Knock Down, Drag Out

I just had the biggest knock down, drag out with the other lady of the house. WOW. I didn't know she could get that worked up or was that strong for that matter.
For 45 minutes, I'd been asking her to pick up her room. She'd spent the afternoon up there playing and had nearly every toy out. You couldn't walk in there! So, I had to continue to ask, beg, and plead for her to pick things up. Finally, after 45 minutes and nearly nothing was picked up, I told her she needed to get her PJs on.
I've threatened for some time now that if she didn't pick up her things, I'd bag them up and throw them in the garbage. I think she saw it in my eyes. I started picking things up and taking them out to the hallway. She started screaming and hanging on to her things for DEAR LIFE! There was screaming and yelling (so lady like I know!) and I even got "I'm going to tell Daddy!" Does she really think he'll side with her?
Now, I'm not going to throw her things in the garbage, but I'm going to make her EARN them back.

I still can't believe that the girl I just saw could come out of MY girl. Oh, a picture of things to come....

Fruits of our Labor

Our garden is growing nicely. Yesterday, we were able to see and eat the first fruits! Yummy!

Arrested?

Today I got a fun email asking if I were seen in the back of a police car, what would my friends think I was being arrested for. After polling email friends and facebook, these were the answers. Kinda Fun!

1. Stealing an apple.
2. Letting your boy run naked in the front yard.
3. Causing damage to a PC or a PC user.
4. Speaking out against the ruling regime.
5. Breaking up the protesters against prop 8.
6. Hacking Software.
7. Road rage from yelling at LA drivers "You're all the same"
8. Public exposure except for the Napa Valley mud covering you in all the right places.
9. Too many crumbs and sippy cups on the floor of your car.
10. You weren't being arrested, you were on a ride along with your hubby. Even in cuffs, I couldn't begin to fathom what you were arrested for.
11. Sneaking a peek at a PC or maybe burning one.
12. You were cuddling with your husband.
13. Shoplifting.
14. I would assume it was a mistake...you aren't the type!
15. Stealing---because if you're hungry, you just eat!

NeNe is married

Jennifer, better known as NeNe around here, got married tonight. Jennifer has been our babysitter/nanny on and off for the last 6 years. Gabby was about 6 months old when Jennifer went with us to The River for the first time. Jen has been a staple in our household and most certainly the kids' second mom.
Tonight, we said good-bye to Jennifer Young and hello to Jennifer Lillywhite. We wish she and Justin all the best as they start their new life together.
Yes, tonight you became Mrs. Lillywhite but to Gabby, Zack and Josh, you'll always be NeNe. WE LOVE YOU!

Denial?

This week is Police Officers Memorial Week in Washington DC. Tonight I watched the Candlelight Vigil that was streamed live over the internet. Dave has always told me how moving and emotional the evening is (as he has attended this memorial week for the last few years) and I've always believed him. But tonight, I really saw it. As I sat in my living room, watching the wreaths be placed, hearing the beautiful songs sung and hearing the words of those in government and law enforcement praise those officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty, I was struck again.
Most days, I must live in denial. My husband puts on the uniform and badge, motorcycle boots and helmet and goes to work everyday. I know in some part of my being that there is a chance that he might not come home. But for the most part, I'm planning on his return, somewhere around 7pm. I've planned dinner and the kids are ready to see their Daddy. Do I really believe he won't be home? Ever?
The families who attended this vigil probably didn't think their loved one wouldn't come home either. But, they found themselves in this crazy situation and they were sitting on the lawn by the memorial walls watching this whole thing unfold before them.
I am again struck with how lucky we have been. There have been close calls and many late nights but he's always come home. He's always been there. He hasn't missed a birthday, an anniversary, or a family vacation. These families don't have that luxury.
I don't want to live in denial. I don't want to ever think that our family is immune to tragedy. I don't want to miss an opportunity to say what I feel because I think I'll be able to say it later. I just might not.
I want to live in the moment, always sure that my husband knows I love him, that I'm proud of him, that his kids love and adore him. I want him to know that I appreciate him in every sense. He takes such good care of us. Works so hard so I can stay home with our 3 munchkins. He is an awesome husband and father.
Denial isn't something I want to live in. I might not have time for it.

Mother of the Year

I was nominated for Mother of the Year!

The Antidote

While watching Gabby and Zack play some sort of bad guys/good guys, I hear Zack say:

"I found the antidote"

Then I hear Gabby say:

"I"m going to spray her with this and then she'll be dead until you kiss her"

So, what's the antidote? The kiss?

Then after that I hear Zack say::

(while spraying his squirt gun) "This is a forcefield"

This must be some sort of cross between, princess movies, Star Wars, and Bolt.

Boys and Mud Pies

The boys were outside playing. Watering the plants turned into mud pies which turned into this: