Snow days.

We've had so much fun playing in the snow. Yesterday, the Commander found a steep enough hill for the Preschooler to sled down. The Wild Thing and I were going to drive to it yesterday to pick them up so they wouldn't have to walk back when I broke my own rule.
**Don't wear snow covered boots in the house.

I took one step on our stamped concrete, kitchen floor and landed right on my bee-hind! I was holding the Wild Thing so there was nothing to help stop me except my good ole tail bone. Had I landed one inch lower there would have been plenty of cushion for our fall. :) Thankfully he didn't fall or hit anything. Now, I have sore parts that I didn't even know existed, but I'm getting around much better today.
My goal for today was to build a news worthy snow man. I've been seeing tall mounds of snow with a hat on top and that is NOT a proper snow man. The neighborhood girls and I tried on Saturday, but we were never able to get the balls on top of each other without crumbling. We were going to try again today, but I couldn't peel myself off the couch. Maybe my sore parts won't be sore and we can try again tomorrow. Other than my "accident" I've really enjoyed being snowed in at home.

The View From Here II

That was last night. Here's the view from this morning.

It's beautiful! All the tracks we made yesterday are covered. The sidewalks, street, and yards are all covered in this deep powder. I don't ever remember having a snow this deep around here before. I'm going to head out with Grandaddy's good camera shortly and take some pictures. He's a little disgruntled that I "forgot" to give it back. HA!

The View from Here

This is the view from the back door right now so we've been home bound all day. It's been great! I boxed up old clothes and toys this morning and finished the laundry.

This afternoon, I recruited all the next doors to help with a snow man, but we haven't finished it yet. Putting together a snow man is harder than I thought it would be so we took a break to make snow ice cream. The girls added sprinkles to theirs. They were too funny. Now we are about to have enchiladas for supper then the preschooler and I will snuggle up, read books and be thankful for the heat and power.

Trusted and Not so Trusted Professions.

Did you know nurses rank #1 for America's Most Trusted Profession according to Gallup's annual Honesty and Ethics of Professions poll?

Pharmacists held this title from 1990-1996. Thanks to the Claritin reps, we were able to show case coffee mugs which served as bragging rights. HA!

It doesn't surprise me that nurses hold the title now. I know and work with some pretty awesome nurses.
Senators, who are slightly worse than members of congress, should take some nursing notes on how to improve their rankings. Other professions from the poll perceived as having low ethics include senators, stockbrokers, HMO managers, insurance salespeople, and lawyers.
Additionally, dentists, college teachers, and members of the clergy earn high marks from at least half of Americans. I think members of the electric companies should move up or down in the ratings depending on our impending ice storm. HA! We were some of the fortunate ones last year by only losing power for 12 hours. Others in our area were out for weeks. I'm remaining optimistic by trusting in my local electric company and placing them high in the rankings.

Blah.

Today was my Monday and my attitude was not in the right place. Nothing caused it. I just started my day in a foul humor and stayed there up until the afternoon.
I stressed and obsessed over things beyond my control. Like the weather for the end of this week.

I think I called my mom 14 times in a two hour time span with the latest weather updates (sorry mom). She's ready and willing to help with the kids in a moment's notice. We're lucky to have both sets of parents so close to help.

Tonight, I'm saddened by the news from my blog friend, Kathryn, as she faces a difficult time. Regardless of our situation or where we're at in life, there is power in prayer. Especially from the blog world. We've seen it through Kelly's blog with Harper and Stellan's miraculous recovery and I know there are countless others. So, please lift up Kathryn and her family.

Magazine Addiction.

Hi. My name is the Toolwoman and I have a magazine addiction problem.
I realized it was a problem when I experienced a feeling of loss when my People magazine did not arrive on a Friday earlier this month. We haven't even made it through January and I signed the Commander up for four free issues.
It was tempting not to reorder it from Amazon AT HALF PRICE, but so far I haven't.
Last fall, I was thrilled and surprised to find this in my mail box because I didn't order it.

First, I thought maybe it was a trial, but it's still coming so I'm still reading it. I even called the company to tell them I hadn't ordered it, but they said I had a full year's subscription. I think it came with my SL subscription.
My cooking has somewhat improved thanks to this monthly jewel of a read.

As if the magazines aren't enough, I even find their websites entertaining.
Something has to give. So for now, I'm sticking with my resolution on giving up the People subscription. I'm challenging myself to take up puzzles, games, and books and focus less on the happenings of Hollywood. It's not easy though.
What do you like to do to challenge your mind? If you have a good book recommendation then let me know about it too.

Show us your life-SHOPPING.

I don't usually participate in mass blogging topics because I find having to blog about a certain topic on a certain day to be a little stressful so I usually just read everyone else's, but today's topic is SHOPPING and that comes EASY for me.
Head over to Kelly's to find out about all kinds of good stores.
I shop a lot on the internet, but don't buy many clothes from the internet. I usually have to try the goods on in the store to see how they fit.
My regular stores that I visit weekly
1. TJ MAXX
2. Hobby Lobby
3. Tuesday Morning (you can get good finds here and it's always different)
4. Sams
5. Target
6. Walmart

I head to the Gap or Banana Republic for my clothing basics.
If we are in Tulsa or Dallas then it's JCrew.

I've recently been loving things from Kelly's Kids.
I like Pottery barn and Pottery barn kids for the house.
I'm going to let you in a secret now.
www.shopstyle.com has EVERYTHING and they will alert you when your favorites go on sale from any website. I think there were over 2,000 shoes for toddler boys when I was looking for shoes. I could spend a silly amount of time on that website. Well, this has got me in the mood to shop so I better get my work done so I can call it a weekend. :)

Interview with the karate kid.

The Preschooler now has two karate lessons under his belt so I interviewed him on the way home today. He has been referring to his instructor as "karate man" so I got right to business with the first question.
Me: What is Karate Man's name?
Preschooler: I don't know, but he has a sister.
What do you do in karate?
Preschooler: We take off our shoes and put them on a chair. One of my shoes fell off so someone helped me put it back on the chair.
Me:Did you learn anything in karate?
Preschooler holds his arms straight out at elbows height with his hands in fists.
He then reports "we only do karate during karate class, not at the library station."
Me: Well, Ok. What else do you do in karate?
Preschooler: We get treats. It wasn't chocolate this week. It was sweet tarts without the S on them and they were in a package.
Me: That sounds like smarties.
Preschooler: They're good.
Me: Tell me about your belt.
Preschooler: It's white like a lamb. The karate man put tape on it, right here (preschooler holds up the belt). He calls it a stripe, but it's tape. Right here.
Me: Wow. Do you like your belt?
Preschooler: Yes. I'm going to be nice to Karate Man so I can get another treat.
Me: It's all about the treat, huh?
Preschooler: Yeah, I like them.
Me: We're home so I'm going to take your picture with your karate belt so show me your best move.

Here it is.
Introducing a super cool beginning karate move.
Disclosure: I know NOTHING when it comes to karate, but I'm sure there's a fancy way to tie that karate belt.

Sunday Update.

Well, let's see.
1. I have not seen Avatar, but keep hearing good things about it. There's lots of Avatar talk in bloggy land.
2. We are planning on celebrating Martin Luther tomorrow by taking the Preschooler to see The Chipmunks. I haven't seen the first one, but my coworker assures me I won't be missing anything by starting with the sequel. HA!
3. I have been internet searching like crazy for Ski deals. Man, oh man, they are $$$$$$$! Aren't we in a bad economy? Anyone know of a good deal? Cruises are extremely reasonable right now if you're looking for a cruise deal.
4. The grandparents will be back from India on Tuesday and we are READY. The last we heard they were having a great time, but the smog was so bad at the Taj Mahal that pictures will not be very good.
5. 24 starts this week. Yay!
6. American Idol-Simon = Good bye American Idol.
7. I did not renew my subscription to People in December and I already miss it. I saw where you can get it 1/2 off at Amazon.com so I took it as a sign to reorder it.
I was thinking if I didn't have it then I might start reading more books. It's not happening so good bye New Year's Resolution. We'll try again next year.
I think that sums up the update for now.
Happy Sunday.

Sweet Friends Award

Thank you Kathryn for this award. Sorry I'm just now getting around to posting it on the blog.

So the rules of this award are:
1) List 10 things that make you happy
2) Tag 10 bloggers that brighten your day
3) If you are one of the 10 bloggers awarded, link back to my blog and continue brightening people's day!

10 Things that make me happy:
1. The Wild Thing sleeping with his booty in the air.
2. The Preschooler asking for hugs and kisses when I drop him off every day. He's never once let me leave him without getting his hugs and kisses.
3. The Commander's breakfast.
4. A day to myself to shop or get my nails done.
5. Cards in the mail.
6. A summer day by the pool with a magazine.
7. Home grown tomatoes.
8. Cheese dip and Salsa
9. My mom's cooking.
10. Staying home and renting movies with the Commander.

Now I'm going to break the rules and invite all my bloggy friends to participate.

Not me, Monday!

I did not thank Kathryn for giving me the Sweet friends award and promise to pass it on with my next post then forget to do so. That would be rude and it was a SWEET friends award. I did not have the kids all weekend while the Commander was out of town and decide to go to Walmart on a Sunday night for some peace and quiet. Who does that? Everyone knows Walmart is not the place for finding solitude.
I did not think about fixing Marlboro Man's second favorite sandwich all day today to come home and find NO chicken. I was much too organized on my shopping trip to forget the chicken. I did not over indulge in tuna boats from Nanny's blog because of the abundance of chicken waiting to be cooked.
I did not go to work today, fresh off a three day weekend, thinking about my next two days away from work. Nope. I was fired up and ready to complete the tasks at hand. My productivity could not be slowed.
I did not leave dishes in the sink all weekend. They are not still there now. That would be stinky. And gross. And I'm a much better home maker than that which is why I did not fill up the dishwasher with the Preschooler's sippy cups yesterday instead of reusing the same one. That would be wasteful.

Lastly, I did not record the Commander snoring with my phone so he could hear himself. That would not be nice or appreciated. Why would anyone do that? I wouldn't. Nope.
So, what have you not done lately?

Sweet Child of Mine.

Dear Wild Thing,
Today you are being so sweet and so cuddly and so playful. Your nick name does not suit you well today, as you are being less adventurous in your creative play. You give big hugs and giggle during wagon rides. You like to climb in the wagon and wait for your brother (or anyone else) to start pushing. That really makes you happy. You're "talking" non stop today. You aren't playing in the toilets, cabinets, or trash. That makes me happy. You weigh 19 LBS and some change. You got a new car seat for Christmas. It is still sitting in the garage. You eat whatever we eat and as much as we eat. Today is was oatmeal for breakfast and pizza for lunch. You slept during church today instead of your usual screaming.
You've been playing peek a boo, clapping your hands, waving bye bye, and playing with new toys while your big brother is playing with the next doors.
Well, Wild Thing..I'm sorry to cut this short, but it appears you've created some business in the last few minutes that I need to attend to so I'll wrap this up.

Oh, and thanks for the memory. I will open that drawer in a short time and wonder how it was that you were ever small enough to fit in it.

Welcome Back.
We love you!

WOO PIG HAT!

I spotted this hand made, piggy hat when the Preschooler was getting his mullet cut and I just couldn't help it.

It even has a piggy tail.

So, tell me. Have I scarred this child for life?

Red Neckin'

Check out the Preschooler's bed head this morning.
He's sportin a pretty sweet mullet, huh? I can't stop laughing at it.
This is AFTER I tried to put water on it to tame it.
I guess our agenda today includes a hair cut unless there is some sort of monster truck event in the area to attend.
Oh wait, we did that back in June.

Look at the fans of the Wild Thing behind us. HA!
We start them early around here.

There are no car seats required on Sergeant Smash.

We tried to get the Preschooler to ride like the other kids, but he wasn't having it. HA! (I didn't blame him).

Pan cakes that bug.

I bought some bug pancake molds and a pancake pen from Williams Sonoma and I have to say that I'm not too impressed with the molds so far.
Has anyone else used them? I mixed enough batter to make 7 pancakes, but the molds are so big that I only got three. They are also not easy to get the pancakes out of without tearing them up.
I didn't use the pen this morning, but I plan on using it tomorrow in hopes that the pancakes won't be so thick. I think you could use one of those restaurant style mustard/ketchup bottles just as easily. Maybe that will help in keeping them thinner and more intact. We will see. Just thought I would see if anyone had any suggestions. Mine didn't look like the advertisment, that's for sure.
They sure did taste good though. I think I'll add some blueberries tomorrow. That sounds like a marvelous way to start my three day weekend with the kids. The Commander has to work so he'll miss out on the blueberry pancakes. :(

Sun, Sun, Mr. Golden Sun.

Please shine down on me. Ok, that's a catchy preschool tune, but it sure would be nice right now. BRRRR.

The one in back appears to be hazing me! The one in front just appears bored.

We had an unexpected snow last night so preschool was unexpectedly closed today.
The Preschooler has been on winter break for a little over a week now and it's REALLY time to send him back. I'm teetering on the fence of insanity and my back can't take any more sled rides for a while. :) We really need to find the closest hill or I really need to toughin up. (It's probably the latter.) The sad truth is we didn't go that far today so it's pretty pathetic that I'm hunting down the ibuprofen and heating pad.
In my defense, the dang string to pull the sled by is about at my knee's height. Note to self: add sled to the Commander's to do list.
I did manage to make up for yesterday's laziness by getting closet's cleaned out today. The kids did a pretty impressive job messing the rest of the house up while I was lost in the closets, but that forced me to get the whole house cleaned while they were taking naps. YAY!
We are supposed to get snow again on Wed and Thursday this week. Maybe I'll just hire the elementary school next doors to pull the sled so I can rock in the recliner with a blanket, remote control, and a diet coke.
Best. Mom. Ever.

Let it Snow.

We've been snowed in all day. It was all fun and games until I was summoned to snow duty by the Commander. He said I appeared to be enjoying the couch a little too much and I "needed" to get out and enjoy the snow. So, it became my turn to brave the cold temperatures and pull the sled. We live on flat ground. Very. flat. ground.
The preschooler loves it because he gets pulled up and down the street on the sled.
After a few blocks, we returned to the house because my heart rate was elevated higher than I thought it should be so we made snow angels.

Then I got the bright idea to show the Preschooler how to run and jump on the sled. That's when the injury occurred where I landed on the edge of the sled instead of the middle. Being a party pooper now, we are back inside eating bagel bites. :)
My parents lucked out by leaving for India yesterday. They'll be there for almost three weeks so I was up EARLY this morning wondering if they made it OK. I went and got in the hot tub at 5:30 while it was still snowing. That's how I like to enjoy the snow. It's so peaceful and quiet.
Our temperatures are remaining in the 20's or below this week. BRRRR. Think I'll stay bundled up all week.
(Mom/Dad-if you find the blog all the way from India let us know you made it).
They are staying with a family who has ties to Rotary and will be touring various parts of India, giving Polio vaccines, and visiting the Taj Mahal).

A Recipe for the New Year

A RECIPE FOR THIS NEW UPCOMING YEAR:
2c. Love for God,
1c Faith,
4T Optimism,
6T Compassion,
3T Humility,
2T Humor,
7T Charity,
1c Trust,
6T Patience.
This makes enough for 7 days. Mix above with heaping spoonfuls of love and laughter. Make a new batch weekly and serve daily to all.
(Thanks Nanny-Oda)