Alternative to T.V.

I have always thought Gabriel watched too much t.v. but this proves it. We were sending a Halloween card to the grandparents and I asked Gabriel what he wanted to say to them. His response was, "Happy Halloween! Through rain and sunny weather brought to you by the children's workshop." I combined several different shows but it tells me all I needed to know. So now I have been looking for alternatives to the t.v. that still allows me to get some work done and that doesn't create more work. I found my answer with the Scholastic book orders sent from school. They have books on CD now and this allows me to work while Gabriel "reads" his book. Abby will even look at the book with him. I like this alternative. I need to check with the library and see if they have any books on tape or CD.

Helicopter Near a Busy Street

The kids and I saw this helicopter land one day as we were leaving the doctor's office. I still have not figured out why it landed here in the empty field. The hospital is several miles away and it didn't look like an emergency helicopter. I guess it just looked like a good place to land.

Lazy Morning Pictures

These were pictures from our lazy Saturday morning. Though both Abby and Gabriel are smiling for both these pictures they were not feeling well and were having a rough morning. On Monday I took them back to the doctor and sure enough they both still had ear infections. Gabriel's had changed ears and one of Abby's had cleared up but one was still infected. She had also developed a worse cough than she had before. So back to the pharmacy for more drugs. Hopefully this time they will get better.
We also discussed wether or not to have the kids vaccinated for the flu. I almost got the impression from the doctor that he wouldn't do it. He point blank asked me if I was comfortable with the risks and with what it does and soes not do, i.e. it's only made for one strain. I think I have decided that Abby will get the shot and I'll leave Gabriel to his own devices so to speak. Abby has to have some other vaccines anyway and is still in the risk factor if she does get the flu. Anyboby have any thoughts on what to do?

Candyland

Yesterday while at Target I found Cnadyland for 3.00 dollars. We had so much fun the other night playing Hi Ho Cheerio and Go Fish that I bought it. We opened the game last night and played two times. Gabriel won the first time and I won the second. It was a bunch of fun and I look forward to playing again sometime soon. It was a good thing to do right before bedtime.

Pool Closing

Well, our pool is now officially closed. Yesterday we had a local pool place come and blow out the lines, added antifreeze and winterize the pump and heater. And this morning Matt and I put on the pool cover and added the chemicals for the winter. I am glad it is done. Now let's see if we can keep the kids off of the pool.

More Antibiotics

I took Gabe and Abby back to the doctor today and as I feared they both still have ear infections. Hopefully with this stronger dose of antibiotics, which cost twice as much as the last, their ear infections will clear up this time. One thing I thought was funny was the doctor asking me if I had noticed Gabriel having trouble hearing. I sat there like an idiot trying to figure out if Gabe could hear me or if he was just ignoring me. Anyone know how to tell?

Happy Birthday Doug!!!!

Everyone go and tell my brother-in-law, Doug, Happy Birthday!!! Doug I hope you are really able to enjoy the day and eat much cake. Have a wonderful 36th Birthday Doug!!!

Family Game Night

Tonight we got out two classics for us and the kids to play. We played the Fisher Price version on Go Fish and Hi Ho Cheerio. The kids had a really good time. From the teacher prospective I need to work on his one to one counting. But I did notice he can match the colors and can recognize the numbers fairly consistently. But we played more for fun than anything else. I'm glad we pulled it out and played.

Apple Orchard Trip

These are pictures from our trip to Apple Works with our MOPS group. The kids had fun though it was a very cool day. The temps were in the upper 50's. We rode on a wagon out to the apple trees and then we were able to pick the apples of the tree themselves. After that we rode around for a while and learned about why the trees were planted like they were. We then went to the petting zoo, played on the hay stacks and in the small farm houses. After that we ate our picnic lunch and had fresh apple cider. When it was time to leave Gabriel did not want to go home.

Zip it and Lock it

The other day I asked Gabriel to be quiet he looks at me and says while doing the motions, "Zip it and Lock it."

I guess he is learning something at preschool.


I told Matt about it and his comment was typical Matt. "Is that the teacher's way of telling him to shut up?"

Gabriel and Abby Paint Pumpkins

These are pictures of Abby and Gabriel painting their pompkins. Gabriel's started out looking like a face but as he continued to paint it began to look like a rainbow of colors. The concept of not mixing colors is also forgein to him. That is something I will have to work on with him. With Abby I had to watch to make sure she didn't just eat the paint. She really enjoyed painting her pumpkin but seemed to be more interested in eating the paint.

I took Abby with me to the grocery store today while Gabriel was still taking a nap. While shopping Abby entertained herself and others by playing peek-a-boo and say Hi to everyone you meet. This was very entertaining to me. What I enjoyed the most was something she said though. I put a box of Goldfish into the cart she turns around and reaches for it saying, "I want that." The other day I made pigs in a blanket for dinner as I was putting the left overs into a ziploc bag Abby reaches up and says Hot Dog. My little girl is finally beginning to really talk.

Just A Question

How do you take your coffee or hot tea? The same for both or different?

I take my coffee with 2 Splenda, a spoonful of Vanilla creamer and then a dollop of milk.
My tea is less sweet and less milky. Usually 1 Splenda and a dollop of milk.

How about you?

If you don't drink coffee or tea what hot beverage do you drink?

Good-byes in the Morning

So Matt was doing his normal goodbyes with me and the kids this morning. Giving hugs and kisses and wishes of a good day ahead as we go to do our thing. He gets to me and starts to give me a kiss and notices I have lipstick on this morning "again". He looks at me and says "You have got to stop doing that. Putting lipstick on and everything. I can't kiss you with it." I look at him a reply, "If I have it on I don't have to kiss you." He looks at me heart broken and then I realize what I just said. It was not what I meant to say not even what was on my mind but it is what came out. He told me the best part was seeing the look on my face when I realized what I had said.

Names For the Business: Any Suggestions

Okay, so I've been trying to come up with a name for my purse business. Does anyone have any ideas? Here are the names I have been kicking around so far:
Creative Creations
Custom Purses by Carmen
Crafty Creations

Not very many but this kind of thing has never been my forte. Thanks for your input!!!

I Am So Disappointed

Yesterday while I was at the library with the kids I thought I might check out a cookbook with recipes the kids would enjoy making. I made a bunny rabbit out of pear halves the other night. (To the left) It was a recipe I remembered from my own childhood. Anyway I aksed if they had the Better Homes and Garden Silly Snacks cookbook. This was a cookbook I have bought at least twice and loaned to someone never to see it again. They did not have the book but would try to see if they could get it. I got a call from the library telling me said cookbook is now out of print. I am sooo disappointed because it had some really cute recipes that were child freindly and were set to themes. Oh well, I guess I'll have to find it somewhere else.

Taco Ring

This is a recipe from Pampered Chef. It's one that we all enjoy in my family and is easy and fun to make. It also makes a great presentation if yo make it for company. I have also altered the recipe a little for convience.

Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 20-25 minutes

Ingredients:
1 lb. ground beef (browned)
1 pkg. taco seasoning
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 packages crescent rolls
1 medium bell pepper (optional- this is for presentation only)
1 cup salsa
3 cups shredded lettuce
1 medium tomato
1/4 cup sliced black olives
Sour cream optional

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Brown meat and add taco seasoning to meat according to package directions. Combine browned and seasoned meat and cheese together in medium bowl.
2. Unroll crescent rolls and seperate into triangles. Arrange triangles ito a circle on round baking stone or pizza pan with wide ends overlapping in center and points toward outside. Scoop meat mixture onto widest end of dough at center of ring. Bake 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
3. Using a knife cut triangles into bell pepper and pull off top. Discard top and membranes and seeds. Fill pepper with salsa. Shred lettuce and chop tomato. Place bell pepper in center of ring; arrange lettuce, tomato, and olives around pepper.

Pumpkin Patch

Today we made a trip to one of the many pumpkin patches in the area. We went to Apple Works and were able to pick pumpkins off the vine, played in the petting zoo, and played in the hay. We all had fun picking out our favorite pumpkins.

"Candy" says Abby

Last night when Matt was getting Abby's medicines to her she looked at the medicine reached out for it and said "candy". I guess she really likes her medicine.

So Much To Do

I have so much to do and so little time to do it in. I have dinner plans tonight with someone for MOPS. This will be fun and it will be my first night doing something with someone other than family and without the kids, so I am really looking forward to it.

I want/need to get a bunch of stuff done before this evening. I will need to design some business cards for my purse making business, I need to come up with a snazy name for said business, and a website for said business. If anyone has a great name for me I would greatly appreciate the input.

I also have several more purses to make before I get my first order. I have almost caught up with my sewing projects but I still have several more to go. I still need to finish Sarah's and Cathy's purses as well as two extras I have fabric for. I also have a couple of minkie jackets and a couple of Taggies I would like to get made. As soon as I get them all finished I will be mailing them out. The ones I have completed have turn out very cute.

Other than all the sewing I have to do I need to clean the house, do laundry, go grocery shopping, spend some time with my family and go pick out pumpkins at the pumpkin patch. I also would like to get our pumpkins carved this weekend.

I realize some thing will get done and others will be pushed off to the wayside until later and I can accept that. I just wish I had more time in the day to accomplish everything I would like to accomplish.

Allergies and Vaccines

Well, Matt is home and we are all happy that he made it back in one piece and not worse for wear. He said that his allergies cleared up in Mexico and now they are once again going haywire. I have never been one to look forward to the first frost but this year I am with my family all suffering from allergies. Gabriel sounds much better but Abby's nose has continued to run like a faucet and it is a yellowish color. Gabriel and Abby are still on antibiotics for 3 more days but I have the feeling they may need another round. I shall call the doctor on Monday to set up their follow up appointment. Matt also needs to set up an appointment with the doctor so that he can get some more Allegra. Hopefully when the first frost comes it will help with all these problems.

My next question is wether or not to get Abby the flu shot. Right now she is the only one in a risk catergory, so she is the only one that qualifies to get the flu shot at the present time. "Knock on wood" but I have not had the flu since high school and Matt has not had it since I've known him. I know Matt will not get the flu shot after he got so sick the year he did get it. I have never gotten the shot even when I was working in the preschool and was pregnant. I almost feel that the best preventive is washing properly and taking other precautions like not drinking out of public water fountains. I guess I am more concerned about the kids because of them putting their fingers and other objects into their mouths and being around so many other children. I am just not sure about the risk factors and if the shot will even work on this years strain. Though the doctor who came and spoke to the MOPS group on Wednesday said that there was a cross over for the flu vaccine which means it should at least lessen the effects. So this is something I am really going to have to think about. She also said that their was no question in her mind as to wether or not to have her kids vaccinated for the flu. She said she would do it hands down.

Disney Movies

Why is it that Disney is putting out so many good movies within weeks of each other? First it was Toy Story, then Cinderella, and now it's Tarzan. We own none of these on DVD so I will be buying them before too long. Gabriel loves watching Tarzan and Toy Story over and over again on VHS and I am sure Abby will love Cinderella as she gets older so we will spend 60.00 dollars on updating our Disney DVD collection. It's just too bad that Sam's is not closer to us.

Silent Auction Gift Baskets

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) will be having a silent auction at the end of November to raise money for supplies. I am wanting to put together a basket to donate to the auction. Does anyone have any theme ideas for a basket? It can be anything but something that would involve the whole family or something special for moms would be nice. Some thoughts that were passed around at MOPS were make your own snowman kit, baby safety stuff (we have several pregnant moms), and movie night basket. I would like a couple more ideas of some interesting things to put in a basket. And if anyone has anything they would like to donate that would be appreciated as well.

Matt Is Coming Home!!!!

Matt will be home this afternoon. We are all really looking forward to him coming home. It will be nice to have company at night when the kids are in bed. It will be nice to have someone to talk to whenever I get frustrated, excited, or just plain bored. It will also be nice to have someone else to help with the kids. I am really looking forward to seeing him home safe and sound. Gabriel got real excited when he heard the Daddy was coming home today. He grinned from ear to ear when he heard the Daddy wanted to take a nap with Gabe this afternoon if he got home in time. We have so much to look forward today. I'm looking forward to the call that says come pick me up.

It's Official

Well, it's official. I now have a ourse making business. I have an order from someone for six purses. I am charging her 20.00 dollars to make the purse and she is providing the fabric, trim and decrobond for the purses she wants. I also have several other potential buyers. I really need to get some business cards printed up so that I can hand them out when people ask about my purse. Which has happened several times. I guess we will see how quickly I can get purses made. Wish me luck.

Gabriel Quote of the day

Gabriel: Why did you do that to your hair?
Mommy: To make it look pretty.
Gabriel: I don't want you to look pretty.

Then an hour later as we are pulling out the the garage Gabriel tells me.

"Mommy, you look pretty today. I Love you."

Abby's Words of the Day

car - most often says this when she is holding or sees the keys
cat
pa- passy
cup
up
bye

Uh-Oh is the word she says the most often. We think this is a word that she picked up at preschool.

Abby's Words of the Day

Uh-Oh
Cup
Daddy
Mommy
Gee (Gabriel)
down

Gabriel Quote of the Day

Gabriel: "Mommy, I hurt my wrinkle."
Mommy: "You hurt your wrinkle?" (Sounding very perplexed)
Gabriel: "Yeah, right here." (He points to his wrist.)

I Have An Obsession

I have an obsession with a game on Yahoo Games. It's called insaneaquarium and I can't seem to stop playing in what little free time I have. I should really be making all those purses that I have promised people. I really should be cleaning my house, playing with the kids, making dinner, and just catching up on everything else but I find myself on the computer playing this game. It is addicting.

Ear Infections All Around

Well, I took both kids to the doctor this morning. Took Gabriel in because the speech thearpist thought that maybe the congestion she was hearing was in his ears. I took Abby in because she has had a runny nose for about two weeks. Both have ear infections and there was no way for me to know. No complaints, fever, abnormal sleep, etc. The doctor told me that 50% of ear infections have no symptoms at all. He also said that my children are "silent suffers." I really wish that I knew how to tell wether or not they had an ear infection. I guess I'll have to be more deligent on taking them to the doctor when they have signs of congestion. I don't know what else to do. Their ear infections may be related to both of their speech delays. Abby is not saying as much as I expect she should as an 19 month old. And Gabriel seems to hear only certain sounds and pitches. So we will see how things go once their ears a clear. We have another appointment in two weeks to make sure they are clear and they stay that way. I hope it helps. Oh, and talk about a trip the the pharmacy we ended up with two perscriptions for each child and one for me. I think that was the most we have ever carried away from the pharmacy in one visit.

The Things I Love About My Kids

I love it when my kids tell me they love me.

I love hearing the kids laugh and giggle.

I love it when they play together.

I love watching Gabriel read to his sister.

I love it when Gabriel holds Abby's hand as she walks.

I love it when Abby spontaneously gives kisses.

I love it when the kids smile.

I love it when they ask to sit with you and read a book.

I love it when Gabriel helps pick up toys without being asked.

I love it when Gabriel and Abby go running to the door screaming "Daddy!!!" when Matt comes home from work.

I love it when Gabriel tells stories that he makes up.

There are many more things I love about my kids. This is just a start. I really enjoy being a mom and motherhood is a wonderful experience. This is to remind me that they do many good things throughout the day that don't annoy me. I love my kids.

Donner Park

Today after school I took the children to the park to play with another child from Gabriel's class. The kids had a wonderful time playing and having a picnic lunch. I hope that Gabriel and Sam can become freinds. Gabriel is a little more outgoing a rambunctious than Sam seems to be but maybe that won't matter to the two boys. I really enjoyed being able to chat with another mother while our kids played it was a bunch of fun for us all. We left the playgroung about 1:30 which was way past Abby and Gabriel's naptime. Abby feel asleep minutes after being put in her carseat and Gabriel fell asleep minutes after being put to bed. I guess this is something I am going to have to do more often with the two of them.

Matt is Traveling

Matt will be traveling on and off for the next week and a half. He will be in Nashville, TN and then back here for a few days and then will take off for Mexico. The funny thing is this weekend he wants to go the the ethnic celebration who's host country is Mexico. We have heard that there is some really good food to be had at this celebration. I guess we shall soon see. I am also hoping to go to a pumpkin fest this weekend as well. I think it will be fun to watch the kids pick out their pumpkins from a pumpkin patch, wether they are alreay picked or not. The pumpkin festival will also have several other activities going on too so it should be lots of fun. As for the times when Matt is gone I guess our lives will go on pretty much as they normally do. Gabriel really misses his daddy already and enjoyed talking to him on the phone. He also really enjoyed getting a message from him on the stuff dog that Uncle Danny and Aunt Lucy gave him a couple of years ago. The dog has a record and play button. It's also very soft and loveable. Gabriel has taken to sleeping with it lately. Though Mo is far from being forgotten.

Fall/Winter is Here

Well, it looks like we are enjoying our last summer day today. At least for a wek according to the weather station. It will be in the upper 80's today and then the temperatures will start falling tonight. Tomorrow high will be in the low 70's and will continue to fall. Our temperatures will be then be in the 60's for the next five days. I am looking forward to the cooler weather. It will be much easier to enjoy the outside when you don't sweat as soon as you walk out the door. Lately I have been feeling much more calm. I don't know if it is weather or if it is because I have finally settled in but I really like this feeling. We will enjoy today with its warm weather and sunny skys. And I will look forward to tomorrow with its cooler weather. I want to leave my doors and windows open and enjoy the breeze coming through the house. Have a Great day everyone.

Smile and start an epidemic

A smile is infectious; you catch it like the flu,

When someone smile at me today, I started smiling too.

I passed around the corner and somone saw my grin,

When he smiled I realized I'd passed it on to him.

I thought about that smile then I realized its worth,

A single smile, just like mine could travel 'round the Earth.

So, if you feel a smile begin, don't leave it undetected

Let's start an epidemic quick, and get the world infected!!!


Last week at MOPS we talked about giving silver boxes. A smile is a silver box. It is as much a silver box as giving encouragement to people with woeds. We talked about telling people how great they looked, how good they were doing in the things they were trying to accomplish, and much more. I enjoyed reading this poem and thought of this discussion we had. So be sure to smile at someone and pass on the smiles and silver boxes. Help to make someone feel good today!!!

I Just Read A Great Children's Book

Yesterday we went to the library for story time. While we were their we chose books to take home. Gabriel and Abby both have their own library cards. Anyway one of the books we chose was entitled When Mommy Was MAD by Lynne Jonell and Petra Mathers. It was a very cute book about how a little boy deals with his mothers' anger. In the book the mom is mad at dad and she 'forgets' to kiss daddy goodbye. The little boy tries to think and fix what he could have done wrong. Finally he gets mad because nothing works and he wants attention. He 'borks', by bumping into her, his mother because he is a borkupine (porcupine). Finally the mother realizes that he is angry. He says he is borking her because he is a borkupine because he is feeling prickly. Mom says she was feeling prickly too and asked how two porcupines snuggle. His idea is to rub noses to make friends, then smooth down the prickles. After that you wrap up in something fuzzy and be very soft together. It was very cute and a must read.

Speech Test Results

Gabriel has gotten tested for his speech and the results have come back. The note I recieved today said he passed. I'm not sure how well he passed but he did. I should be gettting a call tonight for the speech therapist. She should be able to give me more information.

Business

I took one of the purses that I made to MOPS last week. I had several moms ask me where I got it I told them I made it and got the response do you make them for others. I am debating on starting a little side business. But I must first make all the purses I have yet to make for my sister-in-law, mother-in-law, my niece, myself, and Abby. Oh, and I also have a purse left to make for Amy that will match the dress I am making her from the moon and star fabric that Cathy had originally bought for a diaper bag. Anyway I am having a hard time deciding how much to charge for the purse. There is such a wide range of prices in fabric that it is hard to price a purse at a particular price for all purses of the same size. I also don't want to have an inventory of purses that I may or may not be able to sell. Anyone have any thoughts they can provide for me? How much would you pay for a custom made purse? Another thought I had was my clients could choose and buy the fabric, trim and decorbond they would need and then I would charge a set price for putting it together. This would probably prove to be less costly for me because I would not have to scour the area looking for fabric and trims for each purse I have to make. If you have any ideas please let me know. Also if you are interested in me making you a purse let me know. I am thinking the cost of fabric plus 20.00 dollars for each purse.


These pictures are a couple of the purses I made for Cathy and her two girls last year for Christmas. The girls purses are the small and the Toddler bag. Cathy's purse is the larger.

Digital Cameras

Does anyone have any useful information on digital cameras for us. I am trying to figure out what we really need or what is just 'icing on the cake.' I know several things I want they are as follows more megapixels, our current camrea has 1.3, a flash that doesn't have to recharge before each picture, and a short delay time, ours takes forever to take the picture. Most of the time the action is over by the time the we can take a picture. I also want a shorter delay between pictures. If you can give me helpful advice I would really appreciate it. We have looked at consumer reports but this gave me minimal help.

I Have started Christmas Shopping

Well, I have made my list of things I know I want to get for the kids and some stuff for the relatives on both sides of the family. It feels good to have an idea of what we are going to get this early in the holiday season. Now I just need to wait and see what Gabriel asks for from Santa. Abby is much harder to shop for this year than Gabriel is because she is not really into anything particular and she has all of Gabriel's old toys. But I did find some things to get her. I am really looking forward to Chirstmas this year. I hope we have a white one but one that will allow us to travel to visit our families.