bits and pieces

As I was heading to bed, I noticed one of the bathroom trash cans in the playroom... I grabbed it and put it back in its home the whole time thinking that was weird as I could have sworn it was full. I go into Anthony's room to take a peek and fix his blankies and I noticed the closet was open... I went to close it because God forbid he wake up and see the closet {dun dun dunnnn} OPEN! As I am pulling the door closed I see it a HUGE pile of trash. What the?!? Of course I get a bag and clean it up. AND of course the two cans in my bathroom were emptied too! First thing this morning I ask him what was up... His response?

Well, mom. I decided to use my hauler dump truck and load up all the trash so I could haul it to the new dump in my closet!

All I could say was EWWWWWW!

***

Overheard on the way to Karate:

Friend: Anthony, a jack ass is really a donkey.
Anthony: I know that already.
Friend: Anthony I'm just telling you a jack ass is just a donkey.
Anthony (said oh so grown up): Alright, let's just MOVE ON!

***

As we were sitting down to eat dinner (I actually cooked 3 nights in a row!!)  I noticed Anthony's shirt was on inside out so OF COURSE I had to ask why... AND of course I get a Welllll and a really long story about how Mr. Nobody accidently poked his shirt and put a hole. With raised eyebrows I asked what really happened....

Wellll... OK I am telling a story... I was at school and I accidentally cut another hole inside my shirt. I just wanted it to be a little more fancy mom!

AHHH! That is at least the 5th Gap shirt I have trashed because he wants to CUT THEM!
 

***

 

Anthony decided to have a fight with a sharpie. Guess what? He lost! He decided writing green X's all over his hands and arms was a GREAT IDEA! Yup bud, best one ever!

 

and I think to myself, what a wonderful life!

Almost Wordless Wednesday

My son LOVES Nascar. Me? Not so much. Jason? Yeah, not so much! We just don't get it, but whatever, he loves it. He can talk your ear off about the drivers and their cars, and SHOCKINGLY he will sit in front of the TV and watch a race! Jason is going to take him to a race this year, and I know he will LOVE it! :) He was thrilled when the Cheerios car was at the grocery store the other day and I, luckily, had my camera! He was STOKED!

For more WW: A Beautiful Mess, Look at What Mom found... and Dad too,  Momspective,  Wordless Wednesday ,

a few little details....

I had a TON of fun planning Madison's princess party. I mean, how could I not?! Madison was super excited and I enjoyed making the day magical for her! I ordered a super cute princess printable pack on Etsy, but while their product was EXACTLY what I was looking for, their service SUCKED major, so I will not be recommending!!!

Anyway, the printables let me personalize all kinds of things in a fun and easy way. I was please how it all turned out!



Madison's name banners! I LOVED these!



Arrival craft station... The kids all colored princess, castle, or bug picture frames while waiting for everyone to arrive!



The vases are holding all the magic wands I made and I thought they looked pretty :)

All the food had coordinating flags (from the printable pack), the candy bars had personalized wrappers, and the water bottles had labels to match too! Funny story: I asked my dad to fill a container with ice and to set the water bottles in so they would stay cold. He SO DID NOT listen and dumped ice all over the water bottles and ruined my labels! I wanted to D.I.E!!! Thankfully, I had a bunch more in the fridge and swapped them out!

chocolate dipped marshmallows :) I like the way the strawberry ones from last year turned out better, but these were ok....

small cake so 4 candles would fit on top :)



 Madison's request: Chocolate cupcakes for her and "banilla" for Anthony :) She knows how much he dislikes chocolate!

 I LOVED these wands! They were super easy and I thought they turned out cute. I know Madison LOVES hers. She is always Bippity Boppity Boo-ing :) I couldn't figure out how to make some cute swords for the boys, so Michael's saved the day and I bought them some!


Ribbon + Jingle Bells + Flowers + Dowel Rods = One Magical Wand



I had fun filling the goody bags. I know Madison likes getting make-up and stuff to write and draw with so I filled the girls' bags with that kind of stuff. The boys were a bit harder, but I think I managed to get some fun stuff in there for them. :)

All in all, I think the party turned out great and I hope out guests enjoyed it too. Madison is already asking for a Cinderella party again next year :)

I couldn't make this stuff up if I tried!

Tonight as the kids were taking their baths, I went to hang some clothes up in Mad's closet and there it was. Dog Poop. On the pink carpet like it is EVERY time it rains because the little princess won't poop outside in the rain! Grrr... I grabbed the guilty party, put her nose by it, and scolded her... I disposed of the thankfully whole turds and went about my business...

As we were hoping into bed to read books, Anthony went looking for Juliet and low and behold she was no where to be found. Since the princess doesn't come when you call her (yes, she NEEDS obedience school), I knocked on the door which usually sends her running! Not this time....

 I hear a little whine, so I went to see where she was locked up, but instead found her trapped UNDER the couch.... WAIT FOR IT.....

with a mouse glue trap stuck to her face fur!!! (Remember when Mr. Loco laid millions of traps around the house? Well, he must have forgot one during clean up!)
I pried it away, but now the diva needed a bath because she was a sticky MESS! Stories were put on hold while I got to it...

 FINALLY, into the bed we crawled for stories. Me, Ant, Mad, and a sopping wet Juliet wrapped in a towel wait to be blow dried before the tangles set it.... I happened to notice a cut on her head.... Hmmm, I thought. I went and grabbed a tissue and rubbed at it and it appeared to be a tick, maybe? I rubbed a bit more and it was gone. I figured I would put some neosporin on it and watch it... On with the story....

As I finished the last page, I noticed Juliet's ear was matted and bloody too! What the?!?!?! As I investigated more, it looked as though a chunk of her skin was peeling away!

Totally freaked and grossed out, I called my friend and neighbor, the Jackie of all trades... As she came she peeked and thought ring worm. GREAT.... But as she kept prodding, she thought bot flies. Yeah whatever... GROSS! How do we get rid of them?!?!!?

Jules suggested we call another animal loving friend to take a peek, and since Jason was working (as usual) Jules loaded up the princess in her crate and away they went! I began my bout of disinfecting!

About 30 minutes later, my girls were back except one had a blood stained head! Oh my.... I almost died as Julie recounted the squeezing, and then pulling, of a big ole worm like thing (aka warbles) out of my dog's head... I swear I thought I was going to barf then pass out into my own vomit. OMG! GROSS! Apparently the little white princess never even whined.... The other one they could not fully retrieve because I broke it off when I initially wiped at it.... oy!

Yeah, this dog was supposed to be my prissy lap dog, but no.... I get one who likes to dig which causes her to have fly larvae laid under her skin... So, off to the vet we go first thing tomorrow...

 Can I just have ONE day that is normal? Just one.... I mean really, the most random, messed up, whacked out things happen to me! I need a break!
 

A Party Fit For A Princess!

First, OMG how is it that my baby girl has turned FOUR years old! Each year has passed by at lightening speed and I wish I could slow it down a little... ok A LOT!

My little lady decided she wanted a princess party and that's EXACTLY what she got! She was super excited and this has been all she has talked about for WEEKS! She picked out a snow white costume to wear and began counting down the days until her big bash...



so excited!!!

Once her guests arrived, she chatted and played with all of her fellow princess and princesses. She even spent time with her very special little princess... How cute are they?!


lovely little ladies

After the kids had ate and played, a VERY special guest arrived!! The kids were all so surprised, especially Madison! She was in AWE!

A gift for me?!?!

 After all, what princess party is complete without a visit from Cinderella herself?! The kids were so excited, and poor Cinderella was pulled, hugged, and admired by all (well almost all... A few of our resident princes left the castle for more intriguing games outside) Madison introduced all of her guests to Cinderella and they gathered around for a very SPECIAL story... I think you could have heard a pin drop... Well, almost. One sweet little firecracker did lean over to me and say, "all those grownups back there are making a racket! I can't heara thing!!"

After the story, a magic chest was opened and the kids all dressed up to the tune of Bippity Boppity Boo! They had so MUCH fun! The smiles were priceless! The girls donned beautiful gowns and there was even pirate attire for our little guys! The kids danced and whirled. Sword fought and rescued. I had as much fun as them just by watching their eyes light up! The whole thing was magical!

my little Belle of the ball

some of our guests

Such a magical and special 4th birthday!

 After some fun and games, songs and stories, the clock began to toll and the end was drawing near. The princesses returned their costumes and settled in for a birthday song and cake!

I LOVE you Cinderella!

May all her wishes come true!

 The party turned out wonderful and I hope everyone had as much fun as we did. Cinderella did a FANTASTIC job of keeping the kids entertained and happy. I think this was one of my easiest parties yet! (well aside from all the creating I dd PRIOR to the party, but THAT is a WHOLE nother blog post... Maybe I will have time tomorrow!) It was so nice to be able to enjoy it and let someone else take over the activities!

As I tucked my little snow white into bed that night she whispered, "this was the best birthday ever!" I would say that makes it a success in my book!

Happy Birthday my little love bug!

Wordless Wednesday

My Little Leprechauns

For more WW: A Beautiful Mess, Look at What Mom found... and Dad too,  Momspective,  Wordless Wednesday ,

oh what a week....

Geesh! This week has been CRAZY! Even more so then normal! I have been getting ready for Madison's BIG princess bash and my washer and dryer FINALLY broke. Once Jason was off, we went shopping for a new set and decided on sweet RED front loaders from Lowes since they were in stock and ready to be delivered! Yay!!! Right? WRONG!

Sunday morning I woke up to a message saying the dryer was damaged and to call the store to see if they can locate another one... After NUMEROUS phone calls, they decided to send me the damaged one (since it was cosmetic) and order me a new one... Delivery was set up for Monday. Easy right? WRONG!

Monday morning I am jarred awake by the phone and its Lowes saying they won"t deliver because its damaged. NO SHIT! We explained what was decided the day prior and the guy then says they aren't in the store room! WHAT! I am a bit pissed now, because I seriously had NOTHING to wear!!!

Finally, the guy calls back and says its all good. They will be delivered. Yippee! Problem diverted! The delivery guys came, brought in my new beauties BUT refused to hook them up! The guy at Lowes said they would.... Whatever, Jason was home so he went to work on getting them up and running.... Unfortunately, it was late in the afternoon and he had to stop because the minis had Karate and Ballet....

Finally, around 9:30 he was able to hook them up. I washed my first load and OMG HEAVEN! LOVE IT! I swap over to the dryer, make my selections, push the start button, and..... NADA! It wouldn't work! At this point I freaked!!!

What the heck was I really that dumb that I cannot figure out how to start the dryer?!!? I opened the manual, and as I thought, I had done everything correctly. I tried to manually spin the dryer's drum and all I heard was grinding as I struggled to turn it!

I never picked up a phone so fast in my life! I had to call Lowes BEFORE they closed! Finally after a bit of ranting on my part, the manager agreed to deliver me the floor model the next day, SET IT UP,  give me an additional 10% off, and still deliver the new one once it arrives. Thankfully, a friend took pity and dried my jeans so that my son and I would have pants to wear!

The next day, the delivery guy comes AGAIN. Disassembles my dryer, wheels it out, and brings in the new one. Two problems:

A. He took the NEW NOT SCRATCHED pedestal we bought and gave me the crappy scratched up FILTHY floor model pedestal
and
B. He refused to hook it up!

Not SO FAST dude... Again, I whipped out my phone and called Lowes! (I have their number memorized by this point) I kindly explain to the manager what was going on and she spoke with the guy... Who know what she said about this crazy lady, but all I know is that I got MY pedestal back and the dryer was hooked up!

Thank goodness! I have zero wash to do and so far I am LOVING the front loaders even if the whole getting them here was a HOT MESS!

Sometimes you just have to focus on the positive....

and this is one of those times! Otherwise, I would probably CRY!

***

Monday night as I finished up a story and tucked the minis into bed, Anthony called me to feel his wiggly tooth. I stuck my hand in and jiggled, "Yup, its getting wiggly, but it's not quite ready bud, soon!" With a smooch, I turned out the light and made my way to the sink full of dishes... Just as I was placing the final dish in the dishwasher, I hear "Mother! I think my tooth is gone!" "What?!?! It wasn't ready yet!" I head upstairs, flick on the light, and sure enough it's gone! In its place? A HUGE gaping bloody hole! I asked where the tooth was because clearly, the tooth fairy was going to be visiting... "Welllll.... I put it somewhere, but I can't remember where I puts it. Its somewhere I think!" With that I pulled back his FRESHLY changed sheets to find the missing tooth and that's when I saw it. Smears of blood everywhere. Pillows? Sheets? Blanket? Quilt? Yup, you guessed it, BLOODY! UGH! Finally after spending 20 minutes on my hands and knees I found it and into the tooth fairy pillow it went... The best part? When my friend asked him the next morning what happened to his tooth, he proudly replied, "I yanked that sucker out!" (side not: I do NOT approve of the word sucker. THAT has been picked up at school and soap in the mouth has been threatened! I may have a sailor's mouth, he may NOT!)

The positive in this situation? He was tough and brave and pulled it out even though it was a bloody hot mess!

***

As I was heading out the door, dragging two monsters... oops I mean angels, to the DREADED grocery store, my husband woke up (he's currently working nights so sleeps all day) and came down stairs! YAHTZEE! I told him I was heading to the grocery store so he was on kid duty... Well, he kindly offered to go to the store because he wanted a few things AND he took Anthony! Double YAHTZEE! Off he goes with my list and my boy for a father son grocery outing... Once home, I began putting all the groceries away and I spotted it. The CRUSHABLE yogurt. Seriously?!? Did he NOT get the memo? I do not BUY crushable yogurt because its a MESS! Whoever invented such a thing clearly did not have children. Madison spied them and was STOKED! She immediately tore into one and began squishing the sticky mess into her mouth and all over my table. With each squeeze she shouted "Danimal BLAST!" and tried to gulp up the oozing mess... I cringed anticipating the goop all over my table and my princess....

The positive? My husband did the shopping and at least there is only 4 yogurts in the pack!

***

We were all settled in eating a family meal that I actually COOKED from scratch and OMG DELISH when Madison pipes up... "Mommy, Anty put a hole in his shirt!" Before the words were out of her mouth Anthony screams "Maaaadddddiiiison! Hmph!" I look and sure enough, there was a hole. A hole in his BRAND NEW NEVER BEEN WORN shirt! What the?!? Of course I asked how the heck he got a hole in his shirt and his answer? "Wellllll, I sneaked the scissors into the dining room and cutted a hole so it could be a little more fancy. I really like holes in my shirts. But it was a secret. Madison was supposed to have a secret. Don't tell Mrs. his teacher ok? But we can tell my friends I made my shirt fancy with my hole!" Seriously? He just had to cut it in a new shirt, not an old play shirt. It just had to be new! UGH!!!

The positive? I'm stretching, but I actually made dinner for my family :)

Yes, so far this week I have learned we MUST focus on the positives otherwise will will get nowhere fast!

Slice and Dice

My poor little pooch got spayed on Friday. It was necessary. Its good for her health. Yada yada yada... I still hated dropping her off. She was so poofy and fluffy and perky when I dropped her off but when I came to get her she was groggy, her hair was a hot mess, and honestly it looked as though she was coming off of a 48 hour bender!

The weekend was quite interesting and I learned that Miss Juliet has most certainly without a doubt came to the right family. Two words: Drama Queen! She fits right on in with me, Madison, and Anthony... Poor Jason has a family who enjoy the theatrics. I mean really it makes life a bit more fun right?

My poor pooch moaned, whined, and insisted she be carried EVERYWHERE for 3 days... She refused food, wouldn't potty, and sulked the entire time... She mastered the poor pitiful me look and we all fell for it hook, line, and sinker! She is quite the little diva around here...

Madison kept trying to entice her with food, Anthony snuggled her close, Jason kept reminding me how I robbed her the opportunity to be a mommy, and I was worried sick! She had us falling all over her worrying that she would never be the same!

Let's just say we were never so happy to see her "attack" from under the bed after our showers today! My sweet fluff ball is back!

Yes, that was me....

My children have been AT EACH OTHERS THROATS for at least a week now. They bicker, they fight, they tease, they are just down right mean to each other! I have been SO OVER playing the referee role. Honestly, I have been tempted to let them fight til the death.... JUST KIDDING! Really though, the bickering is OLD and I think tonight they finally broke me...

Picture it: Its pouring rain, cold, and we are all tired and hungry. There we sit, in the car heading to a restaurant because I have, yet again, fell off the cooking wagon... Madison had been to a birthday party earlier in the day and a lone balloon caused this "break"... This mommy moment... This she is a freaking lunatic moment... This I am so not proud moment...

The minis were at it as is the new usual. Bickering, screaming and crying over this darn balloon. Jason and I both asked them no less then 10,000 times to: share, stop teasing, stop crying, take turns, etc. However, on the 10,001 time. I had had ENOUGH! Thankfully, (or maybe not so thankfully) we were stopped at a red light as they continued... The crying was grating the very last nerve I had control of... Madison was being greedy and would not even let Anthony so much as look at the balloon. That's when "it" happened. I ever so calmly reached back and grabbed the damn balloon that was ruining my evening. Opened my car door, stood out in the pouring down rain, and yes. I popped that F$%^#@! I calmly got back in the car and proclaimed, "If we cannot be nice and share the balloon then NO ONE has the balloon!"

The shocked silence was deafening.... Jason glanced over with wide eyes, a grin he was trying to hide, and I know he was thinking, "She lost it. She has finally LOST it. My wife of 15 years really IS nuts!"

I dared a peek in the back seat and all I saw were two mouths dropped open and that's when Anthony said, "Mommy I didn't really want the balloon. I was just kidding" and Madison whined, "Mommy you made a mean choice!"

For a split second, I wanted to cry, but instead I laughed... I little bit of a crazy laugh, but a laugh none the less... Did I really just do that?! Yeah. I kinda did. I apologized for popping the balloon. I admitted that yes, mommy made a not so good choice and that I had lost my patience. I then preceded to explain that all the whining and fighting must STOP, as I can no longer listen to it day in and day out... We are a family and we love each other so we need to be kind to each other.

Amazingly, we had a pretty enjoyable dinner (well... until I had to take Madison to the car over a ridiculous fit just as Jason was paying the check, but I am choosing to block out that part). We talked about what they want to be when they grow up (today's choice: a construction worker and a princess), played some tic tac toe, and had a great meal.

So, I wonder if tomorrow the fighting will ease up a bit or if I just added about 2 more years onto their prolonged therapy that I will be shelling out for in the years to come....

Almost Wordless Wednesday....

Like every morning, I sent Juliet out back to pee as I raced through the house getting everyone dressed and ready to hit the door running. Yes, late as USUAL! (one day I will get it together!!!) As I line the minis up at the door, I go to let Juliet in and this is what I find:



My sweet prissy little pooch had a grand ole time in the soggy wet muddy yard! Was there time to wash and blow dry her? NO! So I wiped her off as best as I could and let her prance her muddy self all over my freshly steamed floors until I could deal with her later....

Later...

Once we were finally settled in, lunch was made, and I called the kids down to eat. Madison met me at the bottom of the stairs whining because her hands were sticky... I directed her to wash them and then thought to ask how they got sticky... To which she replied "Juliet gave me gum!"

WHAT!!! This is wrong for SOOO many reasons. Two of which being my kids are NOT allowed to have gum and HOW can a DOG give a child gum!!!

Finally, I got to the bottom of it and learned that my sweet innocent (yes this is SARCASM at its finest) Madison stole a piece of gum from my car and decided to chew it! Just as the truth was unfolding down pops Juliet with WADS of GREEN gum in her fur!!

Armed with scissors. I cut and chopped and finally my pooch is gum free, but still quite dirty! Maybe tomorrow I will find the time to get her in the tub!

For more WW: A Beautiful Mess, Look at What Mom found... and Dad too,  Momspective,  Wordless Wednesday ,