So Much Material, So Few Notes!!! =O

These kids have been absolute SWEEETIES lately.  And have said/done so many funny/cute things I want to remember.  Alas.  I got behind in blogging again, and didn't even write everything down on my notecards.  Why do I always think, "oh, I'll remember that.  No way I'll forget that"?  =P

Well, onward to the notecards!

Isaac came down from the loft one day and told me that Ruby was "so hot and cuddly" she "almost made me go to sleep".  Awww...gotta love them cuddles.  Though I believe Jadelyn was left out of the cuddles since she's not their "twin".  But I didn't write it down, so can't really be sure.  =P

The other week, Jadelyn and Isaac were playing that Jadelyn was supposed to use her "snuffing" nose and find her brother.  So, Isaac darted back and forth across the living room while Jadelyn "snuffed" after him, crawling like a bloodhound, with her nose to the ground.  This went on for quite a while, much to the delight of both silly kids.  At some point, I noticed something on Jadelyn's nose.  Yup.  A big, 'ole rugburn.  Now, I can't say I've ever given myself rugburn while dragging my nose across the carpet before.   But, it DID explain the previously unexplained owies on Isaac's forehead.  For apparently a day or two earlier, he too, was crawling along the carpet.  Only he was dragging his forehead.  These loons!

One night, which I believe was NOT a Friday night, while putting Jadelyn to bed, she was putting me through the questionning wringer.  She always wants to know when Sabbath is, and that is probably where this line of questionning began, but I can't be sure.  =O  Then, she was talking about church, and why do they have to make it dark to show pictures at church?  And why do boys not all have hair?  And why do we have walls?  Then she was praying, but had to pause to ask the name for hangnails.  And then said something about talking long.  And then I must've said something about tomorrow, to which Jadelyn asked, "after Sabbath?"  Yeah, I need to actually blog these things soon after I take my notes, so they'll make more sense.  Ooops. 

One morning, Jadelyn was having a real difficult time wanting to get dressed.  She wanted help putting her shirt on, though she hadn't tried to do it herself yet.  I encouraged her to try herself first.  Then, my sweet little fella came over, took Jadelyn's shirt, and proceeded it to put it on himself, while talking her through the process.  I THINK she tried again, but was having a hard time, so he again put it on himself.  Eventually, he helped her get it on herself.  That boy is such a sweetie!!!!!

One morning, I believe it was as we were waving goodbye to David, I had 3 little monkeys who kept deadpanning the sound, "ah ah ooooo, ah ah oooo".  Oh, boy.

Isaac was working on coloring when he asked, "amn't me an artist?"  And yes, Isaac, you are.  ;)

I must've asked something of the kids, when Ruby answered calmly, "just a minute.  We're in a fight right now."  Ha!

We enjoyed a day at the Outdoor Discover Center with Kindra and her cutie pies, Willow and Eden, a few weeks ago.  We got to see lots of big birds, and while we were there, they had to get a bald eagle out and change the bandage on his toe, which they had previously amputated.  One day, Jadelyn asked me, "do birds cry?"  Then she thought maybe birds just get mad 'cause they don't like to get band-aids.  True enough...that bald eagle sure didn't look happy!!!  =O

Jadelyn was looking into my eyes where she saw a reflection of herself.  Then, she wanted to see her foot, so up to my face went her foot.  Oh, to truly understand her though processes!  She just cracks me up.

One day, I was reminding Ruby to keep her hands to herself.  Ruby responded that she ALWAYS keeps her hands to herself, as they are always on her body "unless I break a finger" [off], I presume.  Lawyer child.

At supper one night, Ruby informed me that she was so full that her belly was about to pop open.  She then proceeded to tell me what she'd eaten: part of a biscuit, a few sunflower seeds, 1 cracker, a bowl of applesauce, water, 1 little slice of a carrot, 1 piece of broccoli, 1 leaf of spinach, and 1 piece of lettuce.  Sound filling?  Good grief.  No WONDER this child is a beanpole!!!!

I was singing "Jesus loves the little children" with Jadelyn, when suddenly she began yelling, "Black!  White!"  It was actually sounding quite nice, almost like a duet...until she continued her yelling, "Purple!  Blue!"  Somehow I don't think she has the gist of that song yet.  =O

2 or 3 lunchtimes in a row, Jadelyn has done what I would refer to as "cracker karate".  She's eating along, when she stops, lays a cracker down on the table, and calmly presses her forehead into it, in what I assume is an attempt to break it.  Then, she will either continue to karate chop another cracker, or move back on to eating.  Cracks me up.  But I can't ask her about it, or I would have THREE cracker karate choppers, and loads of giggles (and crumbs) instead of kids filling their bellies.  That child.

We were riding around the lake on our bikes the other day - Jadelyn in the seat on my bike, and Ruby and Isaac riding the tag-a-long behind David's bike.  I tend to be way in front.  Probably because my bike coasts really well, and I don't have the swaying motion from the tag-a-long wearing me out.  Or MAYBE it's because of my superior leg muscles.  Ha.  ;)  Anyways, the three muskateers who were behind me came up with a diabolical plan to pass me up.  Silently they approached me...but once they got too close, the giggles could be contained no longer.  Nothing like giggling kiddos passing me up!  =)

Ruby was playing with some stuffed animals in the cat carrier the other day.  Actually, I think all 3 had turns at it, but this was her turn.  Well, she was telling me the names of her cats, when she told me that one of them was named "dress-up cat".  I asked her about it.  Oh, she told me, it's because the cat "likes to sneak around at night and dress up in my clothes."  Perfectly normal, right?  ;)

Jadelyn was passing out washcloths for a meal, when she decided to give the coveted blue one to Isaac.  "That's very nice", Ruby told her, "that's called 'generous'". 

Jadelyn was eating a banana muffin at lunch, when she told me that it was "very yummy for my face, 'cause it doesn't hurt it."  Ha!

Ruby and I were doing math during lunch yesterday.  I asked Ruby what must've been a deeply distressing question.  (2+7, perhaps?)  Anyways, Ruby replied, "let me think, I'm getting my brain ready."  Oh!  =)

David said that Jadelyn asked him the other day about his haircut.  He told her that Mommy cuts his hair.  No, she said, pointing to his bald spots on his forehead, who cuts this part?  HA!!!  =)

I was laying on the couchon Sabbath, and Jadelyn decided that I was a "whale". She went and told David, "there’s a whale on the couch". David reminded her to be careful what she says. ;) Then, she came back to get eaten by the whale, as she was Jonah. When I caught her, I started kissing her, when suddenly she informed me that whales don’t kiss. Well, this whale does! =O

Yesterday, Jadelyn was on the couch "feeling sick" as she often dramatically is lately, and asked me to come cuddle her. Of course, I obliged. Never can pass up a good opportunity to cuddle, you know! ;) Anyways, suddenly Jadelyn was like, "oh, I have something in my ear!" I was about to ask her if it was earwax, when she pronounced, all matter-of-fact, "oh. It’s a pomegranate seed." Yeah, happens all the time. ;) (And no, I saw no pomegranate seed come out of her ear. But we did have a talk about never putting something in your ear. Or up your nose. As she did the other day. =P)

Ruby and Isaac were planning a big surprise for lunch on Sunday - eating lunch in the basement.  See, we all take turns riding our bikes by the window of the play kitchen down there, but this time, Ruby was going to hand out REAL food.  Jadelyn and Daddy were the intended "surpriseeeees".   Ruby figured that they should surprise Jadelyn first, because Daddy’s older, and "I assume" he’s had more fun things in his life than Jadelyn has. Let me tell you, this surprise was Ruby’s baby, and she put a LOT of time into thinking about/planning for it! =)  Jadelyn was actually pretty nonchalant about it all, but luckily David delivered a big adieu about it all.  ;) 

Jadelyn was up in the loft yesterday, asking me to help her put her socks on. While I was doing so, she was plugging her nose, and saying that it stunk from the poop. "What poop?" I asked. The goose poop out in the yard, she said. Sensitive nose? ;)

And with that, I come to the end of my notes and memories.  Must make more "yummy for my face" muffins!  ;)

And Still more Kid Stories...

Well, I'm back again.  With more memories to write down to enjoy in my old age.  ;)

I recently found out that Isaac really likes granola.  Really, REALLY likes it.  So much so that he recently informed me that if I made granola more often he won't "beg for candy".  Guess what's on my list of things to do tomorrow?  ;)

Isaac has perpetually dirty fingernails.  He just attracts dirt.  David thought he had a fungal problem or something 'cause they were always dirty.  Ha.  Nopers.  Just special dirt-attracting fingernails.  Well, the other week, Isaac found a way to clean 'em out.  I caught him carefully cleaning his fingernails on the doorknob.  Yup.  The doorknob to his bedroom.  You see, the keyhole has been pulled out some, and leaves a pointy place...apparently just right for cleaning fingernails.  ;)  So, if you come to our house, you might want to use hand sanitizer after using doorknobs.  (Or "hanitizer" as Isaac called it the other day.  ;D)

Isaac recently put on his helmet, and then covered it with the hood from his bathtowel and pronounced himself "superman".  I should've gotten a picture, but alas, I didn't.  Trust me, it was cute. 

Last week, Ruby woke up from her nap but didn't come out of her bedroom for a while.  When asked why, she said that Jadelyn had tricked her with all her door openings....she thought that Jadelyn had come out of her room and I had put her back to bed, meaning that naptime wasn't over.  What REALLY happened was Jadelyn came out of her room, and decided to go "camping" or something, and back into her room she went.  Ha!

While outside this past week, Ruby was a "doctor".  She drew blood from Jadelyn, took some x-rays of Jadelyn, and well, that's all I know about.  But they started to fight 'cause Ruby wanted to keep on drawing blood by poking Jadelyn with some leaf or something, I think.  David sent Ruby around the house 3 times to cool off and think.  Soon after she left, Jadelyn, who had been screaming her head off shortly before, asked, "where's the doctor?"  Ai yai yai.  Too bad she can't remember that she LIKES Ruby when Ruby is around, 'eh?  =P

The other night as I was putting Jadelyn to bed, I was making chicken-like sounds.  And no, I don't remember why.  It's not exactly "the norm" around these parts, for sure.  Probably Jadelyn had made the sound and I copied it.  See me try to rationalize why I "bock-bock" while putting my children to bed?  ;O  Oh, my.  Anyways, Jadelyn wanted to know what I sounded like.  I told her I sounded like a chicken.  To which she replied, that I did "look kinda like a chicken" or something.  I've been told I look like several things before, but now I'll have to add "chicken" to list.  And I'm not so sure that's complimentary.  Jadelyn, Jadelyn!!!

One night this week, all 3 kids wore Jadelyn's jammies to bed.  Ruby had to unzip the zipper of hers a bit, 'cause it was choking her.  Crazy loons.

Isaac and Jadelyn sat on a "kid couch" (aka part of the couch with the cushions removed so the kids can reach the floor while sitting) for the longest time the other day, singing their head off.  Just random words that came to their heads.  The part I videoed, of course, was not the best part.  Just lots of "yes's".  Other parts included singing about Jesus and random things as they flipped through whatever book they were looking at.  Later all 3 kids just sat around looking at books for the longest time.  Then, later in the day, they spent an hour and a half or so in one stretch, and another hour or so in another stretch playing with the play food.  2 would eat or drink, and the other one would be the helper and put more food and water into their dishes.  Sounds boring...but to my kids, it was quite the thrill....we may need to get out more.  I don't know, I rather enjoyed the peace.  ;)

At lunch the other day, we were talking about alcohol (no, I don't know how it came up...=P), and how it's not best for you, but we still love people who do drink.  Out of the blue Ruby bursts in something like, "you know Mr. John who's married to Aunt Faye?  HE doesn't eat LETTUCE on his haystacks.  But you know who loves him anyways?"  "Aunt Faye?", I guessed.  "No.  Aunt Nancy".  I asked how she knew that, and was told, "because I heard her say so."  And that was the end of the conversation.  Alcohol, lettuce, you know...same difference.  ;P

As I was heading off to take a shower the other day, Ruby called to me from her bedroom, "have a nice shower.........don't drown!"  =)

Jadelyn's nighttime prayer last night: (probably not word-for-word, but you know....it's what I have written down on my trusty card) "Thank you for my mouth.  It hurts very much.  Please bless it.  Amen.  [giggle]"  Kid wouldn't stay still in Sabbath school, and fell out and cracked her mouth on the chair next to her.  Little bloody, but not as bad as I feared!  Do you think it helped her sit still the rest of Sabbath School?  No, siree!!!!

Isaac and Ruby wanted to switch beds for naptime yesterday.  So they did.  Isaac wanted to stay switched for bed last night.  Ruby didn't want to, but said Isaac could sleep in her bed with her.  Um, no.  Sleep is important.  =P  Anyways, she finally decided they could switch.  When I was getting them tucked in last night, Isaac said to Ruby something like, "I'd rather sleep in that bed, but I'm giving you grace."  Ha!  They're still switched.  Last I heard, they were going to stay switched until my birthday or something.  Ruby also gave her stuffed salmon to Isaac.  He was pretty happy.  =)

Today, we futilely worked on clearning our backyard of leaves.  As we raked, more and more fell down, but you know...good exercise.  ;)  The kids were playing with David's fishing lures (safety first, you know!  =O) at the picnic table very nicely.  It was clear that they were running some kind of store or restaurant, as they were talking about what days they were open.  I asked them what kind of store they had.  A "dead fish store", I was told.  Oh.  See, at this store, you could take home a fish to eat, eat it, bring back a few "seeds" and they would get lots more real fish.  I told them fish don't grow from seeds, and Ruby quickly told me they were just pretending.  Must admit, I've never heard of a "dead fish store" before, and now I know why....

Jadelyn and I were talking today about how she is so big.  But, she told me, I can still hold her.  I asked her if I could still hold her when she was 20.  No, she told me as she guestured with both hands to the ceiling, because she will keep "growing and growing right up to the wall."

Ruby and Isaac apparently tell each other that they are going potty in the middle of the night.  I'm not sure why.  Ruby was all upset the other day, because she was tired, because Isaac had woken her up to tell her that he was going potty.  Well, Ruby told Isaac the other night, because she was afraid the electricity would go off.  Not sure why that would matter so much since I think she keeps the light off in the bathroom, but whatever.  ;P  Isaac told her she could just call for him, and he would come help her.  Then, he came in and turned the water on for her, 'cause she doesn't know how to do it herself, or something.  That Isaac is sometimes just the SWEETEST BOY I've ever KNOWN!!!!!  Awww....I love that they love each other, and love it even more when they REMEMBER that little fact!

Today we went for a 12 mile or so bike ride.  6 miles out, supper at Subway, 6 miles back.  Just a little ways out, we ran into trouble with our Adams tandem trail-a-long.  It slipped down off the tube that goes around my seat post.  David needed an allen-wrench to fix it, and though he had thought he should bring one along, he didn't.  So while he rode away to find someone at home who would let him borrow one, the kids and I waited on the trail.  First person along was a jogger with his dog, who asked if we wanted him to stay with us until David came back.  I told him we were okay.  Shortly after that, a couple on bikes rode by.  Soon after, they circled around and came back.  And who should it be, but Mr. and Mrs. Susens!  Mr. Susens worked at the academy when I was there, and I graduated with his daughter, Margie!  What a small world.  We had a nice time catching up, and David came back soon.  Funny how small the world is!  =)  On the way back from Subway, Ruby and Isaac were riding on the tag-a-long giggling their silly heads off, and not pedaling much.  Probably better than the pedaling and fighting they do lots of the time, though.  ;)  Twas a lovely ride.  I sure enjoy getting to go for a "real" bikeride now and then!

Well, that was long.  Adios!

Oh, the Stories....

So, I’m back. Before I lose the card that I wrote these memories on. =O Or before I forget what stories go to my little notes. =O

One night while singing the goodnight song to Jadelyn, she was singing along with me. She managed to sing the entire song with her tongue curled. It was kind of un-intelligible, and there were breaks when we had to stop due to laughing, but you know. Where she comes up with this stuff, I don’t know. But it amuses me, still. =)

At the table recently, Jadelyn called Isaac "I-sAk". He doesn’t like that, and told her that was not his name. So, Jadelyn proceeded to ask him several times, "what’s your name, kid?" ;)

One night while giving Isaac his goodnight kisses (or getting some from him, I’m not sure), he asked, "when’s Gram gonna come fill me up with kisses?" He likes his Gram’s kisses for SURE! ;) Then, (he must’ve been kissing me at this point,) "It’s like my kisses keep making more kisses". This is a good development. Before he would run out if he hadn’t seen Gram recently enough. Maybe he’s learning that it’s better to give than to receive. ;)

Jadelyn informed me one day that the "lights keep going off" when she was going "blink, blink". Yeah, who needs a light-switch when you have eyelids anyway?

One day this week, Jadelyn and I were playing the piano. We were really quite a nice duet, if I do say so myself. Then, in the midst of a song, she looked at me and asked, "are we playing the Vaseline song?" Not knowing what song that would be, I questioned her about it. She told me it was the "Vaseline arms" one. (Sounds a little slimy to me, but you know. =O) OH! Yes, we WERE playing "the Vaseline song" – "Leaning on the EVERLASTING Arms." Ha. Poor kid probably thinks that hymns make NO sense. ;)

One day when Jadelyn had the hiccups, she informed me, "I’m hicking up". Think Ruby or Isaac told me that one before, too. Really, "toddler english" makes more sense than "real english". You know, "gooder" instead of "better", "foots" instead of "feet", etc. Who made Miriam Webster the authority on these things, anyways?

David was having "special time" with Isaac this week. Isaac wanted to play with the play kitchen like it was a restaurant. David came to the window and Isaac asked him what he wanted. "A grilled cheese sandwich." Nope, Isaac informed him, we don’t have those. "A peanut butter and jelly sandwich?" David asked. Nope, don’t have those, either. "Any sandwich?" asked a desperate David. Nope, don’t have any of those, he was told. So, David got smart and asked what he could have. "Strawberries!" Isaac told him. Isaac asked him if he wanted the strawberries warm. David told him no, he liked frozen strawberries. Isaac asked David what else he wanted. David said, "I don’t know, what else you got?" And then Isaac offered him a sandwich. That kid is a crack up.

Last Sunday we had a TERRIBLE van ride from Tracy’s house to Aunt Faye’s house. Jadelyn was in a TERRIBLE mood, Isaac got car sick and threw up twice (luckily quick-thinking David got him a cup and we had no mess in the van. Whee-haw!!!! =D), and overall, it was just a miserable hour or whatever. During what was apparently a super bad stretch, David asked, "you don’t want me to drive into a tree, do you?" Oh, man. It’s a good thing he’s around to make me laugh now and then. ;)

Another good laugh David gave me recently was when he took the kids on a "no hit" walk. He was walking around the house, followed by Ruby, who was followed by Isaac, who was followed by Jadelyn. He would say something, and then Ruby was to say it, then Isaac, then Jadelyn. It went something like this: "I will not hit. I will be kind. I will not punch" and on and on. I was giggling as I videod the last part of it. The kids were super into it, and were very serious about the whole thing. I lack the creativity that David has. =O But I do enjoy witnessing his creativity in action! =)

Jadelyn was coming upstairs, counting stairs as she went: "1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11, 12,14,16…."there’s "5 steps!" she announced at the top. Oh, boy….

Ruby was very animatedly telling me today about how Jadelyn bit into the bottom of her burrito before Ruby could stop her, and she didn’t want Jadelyn to get her plate all "beany" or "ranchy". ;)

Isaac was handing out headbands tonight after bath. He gave Jadelyn the flowered one, because, he told Ruby, "since you’re older you don’t look as pretty." And yes, let me assure you, Ruby took offense to that statement.

Well, that’s the end of my notes. I know I’m forgetting a good Isaac story. That’s what I get for not writing it down quicker. =O

More Kiddisms...

Well, though I've not been good at posting, I've been pretty good at writing things down...so, that's an improvement!  ;)

Last week, the kids and I headed outside to play kickball for a little while before lunch.  I got a good workout in since I was playing pitcher, outfielder, the person standing on all bases, and occasionally a kicker myself - and the kids?  Well, they all took about a 2 1/2 hour nap!  Lovely.  I think we should play kickball more often!  ;)  Then, when the woke up from their nap, they silently went about playing with clothespins and the dog leash for quite some time.  Of all the things to play with.  In fact, I think it was Ruby that had the dog leash wrapped around her waist first, and then Isaac came into the kitchen a little later with it around HIS waist.  And there hadn't even been World War 20 to let me know they were switching!  Incredible.

The kids have really taken a liking to dancing around with dresses on lately.  Yes, all 3 of them.  I'm not sure why, but Isaac in "his" purple dress does disturb me a bit.  =O  But I still took pictures...and maybe a video.  ;)  The first day, Ruby was saying it was too bad that Selah wasn't around, because Selah likes dancing.  Ruby informed me that Isaac looked like "superman" when he was dancing.  Then, when they were done, they said, "that was fun", and Ruby said, "wish you coulda danced, Mom" and Isaac interjected, "wish you coulda worn a dress."  ;)  Since then, they've danced several more times.  One day, Jadelyn had on a very long dress (one of Ruby's), and it was decided that she was getting married or was a "queen".  Who knew classical music and dresses could be so much fun?

For some reason, we were talking about who's hair was what length when we lived in Indiana.  Probably because Ruby talks about getting her hair cut quite a bit since my chopparoni.  Anyways, Jadelyn let us know that she had "short hair in Indiana.  'Cause I was a boy then."  Ohhhhhh!!!!!

One day, the kids were a little slothful in their pick-up duties, so lunch time was shortened a bit.  Time was up, but I granted them 3 more minutes of grace so they could get their bellies full.  When Isaac was finished, he came over and gave me a spontaneous kiss (NOT the norm around these parts).  I asked what that was for, and he said, "for giving me grace."  Awww....

I think I've written it before, but I just love Isaac's giggles.  They are too sweet, and VERY contagious.  I was thinking the other day, about whether Isaac's giggles would always sound like that...and then I realized - oh, no!  His voice is bound to change at some point!  =O  Horrors.  I must get a good recording of his 5 year-old giggle.  Things that have sent him (and then the 3 of us girl's join in) off on a giggle fest lately are: Ruby's apple dropping out of her mouth, Jadelyn fake coughing, and most often, a good burp or "passing of wind" from any of the kids.  See....we've purposely not used the FART word in front of our kids.  Because, well, it just doesn't sound nice.  David's term has been "gas" or "passing gas", I just don't talk about it, and we've tried to be real non-chalant about it, but lately, the older two have really thought it is HILARIOUS.  And they come up with their own way to describe it, since they don't use the FART word.  Ruby sometimes says "gas", but other descriptive terms (mostly from Isaac, but Ruby uses some, too) include: "air coming out my bottom", something like "stinky coming out of my bottom", and today's newest phrase, "a burp coming out of my bottom".  Maybe FART is better.  =P  Good grief.  How's THAT for too much information?  And even though it's rather gross and stuff, I'm sure I've joined in the giggles, because....well, Isaac's laugh is contagious!  =O

Ruby is really the little fashionista, only her fashion will hopefully never catch on.  =)  Lately, she's been wearing her dresses that she wore while in a cast over her other clothes.  And rarely does she match.  When at Grandma's house a couple weeks ago, she was wearing pink and multi-colored-striped pants with a pink and yellow flowered shirt.  Grandma told her she "looked terrible", which made Ruby feel "sad".  I must confess, I've learned to overlook her colorfulness for the most part.  When she was younger and just starting to dress herself, I would choose her clothes for her when we  were going out in public.  But you know what?  Who cares if she is mismatched?  What does it really matter?  For the most part, I forget how "special" she looks when we're out and about.  ;)  At Wal-Mart last week, the nice lady who put a new battery in my watch complimented Ruby on her outfit of choice (a blue and white striped sweater with pink pants and a blue and green plaid dress over top).  That Ruby sure is an individual.  Although her "style" may be catching on to Jadelyn.  =O  Well, when Ruby's allowed to play a part in the choosing of Jadelyn's clothes, that is.  Today, Jadelyn is wearing bright pink pants, a yellow, green, purple, and pink striped shirt with a blue jean dress over the top.  Yai.  =)

During the aforementioned Wal-Mart trip, the girls wanted to walk instead of ride on/in the cart, so they followed me, holding hands with each other.  Isaac was sitting in the "baby seat" and kept an eye on them.  I just love it when my kids hold hands with NO FIGHTING!!!  =)

Isaac often has a hard time when he loses at a game.  A really hard time.  One day, after an outburst of some sort, I was telling him how life is like a game.  Sometimes things go the way we want, and sometimes they don't.  Isaac then insisted that his life would always go the right way, because his Mom would fix all his problems.  I said something like, "I'm going to fix all your problems after the way you're talking to me?"  He said, "no, my OTHER Mom."  I told him, "I'm the only Mom you have!"  He was not to be dissuaded.  He continued in his assertions until I realized he was talking about his future WIFE.  So, his future wife (aka "other Mom") will fix all his problems and make life dandy.  Huh.  I wonder where he got THAT idea from?  ;)

I was playing Memory with Jadelyn for her "special time", and when it was Ruby's turn for her "special time", she wanted to play Memory, too, but she wanted to sit where I had been sitting.  I moved so she could have my previous place, and she commented that the floor was "warm here.  Because you're heavy."  Thanks for the vote of confidence, Rubes!

Speaking of nicknames, Ruby has let me know that her favorite nickname is "Youby".  Not Rubes, Dooby, Squirrelly, Rubalicious, Ruby Dooby - nope.  "Youby".  And sadly, that's probably one that I use the least.  =O

During worship one day, we were talking about how we can share things that we can't see.  Ruby said that "love" was one of those things.  Jadelyn had another idea - she could share the "sickness in my mouth" or "belly".  Yes, another thing we can't see that we can share.  But probably shouldn't!  Ha!  That kid cracks me up.

Jadelyn was telling me the other day that Satan hits us and has spots on his face.  And the girl Satan has spots on her face, too.  Really have no idea where all that came from.  Random child.

Jadelyn wanted to me to watch her chew the other day.  So I did.  Then I said that it looked like she was a "horsey", since she was chewing with side-to-side motions.  "NO!" she said, "like a CAMEL!"  Now why didn't I think of that? 

David was giving Jadelyn her good-night hugs recently.  After which, Jadelyn asked, "can I squeeze your head?"  David gave his approval, and Jadelyn proceeded to "squeeze" his head.  Crazy head-squeezin' gal.  ;)

Jadelyn wants to go to church.  All the time.  Most every day.  Today, I think, she was obviously thinking about church when she asked me, "do 'church' and 'day' rhyme?"  Guess we'll have to keep working on that concept.  ;)  Then she wanted to know if we were going to church today.  I told her no, it is Wednesday.  "Oh, it's Wednesday, so we go to church today."  she responded.  Well, at least she likes church....even if she doesn't get the concept of different days yet.  That gal.

Ruby's been feeling a bit under the weather yesterday and today.  Feels sick to her stomach and a sore throat, but I haven't noticed a fever.  Poor gal.  She's been laying around a lot, eating VERY little and overall being very quiet.  (Strange.)  She's also been wanting lots of cuddles, which is very okay by me!  The other day as we were cuddling, she suddenly said, "I'm glad I have you".  Awww....and I'm so glad I have her, too! 

Today, the kids sat in a circle and passed around and "read" books/Little Friends/Primary Treasures for probably around 2 hours.  With only 2 little tifts that I can remember.  It was lovely.  Just lovely.  ;)

Isaac and Jadelyn helped me make Chex Mix and Granola Bars today.  Ruby was banned, due to her sickness.  =(  She was very sad.  =(  But to the happy part - Isaac was letting Jadelyn help him stir the Chex Mix and they worked together on smoothing the granola bars out.  I told him if there was a super brother award,  he would get it.  He's just been super sweet this morning.  But a little later, I think he would've had to forfeit his award.  =O  Why the swings in behavior, I ask, WHY THE SWINGS?!?!?!?

Don't worry, I still love 'em all.  And always will.  Crazy kids.

These Crazy Kids

Last night, I was finishing up supper prep with an unusual helper in the kitchen. My little man, Isaac, was there with me – not assisting, mind you, but racing cars under the non-working-propane-gas-stove-burner-thingys. Complete with noises and play-by-play descriptions. He also very carefully moved the not-hot bread pans from one side of the stove to the other with hot pads. While looking very pleased with himself. Gotta love that guy. =)

I run a little hair-cutting-service on the side of my homemaker job. Okay, really, it’s just part of it. =P Anyhow, it’s really a full service place. Come on in, get your hair cut, get your clothes washed as you go clean off in the bath, and of course, I’ll clean up the mess that resulted from your haircut. Last night I had a cute little customer who covered his eyes with his hands during much of the haircut. He was DYING to be done near the end, but you know, that happens. At least there was no crying or screaming involved. ;) Anyhow, when the haircut was finished, he just off and went to the bath. No pay for my great hair cut, no tips, not even a kiss! Silly little guy…I’ll have to catch him later – now that he’s not all hairy. ;)

Last night during worship, we were reading along, when all the sudden Ruby got very animated while searching for the right words, "Oooooo!!! OOOOOOoooo!!!!! There’s something like a bat swimming in the lake!" Or something like that. I figured there was just another dead bat on the porch until she got to the part about swimming. Yes, the kids saw their first muskrat in the wild last night. ;)

As I was tucking Ruby into bed last night, she was playing with my hair, telling me that it looks like Aunt Tracy’s and would look just like it if I had it cut straight across in the front a little shorter. Then she asked me to tuck it behind my ears again, ‘cause it is "cute like that".  Awww.....

When I sing to Jadelyn at night, she often says, "giggle me!"  as I sing. What fun to watch a giggling, squirming little girl! =)

Just before naptime today, I had the distinct displeasure of changing yet another poopy diaper for my 3 year-old. But this one was different. This one had "dog poop" in it. For you see, she was being a dog when she pooped. Good thing she clarified for me, ‘cause I was really wondering how dog poop made it’s way into her diaper.  ;O

As I was tucking Jadelyn into bed for naptime today, she bit my nose without using her teeth. Then informed me, "I ate you up. Now we don’t have a Mom." "Why?" I asked. "’Cause I’m a lion", she stated, like that was perfectly normal and explained everything. Crazy kid.

Kiddiokies

So, I started writing stuff down again.  One point for me!  =)

The other day, Isaac was telling me again how he is going to live with me forever.  I told him that as much as I love him, it is okay for him to grow up and move out...as long as he comes back and visit.  He was not easily dissuaded.  I told him that his wife would probably not appreciate living with me, so as much as I am glad that he loves me, he probably should re-think his plan and just come for visits instead.  I still could not convinced him.  No siree.  He told me that his wife would want to live with me, too, because he would make sure of it before he married her.  Ha!  I love you, Buddy, but I-don't-think-so!  ;)

The other day, as the kids were playing babies, as they so often do, I overheard Isaac tell Ruby in baby-talk, "I keep you safe, sista!"  Hope he always does!

Ruby and Isaac were playing the other day.  I was in the kitchen and could hear Ruby exclaiming, "I'm an acrobat!"  She insisted that I come see.  So I did.  She would lay on top of the big blue blow-up chair (that David just HAD to get from a yard sale =P), and Isaac would push it over.  Well, the one time I watched, she came down and instead of a graceful acrobatic flip, she crashed the side of her foot or ankle onto the rocking horse rockers.  Ouch.  Luckily, it appears nothing is broken.  But it has stopped Ruby's acrobatic aspirations...for the moment, at least.  Or maybe just toned 'em down.  For I think she has still been doing somersaults.  =P

I made some vegan "fried rice" (which turned out more like yummy oily rice with vegetables and Fri-Chik, so I guess that's probably not vegan, 'eh?  =O) and some broccoli for supper on Friday night.  Isaac was not impressed.  And proceeded to grumble about it.  I told him that if he had nothing nice to say, he shouldn't say anything at all.  I completely expected to hear more grumbling and then have to implement some consequence.  But instead, Isaac said (albeit in a slightly grumbly tone) something like, "thanks for making broccoli, Mom."  Whoo-hoo!  What a nice surprise!  =)  And I do love that he likes his broccoli.  ;)

Jadelyn informed me the other day that she came back to Isaac and Ruby's bedroom to rub my back, as I lay on my side.  I don't remember any backrub before she hopped onto my side and started singing, "riding on a horsey, a horsey!"  ;P  Guess that's slightly better than the other day when she informed me at some mealtime that I was a "cow".  Ha!  That time, she told David that HE was the "horsey".  Normally, she'll say, "Mom?  You're a Jew and I'm a Samaritan".  Or a Gentile.  Or something.  I think she likes to hear herself talk.  ;)

I love that Ruby describes cold things as being "like Lake Michigan".  The other day, we went for our first bike ride with our new-for-us Adams tandem trail-a-long.  We went around the entire lake, much to the kid's delight.  I loved watching Ruby and Isaac pedal away.  It went quite well until we switched who was in front about halfway around.  Ruby was then in front, and thus in charge of the gears.  Isaac wasn't all about it.  And then, Isaac was like, "Wooby, you need to pedal!"  and "Wooby!" this and "Wooby!" that.  ;P  As we were coming back down the driveway, Ruby was saying something about her hands being "like Lake Michigan".  Or maybe breeze on her hands was like that.  Something.  Anyways....

During worship on Sabbath night, we were talking about how Isaac was complaining about Daddy's driving on the way home from church (which for the moment anyways, wasn't bad ;D).  David asked him if he would rather walk than ride with Daddy-o, and Isaac said he would rather walk.  So, David stopped the van.  Isaac started to get very worried.  We told him to unstrap.  He was getting REALLY worried.  Out of the van he went.  David went with him.  And they started to walk, while I took over driving and took off down the road.  We went for a ways, then went back and picked them up.  So, during worship, we were talking about this, and why did David walk with Isaac?  Had David complained about his driving or done anything that needed to get him kicked out of the van?  No.  Then why?  Isaac piped up, "because he loves me".  Then, we got into a big talk about how Jesus loves us so much that He left heaven to save us from our sins.  He died for us, though He had done nothing wrong.  He went back to heaven to get a place ready for us, and will soon come to get us.  And He will live with us forever and ever and ever.  The kids were really into it (well, except Jadelyn after a while...she's a bit distracted, still...) and were really quite insightful.  Talking about Jesus' love is a good thing.  Then, Ruby asked, "what does love feel like?"  Huh...where do they come up with this stuff?  Who really thinks about what love feels like?  Apparently Ruby does.  ;)

This morning, I was cooking/baking up a storm.  Partially to warm the house up, partially so we'll have food to eat, and partially (probably) so I could mark some stuff off my to-do-list.  ;)  Anyways, I made Chex Mix and Granola Bars, so the kids got to choose if they wanted one of those or some crackers for their lunch filler.  Jadelyn excitedly let me know that she wanted "monkey bars!" much to Ruby and Isaac's (okay, mine, too...) delight.  Ruby and Isaac then let me know that they wanted "monkey bars", too.  So I told them that okay, I'd get their monkey bars.  That really cracked 'em up.  Who knew I was so funny simply by saying what they were?  =)  Then at lunch, Jadelyn said all breathlessly, "I'm so excited!" because of the "monkey bars".  I think granola bars may have been renamed at our house.  ;)

And that's all for now, folks!

So, it's been a while....

And these kids are still crazy as ever!

Ever had one of those days when you're emotionally drained from the kids' fighting before 8:15am?  When the kids have been up for less than an hour?  Before your husband has even had the chance to leave for work?  =P  Today was one of those days.  I'm sure it's my emotional state that's the problem, rather than the kids.  When I abound in patience, problems don't seem so big.

Take yesterday, for example.  Ruby was being disrespectful (yeah, we struggle with that a LOT around here).  I sent her for a trip around the basement (punishment for disrespect around these parts since we lost the garden in the move...oh, yeah.  We moved since last post.  More on that later.  Maybe).  Oh, wait.  It wasn't just A trip.  It was 3.  Because she was disrespectful x3.  So.  Off she went.  Last week or so, I caught her sitting on the top step to the basement after stomping her feet on the stair (to make it sound like she was going down, I presume?) followed by catching her partway down the stairs when I sent her again.  After she finally did her trips that time, I pretty much didn't address it again until bedtime, when I quietly told her that we should always, always, always tell the truth.  She seemed responsive.  I was hoping the grace of it all worked.  Anyways, I thought I'd check in again to see if she EVER does her trips.  (I was convinced she was SOMETIMES, because last time, I asked her how she did the trips, and without hesitating, she told me.)  So, I watched and watched and watched for her to come around the corner and walk in front of the bottom of the stairs.  I watched some more.  Eventually, she showed up, grabbed her quilt and pillow that were down there and headed up.  I met her at the top like nothing was wrong and asked her to please bring those to her room, which she did.  Then I asked her how many trips she had taken.  "3", she quickly answered.  I informed her that I had watched and not seen her going by the bottom of the stairs (in the middle of the basement) at all.  She started to panic, saying that she'd go more times than the 3 she was supposed to.  I reminded her of how we had talked just recently about always, always, always telling the truth.  I told her she was going to have to have a spanking for lying.  She screamed, of course.  Strangely, I was completely calm.  After the spanking, I held her.  She screamed and yelled and screamed some more.  She squirmed so much it was hard to hold on to her.  She screamed some more.  Strangely, I was completely calm, though I must admit, I did giggle a little at how hard it was to hold on to her.  This went on for a long time.  I don't know - maybe 15 minutes?  Eventually, she calmed down, relaxed, and after a while, fell asleep.  I woke her up (hey, it wasn't naptime, yet!) and we had a talk.  I asked her if her temper scared her.  Nope.  Though she WAS scared that she might lose her voice!  ;P  We talked about how I love her all the time.  Even when she's screaming and throwing a fit.  About how I have yelled when I shouldn't have, but I'm trying to learn to do things Jesus' way.  Etc., etc.  We talked about how lying is a sin, and we are always happier if we tell the truth.  Ruby seemed very receptive.  Then I told her I needed her to go for 6 trips around the basement instead of 3 - because lying never pays.  And wouldn't you know, the crying started again.  Ai yai yai.  Still, I was very calm.  I held her a little.  Sang some songs.  She kept on whining.  I took her hand and took her to the stairs.  She went down and did her trips.  And when she came up, she was a new person - kind to Isaac and Jadelyn and willingly helping pick up something she didn't play with.  So, I don't get it - why was I so calm yesterday and so irritable today?  And how can I get emotionally drained from OTHER people fighting.  Oye.  =P

Anyways, the kids really had several nice days this week.  It was lovely.  For David had to work late for 3 days, and yeah....I rely on his back-up when he makes it home, so it was nice to not be so drained.  One of the days they even played nicely for like 3 hours (!) straight!  =O  My deck is a disaster.  For they've been playing by bringing sand up and dumping it all over.  It was super cute last Friday.  They made little "ant hills" ALL over the deck.  They wanted to leave them there 'til the next day to see if there would be any ants.  I figured it was a good experiment, and then we could talk about how ants make their own hills.  But alas, they decided they didn't want a deck full of ants, so they squashed all the "ant hills".  ;)

Jadelyn has been a crack-up lately.  I really need to start writing things down again.  Over the past two days, I tell myself something to the effect of, "remember this to blog about".  But do you think I did?  Nopers.  =P

She DID tell me the other day, "I like you so much that I love you." 

David was hanging Ruby upside-down by her ankles and she was like, "look at me, look at me, I'm a bat!"  Then David hung Jadelyn upside-down by her ankles, and she was like, "look at me, look at me, I'm a mouse!"  Huh.  ;)

Oh, good grief!  Is that REALLY all I can remember?!?!?!?!?!  =O  Yes, I MUST start writing things down RIGHT AWAY!!!  =P

Okay, for a re-cap of other events in the past 4 months.  Ruby readjusted to life in her cast.  David got fired. (VERY soon after he confronted his boss for the boss wanting David to lie on several occasions, which he wouldn't.  Happenstance?  I don't think so.  =P)  David got a new job.  Ruby got her cast off.  We stayed home for a week until her intensive physical therapy (2x's a day for 4 days - would've been 5, but some holiday was in there) was done.  Said goodbye to our church family and the sweetest neighbors on the planet.  Moved north (after MUCH packing help by my parents - thanks, Mom and Dad!).  Ruby started walking independently 1 week and 3 days after getting her cast off.  Incredible!  Have been looking for a house like CRAZY (as in we've driven by well over a hundred houses and went in 20-30 or so? with the realtor) without much luck.  We've tried to put bids in on FOUR (yes, count 'em - 1,2,3, FOUR!) houses, to pretty much no stinkin' avail.  We've GOT to be our realtors NIGHTMARE.  =P  Our house in Kentucky hasn't sold yet, either.  Which I did NOT anticipate.  'Cause it's the BOMB, and anyone that walks the property should want to plop down some cash and inhabit the place, but you know, to each their own!  ;P  Anyways, I'm struggling lately with what God's plans are.  I know He is in control and He has a plan, but man...He hasn't let me in on that, yet, and I'm floundering.  David's job here has been CRAZY and DEMANDING, and well, we miss him.  We're renting a house on a lake here, but are pining away to have our own, private place in the country again.  I'm trying to learn the whole "peace in the midst of a storm" thing - trusting Jesus though I don't GET IT, and sometimes I think I'm getting there, and then I just start going crazy again - wanting to know the plan so I can work the plan.  =P  Anyways, I'm trying to calm down and be still and relish the moments.  But failing pretty badly, if you must know. =P

OH!  On an up-side, I got to have a "girl's-day-out" with my sisters on Sunday.  That was nice.  Uninterrupted sister-time.  Precious.  ;)  (I figured you'd like that, Smell - "precious!"  =P)

Okay, I'm off.  I really, REALLY need to do better at writing things down that the kids say/do.  OBVIOUSLY my memory STINKS!  =O

Adieu!