They played their own version of Chopped while waiting for lunch.

"I think there is too much sauce in your polish sausage.  They are also a tad too spicy." commented Chef Teddy on Ashlynn's main entree. Her dessert was a Double Chocolate Cookie.

"This my mini-chicken pot pie and for dessert a Glump of Chocolate!" said Alisa.  "Alisa, your pie is too little.  It doesn't meet the size requirement." stated Judge Ashlynn. 

"I will now judge Chef Teddy's 3 kinds of cookies...oatmeal raisin cookies, I rate down in the dumps...the chocolate chip cookies are to die for!  And 3 kinds of fish...Teddy, you don't even like fish!"

Our imaginative kiddos made waiting for lunchtime very funny!

There are moments in the day...

when quietness is a blessing!  It is the middle of the afternoon mid-week...and I am feeling the need for quiet!  Some days are filled with so much noise and chatter...you just have to yell "QUIET! NOW! GO!"

It's spring...and the air is filled with silliness.

The birds are singing.  It's nice outside.  I don't mind going out.  I went grocery shopping while the substitute teacher took over.   As I wandered down each aisle, I had my list and mental menu plan for tonight's supper!  We will grill tonight.  A plan!
I also picked up some more lemons.  I refrained from buying any pop.  I am resolved to drink more water...and lemon makes it festive.  I added it to each glass for lunch.  A touch of spring! 
"What's this?  Is it some diet drink?" asked Ashlynn, as only she can ask.
" NO-oo-oo-o!  It adds flavor to the water and it is good for you.  So drink up." I said. 
Dad added, "It is good for your liver...and it will put hair on your chest!"
Horror...that is the look that flashed over both girl's faces.  Teddy raised his eyebrows.  And I think I whined something like, "TTTEEeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeedddD!  That is not something girls want to hear! You don't tell girls that!"  The conversation continued to go downhill from there till we all dissolved into fits of laughter.
I am working very hard to help our girls be girls, but their Daddy works very hard at being silly.  It balances out those moments where I am totally frustrated by the resistance.  We are growing up around our house and there are many issues that we are dealing with and will be dealing with in the next few months and years.  My Mommy eyes were working very hard to communicate, "Don't worry, he's not serious" but I don't know if they read that message.  Hopefully...the laughter we grown-ups shared will alleviate any fears that Daddy was serious!  If not...you may find me wandering the grocery aisles.

I most likely won't be the next food star...

my husband, the love of my life, agreed with my description of what supper looked like "but it sure tasted good!"  I covered it in cheese and that brightened it up some.  "You eat with your eyes first."  is the phrase that constantly runs through my mind, but I work with what I have in the cupboards and fridge often on the spur of the moment.  And I work myself into a corner because I failed to plan!  I might be able to compete on the show Chopped...a surprise basket of odd things to use to produce an appetizer, entree, or dessert.

Hmmm...but there is always an advantage...stocked fridge and pantry. 

Ashlynn wrinkled her nose at the concoction at first, and then ate two helpings.  I sat at the supper table contemplating my work...and my lack of thought on the whole meal plan.  What mother serves a taco style tortilla bake with a plain, no-frills salad, no chips, and then offers "You can have a banana" when asked what else they can have to eat.  Ewww... 

 The combination was just not right! 

 I realized I won't be asked to be the next food star.

It was tasty and possibly nutritious...but not my best work of late.

Thank goodness there were cupcakes for dessert...so I was not chopped...yet! 

Use #7 for plastic eggs

Why it's an egg tree, of course!

Feeling a little better...

but there is still the remains of a fever...now accompanied by a very sore throat.  So we are making sure Alisa is getting enough fluids...especially after Aunt Mari's struggle with sickness and effects!  Day three started out with a fever again and we had a little talk about how hard her body is fighting the sick germs.

A pretty pitcher filled with water...and a request to buy some more popsicles...is how this week starts!

I asked the question...

"When will I quit getting a lump in my throat any/every time that Alisa says she doesn't feel well?"  There was no answer, just a recognition of the differences between mom and dad.
Alisa and I are home today.  She has had a high fever yesterday and today.  It comes down with ibuprofen.  Her head hurts.  She slept restlessly last night.  Hopefully the extra rest will make a difference for her today.  Sickness is still being passed around these parts...I need to just take a deep breath and remember that!

What happens when you watch Cupcake Wars?

You get hungry!  More specifically...you get hungry for cupcakes and you tell your mother!  So...being the wonderful mother that she is...she googles vanilla cake from scratch and preheats the oven!

Ingredients  for Simple Vanilla Cake

2 cups (500 mL) sugar


4 eggs

2-1/2 cups (625 mL) all-purpose flour

1 cup (250 mL) milk

3/4 cup (175 mL) vegetable oil

2-1/4 teaspoons (11 mL) baking powder

1 teaspoon (5 mL) vanilla

Cooking Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C). Line two 9-inch (23-cm) round cake pans or one 9x13-inch (23 x 33 cm) rectangular baking pan with parchment paper. Grease the paper and the sides of the pan well.  We chose to make cupcakes!

In a large mixing bowl, with an electric mixer, beat sugar and eggs together until slightly thickened, about 1 minute. Add flour, milk, oil, baking powder, and vanilla and beat for another minute, just until the batter is smooth and creamy. Don't overbeat. Pour batter into the prepared baking pan(s).

Bake in preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes or until the tops are golden and a toothpick poked into the center of the layer comes out clean. (A single rectangular pan will take longer to bake than two round ones.) Loosen the sides of the cake from the pan with a thin knife, then turn out onto a rack and peel off the paper. Let cool completely before covering with frosting, if desired.

The kiddos gave them two thumbs up!  I think I will add a little more vanilla.

Outta there for the weekend!

We had plans for today!  We worked yesterday to be done early today!  The second the last paper was handed in...we were outta there!  The walls have been closing in...on our students...but mostly on the teacher.  I requested that we consider some time off..."not a whole week...but a day here or there..."  The principal said he already had some plans rolling around in his head.  I love our principal!  He already knew his teacher needed some time to regroup.

We packed up and stopped for lunch at our children's favorite pick.  We also stopped at the store in order to bring a pizza party to Grandma-great.  "We know which place is hers because of the little porcupine by the front door," said Teddy.

She was out with her friend when we got there...so we watched a movie and waited for her.  She was surprised to find visitors!  We enjoyed playing games, looking at magazines, going to the playground, and just visiting.  Going to see Grandma is such a calm, relaxing time.  I get so sleepy when we visit!  Today, I made a coffee run and she scolded me, "Don't ever do that again...I have coffee here!"  I didn't know...I didn't ask...I didn't think she did.  Ted laughed because I was the one who got scolded.

We talked about many of the changes she has seen over these many years.  She talked about life when she and Grandpa first moved to this state.  She talked about their houses.  Ted and I sat and soaked it all in while the kiddos made their way to the playground.

 

Grandma was quizzing Teddy about what vegetables he liked to eat.  We all got a great laugh with his reaction to "Do you like cabbage?"  He was further confused by, "Do you like sauerkraut?"

We had a little pizza party...and then Grandma-great gave the orders for dessert!  As parents...you just know...it isn't about what you want at this point...it is all about what is done at Grandma's house...we just go with the flow...realizing that both parties (Grandma-great and the kiddos) are happy! 

Grandma was in charge of dessert plans and we quickly got the drift, even though a word was never spoken to us..."Dad and Mom, you just never mind.  Grandma has ice cream and cookies." 

What's a girl supposed to do?  But eat a cookie or two and orange sherbert.

Or vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce and a cookie or three.

We came home with full hearts, full memories, and full tummies.

It was so worth the extra effort yesterday...to be out of the schoolroom this afternoon!

A yummy treat!

They charge $1.99 up to $2.49 for this type of yogurt parfait at some places!  We're making it at home with fresh berries and homemade granola for MUCH cheaper! 

A cheery treat for spring!

An enjoyable afternoon for Mom

Meeting up with other ladies at Panera for supper and planning for the up-coming ladies' retreat.

The plans are coming together and there is excitement in the air!  Encouragement for sisters in Christ...whether we are in our slippers or stilletos!  Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Then I had time to meander about Hobby Lobby!  I went for poster board...but walked every aisle as I made my way toward the "art paper" aisle.  Oh the color!  Oh the fun!  It is such a cheery and creative place to stroll!

And look what I found...on clearance!  It's perfect...and she is in tennis shoes!  Is it silly to think that the Lord saved this last available stamp for me to find?  I giggled and said, "It's perfect!"...out loud...when I found it.

The story of Jonah...in his own words...by Teddy.

"Jonah is a profet of God.  He was told to go to ninifu.  He did not.  God sent a big fish.  The salors throo him ofer bord.  The big fish came and swold him hol.  Then the fish puked him out.

Jonah got swolow bigh the fish.  Then Jonah went to ninivu to tell them, "40 days and yill be destroyed."

Then they got saved.  And Jonah had a pity party on a hill.  I learned to obey."

I love the fact that he wrote this story all on his own...no whining!  He brought his paper to me with confidence that he did his best.  His writing is beautiful!  We have some work to do with spelling.  He spells words just like he hears them and forgets about using the phonics rules he has drilled.  It will come.  I see the progress our children are making and I am proud of their hard work. 

We get tickled when we listen to stories told to us in their own particular style! 

What to do with all those plastic eggs we add to our collection each year...

I found a plastic bag full of eggs and pieces in a storage trunk.  They have been filled, decorated, played with, hid in strange places, and stored for those "just in case" moments of the next year.

Use #6

Fill with treats for children who are working hard on their schoolwork.  More interesting than putting the M&Ms in a little cup or cupcake liner!

They make a fun sound and fit easily into Mom's pocket for a sneaky surprise.

We may just come up with some more uses!  However, this will not include hanging them by ribbons in our trees in the front yard!  Do you save used plastic eggs?  Do you use them as yard decorations?

"That is a blog post for today!"

As breakfast finished, Ted gave the kiddos some instructions,  "...and I am putting 15 minutes on the timer.  You will be back here with your verse card ready for devotions."  Ready, set, go!  We started the timer as they crossed the thresholds on their ways to do Dad's bidding.  All three children arrived back at the table with their verse cards and Bibles as the timer struck 10 minutes and 34 seconds.  "Um...we're still finishing here...you still have 5 minutes.  Why don't you check to see that your room passes inspection...is your closet straightened up?" we asked.  "Well, it isn't as bad as it was yesterday...but..." defended Alisa.  "Go ahead and check...if you have to explain or justify it...it won't pass inspection!" we said.  They...all three...were back to the table with time to spare!  After time in God's Word and prayer to start our day as a family, the kiddos headed down to get settled for school and we finished a cup of coffee. 
"Whhhhyyyy?" (That is how a grown man whines.)  "Why one day...this happens and other days....they fiddle till they must be disciplined...over and over and over/" Ted sat shaking his head. 
"Because...they are children...it is what they do...and we must help them along their way.  All those rough days last week...have given way to good days this week!  And we will repeat the cycle many times before they leave our home.  I think that is what parenting is!  And it isn't always hard...there are good days...and we need to praise them for those days!"   I reminded him...and myself...out loud.
And...I need to record it here too...lest you think I am always fussing about the fiddling!
**Update** Closet and rooms did pass inspection!  Call me amazed...never cease to be amazed!

"Did you say Wii Fat or Wii Fit?" he asked.

Since it is raining outside...we needed to do something to get rid of the extra energy!

Let the games begin!  There was much giggling and cheering each other on during supper preparations.

Ted and I haven't been "on the board" for a loooong time.  Yeah, should have stayed off of it!  The little voice of the board either groans or says "That's great" when you step on and then "measures" you.  With the big screen t.v. your lack of self-control stares you in your face and everyone in the room knows what you'd rather not have them know.  Oh...it gets worse...they try to be helpful...in their own little ways.  "Daddy, will it help if you loosen your pants?  Or does it work better to suck in your tummy?  That's what I always do." quizzed Alisa.  And then we laugh...sucking in your stomach doesn't make the actual weight disappear...wish it did...thanks for the suggestion though!

This could be why!  Homemade baked goods...brownies or lemon bar anyone?!

The Solar System lecture by Ashlynn

She wrote her report on the solar system.  We made the planets which now hang in our classroom.  Last night, she gave her oral report to her family and was able to answer a few of our questions.  Bravo!

I used it before...I am using it again.

M  Y  O  B

If I have said it once this month, I have said it a thousand times by now, I'm sure!  We have an abundance of mothers in our house.  Too many chiefs for the indian.  Too many cooks to spoil the pot.  Too many pots calling the kettle black.  Bossy bosses.  Doesn't matter if it is a big sister or a little brother... "YOU NEED TO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF!  MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS!"  Since I say it quite frequently...I have resorted to..."Name of offender, M. Y. O. B."  And then I get hit with the fluttery eyes and the question, "What does my ob mean?"  or "Did you just say mawob?" followed by fits of laughter.
I truly believe they have missed the whole point and I am left with a strong desire to S.C.R.E.A.M. 
To make matters worse...Ted looks at me like I am talking a foreign language.  Ashlynn starts using her own acronym..."LHA, Teddy!"  (Leave her alone...which means she is still bossing.).  I can hear my mother giggling into her shirt.  I can see my father shaking his head as if to say, "Serves you right."  And I know my cheery friend is doubling over in laughter.
"It's ok, Mom!  We still love you!  See...I can use my fingers to say that too...I.L.Y...it's sign language!" chirped Alisa.
Honestly...I think, they plot together at night when they think we are sleeping to plan how they will gang up against their mother causing her great distress amidst the daily rigors of parenting.

Still enjoying the remnants of the weekend...

including that desire for a nap!

Happy Spring!

God sent thunderstorms and hail to usher in the new season!  I think it is quite appropriate.  The words from a song keep humming through my head with each crack of thunder..."He sent the storm to make me strong."

The grass is getting greener and the winter grit is being washed away.

There is joy to be found in each new season of life! 

 Today, spring's grand entrance is accentuated with bright flashes, rolling thunder, pounding rain, and the pitter-patter of hail.  In the quietness that falls between storms...the birds are singing joyfully.

What a beautiful spring day!   

How early do you begin Saturday at your house?

Our start times vary!  When friends are around...and there is lots to do...Saturday can start as early as 6:30am.  Breakfast by 7:20am.  Wii by 7:45am.  Outside by 9:00am. Busy doing this and busy doing that...I went back in my room with a cup of coffee and let them enjoy Saturday life!

The guys enjoyed a time of fun outside in the country...shooting bb guns and all other sorts.  Teddy asked his Dad why his bb gun was named after a girl.  What? Why?  OOHHHH...Daisy Red Rider...well known for years.  Ted explained it was the name of the gun...the brand.  Poor Teddy...he thought it was named for Daisy Duke...because Dukes of Hazard have been around for a long time.  It sounded like he was relieved!

"Guns are for guys.  You have to be strong enough to hold the gun and shoot at the target."

"I am officially off Mom-duty for the next few hours," I said. "I'm putting on another hat for awhile."

I tried my hand at the felt flowers my cousin highlighted awhile back.  They sure added "cuteness" to a little bag!

There once was a cheery friend who liked to stamp.  She had a friend who liked to stamp.  Both friends like cozy places that smell of lemon and lavendar.  Both friends stamp better with friends...and coffee...and chocolate...

and yummy chicken salad for lunch!

I like wearing my friend hat...because there is laughter and encouragement to be a better friend.  Going "off duty" for a couple hours is a treat that I look forward to and helps me wear my other hats a little straighter and tighter!  Thanks, cheery friend.  Thank you, honey.

Music lessons are paying off!

And it makes me so proud of our girls!  I love sitting and watching them trip merrily in to meet their teacher.  Today, I got teary as I really saw how grown-up they are now.  I remember those first tottering steps about the house...now...they are off...sometimes hesistantly...to bigger and better adventures. 

They learned that they can play together...now that Ashlynn has learned the basic notes on her flute.  They worked on and then played "Mary Had A Little Lamb" all on their own.  "Mom, did you hear us...we played a band!" Alisa said, "I played the piano, Teddy played the recorder, and Ashlynn played her flute!"

Ashlynn's teacher told her she could start working on "Jesus Loves Me" out of the hymnbook!  I wrote out the melody line for her...and another copy for Alisa.  This will be fun to hear and see them work together...to make more beautiful music.  Truly..."Mary Had A Little Lamb" sounded sweet because they did it all on their own and were cooperating with one another.

To us...these lessons are worth every cent...especially if they use their talents for the Lord!  It is another way for us to train them to know what is really important in this life.

"Only what's done for Christ will last."

Friday night supper...interrupted Wii time!

Homemade pizza and breadsticks couldn't compete with Wii fun tonight!  Teddy got to have a friend stay over night for "guy fun".  And tomorrow holds more "just boys" activity...and that is a good thing! 

Gotta love fourth grade projects!

We have completed our state notebook for Illinois.  Grammy, we used the neat books you passed on to us...and will use them two more years!!!

Ashlynn has read for book reports.  Now we are doing mini-reports for Science.  We learned about dolphins.  This week...we have learned about the solar system.  The computer has been a wonderful tool for us!  Ashlynn enjoyed reading and clicking to find information for herself.  The dollar store is also a wonderful help to us...when Mom decides that it would be fun to make something to show what we have learned!

Skewers, styrofoam balls of various sizes, and chenille stems...times three years...

anybody need Illinois state facts...or a model of the solar system?

It will be spring. It feels like spring. It looks like spring.

So we are springing things up around here!

Tropical flavored Starburst jelly beans are in the candy dishes.

The little chicks from Gram sit in the window. Flowers and plastic eggs are taking up residence. 

The birds provide background music as the guys clean up the brush and muddy mess outside while the girls sort and clean inside.  Things have been put to the curb for garbage.  We have a bag to take to thrift.  We have a new mini-blind to replace one that "Mom, we didn't do that to it."  And I put a new ironing board cover on the board...for Ted's use! 

I am calling all of these activities part of our "spring cleaning" to do list.  It is amazing what you see and feel like doing when the sun shines and the windows are open!

I forgot about all the fun little decor I have accumulated...from my secret friends and not so secret friends over the years

I wonder if anyone besides me will find the Robins Eggs in the bunny dish!  They are my favorite...how long will it take till it is empty?