Found, Changed and Rearranged

Mycophobia

I may be developing an irrational fear of mushrooms or perhaps it's the fear that my 1 year old will think it looks like something good to eat. On second thought, he's a picky eater, so it's not that likely. At any rate, they seem to be propagating like rabbits in our yard, so I uprooted about fifty of them yesterday. Today, I give you, the Mushroom Graveyard.

Within 24 hours these two sprouted right up like magic.

I know plants can grow rapidly, but this is just a wee bit freaky.

Mailbox update

Way back in Febraury, I wrote about our mailbox being blown into oblivion by a snowplow. About a week later we found the box along the street. Unable to attached it back to the post as it once was and needing to receive mail, we jerry-rigged the box back on with rope. Classy!

About a week ago, who showed up at our door? The Muskegon County Road Commision. Apparently it takes two months to send someone out to investigate.

The man was very nice and noted that they had lots of problems this winter. He asked if we would like to be reimbursed the standard cost of a mailbox (which would not cover the full replacement cost of ours) or if I would like them to try and fix it. In spite of my certainty that asking him to have it fixed would plunge this work order into some governmental blackhole, I relutantly I asked him to try.

They proved me wrong folks. This week, without fanfare or notice, the mailbox was fixed and it looks brand spankin' new! Good work fellas!

Back from the Beach!

The temps are above normal for MI, so I took the kids to Hoffmaster. We went to the Gillette Visitor Center (a nature museum) and hiked the trail out to the beach. If they can have this much fun when it's cold, I can't wait for the fun we'll have this summer!

Catching up

Within the past 24 hours:

• Our mailbox was blown into oblivion by snowplows (for the 3rd time in a week). I should have call the Muskegon County Road Commission  after the first time, but I was lazy. This time, I couldn't hold my disgust. In response to my concern, they took my name, address and phone number and told me they would send someone out to investigate. Investigate what? The mailbox is gone. You need to send someone out to confirm that? And then what happens? Good question. It's all a mystery, but you can believe I've got them on speed dial. I'm not letting this die without a fight.
• The pipe out to the septic tank clogged forcing all the water back into the house. Lovely!

Within in the past 24 days:

• We've been to Disney for a week. The trip was exhausting, but totally fun. Our oldest cried about leaving for a couple days before we left for home and for a couple days after we returned. Breaks my heart, but at least I know he loved it. And as a parent, ah - that makes me happy.
• I purchased a Jawbone. Love it!
• Started making plans to attend these two conferences: Pop Goes The Church and Whiteboard. I'm especially excited for Whiteboard because Scott will come with and we'll take a mini-break to visit DC for the first time. Dare I be so selfish as to hope that the cherry blossoms will bloom late this year?
• Shared my story publicly here.

Let it snow!

This afternoon, perfect snowman snow fell, so after dinner we headed out to make a snowman. It was Emmett's first big jaunt in the snow.

I hate being cold, but LOVE being out in the snow. Not sure why we don't do it more. Perhaps it's because the thought of dressing myself plus three children five and under exhausts me. (O.K. - Louis can do it himself, but still...)

We're hoping to take Louis and Teddy skiing this year. Prior to having Louis, we took a big ski vacation every year. The last trip we took was in 2001 to Whistler Blackcomb. I look forward to getting back on the slopes again soon - even if it is a bump off a hill in West Michigan.

Funny kids quotes

Funny things my kids have said recently...

"When I was young and got my first webkinz, I was a great gem hunter."

After receiving a birthday present he didn't like:
"Thank you for the present. I don't like it."

A conversation between Louis(5) and his new friend, Abigal(4):
Abigal: I'm going to sit next to Louis because he's my friend.
Louis: Okay.
Abigal: (flips her long strawberry blonde hair to the back with one hand) Louis, do you like the color of my hair?
Louis: Yes. Do you like the color of mine?
Abigal: Yes.

Gentleness

A funny follow-up story to this post happened a few days ago. Scott was asking Louis which of these gifts he could use help with. He immediately said self-control. It's true, at least at home. When he sees something, he wants it/grabs it/consumes it - especially if it's in Teddy's hand.

Then Scott asked which one he was good at, to which Louis responded, "Gentleness." This surprised Scott (Louis is not exactly gentle with his brothers), so he asked Louis what he meant. "I’m gentle with the ladies…. when I hold the door for them." He's five. Watch out girls!

Apple Picking

We went apple picking on Saturday. It took all of 10 minutes to pick apples. Had we picked any longer, we'd end up with more apples than we'd know what to do with. The kids enjoyed the corn maze, hay ride, and donuts with cider. They did not care to see the "smelly animals" up close.

 

Clifford

My oldest is in Kindergarden and is just developing his reading and spelling skills. Last week he brought home a picture of Clifford The Big Red Dog. He was so proud of how he sounded out and spelled Clifford's name. So cute!

I distinctly remember spelling "of" as "uv" in 2nd grade, so this is pretty good for my offspring.

Backpacks

On Louis' first day of Kindergarten, his new backpack had not yet arrived in the mail, so he was forced to take his preschool backpack. He complained almost every moment of our ride to/from school. 

After assuring him a bagillion times that his new backpack would be deliverd that day, there was finally silence. And then "Mom? ...I think I'll see if Teddy would like my old backpack."

I love it when he loves his brother like this.  He can be so thoughtful. So when we got home, he ran into the house and gave his backpack to Teddy.  And even though Teddy already had a backpack, he accepted the gift with a huge smile, "Thanks Louith!"

I want to sear this moment of kindness, brotherly love and joy in my memory.