He's a yankee doodle dandy!

Ok, so I notice Aiden is walking around the house with a gallon size zip lock bag, collecting small items to store in it. Nothing new, my kids have always been obsessed with carrying bags around and collecting treasures in them. I've given up trying to understand why--practice for their homeless days? I hope not! Though not worried, I was curious and slyly watched.

Now as a little background, one of our kitchen drawers (our junk drawer to be exact--you know the one, don't try to deny it lurks in your house too!) has taken quite a beating because apparently it has a giant on it connoting that that's where all the "treasures" lie. Little people are constantly trying to infiltrate it, often hanging on it and slamming it in the process. Despite many attempts by the hubby to brace/reinforce it, the poor thing finally lost it's face yesterday (funeral arrangements have been made for Friday. All those close to junk drawer are invited to the viewing and burial in our back yard. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to the "stop the childhood brain damage" fund.) All of it's contents are strewn across my counter until it can be replaced.

Back to the story . . . I notice Aiden reach his sneaky little hand up over the edge of the counter and grab a book of matches (formerly housed in said drawer).
RED ALERT! RED ALERT! I immediately jump up and snatch (I know, "Swiper no swiping!") the items out of his hand. Now his reaction was pretty typical when being thwarted from his proposed task. To get a complete picture, you have to picture a small monkey who's precious banana was just confiscated--don't forget the jumping up and down, flailing of limbs, and unintelligible screeching. Now picture it on my three year old. Not pretty! When I was able to calm him down, his intentions became appallingly clear . . . "But mom, we were going to light the bag on fire!"

Thanks Pop for the arsonist gene apparently passed on to my "born on the 4th of July" son. Is there any hope? Probably not. Time to put the matches under lock and key .

Super hero-ing is hard work!

I'd like to introduce you to my little man Aiden.












Aiden is three years old.
Although only three, this guy has major aspirations. Just yesterday he made plans for when he "gets big as a dad and turns into Spiderman." Let me just say, "Venom, beware! You wouldn't guess it buy his angelic smile, but this guy is tough and looking for you!" I figured he was pretty serious about this super hero stuff, but little did I know my little man is up to his ears in super hero work. . .



The other day while cleaning Aiden's room, I unexpectedly discovered a most enlightening page from what appeared to be a personal "super hero" instruction manual. It reads as follows:

• Consume all of the fruit you can get your hands on. Green vegetables have been found to contain kryptonite, so if asked what vegetable you want, reply "frozen fruit". Volume of fruit eaten is key, You must bulk up and have energy for your superhero days. Venom is at large, and good nutrition is very important when fighting super-villains.
  

• study your brother carefully. He is older and far surpasses you in the superhero ranks--he is practically a full-fledged Jedi. Make yourself his padewan learner.
  

• Focus on Baby Zoe. She has potential for super abilities. Teach her everything you know. Climbing up on tall objects and hiding small objects in her mouth are especially helpful for one so young. Encourage her, show her how to develop her skills. If groomed properly she may someday make a fine side-kick. Zoe's ability to break glass with her scream is surely a super power. Encourage this power, train her to develop it. Make baby Zoe scream at least once every 5 minutes. If she screams more, you have done your job well. . . Mission accomplished, time to enjoy a good laugh at your success. Occasionally make baby Zoe laugh. While this may also be a super-power, it does not produce nearly the same force as her scream. Stick to what works. Keep in mind that when lacking in super-villains to practice your skills on, Baby Zoe makes a nice substitute.

• hum the Star Wars, Darth Vader theme song throughout every meal. Inciting big sister Kolbi to clutch at her ears and scream, or baby Zoe to join in on the song equals success. To shake things up, make up your own songs to the Star Wars theme. An example song includes: "Mom, I want, want, want, want, so-ome fruit. Mom, I want, want, want, want, so-ome fruit. Please give me, so-ome fru-uit. Some Fruit, some fru-u-u-uuit." Repeat regularly for ultimate effectiveness. Volume helps too.
  

• make noise at ALL times! You never know what will happen if you stop--revocation of super hero powers? Pain? Death? It's not worth finding out. Just keep it up at all costs. The louder the noise is, the more effective. Do not let other people sleeping become an excuse to slack in this goal. To avoid the temptation to stop, increase the volume ten-fold. You may even get mom to join you in the screaming. Bonus!
  

• Be fearless when it comes to dangerous things. Remember you are a superhero and it does not do to let the enemy know you are afraid. You are impenetrable to harm from falling from great heights, pulling things down on you, playing with objects considered dangerous to everyday humans, and water. Jump in head first and don't hesitate to test your abilities. It makes you stronger.
  

• Remember that sometimes the villains possess your mother. It is unfortunate but true. When she tries to get you to do something you do not want to do (especially something that would inhibit your super hero abilities) you can be certain she is, at that time, possessed. When she asks you sweetly to stop what you're doing, it is a trick. Defy her at all costs. Eventually she will scream and her true identity will be revealed. The surest way to restore mom to her former self is to disarm her with your winning smile. All demons must flee from this, your greatest superpower.
  

• When mom is not possessed, keep in mind that she is unaware of your super hero abilities. Keep her in the dark. It's safer for her there. Though you are capable of so much more than she is aware, remember you are only three in her eyes. Regularly complain that you are unable to complete simple tasks such as putting on your own slip-on shoes, dressing yourself, and going to sleep without extra hugs and stories. Even moms of superheroes need to feel needed.

• Sometimes your siblings are also possessed. Pull out all of your best moves and fight them with all of your super abilities until you drive out the villain. It is your duty to protect your family from such evil.
  

• Bear in mind that superheroes need a break from the hard work of hero-ing. Hence, alter-egos. Enjoy these down times as they are few and far between. Try reading a good book, cuddling, or playing with your siblings (after they are freed from possession).

• 

Wow! Enlightening eh? Even I didn't realize Aiden was so far into the superhero world! I don't think this page was meant for my eyes as I am often "possessed". But even superheroes get careless with their instruction manuals sometimes. All I can say is "Good luck with those goals little man Aiden". Thus far you are meeting all of them with gusto! We're all rooting for and counting on you!

Plain White T's - Hey There Delilah

I'm totally diggin this song!

The funniest man - ever

I have fond memories of sitting with my family and listening to the old vinyls of Bill Cosby's comedy skits. The hubby's parents still own the vinyls, but can't find a needle for their old record player. I've lamented not being able to listen to the early comedy stylings of this incredibly talented and funny man. The other day at the library, my brilliant hubby found the cd versions of some of the records I grew up with. Can I just say I am in heaven!!!!!! How funny is he? I feel like it's Christmas in August. Just listening brings back so many warm feelings and the childhood memories. Ah, the "Chicken Heart"!! If you get the chance, I highly recommend finding the cds and buckle up for some wholesome giggle fests!



Another memory I have is of watching "Bill Cosby: Himself" while in labor with my first monkey. The hubby and the doc had a great time, absorbed in a laugh-fest, whilst I was "puuuush"-ing. Here's a clip.

Baby Zoe

For those of you not so familiar with baby Zoe, this is a post dedicated to her cute little self.

This is Zoe when she was just a few days old.


Miss Zoe decked out in the gorgeous baby blessing dress my mom made.


We should have know that even at a young age Zoe would be a BIG eater! She still constantly covets dad's food and begs mercilessly. Give her food though, and you're her new BFF (best friend forever), or at least until she finds a new sucker.



At the Fort Worth Zoo with Mimi and Pop. Little man Aiden calls this her "minja turtle" look. (I LOVE this picture of her!! Isn't she gorgeous??)

I'm convinced this little girl is part mermaid--she adores the H2O.

This is Zoe in full Jedi mode holding some helpless kids hostage!

In Texas it rained for 40 days and 40 nights (a lot of animals are missing from the zoo and there were reports of a large barge floating down main street). The kids were sick of being inside so we let them venture forth and just play in the rain. Zoe had a BLAST!


Yet, more pictures of Zoe wet. Grandma and Grandpa bought the kids a slip-n-slide and Zoe thought she was one of the big kids on it. Grandpa got some fabulous pics of our little water baby.

Child Slave labor

I've done it! I've done what every parent dreams of doing to their kids as they drift away from that baby stage and into that ever enjoyable "let me do it!" stage of toddlerhood--I've turned my baby into slave labor. Zoe wins the messiest eater award in our house (although the two oldest kids are tied for close 2nds). This little monkey has been trained to clean up under her high chair, and as a bonus-she thinks it's great fun. Aren't monkeys intelligent? See for yourself. [I should warn you, there is some partial nudity involved in this video---baby Zoe is only in a diaper as usual. Sigh, eyeroll, someday I'll dress that baby.]

Blog comments 101

Ok, admitting this probably makes me a total
(monkey nerd)
but I LOVE reading comments from visitors! I get so excited to connect with long lost (and some not so long lost) loved ones!

For those of you new to blogging, it's easy, don't be intimidated. Ok class, thank you for attending "Blog Commenting 101". All you have to do is (click) on the "comments" link at the end of the post you wish to share your thoughts on, and Wah-lah, up pops a comments window. (Did you hurt yourself?) Then simply type away (preferably in english, although I am fluent in pig-latin). Your comment doesn't even have to be about a particular post, maybe just a shout-out. Then "publish" your thoughts and you make me a very(happy monkey)! Please note that Darin already knows how to do this. Please use him for an example. Go ahead, give it a try! Class dismissed.

Sugar is my kryptonite

This is me before sugar


This me after sugar

I handle sugar better some days than others, but it is definitely my "kryptonite."

Has anyone seen my mind?

The other night the hubby is in the bedroom diligently studying his Neuroanatomy (some people just have all the fun). He bursts out holding his book and animatedly announces "I found a picture of you!" while thrusting this picture at me.How's that for a fine "how do you do"? The pathetic thing is that I couldn't even argue with him--he's right--that is me! I can only hope and pray that once we get this hypothyroidism stinkiness under control I will someday get my mind back and that my children will survive until then! Thanks for putting up with all of my absentmindedness hon!!!
(p.s. I apologize for the poor quality of this picture-apparently my photography skills have gone a.w.o.l. too)

Poor = creativity

I have found a new joy for myself. Since we are so student po' (poor) and my children keep getting invited to birthday parties, I've had to get creative. Utilizing a bag of old clothes, a borrowed sewing machine (thanks Shae), and lots of time where I neglected all house work, I fashioned some make-do presents. See for yourself.

This is a purse Kolbi and I made out of some old jeans for her friend's birthday.
This is an elephant I made for one of Jonah's friends out an old shirt.
"Super monkey" was for said friend's twin.
I ended up having a lot of fun with them. It was kind of nice to have an excuse to ignore my messy house and do something creative with my hands. Hopefully they weren't too lame for kids surrounded by store-bought toys. But a po' mom's gotta do, what a po' mom's gotta do.

Sometimes it pays to be a mom

Miss Zoe was particularly ORNERY yesterday and it was one of those days I wanted to sell her away to the gypsies . . . cheap! She's getting her eye teeth and all mamas can agree how fun that is. Anyway, she wouldn't take naps and hence, she was EXHAUSTED and cranky. I attempted to put her down for bed early last night, but all she did was cry pitifully in her crib. Finally, being the push-over that I am, I got her up and we spent the sweetest half hour together (the hubby caught this evidence) before she decided it was ok to go to bed now. I guess she just needed a little extra lovin'. These pictures show why my child has survived to the ripe old age of 1. As beastly as she is some days, she's just so darn cute!!! Gotta love her!

Houston, we are go for launch!

Well, here we go. I've been considering starting a blog for a while now. The hubby encouraged me last night and I thought I'd give it a try. It seems like a good outlet for me and a good way to keep the extendeds up to date on the goings on of the monkeys. To start, here are a few pics of said monkeys.

Can you tell the big Jonah loves blueberries?
I keep telling him he's going to go blue like Violet Beauregarde on Charlie and the chocolate factory.
Was I right? Huh? Huh?




Miss Kolbi was practicing her best pirate faces. Isn't she "aargh" material?
Big boy Aiden is also a blueberry connesieur, hence the purple war paint.














Finally, baby Zoe who feels it's important to immerse herself in her serious work.