Breakfast fun with the kids ** 2 dozen for 2-22 **

I have a love hate-relationship with donuts.
Love donuts.
Then I became a mom.
So not a fan of sugar high crazed kids.
But a late run to the grocery store last night and seeing these beauties marked down... and something came over me.
I was planning to just walk out with plain glazed.. and then I saw the chocolate.
Before I knew what was happening both boxes in the cart!
My kids know my feelings about donuts.
Donuts on a school morning translates into school work getting done issues.
The questions and shock were not disguised.
Without missing a beat, I looked at them and said, "Don't you know what tomorrow is?"  while getting dinner on the table.
The blank looks and quizzical looks.  I just don't know where this all came from, it was out of my mouth before my brain even knew what was happening.  A quick look at the calendar.  Tomorrow is 2-22.  We needed to have 2 dozen.  Happy 2-22 everyone!!

Then we prayed and had our chicken enchiladas.

This morning, I heard commotion about cereal.  Kids were eating cereal.  I said nothing.
About an hour into the morning my "wake up and eat later" kid asked if he could have a donut.
Jaws hit the floor.  Kids were saying, you know what mom thinks about donuts, you have to eat something else before you can have a donut!  I just looked at them. Because I was on the verge of saying "Yes! have a donut!"  Just don't know what alien has overtaken me.  I just hope the kids don't get used to it and expect the alien to stay.  Instead of allowing the alien to speak, I said have a yogurt or cereal and then have at the donuts!

They all went running for donuts.. It was a 2-22 score for this mom! They must be growing up because the sugar high isn't keeping them from their work.

Finding creative ways to show my teens I love them

Sometimes it is just the little things.  Then sometimes it is the silly and frivolous things.

Last summer we learned there were people who would post it another person's car!  

The news and then seeing cars done was just a bit shocking for this frugal momma! 

Didn't they know how expensive post it notes could be??  

Especially to only be blown away and trashed and not used beyond prankstering?? !! ?? 

My practical side can be a bit of a buzz kill sometimes. 

So I often just keep my lips zipped. 

In all honesty though, post it notes are far easier to deal with than shoe polish. 

Especially in Kansas heat. 

Then one day, something possessed me.  A goofy, silly, overwhelming sense came over me.  

It started with activating the sticky notes on one teenager's computer.  I was just going to leave one little note that said "I love you."  And then I was taken over by creativity....

and silliness... 

and oneriness...

All I can say, is there is a limit to how many sticky notes that can be "placed" on a laptop screen!! 

Union Station ~ Fun Memories

I have got some pretty awesome kids. They leave me amazed.  With my oldest son playing hockey, we find ourselves on the road quite a bit for games.  I have routinely tried to make sure each trip included something unique to the area we were visiting and something different than hockey.  Part of it is because I have felt sorry for the younger kids.  Part of it is for my own sanity.  If I am going to drive all those miles and freeze in a rink (loving almost every minute of it) I would like to see a little bit more of these towns than their local ice rinks.  Thankfully, the internet is a wonderful resource for finding things to do.  Kansas City is a frequent spot.  Sometimes we visit regular favorites like Legends Outdoor Mall, other times we find something new.  About a year ago, during a visit, we popped into Union Station.  It was decorated for Christmas and there were a whole bunch of Gingerbread Houses on display.  Our imaginations were caught.  Unfortunately we didn't have time to stay.  It was put on the list.  Recently, with a game forfeited and extra time I asked the kids what was one thing they would like to do for fun.  Anywhere between home and Kansas City.  We had some extra time.  Union Station was the answer!  This time I put them in charge of the internet search.  Times, details, etc.  With a little bit of guidance they figured out how to explore the internet and learn more about Union Station.
Anticipation was building. But none of it prepared them for what we found.

Just don't understand this kitty...

3 weeks post Christmas... I can't bring myself to pack up the Nativity.  I like it setting out.  So does a certain kitty.  He loves to lay on top of Jesus! Curls up and naps with Jesus.  We find him in this very spot regularly.  He would prefer I didn't notice or make a fuss about it.   

That is his, "Must you disturb me with the picture taking clicking noise? Be gone with you!" look.

Mail box freebies ~ Happy Suprises!

I love free samples!  

I love getting them in the mail. 

Often times I sign up for them and then forget. 

Which is perfect, because who doesn't love a perfectly wonderfully good suprise.

Especially in the mailbox.
Something delightful instead of bills. 

My children love it too. 

These created quite the stir. 

My coffee loving daughter was quick to let me know she knew how to convert

those k-cups into perfect cups of delicious-ness, 

since we don't own a keurig. 

The question I have is, 

will I get even a taste before they are gone?

My carmel loving son, just about melted when he saw the salted carmel flavor. 

Thank you Starbucks for the smile in our mailbox! 

New Year's in pictures!

My youngest made my bed. 

Supposedly, Ted was cold and wanted to be comfy. 

Oh, how I smiled when I walked in my room and saw this.

What I didn't take a picture of was that my "sleeping
 pillows were on the floor beside the bed...

to make room for Ted!

Late night of clue...

We were all so tired, we couldn't think straight or remember what was just said!

A few kids decided to make wild accusations all in attempt to end the game sooner

so we could start the movie!

Before the movie!  We broke out the glow sticks.

and noise makers.  We knew some would not make it to midnight.

So we celebrated loudly before settling in to watch.

ice cream and bubbly 

(sparkling juice!)

in fancy glasses

Then we watched Ant Man. 

I had no idea. 
I thought it would be an animated movie, something like Bug's Life.

Nope, Ant Man is a Marvel Super Hero!

Oh my, such a fun movie. 

So happy, the children picked.

Very good memories were made.

Christmas memory for the books...

Teenagers are a special breed. 

Humor. 

Creativity. 

Old enough to really do some stuff. 

Stuff that can be entertaining to boring old adults. 

They are also extremely hard to shop for sometimes. 

One particular teenager only wanted money and gift cards for Christmas. 

Ah gee... That is extremely fun to wrap says a mom.

  

Then a sister, decides it is very fun. 

With 5 kids and most too young to have jobs to earn money, 

I encouraged them to draw names many years ago.  

They have big hearts and want to shop for their siblings and this reduced some of the stress.  

So a certain sister drew her teenage older brother's name.  

Enlisted me to help, since she doesn't drive solo yet. 

The mission:  Collect as many gift card envelopes as possible. 

 Preferrably from girly stores. 

Since he wants gift cards or money, so be it. 

The next step... 15  ~ $1 bills.  

(The spending budget for the drawing was $15)

Each dollar tucked into an envelope.  

All of them in a gift bag.  

A few of the envelopes went missing.  

The best part was, 

he was with me the day I ran in and out of the doors to collect 

some of the envelopes! 

He drove me around and kept the car and the driver's seat warm for me! 

Avengers..Build and Grow at Lowes

He did it!  We did it!  All 6...
It started with just checking out the website.. There was so much enjoyment...and then the discovery that it was the theme for the summer. The 2 of us every couple of weeks...headed to Lowes.
So proud of all the efforts of my youngest young man.  He learned much and did a great job!

What big claws/nails you have!

Thanks to Art for Kids Hub... My guy discovered Origami yesterday!  Here is where he learned to make these:  

He was so excited about Origami, I told him we had a book and Origami paper somewhere.... 

Found it!  

He has been hard at work and using the book along with the paper!  

We have had this on our bookshelves for years.  Maybe even 13 years.
It is from our Five in A Row  years... 

I am just tickled it is getting loved and used thoroughly all these years later. 

Been Creative? Art for Kids Hub

Last year or the year before, this poster idea was floating around on facebook.  I have some really awesome friends that peruse pinterest and then they share the gems!  I am truly grateful for their efforts.

Last summer I duplicated this for my home!

This year, I borrowed the concept and "assigned" specific elements as part of daily chores.  The rule was do not ask me for anything or to go anywhere until these 12 things are done each day!  Each child's list looked a little different depending on age. The goal was to carve out about 3 hours for myself.  They could self direct and I could work somewhat uninterrupted.  For "Be Creative" I found on Money Saving Money a free calendar link for art for June.  Sent the link to my daughter to help direct her brothers.  She likes all sorts of things artsy!  Again my goal was to be able to work uninterrupted for a few hours.

5 Down, One to Go ~ Lowes Build and Grow

This summer, my youngest and I have taken on the challenge of completing the Avenger Series at Lowes Build and Grow.  I posted earlier in the summer here.

We just completed the 5th session out of 6 being offered.  We missed session 4, because I did not log in soon enough.  We were extremely blessed though when we showed up this past weekend and learned they had a bunch of extra kits.  I don't even know how the conversation.  It just happened.  God knows, becuase I believe he cares about this guy.  He cares about his interests and likes.  So on week 5, we were able to build project number 4 and 5.  He is doing great!  He is learning a lot of valuable "life skills" in problem solving and working through a challenge.

Good Morning notes! I never expected this one...

Before bed, I asked if "the deliquents" (the kitties) were home inside. Only one.  Oreo likes all nighters.  If he manages to escapes, we don't see him till breakfast.  

A late night trip to the bathroom, there was scratching at the door.  

Girls... They can do anything!! They are girly girly girly through and through!

We hear terms like tomboy, girly girl all the time.  I have 2 girls and 3 boys.  Plus, get this, I am a girl!  My interests are varied and abundant.  Guess what? so are the interests of all my kids!  All of us, we cross the gender lines all the time.  ALL.THE.TIME.
So I don't care much for Tomboy.
Because if you are a girl, you are a girl.  You are girly through and through.  You are a girly girl.  You are allowed to like glitter or not.  You can like pink or blue.  You can like getting in the dirt or wearing white and staying spotless.  You are a girl no matter what.  I love the fact that my girls and I are okay with getting dirty and definitely okay with getting all prettied and fancied up.  We are even allowed to change our mind depending on the moment.  This very moment, I don't feel like sweating or getting dirty and that is okay!  In an hour, I could possibly change my mind just as easily as changing my clothes.  That is life.  There is a time and place for everything!  !  !

Frankly, that is the story for anyone. Boys included. Learning to like variety and try new things and not being fearful of different leads to an adventure-filled fun life.  Seasons change as do opportunities and all you really have is this very present moment.  Best part of all this variety, is we don't know what the future will hold.  We don't know if we will parent all boys or all girls or have both.  As a parent, you gotta meet those blessings right where they are at and embrace the moments.  Variety and varied interests makes you a better friend, parent, family member.

This girl.  I love her dearly!
She has always been a mix of everything.  She likes glitter, lace, flowers, mud, dirt, sports, being active, crocheting, and drawing.  She embraces "contradiction" in styles.  She is exuberant.  I should not have been surprised when she volunteered to learn how to clean fish!
But she did.
Not only that, she stayed up to a crazy hour cleaning fish with her Grandpa!!
Meanwhile, I closed my eyes and listened to their voices, so exhausted I could not follow their conversation but stayed just awake enough to know they were still working.

She baits her own hook, takes the fish off, and then cleans them!
And does it with nail polish on her fingers.
She is ever so grateful this is a profile photo...because she is a girl after all and hadn't had a chance to clean up first. ;)

I took these while she was "teaching" me how to clean fish.

The evening's catch.  Some went to the freezer whole to become bait.  The rest she and Grandpa cleaned and put away for dinner in the future! 

Today's Joy and Anticipation of things to come

I love to record the happy and smile inducing... This blog is as much for me as it is for my children. Snippets of memories and things to think on and remember..I hope they will learn to seek and find joy in even the smallest things.  To seek to see God and the many gifts He blesses us with each day instead of overlooking them and brushing them off as inconsequential.

The colors in this skirt just make me so happy!  I found it at a resale shop but it was too big.  On closer inspection I realized it had a simple waistband and seams.  I was able to take it in.
The colors just make me happy!



Rose of Sharon blossoms...they just keep blooming... all summer long!
I know where to find flowers, when I need to just see some in the yard.



more from the garden!  I can't wait to show my girl...

I scream, You scream, we all Scream for Ice Cream! ! ! National Ice Cream Day!

Tomorrow is National Ice Cream Day!  In my area there are these deals going on ! ! ! Brunch, Lunch, Snack, Dinner, Snack,  Got it covered!