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#10

I love the weather we've been having! Not too hot, not too cold- sunny and slightly breezy. This IS my perfect weather pattern. The only thing that puts a total kabosh on time outside enjoying this weather is the BUGS. Mind you, I'm not a girly girl. I don't go running at the sighting of a spider, and I'm willing to pick up the toads Adam finds in the yard. But we have these gnats or black flies, or whatever they are...is a total pain! It's not just one or two...there's a SWARM of hundreds around my head every time I'm out for more than 10 minutes! This subsequently leads me to wanting to run into the house, toddler and boy screaming underfoot because they want to be outside.



Last year, I used a spray product that worked for a few weeks. (Later I read the bottle, and it said it "controls bugs up to 4 weeks.." which is pretty accurate) I purchased another bottle at the end of the season, but never sprayed it. When I found said bottle on the shelf today, I thought "EUREKA! No bugs, and number 10 on the list!" And I didn't have to spend any money!!





So, today at 2:30, I was outside spraying the bottle of Bug Free Backyard! As I'm spraying, the gnats came at me full force. I have bites all over my neck and arms- one last hurrah, guys....see you little buggers in a few weeks! (At which time, I'll spray again!)

And now, that I've actually read the instructions all the way through (you'd think I was a man or something!), I'm realizing that I need to wait at least 4 hours for this to dry before the boys can touch it. Oye. I think tonight is a good night for hair cuts and a visit to the park!

The List

If you scroll down, you'll see a list of 101 things. This I read on someone else's blog and I thought it was a great idea to push me into some new directions of growth- or just plain out inspiring me to be a better me. So, here's my list. I have a deadline of May 15, 2011- which is 2 years from today. I'm both excited and apprehensive about posting it. I tried to encompass different areas of growth- individually, spiritually, daily, professionally, maternally, relationship-ally (thought I would keep going with the -ally's). As I cross things off, I'll write a little post just to let you know what I've done and how I've done it.



Actually, I already have one to cross off. I started this list about a week ago while something was in the process of happening. And, as I was posting the list- it happened! Adam lost his first tooth! Dave and I were anticipating a lot of drama. He only let us touch it once a day. I often heard, "No mommy, you already had your wiggle of the day, you cannot touch it until tomorrow." So, we thought this was going to be a clinger. Then, today as I'm typing, Adam comes up to me with a big smile on his face, "Mommy, look what I did!!!" and handed me his tooth. So, technically, I did help him with loosing it by wiggling daily, but I'm grateful I didn't have to do any actual pulling.

A thankful heart

The following video was taken on Mother's Day afternoon. Dave took the boys outside for some football while I started dinner and worked on a few audits. While working, I heard my boys and my husband playing outside. I heard grunts, groans, and big belly laughs. Needlesstosay, my work time actually became spectator time.

It was in this moment, watching from my kitchen window, that I realized just how blessed I am. I'm so thankful for all God has given me- and thankful that He knows what He's doing when he matches a husband and wife. I can't think of anyone else I'd rather be married to. I'm so proud that he's the father of my children.

This video isn't a beach in the Bahamas, and its not a fancy mansion. It's just a daddy playing in the back yard with his boys. It's my life, and I'm so thankful.

I'm even thankful for the dog poop. :)

I'm even more thankful that its not my job to pick it up.

Not Me Monday

So, apparently I'm a Not Me! every other Monday. I don't think I post enough to the blog to be considered and every Monday kind of gal...so here goes. My second Not Me! Monday...

• I did not leave Colin in his crib tent for 25 minutes to finish my nap time projects. Even though he did wake up early from his nap and I had audits scheduled, I did not leave him in there until I completed them. I do not LOVE my crib tent since it keeps him confined until I'm ready for him.



• I did not invite Molly (our dog) to jump the baby gate so she could eat up the snack crumbs left by the boys. This would be an awful example of laziness and apathy about what goes into our dog's stomach.



• I did not let Adam put the bike trailer on his bike because Colin wanted to go for a ride and Dave and I were too tired to take them out. The following picture was not taken:
  

Thigns I did not say during the past two weeks:

• No, Adam the bank teller is not a leprechaun. He's probably from Ireland- that's why he talks that way.
• Boys, I love to cuddle with you, but can you get OFF ME PLEASE!!

Anything with a beat...

Colin is very music driven. Adam definately was not. I'm not sure if this was a basic personality difference or just the fact that Adam couldn't hear it well. Perhaps both. Anyway, it still amazes me that Colin can find a beat to dance to just about anywhere. He's even got a little swagger like Papa Ken in him...

Boys in the kitchen

The other day, the boys and I made some Rice Krispie Treats. Now, I don't normally allow the boys in the kitchen when I'm assembling anything. I'm not sure if this is my own control-freakiness, or if its just the fact that I'm super paranoid of my kids cutting/hurting/burning/ingesting cleaners while in the kitchen. But, I realized recently that its a fun way for Adam to learn about following directions and some early math concepts. So, rice krispie treats it was....

1. Lay out all ingredients.



2. Enlist "helpers" i.e. little brother



3. Scoff at the fact that mommy would only let you have 5 marshmallows (one for every year you are old)


4. Measure out rice krispies. Be thankful said helper has a top on his sippie cup- otherwise they would have been soggy cranberry grape rice krispie treats.




5. Melt butter and marshmallows in the pot. Continuously stirring (being continuously reminded to stir too)


6. Oops! We forgot to take a pic of combining them. Pour mixture into the greased pan after mixing...

7. Generously allow helper to clean out the bowl and spoon.

8. Add sprinkles and WAH-LAH!

9. Enjoy ( and look cute doing it too!)
Well, I survived to write about it- so I guess that means it was a success!