's good. Makes me feel better.

The kids (well, Bruise and Bucket) liked soccer. They liked it enough that I think I should get them enrolled on a regular basis.

The Orkin guy was supposed to come today. But, well, whoever did the scheduling SPACED that they have mandatory meetings on the third Tuesday of the month. And, since he's about a hundred miles away, that appointment has come and gone. He'll be by ... SOMETIME ... tomorrow. So, well, we'll be hanging around the house then.

I was going to take the kids to the library to pick up some Summer Reading Program Swag, and then around town to get some stamps for a summer-passport-activity. But Miss Bubbles was a cranky mess ... so we scrapped those plans to give her an opportunity for a nap. Joy!

I've cleaned up a little ... since the Orkin guy will be IN and OUTSIDE the house. Ha. Yeah, and I'm already out of motivation. Whatevs.

(Can you tell that it's T minus seven days until shark week commences? Yeah, I can too.)

The kids finished up their swim lessons last week. Passed! On the first try!

We have them signed up for more swim lessons, in a few weeks ... since it was the only time their FAVORITEST OF THEM ALL swim instructor is teaching their level.

We made it to Free Slurpee Day last week ... and I managed NOT to get into an accident in the cramped parking lot (always a fear. Especially since a LOT of cars just ZOOM in. Yeah. Got my adrenaline going.)

Michael and I took the kids to his folks' on Saturday and we went to the temple (it's been a while). We did initiatories (washing and anointing, by proxy, for people who have died. And, like the baptisms for the dead ... or ANYTHING done for those that have died, in the temple, it's up to that person [who's died] to choose whether or not they want to accept it. So don't be giving me grief for doing something like that. Just putting it out there. I've heard too many folks telling me that we baptize corpses and that no one has any choice in it. ... And, well, I'm a little testy/hormonal. So, yeah.)

Of course, any day that involves the temple is, by default, a good day.
We also went to Deseret Book ... yeah, I got some books. OF COURSE.
And we also had lunch at The Olive Garden (Srsly, that Strawberry-passion fruit-lemonade-sparkling water drink? IT'S GOOD. Where can I get passion fruit pulp around here??)

It was our Stake's temple day, so we got to attend a chapel session ... which I always enjoy.
(Maybe because I can actually PAY ATTENTION to the speakers? Also, truly, because I love hearing from our temple president. He gave a great talk about unity -- not just within the church, but unity with those of other faiths. LOVE IT. Total proof that we [Latter-Day Saints] love you, no matter what religion you are.)
But, yeah ... our current temple president, he has a sense of humor. Which, naturally, makes me like him just a wee bit more (if possible).

Of course, the one BAD thing was that, as we dropped the kids off at Michael's folks', we realized that no one had grabbed the diaper bag ... with the kids' swimsuits.
Mom Cox has a little wading pool on the back porch/patio ... and both kids refused to go in it in (1) their clothes, which she'd run through the dryer or (2) their skivvies, which she could ALSO run through the dryer.

So, upon returning, Bucket greeted me with a "YOU'RE BACK?? ... *hysterical* WHY DID YOU FORGET THE DIAPER BAG?!?!??? I WANTED TO GO SWIMMING!!!!!"
And I gave the rebuttal, "Did you remember to grab it? No? Then you don't get to give me grief about it."

And, yes, I've started giving her a bad time of, when she's done something/forgotten something, "YOU'RE RUINING MY LIFE!!!!" ... Because, well, I CAN. And also, I might as well show her how dumb we sound when we do that, right?

Our order (school clothes) we got from The Children's Place came in.
And BOTH shipments (with EVERYTHING we ordered) are on their way from Zulily ... After the last couple orders where at least ONE thing from EACH "store" didn't ever ship ... including an order where there was JUST ONE ITEM in the order ... Yeah. I mean, it's nice that they refund the money and give a $10 credit as apology ... but, goodness.
When you order matching outfits for your girls and they only send ONE of the two?
Or when you order three bras and they only send two?
Or, in Mom's case, you order ONE pair of shoes and it get cancelled?
Yeah, I was getting annoyed/worried.

I'm just REALLY glad that the rest has shipped -- especially since it has pirate costumes for the kids. And Bruise and Bucket are REALLY excited about those.

Bruise-ism from last night:
(Back story -- As you know, we're a weird family. I joke about pinching the kids' posterior regions. Often. And I do, sometimes. Because they find it funny.)
Me: [Bruise]! Can I pinch your buns??
Bruise: No.
Me: *plaintively* Why not??
Bruise: Mom! They're FRAGILE!!

After I stopped laughing, I demanded to know where he learned that great word.
Turns out, it's from boxes ... My online shopping habit has certain benefits, no?

We missed church choir last week ... I don't know if it wasn't happening. It wasn't announced. And, when it was time to go, Bubbles was napping, Michael had a headache, I was curled up with a book ... things just weren't going.

Besides that, we've been cleaning up the house ... it never ends.

There may be some other stuff that's been going on ... but I'm not really remembering it. So ... yeah.

That boy of mine ...

You know how I was recently complaining that I usually never remember the hilarious things that Bruise spouts?

Well, he gave me a doozy today, bless him.

As Mom, the kids, and I are all headed home from swim lessons, Bucket announces that she has to go to the bathroom. About halfway home (not very far), she asks me, "Mom!! What can I do to help me not have to go pee right now??" (Since, around a week ago, I had her pinch the webbing near her thumb as a distraction in nearly the same situation.)

I tell her to pinch at the webbing. And she says that it's too soft (since her skin is a little waterlogged). So I tell her that maybe she can pinch the skin on the side of one of her fingers, or maybe an eardrum.

And Bruise pipes up, "Since I'm not a girl, sometimes I could pinch my weenie so the pee doesn't come out!"

WHAT. THE. WHAT.

I don't know where this "weenie" business came from. I'm a proponent of calling one's body parts by the real name ... although, I do refer to private bits with epithets, mostly out of boredom.

But, yeah, we all had a good laugh about that.

That's my boy.
Who I now can tease by calling him  Mr. Weenie ... I'll make sure to tell this story when he starts bringing girls home in another ten years or so. Mwhahaha.

Insert some pithy title, please. Thanks.

I keep remembering (or mostly remembering) things that Neil Gaiman said that I hadn't yet written down ... and, well, he was so amazing that I do want to share more!

(Truly, if I'd have thought that a cell-phone video would have turned out at all well, I'd have been sorely tempted. ... But then I couldn't clap, could I??)

But, due to wonderful sales, The Ocean at the End of the Lane bumped Dan Brown's Inferno from the New York Times' Best Sellers #1 spot.

And what did Mr. Gaiman have to say about that?
"Curse you and your intricately-crafted Renaissance [fantasy/fiction/ ... Neither Michael nor I can remember the EXACT word. But it was darling]."

And he knew, around the age of ten, that he wanted to be a writer. He knew that if he did not at least try writing, he would die. And if he tried and failed? That'd be okay. And he go into hotel management or something else.

Truly, I'm a little jealous of people who KNOW what they want to be.
I'm in my early 30s (when did THAT happen?!??) and I still don't really know what I'm doing.
I mean, I'm a mom. I'm a wife. I take care of the house. I cook. I read lots of books. I try not to be boring. I try to be kind and compassionate and understanding. I try to love everyone. I try to love myself. I try to live my religion ... Maybe that's what I am. I'm a TRY-er.
At least, when you're a try-er, it's not like you can really fail.
Just leave Yoda and his philosophy out of it. I don't want to hear it right now.

Besides that, Bruise had some sort of allergic reaction ... on his FACE (and earlobes and neck and a couple little spots on his arms). It appears that he got SOMETHING on his hands and touched his face. I only noticed it last Wednesday. Friday, when it wasn't getting better, I started giving him some Benadryl. It's looking lots better. (And the chlorine-water this morning seems to have helped, too).
It doesn't itch or cause him discomfort ... it just looks ... well ... odd.
At first, I thought it might be acne ... except for the fact that he's NOT nearly old enough to start puberty like THAT.
But he's doing fine ... my shaggy-haired little man.

Bucket ... even though there are times that she knows just which buttons to push ... she is really a VERY sweet and compassionate girl.
I'm, well ... I'm in a bit of a rough patch.
To say much more feels like a drama-queen thing.
But, let's just say that I've really questioned what kind of person I am.
(My mom assures me that I'm not a terrible friend. Michael assures me the same. Does anyone who doesn't have such a vested interest in me want to weigh in? If I'm a terrible person and an awful friend, I'd much rather prefer to know ... so that I can improve my quality of friendshipness-essence.)
And, well, since I broke down in tears again (and I don't like crying in front of my kids. It feels ... unprofessional. They have enough work figuring out who they are. I should be able to hold it together and not stress them out too much) ... and Bubbles had just woken up.
As I changed her diaper, Bucket told me, "Don't worry, Mom. We'll take care of her. You go take a rest."

She is her father's daughter. (Except when she's infuriating ... then that's ALL me. I can admit it.)

And I did take a rest ... and I felt a bit better.
Not ready to take over the world or anything ... but not quite so vulnerable to cry at the drop of a hat.
(At the same time, let's please don't take any chances ... Keep your hat-dropping to a minimum, if you don't mind.)

In other news, the kids started swim lessons today. And they had a great time. Even if I brought them there over a half-hour early. Whoops. (Better early than late, right?)
We got to sit and chat and watch the swim team practice and a class of older ladies exercise.
And Bucket and I talked about how it's not really important if one is "fat" or "skinny." But that being HEALTHY is most important. I hope that sticks.

And a gal from our ward, before the wards' boundaries were all reorganized, has her two sons in swim lessons at the same time (different classes), so it was very nice to get to chat with her. She's a friendly gal and is very fun to talk to. (Which makes me hope that I haven't lost all social skills ... I mean, I can write a great business letter ... maybe I just suck at being personable? But, no, another friend likes me plenty ... so ... well, maybe it's not that.) But I get to look forward to chatting with her for another eight days.  So that's nice.

I don't really know what to make for dinner. I have a pot of rice nearly done.
Not that 2/3 of the children really care for rice. And what should I serve with it?
I'm sure that I'll figure out something.
(Oh well, I was going to have Michael swing by the store on his way home and grab some sausage ... He's obviously listening to the radio and isn't picking up the phone. Oh well.)

Well, I think that's about everything that I can think of to write ... I'm finding myself staring off into space. Not the best use of my time ... and, well, if I'm not that interesting to MYSELF, I feel awful for you reading this blog.

Good news, my mom'll be coming up. I've been missing her. She had put her back out ... and then was having dizzy spells. Neither of which lend themselves well to driving for a few hours to visit (enthusiastic) grandchildren.
So I'm glad to be able to see her. I've been missing her a lot.

I should clean up the house, though. It'd be a nice idea, right?

And I called and set up pesticide service. It's not doing well in our battle against the ants. Ugh. Hate those insects. Why can't they just stay outside?? Whatever. They'll be sorry. In a few weeks. Mwhahaaaa.

About Bruise ...

I notice that it's easier for me to remember funny things that Bucket says ... and I felt the need to highlight our son's sense of humor.

Today, in Sacrament Meeting (Sacrament is pretty much Communion, in LDS-speak. If you have questions, just let me know), Bruise was (as usual) sitting on my lap ... He ends up in my lap for at least part of the meeting.
(Bucket was ENGROSSED in a NOT-AT-ALL spiritual-type book. But, well, she was behaving herself. So I'll let it slide this time. ... If she hadn't been so enthralled by her novel, she'd have been clamoring to get on my lap, too. YES, BOTH my seven-year-olds want to be ON MY LAP at church. ... I don't really get it, but I am flattered.)

So, Bruise is on my lap. And I've already fixed his collar ... and one sock that was on inside-out (He was really wanting to watch Jackie Chan Adventures, rather than pay attention to getting dressed). Then I notice that his pants are on backwards (He has REALLY slim hips, so he just pulls on his pants 99% of the time.)

He moves his face THISCLOSE so our noses are touching, after I've told him, "Buddy, your pants are on backwards"

"IT'S NOT FUNNY." He whispers ... Then he immediately whispers, "IT IS FUNNY."

Then he goes into whispering the "no capes" bit from The Incredibles. Then changes it into "No capes for YOU."
To which, I counter with "Are you complaining? NO SOUP FOR YOU."

Yes, we FAIL at being spiritual during church. I'm completely out of practice.

(Although, one of the gals complimented me on how well-behaved my kids were. I thanked her and begged to differ. She just caught them at a good moment ... and we could do a HECK of a lot better at being reverent. But, hey, at least we look good in our irreverence.)

Also, on the drive to church (Michael had meetings, so went earlier in the truck), Bruise declared that Jackie Chan was his favorite guy.

"More than Indiana Jones??"
(Don't get me wrong. I ADORE Jackie Chan. But, well, I was a little taken aback at this change.)

"Well ..." Bruise considered, "I like them the same percent."

I don't know that Bruise totally understands percentages, but I love that he is working at it.
Cracks me up.

But, really, he's a (mostly) amiable young man. He does get frustrated easily ... and distracted (by LEGO or TV shows or toys) easily ... But he's a pretty strong reader (which he worked SO hard to be) and his writing has improved. He is getting more into sports ... though he LOVES video games.
He is kind ... and enjoys some shows because his sister loves them (e.g., My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic *BRONY HOOF!!*).

He has a good ear for a melody ... which is proven by how he'll hum/sing theme music as he plays (Mostly John Williams soundtracks ... Yup, we've raised a geek. It's lovely).

He hasn't seen a lot of Doctor Who, but he is VERY interested in the Daleks.

He loves to win ... doesn't care what it is, as long as he wins.

He hates to nap ... but he is a sound sleeper when he DOES fall asleep. Out of all our kids, he's the one that, if we have to have a child in bed, I handle best. Because he doesn't move around, like his sisters (who take after ME when I was that age.)

He has to work at his pronunciation ... which he finds frustrating.

I can tell that he's listening, since he picks up on certain speech mannerisms ... like how I (apparently) am prone to state, "As I was saying ..."
I have to say that it's rather hilarious to hear that come out of a five-year-old's mouth.
And it's still funny years later.

He does also have some good aptitude into math/engineering ... I still am boggled that he corrected his grandpa on how to set up the tire swing ... and that, sure enough, it was a better solution.

He also enjoys chess ... with his LEGO chess set.

He loves to snuggle. And, if I'm laying on the floor while reading story-story (bedtime story, as opposed to a scripture story, which is also part of our bedtime routine with the kids), he'll walk on my back.

I mean, really ... when I learned that I'd be mother to a son (as well as a daughter, since they ARE kind of a package deal), I was a little nervous.  I mean, I don't really enjoy watching football. I barely know how to grill. I prefer chicken to most red meat (besides bacon, I suppose. Bacon-wrapped chicken, though? Yummm.). I'm not really all that into cars and engines and stuff ...

I've grown more into LEGO, as my collection of the Harry Potter sets and my ever-increasing MiniFig collection proves. I try to figure out books that will catch and keep his attention (as much as I would LOVE to read Anne of Green Gables for story-story, I won't ... YET. But, when I do, I'll temper it with books like Kidnapped or Hatchet or On My Honor ... and maybe a reread of Skinnybones. ;P) ...

But, yes, he is a sweet, rather smart, funny boy.

And I love when he says things like:

• "Freyja, come here! I want to give you the loves!"
• "[Bubbles] is so cute. I love her."
• "[Bucket] is my best twin sister."
• "Daddy's favorite food is protein ... like in vegetables.
• "Down Cuckoo" instead of Count Dooku

And how he loved wearing his Indiana Jones hat and satchel all over Disneyland and California Adventures ... and how Disney Park employees would remark things like "Indiana Jones! You seem taller in the movies!" or "Wow! Hi, Indy!" and Bruise would just smile to himself, so proud.

And he's great at fart jokes. ... So we have that in common. :P
Bruise looked over my shoulder and said I had to take that out.

Ten days later ...

What all has gone on since I last blogged?
(A lot)
And I'm SURE that you've been WAITING WITH BATED BREATH since my last post.
Yeah ... I'm so sure.

Regardless, here's the catch-up ...

• So, Michael had his birthday. That was where we left off.
  The grilling went well ... Since Michael was in charge of most of it. ;)
  I did grill some fresh pineapple ... which Bucket promptly, in TRYING to be helpful by bringing it in the house for us, dumped on the carpet. ... It was still good, once you picked off the carpet fuzz and cat hair. *rolls eyes*
• The kids had Crazy Hair Day at school ... Bruise's was all spiked and multi-colored (I still have some red, blue, and green colored hairspray. I LOVE Sally Beauty Supply for that. And it smells WAY better than the generic Target spray that comes out at Halloween. Just sayin'. ... I should see if Sally's carries the glitter hairspray. Hmmm.)
• Michael fell prey to a nasty stomach flu. Bubbles and I came home Friday, after he'd gotten home from work. We were going to all go run some errands ... but he was SACKED OUT on our bed. So, I put Bubbles down for a nap after a while and puttered around the house, waiting for him to wake up ... which he did, shortly before the kids got home ... and we went to his folks' house for a birthday dinner.
• I woke up with Michael's stomach flu on Saturday ... He was starting to feel a bit better, so he let me sleep while he took the kids out to get presents for their cousins' birthday party. And, since he was NOT feeling great when he got back, we called up his folks ... and they saved the day by taking all three kids up to their cousins' party.
  It allowed THEM to have fun ... and it allowed us to sleep and, um, be near the bathrooms. (Yeah, it was NOT pretty.)
• We were feeling much better by the time the kids got home. I had eventually shambled down the hall to join Michael on the couch. We watched some episodes of Portlandia and ate popsicles ... and everything stayed down. Phew.
• Which allowed us to make it to church. And choir.
• The kids' school had an awards assembly. Bruise got recognized for writing (he has worked to improve. He's worked REALLY HARD). Bucket was recognized for Reading (well, she IS reading around a third-grade level) and for being a great student (academically and behaviorally). They were both (along with MOST of their grade) recognized for not having behavioral issues.
  I took the camcorder ... and, well, I messed it up. But I did get some still-shots, so it COULD be worse. But I was really irritated at myself.
  Their principal gave a VERY good speech about how, even though we always want our children to succeed, it's GOOD for them to struggle and even fail once in a while.
  I really thought that Michael would like it, since he's REALLY irritated when there are awards to, well, recognize mediocrity. It's okay not to be the BESTEST at things. And, well, people have to face it ... not everyone CAN be the bestest. In fact, the odds are REALLY stacked AGAINST it. And even though we're all unique and special, we have to face it that the world does NOT revolve around us. (We do work to giving our kids a healthy self-esteem ... but not to let them be at all insufferable.)
• I was still helping to ferry my friend's daughters home from school. Tuesday was ... a little exciting. The gal who was going to do the afternoon pick-up couldn't, due to a family thing. So I got Bruise and Bucket from school a little early and JETTED down to pick up one of the girls. We made it, just five minutes late. Phew!
• My mom was up Wednesday, so she was here when Bruise and Bucket got home from school (it was a half-day ... and I had picked up my friend's girl). Then we went out to lunch ... and, after Michael got home, we went to dinner (a local restaurant has a kids-eat-free Tues-Thurs promotion).
• Thursday ... we slept in a bit, cleaned up the house, played a little ... Mom and I got the kids signed up for a sports academy (1 hour/3x per week for three weeks) and swim lessons. And it POURED on the first day of Summer Break. 
• In the evening, we got the kids ready for bed and I headed out for dessert with some friends of mine. Yup, a girls' night out. Creme Brulee and chatting. It was REALLY nice. Especially since a couple of the friends are headed out of town for a while.
• Friday, Michael and I went to give blood ... and I was turned away. For the first time EVER, I have low iron in my blood! WHAT?? So I tried not to cry. And I bought some iron supplements.
  (I ALSO tried Fentiman's Rose Lemonade. YUM!!! If you like Rose Pastilles, you'll LOVE this!)
• Yesterday, we went to the mall's kids' club -- there was a little concert. Very fun. Then we bought the kids some shoes. Bruise got a pair of sandals (Perry the Platypus?!??), a pair of slip-ons, and another pair of sneakers (since they have sports camp). Bucket got a pair of pink, sparkly wanna-be-Toms slip-ons, a pair of metallic sandals (for church), a pair of brown Mary Janes (also for church), and a pair of sneakers. They should be set for the summer!
  Bubbles' pair of shoes (Moccons, in the next size up) that I ordered came in. So she got new shoes, too. Lucky girl.
• We also went to Jenny and Joseph's Solar Party (learning about solar panels). I don't think we're ready for them ... YET. Don't get me wrong, we'd LOVE to invest in them ... but it's a 20-year contract. And we KNOW that we're not going to keep our current house for 20 years. (We need to get at least a three-bedroom sometime. Preferably something a little bigger ... It'd be AWESOME to have a guest room. And a detached office, so Michael'd have the option for working from home ... without us bugging him all the time. ;P)
  (And a LIBRARY/office. And a backyard that we could fit a play structure in. And a garden! And a koi pond! And room for a pool! And, and, and!!!)
  But it was a fun time to get to chat with people ... and the kids had fun playing with other kids.
  And, of course, the food was awesome. (Caramel Tres Leches cake?? I HAD to try that. FOR SCIENCE, y'all!)
• For Father's Day, we let Michael sleep in. And I made breakfast (pancakes and a POUND OF BACON. Jim Gaffigan would be SO PROUD). We gave him his presents (a DVD and some books: Darth Vader and Son, Vader's Little Princess, and the latest Dan Brown novel) ... and I sent off e-cards to his dad, my dad, my stepdad, and my grampy.
  Then we got ready and went to church (took the neighbor girl) ... and came home, folded tons of laundry, called the dads (I got two answering machines ... I can handle that. And I chatted with my stepdad), and ate lunch.

Besides that, it's been lots of dishes, laundry, trying not to yell at the kids too much, Bubbles getting into the cat food ... and sticking it in Freyja-cat's water dish.
Michael ripped out the other old Juniper bush in our front yard. He asked me where the snake will live now.
I say that it'll move under the rhododendrons. Which, naturally, are next to be taken out. Of course.
Michael has plans for a raised-bed garden. Since it'll get TONS of sunlight. I can handle that.

This week should be fun: Dad and L are coming up tomorrow. The kids ALL have a dental appointment. Sports camp (T-ball) starts ... they'll miss the first day. Whoops. Bubbles has her 15-month check-up. I don't THINK that she is getting any shots ... But, well, it's been six years, so she probably IS getting shots. And Bruise and Bucket will be there to help distract her. Good times.

Then, this weekend, we're going to have a work party to cut down a tree in the back yard (it's getting BIG. And it's taking up a LOT of room. And the leaves are REALLY STICKY so the ants LOVE it. ... And, well, I'm trying NOT to feel TOTALLY guilty about KILLING A TREE.
(But the wood is going to good use! We're giving it to a gal at church so she'll be WARM this winter!)
And, once the yard work is done, we'll have a BBQ to celebrate. So I'll need to go shopping.
Then we'll have choir on Sunday ... and that is the plan for the week.

Besides cleaning, cooking, having the kids memorize Articles of Faith, reading through The Book of Mormon with the kids this summer, working on writing and keeping in the habit of school stuff, researching medical insurance, researching a good not-too-big-or-too-spendy elliptical (because, it'd be NICE to have one. And I'd get through a LOT more movies/TVshows on Netflix that way) ... and updating the Facebook page for the ward (congregation) playgroup ... which, well, I'm in charge of.
I really don't know why. I suck at setting up Playdates. 

But Michael tells me that they have me do it because I'm aware of stuff going on. ... Okay, if you say so.

And ... I really want to get some naps. Naps would be good (or is that the low iron speaking?!?!??).

Funny things said lately:

Bucket and I were talking about cleaning and dirt.
Bucket: Well, when I have my own house, it won't have dirt or germs in it.
Me: Honey, EVERYONE'S house has some dirt and germs.
Bucket: THAT'S IT. I don't want a house. I'm just going to LIVE IN THE STREET!!

.... I really have no idea where she got that dramatic streak.
No clue at all ... *Whistles and walks away. Nothing to see here, officer.*

Michael already started reading "Inferno" (one of the books we got him).
Michael: Dan Brown REALLY has an ego.
Me: I'm Dan Brown and I'M A GENIUS. Read my books and see how smart I am. Because I am SMARTER THAN YOU.
Michael: Because I AM ROBERT LANGDON. ... Seriously, Langdon is Brown, but with more hair!

Bruise's pronunciation still makes us laugh ... He's using GREAT WORDS (that I, at the moment, cannot recall. BAD MOM) ... but, well, he's just great.

Bubbles likes to up the cute to get out of any trouble. And, when we call her on it, she'll flop onto the carpet and cry. Poor thing.

My best bon mot this week was probably this (Michael'll correct me if I was MORE brilliant, I'm sure.):
At Jenny's solar party, the rep was talking about how we get the majority of our electricity in this country.

Him: It's all dams, coal, and oil!
Me (sotto voice to Michael): Damn coal and oil.

Yeah ... I'm a rebel, I am.

But really ... I could totally go for another Rose Lemonade (or a dozen. Maybe ten ... dozens, that is).

Actually, I DON'T have any Crazy Dream Chronicles to share ... yeah, I know!

Since I last posted, ... well, what HAS happened?

We had Easter ... We visited some family ...

• Friday - We went to Michael's work in the morning, on our way down to visit family.
  I took the kids to a fast food place for breakfast. Bucket devoured her biscuits and gravy; Bruise heartily enjoyed his French Toast sticks with syrup; I chowed down on a breakfast burrito ... and Bubbles ate our little fried hashbrowns and anything else we shared with her.
  
  The kids and I shopped around, ending with trips over to Trader Joe's and Target. Of course.
  Then we swung back around and picked up Michael so that we could head down to visit Nana and Dad and L ... I also got to see my uncle, M, and Aunt I. It was a really nice visit.
  It's not easy to communicate with M anymore, since his stroke about four years back. It was pretty bad. Nana had a stroke when I was around Jr. High ... and she bounced back really well. M's was a lot more severe. And it's not fun for anyone, since he was the sole brother who didn't have Usher's Syndrome -- He was the most independent and capable. And, now, it's much harder for him to be that way. He still can see well ... and hear well. But walking unaided and speaking ... those are harder.
  
  We got to look at the new house that Dad and L built. It's way cute. L has a great eye for color and a good sense of design and set-up. Not that anyone should be surprised, since this is the third house she's worked on. (They live in house #2, after selling house #1. The first house Dad had started ... and L worked to make it a lot better. Originally, the kitchen was really small ... by the time they put it up for sale, the kitchen had been remodeled, they built on a beautiful porch, ... It's a gorgeous place.
  
• Saturday morning, the kids colored eggs with L and had a little egg hunt of their own.
  After breakfast, lunch, and touring the new house, we were packed up and ready to take off.
  We were going to take the kids to a community egg hunt in my hometown, but Bubbles was JUST about asleep (after barely any naps the previous day ... and skipped the morning nap today, too) ... and there wasn't anywhere to park (small town, what can you say?). So we headed back home to get unpacked and run a few errands.
  
  Michael had to do some things, so I had the kids and we got settled in at home. Bubbles got a REAL nap. I did some laundry.
  Then he came home and I went out to help the Easter Bunny. I decided that, since the kids would get a ton of sugar on Sunday at Grandma's (Mom and Dad C's, that is), we'd try for something a little healthier that I could be fine with them digging into before church. So, amid a couple little toys, there were small bags of jelly beans, (bunny-shaped) fruit snacks, pretzel/cracker mix (shaped like bunnies), fruit leather, granola bars, coloring books (or, in Bubbles' case, a board book), and water bottles. And they each got some DVDs to share (Darkwing Duck, vol 2, DuckTales, vol 2, and Princess Sofia the First ... which Michael picked up at Costco).
  
  They were HUGE hits ... I think I know what to do about treat baskets from now on!
  
• Sunday, the kids TORE into their baskets. And I patted myself on the back.
  
  We went to church ... since it was a fifth Sunday, we had a combined Elders (mens) and Relief Society (womens) class. Which meant that, for the first time in WEEKS, I was able to stay in class the whole time (I usually have Bubbles, since I don't have a Sunday-type calling. Michael, though, DOES. So she usually sticks with me. And she's not into napping during class anymore. But, if I need to substitute in Primary, Michael willingly takes her with him. And Bubbles gets passed around the Elders' Quorum. Good thing that (1) she's personable and (2) we have GREAT men in our ward who like to hold babies.)
  
  At church, I was so happy to see that the husband of one of my friends was there! He hasn't been active for a while. In fact, it took me a second to recognize him, since I haven't seen him often. But I was SO GLAD for her. I was sorry that I didn't have a chance to go tell him "hi" and how nice it was to see him ... well, not without sounding a little like a stalker. I don't think he knows who I am.
  His wife and I worked in Young Women's together ... so that wouldn't help him to know who I am.
  
  After church, I tossed (figuratively) the kids into the shower in some kind of assemblycleaning line (My pet peeve, apparently, is when my kids have dirty nails/toenails). Michael and the kids got the garbage out. And then we loaded up and drove to his folks' house.
  
  We got caught in some horrible traffic ... which made us appreciate our smart phones. According to TripCheck, there was an accident. And it told us where on the highway it was. So we got off at the next exit and were able to make it to the grandparents' house without TOO much of a delay (If we'd stayed on the highway, we'd have been there for at least an hour. Traffic was STOPPED for a few miles).
  
  The kids got to play with their cousins. I got to talk to my brother-in-law, Jason-head. I also got to visit some more with C, Michael's other brother, and A (his wife. Meaning C's wife. Michael only has one wife. And I'm that one).
  
  The kids had an egg treasure hunt (Dad C and Uncle D wrote out clues for the kids to follow) ... and a sugar rush followed.
  
  Then we got the kids home and ready for bed ... since Spring Break is now over.
  
• Monday - I mostly took it easy. I got caught up with laundry (YAY!).
  Mom and C (my stepdad) were able to get the pump fixed ... so after two weeks, they have running water again. My mom is THRILLED.
  
  I colored my hair ... It's red. Like a bright auburn type of red. I think I like it.
  I did miss a couple spots along the hairline, so I think I need to redo it. However, I'm happy with how my hair feels. (I had gotten used to buying the ColorSilk, which is CRAZY cheap. And it'd make my hair feel like straw. I "splurged" on a box of Feria ... and WOW. Even right after drying my hair, I could feel a huge difference. My hair is soft and feels like HAIR.)
  
  I'm about caught up on dishes, too. Which might make the shambles that my kitchen is in just a titsch less heinous. I hope.
  
• Tuesday - Bubbles is pretty awesome. Not only does she run to help me put the wet clothes from the washer into the dryer, BUT yesterday, when I was loading the washer after she helped me transfer clothes, she waddled off ... and came back with dirty clothes to put into the washer!
  Dude, y'all ... she's just 13 months and has an awesome work ethic when it comes to laundry.
  I was/still AM totes impressed.
  
  And, NO, she did not get it from me.
  I do need to step up the housework a notch. And finish a library book.

Our kids school does Fall AND Spring pictures. I talked the kids (per Michael's request) into NOT getting individual pictures done this spring. We'll still order the CLASS picture ... but, when presented with the choice of getting a Spring picture OR going to the book fair?
Yes, they proved that they are my children. Book Fair it is!

Oh ... the kids were funny on April Fool's Day.
After they HAD TO CHECK to see it April Fool's was on the first or the third (I was honest ... I also didn't pull any pranks), they proceeded to tell me that they put snakes and scorpions into my bed.

Yup.

I tried to convince Bucket to get her friends to help her look for hens' teeth ... and had to then explain to her that no, hens don't have teeth. That's why THAT's a joke.

But, yeah ... that's most of what is standing out.

That and the fact that I don't have to keep a friend's pregnancy a secret anymore!
I'm excited for her and her husband ... and a little worried, since she's suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum this time. So she's in the hospital about once a week, so that she stays hydrated.
But hey, a baby!! And I don't have to keep it a secret anymore!!

Well, I should go get a shower and clean up the kitchen or something.

Funny stuff my kids say

I don't know why I usually only have things to post that Bruise has said.

Bucket is quite a cut-up, too.

It's hilarious to see their senses of humor developing ... especially as they understand more and more.
So, say, reading Amelia Bedelia books is a totally FUN experience with them.

Bucket was making Marvel Superhero Squad characters out of construction paper.
As she showed one to Bruise, he quoted, "Hulk not understand!!"

THEN he started snickering as I was laughing. His snicker is great.

Earlier this weekend, I was sitting by Bucket, trying to get a movie to play.

"Why is it taking so loooong?!?" She monologued. "I love waiting. Except when I hate it. Then I start whining!! ... Why are you laughing? Are you laughing at me?!??"
Amid giggling, I choked out, "I love you."
"Why do you love me??"
"What," I asked. "Do you want me to hate you?"
"Yes. Yes, don't love me. You're supposed to hate me."
"Tough luck on that, girl!"

And parenting can get harder as they get smarter.
"Mom?" Bucket asked. "Remember how last night you told me to count to 300 so I would fall asleep?? I did count to 300. I counted by fives and tens."

And, after a family member passed some gas, Bucket asked, "What was that? Did they make that sound WITH THEIR BUTT?"

As we were putting together the gingerbread house last week, watching The Charlie Brown Christmas Special (It's not Christmas until I've watched that. And I need to watch it again, sans distraction. Preferably with popcorn and hot cocoa. Because, dammit, I NEED a little Christmas spirit.), Bucket turns and looks at one of our decorations on the table.
"MOM!!! LOOK!!! IT'S THE SAME TREE!!!!"
Yes, yes it is. That's why I bought that one.
(A couple years ago, I went to Hallmark after Christmas ... got ornaments for the kids. And, since the Charlie Brown Christmas decor was 50% off, I picked up the tree and a figurine of Linus. He's dressed as a shepherd. On the base it says, "That's what Christmas is all about."
I have it next to one of my nativities.)

Kids do say the darndest things. And that's one of the best things about being a parent (or an aunt/uncle or older cousin or whatever).

Stuff my Son Says

Bruise ... has such funny ways of describing things.

And it's not helped by the fact that his diction is not the clearest.

Bruise: Mom, is Bri your friend that's FIRST?
Me: First at what?
Bruise: No, Mom. VERSED.
Me: ... Um ... Can you describe it to me?
Bruise: Your friend. She married a man and he was bad and now she's VERSED.
Me: OH!!! DIVORCED! Yes! ... But Bri is going to be married to a man who treats her well. She won't be divorced anymore. You're right.

And, then, we were talking about wedding outfits ...
Bruise wore his grey suit with a turquoise shirt. Bucket wore a deep turquoise chiffon dress.
I wore a dark teal cotton dress and those nude heels I keep talking about. :P

Me: And, can you grab those nude heels? Those ones that make me really tall?
Bucket: The ones that you're wearing for the wedding? That are peach colored?
Bruise: The ones that make you look like you're standing on your tippie-toes?
Me: YES! Those ones! Thanks!!

Things like this make being a mom a fun thing.

That's my girl ...

Bucket, this morning:

"Sorry! I'm farting ALL OVER!"

Yup. That's my girl.

Crazy kids....

As we're waiting for Michael:
Bruise: Daddy's not here yet. What's the point???
And then the kiddos ask why I'm laughing. *sigh*

Oh, that boy of mine ...

As we put the kids to bed, I tucked in Bruise.

"I wanna be snug in a bug in a wug," he told me.

So I had to explain that it's really "snug AS a BUG IN a RUG," or else he's insinuating that he wants to be eaten by a bug.

And then he was making funny noises (like his evil laugh ... sounds like a villainous Frenchman. Love it!), I told him that he was a goofball.

"No, I'm NOT a GOOFBALL!! I'm CUTE!!!!! I'm just cute. Not a cute goofball. Just a Bruise Cute."

He's right ... he IS a cute little boy.

... In other news, Bucket has told me that Lola would be a great name for a girl like her. And I should call her "Lola [FirstName]" or Lola Bucket.
... At least it's a bit more original than the names that I told my mom that she SHOULD have named me (back before I learned to LIKE having a unique name/pronunciation/spelling). Which, for the record, were Daisy (I watched a LOT of Disney Channel. And face it, Daisy's pretty awesome. She's pretty, smart, and independent. So, hey, at least I have taste, right?) and Anne (for Anne Shirley ... You know, Anne of Green Gables, etc. ... And, really, there's a core of me that's just as romantic, dramatic, and imaginative as she can be. Oh, how I longed to be her bosom friend. ^_^).

Bucket ALSO tried to get me to tell her how to write a sign that would say that the kids in their room don't have to take a nap. Ha ha ha ... yeah, right, girlie. I don't THINK so. But nice try.

We talked today about money and value. How a penny is one cent, etc, up to a dollar. The kids were shocked to realize how many pennies it takes to buy toys. (To tell the truth, I'm shocked, too.)

That's most of what's gone on today ... The high point of Sunday (besides church in general and my visiting teachee making it to church on her own ^_^) was that I took a nap.... Which wasn't all that restful since I kept waking up about every 15 minutes since Bucket STOMPS around like an elephant. *sigh* And Michael and I watched Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End ... which made us stay up late. :P
And then we watched our edited DVD of The Lost Boys (LOVE THAT MOVIE) last night.

I should write about my birthday ... and I will ... probably on Thursday. Since I'm tired now ... and I'll have company tomorrow and volunteering ... So, yeah.

And I need to prepare a little 2-minute presentation about Marjorie Pay Hinckley (my choice) for the RS Activity Thursday.  I can do it. It's two minutes. And, really, all the sisters at church already know that I'm ... special. (Outspoken? Geeky? Unique? Odd? All of these fit. :P)

Cute Things My Kids Said Recently ...

"Isn't your sister wonderful?"
Bruise: NO. She's SMART.

"Mom, come see what thing is in our room!!"
(It was my mom. Who I knew was in there. :P)

"We got you a secret surprise. I can't tell you about it."

"Why can't I marry my sister?"

To Bucket: Why are you so pretty??
Bucket: Maybe it's because I'm a vegetable?
(Maybe taking the "you are what you eat" motto a little too far ...)

Cuteness contained within

As we're getting ready for bed, I thought about reading Love you Forever to the kiddos.

"This would be a perfect time to read that book, since Daddy's not home. If he heard it, it might make him cry."
And the kids giggled.
Then Bucket asked, "Why? Is he allergic to it?"

(Michael's aside: It made me TEAR UP. It did NOT make me CRY. It's different.)

Bucket was crying because we couldn't find the book. And I had gotten a liiiiiiiiiitle irritated at them for shrieking and playing on their slide while I searched for it.
Since she had made SUCH a fuss about the eye drops for pink eye being salty, I had her taste her tears.
"They taste SALTY, don't they?" I triumphantly proclaimed.

"They taste like eyeballs." She retorted.

Bucket: 1
Mommy: 0

Bruise was wild to try them. When he nabbed a tear off of Bucket's cheek, he popped it into his mouth.

"TASTES WIKE COCONUT!!!!"

And that's when I told him that HE was a coconut.

Good times, good times.

My son. Describing Pop Tarts.

(Yes, I realize that I'm a terrible mother for [1] allowing him to eat Pop Tarts instead of a homemade, organic diet AND [2] for laughing)

Bruise: Can I have anudder one? Of those fings dat you puy in your mouff. And they have chokwat [chocolate] in dem??

Yes, they were S'mores-flavored pop-tarts.

But "you put in your mouth." He didn't describe them as food. Just that you put them in your mouth.

Also, I was REALLY tired.
And I laughed for about five minutes about it.

Some funnies

Since I KNEW that you were just waiting for cute stuff that the kids say.

Bucket: And then I could make you a CAKE! With a picture of you and your dad kissing on it!!
Me: WHAT?? *slightly horrified look*
Bucket: Um ... With a picture of you and your dad hugging on it??
Me: Yeah, that's better.

Bruise had crawled into bed to snuggle with me before I got up. He's such an early bird.

Bruise: *snuggles into my neck* Mommy, you're stinky. You should take a shower.
Me: *tartly* And YOU should learn some manners.
Bruise: .... .... Please?

Yes, these are the fruits of my loins. I have obviously raised them well. :P
I'm sure you are all oh-so proud and in awe.

Those children of mine ...

Bruise wanted us to buy him a Darth Maul Lego set, since we were headed to Target on Monday.

Michael: Bruise, I don't think they have any there.
Bruise: Well, then, yoo'll just hafta wook HARDER.

This morning, since I wasn't here to put the kids to bed last night ... I had noticed one of the volumes of fairy tales on a table.

Me: So, kiddos, which story did Daddy read to you last night?
Bucket: One about a man with a blue mustache. And he kills people. Wives that he marries.And puts them on his wall.

It tickles me that that's how she summarizes Bluebeard.

But the kids didn't have any nightmares, so that's all fine.

Blue mustache ... I'd understand blue WHISKERS ... Mustache. Ha.

EUREKA!!!

Okay, so a few months ago, I mentioned that Bruise and Bucket had both listed things they could do? And I had lost Bucket's list?

I FOUND IT!

It had been tucked into the logbook that we track the van's mileage and when/how much gas is filled. *rolls eyes*

But I found it!

So, Bruise's list read:

• Play with robots.
• Play with Star Wars Legos.
• Play Star Wars game on the DPS. [This is really MY Nintendo DS. And, as part of playing it obviously entails erasing ALL my progress. TWICE. ... Not like I'm at ALL bitter. Nooooooooo.]

And here's Bucket's list:

I can do many things. :)

• Lay on the floor and take a nap. [Um ... when? Barely ever! But, I guess it's true that she CAN. :P]
• Jump on the floor.
• Have fun with my cousins.
• Say goodnight to my mom & dad.

Yes, cute things. And those last three are what she MUCH MORE enjoys doing that that first one on the list. :P

Regardless, my kids are cute. And they can do things. ^_^