Aidan is starting preschool in the fall and we had orientation this week. We took a tour of the school, we saw the classrooms, the cafeteria, the art and music rooms and Aidan's favorite, the playground.

We've been talking to Aidan about going to school and he hasn't been excited about it, until we saw his school. We hope the transition from being home with me to being a scholar will be an easy one. As we get closer to his start date, we will go shopping for his backpack and school supplies, if he is truly my child, that will bring him so much joy he won't be able to wait to go to school.

Checking out the playground.

Artist At Work

Aidan received a set of sidewalk paint for his birthday and I was hesitant to let them play with it. I knew it would be a mess, but it had the magic words on the packaging "WASHABLE." It took a little (okay, a lot) of coaxing on Daryl's part, and I finally let it go.

I'm so glad I did because the kids (especially Reese) had so much fun painting.

Like father, like daughter.

I'm learning to let the kids be kids and worry about the mess later. It's a slow process for me, but I'm taking baby steps and it's nothing that baby wipes and Tide won't fix.

Little Ditty 'Bout Jack & Diane...

Two American Kids Growing Up in The Heartland...

We had a blast with the kids at Dairy Queen tonight and I discovered how to have my "cake" (really ice cream) and eat it too. I shared a small Blizzard with both Aidan and Reese. Even the small ones are too big for me and they are DEFINITELY too big for each of the kids. We are also trying to watch our budget, so this was a genius idea! We had a coupon for buy one get one free, total cost for family fun night was less than $4.00. I shared my Blizzard with the kids and only ate 4 bites myself so huge savings on calories and the kids got their sugar fix without making themselves sick.

Oreo Cookies - Dairy Queen DQ Blizzard Creme (Limited Edition) - 10.5 Oz. Package (Pack of 3)

Saks Fifth Epic Fail

My mom's group attempted to attend an event hosted by Saks Fifth Avenue and the Frontenac Police Department. It sounded like good times. We were supposed to go to Saks at Plaza Frontenac and the Police Department was going to take photos of the kids and fingerprints (hopefully their only mug shots and fingerprints) to keep on file in case they ever went missing. I was completely on board and I would gladly install Lo Jack on my kids too if it was available.

Mom tip: A few of my friends and I print labels with our phone number on it and stick them on the kids' backs when we go places like the zoo, mall, etc. I use AVERY Label 5160 and my label simply states: "IF FOUND CALL 201-XXX-XXXX" I hope to never have to receive a phone call, but if I do, I will be eternally grateful. We get stopped by other moms who compliment us on such a smart idea. I can't take credit for the idea, but I will continue to use it.

Now, back to our trip to Saks. We planned to meet there right when it started so that we could get our mug shots and then break free for lunch. I got to the mall early (so unlike me) and I walked around to a few stores. Saks is at the only mall in St. Louis that is not kid friendly, so this was the longest hour of my life! The kids wanted to get out of the stroller and they wanted snack (which I was withholding until we got to the event, I was anticipating a long line and snacks would help pass the time), I walked from one end of the mall to the other about 4 times and I popped into a few stores including Sur La Table - very dangerous! Such cute stuff. I picked up a few cookie cutters and I will be back!

When the rest of the crew arrived we made our way to Saks curious because we did not see any signs of our event. We hung out for a few minutes in the children's department while Jenn tried to find out where our event was taking place. I spotted a teeny tiny Burberry coat and for a split second I thought of having another baby just so he/she could wear it.

 Our stroller gang.

Aidan is showing his friend Abe his Leapster.
 

One of Reese's favorite books. We don't own it yet, but we've borrowed it from the library twice and she always grabs it when she sees it at the book store.

Noah taking his turn riding on the Scotty Dog.

Reese, Jude, Aidan, Abe and Noah patiently waiting to hear what our next adventure would be. When Jenn returned, the news was not good...The event was taking place tomorrow! OOOPS! No worries, Daryl and Matt (Noah's dad) would take the kids the following day while Evie and I hosted a mildly successful yard sale.

Upon hearing the news, we contacted our friends Shawn and Michelle who were also going to the event to tell them. In less than 2 minutes we decided to leave the mall and go have lunch.

On the way out of Saks, we took advantage of all that a higher end department store has to offer. I've been obsessed with department stores since my Grandma Minter took me to Bloomingdale's on Michigan Avenue. The first place I went to by myself in New York was Macy's Herald Square, I cried when they closed Carson Pirie Scott on State Street, we visit Santa at Macy's every year and I even took my pregnancy test (Aidan) at one of my favorite places, Bloomingdale's 59th Street. So with this trip to Saks, I decided to have a little fun...

Yes, this is the ladies room. I loved the doors and the knobs.

Reese needed to make a phone call.

Abe stepped out of the phone booth and I expected him to be wearing a Superman costume.

Always looking for a way to burn a few calories, Jenn and I thought it would be fun to carry her stroller up these stairs. For added fun Jude refused to get out of the stroller and kicked and screamed all the way up the stairs.

The Lord Likes A Cheerful Giver...

This Sunday we went to church with my Mother-in-Law.

I gave Aidan and Reese a dollar each to put in the offering plate.  Aidan eagerly tried to give his dollar to any old man in a suit that walked by our row. Reese looked at her dollar, gave a sigh/tilted her head and put it in her sequined purse. I removed the dollar and tried to explain the concept of the offering to Reese. The dollar returned to her purse two more times until the gold plate made its way to our row. She reluctantly put her dollar in the plate, I was expecting her to take the other dollars (or the bigger bills), but she was proud that she was a big girl and participating in church.

Aidan and his dollar. Yes, the photo is blurry (kids move around too much and I used my iPhone), but yes, he does have a black eye. He fell at the YMCA on Friday. Believe me, the metal post that he hit with his face looks much worse.

This photo is also blurry (see reason above). Even though it is blurry, you can clearly see that Reese is shoving the dollar into her purse, hoping no one will notice or forgive her because she's so cute.

Reese was later removed from the service because she was loudly announcing to my Mother-in-Law that she had gone to the potty. I tried to cover her mouth to keep her quiet, but she kept getting louder and then started giggling. She didn't actually go, she just sat on the toilet. I guess the joke's on me. HA! HA!

Na na na na na na na na BIRTHDAY!

Aidan's 4th birthday party was this past Saturday. For 363 days, Aidan has been asking for a Batman Birthday party. Aidan's obsession with Batman has been growing along with his admiration for my uncle Jeff, who has also been obsessed with Batman since he was Aidan's age.

I've had a while to prepare for this party and I wanted it to be cool and fun. I spent several months searching for vintage Batman decor and then it hit me... my uncle Jeff has been collecting this stuff for years (I won't reveal his age, mostly because he is stuck at age 26 in my mind). I called my uncle and asked him if he would let me borrow a few posters and figurines. He heard "please bring a Rubbermaid tub full of Batman stuff and tons of posters." I was so glad because I loved all of the vintage Batman stuff and the movie release posters helped set the scene.

Capes for each of Aidan's guests (the kids only, of course).

Reese and Carson.

I sewed sequins onto Reese's Batman shirt to make it "girlie."

We finally convinced Finni to wear her cape.

Uncle Jeff offered to wear his costume to the party, which he did not rent, he owns this costume.

 All the other kids were terrified by "Batman." Aidan knew it was Uncle Jeff, but I'm pretty sure he thinks that Uncle Jeff is the real Batman.

I really wanted to take a photo of all the kids in their capes standing next to "Batman," but none of the other kids would get anywhere near him. Including Mateo, who is hiding under the sand table.

Cupcakes with Batman Logo toppers.

Some of the Super Hero Treats. The M&Ms are actually pretzel M&Ms, if you haven't tried these yet, you must! They are FANTASTIC. What a perfect combo, why haven't they done this before?

Catwoman Cheese Balls. Aidan specifically requested Cheese Balls, I didn't know these were still on the market.

 Time for presents! Notice all of the Batman stuff on the fireplace mantle.

Making our Super Hero Masks.

Abe's mask. His mom told me that he and his brother wore their capes and mask for hours after Aidan's party was over! Abe said this was the best party EVER, and he is one tough critic.

How To Traumatize Your Children...Mother's Day Laughs

I think we've all wondered if our parents, especially our mothers took a course or read a book. I've found myself using similar catch phrase that all mothers seem to know:

• Your toys will not pick themselves up. If you don't want to take care of them, I can put them in the trash so you won't have to.
• I will NOT ask you again...
• Because I said so...
• What did Mommy just say?
• Just take one bite and then you can tell me you don't like it...
• You WILL listen to me the FIRST time.
• Do YOU understand ME?
• I'm doing this because I love you.

Didn't we all say we wouldn't be like our mothers? Most of us won't be exactly like our mothers. My mom and I are like night and day and we live in different states, but every once and a while, I find myself using or about to use a phrase that she used. The funny thing is I hear other mothers in Target and McDonald's using MY mom's phrases. They don't know her, how do they know her phrases?

I have the answer, they have in fact taken a course or read a book. Here is THAT book:

My friend Jennifer is getting married this year and received this book as a gift. We laughed out loud as we read page after page of this funny little book and imagined applying it right away to our children. Jennifer's stepchildren are teenagers and with Reese and Aidan being toddlers, it all seemed hilarious at any age.  Here's a few selections from the book:

"As a parent selfishness is your right. Lies are to be used in order to exploit and manipulate children, which is great practice for the exploitation and manipulation you no doubt practice in the outside world."


"Children like to be the center of attention, but this draws the spotlight away from you. Your child should never be better looking, smarter, or more successful than you. The moment they begin to shine in a way that threatens your stardom, shoot them down. For example, when you play sports or cards, play to win, even if it involves cheating. Anything they can do, you can do better."


"Happiness is defined as the gap between expectation and reality."


"Love is for Winners: Your child IS his achievements. If your child believes you will love him no matter what, even if he is a failure, you're doing something wrong."

Could this book be any more ridiculous and hysterical all at the same time? Obviously this is just for laughs, but I wish I had this book in my library.

This post is dedicated to my mom, my mother-in-law, my aunts, my sister, my sister-in-law, and all my mom friends. I love you all and I know "you do what you do, because you love me." Happy Mother's Day!

The 4 Year Old Registry List

Daryl and I registered for our wedding and then when we were expecting both of our children, we registered. Carrie Bradshaw registered for Manolos. WHY hasn't someone thought of offering registry for other events? It would certainly make it a lot easier on the gift giver and you wouldn't have to fake excitement as you wonder "they saw this and thought of me, REALLY?"

The other day I had the brilliant idea to take the kids to Toys R Us and let him show me exactly what he wanted for his birthday. AH-HA MOMENT... let's make a registry. Since it doesn't actually exist, here's my version...





Leapster2
Wants: 1 Still Needs: 0      Fulfilled

Leapster Batman Game
Wants: 1   Still Needs: 0  Not Fulfilled

Alvin & The Chipmunks Movie
Wants: 1   Still Needs: 1   Not Fulfilled and we (Daryl and I) are completely fulfilled if this does not get fulfilled.
 
Little Tikes T-Ball Set
Wants: 1   Still Needs: 0   Fulfilled

Spiderman Flashlight
Wants: 1    Still Needs: 1   Not Fulfilled

Pixar Short Films
Wants: 1   Still Needs: 1   Not Fulfilled

A Kite
Wants: 1   Still Needs: 1   Not Fulfilled

Doctor Kit with Labcoat
Wants: 1   Still Needs: 1  Not Fulfilled

Lego Building Plate
Wants: 6  Still Needs: 5  Not Fulfilled

Not Pictured:
Toy Story 1 & 2 DVD
Wants: 1  Still Needs: 0  Fulfilled

Foam Knight Sword/Sheild
Wants: 1  Still Needs: 0  Fulfilled

This was a fun afternoon for me and the kids and I hope Aidan gets most of what he wants. What he's not prepared for is the afternoon we will spend figuring out what to bring to Goodwill to make room for his new treasures.

The Potty Party Princess

Well, here I go again with another attempt to potty train Reese. This time I bought the book, studied and took notes. I prepared for this like it was the S.A.T.s. Unfortunately, I think I did better on the S.A.T.s.

I bought the book, "Potty Train Your Child In Just One Day." The Cliffs Notes are basically this...your child has no incentive to go in the toilet because it's been okay for them to go in their diaper for the past few years, you need to make it fun and custom fit for them.  You throw a party with a theme that fits your child (i.e. Thomas the Train, Pirate, Dora, etc.), in our case a Disney Princess theme was just the ticket. You give them presents for their successes (staying dry, sitting on the toilet, and making a deposit).

You and the child also "train" a peeing doll how to use the potty for the first half of the day. This gives you and child a chance to reprimand the doll about how it is not okay to pee in your pants, on the floor, etc. You keep it fun and it avoids you yelling at your child for peeing in their pants or on the floor.

The doll graduates and becomes a "big girl" around lunch time and then you start working with your child. You are supposed to have a fun evening out to celebrate and give your child a chance to try out his/her skills in a public toilet. Voila! Your kid is potty trained. Voila? More like HA, HA!

I did something similar when I potty trained Aidan, but it wasn't as detailed. This time around I decorated the house with balloons, I wrapped about a bazillion little dollar-store presents, and I hand-sewed underwear for the doll. The doll peed in the toilet and the doll had accidents (Tootsie Rolls came in to play here). The book also recommends having a special drink for the day to entice the child to drink (water and milk aren't as special as Princess Punch).

I borrowed books from friends, rented them from the library and I've started my own little library.

We alternated watching Potty Videos and Princess Videos. The best on we watched was the Once Upon a Potty DVD.

Enjoying the Princess Punch (aka the infamous Fruit Punch, 7up, Sherbet concoction).

Reese showing her doll, who's name is Charlie, how to put her underwear on.

Encouragement is also supposed to help, so I rounded up my team of grandmothers, one dad and almost a dozen Princesses (my friends) to leave messages for Reese on my mobile about her potty party. Throughout the day we listened to our messages and I couldn't help but laugh and smile, I have the greatest friends ever! Thank you Cinderella, Ariel, Belle, Giselle, Snow White, Tiana, and Jasmine - you all know who you are.

We had great success until it came time to go to our special dinner at Red Robin. When I tried to put her on the toilet at Red Robin she screamed bloody murder and nearly choked me trying to get off the toilet. I didn't feel like I had enough time with her at home to practice and I felt like the dinner out derailed all of our hard work from earlier in the day.

It felt like the day was a good kick off to the potty training, but there was no VOILA. We are still a work in progress. If I could do it all over again, I would 86 the dinner out so that I would have more time to keep the momentum going. I would also wait to give her the special drink until lunch time to ensure more chances to practice with her. I gave her the punch in the morning, but we didn't start training her until after lunch, so she filled two diapers before lunch and towards the end of the day the novelty of the special drink wore off.

I'm proud of her accomplishments for the day, but we have a long way to go and I know I have a lot of laundry in my future. Since the potty party, we got a Potty Watch to help Reese remember when to go and she no longer terrified to sit on public toilets. We threw out all of our remaining diapers (really they are in a bag for our friend Noah) and there's no turning back now.