Sneaky, Sneaky

Part of my “pay” is food. All regular meals and snacks that I would prepare for the kiddos I also prepare for myself. When I first started working they even asked if I had a favorite soda or certain snacks I would want for them to keep in the house. But it seems the generosity has faded. Today I asked Michael where the chips went and he told me that his mom had hid them because “she said you would eat all of them.”

Annoyed? Yes. Irritated? A little. Humorous? Very.

Listen here people, I do not eat that much. I’m not sure why I think it’s funny. Maybe just because Michael doesn’t understand that his parents would (or should be) very embarrassed if they knew he told me.

I did what any normal person craving salsa would do. I searched high and low for those chips. And apparently I am not suppose to have them. They are hidden somewhere outside the kitchen. Now that is someone who really doesn’t want me to have those chips. I thought about eating all the crackers, but I got full. (Just teasing, of course)

Oink, Oink!
Miss [bloated] Poppins

Priceless

The Banks have often included Bert (or at least that’s what we’ll call him ;-) in dinners and parties. So needless to say Michael and Jane think he’s pretty cool, but especially Michael. I am not sure what an almost 4-year-old sees when Bert and I are at their house, but I never thought he understood it. With so many fine lines like friendship, his married mommy and daddy, family, I assumed he would just pick one of those and equate us with whatever made sense in his little head. But based on this conversation, I think I underestimated him!

ME: Aww I’m sad. Could I please have a kiss?
MICHAEL: Nah, just ask Bert!

I was just speechless…which Bert would say is rare!

Then today Michael grabbed my hand and said, “You married by me, Miss Poppins.” How cute is that? No matter what he says while his parents are walking out the door, I know he thinks I’m pretty ok! Bert, you’ve got competition!!!!

Adios friends!
Mp

I Needed a Plan and It Needed to be Good

It’s happen. Winter, that is. I didn’t have to work yesterday so I had no idea how much energy the kids might have built up after being stuck inside for a whole 4 days. I went in with a massive game plan:

1) Tackle them to get breakfast in their little bellies.
Now, I must tell you that breakfast is no simple chore in this house. Michael never seems hungry for breakfast and Jane would prefer not to be in her highchair first thing in the morning. But Mr. and Mrs. Banks and I all agree that breakfast is fuel. When you are that age you just don’t get a choice. But no, not today! I put breakfast on the table, turned around to fill some glasses with milk and by the time I served them cereal was gone! POOF! Just like that! I tell you, I witnessed a miracle in front of my own eyes!

2) Craft
This is not at all my forte but thanks for a great resource my mind has been cookin’ up many ideas! Today’s idea was to cut open an old cardboard box that used to hold diapers and draw a racetrack. Where the handles tucked in we drew “ramps” for the cars to jump. Our course was complete with hills and potholes too. They raced cars to their little heart’s content….er, uh until Michael ran over Jane’s hand. Still a success I say!

3) Lunch/Nap
We ate the lunch of champions and eventually everyone slept. Including me.

4) Activity
I must admit, at this point I’m feeling pretty strong. The day has been one of the best in quite some time. Anyway, they both woke up and we sang as many high-energy songs as I could think of: Hokey Pokey, Ring around the Rosie, etc.

Today I am so thankful for a much-needed break that I got yesterday. I know I can be better for the kids when I get some space. I also am just grateful that they were good listeners and obeyers today. Unfortunately that can be a rare thing, but days like today are motivating!

Quote of the Day

Is it just me or do ya’ll do this to? Every New Year I pledge to start a journal. I just picture myself looking at it ten years from now reminiscing. I start so strong. Long, interesting entries at first….then it happens. They dwindle. And to be honest, that is on good year. I recently found a journal from my senior year of high school. In the upper right corner it said “January 1” and it had a solid page of heart felt emotions and memories. It all came flooding back. I loved it. Excited to read, I turned the page. Nothing. Nothun. Notta. No dice. So, yes I have been gone for awhile. But don’t you worry this blog will be filled with many more stories.

Here’s just a quickie for today. Here’s my first conversation with Michael this morning:

MICHAEL: You better drink that cup of coffee faster, Miss Poppins.
ME: Why?
MICHAEL: Cause you’re getting old.

Sip on that next time you’re drinkin’ that cup o’ joe. That’s exactly what every gal in her young twenties wants to start thinking about!