Little Tots/Big Ideas

The List

2012-01-27T07:01:00.003-07:00

Recently I watched the movie, I Don't Know How She Does It. Check out the first minute of the clip below.

I totally related to "The List". Here is the list from one of my latest sleepless nights.

1. Finish redoing the entryway.
2. Finish redoing the main bathroom.
3. Think of actors who have starred in more than one t.v. show. This will help me fall asleep and not think of the other list.
4. Eat right tomorrow.
5. Finish redoing Choo and Puff's bedroom.
6. Exercise tomorrow.
7. Scott Baio Happy Days/Charles in Charge
8. Eat right tomorrow.
9. Possible blog post ideas
10. Michael Landon Little House on the Prairie/Highway to Heaven
11. Paint accent wall in kitchen.
12. Paint hallways.
13. Victor French Little House on the Prairie/Highway to Heaven
14. Pinterest
15. Get Choo signed up for dance.
16. Willie Aames Eight is Enough/Charles in Charge
17. Be healthy!
18. Get going first thing in the morning.
19. Michael J. Fox Family Ties/Spin City
20. Disneyland
21. I need new pants.
22. Tony Danza Who's The Boss/Taxi
23. Mary Tyler Moore The Dick VanDyke Show/The Mary Tyler Moore Show
24. Dinner menu for next two weeks.
25. John Schneider Dukes of Hazzard/Smallville
26. Melissa Joan Hart Clarissa Explains It All/Sabrina The Teenage Witch
27. Plan Buzz's class Valentine party.
28. Plan Choo's upcoming birthday party.
29. Plan Buzz's upcoming birthday party.
30. Larry Hagman I Dream of Jeannie/Dallas

Does this sound familiar to any of you out there?

Flesh Eating Disease

2012-01-26T07:01:00.006-07:00

Before I begin this post, I need to give props to Michael for letting me tell the story. It says a lot about Michael's character and his ability to laugh at himself, especially considering a person at work may read this post.

In most marriages, I think it is pretty standard that mom is the one who worries more about the children's health. We are the exception to that rule. Michael is a hard core worrier if he believes the children are sick or injured.

One evening a few days back, I walked into the family room. Right away I noticed that Choo's nose and one of her cheek's was red.

"Hey Mike, did you notice her face?"

Mike carefully examined Choo's face.

"What do you think it is?" Mike threw a question back to me.

"I have no idea. She was fine when I went to take a shower."

I watched Michael's face as he continued to glance at Choo through the evening. He was stewing, imagining the worst.

"Do you think we ought to take her in?", Michael asked.

"I don't know, I think she is fine. Why don't you give her some allergy meds? Maybe she is having an allergic reaction to something." I had to offer some remedy as I could tell my hubby was clearly troubled.

Meanwhile, I put Buzz and Puff to bed. Michael stayed up with Choo in the front room. At one point, I turned off the light. He told me to turn the light back on so he could keep track of any changes on Choo's face.

"How does her face look?" It was the first question Michael asked me the next morning.

"I don't know? About the same," I shrugged.

"Do you think we should take her to the doctor? Do you think she has that flesh eating disease?"

Really Michael, we just went from possible allergy to flesh eating disease.

"No it is not the flesh eating disease. That thing moves fast. Some of her limbs would have fallen off by now!", I replied.

In my head I was thinking, "Am I not a good mom? Should I be more concerned about this?"

"I'm going to take the kids to school and then I will be back," Michael informed me.

"I will call the doctor and get her in today Michael."

I scheduled the appointment for early that afternoon. It coincided with my rescheduled mammogram so Michael had to take her.

Later Michael called me after the pediatrician's appointment. I was on the way to my mammogram.

"Well?" I said.

"When Dr. ______ saw me, I told him I knew my wife had probably told him that I was a worrier."

(For the record, I have told the doctor this several times as every time I bring one of the three children in for whatever reason, I am accompanied by a list of questions from Michael for me to ask the doctor.

"And the doctor's diagnosis?" I asked.

"He said it looked like a scratch; and to put Neosporin on it to prevent infection."

If this was the entire story, it is funny enough, but there is more to the story.

That evening Michael is giving Choo a bath in the bathroom adjoining the master bedroom. I am on the computer in our bedroom. I hear the following conversation.

"Dad, I won't do that again to my nose with the hairbrush."

"What?"

"I won't do that again to my nose with the hairbrush," Choo echoed.

"You mean you scratched your nose with the hairbrush?" Daddy asked incredulously.

"Yeah!"

"Why didn't you tell me this before I took you to the doctor's?"

"I don't know", Choo replied.

"But don't tell Mom", Choo added.

I was laughing so hard!

And later that same evening, I asked Choo, "So how did you hurt your nose?"

"I don't know", she replied innocently.

I love this story! I love my worrier husband and I love my little Choo!

TOO FUNNY!

Car Wash & Pinterest

2012-01-25T07:00:00.002-07:00

The first half of January was extremely dry in Utah, no snow or rain.

Finally this past weekend we were deluged with rain in the valleys and snow in the mountains.

Michael took the opportunity to wash the cars. He backed the cars out of the garage and onto the driveway. He let the rain do all the work for him. The dirt and grime came right off!

This is usually the closest our cars get to an official car wash; besides who needs to pay for a car wash when you have Mother Nature?

It's Wednesday, which means it is Pinterest day.

Pinterest is more than crafts. One of the boards I have is devoted to cleaning. Heaven knows I need all the help I can get in this category.

Here is a helpful hint from Pinterest: Mix Windex and white vinegar together to make a killer shower cleaner.

The before pictures,

The after pictures. The only problem I can see with the solution is more elbow grease is required than the instructions indicate. I probably need to clean the glass more often; that might help!

There was a definite upgrade in cleanliness. I want to leave the solution on for a longer period tomorrow and see if it makes the cleaning easier.

Too bad the solution does not work on cluttered bathroom counters!

How about the cutie in her swimsuit! This was Choo's third bath that day.

If you are want an invite to Pinterest, email me at littletotsbigideas@hotmail.com and I will send you an invitation.

Happy Pinteresting!

A Dolphin's Tale and All Things "Winter"

2012-01-24T07:01:00.000-07:00

Puff has a deep love for animals, especially sea life. Puff's favorite movie is Dolphin Tale. She is absolutely enamored with Winter.

The following is a conversation I repeatedly have with Puff:

"Mom, can we adopt Winter?" Puff has optimism in her voice.

"No, we cannot adopt Winter!"

"But if you go to the Clearwater site, it says you can adopt Winter." Puff still believes she can convince me.

"It's a different kind of adoption. They want you to send in money to help pay for her care."

"I want Winter to come and live with us!" Puff is firm in her request.

"Where would she live?"

"In our backyard." (Duh! Mom)

"Our backyard isn't big enough for Winter's pool. We don't know how to take care of her or feed her. Winter would die."

"You would kill Winter?!" Puff sincerely believes that I am cruel enough to intentionally kill Winter.

"Well, not on purpose!"

Puff contemplates all of this for a moment....

"Can we go visit Winter?" Puff tries another strategy.

"She lives on the other side of the country in Florida. Plane tickets cost too much for our whole family to go right now."

"But I want to see Winter! Why can't we go?" Puff is extremely stubborn.

I cannot tell you how many times this conversation has played out in our house.

I know Puff understands what I am telling her. I think she believes that, like most everything else, if she berates me long enough, I will give in.

Donations are greatly appreciated to fund this trip! Anyone?

Six Month Mammogram

2012-01-23T07:01:00.000-07:00

I'm a bit nervous today. I am going in for a mammogram on my left breast. Remember when I had an ultrasound and mammogram done on both breasts? The doctor wanted me to come back in six months. She wants to check the tissue in my left breast. She is looking for any changes since the last mammogram.

Curse my dense breasts! Of course I am sure she is going to tell me I have cancer. I will let you know either way.

If you have four minutes, watch the below video. Ashley is an incredibly talented and courageous young woman. She is battling Choriocarcinoma. The cancer originated in her uterus and spread to her liver, lungs and regrowth in her pelvis area after an emergency hysterectomy.

Grab a tissue! The video tells the story of Ashley shaving her head, taking charge of the cancer before it takes her beautiful golden hair.

Ashley's husband and daughter are part of the heartbreaking, yet endearing experience.

If you want to read more of Ashley, her projects and her chronicles of cancer visit Lil Blue Boo.

Who says bald isn't beautiful?

Rite of Passage - Shaving my Head from Ashley Hackshaw on Vimeo.

Four Weeks!

Nudist

2012-01-20T11:12:00.000-07:00

Choo is the nudist in the family. In her own words she explained to me that she feels more comfortable without clothes.

If Choo and I are home by ourselves, I will let her run around naked until well in the afternoon. She fights me every time I try to get her dressed; sometimes I don't think it is worth it.

I wish I felt that comfortable naked. I try to cover myself as much as possible, the less skin the better. I don't want to see it, and I'm sure no one else wants to see it.

I hope that Choo always feels so secure in her own skin.

In other news, it is the third Friday of the month. This means it is Emergency 101. If your January is like mine, finances are a bit tight from that little holiday in December. However, you can still do something for your 72 hour kits.

I spent $4.00 on my kits this week. I bought a box of granola bars and a package of peanut butter crackers. Even when money is not flowing, it is still possible to bulk up your 72 hour kits. Every bit helps.

Another helpful tip for your kits, when you buy food or water for your kits, mark on a calendar the expiration for the items. This way you can always make sure everything is safe for your family to eat.

Happy Friday!

I Dream About Susan

2012-01-19T09:15:00.000-07:00

I dream about my sister, Susan, on a fairly regular basis.

Mom and Susan died within months of each other. The strange thing is I rarely dream of mom. I'm not sure why. I think about them both daily. Perhaps I don't dream of mom because we were blessed to have her pass so quickly, three weeks from diagnosis.

On the other hand, my family watched Susan suffer thirteen excruciating months before the cancerous villain claimed her. I spent a great deal of time with my sister during her illness. Maybe that is why I dream so much about Susan.

My dreams are all similar. Susan is alive, still in the clutches of cancer. She has dark, short cropped hair. Obviously her hair has finally returned after cancer treatments are completed.

In my dreams, Susan lives far away. She is in a different state. Susan is living by herself, no husband children or other family close.

Susan still manages to work full time. She is very busy.

I dream that I visit her for a short period. Susan doesn't like it. She wants to be alone. Much of the time, none of us even knows where she is or how she is doing.

Susan is firm about being alone and needing help from no one.

I always wonder what this dream means, if anything?

My thoughts then turn to Mom. Why do I rarely dream of her?

I wish I dreamed of Mom. I want to see her again. I want her to hug me and tell me she loves me. I want her to tell me that she and Susan are o.k.

I was with Susan much of the time during her illness. We grew very close. I like to think I eased some of her pain and sadness.

The dream burdens me because I want to know she is surrounded by love and happiness.

Who knows, maybe it's just a dream?

Choo's IPhone and Pinterest

2012-01-18T07:01:00.003-07:00

It's not really Choo's iphone, but Choo thinks it is her iphone.

Daddy got the phone from work; and I am not sure who loves the phone more. Michael has told me that now he has experienced the wonders of the iphone, he can never go back.

Choo and Michael compete over iphone time. Choo holds her own, and wins just as many times as daddy wins.

It is frightening how much this tiny thing can do on the phone. Choo navigates with no help from anyone. She can find games. Choo can find Netflix and locate any video she has the desire to watch.

I have no clue how to do half the things Choo does with daddy's iphone.

If Choo were old enough to read and had access to daddy's iphone password, I shudder to think of the havoc that might ensue, including empty bank accounts and maxed out credit cards.

We will have to keep all eyes on this one!

Remember the self inflicted glue gun burns? This is the look I wanted for my ribbon wreath.

The picture below is my Valentine ribbon wreath. I can't even really tell you how to make it. I could not figure out how the ribbons were folded. I went to several websites and did not locate any precise instructions on folding the ribbon. I guessed! This is the result. Was it worth the damage to my hands? Still not sure!

Of course, I took the picture at night when it was the worst possible lighting.

If you still want an invite to Pinterest, especially after my positive wreath experience, email me at littletotsbigideas@hotmail.com, and I will send you an invite.

Choo Thinks She Is In Charge

2012-01-16T10:21:00.000-07:00

Choo has a control issue. Choo believes she is in charge. In some cases, she is correct.

Choo turns four in March. She is still not potty trained. If Choo feels like wearing underwear, she wears underwear. If Choo does not want to wear underwear, she does NOT wear underwear.

It is frustrating! I don't know how to be in charge of potty training.

Choo does know how to use the potty. There was a time, when I actually thought we had this potty training thing licked. She wore underwear for several days in a row. Choo went to the potty without me reminding her. She only had a few accidents. I was excited!

Of course the poop thing was a different story. "I'm afraid to go poop on the potty." I knew this one was going to be painful to conquer.

After consecutive days of underwear, Choo decided no more underwear. She wanted to go back to pull-ups.

And then the holidays came. It was the last thing I wanted to think about during the Christmas season. I let it go!

Here we are in January and Choo has no desire to sit on the potty. I know she can do it, but the issue is Choo does NOT want to do it.

Last week I brought Choo to the doctor for a rash. I was completely embarrassed for him to see that she was in pull-ups.

March is around the corner. My question for myself, "Can I have her potty trained before she actually turns four?"

What do I do with such a stubborn, independent child?

High Five

2012-01-13T11:11:00.002-07:00

Today, I am giving a shout out to my sister, Charity. She was spotlighted on one of our local news stations.

Mommy, Mommy

2012-01-12T11:25:00.000-07:00

First, I need to clarify that I do not endorse "The Family Guy". I think it is crass! Having said that, my children saw this commercial and are now obsessed with it. They repeatedly ask dad to play it on his iphone.

I have to admit that this clip speaks truth!

Whatcha Wearing Wednesday

2012-01-11T11:52:00.000-07:00

Puff wanted to be part of Whatcha Wearing Wednesday. She begged me to take her pictures. Here is a catalog of her subtle poses.

Notice her fleece, purple leopard pajamas.

The kitten buttons add a flair of cuteness to the ensemble.

The kitten insignia completes the pajamas.

These pajamas are the answer to a warm, comfortable good night's rest.

Thank you Puff!

And thank you Hannah Montana for providing Puff inspiration for her subtle modeling poses and her burgeoning modeling career.

I can't remember where I saw this, but I thought it was such a good idea. If you are like me, you can't bear thinking of throwing those cute Christmas cards away. I have collected them over the years, never knowing what to do with them...until now.

Punch holes in the cards and attach them to a ring. Bring out the Christmas cards every year. Place them on a coffee or side table and you can enjoy them through the holiday season.

Me, Myself and I

2012-01-10T11:02:00.000-07:00

Last week Michael was in New York on a business trip. We thought about me going along, but eventually decided no. It was the right decision. New York city was bitterly cold most of the week.

Michael was gone and I was a single mom. Every time I receive this new title, I feel profound empathy for moms and dads doing this tough job by themselves. It is exhausting!

On Thursday grandma and grandpa took Choo, Buzz and Puff for the day to give me a break. I had sweet six hours all to myself. What a rare gift! I took full advantage of the opportunity.

Of course I went to a movie. Before I had children, I never went to a movie alone. I felt sorry for any person sitting by himself/herself. "Poor thing. He/she had no one to come with." If I was to go to a movie alone, surely others would feel sorry for me.

Three kids later, I seize the day! I buy a chicken caesar wrap and a big diet coke. I settle in with the other six people in the movie theater on a Thursday afternoon. I am giddy with anticipation; no children (I do love them); no spilled popcorn (see this post).

I see We Bought A Zoo with Matt Damon. I enjoyed it very much. I am confused on how they marketed the movie. It comes across as a cute movie about zoo animals, but it is more about the relationship between a father and his children. The zoo is more of a side story.

My favorite line from the movie, "Sometimes all you need is 20 seconds of insane courage."

After the movie, I still had more me time. I window shopped at several different stores, including my favorite, Hobby Lobby. Can I tell you how much I enjoy that place, even more so without little ones tugging at me?

It was a refreshing afternoon. I may have to do it more grandma?!

Suffering For My Craft

2012-01-09T11:18:00.000-07:00

I tried to make a Valentine's Day wreath over the weekend. The result was two huge blisters on my right hand, one on my ring finger and one on my middle finger. Thank you hot glue gun. My ring finger was burning for several hours. I had it in a cup of cold water most of the evening.

I am having trouble typing this post. Every time I pound a key with my ring finger, OUCH!!!!!!

Now I have to decide if I want to complete my Valentine wreath? Is it worth it?

Every artist must suffer for his/her craft, right?

She's Trying To Tell Me Something and Emergency 101

2012-01-06T11:35:00.000-07:00

Choo yesterday, "Mom your tummy is big so you should have a baby in your tummy."

If you recall this is only a few days after she informed me that I have a big tummy, period.

What is Choo trying to tell me:

1. I should have a baby. I am 41 years old.
2. She has noticed my head swelling with pride and is determined to prick that bubble.
3. She thinks I eat too much.
4. She thinks I don't exercise enough.
5. She thinks I have a big tummy.

I'm thinking it's number five; regardless, I believe I need to be especially serious about my New Year's resolutions to eat right and exercise.

It's a New Year. A perfect resolution is to have your family prepared for an emergency.

As a reminder, the first and third Friday of the month is Emergency Preparedness at Little Tots. If you have missed the emergency posts and want to catch up, go here, here, here, here and here.

This week we are beginning the year with water. I bought 24 16 oz. bottles for under $3.00. I also purchased a box of granola bars for my kidlets.

I will have to buy more water, but it is a good start. Check out the Livestrong site to see how much water you and your family will require.

Please join me in 2012 as we systematically prepare our families for an emergency. It will give you a sense of peace. I know it has already helped me.

Have a great weekend!

Jungle Gym

2012-01-05T10:34:00.000-07:00

This is not a bed. You may think it is, but Puff believes otherwise. She treats my bed like a piece of playground equipment. I have told her hundreds (not exaggerating) of times not to climb on my bed.

Puff loves to perform her gymnastics feats on my bed. I constantly wonder what or who will break first.

I caught her doing acrobats a few days ago. I took a picture and told her to never do it again, again.

What Am I Wearing?

2012-01-04T11:26:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my first What Am I Wearing Wednesday.

I'm a bit confused by this label though because this picture was taken on Tuesday, so though I am posting this on Wednesday should I be calling it What Am I Wearing Tuesday?

Right off the bat, you can tell this is not your ordinary What Am I Wearing post. For starters Puff took this picture so the quality is not that great.

The shirt is a Christmas gift from Michael's mom. It is Billabong. The pants are hand me downs. They were given to me by a friend and very fashionable. The pants no longer fit her. They are too loose on her. On the other hand, the pants are a bit tight on me. I will fit in them comfortably...soon!!!!

Don't you love the gorgeous look on my face? Yes, I am a goof.

This is the wreath that I made. I did it with pages from an old book. I took the pictures at 12:30 last night so I apologize for the poor lighting.

It wasn't too difficult, it did take some time rolling all the paper.

I can't decide if it is too full for the entry way. Still not sure if the center, potpourri, is too much. I also wish it was more even on all sides, but I'm still impressed with myself that I accomplished it.

If you are interested in making this wreath, check out the original video on YouTube. The video is a bit corny, but the instructions are pretty straight forward.

If you want to join Pinterest, please email me at littletotsbigideas@hotmail.com and I will send you an invite.

New Years Resolutions

2012-01-03T07:01:00.000-07:00

My lengthy list of New Year's resolutions.

1. Exercise
2. Eat Healthy
3. Pray Daily
4. Daily Scripture Study
5. Attend Church Weekly
6. Begin and complete preschool and kindergarten books for Puff and Buzz.
7. Consistently get moving before 10am every day. It seems lame, but I detest mornings.
8. Get to bed by 11pm, enabling better success of #7.
9. Complete redecor of entry way, main bathroom, Puff & Choo's room, Buzz's bedroom and paint kitchen.
10. Pay off credit card.
11. Learn how to apply makeup properly.
12.Visit dad weekly by phone or in person.
13. Do monthly act of service as family.
14. Control my temper, especially towards hubby. Sorry Michael!
15. Keep house clean.
16. Organize one room of house each month.
17. Write a book.

What do you think? Have I any chance of all?

"Shoot for the moon and you may get the stars."

I figure if I am going to make some resolutions, I might as well go for it all!!! Besides 2012 may be the end and I better shove it all in there.

Can't wait to show you what I made from Pinterest. Come back tomorrow.

Also I am starting my own "What Am I Wearing Wednesday?" I believe you will enjoy my twist on the subject.

Rockin' New Year!

2012-01-02T07:01:00.000-07:00

We had a rocking New Year at my house. What else would you expect?

The kids only goal was to stay awake until midnight.

Puff and Buzz made it to midnight plus.

Underneath this blanket is Puff. She didn't last to see 2012.

"Did I make it to midnight?" This was Puff's first question this morning. She was very disappointed to learn that she did not make it; even more disappointed to learn that her younger brother and sister were able to go the distance.

"Mom, why can't I make it to midnight?"

"Because you are so beautiful that you need a lot of beauty sleep."

Puff was not satisfied with this answer. I told Puff that she did not miss much. When the clock struck midnight, I gave daddy and Buzz a kiss to usher in the new year. Immediately after, Buzz inquired if he might go to bed?

Puff is still sure she missed something wonderful. She should ask Buzz. He was upset that people were letting off fireworks. "Are they going to do that all night? They will keep me awake. Mom, go tell them to stop!"

Puff wants a second chance. She has vowed to stay up until midnight tonight! I won't hold my breath.

When Harry Met Sally

2011-12-31T10:46:00.000-07:00

The perfect New Year's Eve scene! Great movie!

Bleak Days

2011-12-30T10:16:00.000-07:00

I don't like the day after Christmas. I'm not fond of New Year's; and I hate the month of January.

How's that for the beginning of a positive post!

December 26 through the end of February is a bit difficult for me. It seems like a let down after the holiday season.

The fall brings so much to look forward to with the impending excitement around the corner. Now I simply wait for spring.

Perhaps I should focus on some meaningful New Year's resolutions. I'm not really big on these goals. They never seem to work for me. They fall apart within a matter of days.

I do have a lot to work on for 2012, which might be extra meaningful considering some predict 2012 is the end of the world. This could be my last attempt to actually conquer previous failed attempts.

So here's to 2012! Wishing you all health, happiness and everything else your heart desires. Happy New Year!

Trashing Grandma's

2011-12-29T11:49:00.000-07:00

After opening more presents than Choo, Buzz or Puff deserved; after trashing our living room; it was time to trash grandma and grandpa's house.

I made all three kids wear their Sunday dress after church. Grandma buys Choo, Buzz and Puff their Christmas outfits every year and seldom gets to actually see them model the clothes.

Although Buzz looks a bit tortured here, I was not ruthless. I did bring play clothes for after pictures, but Buzz still was not happy. The pictures were delaying the opening of presents.

Choo, Buzz and Puff each had their own Hefty trash bag full of gifts. Grandma and grandpa always spoil. They can't help it. I think it's in their nature.

We managed to trash two houses that day! Way to go family!

Fat Tummy

2011-12-28T10:50:00.000-07:00

Precious little ones do not think about sparing your feelings. They give it to you straight.

Yesterday morning as I was getting out of bed, Choo asked, "Why do you and daddy have fat tummies?"

Yeah...nothing like a great ego booster first thing in the day.

I believe I know one of my New Year's resolutions, LOSE THAT FAT TUMMY!

It's not as if I am ignorant of my slightly overlarge belly, but there's nothing like your children pointing it out to you.

I have a confession to make; I eat too much food and don't exercise enough and the result is my FAT TUMMY!

Christmas Party

2011-12-27T11:03:00.000-07:00

I volunteered my house for the Stewart family Christmas party. What was I thinking? It was a lot of stress to prepare the house. Why do I think everything needs to be perfect for my family?

Here are some ideas I had to make the party a bit better. I used Christmas wrapping paper for the tablecloths. They are cute and inexpensive, plus after the event you can leave the crumbs and spills where they are and throw it all out.

I put these cute Christmas themed search and find pictures on all the tables.

I wanted to give everyone something special to take home with them. I made a Christmas ornament for everyone. I bought clear, plastic balls and sprinkled some glitter snow inside. Next I made copies of mom's high school graduation photo. I rolled the picture up and placed inside the ball. Once inside I used a pencil to gently unroll the picture. My last step was to tie a festive ribbon to the top of the ornament.

I think they turned out very cute, and it was quite simple to do.

The younger grandkids played seven eleven with prizes for everyone.

My cute niece Jodie and her husband. They are visiting from Italy. Brett is in the air force.

Dad and his kids.

Dad and the grandkids.

My sister, Julie, and her family.

My sister, Charity, her family and a few extras you might recognize.

My brother Kevin and his stepson, Dylan.

My sister Becky and her family.

Mikaella and Puff catching some shut eye.

An impromptu game of Phase 10 broke out. I love that game.

Silent Night, Chaotic Morning

2011-12-26T12:21:00.000-07:00

Michael and I had a hard time getting the children nestled in their beds on Christmas Eve. Puff and Buzz were so excited.

They knew it was important to go to bed. Santa can't come until everyone is asleep, but the enthusiasm was overwhelming.

Buzz kept repeating, "I can't sleep. Will Santa not come if I am still awake?"

Then daddy decided to take a bath. This really set the kids off. "Tell dad to get out of the tub. He has to go to sleep or Santa won't come."

Finally by 11:30pm all three kids had visions of sugar plums dancing in their heads. Peace descended over the house and Santa could come.

I made it into my bed a little after 1am. At 4:30am Puff walked into my bedroom. "Mom when can we open presents? Santa came. There is a Wii and ten presents for me. Can we open presents now?"

Puff asked this same question every five to ten minutes until 7am.

At 7am we opened presents.

This was the after after effect. Chaos reigns. I am still recovering today, maybe the rest of the week.