Peacock Family

First Pinewood Derby

2012-01-27T22:17:00.000-05:00

I'm being held prisoner, against my will. I am not allowed to go to bed until I tell the whole world the most important news of the day. It should be front page headlines according to an eight year old boy and his Dad.

The lineup of cool cars

Andrew's orange race car.

Andrew participated in his first Pinewood Derby tonight. I was very nervous and hoped he wouldn't come in 18th place out of 18 cars. After all, I've heard these are very competitive "my Dad is bigger than your Dad" contests, and I sure didn't want Andrew to be a Dud on his first time out! After he handily won the first couple heats he ran, I sat back and was pleased. (And secretly wished it would be over soon because apparently, Pinewood Derbies last FOREVER!)

Heat after heat, he kept winning (and his head kept growing larger and larger), until finally, he was left undefeated and won 1st place in his first ever Pinewood Derby! Yeah Andrew! (and Dad-- since he did most of the work!)

Top three finishers-- go Andrew!

Sadly, we have nowhere to go but downhill from here, so next year is sure to be a disappointment!

Colonel Mustard's Birthday

2012-01-26T09:31:00.000-05:00

I failed to post last week about Colonel Mustard's Birthday. It was on the 16th. Since Colonel Mustard isn't too fond of me posting about him (it's my blog--I'll do what I want!) I will keep it short and sweet.

You've had a Birthday shout Hoooray!
You turned 25 years old today!
Still not a gray hair on your head!
And you still have a hot chick that sleeps in your bed!

He was quite uncooperative for picture taking--and he didn't get anything too exciting for his birthday either. His wish list was short--- and very expensive--- and his wife is already knocked up and roughly the size of a baby whale, so that kind of put a damper on fun Birthday surprises. (what? Don't act shocked! We have five kids for heaven's sake!) Better luck next year babe! Love you--and Happy belated Birthday!

Deep Thoughts...

2012-01-24T08:14:00.000-05:00

Spray paint smells really good--makes one want to inhale. Opening the fridge smells really bad--makes one want to run to the bathroom and vomit. Only the logic of a sick pregnant woman could explain this phenomenon. Mmmmmm....where's some more spray paint?

Dear Abby

2012-01-18T18:12:00.001-05:00

Dear Abby,
Andrew, my oldest child, has always been a very inquisitive child and I've always handled his questions by answering them very scientifically--I don't give a sugar coated little kid version. I explain it until I can see I'm totally over his head, or we Google the topic for more information.

Being pregnant, with an 8 year old in the house, has led to many questions and discussions which have gotten pretty in depth--that's okay, I'd rather he ask me than some stupid kid at school that will give him some dirty completely inaccurate reply.

So....tonight, the kids wanted breakfast for dinner--eggs and toast for the boys. Ethan, my six year old, asks if there is a yolk in bird eggs, which undoubtedly leads to a discussion about bird eggs vs. human eggs, how the baby bird grows vs. how the babies in my tummy grow, etc.................and then comes the point blank question every parent dreads almost as much as handing over the car keys.

"Mom, how did Dad fertilize the eggs?"

Alrighty then....I pretended not to be shocked (and really I shouldn't have been--he's been asking around it for months). For a moment, I mourned what will be the loss of his childhood innocence, and then I mourned the loss of Colonel Mustard's inside joke about getting a spanking when he's bad.....and then I told Andrew His Dad and I would be happy to have that discussion with him at a later time, but now, at dinner with his little brother and sister present, was not the time.

Ethan replied, "I want to know! I promise I won't make fun of the names of the body parts!"

Been there parents--- PLEASE help me. Is he too young to be completely honest with? How much do I explain? He seems so young, will he be scared for life?

Sincerely,
Knocked up Mom

Ethan Writes...

2012-01-14T09:30:00.000-05:00

This is what Ethan brought home from primary last Sunday. He handed his paper to Colonel Mustard and asked him to tape something back on, which Colonel Mustard did without noticing the creative caption at the bottom--a member of the bishopric noticed it first and pointed out Ethan's good "penmanship." We are so proud!

I guess we should at least give him points for spelling it right???

They have names!

2012-01-13T19:28:00.000-05:00

I informed Colonel Mustard that if he didn't come up with something for the girls I was naming them Snowball and Buttercup- yes I know, they sound like names for Pomeranians, but I'm over it. Colonel Mustard came home and informed me he has picked the names they will be.....drumroll........

Princess and Barbie!

I can't wait!

Ava says....

2012-01-08T06:54:00.000-05:00

"Mom, there's a tomato!"

"There's a what?"

"There's a tomato!"

"A tomato?"

"Outside! There's a tomato!"

"Oh, you mean a tornado?!"

"Yeah, a tomato!"

"Oh, it's not a tornado, it's just a thunderstorm."

"Well, its freaking me out!"

"Well if it's still there when we go to sleep you can come"nuggle" in my bed!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T00:20:00.000-05:00

It's 2012! Yeah! To celebrate, my boys just filled up a huge water bottle and promptly let it fall all over the kitchen floor. Let's hope it's not a sign of things to come in the new year!...and the rude 20 year old cashier at Publix asked if I was about ready to pop tonight...I still want to maim him for suggesting such a thing---I know I'm fat, but I really didn't think I was that big yet!

I have to go to bed now, church starts at 9am tomorrow (sick and wrong) and the new year brings big changes there. Andrew goes to Senior primary tomorrow, and Ava goes to Sunbeams--all my kids will be in primary tomorrow--my goodness we are OLD!

Here's hoping 2012 is a wonderful year!

Christmas Morning

2011-12-27T22:06:00.001-05:00

We tried to get a picture of the whole family after church on Christmas morning.

Not bad for a "set the cheap camera and run back to your spot" picture!

And I really hate pregnant pictures of myself (I think I have two pictures between 3 pregnancies), but since I had the nice Christmas tree as a backdrop, I told Colonel Mustard to take a picture-- quick before I changed my mind. Someday I might want to remember how huge I was...and I probably won't want to remember the panic attacks I keep having because they are growing so fast I am certain sometimes I'm going to suffocate from lack of air!

6 Months (roughly)

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T22:21:00.001-05:00

As usual, it is impossible to get a good picture of these three together--I must have taken 50 and this is the best it got!

...and now they are nestled all snug in their beds...squawking and talking like three bobble heads!

We tried to threaten that Santa would bring coal if they didn't behave better. Ethan said, "That's okay. If he brings me coal I'll paint a face and some polka dots on it and have a pet rock to be my friend!"

Can't argue with that.

My Christmas letter this year will be short. Our fridge went out a few hours ago, and as usual, I feel like throwing up, so I'm saving what energy I have left for Santa!

We have had a good year-- we're all still here and mostly healthy, so what can really be bad? It's hard to believe this will be our last Christmas as a family of five-- I figured we'd be spending many, many Christmases as a family of five. It's also hard to believe that next year, the girls will outnumber the boys. I always believed our family would have more boys and I will admit, I'm a little sad it won't-- I really love me some boys!

I'd like to say I'm excited for 2012, but we have many different challenges ahead this next year, and sometimes the thought becomes a little too daunting, so I'll hang onto 2011 for the last few days I can.

In the last few weeks, I've thought a lot about Mary. I often feel overwhelmed at the task I've been given. I feel very weak in spirit from the constant sickness and discomfort and sometimes wonder how I'll survive to the end of this pregnancy. I have been comforted when I think of Mary and the burden, much greater than mine, she must have carried. Can you imagine, knowing for nine months that the child you carried would be the Savior of the World? What an amazing woman she must have been.

We hope you and yours have a very Merry Christmas and can feel of the spirit of that precious baby born so many years ago.

Love,
The Peacocks

Resolution

2011-12-23T09:15:00.000-05:00

I know it's not January yet, and I hate New Year's resolutions anyway, but I needed to record for myself that I really made one and kept it! Actually I wouldn't really even call it a resolution, but rather a goal I made for myself at the beginning of the year.

Last January, I made a goal to read the entire standard works in one year, and I'm very proud to say that yesterday I finished! I feel a little guilty admitting it was only my second time that I've read the Bible in it's entirety, but now at least I can say I've read it through twice. I thought I'd record for myself Ten things I learned.

1) It is nearly impossible to feel the spirit of the scriptures if your kids are in the room. You will get a lot more out of it if they are asleep when you read (or otherwise engaged in an activity in another part of the house).

2) The Old Testament is still as boring (for the most part) as I remember it. However, there is some very solid history of the foundation of the world and it really helps you to understand why so many in the world are as screwed up as they are!

3) If you can get past (and stay awake) the middle of the Old Testament, the end offers some of the most beautiful poetry ever written. (and it is very well appreciated at that point)

4) The New Testament, while obviously boasting the most important history of Christ's life, is surprisingly dry after John, and didn't capture me as well as I had hoped.

5) Revelation and Isaiah still make no sense to me (guess that means I need to keep reading)

6) The Doctrine and Covenants is a unique historical record. While not as eloquently written as some, there is a lot of important doctrine to be had.

7) It took me until the very end of the Doctrine and Covenants to feel the spirit of the book and the witness I had been seeking since the first section.

8) The Book of Mormon-- I saved the best for last. Wow--is all I can say! If you thought you appreciated the Book of Mormon, try taking many months of reading other scripture and then coming back to the Book of Mormon. I was so excited to finally get back to it. The spirit is overwhelming when you simply open the book. There is no other book like it.

10) I could pick out a few chapters in 2 Nephi, Alma, 3rd Nephi and Ether and give a more pure and concise explanation of the gospel than all other scripture combined. Amazing book--and by far the most captivating story as well.

10) I really want to do this again next year and see what I learn that is different. (Though I must admit I am a little sad thinking about 9 months before I get back to the Book of Mormon)

If anyone is looking for a worthwhile New Year's goal this next year, I can promise you will not be sorry for trying this one. ( and remember, these are just my opinions--try it yourself and let me know what you learn.)

The Name Game

2011-12-20T20:39:00.000-05:00

The worst part about having a new baby boy?-- finding a name everyone can agree on and a nice middle name to match.

The worst part about having a baby girl?-- finding a name, any name... that Colonel Mustard can agree on (forget if anyone else likes it or not).

So you can imagine the dilemma at our house of coming up with TWO girl names and TWO middle names to go with them.

We've really tried to solve this problem--unfortunately nothing thus far has stuck.

The kids and I made a list of about 25 names that at least two of us liked. We gave the list to Colonel Mustard and instructed him to circle any names he would Remotely consider--------he crossed off every name on the list.

Then we talked about keeping to our "southern roots" and naming them Bobbie Jo and Billie Jean.

The kids like Fiona, so we decided on Fiona and Fantasia.

Out of desperation, we came up with Philomena and Wilomena.

These are all nice ideas, but we thought maybe we could be more creative.

Since all our babies have looked the same, Colonel Mustard and I are a bit concerned if we will be able to tell two newborn girls apart. I told him to be sure they took a Sharpie and wrote "A" and "B" on their feet when they came out until we could find a better way to identify them--- but then again, why bother. We can just put "Baby A" and "Baby B" on their birth certificates and be done with it.

Tonight, Colonel Mustard suggested that we get a big box of crayons and each randomly reach in and pull out a crayon. Okay, baby A will be "Magenta", and oh look...baby B gets to be "Light Blue"!

Colonel Mustard's favorite idea however, comes from Ebay where a couple sold the right to name their baby girl for $15,000. Never mind they had to name her "Virgin Mary"-- they got a hefty sum for doing so! Imagine what we could get for the rights to name our twins! (tempting)

So if anyone has any suggestions--we're open to them. Remember however, not to be offended. Colonel Mustard will probably hate your idea too--unless you're paying him to use it!

Whine Session

2011-12-10T09:44:00.000-05:00

You ever have one of those days when you just feel picked on and nothing is going to help you feel better but to whine? Yeah, I have a lot of those days. Today--is one of those days.
I feel like total crap--again nothing new for me, but I judge the quality of the day on how long I can go before giving in to the meds. Today, I made it out of bed and straight to the pill bottle--a pretty good sign that today is going to suck.
Now it's Saturday and normally I would just say junk it, but I had plans today. Colonel Mustard had to work today and I NEED to bake today. I keep putting it off because it's just no fun right now, but next week is the last week of school before Christmas. Yes, I know what you're thinking-" go to the store already and buy some cookies--no one will think any less of you at this point." That would be great and all, but Ava has a school party next week. They are making Christmas cookies AND Gingerbread houses. (thanks to whomever thought we really had to do both). Ava can't eat anything at the store. Even the allergy friendly cookies are off the table for her--so I'm stuck. And I can't find any recipes that don't require major modifications. And I'm not creative AT ALL today.

So.... I sat down and cried (cause that's what pregnant ladies do). And then I decided I would whine a little so everyone knew how picked on I felt today. ( Funny-- I don't feel any better after whining) Now I'm going to go find that pill bottle again and put on some big girl panties--cause Ava WILL get to celebrate just like everyone else even if I have to alternate cookie cutting and vomiting!

Here's hoping you have a funner day than me!

Family Pictures

2011-12-07T10:30:00.000-05:00

We had family pictures done a few weeks ago and I was just changing out the old for the new. I couldn't help but notice how much difference a year makes-- our kids are getting so old! Andrew reminded me yesterday that he is only about a foot shorter than me. Thanks kid-- I was already feeling the pinch when I went to go buy him new shoes and we wear the SAME size. That's right-- I bought my 8 year old the same size tennis shoes as I wear! My final height prediction for that kid is 6'1"- 6'2" and I predict he will be battling to overtake my height by 12 or 13 (let's see how close I get) Fortunately for me, the other two have never been able to quite maintain Andrew's hyper-growth, so maybe it will take them a little longer to pass me up!

thanks to our great photographer, Dixie Taylor Photography!

A little story from my Garden

2011-12-01T19:48:00.002-05:00

I know it seems a little off to show produce from my garden in December, but I have to start the story from the beginning.

These are just a couple of samples from my garden this summer. Not that strange. I have had several "twin" vegetables in my garden before, but this year was a little different. This year I had a LOT of twin vegetables in my garden--noteworthy enough that I snapped a couple of pictures because I thought it was so funny that it kept happening (too much fertilizer?!?)

Little did I know in July, when I took these pictures that less than two months later, my garden anomaly would become a very poignant memory to me.

Colonel Mustard and I have made it quite loud and clear that Ava was our last child. After that awful pregnancy, I was certainly done and Colonel Mustard could not wrap his mind around any more kids given the never ending doctor and hospital bills she has brought to our plate. I prayed for a year and a half to make sure we were making the right decision, and when I didn't receive an answer, I assumed that meant we were done. Not 100% sure, but confident enough that Colonel Mustard and I decided to make a trip to Goodwill with all our baby stuff-- yep everything--except Ava's baby clothes (it hadn't been long enough and I was overly emotional giving away the boys' stuff).

The day before my baby's (Ava) 3rd Birthday, I had a very rough day. I went to church feeling not well and my heart seemed to be pounding out of my chest. On top of that, I had several "I'm going to throw up" moments the few days before--and to top it off, I knew some one expected-- had not arrived yet. That evening I stopped the denial and headed out to get the test to convince myself of what I already knew. I wish I could say I was happy, but few things are more terrifying to me than a positive pregnancy test.

I became the sickest I've ever been it the following 3 weeks--and an ER doctor insisted that medication wasn't enough, my HCG levels were "sky high" and I needed to be seen by my doctor right away. At 7 weeks I saw my doctor and informed him that this child must not be human because I was pretty sure I couldn't get sicker than I was with Ava--and yet I was. Less than two minutes later he confirmed what has always been one of my worst fears--I was not carrying a human--I was carrying two. It was a very surreal moment lying on the table shaking and crying-- I shall never forget the instant when he deleted "single" and typed in "twin A."

Long story short-- a lot of medication, a lot of weight loss (and huge gains), a lot of crying, a couple of Moms to pick up the pieces when I couldn't hardly get myself to the shower-- here we are, still sick 99% of the time (but thankfully functioning as long as I'm drugged), 21 weeks in and 5 ultrasounds later--we are expecting twin girls!-- Very hard for me to say out loud!

And I guess I should thank my Heavenly Father for these two little miracles (although I must admit for the last 5 months it seems like the worst practical joke ever). I'm certain in 5 years time I will never be able to imagine my life any different--and I will always laugh at the twin vegetables in my garden and remember a time when they were simply, a funny coincidence.

A beautiful day

2011-11-28T08:13:00.001-05:00

It's November the 28th-- and there is talk of snow flying in Georgia tomorrow morning. It is immaterial whether or not we see the white stuff-the mere fact that it is in the forecast for November is enough to get me all sorts of giddy! Here's hoping we see some snow and this is a sign of a good winter to come! (all you snow haters--keep it to yourself)

a Lady Gaga Thanksgiving...

2011-11-24T19:53:00.000-05:00

Apparently that's what we had at our house today.

Along with special guest Justin Bieber!

The Verdict...

2011-11-23T22:52:00.002-05:00

A: Girl

B: Girl

Deep Thoughts...

2011-11-21T17:05:00.000-05:00

Did you know that the aroma from opening a bag of rice cakes strangely resembles the smell of opening a can of tuna fish? Catalogue that in "wasted brain space."-- you're welcome.

She said she wants to be Cinderella...

2011-11-18T07:36:00.000-05:00

We're good with that!

11 Years

2011-11-17T07:41:00.004-05:00

I guess it's not a terribly noteworthy number, but still, it can't be passed by without mention. 11 years seems like a long time to be married, and yet it doesn't feel as though it's been that long.

Yes, we've put on a little weight, our hair has thinned a little (or a lot!), we've added some kids to the mix, and certainly gotten on one another's nerves more than once-- but I can honestly say, I'm just as smitten with him today as I was 11 years ago. And the nice thing about now vs. then-- he's seen me at my worst and still loved me, he's eaten my cooking for 11 years and still says thank you, and he still shares daily detailed descriptions of his bodily functions even when I've begged him not to!

This past year has definitely brought some unexpected challenges and developments and sometimes we look at one another and wonder, "How did we get here?" If I had the choice though, I don't think I'd change a thing-- if life came as planned, what fun would it be?

Since I'll be in bed long before he gets home tonight, I'd like to take the opportunity to say,-- Happy Anniversary Colonel Mustard! I love and appreciate you more than I could ever say.

Here's looking forward to our 12th anniversary-- maybe I'll be a worthwhile date next year and we can go out a celebrate!

XOXO

Weird things I do

2011-11-10T08:33:00.001-05:00

Have you ever seen people post those lists of their weird habits and little strange things they do? Every time I read one I think to myself, "Well I must be pretty boring because I have no weird habits or strange things I do. I couldn't even begin to make a list." Please don't ask Colonel Mustard--I'm sure he could come up with a very long list, but then again, he's OCD, so I'm not sure his list would count as "Weird things I do" or just "Things I do that annoy his obsessive compulsive brain."

But this morning as I am sitting here eating my second breakfast for the day, I realized this little habit of mine may appear somewhat strange. I like to eat yogurt with one of those little rubber Gerber baby spoons. Why you ask? I have no earthly idea. I think it stemmed from once being out of clean spoons and grabbing a baby spoon cause it was there. Funny thing--we have no need for Gerber baby spoons in this house anymore, but I have never gotten rid of them for this express purpose--eating yogurt. It makes me happy! I don't know if the yogurt tastes better off a rubber spoon, or if I just like to chew on the rubber spoon while I'm eating yogurt. Either way, I don't much like eating yogurt without my little rubber spoon--now that is weird.

So, I hope you enjoyed that little weird tidbit about me--go on and continue shaking your head in amazement that I would devote 10 minutes of my day to recording it--that's weird too!

Six

2011-11-09T17:43:00.002-05:00

Ethan turned six today, and I guess six comes with an attitude-- cause he's had a bad one all afternoon! Now that's not very nice of me to say on his birthday, but it also wouldn't be fair of me to lie and say he's been just peachy all day- when in reality, he is in his room pouting as we speak!
BUT, attitude or not, we still love him and are so grateful to have him in our family. He is our creative child and it has been so fun to watch this last year. He can sit and color, or draw, or create with paper, glue, scissors, and crayons for hours. When trying to figure out whose artwork we are looking at we know if it's messy-- it belongs to Andrew, and if it looks like it should belong to Andrew-- it actually belongs to Ethan. (sorry Andrew- I'm being brutally honest today!) Ethan has told us he has to practice since he's going to be an illustrator when he grows up ( or as Colonel Mustard calls it-- illustrator, Aka: permanent resident of my basement) !!
We celebrated with the usual- balloons in his bedroom this morning, followed by birthday cake and presents-- and we have resigned ourselves to a little trip to Chucky Cheese on Saturday.

His "Hippo in the Tub" birthday cake-- a blue raspberry cake, per Ethan's request. Ethan would like me to clarify that even though Mom is fired for putting a pink shower cap on the Hippo, it IS definitely a BOY hippo, not a girl.

We celebrated at Dad's office, since no one gets home before 8 or 9pm tonight.

Happy Birthday to our sweet, special Ethan. We love you and hope that six is a super fun year for you!

And we begin a second time

2011-11-04T07:39:00.001-04:00

Okay, all of you that have said, "don't worry, it's so much easier when the second kid does it- it gets easier." You are all LIARS! Liars I tell you. While it is fun and exciting to watch each kid reach different milestones, I don't think it's any easier watching number 2, 3, 4, or however many you have, grow up.

Five days shy of his six birthday, Ethan lost (well, Dad pulled out) his first tooth this morning. Another toothless grin running around this house-- and another ill placed permanent tooth that screams "I need braces!"

And though I am not a fan of toothless grins, just like the first, he's-- Oh so cute to his Mommy.

Let's hope the tooth fairy remembers her job tonight!

Halloween

2011-11-01T13:46:00.001-04:00

I love Halloween--probably not so much the actual holiday itself, but the fact that it is the beginning of the holiday season--which I really love!

The kids love it too-- and we have a great neighborhood to trick-or treat in that makes it even more fun.

Here are the kids all dressed up as pirates. Their costumes weren't that great this year-- I just didn't feel up to making anything or getting all crazy, so we settled a little.

We went trick or treating for 2 1/2 hours last night and I think we are all very tired today, but it was fun even if it did get very exhausting at the end.

Ava at her class party. (Notice her "special" lunch table-- poor kid-- but it doesn't stop her from enjoying her lunch!)

Ethan at his class party.

I have no picture of Andrew at his class party-- cause 3rd grade sucks and they didn't have a party! I thought about getting a picture of him picking his nose here, but I don't think he would like me much if I did that!

Monster Cupcakes-- for Ethan's class party- I was so proud to be able to make cupcakes--the first real thing I've baked in months.

And of course Ava had to have some too!

Yeah for Halloween-- and I'm as giddy as I can be right now that's it's November 1st-- many reasons to be excited for November!

Who Does That??

2011-10-27T08:49:00.001-04:00

Yesterday, I bought some turkey lunchmeat at Costco. (I know, you can't believe I'm writing about lunchmeat. I really am going somewhere with this.) It was a more expensive brand of "all natural" "lower sodium" "gourmet" turkey. So I bought it, brought it home, and made Ava a turkey sandwich for dinner-- cause she loves her a good turkey sandwich!

So the kids are finishing up with dinner and Ava starts to cry, "Mommy, my mouth hurts!" I was not surprised by this as I have had a sore throat for a week, and Andrew and Ethan have been complaining of it off and on-- I figure we're doing our usual battle with trying to fight off sickness before it takes over. I brush it off and tell her that I'll get her a drink and it will feel better, but she keeps crying and seems genuinely irritated. I get her a drink and notice she is grabbing her lips- which she always does when they are swelling. I move her hands and sure enough--both lips are swelling. I begin looking around at what she could have touched or gotten into and didn't find anything.

Frustrated, knowing the only thing she had eaten so far was a turkey sandwich, I reach in the fridge for the turkey to read the ingredient list--and there it was....Powdered milk ....in TURKEY??? Who does that? Have you ever seen powdered milk in turkey? Yes, I realize it is my fault for not reading the label, but do you know how many labels for meat I have read and have NEVER seen any ingredient like that before? Why would you put powdered milk in turkey and then call it "all natural?" Since when is milk a natural ingredient in turkey?

Long story short, I picked her up a comforted her for a couple minutes and prayed it would jut disappear. Unfortunately, it did not-- a minute later, the inside of her mouth was completely swollen and she was wheezing so we had to get out the trusty epi-pen and break my nearly 1 1/2 year streak of not using one. (it expires in November and I was really looking forward to replacing one because it had expired instead of having to be used.)

So a big shout out to Dietz and Watson for your terribly overpriced "gourmet" turkey breast. I really enjoyed paying $100 for the 1 piece I used! (And Ava sincerely thanks you for being held down like an unruly prisoner by her big brother while her mother stabbed her-great fun!)

What about my needs?....

2011-10-18T08:11:00.001-04:00

I saw this picture on Pinterest this morning and I had to stop and think for a minute. My reaction to this was twofold--

1) How true

2) How sad

Is this how most mothers really feel about their role? And I realized, sadly--it is.

The scene of the nightly dinner table came into my head.

I make the dinner, put it on the table, dish up kids' plates, cut up food, get out the condiments they are begging for, realize I forgot something to drink, go to the fridge to find there is nothing there and no one wants to settle for water...so I run to the storage room to get some juice, come back upstairs, get out glasses and fill them up for everyone, replenish condiments that have already been used up in the first two bites, get a new fork for the kid who dropped theirs on the floor, grab some napkins to put a stop the the "shirt napkin", grab my plate and begin to dish up my own dinner, only to have someone's juice spill all over my plate and the rest of the table, clean up the mess the best I can- leaving the major cleaning for after dinner, pour some more juice for the distraught child....FINALLY-- dish up my own dinner and sit down---and and that moment my husband stands up, picks up his dishes, delcares, "Thanks for dinner Honey"-- and puts his plate in the sink...And I eat dinner by myself with some dirty dishes--as kids scramble off to play.

(Insert Quote Here)

Then I realize in my self pity, I have missed the point entirely. I signed up for this. I got married young, had kids young, and agreed to take on the sacred responsibilities of wife and mother. And here I am, belittling the opportunity I have been given Then.... I realize, it's all a matter of perspective.

Take the same dinner scene--with a new perspective.

I had the opportunity to be home to make dinner for my family--because my husband works hard to make it a priority for me to be there. I have three beautiful children who depend on me to take care of them, and they know I will always be there no matter how trivial the request. I dish up food, and clean up messes, and put off my own selfish desires to serve the people I love. I receive gratitude for my efforts and then I am left to enjoy my dinner in relative peace and quiet.

It IS all a matter of perspective....and while I'm certain I will still have way too many moments of selfish "what about my needs?" moments, I think I'll pin this picture to help remind me of what I should be thinking instead.

The last two months... in a few words and pics

2011-10-13T16:44:00.000-04:00

Many of these occasions deserved their own posts with some fluffy emotional words from their mother, but since I've been MIA for the last two months and don't yet have the energy to spout inspirational monologues, a pictorial overview will have to do.

Ethan's third day of Kindergarten.

Yes, this is a bite mark from a 5 year old's mouth that was a minimum of 3 hours old when I saw it. The day before, he was sent home on the school bus when he was suppose to be a car rider--rough start to the year and a couple heated discussions with the principle.

Ava's first taco!

Yes, I know, it's not really note worthy when a 3 year old eats a taco, but this is Ava--it was exciting for us! (thank you whoever invented rice taco shells--they rock!)

Andrew turns 8.....and gets the worst birthday cake known to man (a carrot, carrot cake made with jelly beans at his request--I struggled and just couldn't finish putting all those jelly beans on the cake) and some takeout chinese. Poor kid--we tried to make it up to him a couple weeks later.

Andrew gets baptized.

Andrew and Dad (don't look too excited guys!)

Grandma and Grandpa Peacock came and saved Colonel Mustard and I from having to give the talks! And I guess I'm proud to announce that I didn't cry at the actual baptism. I had been so emotionally traumatized the week prior that I was pretty well spent by Saturday.

The After Party!

It was 96 degrees that day and the kids absolutely loved this jumpy house/waterslide. Worth every penny (especially after he gracefully endured a less than stellar Birthday) My mother in law got this great shot of the kids before the crowd showed up.

Ethan's field trip to Jaemor Farms.

Aren't five year old's so cute??!!

And sad day, he's about to lose a tooth--I don't think it's going to hold on until his Birthday :-(

Andrew started cub scouts!

In case you didn't know- I'm not a big fan of scouts--one more thing to do and keep track of. But after going to the first pack meeting, I could see all this silliness is perfect for an 8 year old boy and I'll shut my mouth and endure!

Ava's first day of Preschool

She started late cause she was on the waiting list, but she is absolutely loving it. She goes 2 days a week and gets so excited when she gets to go!

Ava after her first day of Preschool (go figure!)

I'll try to do a little better job of keeping up from now on--and since I did 2 loads of laundry, put away the dishes and cleaned 3 bathrooms today (yeah me!), I'm pretty confident I can write at least once in a while!

Need to catch up

2011-10-07T18:38:00.002-04:00

Tonight I did my own dishes-- for the first time in at least 5 weeks. While I would never claim to love doing dishes, it felt like a wonderful milestone to do them myself instead of hearing the clank of dishes from the couch. Thank you drugs! (and my wonderful Mother and Mother-in-law who have done them for so long)

Sorry for the lack of updates-- hopefully soon I will download a couple pictures and at least cover Andrew's big day.

Deep Thoughts...

2011-08-30T11:16:00.000-04:00

Know that your greatest blessing may be someone else's trial-- and that your trail may be a great blessing to someone else.

Sunday Conversation

2011-08-21T16:05:00.001-04:00

It's almost four o'clock on a Sunday afternoon at our house. I'll let you in on our little conversation.

Ava: (from the bathroom) Mommy, I need help.

Mom: Ummm. that's Daddy's department. I spent the last 8 years wiping butts--it's your turn for the next 8 years.

Dad: (rolls his eyes--helps Ava-back in the kitchen a minute later) Honey, you should see that thing it's huge--like this long (motioning with hands)

Mom: Do you want me to throw up?

Dad: I'm serious, you should......

Mom: You really want me to throw up don't you? I really don't want to hear the details.

Ethan: (from the bathroom) Andrew, you gotta see this.

Andrew: (runs to the bathroom) Oh man, that's huge...and it's multicolored.....

Mom: Oh my gosh, someone just flush it down.

Andrew: I'm not doing it.

Dad: Ethan, I'll give you five beans if you flush it.

Ethan: Okay. (toilet flushing)

Ava:(running to the kitchen) Mommy the toilet water is full.

Mom: Byron go fix the toilet, it didn't go down.

Dad: ( in bathroom with the plunger) Ethan, you lose six beans for clogging the toilet.

Ethan: (in protest) I didn't do it. Ava did. That's not fair.

Dad: Alright I guess it's not your fault. (finishes plunging the toilet)

Ethan: Can I still have my beans even thought the toilet is clogged?

And you clicked on this post believing you were going to hear some spiritual conversation about what our kids learned in primary. You should have known better. Our family has much more...hmmm.. hmmmm...pressing matters to talk about!

Invitation

2011-08-13T16:58:00.001-04:00

You're invited.

Please join us for the

Baptism of:

Andrew Byron Peacock

Saturday, September 3, 2011 10:00am

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

Winder, GA

A Barbeque and Party will follow at 12:00pm at the Peacock home.

Please RSVP by Thursday September 1st.

Three

2011-08-08T20:53:00.000-04:00

Our little Ava is three today. Man, they grow up fast don't they? I hate to think that in two short years, she will be in Kindergarten. She has had a wonderful year this past year. She has grown well and been quite healthy and for that we are most grateful. She has spent the summer covered in bumps and bruises as she tries to keep up with her brothers, but I guess that is what little sisters do!

We celebrated the big day with Hello Kitty cake.

And Girly barbie stuff...

And pillow pets...

and a bike she's not big enough to ride, but has been begging for all summer!

Happy Birthday to our little Princess Ava! We love you are are so grateful to have you in our family.

Deep Thoughts...

2011-08-08T06:32:00.000-04:00

"God has a great sense of humor....and I'm the butt of all his jokes!"

First Day

2011-08-04T09:10:00.001-04:00

And they're off--to another first day of school. And I'm proud to report that no actual tears fell from my eyes this morning. (I kept them all within the confines of my eyelids) Ava however realized what was happening after we dropped both boys off and left their classrooms. She began to whine that she didn't want to go home and was crying by the time we reached the car. It's tough to be the youngest.

Andrew on his first day of Third Grade.

(this picture just about kills me- he looks so studious...and old!)

Ethan on his first day of Kindergarten.

(Ethan was more than happy to leave me behind as usual. He told me this morning he was excited to see his teacher Miss Cook!)

The boys with their sad little sister.

Now our house is sad and lonely and Ava is eagerly awaiting the end of the school day....and I'm eagerly awaiting Christmas vacation already!

The Pep Talk

2011-08-02T20:14:00.001-04:00

My "self-help" pep talk began today.... "I will not cry when I take the boys to school on Thursday. I will not cry when I take the boys to school on Thursday. I will not cry when I take the boys to school on Thursday."

Awe hell, I teared up in the parking lot today on the way to the open house. Take that, and add in an entire hallway of Kindergarten Moms on Thursday and I'll be a blubbering idiot as usual. No pep talk can compete with that.

At least they'll know they're loved right?

And in case you're wondering, we're still a month away from Andrew's baptism and that pep talk started a few weeks ago. I figure I'll be okay as long as I think about him getting baptized several times between now and then and cry about it beforehand....and as long as we don't sing the Baptism song, and I don't look at Andrew the entire time, and no one gets sentimental, and Byron doesn't dunk him----I've got it covered.

Deep Thoughts...

2011-07-26T22:09:00.000-04:00

Mom says, "If you have an owie, you should pray that it will get better"......(choked on my own spit when he said his prayers tonight) "Please bless my wiener to feel better..." (anyone ever had a reaction there from being in a chlorinated pool?) Gotta love the no shame, brutal honesty of kids.

Oh what do you do in the summertime....

2011-07-26T14:32:00.001-04:00

Since the countdown has officially started, and I haven't blogged about anything but food all summer (or so it seems) I thought I'd throw out a couple pictures of the lazy days of our summer.

Playing with Gak we made.

Swimming in our soap souffle!

Cutting our hair off. (really, he is almost 8- when I asked why the front of his hair was cut off- he said "it was hot and bothering me, so I cut it off." Nice do for school Andrew!)

When we got really bored we all put on princess shoes--and the boys were happy to show them off to me--little do they know I will file these pictures with the others of similar nature and have them in safe keeping for any futures needs I may have.

We spent hours and hours each day swinging, riding bikes, and playing in the backyard--isn't that how summer is suppose to be?

And of course--we slept in every day....cause that's what you do in the summertime.

Now it's time to go school shopping and start another year way too early. 8 days and counting--I hope the kids are getting excited but I myself am not looking forward to school. - I never do--it should be summer all year long. (but with cooler temperatures please!)

Deep Thoughts...

2011-07-19T10:30:00.002-04:00

"Free Agency is overrated."

Thailand

2011-07-17T20:21:00.001-04:00

Better late than never- this week we did Thailand. And Mom is lazy and tired and overwhelmed so she admits to taking the easy way out and doing the "all in one" dinner. Good idea- it was wonderful--and everyone liked it.

Pad Thai.

And even though chopsticks are not as readily used in Thailand as they are in other Asian countries, the kids felt the need to try them out. After another explanation from Mom (I am somewhat qualified- we grew up with Japanese exchange students that attempted to teach us how to use them properly), each had their own interpretation of how to use them.

Ava does the "hold the sticks in one hand so I look like I'm using them and pick it up with my fingers" method.

Ethan Does the "one stick scoop" method.

And Andrew, in attempt to get the most food in his mouth at one time, does the "two stick scoop and slurp" method.

All charming (not!) to watch and we pulled out the spoons (traditional Thai utensil) for dessert.

Mango Sticky rice. I'm not a fan--too much like rice pudding I've never liked.-- but it's authentic and that's what counts!

Next week (If I don't get behind again)......Samoa...sounds like a pig roast to me!

Missed Opportunity

2011-07-08T13:40:00.000-04:00

I lament that sometimes the mundane responsibilities in life cause us to miss some great opportunities. Today was a greatly missed opportunity for me.

I am a big nerd. I can admit it. I am fascinated by weather. I love nature documentaries. And I've secretly always wanted to be an astronaut. Last year when the final flight plans were made for the fleet of shuttles, I determined to take my kids to see it. We are, after all, only 7 hours away- how could I miss this chance?

We aimed for the last flight of Atlantis since is was scheduled for June (later delayed to July). Then life somehow got in the way and the odds began to stack up against me. At the last minute, I still tried to eek out the possibility--we would drive all night and arrive in the wee hours this morning and witness the historic event. But...the weather forecast was 70% against us and we took our chances that the flight would be delayed at least until Saturday. Unfortunately, the planets lined up against me and the clouds parted in Florida just before 11am--and we watched the shuttle take of from the NASA channel at my neighbor's house.

Sad that I cried about this, but I REALLY wanted to be there one time to see this spectacular event. It marks the end of an era and the closing of a chapter that made America great.

I have decided today that great rewards do not come to those who fulfill the mundane responsibilities of life. In return for their dedication to the unimportant, they receive missed opportunities, over and over again. So if you should receive a postcard from Australia with my new address, you'll know that I finally gave up being so responsible and learned to really live!

The Fourth

2011-07-07T10:35:00.002-04:00

I'm getting a little behind here, but I'll share a few pictures of our 4th of July Weekend. We headed up to Mammoth Cave in Kentucky and then spent the rest of the weekend in Nashville.

Mammoth Cave was awesome! I highly recommend it. And frankly, after that, everything was kind of a let down. I guess I'm just not much of a city tourist. I'd rather see the wonders of nature than the wonders of man--hence why New York has never really appealed to me and I think it's just a hole to visit.

Now that I've shared my narrow minded view of a city I've only been to once, I'll get back to the subject-- or better yet, the pictures.

Main entrance to Mammoth Cave. 54 degrees and freezing when it was 95 outside.

inside the cave

The other end of the cave- very narrow steep stairway we walked down for about 20-30 minutes.

Awesome cave formations near Frozen Niagra- I couldn't get a very good picture of the Frozen Niagra though- it was very beautiful.

The kids outside the Grand Old Opry.

I would love to see a concert there, but I wasn't about to pay $18 a person to go inside and have my kids begging me to leave.

The quaint little town of Franklin, TN on the 4th of July.

Window shopping in Franklin.

Old dilapidated cemetery. I love cemeteries--especially in the east. This is the grave of the unknown civil war soldier. They also had a confederate cemetery there and 4 graves belonging to Revolutionary War soldiers.

Tired kiddos.

Fireworks in Nashville. I need a real camera. Props to the City of Nashville for their awesome display-- one of the best I've seen, but their planning and execution of the event could have used some serious improvement. Their restroom planning was less than effective, and I inadvertently created a new bathroom by taking the kids' behind the gas station dumpster. (we became desperate at that point) I should have taken a picture of the line that formed as soon as I walked out from behind the fence-Gross!

Hungary

2011-06-27T07:27:00.001-04:00

So the #1 question asked this week was, "Mom, is it Hungry or Hungary?" I guess they were hungry for Hungary, cause the second most popular question was, "Are we having Hungary tonight?"

Much to their delight, Mom got to the Hungarian food on Friday night. It was a short and sweet menu this week. We had:

Hungarian Goulash. A little on the bland side, but the kids were fans!

Cool cucumber salad--very good--and we will have to make it again with all our cucumbers lately.

And for dessert, I had to forgo the Dobos Torte I was going to make because I just couldn't do without Hungarian Apple Strudel! Mmmmmmmmmm......

Andrew lovin' him some cucumber salad.

Next week we will be enjoying some good old American food as we celebrate the 4th.

Random Picture Thoughts

2011-06-23T11:56:00.003-04:00

" Tired Movie"

"Gum Anyone?"

"Buddies"

"Experiment"

"Workin' Hard and Hardly workin'"

"Smelly Gym"

"New Friends"

"You are what you Eat"

"Rapunzel"

"Cleats meet Cement"

"Shake my Groove Thing"

"Too Cute"

"Too Old"

"Hairbrush Hippo"

"While you were Away"

"Picknickin'"

"Sleep Eating"

"Reward Earned"

"Empty Seat"

Finland and Father's Day

2011-06-19T19:18:00.002-04:00

I'm a little behind this week, so you get the condensed version today. And since it's Fathers Day, I would be remiss if I didn't say a word or two about my kids' awesome Dad.

My kids have an awesome Dad! That pretty much sums it up. I could take two hours of your time to tell you all the reasons why, but I'll just say how grateful I am to have him and how much his kids adore him! And his kids are so cute I'd almost make him a father again--just kidding honey!

And before Father's Day, we did Finland for dinner. Reindeer was on the agenda--until we found out it's illegal to try and obtain reindeer meat in the U.S. Sooooo....we decided to go with something a little less controversial.

We had Leek, Carrot, and Pork Pie. It was very much like a pot pie, only better!

Fresh mushroom salad.

Potatoes the Finnish way (basically boiled and then fried with bread crumbs)

Finnish Pullah (Awesome sweet bread- and it makes a great baked french toast the next day!)

And for dessert we had Fruit Snow- very interesting texture like a jello sherbet.

And all the cooking proved a little overwhelming for Ava.

Next week.....Hungary!

South Africa

2011-06-11T19:19:00.000-04:00

This week the kids picked South Africa. I was very excited to try African cuisine...but then my excitement was shattered as I realized we may have to travel to Africa for some of the dishes (Biltong and Boerwors) we wanted to try! Oh well, I pouted and then got to work on some other dishes.

My favorite thing about "Eating around the World" is that we always find at least one dish from every country that we really liked and would eat again. South Africa was no exception.

The Menu:

We had Frikkadels, a cross between meatballs and meatloaf. (I can't vouch for these, cause I didn't try them--ground meat is the one thing I cannot eat without an immediate gag reflex.) The kids all really liked them though. Andrew, the porker, ate seven of them!

Cucumber and zucchini salad--very simple and quite tasty.

Mealie Bread--if you can get past the name reminding you of meal worms, is a different take on corn (mealie) bread. Yummy!

And for dessert, I debated between the traditional Melk Tert (milk Tart), and Koeksisters. I decided on Koeksisters, which are kind of a cross between a donut and a funnel cake dipped in a cinnamon sugar syrup. They are very popular in South Africa and are sold just about everywhere they sell food. They were AWESOME and we will definitely be eating them again!

Next week?.........................Finland! Look out Rudolph--I hear they eat a lot of reindeer!

Boys Who Eat

2011-06-08T22:10:00.002-04:00

Do you have one of those kids who doesn't eat anything? They are skinny, scrawny, pick at a half of a peanut butter sandwich and declare they aren't hungry anymore?? There are a lot of these kids. I often see them and wonder how they don't just blow away, and what on earth is wrong with my kids?

Actually, I don't wonder what is wrong with my kids-- they have two parents who taught them the art of eating, and an endless imagination that must be fueled with mass amounts of food.

So... we're at Costco tonight, (big surprise) and when at Costco, one feels obligated to super size their appetite in light of all the bulk packaging. Which is exactly what we do... cause we're not the scrawny, skinny, picky eating type. And super size we did with Ice Cream AND Churros. Then I sat back for a minute and and snapped a few shots of what my boys do at Costco.

Oh yeah, this is good stuff, gotta focus here. Ice cream in one hand, churro in the other.

"Dude! It's gone already?"

And people ask me why I eat so fast. Well, I'll tell you like I tell them...because I had brothers like these....8 of them!

Turkey

2011-06-03T22:13:00.003-04:00

No, not the animal...the Country! It's that time of year again and we've started our "Eating Around the World" for the summer--where my kids pick a country each week and we attempt to enjoy their authentic cuisine. The first country picked was Turkey, which is supposedly a very diverse and influential world cuisine. I learn somethin' new everyday.

Before we get into the food, let me make a disclaimer on our summer eating adventure. I am a mom, not a chef. I live in backwoods Georgia. I have never been anywhere to speak of, so my specialty is internet surfing. I attempt to find authentic dishes and recipes, but this is just for fun. (In other words I know nothing, don't quote me on anything!)

So on to dinner!

I really wanted to try Dolma, but I needed more time to locate some pickled grape leaves. And I really didn't want to eat mutton, although we maybe should have, so it wasn't on the menu either. What we did eat for our appetizer was Borek--these tasty little stuffed puff pastries! --stuffed with an olive, and roasted pepper filling.

They were so yummy!

For dinner, we had, chicken shish kebabs, marinated in a yogurt hot pepper sauce. Man that was some spicy chicken even after cutting the amount of red pepper in half! To go with it, we had this awesome roasted zucchini (first pick of the season from our own backyard), and traditional Turkish flat bread called Pide--which of course the boys loved cause you can't go wrong with fresh bread.

And to finish it off....no, I didn't make Turkish Delight--Andrew already raked me over the coals for not making it, but I want it to turn out good, so we'll have to wait until it's a little cooler. Instead, we had Baklava! (MMmmmmmm....drool) And yes, I know what you're thinking- Baklava is Greek, but in my "extensive" research, I came to learn that Baklava is really Turkish. ( those Greeks just don't have anything special so they complain a lot--they should try being American!)

Next week we'll be having......I'll let you know when the kids decide!

Asheville

2011-06-02T08:26:00.001-04:00

With the office closed and school out for the weekend, we took the opportunity to head up to Asheville for a couple of days. We had planned to hike from the base to the top of Mt. Mitchell, but with poor directions and a shoddy navigator (hhmmm, hhmmm-- me), we ended up driving to the summit instead.

Since we were already up there, we decided to take a hike out toward Deep Gap- a trail that basically traverses up and down the different peaks of the mountain range. It was a fun hike and really neat on the way back as we became enveloped in cloud cover.

We finally had the chance to see the Biltmore (thanks to a stellar deal I got!). I have wanted to go ever since we lived in North Carolina, but just couldn't bring myself to shell out that kind of money. I would highly recommend it.....with a few caveats. Do not pay regular price. Do not eat there. Do not take your kids. Do not go when it's 95 degrees out. Do not go if you are an alcoholic. ( free wine= bad new bears, or just plain boring if you're Mormon!) Okay, that was more than a few, but take my advice--you'll thank me later.

And to make a long story short- we did some more hiking, eating (lots of that), walking through downtown, swimming, and enjoying the city's water fountain.

Next on the list- Outer Banks- never been, dying to go. Never can find the time or money for a trip that long!

It has arrived

2011-05-27T09:04:00.000-04:00

Summer: That time of year when "sweaty" becomes a relative term and popsicles become a food group--and sunglasses and Sonic reign supreme!

Champions

2011-05-24T22:34:00.000-04:00

What good is being a mother if you can't brag once in a while? I do try to keep my bragging to a minimum. For instance, Ava informed me tonight, "Mom, I can wipe my own butt!" Definitely brag worthy material, but I wouldn't have shared it with you had I not already been on here bragging about something else. So here goes.

Tonight was Andrew's last soccer game of the season (Hallelujah!). It was the last game of the tournament and they won....again! Very exciting for our little team of pipsqueaks! They finished the season undefeated and with only 3 goals scored against them the entire season. True, this isn't world cup soccer, but we have to get excited, cause you never know if that will ever happen again! Go Bulldogs!! (I have no voice left from screaming at the game.)

Last Day

2011-05-20T08:45:00.000-04:00

Andrew's last day of Second Grade.

Ethan's last day of Pre-K.

Now a moment of silence while their mother cries her eyes out.... Okay I'm done--until someone reminds me I have a third grader and a kindergartner.

See....there I go again--couldn't even finish the sentence.

Sarah Bertagnole

2011-05-14T08:57:00.001-04:00

As I looked at the news this morning to distract myself from the thoughts in my head, I fully expected to see a headline reading that Sarah had passed away. For those of you that know her, you understand why I would expect the whole world to know. For those of you that don't, let me share.

My sister-in-law Sarah has more friends than anyone I've ever met. She always has a smile on her face and her personality is infectious. Everyone knows Sarah. And everyone loves Sarah.

I will never forget my first encounter with her. She came to visit after becoming engaged to my brother. I was a little kid and I had made it known that I was not happy that he was leaving us so soon after completing his mission. I was dreading the meeting, but when she arrived, she acted as if she had been my best friend forever. She hugged me and said how excited she was to meet me and then...she brought out the most beautiful dress I'd ever seen for me to wear to their wedding. I was sold--and have been ever since.

Many years later, Sarah, the matchmaker, hooked me up on a date. Now, she may have gotten her wires a little crossed in the beginning--and it took a few years to get them straightened out, but her matchmaking eventually worked when Byron and I became engaged. She was so excited! I have always felt indebted to her for my wonderful husband, as I never would have known him if not for her.

I could share a hundred more stories of Sarah and no one would ever tire of hearing them. She is just one of those special rare personalities. She leaves her family with a legacy of love and an ever optimistic outlook that will carry them through her loss. I can't help but smile just saying her name.

Last night, heaven welcomed a celebrity, because I'm certain everyone knows her and they were eagerly awaiting her arrival. And while her presence here will be sorely missed, I know we will one day be reunited with her again. Til we meet again-- I love you and will miss you dearly Sarah.

Prayers

2011-05-14T01:10:00.000-04:00

My brother's wife, Sarah Bertagnole passed away tonight. I am a little too shocked to have real feelings to share, but I would sincerely appreciate prayers for his family. They have six children, the youngest of which is 6, that are left without a mother today.

How You truly know You're a Mother

2011-05-08T21:23:00.003-04:00

In honor of Mother's Day I'd like to post a few ways you can identify yourself as a mother. Forgive me, I'm sure the list could be much longer, but I don't have any teenagers yet! (thankfully) You more wise and experienced mothers will have to give your two cents on those years.

- You have baby punk on your skirt from 3 weeks ago and you wear the skirt to church anyway.

- Sucking on your kid's paci becomes an acceptable form of sanitizing.

- In your exhausted state, you put the ice cream away in the pantry to find it dripping down the wall the next morning.

- You've mastered the art of knowing when your child is going to puke and manage to get their face over the toilet every time.

-Bribery, reverse psychology, and blackmail are not bad parenting--they are an art form.

-Someone else's kid puts their hand down your shirt and you fail to notice until a concerned onlooker points it out.

- Your two year old your pees your bed and you are so tired you don't wake up until the next morning.

- You can carry 5 bags of groceries, 2 backpacks, a purse, 3 jackets and a screaming two year old up the stairs at the same time.

- You cry when your kid starts Kindergarten, and when he starts first grade, and second grade and......

- You can cook dinner, help with homework, talk on the phone, and nurse a baby all at the same time.

- You can fall asleep on the kitchen floor while your kids pretend you are a mountain to drive their trucks on.

- Sleeping in is 5:30am.

- Leftover kid food is an acceptable lunch--even if it's been licked and slobbered on--or leftover from breakfast.

-You've left your child kicking and screaming on the floor at Walmart while people stared at you in disbelief.

- The last 10 movies you've seen have been animated.

- Your walls, fridge, cupboards, and drawers are bulging with artwork only a mother could love.

-You've wiped more butts than a retired geriatric nurse.

- It's okay if someone else's kid calls you Mom--what's one more?

- All you really want for Mother's Day is for everyone to just sit down and shut up for 5 whole minutes!

Feel free to add to my list. I'm sure there's many more I missed. And I would like my kids to know how grateful I am to be their mother. It truly is a privilege to forget myself and love another so intensely--even if it is rather amusing sometimes!

Happy Mother's Day to all the crazy moms out there!

My Element

2011-05-04T19:08:00.001-04:00

I spent most of my day today working at my husband's office. This isn't really newsworthy because I always work for my husband's office, but I usually do it from home and I usually don't sit in a chair and stare at the wall while doing it. And sitting in his office, staring at the wall, posed a few problems for me.

1. The wall was really boring to look at.

2. The wall was really boring to look at...and I don't get enough sleep to stare at a boring walls.

3. I realized I was completely out of my element.

So I had an epiphany of thought today while staring at that wall...when I was awake that is. It may have taken me almost 8 years to realize, but today I did. My element is not in an office, with co-workers, bad jokes, the smell of other peoples nasty microwaved leftovers, and the need to act politically correct. (which I neither like, nor am I good at.) My element is being a mother.

I am at home waking up in the middle of the night to the cry of "I nuggle Mommy", going to parent teacher conferences, dragging screaming kids out of Publix, barking bed orders for the 15th time, reading stories in strange obnoxious accents, replaying Disney movies endlessly in my head, fretting over grades and milestones and appropriate bodily functions, baking dozens of cookies and cupcakes, chasing to soccer and baseball and story time, fixing cuts and scrapes and bruised feelings, singing primary songs, washing endless loads of stinking, stained, too small clothing, and generally feeling like I'm just too tired to possibly do it all again the next day.

This....is my element. And this, is who I am. And I'll never be important to the world, and maybe that's okay. Because today I couldn't help but think I preferred being home.. and though it's a dirty, thankless, exhausting job, every other job seems pointless and meaningless after this one.

Bring It Bunny

2011-04-27T19:33:00.003-04:00

Easter is over...and with it, my love for the bunny. Cute, furry little rotten creatures. One such rodent has met his match and he doesn't even know it yet.

These are my broccoli plants. Or shall I say WERE my broccoli plants.

And this was an Eggplant.

And these are my peas that appear to have been mowed down overnight.

Well sorry Mr. Bunny, the free lunch is over. This is war!

Wish I had a night vision camera to watch you chomp down and run with you eyes on fire!

"Ahhhhhh....This broccoli tastes like cayenne pepper! Make it stop! Make the burning stop. I promise I won't eat your broccoli anymore!"

That's right Runny Babbit, you won't eat my garden anymore--cause you'll hate to see what I pull out next.

Anyone got a spare cat???

Easter Treats- Day 6

2011-04-23T21:09:00.003-04:00

And lest these pictures lull you into believing these little ones are "angels," here's the note Colonel Mustard put on the front door tonight!

Easter Treats- Day 5

2011-04-22T21:08:00.000-04:00

Easter Treats- Day 4

2011-04-21T06:02:00.001-04:00

Easter Treats- Day 3

2011-04-20T08:14:00.005-04:00

Easter Treats- Day 2

2011-04-19T08:37:00.001-04:00

One a Day Easter Treats- Day 1

2011-04-18T15:18:00.001-04:00

Andrew's Day

2011-04-14T21:57:00.001-04:00

Today was Andrew's day-- a good day to be him!

After winning first place in his Lit Blitz Class for the year, we moved onto soccer where he Finally scored his first goal!

Andrew usually plays in the position of Striker and is very obedient- his job it to pass the ball to the Forwards, which he has dutifully learned to do so well. However, he even passes to the forwards when the shot is clearly his and he should take it. I have been so hoping he would just score a goal so that he could gain the confidence to do what the rest of us know he is capable of.
And tonight-- he did it!

Not, once, Not twice, but four times! I was so excited to see him accomplish that, and the turnaround was immediate. It was a great game for his team and especially for Andrew!

(Sorry no pics of the goals- they happened so fast and I didn't have the video camera with me tonight)

Deep Thought....by Colonel Mustard

2011-04-09T14:10:00.000-04:00

While driving down the road yesterday......

"I can think of at least a half dozen cars I want-- If I were rich, I'd totally be a car whore!"

Okay then.....!!

T-ball

2011-04-04T07:47:00.001-04:00

Ethan decided that he would give baseball a try this year-- actually T-ball-- since there's no pitcher and it's just organized chaos with a ball in the middle.

After two weeks of being rained out from practice and games, they finally played their first game this weekend. And Ethan did great! Great being relative to how he performed in soccer, which was standing behind the crowd of kids chasing the ball! (he didn't care for that sport)

He was the very first one up to bat and he had no idea what was going on. He swung, hit the ball, and everyone yelled run! So he ran. First toward the pitcher's mount, then out to right field, and finally back to first base.

But never fear, after his first nervous attempt, he had it down. First run to first, second run to second, third run to third.

And best of all, In a T-ball game, it doesn't matter where you are assigned on the field, when that ball flies everyone runs and dog piles on the ball! It was thoroughly entertaining.

Fooled

2011-04-01T21:18:00.001-04:00

I love holidays that have little or no commitment, and require no large gatherings of people pretending to get along and like each other. Thus, I love April Fool's day. No commitment to do anything, but a free pass to prank whomever, whenever, and however you like.
Now I'm not big into major pranks. I love to hear about them, but I always fear the repercussions would not be worth the initial excitement--I'll save those for the frat boys.
I did pull a little one on Colonel Mustard this morning. I changed the orientation on his laptop (to upside down), and when he sat down he was pretty upset that his computer was jacked up. I was going to tell him I dropped it on the stairs, but me thinks that would have been crossing the line and would have had him fuming. Instead, I just let him sweat a little and restart his computer a couple of times.

So that was my prank for the day and we had an April Fool's dinner so that I could celebrate a little more without getting paybacks I don't want.

"Cake" for dinner

(actually a stromboli )

"Burgers" for dessert

"Orange Soda" Ava was really miffed that her straw didn't work in the orange jello.

Oh, and I threw some boring broccoli in there for good measure--I'm not that cool of a Mom!

Nerd Convention

2011-03-28T08:41:00.000-04:00

Last week was the annual Nerd Convention at the elementary school. Nerd Convention you say? AKA--Science Fair. I can call it the Nerd Convention because my kid was there. And he's a Nerd. And all the other kids, his friends, are nerds too. But that's okay with me. I am most grateful to have a nerd child and sincerely hope that my other children will be nerds too. It's an easy life for a mother--and I like the easy way!

This year, they decided to make the kids do the entire project by themselves--which I think is great and a big relief for us lazy nerd mothers. And I was surprised and proud of the great job Andrew did. Who knew that the seven year old I coddle almost continually, was capable of putting together such a nice presentation? Well, now I know and I shall put that knowledge to good use.

I got this great shot of Andrew in front of his project. Doesn't he look thrilled to be there?

"Hurry up Mom. Take the stupid picture so we can show Dad what he missed. It's 6:10 and I'm late for soccer practice. I've already been at this school for 8 hours today. And people keep walking by and smiling while I pose for this stupid picture. And...what's that smell???.....Oh, that's me....come on, let's get out of here!"

Deep Thoughts...

2011-03-22T08:13:00.000-04:00

How to properly get lost

2011-03-21T09:41:00.001-04:00

We spent our weekend in Tennessee, because we really needed to get away from the grind. I honestly can't remember the last time we left town for the weekend. It's been too long. Anywho, we went to Chattanooga Friday night and stayed in the Choo Choo hotel- the kids loved it and our trip was too last minute to find a camping spot.

We had planned Saturday to drive to the middle of nowhere and hike into a cave. Unfortunately, when we arrived at the state park, the old, rather crotchety, lady said we could hike to the cave, but we couldn't go in because people were disturbing the bats that live there. She gave us some crappy maps, and some awful directions and sent us on our way.
An hour later we pulled over at some hole in the wall convenience store and attempted to ask directions from the local rednecks. I couldn't understand a word they were saying other than, "we ain't never heard a that befo." and "y'all most to McMinville." We called the state park back, and Colonel Mustard was chastised by the crotchety park ranger-- "You can't go in those caves- I told you that you can't go in there." Finally, she informed us that we had driven an hour in the wrong direction. Yeah for us!
Now we were an hour out of our way, somewhere between BeerSheeba Springs and McMinville (wherever that is) and it was already lunch time. So, we did what any redneck family of five stuffed into a Honda accord would do.
First, I told Colonel Mustard "I told you so," and "we drove all the way out here for nothing." And he replied, "whatever," and didn't say anymore because he knows that being silent annoys me more than anything. Then we drove up the road about a mile, at which point I expressed that he'd better pull over and let me drive, cause I couldn't sit in the passenger seat through that windy mountain road again without tossing my cookies. Then we looked on the map and decided we could salvage our day by going to some of the nearest outdoor attractions and hoping they weren't lame.

And lame they weren't. I do believe that I would be happy to be lost in Tennessee anytime.

Picture taking- hanging off a cliff at the Stone Door.

The Stone Door. Narrow steep staircase between rock cliffs- very cool.

Greeter Falls (upper Falls)

Greeter Falls (Lower Falls)

Foster Falls

Bridge to Foster Falls

Pictures cannot truly capture how beautiful and majestic these sites were. (and I've seen a lot of waterfalls!) I can't wait to go back and get lost again!

Real and Imagined

2011-03-16T08:39:00.001-04:00

Ava is at the age where she's starting to really embrace her imagination. This of course is wonderful for me, as it means she will play in her room for more than 2 minutes without crying for me or a movie. This morning she was running around the house, circling the bedroom as Colonel Mustard got ready for work, squealing with delight. She stopped briefly in the kitchen and I asked,

"Is Daddy getting you?"

"No, it's an animal. An animal is getting me!"

And a few minutes later, it was a dinosaur...and then baby Elmo.

Now I won't say that my boys have lost their imagination, it is still very much alive, but as they grow, they are increasingly more aware of reality.

Take for instance, Ethan a couple nights ago. We were in the kitchen eating dessert, and Ethan, comes sauntering out of the bathroom wearing only his pajama top. NOTHING else. He walks right into the kitchen and says,

"Mom, where's the butt wipes?"

Yep, that's it. Keepin' it real.

I would've posted a picture, but.......you can use your imagination!

Doctors are people too

2011-03-14T13:01:00.001-04:00

I don't know why, but most people put doctors on a pedestal-- like they are not subject to the normal human infirmities. I wish this were the case. Then I could see a doctor and be assured they would know exactly what to do, and how to fix it, and everything would be as it should be. Unfortunately, that is not the case.

The allergist's office called today to give me the results of Ava's blood work and wouldn't you know-- they failed to test her for the one thing that precipitated the testing in the first place. Now I don't know if her numbers are low enough to trial chicken- since they forgot to check, and all the other numbers may or may not mean something....or nothing at all. In which case, we continue on in the same fashion as we have been for the last year and a half. Lost and confused.

And Ethan, with his recurrent ear infections joined in the fun by making me visit yet another specialist, that may or may not know what he's talking about. After all--"I would guess his adenoids are large, I can't see them, but judging by his symptoms..." You think Doc??? I could have diagnosed that myself about 4 years ago. But no one believed me because I didn't have a piece of paper stating:

Kristin R Peacock M.D.

So next time you put all your faith in your doctor, just remember they are just a human, making an educated guess because they have a piece of paper that says.

"Hey look at me... I'm a doctor! And I come before you, to talk behind you, to tell you a story I know nothing about!"

Coupon, coupon- my inner struggle

2011-03-08T09:39:00.000-05:00

Okay, I'm one of those annoying people who takes fifty coupons to the store every week when the new sale starts. I know I'm not the only one who does this. Couponing is huge in the south. Everyone does it!

So here is my problem. People are always saying how much money they save and how little they are spending, but it just isn't working out the way I'd like it to. Sure, I never pay for toothpaste or toothbrushes (except tax), and almost never pay more than pennies on the dollar for body wash, shampoo, deodorant, and a host of other things. Yet each month, my grocery bill is still out of sight.

How?? Does my family eat enough for 20 people? How are you couponers surviving on $100 a week or much less?? What on earth are you eating???

Forgive me, but my trip to Costco alone each week averages $50-$100. My shopping list to Costco usually looks something like this.

eggs
milk
butter
apples
lettuce
peppers
cucumbers
carrots
spinach
oranges
ham
turkey
olives
and. a diet coke at the food court adds a whopping $.59!
If these things are cheaper elsewhere- I buy them elsewhere that week. Is this an unreasonable shopping list?
Add to this Costco list my trips to Publix and CVS for sales and other necessities, and I'm easily spending in one week what some claim to spend in an entire month.

So tell me honestly you couponers. what do you eat? Cause I'm pretty sure it's not what we're eating. And I'm not sure I'm willing to give up the pounds and pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables we consume each week just to save money. Is it worth it?

I have a unwritten and unspoken rule in my house that fresh fruits and vegetables can be eaten any time of day in however large of quantities you want. Is this ridiculous? Should I be rationing these foods that my children so readily eat?

I'd love to know other perspectives as I recognize my way is not the only way to do things. What do you do? How do you save money on your grocery bill? Is it impossible to truly eat healthy (not anorexic) and not spend a lot of money?

Quick Update

2011-03-01T12:08:00.002-05:00

Just a quick update for any who cared to know- Ava's scope last week was clean!!! We get to keep corn in her diet. I'm soooooo happy!

Happy Birthday to Me

2011-02-25T20:21:00.001-05:00

Yes, when you get old, you have to wish yourself a Happy Birthday. It's better than screaming to the world, "Hey! I haven't kicked the bucket yet--- I'm still here!"

So for my Birthday today, I got lots of wonderful things.

I got 3 hours of sleep.
Ethan woke up at 3 am crying--and never went back to sleep.
Ava woke up at 5 am crying--and never went back to sleep.
Colonel Mustard was sleeping peacefully in Arizona.
Ethan had an ear infection and cried non-stop from 6am- 9:45 am when we finally got enough drugs in him.
Ava cried for almost the same amount of time--she didn't have a reason.
Ava is sitting on the floor crying....again.
My great friends brought me brownies. I ate 4. the night is young--I may polish them off.
Ethan's fever spiked after his 4 hour nap and his eardrum perforated. (Poor kid)
I did laundry.
I baked cookies.
I called a bunch of people who don't like to pay their bills...they didn't pay me either.
I prepped sharing time, worked on a paper for Colonel Mustard, cleaned the kitchen, and ate frozen pizza.
My mother called and forgot it was my birthday.
She called back a couple hours later and pretended that she didn't really forget. (She was just traumatized by the memory of pushing me from her womb 31 years later.-- love you Mom!)

I think I'll party tomorrow, cause today just kind of sucked and I'm too old to waste yet another Birthday!

And for your viewing pleasure.....

Here is me 28 1/2 years ago.

Okay, so it's really Ava, but she's wearing the dress my Mommy made me-- and you'd rather see a picture of her than a picture of wrinkly old me.

The New Kid

2011-02-23T16:30:00.002-05:00

Getting to the new kid, but first I wanted to share the after school activity of choice.

It seems that no matter how sophisticated life gets, nothing really beats playin' in the dirt.

And....there's a new kid at our house.

I haven't seen this one before.

Check out that hair.

There she goes.

And here she comes.

Hey, she looks kind of familiar?

Oh look. She isn't new after all. She just joined the mullet generation. (and the--I forgot to put my pants back on and thought it was acceptable run repeatedly through the house while mom snapped pictures of me-- club.)

We need out

2011-02-17T15:17:00.000-05:00

Andrew, my oldest, my child born in Arizona not Georgia, my un-redneck kid, my son with no former speech issues(who has taken his mother's habit of correcting people's English).....has crossed over.

This morning he was telling me about some girl in his class at school and (forgive me I wasn't really paying attention- just saying uh-huh, uh-huh) how she was doing something with her Valentines.

All of a sudden, the unthinkable happens. He says, "Then, she was fixin' to hand out her Valentines...."

"She was what?!!!" I ask. "She was fixin'??"

Very matter-of-factly, as if he had said nothing out of the the ordinary, he says, "Yeah, she was fixin' to and then...."

"Mom? Why are you laughing? I didn't even tell you what happened yet?"

"Forgive me son. I'm fixin' to find a moving truck for ya'll, cause you don't right speak a lick o' proper English!

Valentine

2011-02-14T10:39:00.001-05:00

When it comes to Valentine's I'm easy to please. I don't need flowers, or diamonds, or chocolates. In fact, the whole premise of how we celebrate Valentine's is a little shallow. I'm not going to knock gift giving, but I think we all can reach a little deeper than that.

My special Valentine this morning wasn't even intended for me. It was a valentine Andrew made for Ethan. He made it at school, and last night, he snuck it onto Ethan's chair so he would find it this morning at breakfast.

Andrew and Ethan can be the best of friends and the worst of enemies, and all too often, ill feelings toward each other reign in their relationship. Last week, Ethan made Valentines for everyone in the family--except Andrew. (Sadly, Ethan is usually the kinder of the two). It is a daily concern of mine that these two need to build a stronger, more loving relationship--for when it all comes out in the wash, your brother may be the only one left standing by your side.

This morning when Ethan found his Valentine, I imagine a flood of thoughts entered his mind. Surprise, regret, happiness, remorse-- I only know what I saw on the outside, which was a little boy scurrying around the kitchen to find the markers and paper and create a Valentine for his forgotten brother.

I pulled Andrew aside and, in my signature sappy self, cried and told him how much it meant to me that he made a special effort just for Ethan and no one else. So here is my special Valentine--and it's better than your flowers, and diamonds, and chocolates, and dates-- because it truly came from the heart--the heart of a brother.

A Better Day

2011-02-10T08:16:00.000-05:00

Thursday's going to be a better day. I'm sure of it!

Bad Week

2011-02-09T18:53:00.000-05:00

I have a cold.

I shattered my phone.

Ava has had an allergic reaction everyday this week.

Ava has had asthma attacks every night--in the middle of the night.

Andrew can't shut his pie-hole at school.

The car trunk fell on my head.

I banged my head on the car door.

I banged my head on the microwave door.

(insert shattered phone here)

I have a new hairstyle thanks to the three new bumps on my head.

I have a constant headache--thanks to the cold, the bumps, and Ava.

I can't understand my 5 year old if he says a word out of context.

My red neck neighbor understands my 5 year old just fine.

My house is dirty.

"Good Morning Honey." and "Good Night Babe." has been the extent of conversation with my husband.

They were out of everything on sale when I went to the store today.
(what's the point of having something on sale if you can't keep it in stock?)

I have a cold sore.

I have a list of 10 important things I need to buy. The list is in my head--I can't find it anymore--imagine that.

It's only Wednesday.

I'm so excited to see what Thursday and Friday bring! I think I'll jump for joy in anticipation.

Or not......I'd probably hit my head again.

Carrots

2011-02-04T15:11:00.002-05:00

Who doesn't like carrots? They are sweet, crunchy, good raw, good cooked, and usually the vegetable of choice for all beings under the age of 10.

Who couldn't like them? (Ethan raises his hand.)

I don't know how, but the kid really can't stand carrots. Everyday, I put vegetables in his lunch. And everyday, two of those vegetables are baby carrots. And everyday, that baggie comes home with two baby carrots. He opens his lunchbox, pulls out the bag and says, "Mom. I need some vegetable dip for my carrots."

He dutifully sits down at the counter and begins consuming his despised carrots. 15 minutes, and a half of container of ranch dip later only a nub of carrot remains on the counter. And we do it all again the next day.

Now I'm a big believer in the rule that you have to feed a baby a food 10 times before they may begin to like it. So...I figure the same logic should apply with kids. If I keep putting them in his lunch, he'll eventually learn to like carrots.

School started 6 months ago. He is still bringing home the carrots. So this morning I devised a plan. I needed to make the kids' morning juice before Ethan got out of the shower. As I filled up the blender, I threw in a good handful of baby carrots. "Ha ha!" I said to myself. "Let's see if he'll eat them now!"

And eat them he did. Sucked them down with nary a thought that Mom might have snuck one of those nasty little suckers in there. And while he drank, my smile grew bigger and bigger. Finally, he consumes carrots without the gag reflex.

I was so proud! And just now, he arrived home from school, dropped his bag on the floor, brought me his "happy note," and threw two baby carrots on the counter. Me thinks I'll do him a favor and eat them myself!

Dear Northeast.....

2011-01-28T09:44:00.001-05:00

I apologize. It is I who is praying for the snow. Well.....my kids too. We desperately wanted it, but all we got was 2 days of ice cold rain and some crappy wind that made me say bad words in spite of my goal not to.

I guess my prayers are being lost in translation and my number is coming up with a New York area code.

I'll try to rectify the situation.

Dear God,

We want more snow. We live in Georgia. That's G-E-O-R-G-I-A, not New York, or Philadelphia, or Boston. They are very unappreciative of it's beauty, and understandably so. Could you please arrange a Friday afternoon record-busting snow for Georgia? (no ice necessary)

We would sincerely appreciate it.....and please leave nothing for the Northeast. They would appreciate that too!

Love Me

Random Picture Thoughts

2011-01-23T17:23:00.004-05:00

"Clowning around"

"My Big Brother's Shoes"

"Wild Child"

"Wild Child Part II"

"Love you Beary Much"

"Boring Movie"

"Thank Goodness and Good Heavens"

"Swinging with Daddy"

"Locked and Loaded"

"Mall Walkers"

"The Origin of Good Looks"

"Love the Camera"

"Where'd they go?"

Hard Work

2011-01-21T13:28:00.000-05:00

Being a Princess can be quite exhausting!

Spring Break

2011-01-18T05:57:00.002-05:00

Spring Break came a little early for us this year. Many are trying to deny that we will lose spring break, but it is designated on the school calendar as" weather make-up days," so.....I'm pretty sure it's gone.

Would we trade our snow for spring break back? Ask me in April and I might say differently, but it was such a rare occasion to be forced to slow down, sit at home and just be together. We really enjoyed the laziness!

While we still have snow on the ground over a week later, I think it's pretty safe to say it's likely to be the last time we see it for at least another year.

So here's a few pictures of our spring break in January.

Ready to Brave the Cold

Winter Wonderland

Sledding

Buddy and Bear lovin' the white stuff!

Snowball fight with the neighbors!

"Ice Rink" (the real reason we were out of school for a week- but isn't it beautiful?)

Colonel Mustard's Birthday

2011-01-17T09:29:00.001-05:00

Yesterday was Colonel Mustard's Birthday--He's 29....again. Ethan asked how old Dad was and Andrew started to say something that sounded like it started with a 3. I quickly stopped and corrected him.

"29 Andrew, it's 29." I said.

"What, he's not 29?" Andrew replied.

"29 Andrew. Whenever anyone asks how old your parents are, you say 29. Now how old is Dad today?" I asked.

"29." Andrew replied.

Let's hope he remembers next month.

To add insult to injury, Colonel Mustard was on the phone with his niece when his mother so kindly instructed her that Colonel Mustard was the same age as Jesus when he died. Nice!

But....keeping tabs (as I have since he turned.....not 29) he still has not a gray hair. That's pretty remarkable considering he lives with me...and Ava.

Happy Birthday honey! Sorry your birthday was a little bit of a drag. We'll find you a good gun to make up for it!

Birthday snuggles with Daddy

Snow Days

2011-01-12T19:19:00.000-05:00

I ripped this off a Facebook friend, mostly cause I'm too lazy to download pictures tonight--I'll get to that. Those of you that live here have obviously had the same entertaining week, but for those of you that don't--tomorrow we will be working on our 4th day off School-- and for the most part work. I love having my kids home, but dread having to make up all these days.

In my opinion the first two days were warranted--today was pushing it--and tomorrow, well that's just plain ridiculous. Then again we happened to be driving home on the freeway tonight when we came to a several mile section where our lane was pretty well frozen over, and you should have seen the line of idiots in front of us. What part of "don't slam on your brakes when driving on a sheet of ice" do you not understand?

The snow is really beautiful to see, especially after the freezing rain made everything look like a skating rink. It glistens in the sunlight and is really something to behold. Despite the extreme mess it has created, I am very grateful to have a taste of real winter. Well not so much winter--winter sucks, but snow is one of God's most beautiful and peaceful creations.

And those of you up north, give us Southerners a break. We have crazy ice, 10 snow plows, and 4+ million idiots who couldn't pass a Driver's Ed class.

Quality Education

2011-01-05T15:43:00.000-05:00

~First day back at school after almost 3 full weeks off~

I am assured that my children are receiving a better education in their public school than your kid is. Wanna know how I know?

Upon his exit from the school bus I hugged Andrew and asked how his day was.

"Good. I learned a new song. Wanna hear it?

"Sure," I replied.

(Andrew Sings)
"I'm a Barbie Girl,
In a Barbie World,
I'm so fantastic,
My poop is plastic."

I'm so glad to know his first day back at school was so productive.

New Year Tidbit

2011-01-02T22:34:00.002-05:00

I should write a lengthy post about my awe inspiring New Year's resolutions, but there a couple problems with that.

1. I hate New Year's Resolutions
2. I didn't make any (except to get fat just to spite all the dieters out there)

Colonel Mustard's parents have been here all week and we stayed up way too late and had lots of fun....and our lovely kids have given them an earful of good lines since they've been here. I'll share just one--one that left Grandma crying from excessive laughter.

Colonel Mustard: Yeah, Bear, that dog is a freak.

Grandpa: Do the fireworks bother Buddy?

Colonel Mustard: No, Buddy could care less. It's only Bear that acts like an idiot.

Andrew: Yeah, Bear's a freak. Sometimes he tries to ride on Buddy. He just gets on him and he's like....Whooo Hoo (Andrew imitating his lasso moves) Ride 'em Buddy.

Andrew attempted to elaborate--well with the reaction and all he was quite encouraged...but we had to stop him before Grandma died of embarrassment.

And we promised him an explanation at length... by Colonel Mustard---when he's older...much older.

Happy New Year! I resolve to have more fun this year! With kids like mine I'm certain I will!

Christmas in Dixie

2010-12-25T19:40:00.000-05:00

God does love the South!

Merry Christmas

2010-12-24T21:45:00.002-05:00

It's that time of year again--my most favorite day of the year. I love Christmas. Well, I guess what I really love is the anticipation. Christmas Day is always a little melancholy for me--the season is over and the spirit that exists so abundantly between Thanksgiving and Christmas becomes something that I have to search for the remaining 11 months of the year.

It has been a wonderful but hard year in many ways. I am ever grateful for the peace of the gospel. It is the only true solace in a world fraught with trials and heartache. What a blessing to end our year with the celebration of a baby boy, born to be the Savior of all mankind.

Our family continues to grow and change. It is exciting to have all of our children eagerly anticipating Santa this year. With Andrew being 7, I'm very aware that this may be the only year all of our children are old enough to understand, and young enough to believe. (One could hope he'll be slow to catch on and I can eek out another year or two!) When they are finally old enough to know, I think I may have to borrow someone else's young children. I love playing Santa--and I love the magic in their eyes when they truly believe.

So, I'm off to put the Wassail on to simmer for the night, prep the cinnamon rolls for Christmas breakfast, and fill the stockings with care.

May you be blessed with an abundance of the Christmas spirit and the love of our Savior Jesus Christ.

From our family to Yours-- "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"

Love The Peacock Family

Tuesday Morning

2010-12-21T12:13:00.000-05:00

In case you didn't already know, I'm Mormon. And Mormons go to church a LOT. And we go to church even if the sun isn't shining, and even on weeks when it's not Christmas or Easter, and even when we should be home sick in bed. And Mormons have a lot of kids---A LOT of kids. And these kids come to church every week too--rain or shine, happy or sad, snotty or clean. At our house, this leads to a little phenomenon we call "Tuesday Morning."

You see when a bunch of kids spend two hours in close proximity with one another, and all aren't necessarily well, and they aren't keeping their hands and snot to themselves, it ineveitably leads to this phenomenon in which one such mother finds her children always turn up sick on Tuesday morning. (well 98% of the time anyway.) So this week is no different. Ava has a slight fever this morning, and when I showed Colonel Mustard she did, he replied, "Well it is Tuesday morning isn't it?"

So it is--and I guess we haven't had a "Tuesday morning" in a long time. And I won't be too upset cause her fever has already subsided, so I'm pretty assured that it's no big deal. But...if you're a Mormon mother, try my experiement. Write down on your calendar the day your kid turns up sick and see if you too don't suffer from "Tuesday Morning."

Deep Thoughts....

2010-12-07T19:14:00.000-05:00

When you open the fridge, and are greeted by a warm breeze--that's a pretty sure sign your Heat isn't working.

Til We Meet Again...

2010-12-03T22:09:00.001-05:00

My beloved brother Kirk was blessed tonight to leave this mortal existence and pass into the arms of so many waiting on the other side.

I am grateful that his suffering is finally over. I am grateful to know that others are rejoicing this moment, as we, left in this mortal existence, grieve our temporary loss. I am so grateful to know that I will see him again someday. I am strangely grateful for this experience and how it has strengthened my testimony to know that indeed God's purposes are so much greater and wiser than my own.

I pray for his children. I was just 16 when I lost my father, so my heart is full of those same feelings of emptiness for their young tender hearts. I pray that they too will see wisdom in the Lord's ways and that this experience will strengthen them in ways that no other experience could.

My thanks to all who have prayed for our family. We are ever grateful for your faith.

Thank you Kirk for your example, your witty sense of humor, your testimony, your cute girlfriends in middle school you named me after, and most of all, just for being my brother.

Til we meet again-- I love you.

Colonel Mustard's Fun Time

2010-11-29T17:53:00.000-05:00

We spent Thanksgiving in Kentucky with my brother and his family. The night before I was baking up a storm. While in the midst of 3 dozen cinnamon rolls, my niece parked a huge plastic roach on the dough and snuck out of the room. I'm terrified of roaches-If I go to bed without the dishes done I dream of roaches crawling in my sink. So naturally, I was freaked out and I might have squealed a little. She thought she was pretty funny.

When she returned to the kitchen I asked if my husband had put her up to that little trick.

"Yeah, he did."

"I bet he thinks he's pretty funny doesn't he?"

"No, actually he's playing with naked barbies!"

( Well at least I feel better that I can get back at him for the roach by posting his Thanksgiving activities. But....I would like to sleep in my bed tonight, so I'll be nice enough to clarify that on inspection he was helping Ava find clothes for the barbies!)

Oh...and I forgot Thanksgiving....I'm thankful...for lots and lots of stuff...I'll try to mention them in the future, but Thanksgiving is over now and I only want to talk about Christmas...and naked barbies.

10 years

2010-11-17T10:09:00.000-05:00

I wish I had a scanner so I could put up a picture of 10 years ago today. Of course, then everyone would just say, "How did they get so old?" I am really having a hard time wrapping my mind around it. Has it really been that long?

I remember it like it was yesterday. I was late to my own wedding because my brother forgot to pick me up at the salon. As we sped down the freeway I was frantic that Byron would think I had "left him at the alter." When we finally arrived, Byron (aka Colonel Mustard) was quietly sitting on the couch, and much to my relief he expressed that he wasn't worried at all--he knew I would be there. And not to disappoint him-- I've been late everywhere since!

I won't share the details of our wedding night (no one wants to hear that!) but I will say it involved a nice hotel, a hot tub, and swimming suits! Funny looking back 10 years later at how young and shy we were--and for that I am most grateful. It was the perfect foundation.

Today I can't imagine who I would be without him. He is my best friend, my confidant, my reality check, and the half that makes me whole. He is the single most important and best decision I have ever made, or will make in my life. I could never truly show my gratitude to my Heavenly Father for the blessing he has given me.

Thank you Colonel Mustard, for the 10 best years of my life and three beautiful children. I love you. Here's looking forward to our 20th anniversary--and jokes about your gray, receeding hairline and our teenage kids we need to slap around!

Five

2010-11-10T18:54:00.002-05:00

Yesterday was the big 0-5 for Ethan!(he's so old) Five years ago, he was born at Northside Hospital in Atlanta and I never dreamed we'd celebrate his 5th birthday here--but we did! I do hope that 5 brings a little more cooperative Ethan to our house. He's been a little off his rocker the past month or so. I keep telling him to tell that bad Ethan to go away and bring back nice Ethan. He says he can't find nice Ethan. We'll hope "one year older and wiser too," can help us find nice Ethan again--soon!

He really is such a fun kid. His personality is so different from anyone else in the family...and he has a great accent of unknown origins that entertains us a lot. He's really gotten a handle on reading and writing this year and sometimes even tries to write his own notes to people--that's funny too! He truly loves others and is always worried about how someone else is feeling. Even in picking birthday treats to take to school, Ethan was only worried that the little boy who "cries a lot and gets sad notes home," would like what he brought and be happy. (insert audience "Ahwwwwwwww")

Now for some birthday pictures.

Birthday Balloons (always in their room when they wake up on their Birthday)

Ethan's Pirate Ship cake- I'm a really terrible photographer.

Lighting the "cannons"

Opening the presents.

Happy Birthday Buddy! We love you, and we are so happy to have Nice Ethan in our family!

Corn and expensive jewelery

2010-11-05T20:57:00.000-04:00

Random combination I know, but our day started with the former and ended with the latter. Ava's scope last week was clean! Yeah!!! So, for the next couple of months we are trialing corn!

We left the doctor's office and went and got kettlecorn. Yum! I think we'll have corn on the cob for dinner and grits for breakfast--just because it's so much fun to eat corn. and let's throw in a little corn syrup for the fun of it. Maybe I'll feed it to her straight out of the bottle...just beacause I can! (Let's hope it doesn't backfire on me).

In 2-3 months she'll be scoped again and if it's clean--we get to keep corn! Corn,corn, corn!! I never knew I could get so excited about corn! I just want to say corn!

Well...that was annoying wasn't it?

So on to my non-frugal spending this week. I spent $40 on a bracelet for a 2 year old. Yeah, we know how to spoil 'em don't we. Too bad it comes with a pretty red cross and is not particularly stylish. Ava's doctor was harping on me again today, so I decided I had to get it ordered. But for real--$40?? Merry Christmas Ava--Santa got you this shiny silver plaque bracelet. And by the way, you have to wear it even if you don't want to. And sorry about the doll--your stylin' new bracelet used up the budget- it'll have to wait 'til next year.

Deep Thoughts...from the almost Five year old

2010-11-04T06:02:00.001-04:00

"Mommy, someday when I grow up I wanted to be someone who wins a trophy, but now I think when I grow up, I want to be a missionary!"

Deep Thoughts....

2010-11-02T17:13:00.001-04:00

Ink a Bink? Hmmmm....... Should I vote for this idiot or that idoit? Which idiot will take less of my money and misappropriate it for the bureaucratic nightmare we call government? I love election day.