A Trip to the Vet

Zinnia was 4 months old yesterday. We aren't accomplishing very much over here, but everyone is healthy and alive so that is good. It's naptime and alas everyone is asleep. I want a nap so badly but I can't bring myself to lay down. I think that there is some sort of radar that emanates from our house when I lay down. It wills the baby to wake up, the phone to ring, or the ups man to ring the doorbell setting off the dogs.

Pictured above is our little trip to the vet this morning. Last night I realized that Clementine (Temma) really hadn't been moving much. In fact I carried her up the stairs and put her in bed with us last night so that I could monitor her. She didn't really move all night and as I lay there waiting for the baby to wake up all I could think about was what she could possibly be hiding.
This morning she was not any better and could not bring herself to walk to her food bowl. This is when the alarms really starting going off for me. So, I loaded everyone up and off we went to the vet. It was an exciting trip. First the 55 lb dog had to be carried to the car, followed by each twin and Zinnie P. Upon arriving at the vet I carried the dog in, and then began the unload of the 3 children. I have to say it went pretty good for the first 20 min... as the appointment went on the texts to Kat became more and more needy until she said she would come on by and give a hand. The pictures are out of order, but i think you can tell by the ones of Daphne and Penelope that we eventually hit a wall. Thank goodness Katrina and Harper swooped in at the last second and loaded everyone back up in the car. AND, our dear Temma just has a torn muscle, thank goodness!

The end of the fuzzy pajama brigade

I think it probably started with Cody. He was in his little lemon yellow jammies when I was in junior high. And boy, was he cute! He had taffy curls and was snuggly. Now he is the Cody we all know and love, several college degrees, a National Championship ring, a RoseBowl ring, his own home, a job and 3 cats. How did that happen? I can only imagine how fast time will fly with my own kids. In fact, if I think about it I get a stomach ache.

Last night I realized we were out of nighttime diapers for Harper. Its been a long time coming. I hate to admit she's almost 4! But, I am one lazy mom and it has been sooo much easier to just change a wet diaper in the AM. I treasure my sleep and I didn't want to add an extra trip to her room at night if I could help it. I was smug knowing she wouldn't be able to do it. I had an extra set of sheets out, an extra blanket and I tried to go to bed early in case she needed me. And, as children seem to always do, she proved me wrong. Up she shot at 7 this morning dry as a bone.

While Harper has been out of fuzzy jammies for a while, there is a pair that hangs lonely in her closet. Just in case she wanted to put them on for old time sake.... would they even fit anymore? But now with the diapers becoming history its time to get realistic. Its time to clean out the diaper/wipe drawer. I guess I can use it for DS and Ipod chargers. Somehow, that's not as sweet and endearing as diapers and wipes. Next, I guess I will move on to sippy cup kingdom. They have multiplied like rabbits and are overtaking my cupboard. I will save 2 princess ones for the twins when they visit. The list will go on and on as the kids get older. However, unless I want to be on the TLC hoarding series, I need to let these things go.

Somehow, letting go of the material things is hard. I realize I am not slamming a door on the "little kid" stage and its good to keep things moving on. But, as I age, I wonder if I will remember it all exactly the way it happened. I know I won't which in many instances is probably a good thing. Cranberry juice in a sippy cup teetering on the edge of the table is part of our family fabric. The sound of footie pajama soles racing across wood floors is part of it too. The ipod, the wii, the dance classes, girl scouts, and elementary school will all weave in one way or another. Its nice to move forward and bittersweet looking back.

*footnote- this post was written several weeks ago. We just got back from a whirlwind trip to San Diego with the C. Stavigs and my parents. Harper had an accident one evening and had to borrow pink footie pajamas from the twins for the night. What a treat for her and for me!

Christmas

We are in full Christmas mode here in the HV. The stork brought Christian and Julia a most wonderful early Christmas present. Little Zinnia arrived December 4th. She is beyond cute and fits into her family perfectly. She is a big heap of sweetness to balance all of the spice around these parts. I keep reminding my kids how nice she is and that they too could be that nice if they tried.

Things have been just as expected. Dan and I went to get the Christmas tree too early and I suppose it will be tinder box dry when we go to turn the lights on Xmas morning. I can't stand it, I have to have my tree early and then I like to complain about it all season. I always threaten a faux tree then I cringe that it ever crossed my mind. We have taken to rescuing a tree in need every year to accompany our trusty green Noble Fir. Last year it was a fat, crooked, short flocked tree that would have never found a home. This year its a over cultured, over flocked ridiculously prim Doug Fir. These mutts seem to speak to Dan and so the rest of us go with it. In fact, they gain the prime real estate of the front living room window for all to see when they drive by.

This year our green tree is I admit, a little large and a little bushy. We drove out to a "u-cut" with no intention of actually cutting anything- on no- we just bought what they had cut! No muss, no fuss for The Roths. We brought it home, set it up and it was way too easy. I should have known it wasn't right. Needless to say, a week later, I walked in to find it laying on its side with ornaments strewn about and glass bulbs cracked. In years past I would have yelled- LOUD! But, this year, I just pushed it back against the wall with all of my might and waited for Mr. Roth to get home. A 10 minute job turned into a full rearrangement of the downstairs furniture and a new home base for our tree. I felt like Carol Brady in the episode where they paint their bedroom. If you paint the bedroom, you need new carpet, then new furniture and so on and so forth. By this AM, I with a new furniture placement, I needed a different tv, couch throw, and coffee table. I think I will cut my losses and just be glad that we were able to get the tree stable and looking pretty good. However, anymore funny business from Mr. Tree and he's going to the burn pile.

I love waking up to Harper singing Jingle Bells. I think the twins taught her this little trick. Its a nice way to greet the freezing cold days we have been having. The kids are sleeping with the Christmas quilts we made for them last year. Every night stuffed Clarice and Rudolph garner a special place on each kids pillow. If I time it right, when I go back to check on Finn, Rudolph's nose is still aglow from pushing his ear. A little red beacon in a big boys stinky, dirty sock, skateboard room. Clarice anchors Daisy to her bed. She snubs right up next to her after she finishes reading. All three kids have really been sporting red the last few weeks. I note lots of red sweaters, shoes and t-shirts as they toddle off to school. I am terrified to say anything about how festive they look. I don't want them to quit!

This evening Finn and Harper are watching "The Year Without A Santa Claus". I am reminded why I love this holiday once again....Finn was excited to see the movie and wanted to note how special Santa is. In one of the first scenes Mrs. Clause mentioned Santa has 5 toes on each foot. Finn jumped and yelled "Santa has 10 toes mom!"- then after a few seconds of thinking he came back with "Oh that's right everybody does" But for a few moments Santa was pure magic to the 6 year old in this house.

I still need to rev up my sleigh and get my shopping done. But first, I think I will just go and spend some time with little Zinnia. She is a great reminder of the real gifts of Christmas.

The Two's

I can't win. I can't even really break even. And lastly, I can't even have a little drink to numb the day. I'm having one of those days where I look around and wonder what I have gotten myself into, instead of looking at the many blessing that I do have.

The Ladies are 31 months old, and just "full of life." This blog has not been updated in quite awhile so I thought I would share a few of the things we seem to all enjoy in our daily life.

-when one child is having a tough time (rolling on the ground screaming) the other is perfect

-both now have tents on their cribs, one for safety, and one because she thought she was missing out on something fun

-they attend playschool twice a week and both love it

-I no longer have to get in the pool at swimming lessons, but I somehow leave wet everytime as both of them have not completed a full lesson together in over a month.

-somehow they are still spreading poop everywhere, even the one who is potty trained

-they can get in and out of their carseats on their own and do not appreciate any help, in fact if you touch them during this time they have to start all over

-they have conversations with each other

-they play independently for longer periods

-one is potty trained at school or anytime she is not with me

-I have resorted to bribes, threats and minimal consequences, all things that I know as a teacher don't really work. Back in the day I just loved Alfie Kohn and Jim Faye, but now I'm just so tired that I keep sticking on these silly band-aids that get me just an inch closer to what I need to get done, but leave me miles from the desired goal.

-one is under the impression she is getting a baby "neigh" in dec.

-they love tv and most of the time this is the activity they can compromise on

Oh no, someone is awake. Deep breath.

Mexi is HOT!

The C.Stavig's are having a little Mexi vacation with Grandma Jean and Grandpa Frede. We are holed up at Sunset Beach in Cabo. The resort is quite lovely, we have a wonderful view of the Pacific Ocean and most of all there is absolutely no gray sky. We have 4 days left here and I would love to write about our trip once I get home, but I don't see that I'm going to have 2 hours to myself without laundry, cleaning, dogs, cats and the ladies. In fact right this minute I can't get up off the couch as this very kind lady has just mopped every inch of our room. Here is a glimpse into our Cabo trip...

Airplane: 2 very antsy hours to San Diego, an hour layover, and then 2 hours to Cabo. We tried to keep the ladies busy with stickerbooks, coloring, aquadoodle, doodlepro, lip, gummi bears, trips to see Grandma and about 90 min into the flight I couldn't take one more minute and said let's watch a movie. "Yeah," they screamed LOUD all the while kicking the poor persons seat ahead of us who was in first class. DVD players come out, head phones on, movies chosen and the batteries are dead. Time to ring the call button... "double vodka tonic please, hold the tonic."

Resort/Room: We have a really great set up. We are on the bottom floor, in an end unit, about 50 ft from the pool. The resort consists of about 30 buildings nestled into a cliff. It is quite a relief not to worry about anyone falling off a balcony. We are also right next to the main building which has restaurants, a deli, gift shop, etc. This is nice as all other transportation on the property is done via golf carts.

We have a 2 bedroom suite which we are sharing with my mom and Frede. There are 2 bedrooms and then a living area and huge padio. In our room there are two closets that the pack n plays fit in perfectly. At naptime and bedtime the Ladies get tucked away quite nicely into the closets. Every morning around 7 I hear, "Mommy, Daddy you sleeping?" Next there is a great big shove and the doors of the closets come flying open and there they are. Of course their dad isn't here for that since he has taken to going to the gym at 6 every morning.

Activities: Our main activity is swimming, we are there for about 2 hours in the morning and 2 hours in the afternoon. We have been eating at least one meal a day at the pool, and most important have been enjoying happy hour. The Ladies have really taken to a miami vice or a mango margarita. (no alcohol obviously) This morning we took a break from the pool and went to the beach. The Ladies are so comfortable in the water that it has become a little hard keeping them safe. A lot of running on the wet slippery ground and jumping and diving without enough focus. The other activity we spend a lot of time doing is walking around looking at the birds on the property. There are parrots, cockatoos, swans, peacocks and flamingos.

And now I'm going to end abruptly as it is time for my nap. Sorry there are no pictures I did not bring the usb cord. Adios.

Check list

I wanted so badly to write about our Disneyland trip today.  But, seems I got waylaid somewhere before I got it done.  I will muster energy for later and simply leave my checklist of the day. 

Wake up to mountain of washed/folded laundry on floor of bedroom.  Seems #1 was looking for "something specific, mom"..... check 

Take drink of triple latte as opposed to ordered single latte and try not to gag..... check 

Sit through swim class and notice man next to me laughs like a girl, annoying!....... check 

Wrestle child out of pool and then proceed to clean off poopsie child made during swimming class.  Try to be nonchalant during cleanup..... check 

Clean up 1/2 box of chicken broth spilled all over the pantry..... check  

Remind kids of the quart of canola oil spilled in pantry  3 weeks ago......check 

Yell at kids and remind them if they EVER go near my pantry again, I might explode.... check 

Throw away pair of brown shoes soaked in chicken broth..... check 

Make sure the home phone is STILL not working for 100th time today.  We are now at 2 weeks and counting..... check 

Clean up spilled angel hair pasta with butter and cheese off of wood floors.... check 

Remind son that he is the most spoiled child I have ever met - ever........ check 

Complain to husband about day and have him tell me to quit being a whiner...... check 

Devise ways to blow husband up....... check 

Listen to children complain of hunger and tell them to get something..... check

Damn- kids are in pantry again at my request!  Note my my  short short memory..... check  

Look at darling #3 reading Pinkalicious and instantly melt..... check 

Listen to #2 with the deep baby blues, try  to remember lyrics to Seasons of Love........ check 

Start to get antsy for #1 to get home. Always seems a member of the band is missing when she is at school...... check 

Lessons

It has been quite a week at the C.Stavig's. On Monday we had every square inch of carpet cleaned and disinfected. It was exciting as the cleaners arrived during nap time and had to measure each room, including where the children were no longer sleeping. I hadn't anticipated that they would be leaving the front door open, so the cats had to be captured and locked away in the laundry room. This involved trying to get Winnie out from under the bed which put me into a full sweat and then she escaped into the craftroom which was piled high with furniture. Cats captured, I then went about rounding up the ladies and the dogs as the man had just announced we would need to leave the house for 30 minutes because of the fumes. Have I mentioned yet that my dad and grandma were also here? Three hours later the carpets were cleaned, dinner was ready, and I was out the door to shop with Kat.

I wish I could say that I learned my lesson a couple of weeks ago, but apparently I had not. Tuesday afternoon I tried to get a few things done in Penelope's room while the Ladies played in Daphne's room. They were both so reasonable when they got up from their nap and were having a great time playing with each other in their t-shirts and diapers, so I thought to myself better get those baskets of laundry put away while they are happily engaged. I could hear them laughing next door and running around, and I kept thinking how lucky they were to have each other to play with. After about 10 min I poked my nose in the room to see what was going on and to my horror Daphne had her diaper off and they were playing in the poop again. It was all over the beautifully cleaned carpet, blankets, clothes and all over them. I don't think I even had a reaction, I just turned on my heal grabbed some fresh clothes and headed to the bathroom to get the tub going. When I went back to grab them Penellie had also removed her diaper and was saying "mommy, poopie, poopie" as she swung that thing and the poop went flying round the room. Luckily I had agreed to go to yoga that evening with Nadia, and amazingly I was able to get all that frustration out.

Wednesday we had a bye bye paci party with the Roth's and G.Pru. The Ladies dumped all the pacis into the garbage can and we celebrated with cupcakes and new pink blankies. They actually went to bed pretty easily. Penellie didn't cry at all and Daphne was sad for about 30 minutes and then proceeded to sing and talk to Iya (Barney) for about an hour. Today naptime and bedtime were a little rougher as Penellie asked for her paci but over all it seems to be going smoother than I could have hoped... Of course there is always tomorrow.

TWO

Obviously we are a little behind on our posts. Time seems to be slip sliding away. This week the Ladies turned two. They seem to really enjoy their birthday this year. They love to hear the Happy Birthday song, I have heard Daphne humming it a lot lately, and they especially love the cupcakes. Thank you to Aunt Katrina for busting out the Bakerella cupcake pops!

They also really like opening presents. In fact, the day of the birthday party with my family Penellie managed to open up a few while I was upstairs getting her sister. I must say that the new toys have kept the Ladies quite busy this week. And boy are we loving the bag of 100 balls from Auntie Amy. Loving them so much that they are having a short rest in the coat closet.

I can see that being two is really going to be a lot of fun.

Poop Train

I have lots of things I could be writing about. However, I think I will just keep the poop train going because it just seems right. 

Being in the trenches can get real bad sometimes.  Every time I talk myself down and pat myself on the back for being an excellent mom, it all blows up on me (pun intended).  Third child, third try at potty training.  The last two times went less than stellar for me.  Pru handled #1 by just tossing her on the toilet and enticing her with underwear strewn with lace, frills and princesses.  Dan handled #2, taught him how to sword fight and called it good.  We didn't have weird accidents or months of little plastic potties.  It was show time from the start, big ol' toilet and little teeny person, but it worked. 

Now, its my turn with the wee one and OMG, I am striking out.  So we start off all nicey nice with little coy conversations about privacy, pretty Cinderella underwear and the promise of one pink jelly bean with every success in the potty.  The jaded eye of an almost 3 year old looks at me and I know she is thinking "Are you crazy? Who wants to leave the comfort of a warm wet diaper?  I don't ever have to wipe or take the time to sit down and go the bathroom"  But, we keep the charade up.  She smiles, I smile,  we use our princess voice and not one time does any pee ever make it into the toilet. 

I wake up with new resolve.  My kids never used paci's, they like their high chair, they go to bed early and they are going to be potty trained before 3!! We go commando. Ditch the diaper and its all cotton all the way, all day. Things go ok because Harp can hold it and feels free to do so until nap time when I put a diaper on her.  Then we make it the rest of the day until bedtime diaper.  Hmmm the little minx has my number, doesn't she?  We keep up the nicey nice, all pleasant and happy about not wearing diapers during the day anymore.  But, the kid needs to actually to use the toilet at some point, doesn't she?  

Day two, here we go.  We panty up and head out.  I hedge my bets, and give her a big sippy of juice, sure she will stay dry until we get to Julia's. She does!  We babysit the twins, partake in food and drink.  Hit the potty a few times. No accidents!  I am feeling good.  I knew she would get it!  We have a nice cup of water because she's been so stuffy and not feeling well, and I worry she will do something crazy like get dehydrated.  I actually make a Dr. appt on the off chance she has an ear infection.  We get McDonald's, take a safety pee and get ready to go.  I am feeling fine now!  We demure at the Dr.'s office.  Harp announces that she only wears big girl undies now.  NOT DIAPERS.  Unfortunately, for Harp, she has a double ear- ouch!  Its off to get Amox at the pharmacy.  I think I could be pushing my luck, but jeez, she needs this medicine!  We love our pharmacist.  She knows the whole family and takes some time to talk to me about Cody and my dad, yada yada yada. She says good bye to Harper and I.  She looks at me funny and asks how Harper is feeling.  Fine except the ear, I think.  So, I glance at the little and she has a pinched up prune face and she's stuck in place.  As we try to walk off, here comes a little moan, and then a bigger one.  Harper is now walking with her feet no less than 3 feet apart yelling "I pooped my pants!"  I have no idea where the bathroom is and head the wrong way, of course.  20 yards later, we head the other way. I am trying to talk nice, and keep her moving.  No way in hell am I picking that kid up with poop in her pants!  We have to demoralize ourselves in the public bathroom at the Albertson's. I want to really punch every person in there- the bathroom is not equipped for anything!  Are they ever?  NO!! 

Gag, wipe, cajole, flush, hand wash, redress, rewash hands, and get the heck out of there.  Its only 12:30pm- thank goodness the yuck is out of the way for the day.  Or, until 35 minutes before its time to get Daisy at parent pick up and we have another "accident" in the car.  It takes an act of God, to get that car seat out and cleaned and put back in by the time we need to leave.  I will spare you the details. Suffice it to say, it was gross. 

No more miss nice.  I don't care that the undies are cute with lace and princesses and castles. I realize that taking antibiotics isn't going to help this situation.  I slap the diaper back on her.  I tell her that mommy needs strength to deal with the other hooligans and can't be living like this.  I throw in plenty of melodrama for good measure.  I let her bask in the light of a diaper and Spongebob Squarepants pajamas for the rest of the day.  She's only young once, and who am I to care if warm wet diapers are a comfort.  I will build up my resolve.  It will happen one way or another.  Maybe.....  

Poopsie

Every morning the ladies play in their pen in our bedroom for about 2 hours. They watch tv, read books, run around, and get ready for the day in the pen. Every morning I encourage them to undress themselves, (after I unbutton and unzip their blanket sleepers) and put their clothes on. Some days are more successful than others.

Monday was very successful for them. It was getting close to the time we leave for swimming lessons and as Christian is passing by the pen I hear him tell the Ladies to get their clothes off. I at this point am half way down the stairs and continue on my way, knowing that Penelope has a full load of poop, but also noting that they will not be able to get their pajamas off. I get the sippy cups into the dishwasher, load up the diaper bag etc and head up the stairs after about 5 minutes. When I arrive in our bedroom both babies are naked, giggling and running around like crazy. Whoa I think, what is going on??? And, what is that smell?? I take a closer look, oh they are lathering each other up with poop. They dip into the diaper and then smear it everywhere. Now I am screaming, gagging and hoisting Penelope out of there and into the shower. Daphne is the next to go. I immediately turn this situation over to Christian. (I'm just positive he likes poop more than I do.) When I return to the pen I'm horrified to find that there is poop all over the carpet, blankets and clean swimming suits. No time to think about that mess, we must get to swimming. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

Just in case any of you are wanting twins here is a little info on your chances of having twins unassisted.

• Age: The older you are, the higher your chances of having fraternal twins or higher-order multiples. A 2006 study found that women over 35 produce more follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) than younger women. Ironically, increasing levels of this hormone are a sign of failing ovaries and declining fertility. But FSH is also the hormone that causes an egg to ripen in preparation for ovulation each month, and women with extra FSH may release more than one egg in a single cycle. So while older women are statistically less likely to get pregnant, if they do get pregnant, they're more likely to have twins.

• Number of pregnancies: The more pregnancies you've had, the greater your chances of having twins.

• History of twins: Once you have a set of fraternal twins, you're twice as likely to have another set in future pregnancies.

• Heredity: If you're a twin or if twins run in your family, you're slightly more likely to have a set yourself. Women who are fraternal twins have a one in 60 chance of bearing twins.

There is a 1 in 250 chance of having identical twins -- identical twins do not run in families, it is totally random

There is a 1 in 32 chance of having fraternal twins-- this type can be passed by genetics from the mother’s side only

Katrina just asked me if we would look back at this time with rose colored glasses, and I think the answer is yes.

My day started at 5:15, taking the dog out, then Christian out the door at 5:45, and the Ladies up at 7. At 7:30 I noticed it was snowing as I was out in the garage trying to get Clementine inside. She sometimes gets really lost out there. I was calling her and calling her, shaking the treat can. I practically had my head out the dog door. In she came at her very slow pace, and as we are making our way up the stairs into the house I hear this screeching. What could that be??? Oh, there is Penellie, pink helmet on, baby bunny in hand, flying around the kitchen and yelping with joy. The Ladies are loose. Dear God!

Up the stairs we go and there is Daph applying some lotion in the middle of our bedroom. I scoop them both up and put them back in the pen. Naughty Ladies, if you are going to watch Barney you have to stay in the pen! Seriously we are in deep trouble over here, pens and gates are how we get through our day safely.

Today is the day I'm watching Harp and Finn while Katrina gets her haircut. Of course it is snowing, snowing, snowing and that quickly is cancelled and we are left with the thought of being stuck in the house all day. Somehow Katrina and Harper decide to head over and arrive without a glitch. Yeah! We are not alone. The little girls celebrate and run around with brooms, mops, grocery carts and the cozy coupes.

It is now 10:30, time to go pick up Finn. We decided to all go together as I have snow tires and it makes sense if something happens, like we slip off the road, we should all go together. It was a little slick getting to the school but not so bad. The kinders were having to walk down the hill to get on the bus. The logistics of a snowday and moving kindergartners is stressful and I am silently celebrating that I am not a teacher today. While we are at the school we figure might as well get Daisy too, who knows what the day will bring.

At 10:50 we have one more seatbelt available in the car and we are headed to McDonalds. We can't go home we might get stuck there. McDonalds is not really a first choice for us, but it has the playhut and we need to get our energies out. After a lot of strategic maneuvering all 3 little girls are in high chairs and enjoying a little lunch. Finn is making run after run to get ketchup and I'm pretty sure Daisy is wondering what she is doing there. Penelope and Daphne have not been loose in the playhut before and they are just wild eyed by the time they get out of their highchairs. Good thing the cousins are there to show them the ropes.

Now it is 11:45 and we are done. The music, which I hadn't noticed until Katrina pointed it out, is getting louder and more annoying by the minute and the children are getting so hyped they might explode. Time to load everyone into the car. Oh wait, no one wants to load up. Daisy holds Daphne down until I can grab her and then I have both babies and out we go. It is a total screamfest in the car, it take 2 adults to get the littlest two in their carseats and everyone is making noise. Harper is yelling, Daphne is crying and howling, Penellie is whimpering, Finn is imitating all 3 of them and Daisy is saying "when are they going to stop?" Quick someone get the dvd on!

This day has all of sudden become so long and it's only 12:30. My Ladies are tucked into bed and I'm headed there myself. Lucky for me I have two bassets who really like to nap and 2 cats who are probably already in my spot.

As I read over this entry I'm noting to myself that most of my thoughts come in bullets as opposed to paragraphs and that this is just the beginning of a long week without the husbands.

Off with their heads

Forget the poison apple or getting pricked with a pin. Those lousy stepsisters have nothing on Wilbur our basset hound.  These are not maladies that can be fixed with love's first kiss.  I don't think even super glue can help.  Next to the poor headless ladies are their mangled heads.  Do you think I am scarring my daughter for life?  Our littlest princess lover is only 2 after all.  She doesn't seem to mind.  Several days ago she simply grabbed her brothers bionicle and blamed him for the losses.  

She plays with her headless friends just as much as those with beautiful faces.  She told me "Cinderella has no head, but I love her mom".  She also told me recently that "I love my new vaporizer mom. "  Simple pleasures, I guess.  

Last night was our second dance class.  It went as to be expected.  The twins take over the class, and Harper gets right into it with her cousins.  I am quite sure that the other women in the class can't stand our kids.  Daphne ran around that room yelling "woof woof" and I think Penelope latched onto "yee haw" for a while after we galloped.  Harper thinks dance class is only for spinning.  She's practically green by the end of class from all of the turning.   They still have quite a way to go until they make it out of SE.  

On a side note, I would like to mention not posting here in a timely way. It seems whenever I want to put up a little picture with a note, I can't.  I do not understand why the cord that connects my camera to the computer is not the same color as the camera?  How the hell am I supposed to find it every time in a sea of other cords, earbuds and phone chargers? I can't remember I am looking for  a white cord until I am 10 minutes into it.  I get pissed each and every time. I can't leave it connected to the back of the computer or my kids would tie it in 100 knots.  They have an obsession with taking long strings, and cords and making impossible knots.  Don't tell me to clean the drawer- it is.  Honestly.  

Twirl

Two weeks ago I mentioned a mommy and me dance class to Julia.  I thought her girls would love it.  They really know how to tear up a dance floor, those two.  Little did I know that I would be prodded to bring Harper.  #3 taking a class of any kind had never really crossed my radar.  Too busy with #1 and #2  I guess.  I had no interest really, in another dance class.  I already had to quit the creative movement class I had been teaching due to schedule conflict.  Why would I want to go to one and be taught?  Well, its Harper being taught but you get my drift.  I told Julia no and then Pru slathered on some pressure.  Something about kids deserving chances in life etc.  I thought that was stretching it.  Harper is not even 3 yet.  Her grandmother intimates I keep her locked in a closet with no outside stimuli.  Anyone reading this blog probably knows something about Julia and Pru.  When they want something, they are relentless. It was my own fault for mentioning it.  So, dance class it is, for all 3 girls. 

After signing up for class, came wardrobe.  Julia was a house of fire on this.  I admit, I was kind of ready to delve in myself.  Once the decision was made, it was time to get the girls outfitted.  I hold some very traditional ideas regarding dancewear.  Having started dance when I was just a wee one, I was always always impressed with the instructors and dancers who wore the "uniform".  It spoke volumes to me.  Black leo, pink tights, black skirt and ballet shoes perfectly molded to their beautiful arched feet.  Of course, there were variations on the theme. Leg warmers added for actual function vs. form, different styles of leotards, maybe an errant pair of sweatpants. However, NEVER NEVER was there much derivation in color.  My own mother always encouraged a splash of raspberry tights, electric blue shiny lycra unitard or maybe a sparkly leotard to augment my dance wardrobe.  When I started dancing in college, that changed!  I put on my uniform and got to work. 

When Julia asked me about dance clothes I gave her a checklist.  She followed it dutifully. No lame Target crap.  She skipped the silly princess leotard and the ballet slippers that looked more like cardboard on feet than an actual ballet slipper.  The ladies came to class bedecked in black leos with sweet as can be black tulle skirts, ballet pink tights and lovely form fitting ballet slippers.  Their laces were hanging out but that was easily remedied.  Who was that little girl next to them?  The one in the chalk blue princess leotard, white (!) tights and cardboard dance slippers.  Holy crap, that was Harper!! And she looked darling, I must say.  Harper let me know when we visited Target earlier in the week, that there would be no black and pink and certainly nothing without silk screening on it.  I hemmed and hawed, I cringed, closed my eyes and bought the stuff.  It was perfect.  

Seeing those 3 little girls in an old school dance studio in SE Portland would warm anyone's heart.  No matter what they were wearing, it was so fun.  They pranced, they danced, they rolled and they marched.  Harper wanted to be nervous, but her compassionate aunt swooped right in, grabbed her small hand and danced away with her until she was comfortable. Once she got her footing, she tiptoed to her hearts delight.  She twirled with great enthusiasm.  Daphne followed the rules.  She did exactly what the instructor asked of her with a little help from grandma Jean. When the Barney songs started, Daph was in 7th heaven.  A happy smile spread across her face.  Penelope, well, she was Penelope. She took that class on full throttle.  She didn't just march, she really marched.  She threw her whole body into it.  

By the end of the class, the little girls were running the tumbling mat.  I expected Penelope, the yard boss, to start taking money from the other little girls.  There wasn't really going to be any standing in line or waiting for turns  with the twins.  Certainly, not from being naughty.  Far from it..... they were just loving the experience of dance class.  They wanted more more more.  I think Harper would have stayed and flounced for another hour as well.  

When it was over, and time to leave, I knew the girls would be happy to be back next week.  Its a one  hour roundtrip commute to a dingy dance studio for a 1/2 hour class.  Its worth it though.  It was fun to see, no matter how small the step, that the littles are growing up. Sooner than I think, it won't be mommy and me anymore.  That's a sad thought! So, for the time being I will just enjoy the heck out of our cousins and our funny little class.

 

 

Cookies

My friend Abby is always making cookies with her 3 girls and she posts such lovely pictures of the cookies, the girls and the good time they had. We are in a bit of a lockdown situation over here as our Bailey is not feeling so hot and I just can't stand to be away from him... so, I thought to myself (as the ladies were standing on the back of the chair taking the leaves off the tree on wall) we need a COP and I need something to blog about this is going to be so perfect... Ladies let's make some cookies. They were so excited. They love cookies.

After last weeks episode with Katrina and the chairs I purchased this step stool thing called a learning tower. It brings the Ladies to counter level while keeping them contained. And let me tell you it worked great with the cookie making. The babies were easily able to handle the bowls, spatulas, measuring cups and spoons.

Our first step in the cookie making process was to measure out the 2 1/4 cups of flour, we added the tsp of baking soda next, and then the phone rang. It was the vet calling so I had to answer it. While I was talking to the nice lady on the phone Penelope added a little more baking soda to the bowl and Daphne moved half the flour to another bowl and by the time I had Bailey's appt scheduled I wasn't quite sure if we had the first 2 ingredients quite right because there was so much flour on the counter. As I stood there dialing my mom to see if she could watch the Ladies tomorrow I realized that we didn't actually need to make cookies because flour is so much fun!

I have a feeling Christian would not have thought the flour situation was very fun, but it's all cleaned up now. Also, if you are wondering it kept them busy for 45 min, they didn't fight over the cooking tools, I believe we engaged all 5 senses, and it took 7 minutes to clean up.

Terror Abounds

I think we can all see that THIS is not supposed to be happening!!  Especially on my watch. These little girls will steal your heart but they are such naughty little monkeys.  It was my morning to watch the twinnies for 1 hour while Julia was off volunteering.  I think I failed miserably. While it looks a little dangerous, rest assured, as soon as I got the photo I jumped into action.  However, I didn't make it to Penelope before she looked directly at me while sweeping every single item off of the desk.  There were a lot of things on there but I was most worried about the Guccis.  A broken pair would simply not do.  Thankfully, they survived the fall unscathed.  

I was at a total loss to discipline the little dumplings.  I mean, these girls are really cute......I don't know how the hell their parents take care of them 24/7 . I'm pretty sure there must be some daily drinking going on.  Its actually pretty fun to watch them get into mayhem and know that I don't really have to do anything about it except keep them safe. That is their parents job!   My 3 have caused problems alright but this doubling up on craziness is too much for this aunt to handle. I plopped them into the high chair in no time and thats where we spent the rest of our morning.  

Now, as I write, my two wee ones are yelling - no shrieking - over who gets to hold the bowl full of cheetos I gave them.  Honestly,  its amazing that my kids don't have migraines every single night, secondary to yelling. I am sure with any modicum of luck, there will be cheesy fingerprints all over the craft room and ground in crumbs clinging to the carpet. I do love cheetos myself so I better get in there and see if I can score some before they eat them all.   

 

Boxed up

Christmas back in boxes, high on garage shelves.  I should be happy with my organization but instead I am a little misty eyed for the holiday.  Several years in a row, I have been known to take down the tree before we head up to my mom's for Christmas morning.  The kids have always been little enough to not really care where the tree was headed at 8:00am after present opening from Santa.  I have always felt like leaving the holiday stuff up after the actual day leaves its own sadness.  The tree always looks less sparkly, under the tree is bare and I can see the needles that have fallen.  I notice that the paper chains are askew over the windows and the puffy snow under the village is torn and flat.  So, I usually bundle it up and box it up. 

This year was different, as I started taking ornaments off at the end of Christmas day, the kids looked at me horrified and said "What are you doing?  Where is that tree going? I turned and thought ??? Are they crazy? This tree is going right where all the others have gone.  The side of our house to be picked up by boy scouts next week.  I had been foiled and I felt terrible.  I left the barren tree there and skulked away to go and try to sneak down paper chains.  Instead of yanking down stuff, I just started to organize Christmas presents the kids had received that were all over the house.  Funny, here came some twinkling little voices again.  "Moooommmm, where did you put my new Jon and Kate book and where is my green rubber watch? They were right here.  I know Finn stole them." I hated admitting it was I, the mother, who had already whisked it all away and was putting it where I thought it belonged.  So, I left that task as well.  I promised myself I would really try next year, to enjoy the moment and let the kids help dictate when Christmas was over.  

Dan removed the tree eventually, after the kids had some more time with it. However, we did leave up the very large, wide flocked tree we saved from oblivion.  It was a tree that no one would have taken home and we felt sorry for the ol' girl.  She was damn near impossible to get into the house and took up most of our living room.  So much so, that we had to move a chair and a coffee table out to give her wide berth.  It was my most favorite tree we have ever had!  Getting it out was not easy and I have been mopping up white flocking material for a week.  I will miss both trees. I am already  looking  forward to Julia and I heading out as early as the husbands will let us to get more next year.  

The kids are back at school.  They are thrilled and so am I.  Daisy tells me that everyone, absolutely everyone got Uggs for Christmas.  How does she know this?  Seems that "the lady from Nordstrom told Grandma Pru"  I like that scientific research.  Also, she is now the only girl in her class without pierced ears.  We had a long discussion about piercing at Icing vs. Claires.  She has no interest in her own ears being pierced but she is fascinated by the process.  

Apparently, the boys in the class all got boring video games.  I heard all about the petrified carrots found in her desk due to sitting there 3 (!!) weeks and the stinky water in her water bottle.  I wonder if she actually did any class work yesterday? 

Finn came home beaming, with a jingle bell tied to a red ribbon around his neck. A Christmas gift from his teacher.  I can't imagine why the kindy teacher would hand out 24 bells to the little children.  Finn clarified that they weren't allowed to wear them until it was time to go.  I had to go in his room about 8:30 last night and tell him to take the bell off as every time he moved, he jingled and it was making the dogs nervous.  It was back on at 6:30 this morning when he headed to the bathroom.  

Hmmm, Wilbur is alternately licking Harper in the face and running around with her stuffed rubber ducky she got for Christmas from her Uncle Cody. I think its time to mother again. 

Hope your Christmas was as lovely as ours and that 2009 is the best year yet.  I can't believe its almost time to swear in another president, but that's another post..... 

snow

It has been quite sometime since we posted anything. It has been hard to see straight through all the snow. In fact it is hard for me to even think about snow after almost 2 weeks of being stuck at home. Here are a few things that happened during the storm:

-We went to Sunriver the weekend of the snow storm and had the best time. The first snowfall of the season was lovely and I wondered to myself why people complain about bundling their kids up. If you have not been to Sunriver during December you should really consider it, they have really great Christmas activities for kids.

- Hannah came home for Christmas!

- Christian took my car with the traction devices to work everyday. I realize that his employment is more important than my trip to the JoAnns, but when I look in the garage and the escape vehicle is missing I get a little tense.

- One morning with the help of our dear Mackenzie (who walked to my house), we loaded the ladies into the sled and pulled them up the vineyard to Grandma Pru's. We love to go visit my inlaws but I must be honest and say that I only walk there when the weather is above 80. I really hate being cold.

- Katrina and I sewed 6 quilts, barely getting them finished for Christmas. Twice Katrina was dropped off at my house and trapped here for several hours while we finished things up. I was also able to finish up the camping playhouse for my nephew Vincent with just a minute to spare.

- Christmas Eve morning my parents and brothers were able to make it to our house for breakfast and gifts and Christmas day all the Stavigs made it to celebrate at my inlaws.

As I reread my list I'm noting that things weren't all that bad despite the snow. I accomplished something almost everyday and the most important part... we were able to spend the holidays with our family.

NINE

Question: How many trees does one need to get inorder for the nice man at the tree lot to recognize you???

Answer: 9

Between Katrina, Pru and myself, we managed to purchase 9 trees last year at Alices on 212 at the Carver exit. Kat and I each had 2 and then there were 5 at the big house. I really love Christmas trees, they smell so good and there is just nothing like the feeling of driving around town with a couple trees on top of the car. Kind of like taking your new handbag out for a spin!

This year the Roths got their trees up first and I could hardly stand it. If I hadn't been hosting Thanksgiving and a babyshower within 48 hours of each other I would have had mine up too. So, first thing (11am) Monday morning Katrina arrived so that I could go get my trees. Finn volunteered to be my tree expert as he had already practiced over the weekend. We looked at about every tree on the lot and finally decided on "the tree" and then the smaller one I like to have in my bedroom.

The man helping us was so friendly and I wondered if he remembered the scene from last year. As we went inside to pay Finn asked, "Auntie, how will the man know what car is ours?" and as I'm turning around to give the man a little direction I notice that indeed he is already standing on my back bumper.

In the two years I have lived in my neighborhood I have met 2 neighbors. I don't know anyone at the grocery store, or the starbucks but I now feel confident in saying that I know the tree guys. And I suppose if I'm being honest I might also know my safeway.com delivery man. :-)

Turkey Countdown

Well, this is a BIG week around here.  Its time to start getting ready for Thanksgiving.  I have written and rewritten the menu several times.  Its the same every single year, but always needs a fresh rewrite.  There is always a little argument about green bean casserole vs. broccoli casserole. The broccoli wins every time.  There was a scary moment when I couldn't find enough pancetta at the market for both J and I to make our stuffing.  It all worked out and I find it pathetic in a way that it even mattered.  But, we prevailed and got our goods! 

This year, the man at the meat counter took me on and wanted to know just why I wasn't using a Diestel turkey.  I cowered and explained that there have been yearly wars at our house over this.  Most in the family prefer a traditional Norbest or Butterball.  There is not much love at the vineyard for organic, hand fed, free range turkeys.  I love the idea, but we have not had good luck.  When I questioned him about his turkey he admitted he went OUT.  That really made me mad.  I mean, for crying out loud, at least we are cooking the damn thing. 

My dad and I did the shopping, as we always do and it was fun.  Rog mentioned that I had quite the social shop what with the checkers, the butcher, the baker and the cheese mongers. He's right, I do like to chat my way through. These are my people.  I have never spoken to my neighbors but I do like to dally around with the grocery staff. 

 My big haul this year was the fresh turkey necks!  I laid that neck at my mother's feet like a cat with a big fat dead bird at the back door.  We are always trying to streamline the process and now the stock can be made ahead of time.  That stock had better be perfect this year!  As long as I don't screw it up with some fresh herbs of any sort, I am sure it will.  

The discussion regarding size of celery chop for the stuffing has yet to be had.  Mother remembers it being put through a grinder as a kid, but has never had the time or inclination to do it that way as an adult.  I argue every year that I want to try and grind the celery like she remembers and I always get shot down.  No No- there is not time for that.  So, I stand by and watch her do something crazy like use a serrated knife to cut up the veggies and I keep my mouth shut.  It will be a delicious concoction when she is done so I try not to get caught up in the details.  

The week will go on and I find a comfort in rehashing the same conversations year after year with my mom and Julia.  When will we start the bird, can we make the potatoes ahead of time, is it ok to buy a pie (NO!), and do we need an extra loaf of bread for leftovers? It never gets old and the talk is just as comforting as those warm gravy laden mashed potatoes I am looking forward to.  Its just another time for us to get together and chat with the din of children trying to drown us out.  As the kids get older, I swell with pride when I see Daisy cracking the eggs and not a shell to be seen.  I am proud as ever when Finn helps peel potatoes without drawing blood. This year, the twins are just about ready to help pick the bread. 

 I hope these memories will sit deep in their hearts as it does in mine.  When I am old, and even grayer, I will be watching.  I will make sure that Daisy doesn't put ANY EXTRA HERBS in the stock and I will remind Daphne that HOMEMADE whip cream is the ONLY way to go.  I know they will be listening and I know they will roll their eyes as soon as my back is turned.  I know someone will try to talk  me into a heritage turkey or worse yet, tofurkey.  It will spark another year of good natured argument and I can't wait!   

The 70s

In the 70s my brothers and I had a glorious playhouse that my mom made. It was made out of denim fabric and just slipped over the top of a card table. It was perfect for hiding out in and we spent many hours pretending to our hearts content. A few years ago, back when Daisy was still into Cinderella, I felt the need to recreate the playhouse for her. I did a lot of searching and could not come up with a pattern so eventually I just made my own. Over the past few years I have made several themed houses for family and friends... farm, bugs, under the sea, etc. Of course now I don't have as much time as I use to, but after several months of on again off again attempts I have finally finished a house for the Ladies. I hope they will enjoy.