Monkey : kid style

What started out as kind of a "drooly" day, as the kids would say......turned out to be fairly busy.

First thing in the morning, Monkey noticed that we had a dog. He has had his fair share of dogs on this adventure. Josie, our French Bulldog, is about as easy going as they come. Monkey had to give her a little poke to even wake her up! "Oh yeah, I can handle this one!"

"Come here, little puppy....let me read your mind??"

Will had to see what all the forehead bumping was all about! Sorry little Monkey, all I know are some sight words and a few knock knock jokes!

Once the "drooly" rain let up, we headed outside to get some of that energy that Monkeys and kids seem to have an unlimited supply. Will was sure to show the little Monkey some tips and tricks on the trampoline.....complete with scratching of the pits and ooohhh oohh awwee awwes!

Now this is more like it...a teeter toter, you do all the work. I am just hanging on here.

Do you kids ever stop?? I am tired! Okay, okay....let's go inside for some quiet time.

I was fairly certain soccer practice was going to be cancelled. But after a good few hours of sunshine....off we went. Oh yeah....my Mommy taught me to drive. yeah yeah whatever....buckle up you silly little Monkey!

Look at those blue skies and all that greem grass. After the horrible ice storm this winter...it feel so good to see and feel sunshine.

"Monkey, you kick the ball...not hang in the nets!" PS...yes, Will has a black eye. Monkey was showing him some flips on the couch. He tried them as well!

Kind of a mundane Thursday...but very true to our life! We are loving having this little Monkey in our home!

Photostory Friday: Monkey Feet

We have had so much fun with a silly little sock monkey. When I signed up for this visit last spring, I just thought it would be fun for the kids. But it has been so awesome to see the smiles on people's faces when they see him. Everyone is happy to see a monkey, many have stories of monkeys they have owned previously.

After the kids came in from bouncing on the trampoline, the sat on the mat outside the door to get their feet wiped off. It had been raining and misting all day. Their feet were a little damp, bits of grass clinging to their toes. As the kids plopped down, Will stuck Monkey's feet right up there too! I couldn't help but laugh. What it is about this little sock Monkey that brings so much laughter?

PS, if you have not kept up with the little Monkey, here is his blog: Monkey Me, Monkey You


Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

Monkey's Movie

While trying to figure out a setting on the kids' camera, I found out it could record audio. Who knew? Note...lower your volume if you don't want your speakers blown out. Livi starts singing REALLY loud!

Welcome to Kentucky, little Monkey

Monkey, welcome to Kentucky! We are so excited to be your next host on Monkey's big adventure. After uncurling himself from his box, I turn around to see him heading for the door. I guess being cooped up in his traveling case made him want to see the great outdoors. Please excuse that blurry dot in the middle, it was drizzling rain. I think a spot of water must have landed on my lens!

After seeing there were only some white blossoms, which made him sneeze endlessly, he came back inside for some lunch.

Can you see Will saying, "Say aawww....."?

While the kids had some quiet time, Monkey saw my laptop was open. "How do you spell Grosgrain Garage? I need to check in with my mommy!" Can do, little Monkey. "Hey, she got a new car....AND the top comes down! That is too cool!"

After a bit of quiet time, we lugged out the Kitchenaid. We made Peanut Butter and Chocolate cookies.
"Hey, whatcha mixing up in there?"

Ready to plate and share with the neighbors. PS..the cookies really weren't that good. They were kind of like dry vanilla wafers that tasted like peanut butter...and they were a pain to make those two kind of drizzles.

I told the neighbors if they accepted the cookies, they had to be on Monkey's blog. Both agreed in a heartbeat! The kids look like they had to hand over Monkey as well!

Neighbor B is a uber awesome scrapper lady! Check out her blog if you do scrapbooks: Defying Gravity

Cookies, smookies....isn't it five o'clock around here?

More adventures in store! It is amazing to see how one little Monkey can bring smiles to so many faces.

PS, if you have not kept up with the little Monkey, here is his blog: Monkey Me, Monkey You

There is a monkey in the house

Just letting everyone know, Monkey made it safe and sound to KY. I will post more tonight.

If you haven't seen any of Monkey's travels, here is his blog: Monkey Me, Monkey You

Friday fill in

1. Why do we have to clean toilets....I seriously need to teach the kids how to do this!

2. Shining my sink and doing a load of laundry a day are now habits.

3. I have a glass of wine just to my right.


4. I had never heard the phrase "need to get my drink on" and it totally makes me laugh.

***this is so funny if you have never seen it.....***

5. I hope I sleep all night instead of taking a kid back to their room (and falling asleep in their room) the way I always do.

6. How was I to know Livi would cut her hair this afternoon (oh yes she did....about two inches from her scalp in a little clump).

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to garlic chicken pizza (it was yummy!), tomorrow my plans include birthday party for one of Will's classmates and planting some things in the yard and Sunday, I want to drumroll......sleep in and just enjoy the nice weather!

Friday fill in courtesy of the talented Janet...

Photostory: Itchin' Kitchen

Will has been doing so well in Pre-K. It is so exciting to see him reading. One of the many things they do is to practice reading "word families". His teacher, Miss Linda, will write -at on the board. The kids will give her -at words......bat, cat, fat, hat, mat, etc. So his rhyming skills are awesome!

Tonight at dinner, I said something about my eyes itching. We had done some yard work this afternoon. My allergies are already kicking in at high speed. With my southern accent, it sounded like "itchin'". All of a sudden, Will says, "Itchin' bitchin' kitchen".

I really had to supress a giggle. Far be he realize it is a "bad" word. Mike Rowe has already taught him a few choice words!



Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

Thursday 13: Lists

I am a list maker, always have been....most likely always will. All of my lists are in my handy dandy control journal. It is broken up into different sections of things I need to make my little world function. I pretty much do the same thing every day, so it really made since to me. I was born organized. My home is not always completely picked up....I have two preschoolers! But it is never more than 15 minutes from clean. The kids are learning simple routines and that things have a home. A babysitter can ask them where the dinosaurs go, and both could show you where they go.

Here are the thirteen sections in my control journal that is nothing more than a glorified Trapper Keeper! Doesn't that make you think of junior high?

Daily Routines: these are the things I do every day

1. The morning routine helps get us out the door by 8AM.

2. The afternoon routine is actually pretty much tying up loose ends of things I started in the morning.


3. The before bed routine is the most important one of all to me! I do as much I can after the kids are in bed so that I can push that snooze button if I really want to!! Finally, I do a daily

4. To Do list of the things that aren't on my routines. Today's to do list consists mainly of stuff I need to do to get ready for the weekend.

5.Weekly routines: I do certain things on certain days. The kids go to preschool Monday through Thursday. So I do certain things "kid-free"

6. Zones: The house is divided into five zones. If I get done with the normal every day stuff, I have a great list of "spring cleaning" type things

7. Grocery list: I keep an ongoing list of things in our pantry. Kind of like a perpetual pantry

8. Emergency section: filled with insurance stuff

9. Emergency numbers: sheriff, fire, ambulance, poison control

10. Address book section: This includes a list of Christmas cards sent in previous years.

11. Babysitter info:

12. Vacation packing lists

13. Moving information

"Happiness is not something ready-made, it comes from your own actions." ~His Holiness, the Dalai Lama

This quote sums up the very reason that I do these things. When my world is upside down and chaotic, I am not happy. I need my lists to help things go smoothly. Since I do the very same things all the time, there is no sense wasting time rewriting the very same lists.

Happy Thursday, y'all! Want to play: the new thursday-13

tuesday with tommie

WHAT I’M READING: can't remember the name of the book...but something is on my nightstand

WHAT I’M WATCHING: Believe it or not, the DVR is empty, so I am watching Dancing with the Stars and House....flipping back and forth to not have to watch commercials.

WHAT I’M LISTENING TO: Josie snoring...(at least she isn't tooting).

Had to add what Will said today. We were outside doing some yard work. Bugs are starting to fly around, one flew very near or in his ear. Swatting at his ear, he said, "What in the hell is in my ear?" WHAT??? I admit, I have slipped a few times but that is not my choice of swear words. He said he heard it on "Dirty Jobs" with Mike Rowe. Damn Mike Rowe!

WHAT I’M WEARING: green tank and shorts...It is St Patrick's Day.

WHAT I’M EATING: had my favorite penne for dinner....penne, kalamata olives, spinach, feta, all tossed in a balsamic vinaigrette....so yummy, so yummy, in the party in my tummy

WHAT I’M ENJOYING: my Iphone....I took this pic with it. I was going to do some fun sepia tones on it, but it really shows the true pumpkin orange color of the bathroom downstairs. I was trying to get the back of it. I got it cut today and she did a great job! To think, this tuesday with tommie started six weeks ago when I got my hair cut and colored last time.

WHAT I’M SNIFFING: Brisket.....Husband is having a lunch at his work tomorrow. It smells so good!

Happy Tuesday, y'all

Manic Monday

Are you a saver or spender? Depends on the moment....a cute top I see, definitely spending.

Do you prefer to walk around barefoot in your home? Socks? Shoes? ugh, definitely slippers or socks in a pinch (if I can't find one of several pairs of slippers). I can't like cold feet!

Do you talk to yourself? More so in my head than out loud. But yes, I continually have a dialogue going on inside my head!

Fleur-de-Lisa hosts the original Manic Monday here

ps....just a little note on the slippers....I was very hesitant to get them...I HATE toe cleavage...but they are oh so comfortable and remind me of the old ballet house slippers I use to wear. Do they not make those anymore? You know, the ones with the little leather soles, the little stretchy tops.....oh well....these are a close second, even with toe cleavage!

Friday Fill In

And...here we go!

1. When I look to the left, I see Livi playing out in the snow....YES...SNOW....on Friday the 13th of March, like some big honkin' nightmare....thank GAWD it is all melted as I type at almost 11 PM.

2. The eat in kitchen has those big sliding glass doors that look at the backyard.....I love it since I can let the kids out to play while I prep dinner or pick up the kitchen is the room that has the best view in my home.

3. Let it work ....it if I am calling the kids "it"...I am all about raising them up right to be able to do things for themselves!!!

4. See #3....they do "chores" for a mere quarter.....(doesn't get much cheaper)...done dirt cheap!

5. Take care of oneself and one's family is a responsibility that all qualified citizens must share.

6. If you have any time, feel free do something nice for YOU.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to pizza with the family, tomorrow my plans include paint with the kids and Sunday, I want to ...uuugggghhh, sleep in, I really need to set a better goal for Sundays! Happy weekend, y'all. I am just honkin' happy the snow melted.

Friday fill in courtesy of the talented Janet...

Photostory Friday: waiting .....

This past weekend, during some gorgeous eighty degree weather, I noticed some little green shoots sprouting up around the trees in the backyard. We moved here in the summer....so this was a little sweet surprise. I can't wait to see what these will be! I stepped out just after noon to take these shots. I noticed it was getting very chilly.

Livi has already found a teeny tiny little flower to pick. I have a tiny "mom's" vase...but even that is too big for her baby blossom. I usually float these in tiny salt cellars. By now, I am thinking, "It is really cold out here." Livi is starting to shiver.....I tell her, "Run inside, baby. I'll be in to turn on the fireplace for you." I was eyeing the tree's blooms out front and wanted to take just a few shots.


I walk over to the front of the house. The wind is really starting to pick up. Now I am shivering so much I can't even focus. This shot is so blurry as a result. But there is a little bit of bright pink and green and yellow. Whew hoo....waiting for spring.


just a bit of a PS....it is now snowing. There is probably two inches on the ground. Remind me why I wanted seasons??


Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

tuesday with tommie

***I thought I was getting all creative and artsy shooting a pic in front of the brick. But the wind was blowing like a "herd-a-cane (Livi and Will speak for hurricane). Then I glanced up just as the the camera took the picture.....dang...I need to get my roots done. PS, I have an appointment next week. Bring on the color. I am too young to go gray!***

WHAT I’M READING: Just got the new Real Simple for April 2009. Kind of exciting just to write April...I am so over winter. Remind me why I wanted seasons???

WHAT I’M WATCHING: I have NEVER gotten into American Idol.....so I am forced to watch Rock of Love the Superfan challenge episode

WHAT I’M LISTENING TO: during the day I listen to my favorite radio station podcasts..Bobby Bones out of Austin. I can listen to his morning show online if I am home. But I tend to run errands while the kids are at preschool. But it is so easy to download the podcasts to my Iphone.

WHAT I’M WEARING: jammie pants....t-shirt....it is 9:30 at night.

WHAT I’M EATING: had Chinese for dinner....chicken with veggies. It was only okay.

WHAT I’M ENJOYING: I love Tuesday evenings.....Monday and

Tuesday days are pretty busy. We made cookies today, then rushed off to ballet for Livi. Wednesdays are so laid back.

WHAT I’M SNIFFING: Mississippi Mud cookies (recipe in the previous link) we made today. These were really good! You melted chocolate to mix into the butter and sugar. Oh me, oh my! They really were yummilicious! Want one, we have plenty left over even after sharing with the neighbors and the kids' teachers.

Manic Monday

What would you do with an extra hour each day? Easy .....I'd sleep.

Do you wear a watch? Yes......If so, tell us about it. I recently just bought a Bulova for my last big birthday. It is a gorgeous stainless steel watch with a face that looks pink or white depending on the light. I love it!

If not, how do you keep track of time?

If it was possible, would you want to know how many days you had left to live? Oh, very deep question for a Monday night. But I don't think I would want to know.

I hope listen to my heart and live each day as best as I can, I know I try.

Fleur-de-Lisa hosts the original Manic Monday here

PS...no muffins today. I think we are going to move muffin Monday to Tuesday and call it Tuesday treats. Mondays are way too busy around here. Also both of these pics were taken one year ago ! I searched "listen" on my Flickr.

Happy Monday, y'all!

Friday Fill In and a little tutu Photostory

Friday fill in courtesy of the talented Janet...

1. Taking cookies on muffin Monday to the neighbors and the kids' teachers was my last random act of kindness.

2. Another place, another time, I will surely more again as a military wife.

3. Handle things carefully in matters of the heart.

4. Coffee, tea or what time of day is it??? after five.....a glass of chilled white wine.

5. Our separate paths crossed in big L-town America....so glad they did.

6. Our weather today reminds me that there is more of this coming.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to garlic chicken pizza, tomorrow my plans include haircuts for the boys (and a ride with the top down) and Sunday, I want to sleep in!

totally combining two memes today::

Photostory Friday: raising her up right

I didn't grow up cooking or baking. I did know how to make a mean Hamburger Helper or some Kraft macaroni and cheese. But other than that, not really. Being a stay at home mom, more nights than not, I am able to have a meal prepared ready for dinner.

I enjoy it. I love to eat. I love to eat good food. So when Livi wants to help, I let her. From the age of two (when Husband first deployed), she has been in the kitchen with me. She not only knows how to do simple things like measure dry and wet things, she knows where they belong in the cabinets and pantry.

On this night, we were making baked potatoes and onions in a balsamic vinaigrette. She has her own little pink knife (the Pampered Chef's kids' knife).

In this picture, she is dressed true to Livi-form. I had pulled out some spring stuff from the basement. I tend to buy things in the previous season at 75% off or more. I have to store them for a year, but we have the room. She found this pink tulle skirt (thanks friend J from big ol' TX), a cute purple top from Gap that was $1.97 and some floral leggings (from friend J as well). She was the happiest little girl playing out in the sunshine......then cooking with mommy. All dressed like a true princess. Maybe the next time I am cutting up some potatoes and onions, I should put on a tutu.

Happy weekend, y'all!
Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

Thursday 13+ : Coconut Curry Chicken soup

Okay, this has more than thirteen ingredients....which that alone would normally make me shy away from this. But it really was as good as a coconut chicken soup I have had in a Thai restaurant! I am so glad we have leftovers!

Ingredients

4 cups water
3 cups fresh spinach leaves
1/2 pound snow peas, trimmed and cut in half crosswise
1 (5 3/4-ounce) package pad thai noodles (wide rice stick noodles) **I think I used the wrong noodles**
1 tablespoon canola oil
1/4 cup thinly sliced shallots
2 teaspoons red curry paste ***used sriracha hot sauce instead***
1 1/2 teaspoons curry powder
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
2 garlic cloves, minced
6 cups fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
1 (13.5-ounce) can light coconut milk
2 1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast (about 1 pound)
1/2 cup chopped green onions
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons fish sauce **Did not use since apparently this is an item not to be found in KY***
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
4 small hot red chiles, seeded and chopped, or 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
7 lime wedges


Preparation

1. Bring 4 cups water to a boil in a large saucepan. Add spinach and peas to pan; cook for 30 seconds. Remove vegetables from pan with a slotted spoon; place in a large bowl. Add noodles to pan; cook 3 minutes. Drain; add noodles to spinach mixture in bowl.

2. Heat canola oil in pan over medium-high heat. Add shallots and the next 5 ingredients (through garlic) to pan; sauté 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add chicken broth to pan, and bring to a boil. Add coconut milk to pan; reduce heat, and simmer 5 minutes. Add chicken, onions, sugar, and fish sauce to pan; cook for 2 minutes. Pour chicken mixture over noodle mixture in bowl. Stir in cilantro and chiles. Serve with lime wedges.

printable recipe from Cooking Light

Yield 7 servings (serving size: 2 cups soup and 1 lime wedge)

Happy Thursday, y'all! Want to play: the new thursday-13

tuesday with tommie

This was really fun. I can see doing this every year or so to see how the answers change.

All About Mommy

By Will (age 5) and Olivia (age 4) **pic taken with the laptop camera**

1. What is something mommy always says to you?
Will: I love you.
Olivia: I love you.

2. What makes mommy happy?
W: Us

O: A kiss

3. What makes mommy sad?
W: When she can't make the kids happy.
O: Me throwing stuff and being bad at school.

4. How does your mommy make you laugh?
W: By tickles, but she can't tickle as fast as daddy.
O: By telling me an underpants joke.

5. What was your mommy like as a child?
W: I don't know.
O: She was like me.

6. How old is your mommy?
W: 19 (this made me laugh!!)
O: 16 (laughing even more)

7. How tall is your mommy?
W: this tall(raising up his arms as high as he can)
O: I don't know.

8. What is her favorite thing to do?
W: Hug and kiss us.
O: Be with me.

9. What does your mommy do when you're not around?
W: Clean up the house.
O: Do some cleaning, like house blessing.

10. If your mommy becomes famous, what will it be for?
W: Tickling.
O: For cooking. (I like her idea!)

11. What is your mommy really good at?
W: hugging and loving
O: The computer

12. What is your mommy not very good at?
W: tickling (But I thought I was going to be famous for it!)
O: flipping backwards (I have no clue where this came from!)

13. What does your mommy do for her job?
W: Doing good things for the house.
O: Cooking when Dad's sick

14. What is your mommy's favorite food?
W: quesadillas
O: Egg sandwiches....(I have been eating these for breakfast lately.)

15. What makes you proud of your mommy?
W: To just be me
O: When I help her cook.

16. If your mommy were a cartoon character, who would she be?

W: Maggie and the Ferocious Beast

O: Pinky Dinky Do o

17. What do you and your mommy do together?
W: Play Candyland
O: build with blocks

18. How are you and your mommy the same?
W: We have the same cheeks.
O: We both have brown eyes.

19. How are you and your mommy different?
W: I have blue eyes, you have brown.
O: You have black hair, I have brown hair.

20. How do you know your mommy loves you?
W: Because you are my mommy.
O: You kiss me and hug me.

21. Where is your mommy's favorite place to go?
W: Target (oh yeah!)
O: the park

idea borrowed from: Jenni at Four Feet More

Manic Monday

If I was a car, I'd be: XC70 wagon...safe and fun

If I was a drink, I'd be: a white wine-a little fruity, sometimes sweet

If I was emotion, I'd be: not going to with the safe answer of happy....so I would say optimistic. Despite being a very realistic person, I know things will always work out even if I worry about it!

No muffins today, Will is sick again. He would want to help. I can't be making everyone in the neighborhood sick!

Fleur-de-Lisa hosts the original Manic Monday here

just another weekend

waiting for weather to wear me some of these! I went to Old Navy this weekend....swimsuits, flipflops....now if the weather will just cooperate.



Other than that....I am totally loving this song. I can listen to it over and over. I normally don't like the techno sound. But I do like Lady Gaga.

Friday Fill In

1. I'm short, I'm organized, I have stepstools to reach tall places in most rooms.



2. Why do I have rain and not bright shining days.

3. How does this my phone work, anyway? **I just realized a button on the side was the reason my phone volume wasn't working! LOL It mutes it!***OOPS

4. Every morning, I put deodorant on my pits.

5. I consider myself lucky because I'm relatively happy, I have a great family, I have a home that I love.

6. One day we’ll see sunshine on our faces again.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to veggie pizza with the family, tomorrow my plans include leaving the house without the kids!! and Sunday, I want to sleep in, baby!!


Friday fill in courtesy of the talented Janet...