A Future Full of Opportunities

You can tell alot about your future from sprinkler jumping.

For example, I may have a future in gymnastics. Perfect for a great start on the vault. And check out my determination.

And while I cleared that sprinkler with flying colors,

I still need to work on controlling my tongue. But my arms are perfect for the dismount.

Grant is enthusiastic about life and may have a future in inspirational singing.

Or comedy.

I also may have a future in weight lifting. Kate is only twelve pounds smaller than I and yet look at that brut strength. Like I've always said, don't under estimate the little guy. Kate, on the other hand, she needs to face her fears so that she can pursue a future in something. I'm always there to help her with that. Maybe I have a future in counseling.

Okay, she faced her fears. After all, Kate is the most fearless of our threesome. Perhaps her future is the brightest.

And then again, maybe I should try out for Stomp.

Like I said, there's a lot you can learn from action shots, perhaps the best thing you can learn is how to have uninhibited fun.

Mommy's Moment: Our Day

Do you ever have a moment in your day where you step back and just "observe?"

And those observations become quite humorous.

Here are some observations I made today about our day:

1) Kate's pink Crocs, or at least one of them, always turn up missing just at that perfect time of trying to get out the door. As a result, Kate's pink Crocs, I most assuredly believe, are a tool the Lord uses to move me along in the sanctification process. And because the search for the missing shoe occurs quite frequently, I think it's safe to say I am not fairing to well in this process.

*the Croc still has not been found.

2) My children are obsessed with Cheetos. Does this surprise anyone who knows me? And, I know, all my healthy, organic friends out there are likely gasping. As we rolled down the chip aisle (which I don't usually do UNLESS Cheetos are B1G1 which is rare) my 18 month old daughter yelled, "EE-TOE!" while pointing to the bag. And she continued to cheer, "EE-TOE" the rest of grocery store trip.

3) Lunch is eaten in waves. Despite all efforts on my part to put the food on the table at once, somehow, lunch gets eaten in shifts. We began with tomatoes I had cut with the anticipation of putting the on their plates at the table. They never made it to the table. Then somehow Cheetos got opened after the Capri Suns were unpacked from the pantry...by Kate. Today, I chalk it up to our ever slow heating oven that took way to long to reach 425 degrees for the chicken nuggets. Yes, despite the pink slime, chicken nugget scare, we still eat 'um. We're still alive, breathing fine, and staying active. Life on a budget makes the food pickings slim.

4)In a matter of the time it takes for me to shower, the house becomes a bedding outlet. Blankets, pillows, and animals have been thrown up all over in the name of imagination. For the record, it's 3:20 and they're still covering the floor. Anyone need bedding?

5)Returning back to Publix, it is a gurantee that at SOME POINT in the shopping process, Grant will say, "Mommy, I have to go to the bathroom." I push it for as many aisles as I can in hopes he will forget about that urgent feeling in his bladder. Why does it always surprise me it doesn't work? As a result, I have become quite adept at taking three kids into the Publix bathroom mid shopping trip. The highlight for all three kids is the hand sanitizer I squirt on each pair of hands on the way out (hey it's easier than holding a four year old up at the sink) And, might I add, Publix has great smelling bathrooms (we've been to more than one). I love Publix.

6)Remembering the order of who sat where is vital in keeping the peace when riding in the van. Because we only have one booster seat, it has become the hot seat for Hannah and Grant. Therefore, I have to be alert each time we buckle in so as to be a fair referee when that question arises, "Mommy, can I sit in the booster seat?" And that takes me to number seven.

7)Hannah is becoming a master manipulator. Upon loading the van for a SECOND TIME (the first time was interrupted by the arrival on Daddy coming home to show us the turkey he killed) Hannah told Grant after he set his bottom in the coveted booster seat, "Grant, look how fun it is in the back seat." Grant, being easily persuaded then began to rise from the coveted booster seat to partake in that "party of a back seat." I looked in the back. There was no party going on back there. I then informed Grant of Hannah's wiley ways and made it known to Hannah such deception would not work.

And, my kids have now brought a random cat into our house so with that, I must end my post with the observation that, my kids love animals. However, we I am not ready to take on another life to care for.

And, with a moment to breathe, I am reminded that though life is crazy and messy with these three kids, I love them and am thankful for most of the crazy, messy moments I get to share with them.

Hoop Dreams

I betcha didn't know I had hoop dreams.

Sure, I'm short. A little stout. Clumsy at times. But I have a love for the game.

Okay, maybe a love for the ball. But good ball handling skills are a must for any baller.

And any baller needs an intimidating face to ward off the defense on game day.

And don't underestimate the importance of ball protection.

Squat low, low enough to get a good perspective on the court while also keeping the ball out of harm's way (and maybe say a prayer).

And, when the going gets tough, pass the ball. No one likes a ball hog, no matter how good they are.

So, call me a dreamer. But this baller's got game.

Mad game...check out the knee to prove just how dedicated I am (and disregard the dress).

Work with Benefits

I'm trying to earn my keep around here. Helping to make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches seems like a good way to do that. What other chore includes a built in snack?

Dear Grandmama

Dear Grandmama,

Thanks for the pink bucket swing. It was fun while it lasted. Now I'm on to bigger and better things. I'm almost 18 months now you know? And while for Hannah and Grant at that age a bucket swing was appropriate, I cannot follow in their footsteps, or swing strides. Call it keeping up with the Joneses or well, the siblings. Life for me is fast paced. I walked sooner, ate with a spoon sooner, crawled up the steps sooner, drank juice sooner, ate candy sooner, and put my own shoes on sooner. So it is only appropriate that I make this transition sooner as well. Life's too short to miss out on the good stuff, like big yellow swings.

Love your adventurous granddaughter,

Kate

Let Me Tell You a Story...

Let me tell you a story about a cowgirl....

She is a hard working lassie, not afraid of putting in a long day's work.

But nothing makes her madder than a thief. A Cheeto Thief. Even a jellybean thief.

And so often, these faces are on her wanted list...

They're a wiley pair, often unsuspecting. But don't let them fool you. They don't fool Kate. Upon detection, cowgirl Kate gives it her all to retrieve the confiscated Cheeto or jellybean. She means business.

She burys her head down

and with a loud yell, she charges as though she were leading an army toward a triumphant victory, however this victory entails Cheetos and jellybeans.

She screams, "Cheetos Forever!" as she makes her intentions known.

And, while she often gets what she wants, she sometimes is a bit embarrassed at the measure she took to retrieve it.

But that embarrassment only lasts for a few minutes when she realizes how good that Cheeto or jellybean tasted.

This is the story of cowgirl Kate.