Diapers Galore

Thankfully, I have spent my free time this week making diapers and not changing them! A friend is hosting a diaper shower and asked me to create the invitations. There is nothing like pink, polka dots, and tulle! Ooo laa laa!! Etsy worthy or not, I am still unsure!! Invitations completed today and delivered!

*Under Construction*

Move over Tim the Toolman Taylor... (insert Tim's grunt here) There are some renovations happening in our home!! Tool belts, saws, hammers, and saw dust. We've got it all happening here. Walls coming down and walls going up!! Once we adopted Ryan, we knew that we would eventually need to renovate our basement to include a fourth bedroom. We figured that time wouldn't be for another two years or so, but God opened some doors for us to begin the renovations now. We are thrilled to say the least. Although we could continue to keep Rylee and Ryan in the same room for as long as necessary, they could use their own space. We are currently in Week #2 and we hope to be completely done (carpet in, walls painted, space organized, and decorated) by June 1st. A friend from church is helping Mike with this project. It has been wonderful as he loves to do this kind of work and Mike has always longed to learn how to do this kind construction. Our friend has come over the last two Saturdays to work and then Mike has worked each night he can to work on the stuff he has learned to do. Morgan has joined the work crew and is working from time-to-time. It has been a great opportunity for him to learn some new skills, take some ownership in the project (a little buy in), and for him to be with Godly men. We feel so blessed to have people so willing to help, teach, and guide!! Can't wait to show the finished project!!

Chinese New Year

This year, Chinese New Year fell on Valentine's Day. Due to a cold that knocked me for quite the loop and our week of snow days, we did not celebrate until yesterday. Mom and Dad had never made it over for a home cooked Chinese New Year celebration, we really wanted them to join in on the festivities. On the menu this year: spring rolls, sticky rice, cashew chicken, sweet and sour chicken, and Mongolian beef. To top off the meal, Valentine sugar cookies! As always, the kids received their red envelopes and attempted to eat with chop sticks!! We had a great time even though we didn't give the celebration the attention we normally do. Happy Belated Chinese New Year!

Dear Mother Nature,

Did you not get the memo? Snow Day #8.

Dear Mother Nature....

Enough is enough!! Snow days #6 and #7, really? Was it really that necessary? You are called Mother Nature, surely you understand the trials that we moms endure on these days stuck inside, don't you? Don't get me wrong, I truly appreciate the beauty you have provided, the mornings of sleeping in until 7, and the time with my children. I must tell you though, enough is enough! There are only so many games we can play, movies to watch, craft projects to be made, etc. Bring on spring - From one mom to another, plleeeeassseee... Yep, nothing more annoying that a 40 something mom whining!!

Signed
Mom of 3 Climbing the Walls in the Bluegrass Region
(Just want to be sure you know the exact locale so that you can send spring to the right place.)

Happy Valentine's Day ...

with lots of colorful sprinkles on top!! Happy Chinese New Year, too.

Mmmm.....

Well, I discovered today that I had never taken the Littles to Kr**py Krem*! I told them that we needed to go to the semi-local library and that we would go do something fun afterward. When I pulled into the parking lot, there was silence. They were even puzzled as we began to walk up to the store. I kept thinking, surely I have taken them here before... It became quite apparent that I had not when they walked in and started jumping up and down squealing "Doughnuts!" I knew they would love the heart shaped doughnuts that are made here during the Valentine festivities as much as I do. Each picked out his/her doughnut of choice and then enjoyed watching the doughnuts being made through the viewing window. Guess we should get out more! :o)

Side note: We prefer the library, known as the semi-local library, in the next town over as it is huge - Those in our town, did you know that you can get a library card from there if you show the library card from our county library?

Snow Day #5

Snow day #5 for the year, but snow day #2 for this week. We are looking forward to spring!! Ryan got out of the van on Sunday and said in a huff "It's winter agaiiin?!?" Guess he was not thrilled with the cold air that blasted in as Mike opened the door! I asked the kids what they each wanted to do today as yesterday was filled with tons of arguing, fighting, and people getting hurt as during a game called "Fumble Fight". Bet you can't guess who concocted that game! The Costanzas (I have chosen to go with that nickname today after yesterday's fiasco) both decided that they wanted to go outside and play. I figured it would be a great thing for them to do while I worked out on the elliptical. So, I gathered their clothing and told them to get ready. I then packed the laundry basket with all their fresh clothes so that they could change before going into the house. Well, let's just say that they lasted outside a grand total of probably 10 minutes. I know that because I probably spent 3 minutes shooting some pictures and the elliptical had 7 minutes on it when they came in - Now, during those 7 minutes that I had worked out, I was called away multiple times to either help someone with one snow accessory or another, to wrangle Scooter away from them, or to referee. I was glad when they finally came as it took them another 10 minutes at least to undress and put on fresh clothes. Then, they were expected to sit and wait until I finished with my torture machine! There is nothing better than having onlookers while huffing, puffing, and sweating!! They did enjoy their short lived time outside as they got to make their long anticipated snow angels - So, I guess in the end it was all worth it!

2 for 2

Mike has a new woman in his life! She is known as the "Pioneer Woman". Last week, I checked out her new cookbook from the semi-local library. This week, I decided to try two of her recipes and made them in back-to-back nights. Let's just say, Mike has been eating well and the kids have loved every bite as well. Pioneer Woman, you have gotten 2 thumbs up from our crew for both the "Flat Apple Pie" and the "Perfect Chili". Although, they are not very calorie friendly recipes, I must admit that I love them both: The chili because you can double the recipe and freeze it. The apple pie because you want a rustic look and I can not make a pie crust look good. So, I usually buy mine already in the tin in the freezer section. There are several other recipes that we are going to try and I am now going to have to explore her blog and see what else I can find. I'm thinking maybe I need to do the Julia & Julia thing and make one of her dishes each night for a year. It could be called the Pioneer Woman & Darcy Project. That would mean I have to cook every night. So, scrap that idea!! Bon Appetit!!

Look at this crazy bunch. Our adoption playgroup met again and the girls (and Ryan) had a blast eating chinese food and spending time together. Not all the girls are in the picture, but we had about 8 families join us this month! It is amazing to see how all of the girls are growing especially when we haven't seen them in a few months. They are absolutely precious when they get together with one another and I know Rylee especially loves it when she gets to see her friends!!

True Therapy!

I had an opportunity to do some crafting this week and just can't explain how therapeutic it was and always is for me when the paper, glue, and scissors come out ! I get so immersed in what I am doing and it is so easy for me to lose track of time and to put aside all of the nonsense that gets entangled in my daily life. I love it and I got so lost I kept creating - Now, I have an over abundance of these little Valentine creations that originally started out as teacher's gifts! The crew may have to go out on some "Secret Missions" in the next week! My favorites are the little strawberries (can't see them too well in the picture) and the tiny takeout boxes. Aaah!! Who needs a therapist when you've got a large stash of paper and scissors!

Love Is In the Air

I am just one of those people that does not like to draw attention to myself, but these days that is just not possible. I recognize the importance of having contact with my childrens' teachers and greatly value that communication. I realize that parental involvement impacts a child's success and education positively. But, there are many days now that I would love to sneak into their schools to pick them up and just run. I never know what the teacher is going to share with me about their day with my child or about my child's behavior. I say this in some jest as I know the teachers well and they have my child's best interest at heart. They are comfortable sharing with me about my child and know that I care about how they behave and their progress. They also know that we are going to do what we can at home to help our child be successful. I must say that there has never been a serious offense and often there are some funny stories, but there are often little things that happen and are part of a child's normal development. Usually, these stories are about one Little in particular, who shall remain nameless. Today, was Ryan's turn. Evidently, Ryan was making "mean faces" at friends in the classroom and was in selective hearing mode. I shared this with my mom on the phone and told her that I was a little reluctant to pick up Rylee as I really didn't want double time today. Well, as you can probably guess, Rylee's teacher was at the door to greet me this afternoon. All I could say was "Oh No!". She grinned and said that Rylee had had a great day, but there had been a little episode. Well, let's just say that Rylee was kissed for the first time by a peer. Evidently, Rylee was swooning and quite enjoyed the experience. Once it became obvious to the teacher what was happening, she stepped in and explained that kissing was for at home. I must say, that Rylee's first kiss was from a very cute and sweet child!! Love was in the air! Never a dull moment around here...