Mother of the Year

We decided to go to the Outlet Mall, as a family.

Matt needed to try on some clothes, and since my kids were covered in Skittles slobber, I kept them outside--because I'm an aware parent.

Within one minute, Michael had "fallen" in the fountain. Trying to juggle the shopping bags, a purse, my daughter and the baby stroller, I fumbled quickly to fish him out.

He immediately sat on the ground (something I would normally never allow, but in this case it sort of hid the evidence ... so it was all good). His eyes were as big as fried eggs as he said "OOOH I think I'm in Biiiiiiiiiig trouble."

Truth be told, it was one of those moments when he should have been, but I was too shocked and laughing too hard to punish anyone.

As I scrambled to get him taken care of, an elderly man walked by and said "Maam, your baby is rolling away." I looked up to see the stroller quickly heading down the courtyard.

He looked very conflicted--like he wanted to intercept the rogue stroller, but was fearful that I might not appreciate it and turn around sue him. (Isn't society wonderful these days?)

I knew what I must look like. A crazy, inept woman who had more kids than she could actually handle. I felt the judgment of others just raining down on me. Of course ... I could have just been judging myself and the looks from all of those strangers could have been pure pity.

As we scampered away, wet, humiliated and flustered, Michael squeeled "I should have brought my bathing suit and floaties!"

I spent the next 15 minutes in the bathroom holding his underwear underneath the automatic hand dryer.

aaah ... motherhood.

If I Could, I'd Hug Him so Hard We'd Smash into One Person.

He's always afraid he's going to miss something.

"Talks" ... lots.

Hangs on me like a little monkey.

Experiments with all of the noises he can make.

Has the most amazing little toothless smile I've ever seen.

Happy Birthday, America!

We celebrated The Fourth with homemade ice cream, the local fireworks display at the beach and then lit the storebought ones of our own.

It's always nice to see all of the folks out in their red, white and blue ... celebrating our freedom and remembering those who have fought so hard and sacrificed so much for it.

Happy Independence Day!

Cirque du Soleil

We were fortunate enough to score box seats to Cirque du Soleil this past weekend. It was a wonderful date night for me and the hubby (even though we didn't actually get photo together). We ate Thai food and then walked over to the Forum where we enjoyed the show with friends.

See it if you get a chance ... you won't walk away disappointed.

When the Cats are Away ... We Turn into Mice, and Play Hard!

Last week my parents were on vacation. Mandi, Missy and I thought it would be great fun to crash their house with our kids, watch movies, make cupcakes

and have the kids run and jump in the pool in between storm clouds.

Oh yeah ... and have a slumber party.

I mean, they like for the house to appear "lived in" when they aren't home. Always careful to have the neighbors check the mail and observe the comings and goings in the driveway. Our plan would just be sort of an extension of that.

It really was fun, but we were plum tuckered out by the time morning came.

We took perfectly good care of my parents' house. But at one point, we looked around at the havoc reeked by 3 adults, 5 kids and baby who made three meals, cupcakes and chocolate popcorn and laughed ... "what would my mother do if she were to walk in right now?"

We cleaned the house, did laundry, washed dishes and took out the trash. And when we looked around to survey the cover-up, we were pleased. She'll never even know.

But deep down, we knew she would. My mother may as well be a walking forensics lab.

Within minutes of walking into the house, she knew that someone had slept in her bed, done 2 loads of laundry and ran 2 loads of dishes through the dishwasher.

That woman is "sleuthier" than I thought.

What can I say? We are good at making a house appear "lived in."

See Up!

For our Movie Night, last week, we took the kids to see Up!

We went to the drive-in--for the first time--to see it, and it was great fun. The movie was excellent, the atmosphere was classic and the kids were perfect. What more could you ask for from 10 dollars and a few snacks?

Summer Splash'n

The sun peeked through the rain long enough for us to run the kids to the water park for a few hours.

This is always one of the highlights of their summer. Hands down. And who can blame them? I wish I had some better pictures to illustrate, but truth be told ... we mommas get right in on the action, so there isn't much photography going on.

Maybe one day, someone will have little girl to befriend Madeline. For now she's one of the boys. (Which is really something for a princess who loves pink, hates bugs and screams bloody murder every time Michael comes near her with a scab.)

Rainy Day Frowns Turned Upside Down ... Literally

Ironically, in the Sunshine State, the sunniest season of the year is also the rainiest. And that means lots of days with nothing to do but chant sing songy rhymes like "Rain, Rain, go away" (in between the melodious arguing that comes from cabin fever). It's a cruel joke, really.

BUT ...

Now there is an answer to this mother of all predicaments. One of those great big warehouse type place filled with Bouncy Houses called Backyard Adventures.

Take four kids who are sick of tv and video games (yes, it happens) and let them loose in this place and you have hours of therapy.

Of course, Madeline preferred the toddler area because the rough and tumbles of the bigger stations were just too much for her delicate nerves, but all in all it was a good day.

And the best part?

Seven bucks a kid for a whole day? Quite possibly the smartest money I've ever spent.

Find one near you!

Muddy Summer Days

It is summer ... full swing. And in Florida that means two things: extreme sunshine and extreme rain. (Combine the two for 100% humidity and you've got your very own sauna--free of charge.)

I hate to admit it, but when it's 98 degrees outside and humid, I don't want to be out there.

On the flip side, I have toddlers, and I don't want them in here. Because in here means teasing, picking, fighting and rough-housing which inevitably leads to the ER for stitches, staples, casts, what have you.

SO ... this is what has come of those sweltering afternoons when I don't want to be outside, but desperately want THEM outside.

MUD.

Kids love it -- because there is plenty to go around. That old bother, sharing is a non-issue. And when it's in the shade, right by the back porch, I can keep the screen door shut, the sliding glass door open, see and hear everything, and stay cool.

So when we are not running around here and there everywhere ... this is where they like to be. I put them in their bathing suits, fill up the kiddie pool with water and try not to interfere. It's not pretty, but the peace and quiet is golden.

And see how happy they are when they get to make messes without being nagged? priceless.