Thankful Thursday

I have a feeling that this Thankful Thursday is going to look a lot like Wordless Wednesday. That's ok though because, let's face it, sometimes we just don't feel like reading. We just say "bring on the pictures". So, here are my Thankful Thursday pics... not all from today. I wrestled with the kids on Monday to get a decent picture to send to grandpa for his birthday. The mission was to get a decent one of them... together... in weird changing light... far too close to what should have been nap time. That was an adventure! You'll see Rylan's opinion on the whole thing in just a bit!

This little girl was so calm. She filled up on some food and then hung out in the plum tree for quite a long while. She seemed just as curious about me as I was about her! Clearly, our weather was very different today. Nothing but wet clouds...

Wordless Wednesday... Pretty Much

Worst. Picture. Ever! Poor boy has antlers, not to mention the look on his face thanks to missing the tennis ball. Jim wanted me to make sure that I say... he's OK!

If you hang it... they will come!

At least four different types of hummingbirds stopped by today!

Happy St. Patty's Day!

Happy St. Patrick's Day! No, I didn't spend the whole day cleaning, felt a bit like it though. After the kids napped we made that stuff below. Looks kind of gross doesn't it? But trust me...

these cookies turned out super yummy! The cuteness was a bonus. Plus? I got creative and dyed the sugar crystals! Look out, Martha!

Dinner was ready as soon as Jim walked in the door from work. A pretty predictable meal... corned beef, boiled potatoes, green beans, green apple juice and yes, the cookies made it to the table and to the mouths before dinner started!

All in all a pretty good day for us. We did some coloring sheets, some dot to dots and we talked about St. Patrick and how he used the three leaves of the clover to explain the Holy Trinity. A good day indeed!

Tackled It!

YAY! Nice and clean again. This room always gets much more use when it has fewer things in it. The good ol' stand-bys... dress-up clothes, train table, school/art table, cars, Lego's and Bilibos. Those are the basics that get used every day. The other things went back to their bedrooms or down to the basement play area. For some reason, they keep that space picked up?

And by the wonders of the crock-pot. I managed to be in two places at once... cooking and cleaning! Karleigh's taking some quiet time and coloring. Rylan's napping. I'm going to hop in the shower and then when he wakes up we'll make some green cookies! Yum!

Tackle It Tuesday

Just keeping it real here!

Two against one room

while I was doing dishes

Late Winter madness

Now, I'm counting on you to hold me accountable for cleaning up this mess! Oy!

Kid Signs

As I was surfing the "net" tonight, I came across horoscopes for children. Seriously, I do not believe in the whole horoscope thing but at the same time I do always find it interesting whether it be because of the whole power of suggestion thing or if it really does have a bit to do with personality. Perhaps that's because I'm a Gemini and I can't ever make up my mind! Anyway, here's the breakdown. If you know them, you'll find this pretty funny/accurate and if you don't... well, assume it's pretty accurate! ; )

Rylan - A Lover, Not a Fighter

Whenever there's tension in the house, your Libra son or daughter will switch into peacemaker mode. Libra children want everyone to get along, and conflict distresses them. If they're born into a noisy, expressive family, they'll have to learn to assert themselves in the midst of it, which can be very difficult for children of this sign.


In general, harmony is a primary concern of Libra children, and they'll do what they can to ensure it. This includes being affectionate with their parents, siblings, and friends.


Libra children instinctively understand the old saying about drawing flies with honey. They're sweet and naturally polite, but their urge to please everyone can lead to difficulties.


They may be indecisive -- worried that any decision they make could offend someone or cause hurt feelings. They also have a hard time stating their opinion in an assertive way, which means they could let their friends run all over them as they try to accommodate everyone.


On the brighter side, their innate social skills and strong sense of justice make them a fine friend. They also have a well-developed sense of balance and refined tastes even at an early age.


Natural negotiators, Libra children excel in bringing people together, creating compromise and seeking cooperation rather than conflict. As the parent of a Libra child, your job will include teaching him -- gently! -- that occasional disagreements are a natural, unavoidable part of life. Help him build his self-confidence and realize that being opinionated and assertive aren't the same as being offensive.

Karleigh - Geared for Success

Napping, pretending, playing dress-up or hide-and-seek -- these may not be high on your little Capricorn's agenda. This child is too driven to waste time on anything so frivolous!

Capricorn kids tend to be practical and reward-oriented from an early age, and they're willing to work hard for the results they seek. They might know early on what they want to be when they grow up. And if they're slow to develop or choose a particular interest, don't worry; Capricorns improve with age.


Capricorn children are planners. Success and approval are among their primary needs. They want other people to see how smart, hardworking, and competent they are, so be sure to reward your little Capricorn frequently.


Giving your Capricorn child an allowance and increasing it with each birthday is a good way to teach her about the value of money. Don't be surprised if she squirrels it away in her piggy bank and uses it only for the occasional, much-coveted purchase.


Your Capricorn child will make a wonderful older sibling, because this sign possesses a natural sense of responsibility. Try not to load her up with too much responsibility at a young age, however, no matter how well she seems to handle it. Even the most serious children need to play and have downtime!


Also, try to teach your child the benefits of flexibility. Otherwise, it's all too easy for your little Capricorn to slip into one rigid way of seeing and being in the world.

Fly on the Wall

After Karleigh finished sorting the laundry this afternoon...

K: [in a sing song voice] Woohoo! No need for mom-eeeee!
Me: What? No need for me?
K: Nope!
M: OK then.
K: See, I can do it all by myself. No need for you!
M: I see. You might have a hard time reaching the laundry detergent though.
K: Nope! There's a chair down there.
M: Hum...
K: See, absolutely no need for you! (pausing) Actually, can you please scratch my back right here?

Eh, at least I'm good for something!