4under3

Purple Haze Party

2009-11-17T15:08:00.002-06:00

While all rest their weary heads, I like to do a little something for me. Today, I shall indulge in a few more spoonfuls of heaven. It's time for another Purple Haze Party.

And let's not forget to invite the honey, dried cranberries, and walnuts.

Mmmm.

beyond the imaginary line

2009-11-04T21:58:00.000-06:00

The other day brought warm breezes and a bright sunshine. Thankfully, because just prior it had rained a handful of days in a row. So naturally, we played in it. And these three girls found something to feast their eyes on quite quickly.

I had popped my head out from the garage--where I was folding clothes--and noticed they had crossed "the imaginary line" that's drawn a little over half way down our driveway. This is were I found them sitting. Right at the edge of the road. That's when I knew something was worth seeing.

What? You wonder? A silver dollar? A fallen lifesaver?

Nope.

They found some slimy yet delightful slugs?

Slugs that eventually made it into a tupperware with water and a leaf for all to see. Even the daycare lady at the grocery store. She did a marvelous job acting surprised.

game day, cold, and smitten

2009-10-10T18:55:00.005-05:00

Mr. Marvelous. He leaves me smitten as a kitten.

Even in this picture--that my camera's timer caught of us while it sat on a green electrical box that we found on our walk to the big football game this morning--I'm smitten. Even though it's only 32 degrees out, we're standing on a wet, snowy, slippery slope, my nose is bright red from the frigid 6 block walk, and my eyes are dripping from the extremely snappy air...

... I'm still smitten.

Speaking of our state college football game today, it started out a bit nerve-racking. We were behind. And cold. We're not used to outdoor games, being that we've played indoors for the past 20 years. It was just this season that our state's brand new outdoor stadium opened. And I'll tell ya, Mr. Marvelous and I are a little excited about the whole deal.

We finally scored a touchdown and got a little wild and crazy. We spent a lot of time jumping up and down, to both show spirit and keep warm.

Then we scored another touchdown. And then intercepted and scored a third touchdown, just minutes from the second. We got a bit more crazy.

Then, we got out our suckers and goofed around while we basked in our comfortable lead.

Then we won. We screamed and high fived eachother. And I admittedly proclaimed to Mr. Marvelous that the thought of a hot bubble bath had been dancing in my head for most of the game.

The End.

laughter therapy list

2009-09-21T13:43:00.008-05:00

I laughed today. A bunch of times, in fact.

Which got me thinking. What is it about laughing that seems to put me on top of the world? And what is it about something, that makes someone laugh? And why do I find Snow Monkeys downright hi-larious and others don't even bat an eye at them? And why is it that when the most irritating fly is flying laps around my head, the fly swatter goes missing? Sorry, wrong post.

I digress.

So, since I'm sure you already know the bundle of benefits your body undergoes by merely taking part in a good rib tickler, I'll just share with you what cracks me the heck up.

[Ahem]

When people lip sync to songs, but don't know the words.

When this is what I get:

when I ask this little girl to please smile and say, "cheese."

When people use the word "crud."

This video from Youtube.

The scene from Along Came Polly when the guys are playing a pickup game of basketball, and Philip Seymour Hoffman keeps yelling "Let it rain" while throwing nothing but bricks at the hoop.

How Hazel started calling her twin sister "YaYa." And now Norah calls Hazel the same thing.

Just looking at this picture--that my camera's timer caught while we were trying for a group photo--of my friend the other night during Girls Night Out:

When I hit a bump while driving, and Norah calls from the 3rd row, "Whoa Mom."

When Luke insists on pushing his dumptruck in the doll stroller when we go on walks.

When I compliment myself out loud--as I begin to clean up the savory supper meal that I'd just prepared for our family--saying, "No kidding! [Self] you did a darn dippity job on that there meal. Well done!" And, Mr. Marvelous embraces me and replies with, "Hold on there little lady. Be careful you don't throw your shoulder out while patting yourself on the back."

And looking at pictures of people laughing, while they sit in parking lots way past most people's bedtime:

Ha ha hahahaha. See? [Sigh]

Anyways. What gets you giggling?

where I talk about the twins. and stuff.

2009-09-13T21:11:00.005-05:00

Hazel. Sweet, smiley sister who's snacking on a sandwich while sitting in the sun.

Norah. Serious, sunkissed sister who's slurping a sticky 'sicle.

Mommy and the little girls. Setting out to splash in our suits on the sandbar

Some things are simply scrumptious.

(Some other things are: Simply's Raspberry Lemonade, college football season tickets, Asian Zing boneless wings, MM's ears, our vacuum's dirt sensor light, and the transition from flipflops and skirts to fuzzy boots and puffy vests.)

So? You want to share some of your scrumptious stuff?

My Husband. And Rocks.

2009-09-03T20:04:00.004-05:00

Husband. Rocks.

You didn't actually think I was the type that compares my husband to rocks, did you? Come on now.

And, I bet you didn't guess me as the type to wear, rewear and re-rewear new favorite t-shirts for days in a row, withholding sudsy water from them, did you?

Well, well. There is a lot to learn yet.

It must be global warming, or something.

2009-08-25T14:37:00.005-05:00

The weather finally warmed up a bit, here in our neck o' the woods.

Then cooled way down. Then rained. And rained some more. It must be global warming or something.

But, then it got pretty hot for an entire week. So, we've been spending as much time as possible at the lake house, going on as many bike rides as we can fit in, petting as many dogs--belonging to strangers--as we can find, and enjoying our new boat.

During my short little computer sabatical--ok, not so short computer sabatical. Fine! Over a month long computer sabatical, geez--we've been training our young brood to take life by the tube handles, relax and enjoy the ride. And, so far so good.

Rest assured, we're still around, despite our attendance on this edge of the blogosphere.

And believe me, in a couple shorts months when that water back there:

...will have turned to ice, we have 6 foot snow drifts out our front door and fantasy football is in full swing, we'll be ready and rearin' to share our Pear Plum Crisp recipe, the pictures of what my bed looks like on laundry day, and what 2 year old twins look like when they shove half of a banana in their mouths.

You can't wait, I know.

copycats

2009-07-24T14:49:00.002-05:00

While I:

...wait for this book--recommended by this friend--to become available for me at our local library

...take in deep breaths of the breeze streaming in my bedroom window

...think of my 4under3 who are currently working on their 2nd hour of naps

...hum the bluesy jazz songs that are dancing in my head

...anticipate tomorrow's fun, family activity that Mr. Marvelous plugged us into

I'll leave you with two of my favorite little copycats.

Park Biology 101

2009-07-23T14:47:00.008-05:00

Today, after playing at the park, this little guy came home with us:

No, I'm not talking about the friendly, young, lad who's holding the little guy. Not the boy who quickly made friends with my children then proceeded to lead them along the wooded area of our favorite park while teaching them about Queen Ants, their wings and the fascinating fact that some reproduce without mating.

I'm talking about the froglet that the budding entomologist is holding:

After the children scooped up a whole slew of them--I'm sure from the safety of their own backlog--they named him Froggy, of course. Then the others: Frogarella, Frog White, Frogman, and Spiderfrog. In which I validated as very appropriate names. However, if they were my froglets; Mulligan, Croquet, Thabeet and Oreo would be among the top names that I'd delegate.

I digress.

And not only did that one, sweet, little, scared lilypadless, froglet come home with us, all 4 of his friends did too. Safely in our daughter's pocket*.

Unbeknownst to me.

*For all the Frog Advocates out there, we did transfer them to the Bug Catcher Container before naps.

Nut Butter Balls

2009-07-16T12:55:00.002-05:00

If you're like me and you:

a. love a punch of protein once in awhile, throughout the day
b. insist on following the rule of ingesting protein within the 30 minutes after you swim laps
c. enjoy bite sized treats but are out of dried cherries and ~~oreos~~
or
d. feel good when you feed your children quality snacks instead of nutritionally void ones

...then you've got to try this quick and easy Nut Butter Ball recipe.

My friend Lindsey introduced me to these pieces of paradise that fit right in your palm, and I'd like to introduce you to them, too.

So bloggy friends, meet Nut Butter Balls:

In a medium bowl mix together:

2 c of nut butters (any combination of almond, sunflower, peanut, cashew, hazelnut, etc. I recommend getting that in bulk at your local whole food store. I used all almond, but would have used another if I had some on hand.)

1/3-1/2 c honey or agave nectar (I used mostly honey with a dallop of agave.)

1/4-1/2 c flax (optional but highly recommended for nutritional purposes)

Then add in 1/2-3/4 c flour (Enough so that the mixture resembles playdough. It shouldn't stick to your fingers. I was fine with 1/2 c whole wheat flour.)

Form mixture into 1 1/2-2 in balls and roll in unsweetened coconut flakes. Or wheat germ.

And there you go.

At that point, feel free to pat yourself on the back and hollar, BAM! Or grab one of your children (or pets) and spin around in the kitchen singing, "We are the Champions."

Or, just eat one, smile and thank me later.

Grease Monkeys

2009-07-14T14:20:00.005-05:00

What to do, when your mom informs you that while you were away, running errands, and while your 2 year old twins were supposedly napping soundly, they were really emptying a jar of Vicks Vapor Rub and a tube of Butt Paste into their tiny, little, 2 year old hands and smearing the mixture into their hair.

And what to do, when you attempt to wash their hair not once, not twice, but three times in hopes of cleansing each strand of greasy goo, but you fail miserably?

And what to do, when the next morning you need to run errands with your grease monkey girls in tow, but when they awake their hair looks like a bad attempt to replicate John Travolta's 'do in Grease?

What you do is ride the wave out and roll with it.

...After placing as many pigtails in their hair as deems possible.

And then you pretend that you meant it to look like that.

Then during naps you try it on your own hair. Just to see if it turns out as cute.*

*No you don't.

Camping and Coons.

2009-07-11T20:02:00.005-05:00

Mr. Marvelous and I are big quality timers.

Like the other day, when we loaded up our bikes, the bike trailer, and Julia and Luke's bikes, then drove downtown to the river to ride together, it was like it was Christmas. Christmas without 6 feet of snow and subzero weather.

And, I heard those jingle bells a ringin' again this weekend when we loaded up the oldest two and headed to the camp ground.

Creek hiking won first prize for the escapade that was most fun.

Along the way we found flipping fish and rock hideouts that solidified just how creative God's juices are.

It's no secret, our two oldest are as adventurous as we hoped they'd be.

We did things like eat Doritos when we'd normally be having supper. We allowed the children to potty in the bushes, we stayed up way past our bedtimes, and we had a great time doing it.

Then, it started raining just before Mr. Marvelous and I were ready to hit the hard ground our sleeping bags were resting on. Because of that, we missed putting this bag in the truck:

...and a couple hours after I finally fell asleep, I woke to some pesky 'coons who thought we left it out for them. But, laying there, listening to the rustle of bags, then them climbing the tree next to our tent ~~totally freaked me out~~ nearly lulled me back to sleep.

Ah, the sound of pure nature.

And definitely a trip of pure fun.

two

2009-07-08T13:33:00.004-05:00

Two little girls,

dressed in two little, number 2 shirts,

who love to push two baby strollers around on the pavement of our driveway.

Two little honeys,

with two noses too cute not to nibble on,

have brought their two parents' hearts to overflowing.

Two little girls who are now two.

Why the motion?

2009-07-03T14:05:00.003-05:00

UPDATED: Well, the actual update is at the end.

ORIGINAL POST:

Any ideas why, on a cloudy day at the lake, I loaded up our 4under3 and navigated down the river to the nearest town to take this picture yesterday morning?

Any thoughts on why in the world I would pull all four children out onto the cement--for approximately 3 teeny little minutes and for passerbyers to see--and make this parking lot our first stop in a journey that later included a podunk park that appeared older than the trees over it's head? A park whose rocks entertained the children more than anything.

You got any notions?

About our motion?

Here's the answer:

So, our reasoning behind stopping here is not that it was their first visit out of state. Nor was it that it was their first time purchasing fireworks. (However, we did visit one of those the next afternoon. I never thought to snap a picture of that.) But, Lori, you were right on. Slippery's restaurant was the 'Slippery's' in Grumpy Old Men. The actual movie was filmed in that very town. The children, however, could have cared less. They really just wanted more of those Sour Patch Kids I bribed them with before we got out of the car.

It was windy. Did I say that already?

2009-06-30T13:49:00.005-05:00

As you might know, we're up at the lake this week.

After the girls' Polka Dot Bash guests cleared out Sunday night, Mr. Marvelous and I packed up my car so the children and I could drive up to the lake the next morning. (The "lake" is actually part of the Mississippi River and is a quick 45 minutes away.)

Mr. Marvelous, on the other hand, is commuting to and from work this week. So, the children and I are keeping busy ~~playing in the pool~~ exploring the nearby parks and trails while the weather straightens itself out and while Mr. Marvelous is gone.

If you've already heard, today we drove to a historic, neighboring town--with a packed lunch in tow--in hopes to find something to distract us from the 60 and not-so-sunny weather.

And if you remember right, it was chilly:

But, thank goodness I brought coats for everyone. But me.

And windy:

But our picnic--in the middle of the playground and under a plastic rock wall--on a cozy blanket made it extra fun.

The skies were gray:

But the "super duper, as big as Superman" barge that floated by was cool.

And it was...windy:

But the kids didn't mind. And I didn't either. Thank goodness for heated car seats for the drive back.

Norah and Hazel's Polka Dot Bash

2009-06-28T22:38:00.005-05:00

Today we celebrated these two little girls' 2nd Birthday. Polka Dot Style. (Remember them last year? And here, here, here, here, and here.) :

(Hazel: L Norah: R)

Family and friends joined us--in their suits--in our front yard for lots of water fun. They plowed down slip-n-slides, dove down blow up, yellow, water slides, and splashed in their pool of choice.

After we all took a break to eat dinner together, we enjoyed this cake that great grandma made and decorated, per my specifications:

Yes. It tasted as good as it looks. And, yes, we have lots of leftover M&M's sitting in our cupboard. And, yes, their posh bibs are from these guys.

Then we all witnessed what organized chaos looks like while the twins opened their presents:

And, thanks to the blue skies, balloons, and buddies, our bash was a big hit.

sharing cars, boyfriends and shoes

2009-06-24T21:28:00.005-05:00

It's amazing, really.

The rate at which these two grow is astounding:

They sure didn't stay 6 days old for long. (Despite my thoughts of the situation at the time--being pretty certain we'd have twin newborns, a 1 year old, and a 2 year old forever!)

It's like I woke up this morning to find that our ultrasound babies (A and B) had turned into full speed running, kiddie pool splashing, chapstick loving, toothbrush hoarding, baby doll swaddling, sandal adoring, mama and dada snuggling "big" little girls.

How can that be?

It's all happened so quickly, that these two little punkin' doodles go from their first birthday:

...to their second. And, even though I'm known to declare each new stage they enter my "favorite," I wouldn't mind if they slowed it all down a bit.

Because before you know it, they'll have moved on from sharing their crib, clothes and popsicles, to sharing cars and ~~boyfriends~~ shoes.

Happy 2nd Birthday--tomorrow--Norah (L) and Hazel!

we're sorry. please try your call again later.

2009-06-22T13:06:00.003-05:00

[BEEP. BEEP. BEEP.]

We're sorry, the family you are trying to reach is not available at this time. Their neck of the woods is experiencing a high volume heat wave, which has forced them to flee their home to a more comfortable vicinity.

All circuits are busy at their new location. There is a lot on their plate right now. But, they are bound and determined to make the most of this unfortunate incident.

And even amidst all the heavy activity, it's safe to say that each individual is holding their own swimmingly.

They're all very adaptable.

So, please hang up and try your call again later. (When the sun isn't shining as brightly and summer isn't embracing them so tightly.)

Goodbye.

Not Me! Monday

2009-06-15T13:32:00.002-05:00

I'm joining the crowd today. You should too! My Charming Kids would welcome you with open arms.

But, I've decided that I'm letting it all out.

Not Me! Monday is here. I like to think of it as a witty way for me to loosen my mommy belt a notch and lay back and relax while confessing some things I'd rather not.

Like yesterday. Remember how I tweeted about our whereabouts? Well, Mr. Marvelous and I certainly did not devise a plan to find a sub to take my shift in the church nursery then skip our morning service--something we rarely, almost never, nearly ever, ever do--to head to the lake with our children. And there's no way I'd snap evidence of it, if we did.

And while at the pool, I did not skip the swim diaper step with this little girl:

...hoping that even though she hadn't had a dirty diaper yet, we'd still be in the clear. And I was not totally wrong. And I didn't have to sneak her in the pool room to clean up the mess before the other family, that was on the pool deck, noticed.

And, I did not praise Mr. Marvelous--as if I were praising one of our children--on eating a piece of his most disliked vegetable (the cauliflower) that I packed in his lunch last week. I'd never say something like, "Way to go, Honey! I knew you could do it." The fact that him and his BFF are at the start of a "Healthify Yourself/Weight Loss" challenge for the next 12 months has nothing to do with me. And I would never push off a lunch pail full of vegetables and a pita sandwich on a grown man. Never.

In closing, I do not have 3 baskets of clean clothes staring me down from the livingroom, and a bag of garbage waiting to be taken out.

And, I'm not wearing my favorite color. Again.

Such Things

2009-06-09T12:57:00.008-05:00

Ceviche. (say: suh-VEE-chey)

It's hard to find anything much better.

Kinda like the friend who just called to say she ~~loved me~~ had made some ceviche for me. So here's my ode to this fabulous fish salsa, with a little help from these guys :

[Ahhhem]

"Whatever is true and tasty,

whatever is noble and nummy,

whatever is right and ridiculously flavorsome,

whatever is pure and packed with health,

whatever is lovely and luscious,

whatever is admirable and appetizing,

if anything is excellent and praiseworthy and made for you by a thoughtful friend,

think about and eat such things."

Phillipians 4 me: 8 all by myself

Thankyouverymuch.

My Favorite Food List...for now.

2009-06-04T21:18:00.004-05:00

Now that I got the kitchen remodel pictures ~~off my chest~~ posted for you patient readers, I feel so free. And alive. And like I'm that girl in the Herbal Essence commercial who squeals in the shower because the smell of her shampoo has put her over the edge.

And now that I've figured out how Twitter really works, I've read a bunch of messages--that I never even knew existed--from Twitter followers and wanted to bring to you a quick list of my current* favorite foods. Since that seems to be a popular request these days.

*Because I really do love most all foods, so here are the ones I love right now.

(Could you hold on, please? My 3yo son is getting out of bed for the 243rd time. And I'm about to tackle him down. Excuse me.)

Ok. Where was I? Oh yes.

Tiffany's Current Favorite Foods:

#1 Shredded BBQ Beef (Hands down Mr. Marvelous' and my favorite.)

A friend gave me this recipe almost 2 years ago and I just recently found an exact match online. Here's the link. Keep in mind, this freezes wonderfully. I have never made this without doubling it. If we're making it just for us, I freeze the other half for next time. And, I almost always make it when I need to take a meal to someone. They always love it. Whether it's on buns, baked potatoes, or in burritos, you MUST add shredded extra sharp cheddar and chopped red onion. Promise me you will?

#2 Oreos and a tall glass of milk

#3 Ceviche

While vacationing in the lovely Costa Rica, I fell in love with this tasty fish salsa. Man, my mouth waters just thinking about it. This is the recipe I used when I made it with Marlin awhile back. Gosh. Yum. That's all I can say.

#4 Broccoli Cole Slaw

The first time I had this salad was at my friend's cabin. Her mom made it. And, when I wanted to go back for 2nds it was gone. This makes a big bowl. If you need a salad for a potluck, this recipe is the perfect size. If it's to pair with your steaks and lemon drenched asparagus, you'll have extra. But fear not. You could eat it for lunch and supper the next day. I never get sick of this stuff. I add a handful of sesame seeds during the saute step.

#5 Homemade Chicken Pot pie

I found this recipe in my Betty Crocker Bridal Edition Cookbook. It's the cookbook I got as a wedding gift and it's one of my favorites. You can buy your own crusts if you want. I used to buy my own crusts. But after I used homemade crusts for those tantalizing Straw/Rhubarb pies from awhile back, I feel store bought crusts might be a thing of the past for me. But that's just me. You might have 14 children and need to cut your time spent cooking. (Can you imagine what 14 children would be like?)

#6 Dried Cherries to snack on from the Good Food Store

#7 Stuffed Cabbage, Oriental Style

I found this recipe in my new Nourishing Traditions book that a friend recommended I read. I got it from the library then bought it later. I love it that much. And, darn it, I can't find the exact recipe online. But it's so good. The filling itself, wow, I could eat it by the spoonfuls. And to be honest, I started typing it up for you, got distracted, my stomach started to growl, I grabbed myself a handful of sunflower seeds, then almonds, then dried cranberries, and when I got back to my laptop I was tired and missing my husband. So. I'm not sure what else to say about that.

And there you have it. Favorite foods. Do you have one? If you have a link to it, I'd love you to share.

Or cook it up and send a sample my way.

UPDATED: Kitchen remodel "After" pictures with Oreos and Milk

2009-06-03T12:55:00.008-05:00

UPDATED:

Before:

After:

Before:

After:

Before:

After:

ORIGINAL POST:

Da daa daa daaaaa! (That was supposed to be drumroll'ish. Did you catch that?)

Here's your invitation to join me in our newly remodeled kitchen.

Thanks for being so patient. Believe you me, I know all about patience these days.

But right now I'm only serving you enough to wet your whistle. (Is that ok? I hope that's ok.) After the tile guy gives me the go ahead to put my things back on the counter tonight before he leaves, my camera and I will go hogwild.

On to it.

Now, keep in mind the whole reason for this remodel? Mr. Marvelous and I hoped for a space big enough to house a table that fit all 6 of us. At the same time. Remember? And, remember how that glass block wall down there only allowed for a tiny round table (that comforably fit 4, not 6)in the kitchenette behind it?

Here's the before:

And the after:

Well, I realize you can't see that the wall is actually gone, but I promise that it is. If you could exercise a bit more patience for the big picture that I add tonight, that'd be terrific. Can you do it? How about if I give you a few more views?

To hold you over:

Still not enough? Sheesh. You people are something. Ok. Here are some more:

And, I know what you're thinking, "She really does love the color turquoise." Correctamudo!

How about that? Some bits and pieces to hold you over until later. Think of them as Oreos with a tall glass of milk. That always works for me.

driving in cars making memories

2009-06-02T13:56:00.005-05:00

Why do we travel 5 hours in a car with ~~a child who, for the most part despises her carseat~~ 4 children still in 5 point harnesses, and then think of it as fun?

To build memories. Duh.

And, I'm not talking about the type of memories that include twin 1 year olds stripping off their pajamas and dirty diapers and throwing them over the edge of their extra large pack-n-play that they were just tucked into for bed, while staying at a cabin with 2 other familes and their children.

Not those kind of memories.

The kind of memories that include itty bitty people walking/falling/swimming/splashing/crawling/stripping down to their Bob the Builder underwear (without you knowing) across the beginning of the mighty Mississippi:

The kind of memories that make you think back to what it must have felt like to snuggle with your 3 year old son in a parking lot next to your car's wheels while stopped for an ice cream and potty break:

Those kind of memories.

---------------------------------------

And you thought I was kidding when I said Mondays and Tuesdays are the only days I do laundry around here. Here's round 1 of 4:

But for some reason, it's not as big of a deal when you can do it while sniffing a sweet zephyr of lilac from your neighbors backyard.

Hazel's point of view at the zoo

2009-05-27T10:49:00.007-05:00

Go ahead. Tell 'em Hazel.

Hazel: Ohhh, we had a mighty fine time at the zoo the other day. Get a load of this. My mama didn't get any pictures of the animals that day, but she did get to witness a rather comical form of brotherly endearment:

...That kinda cracked everyone up.

And even though we didn't spot the tiger, which is my brother Luke's very favorite animal, we did see the giraffe and ostrich. Julia about dropped over with excitement at the site of those.

And my sister and I liked the playful sea otters the most. We watched them through the glass as they wrestled in the water together. They were at a perfect height for where we were sitting in our double stroller. (The stroller that we got to get out of a few times this trip. That was a treat.) Since I have a thing for water, I could have watched them all afternoon. That is, until I needed to eat. I like to eat, and drink from my sippy. Especially on daddy's lap. See, that's me on the right:

And that's my sister, Norah. She got really upset when Mama left her side just to take this picture:

She is the biggest Mama's girl. Honestly! My parents say none of us other children have played favorites, except Norah. But my Mama doesn't really mind it, unless she's trying to stir boiling macaroni noodles or clean up shattered RedHot spills.

Speaking of my Mama. Here she is. This is the only picture of her from our trip. Julia took it while Mama was trying to keep me from pushing the stroller into the fountain. She doesn't want you to click in on the picture. And when Mama says something, you obey.

These two make me laugh. And I laugh hard. I mean, just look at them. My brother Luke almost put his head in that there fountain behind them. My parents noticed just in time. He changed his mind really quickly.

And there you have it. A snippet of our day away. Now if you'll excuse me...

please pass me another gigantic slice of chocolate cake

2009-05-26T13:22:00.007-05:00

Life with lots of little people isn't a walk in the park everyday.

I'd sure like to think that rearing our 4 & 3 year olds, and 2 1 year olds is as easy as plowing through a gigantic piece of chocolate cake. But we all know the truth in that. And, you know I tend to keep it real with ya'll. Rememeber?

However, I'm all about bringing the sunshine here at 4under3. Even if it is a drizzling spring day.

So, for you my dear readers, fiest your eyes on our morning adventures. It didn't go as I would have planned it to. But, it just might take away the pain from that jar of tomatoes you just dropped on your right toe, or the drawing your toddler just created on your newly painted wall. It might just crack a few sunshiny rays through your curtains. Then you might be able to sigh and be reminded that, "It's okay, ~~she had a really crappy morning too~~ she dealt with some issues too."

It might.

It all started this morning--after arriving home from a trip to a superstore where my 3 year old flipped a lid after I told him he could not have another pair of Spiderman sandals, and as I was starting lunch--when Norah took off her skirt & diaper while playing in the garage. Most times that's no big deal. Unless she has a dirty diaper. Drats! She had a dirty diaper. So, while my noodles were boiling, and proceeding to stick to the bottom of the pot, I cleaned her up on the floor of the bathroom that's right off our kitchen.

Now, while Norah and I were in the bathroom, I smelled the most unusual smell. A smell that reminded me of Mr. Marvelous' spicy grilled wings. "Mmm," I thought. "That smells good. But why is it coming from my bathroom?" As I secured Norah's diaper tabs and put her skirt back on, I looked around. Nothing. That's when I turned to see that Hazel had taken a bottle of RedHot Wing Sauce from the pantry and dropped it on the kitchen floor, shattering it to bits. And if I didn't know any better, I would have thought that the wing sauce tried its darndest to maneuver itself across the floor on as much of our newly tiled grout lines as it could.

After scrubbing RedHot off of our floor, I scraped noodles off the bottom of the pot and proceeded to make homemade Mac-n-Cheese while the twins colored with markers at the island that I was working at.

Between the time it took me to scrape noodles and serve up plates, Norah had thrown a red crayon into my pot of macaroni, and colored semi circles on her sister's forehead.

Dear Lord! Please, pull the plug from this preposterousness!

Say that three times really fast. Say it. Say it!!!

Ahem. Noooo. I'm fine. Really.

In fact, all that's over. And, I feel better now. I do.

Do you?

Well then. Here. Have a chicken wing.

barefoot and blending

2009-05-24T21:21:00.009-05:00

Have you ever felt the need to post a picture of what you're wearing just because you love the color so (so, so, so) much?

M'kay. Just curious.

Have you ever felt the need to post a picture of one of your kitchen appliances for the same reason?

Me either.

But, have you ever hung a gift from your MOPs group leader over your kitchen chair just so you can snap a picture of it's vibrant color, and then post it too?

I've heard of people doing that.

And I've heard of people posting pictures of their dish soap dispensing jar to show off it's lively yet sophisticated hue.

But, personally I choose to post about more current topics like Healthcare and Environmental Policies.

a ribbon wrapped, cellophane stunner.

2009-05-22T13:03:00.007-05:00

So, I've cut down on pie eating.

And truthfully, I haven't even peeled back the tinfoil from the pie plate once in the last day and a half.

I credit my friend Resa for part of that. That girl! She did it to me again.

She sent me eye candy at it's finest. And you know how eye candy holds a dear place in my heart. I'm so glad she did. I consider this my distraction package:

These clips and magnets have been keeping my mind's eye off of that darn succulent Strawberry Rhubarb.

When I pulled out this ribbon wrapped, cellophane stunner, I gasped. Oh my Lord, I wanted to lick them, and then put them somewhere. But where? I didn't think that attaching them to my outfit, for an easy, creative pick me up would be appropriate.

I had an idea.

I took this old, grimey, how-in-the-world-did-this-thing-get-this-way cookie sheet:

Then, I ran to the bottom of the hill to our scrap store to get coordinating paper so I could slather it with Mod Podge and make it look like this:

That's when I placed a few things to feature on my new magnet board, grabbed a hammer and nail and hung it here:

...in the laundry room that's right off my kitchen.

A perfect place to showcase new eye candy. Wouldn't you say?

I solemnly swear

2009-05-21T13:54:00.005-05:00

[Right hand raised.]

I, Mama to 4underfeet, do solemnly swear to never try this recipe. Ever again.

I promise to go back to my old ways and proclaim homemade pie crusts completely overrated.

I sincerely and truly declare that I will move on from participating in the act of the finger-licking and double dipping of this pie filling. And, I do swear that I will leave this mouthwatering Strawberry Rhubarb pie, that's on my countertop, alone from now on.

I will, to the utmost of my power, refuse the temptation to ingest it. And, I accept that I've had an overabundance in the past 20 hours.

I swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to snacks of rutabagas and kumquats from now on. You have my word.

Should I break from my oath, you shall find me locked in the bathroom with crumbs on my face.

She "chalks" our world.

2009-05-18T19:57:00.005-05:00

If you haven't noticed, 4under3's publishing company has slowed down a bit. At first, I liked to think it had something to do with our construction zone.* I imagined things would pick back up to posting every couple of days. But now I'm thinking otherwise.

*The zone that is nearly complete. All that is left is the tiling of the backsplash. I promise an extensive photo gallery right after the ribbon cutting ceremony. I promise. I'm sorry. Ok? I promise.

I don't know how it can be, but it seems as though nearly 2 year old twins have the capability to run in you two different directions at once. Last year at this time Norah & Hazel were barely moving. This year, at the end of the day, it's me who's barely moving.

It's so much fun though. The before-the-barely-moving part. And man do I think our 4underfeet are the cutest, sweetest, funniest children around.

Take today for an example.

We chalked. Like we always like to do.

And this snippet of Julia tracing Hazel makes me laugh. Not because of the bitty belly that's hanging out, or the memory of Hazel plopping her little body down on the driveway in hopes that Julia would notice and come over, but because of our spunky monkey's naked left foot. Would you believe me if I said I never even noticed that Hazel was missing a left shoe while we were outside? What kind of mom am I?

And this cracks me up too. What? You're not sure what exactly this is?

How about this? Does it look like my shadow flashing the peace sign? Tracing shadows is a favorite in Julia's world.

I'm telling ya, this girl can chalk.

To put it plainly, she chalks our world.

Dirt & Dandelions

2009-05-07T13:40:00.009-05:00

Our delightful little dude helped me dig in the backyard the other day.

After he decided to dig definite deformities in the neighbor's ditch, I directed him to drag his dad's shovel back to our deer loving dominion.

Darn near two minutes later, he delivered these to my side:

Donchaknow! A dandelion delivery! Are those flowers for me, dear little one?

What a dirty, drippy nosed, dande-lovin' darling he is!

(Some S, B & P fun, too!)

[Gulp]

2009-05-05T10:00:00.000-05:00

The other day, while ~~struggling to pedal the 2 miles back to our car with a vomiting 1 year old and a wailing 4 year old, who had just crashed her bike and was left with 3 bloody "owies,"~~ enjoying a leisurely bike ride with our 4under3 along a creek path, we came upon a man.
He appeared to be of a grandpappy's age, and seemed to be enjoying the afternoon on the creek with his fishing pole.

As we neared him, Luke showed much enthusiasm for the man and his fishing pole, and I smiled with delight. I love teachable moments. I imagined this would be a great one.

Luke, as he pedals a bit faster: "Mommy! Look! That man has a pishin' pole. He's, um, pishin' for pish."

Me, as we continued to pedal closer to the man: "You're right, buddy. How about you say hi?"

Luke, his eyes still fixated on the fishing pole: "Wow! Mommy, look! He's throwin' that string in 'da water. Wow!"

By this point, we're feet from the man who looks even more endearing up close.

Me to the presumable grandpappy: "Hello. A pretty nice day to be out fishing."

The man, who disregards my comment but is smiling at Julia and Luke on their bikes: "Cute kids. I raised a kid like that. For 8 years."

I smiled and nodded attentively.

He continues: Then she slapped a restraining order on me just because I drink. Haven't seen him in 4 years."

[Gulp]

Not Me! Monday with Pigeon Poo.

2009-05-04T13:58:00.000-05:00

Oh, how I've missed being a part of My Charming Kids' Not Me! Monday. And, Oh, how the absence has filled my keyboard with despair.

But 4under3 is back, and it's time to spill the beans in Not Me! fashion.

One night while staying at my parents' house, I definitely did not brush my teeth with a little, blue, light up, toothbrush--designated for our 4 year old:

because I was unable to locate my own. Even though we had been on the run for 7 days--because of this--I keep everything organized. And all of the time. Even when it comes to toiletries.

While the children and I were visiting a childhood friend, there is no way that I allowed Luke to jump in his birthday suit on her outdoor trampoline. After he slipped on pigeon poo in their barn, I simply stripped his soiled outfit, bathed him in their tub, and put on the extra outfit that I always pack for him. I always plan for 'pigeon poo' mishaps and I never travel without an extra outfit for each of our children. Not me!

I am not posting this picture of Norah and Hazel, attempting to slide down an indoor waterslide together, just because. There is a good Not Me! reason, and it has nothing to do with Hazel's facial expression that sends me in stitches.

The other day, as I was loading the children into our car--that was parked in my parents' driveway--a man pulled up behind us in a minivan. That's when I, without a doubt, did not kinda.freak.out as I looked down to see that I was still in a pair of pajama shorts and a nonmatching, old, and oversized t-shirt that used to be one of my younger brothers. I did not care that I happen to be sporting my dad's black cowboy boots--that I slipped on quick--that were certainly 10 sizes too big. Even though I had planned on changing into my "real" outfit after everyone was buckled in, I had no problem looking the way I did in front of that stranger. None.

And if that last Not Me! wasn't that big of a deal for you all, let me add that the pajama shorts that I was wearing were positively not advertising the legs that I haven't shaved since Costa Rica. They weren't!

Now, if you feel your keyboard is down in the dumps, head on over and join in the fun. Happy Not Me! Monday.

a breeze of organizational air

2009-04-22T12:49:00.007-05:00

So, a lot has changed in our new kitchen since even this picture:

(And I think you'll agree that it's come a long way since this.)

But at least you can see our new new paint color. (Remember awhile back I promised I'd post one? Or have you forgotten since it's been so long?) Click here to get an even better idea of what the color looks like. Then toggle over to the Silver Sage color swatch on the bottom left. And, that's it!

I haven't taken an updated picture yet. Call it: Julia got strep, then the twins got an ear infection paired nicely with pink eye, Julia got over strep but woke crying last night because of her ear, and now I feel as if I have a tennis ball in my throat each time I swallow.

Sooo, we've been a wee bit busy in the land of 4underfoot!

But we have cabinets, a table, a super deep sink, and trim now. Yipee. It's like a thunderstorm for seedlings--exactly what we were waiting for.

I promise, er-I guess I can't promise, but I'll see if I can get a really updated one taken soon.

I'll try.

But I have to tell you, the uber best part of all of this, is how organized my cabinets have become. It's like a breeze of fresh organizational air swept through our new space and labeled, stacked, and positioned for convience every kitchen item I own.

I'll tell you all about later. As for now, I'll leave you with what our 4under3 looked like last year at Easter.

Remember, I tweeted about how my mother computer--that holds all my pictures--is buried under "stuff" that hasn't found a home in the kitchen yet?

This will have to do.

Happy Easter.

Again.

A bit of Easter Wear

2009-04-14T13:51:00.003-05:00

Some days, I'm a bit uncertain who these two really are:

You would have thought it was the Easter bunny who popped out the back door--behind Mr. Marvelous and I, at my parents house on Sunday--as we tried to snap a normal Easter picture of the children. When in fact, it was Grandpa who got a whole lot of hoots and howls from Norah (L) and Hazel. (Julia and Luke were left uninterested.)

But it's no surprise that these little faces can produce such bizarre expressions.

These two girls are known to deviate from the norm.

Well, there was no deviation when it came to eating jelly beans from plastic eggs. They followed suit well while dribbling juice down the front of their dresses.

You just gotta let 'em go

2009-04-10T20:14:00.009-05:00

There are some things that you just have to ignore, then you look the other way and make no bones about them. You just gotta let 'em go.

Like when your existing and new wood floors--which take up the majority of your main floor--have been sanded down and treated, and you're told to keep ~~your feet~~ your children's feet off them until they dry. For two days in a row. Even though you don't want to load everyone up in the car and spend the entire day away, again, you just do.

And then you let it go.

Or, like when your MIL invites you and the children over to her place--which is over an hour away--on a day when said floors are drying, you get all excited because you know it's supposed to be a gorgeous day and you imagine how much fun everyone will have playing outside in her wonderful backyard on her playset. Except, your oldest daughter ends up showing major signs of illness. So, you spend most of the day snuggling inside while trying to nurse her back to health.

You just let it go.

Or, like when you realize your daughter's tonsils are as big as kumquats on steroids, so you and your MIL load everyone up and take her in to the Fast Care clinic in the closest grocery store near your MIL's home town. Then you're told she has strep. And you're asked if you have any other children at home that your daughter might have passed it on to.

You just let it go.

And while you're waiting for her prescription, you walk around the store looking for fun, soothing consumable treats to cheer up your kumquatie daughter. Like frozen fruit on sticks. While you wait for your prescription, you two sit together and slurp lime and strawberry popsicles. Then when you return back to your car full of children--that your MIL is watching--you realize that you would have a bigger situation to deal with if you were to withhold the frozen fruit sticks from your other children. So you cheerfully unwrap one for each child and then...

...you just...

...let it go.

a punk chick flipped me off

2009-04-06T20:31:00.013-05:00

Some punk chick flipped me off the other night.

I was minding my own business at a stoplight--behind a car full of girls--patiently waiting for it to turn so I could pick up the pizza I was headed for, then return it to my hungry Mr. Marvelous and his little brother who were hanging out at home.

Apparently, the height of my vehicle was just right to shine the headlights dead on in her driver's side mirror. Which evidently ticked her right off.

As soon as I noticed her place her hand over her mirror in an attempt to shield the glare, I thought, "Oh no. Oh, shoot. How do I turn these things off for a bit?"

You know, that'd be a nice thing to do. And, I like to think I'm a nice person.

I've never hit or cussed at anyone. I don't steal, talk smack to people, or use the express checkout when I have more than 12 items.

I'm a square sista. I mean no harm.

Obviously the girl didn't, because she flew the bird out the window as the light turned green and she drove her posse away.

For pete's sake. It was dark out and our windows are quite tinted. For all she knew, I could have been her little old grandmother borrowing a big, black Titan.

And really. Who flips off their grandmother?

P.S. That picture up there is the first and very wrong color--and the one that's long gone--that we chose for the kitchen we're remodeling. Remember what it used to look like? The painters graciously repainted the new color the next day. And I love it. Like, really love it. Like love love gooey love. Updated photos coming soon.

Candice Olson, where are you?

2009-04-03T11:20:00.002-05:00

Turns out, on this 3rd day of April and 15th day of Spring, we've got 6 inches of snow heading our way. Nevermind the 71 degrees we were teased with awhile back. I was thinking flip flops and skirts were overrated anyway.

Not!

But we're ready for it. There's no point in rocking the boat while Mother Nature is trying to drive. Right Norah?

And since I apparently left out a number of details in my last post about my mom's lost wedding ring, I tweeted answers back to your burning questions. Did you find them? Then I figured, I would be dying to know exactly what the two missing rings looked like, therefore I'm sure you all are the same way, so have at it:

We're not back in our house yet. However, Mr. Marvelous has assured me that the appliances are back in place and our new space is starting to look a little like a functional kitchen. Luke and I will see for ourselves tonight. We're headed back home for a few days to try and make a dent in the construction dust and pick a paint color for the walls. Thanks for all your ideas. And I'll have you know, after much deliberation, Mr. Marvelous and I have narrowed our color choices down to an undecided shade of gray and shade of aquamarine. We'll look at the floors, cabinets, counters and natural lighting and decide tomorrow.

If only I were an interior designer and had some sort of common knowledge of paints and walls, and such.

For now, I'm off to click around in cyberland to find more inspiration kitchens. Time is tickin'. Candice Olson, where are you?

I lost my Mom's Wedding Ring.

2009-04-01T13:12:00.005-05:00

It's beyond embarrassing telling of how I lost my mom's wedding ring.

[silence]

I know. I know! I've been living with that baggage for the past 2 years.

It's not something you just get over. No matter how understanding and comforting your mother is. No matter how much your mom puts your feelings, unrightfullyso, in front of her lost wedding ring feelings. You just don't forget about it.

Walk back with me to October, 2 years ago.

We were getting ready to move into our new house, I was planning for Julia's 3rd birthday, and my mom had taken her ring off to help paint four coats on every inch of our walls and ceilings. She forgot her wedding ring at our house, but we were planning on having Julia's party at my MIL's who lives in the same town as my parents.

"Don't worry Mom. I'll bring it over to Julia's party. It's no big deal."

That's what I thought, until it came time to hand it over just before singing Happy Birthday and I had no idea where it was. I felt like I was nosediving in a never ending black hole.

And as if feeling like the lowest daughter ever wasn't enough, 2 weeks later I took my ring off--to paint our laundry room--forgot that I shoved it in the pocket of my hooded sweatshirt, stowed it away in the back of my closet and lost that ring for a good 7 months.

And I wonder how I ever was a good Maid of Honor.

It didn't matter that we had just moved to a new town, that I had just found out we were pregnant with #3--that ended up to be #3 & #4--and that we were planning for the upcoming holidays. I had just lost 2 wedding rings in less than a month and I was pleading with God to turn over my mom's WAY before mine.

Which is what didn't happen. Of course my mom found my lost ring while perusing through my closet one afternoon. Tell me. How's a girl supposed to act excited when that happens?

But the page that made this drama take a turn for the best came last night when my MIL said she had been dusting her corner cabinet and found a ring pushed way to the back. She was wondering if it belonged to my mom.

It did! It did, it did, it did!

[sigh]

So, after my dad and I conspired a bit, we decided to put it in a small box and surprise her with it this morning. The exact way my dad did when he proposed.

That's when....they lived happily ever after.

Bouncing Like a Bunch of Vagabonds

2009-03-27T13:02:00.004-05:00

The children and I are still bouncing around the country like a bunch of vagabonds, drifting from our home to Mr. Marvelous' and my home town--where our parents and grandparents still live. All I can say is that the car is going to need a major detailing when this is all over.

While Julia was busy being the "Star Student" at preschool this past Monday and Wednesday, we slept in our house, but left by 8:00 each morning to keep busy feet off of "skim coats" of mud in this construction zone:

Looking at these pictures of our kitchen makes me wish I had some sort of application on my computer that would wipe and sweep the mess away, making our kitchen finished at the click of a mouse.

And while the construction crews are making great time extending wood floors, laying new tile, reseting lights and speakers, and installing toe kicks and such, there's still a LOT to be done.

But, this weekend we're headed to the border. So, we'll be far from thinking about this mess:

The children and I are going to visit two college friends and their families. They live about 2 hours from our folk's town and happen to live only minutes from each other.

Bonus. I can't wait!

Something else that can't wait is picking a color for our kitchen walls. I need your ideas! Imagine this: dark charcoal and off white cabinets, with off white and black countertops.

Who's got the eye for color design? I need some advice.

Construction and Chameleons

2009-03-20T13:42:00.008-05:00

The children and I are in the beginning of a construction phase. (Day 5 of 28, to be exact.)

And no, I'm not talking about the paper kind that makes for fun art projects when combined with cottonballs, glitter and glue.

I'm talking about the kind that requires only Mr. Marvelous to live/sleep/shower at our home. The kind that allows for no little people toddling under foot throughout a dusty house full of workers. The kind that doesn't cater to peaceful and quiet naptimes. And the kind that takes this diningroom/kitchenette/kitchen:

and makes it look like this:

I'll be honest, we're not lacking in the "What to do?" department of our upcoming 4 weeks. The first born personality in me has a planned and detailed schedule of all the approaching entertainment meant to distract ~~us from the drilling, tiling, and hanging wires~~ me from the accumulating layer of dust and anarchy now present in our home.

And so far, the last 5 days have run smoother than I could have expected. Almost living out of our truck, carrying around 3 bags of a la carte foods, and visiting friends and family that we don't get to see all that often has been an experience that has shown me this:

Our children are quite similar to chameleons.

Brilliant correlation. I know.

No, I don't own a Darwin bumper sticker.

Costa Rica: Waterfall Jumping

2009-03-15T12:29:00.008-05:00

The following footage is proof that:

a) I don't give in to peer pressure.

b) I am a complete chicken when it comes to combining water with rocks and extreme heights on a Tican farmer's property.

c) I love the thrill of adventure, but realized that the height Mr. Marvelous and our Surf instructor--the one who guided us through a cow pasture to get to the falls, and the one who jumps after me--wanted me to jump from, was so scary to me that it made my muscles ache with fear.

d) repeated jumps from this middle pool of water--on this wonderfully warm afternoon--left much opportunity for the force of the water to pop my little nose ring gem right out.

Costa Rica: If you find yourself Whitewater Rafting (part 2)

2009-03-13T13:50:00.007-05:00

You thought I was kidding when I said there would be many blogworthy Costa Rican posts up ahead?

Oh, dear.

I wasn't. Not even the slightest bit.

Nor was our rafting guide, Kevin, when he said, "Guys you have to listen to my commands. This river is a dangerous place if you don't." Sure, we understood. But, it seemed that each member of our rafting group felt as if they could man the wild rapids, with no problems at all.

That's what we thought in the beginning!

And, things started out that way. "Left side forward! Right side back!" We caught on quick to Kevin's commands. Then things started to get a bit intense.

And at times, our situation seemed a bit out of control.

I could sense fear within the crew members seated next to me. And the farther we moved down the Pacuare River, the more extreme our Whitewater Rafting adventure became.

This rafting adventure was the one and only thing that we came to Costa Rica having planned. Mr. Marvelous first rafted a river in Montana, then the Nile River--while studying abroad in Africa--and is now determined he's a rapid thrill seeker. So, he signed us up for this National Geographic favorite. I'm glad he did. But there was one moment during our ride that I wasn't. It was right after we entered this section of the river:

That's when we got caught in a swirling rapid, our raft thought about flipping but changed it's mind, Mr. Marvelous went under, and we couldn't find him. Thoughts like, "What the heck are we doing rafting a river with 4 children at home?" And, "Oh my gosh! Help!" And, "Forget all these commands to get us out of this mixer! Where's my husband?"

But after a few minutes, we manuevered ourselves out, moved down river, and found him:

Thank goodness.

It's a good thing everyone in this raft came up too.

Costa Rica: If you find yourself waking up there (part 1)

2009-03-12T12:43:00.010-05:00

If you follow me on Twitter, or if you check out my tweets on my sidebar, then you know that Mr. Marvelous and I just arrived back from sultry Costa Rica. What a relaxing and rejuvinating time we had. And, what's even better is that we were ready and rearing to come home at the end. That's when you know your trip was successful.

Now tell me this. Who of you out there, have ever been on a vacation, only to arrive home and feel the need to vacation a few more days inside your home in preparation for the upcoming, busy, on the go schedule you prefer most for you and your 4under3?

Because I have.

[Phew] I'll be honest, I've found that since we've arrived home, the first thoughts that have entered my head each morning as I begin to wake, consist of lounging around the house with my little people, keeping my phone powered to off, and finishing off the scrumptious Peanut Butter cookies that a friend came over to make with the children while we were away. And, believe me, we're soaking it all in while we can. Once Monday comes, the children and I are movin' on out for a few weeks while our kitchen remodel kicks off. More on that later.

And speaking of waking each morning, if you happen to find yourself waking in Costa Rica:

1. It's probably around 5:30, since the sun rises around that time year round (and sets at 5:30 in the afternoon). But if you can't figure out the time change, or you're thrown off by what your husband's cell phone tells you, what your rental truck says, and what your bedroom alarm clock reads, then don't even worry about what time it is at all during your stay. In fact, when you arrive here:

for breakfast an entire hour early--because 5 days into your vacation you've still not figured out the true time, having moved clocks back then forward many times--just pull out your travel Scrabble from the back of your truck and proceed to beat your husband for the first time since your honeymoon, while you wait for 7 o'clock to roll around.

2. Do remember that the translation section in your Costa Rican hand guide might help when trying to communicate with Ticos who ~~don't know a lick of English~~ ~~are usually left staring after everything you try to say in Spanish~~ are soley Spanish speakers. Don't try to rely on the little amount of Espanol that you and your husband remember from high school Spanish class. That's when you'll be here:

trying to ask a young Tica how much a pineapple is, but mistakenly asking, "What time is it?" She'll probably look at her wristwatch and give you a dazed and confused look until you realize exactly what you just said.

3. And speaking of failing to understand, while you're out and about in Costa Rica and hearing fast flowing Spanish conversations, you might liken it to your twin 20 month olds' babbling language that carries on between the two. You just might miss them terribly at that point. Then, you'll think of Julia and Luke, too. And while playing in the warmest pool you've ever felt, your husband might make up a "L" and "J" hand sign for them, like this:

4. You'll want to go hunt down some Surf instructors who could teach you a thing or two about riding a wave.

You might chuckle at the fact that the surf dudes are really from Oregon and Houston (Hola Larry and Brett!) but prefer to reside in the tiny village of Esterillos Oeste, a community known for attracting diehard wave catchers from around the world. And you might want to brag about the skillz you picked up from your 2 hour lesson during high tide. I bet you'll consider yourself a surfer from then on.

5. You'll enjoy everything so much--down to the little crabs that were found scurrying across the beach each morning:that you'll want to blog about it over and over and over, leaving your blog community ~~wanting to vomit tidbits of Costa Rica~~ filled to overflowing with knowledge of this Central American country.

Stand by for part 2.

Shared Spaces with Barnum and Bailey

2009-03-10T11:38:00.000-05:00

(The following is an entry that has been preposted. While Mr. Marvelous and I are vacationing in Costa Rica, I'll be backposting here at 4under3. See you in a couple of days.)

May 26, 08

These two little acrobats began sharing spaces before they were even born. Thus far, that's one of the many things they do best. Ok, except when Hazel has something in her hand that Norah finds interesting. (Scope out. Swoop in. Grab. Take. Slobber all over. Leave sister crying.) And that's sometimes the way it goes.

Norah finds everything Hazel has or does--interesting. We have a feeling Ms. Norie will be the careful, watchful one, which is how a big sister is supposed to be, right?

But sharing swing space..that's right up there with sharing sleeping space for these girls. A fantastic idea in their book. Imagine those pudgy little legs kicking in and out simultaneously with those little arms as they glide back and forth through the air. They could start up their own act in the Ringling Bros Circus. That is, if they act quick. Or get a bigger full bucket seat to perform in. Space seems to be limited and it looks as though there's very little vroom to grow.

(Norah)

Wagon Chatter II

2009-03-09T14:13:00.000-05:00

(The following is an entry that has been preposted. While Mr. Marvelous and I vacation in Costa Rica, I'll be backposting here at 4under3. See you in a couple of days.)

July 23rd, 08
Norah: I gotta ~~pickle~~ sippy, I gotta sippy, I gotta sippy hey, hey, hey, hey!

Hazel: Saaaay, big sista, I'm feeling a bit parched. Whatdaya say we ration the water you have left in that there sippy of yours?

Norah: Aww, really? Let me think about this a minute. I could have sworn you weren't thirsty, being that you've flung your sippy on the ground 43 times now.

Norah: ...but I guess. What's mine is yours, DNA, crib, clothing, and all....and hurry before our busy big brother bikes over here thinkin' we really have something.

Hazel: Thanks for being so patient. But are you sure there's anything in here..cuz my whistle isn't even wet?

Norah: Good gracious, mini-me, I'm feeling a little flushed. It's hard work being the big sister, but a job that I must.

--For more Wagon Chatter, see here.--

Buenos from Costa Rica

2009-03-08T13:19:00.005-05:00

Buenos from the Xandari Spa Resort con internet!!

Yea!

Goodness! No internet sure has a tendency to make a person feel like they've completely lost contact with the world. Even though they're on the otherside of it. Kind of.

I must make this quick. I have lots to talk about, but Mr. Marvelous is waiting for me at the pool.
Thus far, the first half of our trip to Costa Rica (the "rich coast") has been on the Pacific coastline, in and around the city of Jaco (say: ha-CO). We, I mean Mr. Marvelous planned for the beginning of our vacation to be all for the adventure seeker type. We arrived with absolutely no plans in hopes to get to know the culture and enjoy what was recommended.

We were wonderfully pleased. I´ve taken mucho pictures and can´t wait to share all that we've experienced after we arrive home.

Today we traveled the 140, or so, winding mountain kilometers back to San Jose--in the rental truck we picked up after we landed here--located in the Central Valley. Now we're finishing our stay in Costa Rica at the relaxing Resort and Spa of Xandari. We´ll have spa treatments from 5-6pm tonight. MM has plans for a Aromatic Mud Full Body Masque, and I for a Sweet Coconut Wrap and Massage. I'll see if I can get picutures of that too.

Tomorrow we'll experience a rafting trip down the Paquari River. I shudder at the thought of it. Here's to calm nerves and having a voice left when we're done.

So many times, MM and I have talked about how much we wish we could have all our friends and family down here with us to enjoy what we've enjoyed. I highly recommend a trip to this beautiful country.

We'll be home in a few days. I'm excited to see you all soon.

Gracias,

Tiff

The Ride of Their Life

2009-03-06T11:28:00.002-06:00

(The following is an entry that has been preposted. While Mr. Marvelous and I are vacationing in Costa Rica, I'll be backposting here at 4under3. See you next week.)

August 28, 08-
I think that's what these two are thinking right now.

I mean...now they get to play with their just-turned-4-year-old-cousin for two full days a week. Their baby sisters are completely in awe of them, wanting to be with them and laughing at them all the time. They've been allowed to live in their swimming suits for the past month now. There's a new ice cream truck that frequents our neighborhood weekly. And they're going on vacation tomorrow morning to a far off place that boasts of it's sandy beaches, boats, horse rides, and late night bonfires.

What more can a 3 and 2 year old really ask for?

Frequenting the Fairway

2009-03-05T10:23:00.001-06:00

(The following is an entry that has been preposted. While Mr. Marvelous and I are vacationing in Costa Rica, I'll be backposting here at 4under3. See you next week.)

ORIGINAL POST:
It all started when Luke found the sports bin in the rear of the garage early this summer.

With a treasure hunting expression on his face, he lifted the lid, and began pulling softballs, baseballs, gloves and a bat across the garage. Then comes the frisbees, ball pump, whiffle balls, basketballs and a soccer ball.

But the greatest treasure uncovered on that Pursuit for Sports Happiness Day was two rackets and tube of tennis balls.

Mr. Marvelous and I bought these prized pieces in our younger years. We thought we'd possibly become avid tennis players.

We didn't.

In Luke's attempt to operate the racket and ball, and before I stepped in to teach him about his new find, he would lay the ball on the concrete driveway and wack at it hoping for a connection. Many times he would miss and scrape the edge of the racket along the ground, but as he got better he would send it sailing and truly enjoyed seeing the ball spin away.

After Mr. Marvelous realized how partial Luke had become to the racket and ball, he decided it was time to enlighten his son of the true game of all games. Here he is trying out his new set of mini Titanium clubs.

Watch out Tiger. This dude now frequents the driving range with his daddy. He's about ready to take you on.

They've found their Saturday morning sanctuary.

What a fabulously fair-way of spending time together.

Wednesday Photo

2009-03-04T09:45:00.005-06:00

(The following is an entry that has been preposted. While Mr. Marvelous and I are vacationing in Costa Rica, I'll be backposting here at 4under3. See you next week.)

August 28th, 08
Would you put that thing away and help me down this slide, please? -Hazel

We take his favorites and theme 'em.

2009-03-01T21:40:00.001-06:00

1st Birthday Theme: Balls, Balls, and more Balls

2nd Birthday Theme: My Toolbox

3rd Birthday Theme: Batman

And, if my guess is on, I'm thinking Luke's Birthday theme for next year could have something to do with golf clubs or violins.

My birthday theme for this year, however--being that it's my golden birthday as well as the big 3-0 for me--would have something to do with flipflops, bathtubs, or surprises. Since I do love each of those.

What would you theme your birthday this year?

Tomorrow is the Big 3!

2009-02-28T13:33:00.009-06:00

Happy 3rd Birthday, Buster!

Tomorrow we'll be celebrating a birthday that I've been anticipating for the last few months. And, now that it's here, I'm thinking differently.

It's complicated.

I'll say it like this. It's taken a much greater amount of creative effort in harnessing the boisterous--sometimes untamable--2 year old energy that oozes from our only son. His mellow, chilled, older sister did nothing to prepare us for the endurance that was needed with him up ahead.

Don't misunderstand, Luke's zeal for life has been delightful to watch. The amount of energy he has to burn is astonishing. And his determination, well, quite persistent.

But, while in the thick of the 2's, those attributes can sometimes create the most intense flavor in one's mouth. So as we worked on loving his fun qualities, we also thanked God that the 3's might bring a change for the good with the not so fun ones.

Then, about a month ago, things started to pan out for our little man. Cause and effect became much clearer. The idea of privileges and consequences appeared quite solid. And, potty training began to click.

And tomorrow he's 3! But, now I'm thinking that regardless, he's growing up too fast.

Luke's Version of Reading Rainbow

2009-02-26T15:03:00.006-06:00

Butterfly in the sky

[Luke] can go twice as high

Take a look
It's in a [Thomas I Spy] book
A Reading [Railroad]

Reading Railroad

Not Me! Monday with Scrap Pages

2009-02-23T14:57:00.007-06:00

We're all back from Camp Craft and it was downright dynamic.

Shocking, I know!

But, I guess that's what you get when you gather a slew of girls together and give them great food, thread, and tape runners for an entire weekend. What a bunch of shenanigans, we were.

So I thought I'd share a bit about it in Not Me! Monday fashion.

To start, there is no way that I forgot my camera at home and was cameraless the entire weekend, leaving me with nothing but post-craft weekend pictures of just the pages I created.

And, after making two identical pages that look like this:

..one for each of Norah and Hazel's scrapbooks, I did not find that buttons combined with pictures of ladybug rainboots, and shiny letter brads that spell the word "ladies" would send me into a tizzy of tears and sniffles over our growing baby girls. I didn't.

Speaking of a tearful tizzy, I did not turn into a sobbing mess at coffee this morning when a friend asked if Mr. Marvelous and I were done having children. There were no tears to fight back and no reason to finally give in and throw my face into my palms and cry...right there in front of my 4 coffee crew members. The thought of waving goodbye to the--very short--childbearing stage we just went through does not pluck an emotional cord in me.

I do not feel a bit narcissist when I look at this page and proclaim it my favorite:

...regardless of the fact that I'm found in, like, 3 photos with our children since the first was born.

Here's one other:

Oh, and I have not started planning Norah & Hazel's 2nd birthday already. The birthday that isn't until the end of June. Even though I just finished their 1st birthday "Carnival style" pages 2 days ago:

And being the secret keeper and surprise giver that I am, I'd never share with you that the girls' birthday theme this year has to do with colorful circles and peas in pods. Never!

Now head over to Mother Hen MckMama and pluck away at all the other Not Me! entries.

You'll be cracking up before you know it.

Camp Craft on the Lake 2009

2009-02-19T13:32:00.005-06:00

Last year, 'round this time, I hosted my very first annual Camp Craft on the Lake.

And good gracious was it a blast!

It was then that I was a mommy of a newly turned 3 year old, 1 1/2 year old, and twin 7 month olds, and I was in desperate need of a break from bottles and diapers, and baby food and spit up. My husband, the wonderful encourager that he is, told me to, "Go do something fabulously fun for yourself, darling."

So I did. (So maybe he didn't say it exactly like that, but that's what it translated into for me.)

I took his advice and rounded up 9 crafty mommys--who also needed somewhere to relax quietly, besides behind their locked bathroom door--and we headed an hour away to the lake house to craft the nights away.

And now, it's that time again.

Tomorrow afternoon, we'll all be returning to the lake--plus 5 more team members--for another round of a craft-your-heart-out retreat. For the entire weekend, we'll be off to the far away land of inspiration, imagination, and artistication.

Ahh! I can almost hear it now...the rum of the sewing machine, the slash of the paper trimmer, the silence of knitting needles, the zing of creativity. While we all craft the town red, the daddies will be home managing the merrymaking of the little ones.

So, it's back to packing my paint brushes and buckets of Shanghai Red and Elated Cherry Pie.

What town wouldn't look good in those colors!

That's amore!

2009-02-16T09:39:00.001-06:00

Our Valentine's day was full of lovely things.

A date out with my lovey Mr. Marvelous, a stop for sushi appetizers, enjoying life with my sister-in-law down there on the left (a sweetheart who was plucked right from a peach tree):

..and youngest brother, reservations at a swanky, Zebra-print-dress-appropriate restaurant, a kind couple who offered us the rest of their wine before they left, our kind gesture of offering said bottle to the neighbor table next to us before we left (because we had ours to finish), jazz music, plates of seared tuna, maple cranberry chicken, filet mignon, and cheeseburgers with fries--my little brother cracks me up--and fragrant roses for the ladies.

It was amore all night long.

What lovely things did you delight in over the weekend?

Our winner. And the Top 10 Reasons I'm Proud to be an Under3 Fan.

2009-02-13T00:01:00.003-06:00

There's been a handful of things that have happened over the past couple of days that have gotten me singing over and over, "My life is something like a phenomenom." I wonder what LL would sing about if he were over here for a day?

Boy do I marvel at the thought of the family that God has chosen to give Mr. Marvelous and I. And, I love that He knows my husband and I the way he does, to put us where we are today. My oh my, did I think He was way off, though, during those first few months after the little girls were born. You could have sent me to the Nut House. There's no way we would have made it successfully with newborn twins, a 15 month old, and a 2 year and 8 month old, without patience and peace from God.

And now look at us. We love having lots of little ones around. We delight in our 4under3 more than we could have ever imagined.

Oh, we so do!

So, in top ten fashion, I thought I'd give you my Top Ten reasons that "I'm proud to be an Under3* fan."

*Having 4 children in under 3 years

#10 Because you can buy a bazillion boxes of the same size diapers, and they fit all three of your diaper wearing children.

#9 Because, on laundry day, if a shirt from your oldest daughter's wardrobe gets put away in your two youngest daughters' dresser on accident, you can still put it on one of the youngest daughters, because they're nearly the same size.

#8 Because, you can laugh at the ridiculous, yet popular question that you get when your oldest is at preschool and you're traveling with just the three youngest. "Oh, are they triplets?" Um no.

#7 Because everyone thinks it's cool to climb in the youngest girls' crib--when they wake in the morning--to read books, snuggle, and wrestle.

#6 Because the establishments that proclaim "2 and under are free" makes for a nearly free outing.

#5 Because all your children still nap at the same time, for the same amount of time, allowing for a wonderfully quiet chunk of time every afternoon.

#4 Because you can bathe all 4 children at the same time, with no questions asked, making for a fun hot tub party for everyone.

#3 Because you get 4 big wet smooches from every one of your children--by their request--when you drop them off somewhere.

#2 Because when you buy a present for one of your children, everyone seems to like it, being that it happens to be age appropriate for them too.

And, the #1 reason why I'm Proud to be an Under3 Fan is because giving the very last tictac--that was in my mouth--to our 2 year old whose tictac slipped out of his mouth and cascaded down to the sidewalk, is fun to say you did. And none of your other children asks questions or says, "Ewww."

Waaaaaaa. And the crowd goes wild.

But, before I go, we have a winner from the Chop Chop contest.

#16 Come on down, random.org picked you. Erin, send me your snail mail digits, and I'll send you your blue ribbon.

That's all folks.

Chop Chop...a CONTEST

2009-02-11T12:48:00.008-06:00

UPDATE: The Chop Chop contest is now closed. Congratulations Erin!

This might be one of my top 5-Second Flavor Fixes! It makes my mouth water just looking at it.

And I think the only thing that could possibly make this Veggie Sandwich that's smooshed between it's Asiago bagel from the "Day Old" bin at Bruegger's any more gradiose, is to place it in a flashy celophane bag and tie it with a green ribbon.

We all know everything looks better in celophane.

But what we all don't know is that this new game Snorta that I snagged at the game store the other night is so fun that it makes your cheeks burn. I brought it along to the Heart Healthy class that I taught at a friend's house the other night, and we played 'til we couldn't see anymore.

So, I've decided. In paying tribute to games, and fun, quality timin' it, and burning cheeks, I'm hosting a CONTEST!

What I mean by contest is leave a favorite 5-Second Flavor Fix of yours in the comment section and earn a chance at a fabulous, crafted, Holy Cow! that's cute item by playing along. I'll round up all our players and leave the rest up to random.org. Then in my next post I'll announce the winner. Doesn't sound too bad, eh?

Now, chop chop!

(I don't mean run and chop chop up some cucumbers, tomato, spinach, and red onion like I did. But if you happened to, you wouldn't regret it.)

Not Me! Monday

2009-02-09T08:55:00.001-06:00

I'll be honest.

I had no intention to write a Not Me! post this week. And that's for real. [gasp]

I was going to take a break, sit back and enjoy reading a few other hypothetical, jawdropping stories, and dunk Oreos while I Facebooked my MIL. (She joined 2 days ago and I know she'd like a few comments on her wall.)

But then MckMama went and ~~threatened she'd never link to me again if I backed out this week~~ posted about how this week, all Not Me! postees earn a chance to win a fabulous 7 day vacation to the exotic island of Bora Bora! Hooray, I'm in!

Oh, dear. That's not right either.

What I'm trying to say is, well, click on over to My Charming Kids and you'll see what I'm trying to say.

Onward and upward!

The other day, when I put Luke out here again, to burn off his 2 year old energy:

I did not catch him in the most bizarre postion and think, "Hmm, that really does look relaxing."

And I didn't ask questions. So your guess is as good as mine.

And I do not have to get this off of my chest. So here it goes.

You see, I've been repurposing the closet that's under our stairs in our basement. We used to store our 14 foot, artificial Christmas tree, along with other Christmas decorations in there, but right now I'm in the middle of turning it into the Imagination Hideaway Station for our children. (Who am I kidding? It's for me, too!) And while I was painting all of the walls and the ceiling a Muddy Blueberry Blue, I did not dribble paint across our 2 year old, cream carpet as I walked through to our storage room for more paint. No I did not!

But if someone did do something of the sorts, I'm sure they'd spend a lot of time scrubbing to get the darn dribble spots out. They'd have most certainly learned their lesson. I bet they wouldn't dribble again--for example--like if they were painting a Featherstone Grey diamond atop their blue. Because you know, I'm sure they'd close their eyes and pray--before they even started--that they wouldn't drip. And I bet they wouldn't.

Donchathink?

They pot nicely together.

2009-02-08T13:00:00.003-06:00

It's no secret that leaving a big ol' treat on someone's doorstep, sending a little something to someone's mailbox, or placing a perfectly, cellophaned gift, adorned with ribbons and tissue paper in someone's hands totally trips my trigger. Some of the best ways to make my day, is by trying to make someone else's. (Two 19-month-olds, a husband full of surprises, and Oreos have also been know to make my day.)

And, it's a good thing I saved this LUSH box--that used to hold the Bath Bombs that I've been raving about:

Because when I spotted these mini, potted, glimpses-of-spring in the floral department the other day:

..I knew they'd ~~pot~~ pair nicely together. It just took a little paper, mod podge, and ribbon to make this gift fit for a ~~queen~~ friend.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-02-04T14:18:00.008-06:00

UPDATE: It's a good thing it was Wordless Wednesday today. I wanted to give you a ski picture to go with my tweets about being frozen and cold and numb. But it just so happened that I pushed my time to post way too far into naptime. Before I knew it, naps were over and I had only uploaded these two photos. And that's as far as I got.

What I wanted to say was, "Can you tell that Mr. Marvelous and I have aged well after 1 year?" I mean, if you could take off our hats, neckwarmers and goggs and actually see us.

What I remember most about last year's double ski date is how my husband sent my hippie friend tumbling down the hill in an attempt to be first to the bottom.

January '08

Two days ago.

Rest assured, there were no tumbles or racing with the snowboarding couple that joined us this year--unless you count our racing back to the chalet to warm ourselves next to the fireplace.

Not Me! Monday before we leave for the slopes

2009-02-02T00:56:00.002-06:00

Top of the Not Me! mid afternoon to you!

Would someone please tell me why it's so rejuvinating to post things that didn't happen to my family and I--but really did happen to us--for the world to see? And why is it even more rejuvinating to read about everyone else's Not Me! scenarios over at My Charming Kids?

I haven't put my finger on it, but it's positively great fun.

Like the kind of fun I have with these two little girls:

(Hazel)

(Norah)

I know a while back, I proclaimed that a 15 month old was at the cutest, sweetest, most fun age ever--and before that I thought 12 month olds were--but holy 19-month-old-bundles-of-bliss! I have not been totally smitten as a kitten with our twins, Norah & Hazel. And I do not immediately turn into "goofball mama" when they're in the room--rolling around on the floor with them while sneaking hundreds of kisses.

And this morning, after dropping Julia off at preschool, I announced that we'd be going home to play instead of infecting other children with what we have while out and about. And by "play," I most certainly did not mean haul my sewing machine up to the loft, then take pretend sips of the children's imaginary drinks made for me, while sewing this fufu coffee sleeve:

I did not plop my machine right down on the floor--completely skipping the whole table idea--and proceed to sew a hot pink lined, faux fur beauty for my girly girl girlfriend right there in the middle of our children's play area. I'll say it again, "Coffee sleeves...so not cool!" And I wouldn't allow our domestic diva, Norah, to sit on the floor between me and the machine to watch a needle bob up and down either. Nope.

And I did not see this again, after pulling our bedroom curtains the other morning: Because, you know, we live right in town, a hill away from stores like TJMaxx and ANYTIME fitness. And that would be ridiculous to see flocks of these things wandering around our place day after day. And I promise, thoughts of rifles and purchasing an extra freezer never crossed through my mind. Not once.

Now you see it. Now you don't.

2009-01-29T13:23:00.002-06:00

If it's out of sight, it's out of mind. Right?

Take food for example. For Norah & Hazel--but mostly Norah--if they've been enjoying an afternoon snack in their highchairs for a half hour already, and they look as though they're about to burst, we quickly stow away all animal crackers, clementines, raisens, and grapefruit segments so that food slowly shifts out of mind. And it works.

Or, take chapstick. Again, if Norah & Hazel have spotted a couple tubes of this lovely lip hydrant, you allow them both to practice putting it on by themselves, give them a few minutes to relish the time of holding it in their own little hands, then you quickly pry it from their tiny fingers, stick it in your back pocket without them noticing, and try to entice them with a Eric Carle book hoping they completely forget about it since it's out of sight. ask nicely, "Please give mommy the chapstick," in which they both obey, place it in your hand, and you put it back in the drawer, hoping that by keeping it out of sight, it will stay out of their two little minds.

Or, how about all this stuff that's under the desk in my craft room:

Looking at it tends to stir up an undistinguishable restlessness that usually leads me to scrubbing the toilet, munching on a bag of Reese's Pieces, or vacuuming pretty little lines into my carpet.

Little did I know, all I had to do was this:

..and put all that stuff out of sight. And pleasantly out of mind.

I'm not saying that it helped--in the least bit--with the Reese's problem.

One Word Wednesday

2009-01-28T00:01:00.003-06:00

DELIGHTFUL

ANXIOUS

FUNTOLOVE

[These photographs feature Ms. Norah Kae, and her sledding sidekick sister Julia.]

Not Me! Monday with Jose and Joe

2009-01-25T20:06:00.011-06:00

No way, Jose! It's Monday already?

Oh, I love to love to love being honest with myself, and the rest of MckMama's Not Me! Monday world. It's fun and venturesome all wrapped up in one. Mmm! Like one of those Cherry Truffles I keep tweeting about. One part playful cherry, one part devious chocolate. (Ok. Fine. Many parts devious chocolate.)

So, here we go, Joe!

I did not hesitate a bit before posting this most recent video of my narration that was intended to show a normal afternoon during which I get the twins up from naps. After reviewing it, it did not seem as though my voice had a similar resemblance to that of a clamorous pigeon. And, I did not wonder if my IRL friends would agree? And even if you now envision me to be the clamorous pigeon type, I would never think to film another video of me talking in my rollicking dove voice instead. There'd be no need to set you all straight on the matter. Na ah! Nope.

And while in church this morning--as we were preparing to listen to our pastor's message--I did not spill my Caramel Macchiato on Mr. Marvelous' khaki pants. And if I did--which I didn't--it would have certainly been caused by sheer misfortune, and not the lackadaisical hold I had on my new red and cream pinched felted flower coffee sleeve that: I'm completely in love with, I was gazing at with googly ingenious design eyes, and I want to lick because it's so pretty. No! I told you. Coffee sleeves like these do nothing for me. Nothing.

And after the following conversation with our 2 year old son, I did not want to have 10 of him, 2 years apart, for the next 20 years, just so that I'd always have a piece of the adorable--and sometimes completely misunderstandable--little language that he's got going on right now.

"Mommy?"

"Yes, Lukers?" I squatted down to his little boy level and looked him straight in the eyes.

"Mommy, ader me obver in Lauren teeder dust an shoes ader meet. An me olding Lauren's shoes obver wen. Right?"

"Hmm. Let's see." I paused to think, and tried to process what in the world just came out of that cute little mouth of his. Then, I followed with, "What did you just say, honey?"

Obviously, I was the one who he thought was not paying attention. And with an irritated tone he said to me,

"Ah. Mommy! I just toad you."

Oh, Ok! Then yes. Yep. Go right ahead buddy!"

End of questionable conversation.

Very routine. But not today. But definitely tomorrow.

2009-01-24T17:02:00.011-06:00

Today has been everything but routine. Which is abnormal for this household, but it was an exhilarating blast, to say the least.

We're the schedule type that has planned around morning and afternoon naps for the past 4 years. Even the thought of skipping or shortening naptime stresses me right out. I found early on--with our firstborn, now 4 year old--that naptime energized both parties most definitely. Then, the next three hooligans followed suit.

But this morning! Ho, ho! This morning after breakfast, Mr. Marvelous and I loaded our 4under3 into the truck--the one that's finally fixed and back home with us--and made like dauntless unflinching bandits as we headed for the big city. The Boat Show was our destination and a time frame and expectation for naps and complete pyramid meals was not part of its design. Believe me, it took mental brain power on my part to convince myself that throwing our daily schedule out the window for a day would not wreak havoc on our children. And, what do you know!! It didn't.

As we walked around shiny watercrafts, we nibbled on pretzel rods and left trails of dropped popcorn. We smiled kindly at the passerbyers who couldn't help but chuckle at our crew, and agreed with the folks that occasionally stopped to comment about our tiny team. "Oh, yes, we are a busy bunch!" I'd say.

After pushing lunch back 2 1/2 hours from its regular time, and lollygagging our way back home, we had no intentions for a required rejuvination period for our little people. After all, it was a nonroutine day.

But tomorrow you can scratch flyin' by our pants. We'll be right back on track. Around 3:30'ish, I'll be walking down this hallway as I finish rounding up napping children.

(The following video was supposed to be an example of a normal day getting the little girls up from their nap. Can you see all that they were doing to entertain themselves as they waited for me? (I woke ~~Luke~~ Batman up first, and he came along to help.) Keep in mind, what you don't see in this video is how I was scoping out the scene nervously after I entered. I was praying that the odor I was smelling was not due to something that was spread all over the little girls' crib. Thankfully everything was contained. Thankfully. And, after watching this video the second time, I noticed two things that cracked me up, that I didn't notice when I first shot it. Do you see them?)

Wordless Wednesday

2009-01-21T07:27:00.004-06:00

Alternately titled: Candidate for the cutest 4 year old niece--ever!

Alternately titled: For which it's 16 degrees out this morning--56 degrees warmer than last week--so break out the summer swimsuit pictures.

Alternately titled: Queen to the perfectly spiral curled hair.

Alternately titled: (Fill in the blank.)

I knew that old Starbucks apron would be put to good use.

2009-01-19T22:10:00.007-06:00

Remember this little ditty?

..the one that Gina found at 23Hearts and insisted that I have. To me, it's like Strawberry Sour Punch Straws bottled up in fabric. Or it's like the sound of classical music and baby giggles captured in thread. That's how much I [heart] this coffee sleeve. I think that's why I sometimes slip it around my water glass during the day, too.

Well, today--as it kept my velvety Caramel Macchiato warm--it inspired me to create comrades for it to commune with.

So I did.

Not Me! Monday in the big city

2009-01-19T00:20:00.001-06:00

Not Me!

It kind of reminds me of the phrase I hear when I ask one of our 4under3 participants--mostly the oldest two, since you know, the youngest two really don't talk yet--something like:

"Excuse me. Who did this?" Not Me! Or, "Does anyone know what happened here?" Not Me!

Well, slap me silly because I know these new sheets of adorable scrapbooking paper--that I just bought, hadn't gotten out of the bag yet, and was planning on using this week--didn't shred themselves into pieces.

But we all say it. And so here I go.

Saturday night, as we waited for our friends to meet us at the swanky restaurant that I tweeted about, Mr. Marvelous and I did not belly up to the bar and laugh about how we just pranked our friends into thinking that the reservations they had booked for us weeks ago were nowhere to be found in said super packed restaurant.

And, after we dined on grouper, steaks, asparagus, and famous hashbrowns we did not take a walk through the park to the NHL arena where we'd eventually scream our little lungs out. I did not stop to strike a pose with my friend Abby, imagining we were big city girls just livin' the life. (Doesn't she look sweet! And, would you believe me if I told you that she and her husband have 9 children?)

No. I wouldn't believe me either. No really. Don't believe me.

Then, as Abs and I walked to our seats for the first time--our hubbies lost us in the bathroom line and ended up in their seats before us--we did not giggle at the sight of these two snuggle bunnies who did a wonderful job exhibiting both endearment, and roaring manly qualities simultaneously throughout the game.

And when the scoreboard said we lost at the end of the game, being the dedicated, encouraging fans that we are, we did not jump up and hustle back through a Sleepless in Seattle'ish type park to the said swanky restaurant for the dessert reservations we had. You know, the desserts of pies and ice creams that did not taste like heaven in our mouths.
Nope. Nosiree!

So, belly up Not Me'ers. Let's hear all about your favorite Not Me! Then, head over to MckMama's--the Ringmaster--to read some more.

Mark My Words

2009-01-16T13:19:00.008-06:00

UPDATE: It's at the end of this post.

ORIGINAL POST:

Here's the scoop!

It appears that many of you have questions swirling around in your head for the cast of 4under3. My poor inbox overfloweth! And gosh, I'm feeling quite famous! But, since it's been hard to answer them all personally I thought I'd post a coffee shop'ish type read today. To set all your minds at ease.

Brittany tagged me over at 4littlemen & twins to do a No Rules Meme. So I thought: The children are napping, and it's not laundry day, so why not share some random details with you all?

Here we go:

If there was such a thing as a Potty Training Nanny--specifically for almost 3 year old boys--I'd hire her in a second. No price would be too high.

I am energized by the smell and tastes of grapefruit and chamomile. (Teas, handwash, foot scrubs, lotion, wedges with sugar sprinkled on.) Call it a sensory carnival for me!

It's really hard for me to talk on the phone during the day. If I know I can't give my 100% full attention to the caller, I'll pass it through. But, if it's an important call that I've been expecting, I'll duck into the nearest room and lock myself in.

Even though I LOVE winter, the snowier the better, I have not been enjoying our subzero spell thus far. (We've had like 2.3 days so far to actually play in the snow, which is where all the fun is at.) However, there have been two things that have helped keep my spirits high in our snowy season: my moss LaFonda jacket and my furry boots. I've totally been crushin' on them ever since Mr. Marvelous gifted them to me for Christmas.

I don't care to watch TV--there's maybe an occasional viewing of The Unit with Mr. Marvelous--until The Bachelor and American Idol come around. And, mark my words, the American Idol contestant Kacey, from Minneapolis, will make it as one of the top 12 finalists.

When I look at/think about/touch/hear the voice of Mr. Marvelous, I'm nearly sent to the moon with passion. Even during one of our few-and-far-between spats, I wonder how he can still intoxicate me with his darn sweetness.

And now, if you are still interested, here is the recipe for the Beer Bread & the Loaded Baked Potato Soup. Remember, an overdose of bacon, cheddar, and chives.

Don't. Forget!

UPDATE: Now, to those I tag. Would the following please come on down! You're the next contestants on this No Rules Meme.

Karyn
Michelle
Aimee
Amanda
The Henrys

it throws you into a funk

2009-01-15T12:11:00.004-06:00

As it turns out, it's a bitter arctic tundra here.

And because of it, all our school systems announced last night that they'd be closed today. In addition, the MOPs group that I'm a part of canceled today's meeting too. Not that either of those really pertain to us today, being that our eldest is a newly 4-year-old who only attends preschool two mornings a week, and we're without our truck that has been in the shop since Monday fixing these. And it will stay put there for yet another full week. (Remember when that happened? Grr.)

So, this morning we dined on a batch of Banana pancakes, then a batch of Chocolate Chip pancakes. Then, we snacked from this beautiful, well-crafted, 4-sided inscribed jar (Thanks Kelly!):

All the while, carrying this coffee--sleeved with style--around with me everywhere I went (Thanks Gina):

We played with Daddy when he came home for a meeting with the cable guy:

(R: Hazel, L: Norah)

Then, we laughed about how much Hazel is a daddy's girl, and how I wished that it was Bring Your Youngest Daughter To Work Day. (Explanation: whenever Daddy is around, but then has to leave, it always throws this littlest sister--by 2 minutes--into a funk.)

What is it that throws you into a funk?

Pregnant with Fishing Poles

2009-01-14T15:00:00.007-06:00

Yes, I realize that it's been an entire week since I last pushed publish here at 4under3's imaginative outlet. But thanks for the polite reminder.

And, no, I didn't devise a sick and wrong plan to withhold bits and pieces of our life in hopes of sending each one of you dedicated bloggy friends into a whirlwind of trepidation, wondering where in the world I was.

I didn't drown in the stockpot of my newest favorite Loaded Baked Potato soup, along side a piping hot loaf of Beer bread that: I [heart], is way too easy to make, and is excessively too good to be true. (Although there's some truth to that last one.)

No, I didn't take up a late New Year's resolution to end all my time in the blogosphere. I don't do resolutions. But if I did, it might sound something like: Eat More Baked Potato Soup topped with an overdose of bacon crumbles, shredded cheddar, and chives.

And--to set things straight, for Julia's preschool teacher, Sunday school teacher, and all--I have not been away from my computer because of being stricken with morning sickness.

We have no new bun in our oven!

While Mr. Marvelous and I encourage creative thinking within the little minds of this house, we're working on teaching our eldest how to start made up stories with, "Once upon a time..." That way, "Once upon a time...my mommy was pregnant, and Once upon a time...I caught a whale with my princess fishing pole in Florida," makes much more sense. Wouldn't you agree?

And no--tongue in cheek--there was no disagreement here on the homefront about how we spend our extra time. It had nothing to do with ESPN, blogging, or tv. And, I didn't try and get my point across--here on the homefront--for an entire week, by withholding posts. (Gosh, this is starting to sound like a Not Me! post, now isn't it?)

It's just that nothing very stirring, attention-grabbing, or post worthy happened all week.

Bit of fun, people. Bit of fun.

But, we're back.

And, to start you back guessing, tonight this will definitely be used:

Any guesses as to what it is?

Welcoming Home Committee: Blood, Bumps, and Boo Boos

2009-01-07T12:27:00.004-06:00

I get the impression that the portion of our 4under3* that were left behind last week--while Mr. Marvelous, our eldest, and I frolicked fancily along the ~~warm~~ abnormally warm coast--have put their heads together and agreed on displaying a rather normal busy day here at the homestead, instead of easing us back into reality.

*4 [children in] Under 3 [years].

I'll have you know that throughout the entire vacation, the only one opportunity for me to even consider placing a grimace upon my face was when Mr. Marvelous informed me that he had dropped my bottle of Aveda Phomollient and busted up the cap.

Minuscule. Right?

Otherwise, the mental break was superb. There was not one thought to Grrrr, or Rrrrr, or shout in my pillow, "Please tell me you all are kidding!" (Ok, I've never done that last one. But, don't think that having many little people around wouldn't push a person to it.)

And, even supposing that we've compressed a split lip for the little man of the house and iced a goose egg well positioned on the back of a little girl's head--all before lunch today--it's good to be home with my babies.

Even though yesterday's temp in Naples--before we boarded our plane--read 83 degrees, and even though it was the second warmest place to be yesterday, in all of America (Second to Orlando checking in at 1 degree warmer.), and even though it proved to be warmer then even the tropical islands of Cozumel and Montego Bay, Jamaica, it really wasn't necessary to stay one more day in it and do this:

Wouldn't you agree?

So long Floridians!

2009-01-06T13:24:00.005-06:00

Hi everyone! It's me. Julia. There's been a lot of firsts for me these past few days. The first time flying solo on a big vacation with my parents (Which was fun, but--I'll have you know--I've asked about my little brother and sisters alot while I've been away, and told mom and dad that next time I want them to come along too.), the first time seeing the ocean, and soon the first time flying in a big airplane. I'm so excited! (Did you know that I liked airplanes so much when I was little, that Pink Airplanes was my 2nd birthday party theme? Yep.)

But now it's time to snap back into reality and kiss all of that vacation stuff goodbye.

Soon I'll rejoin the rest of my family in really, really, reeeally cold weather. That's when walking along the beach will simply be a distant memory tucked away in the filing cabinets of my 4 year old brain.

So long Floridians! You've been good to us. Now, we're outta here.

Twittered Pictures

2009-01-05T21:09:00.006-06:00

Mr. Marvelous would like a moment on the mic. He's hoping that you all remember that even though the Vikings lost, they're still number one in our hearts.

Poor guy. To be so emotionally attached like that.

I--on the other hand--hope you all enjoyed my tweets at 'cha today. I'm serious when I say that I send them hoping you'll all take them like I'm telling each and everyone of you to your faces. (Only with a few less words, and a more mellow dramatic tone.)

And here. How about I slip a few pictures on your screen to bring even more life to my tweetering. Do any of these pictures look pairable to today's tweets?

Tweet ya later. Tomorrow is our last day to blow kisses to this fabulous sun and wiggle sand between our toes. We'll see what we find to pack in before we pack our bags.

Not Me! Monday while on Vacation

2009-01-04T19:39:00.009-06:00

You'd think that while being surrounded by weather that's a whoppin' 94 degrees warmer than home--which also happens to be 29 hours and 1770 miles away from home--there'd be no room for embarrassing, silly, or shameful episodes.

And there hasn't been. Riiight.

Yesterday morning while hubs, my MIL and I were waiting on the lanai for breakfast to be served, Julia was concentrating on taming her excitement about walking to the pool to swim. As she patiently paced the floor, she apparently couldn't hold her exuberance in any longer. That's when she did not run full bore into one of the closed sliding glass panel doors separating the living room from the lanai. She did not look as though she was a fly smacking a moving car window. She did not bounce back on her bottom on the tiled floors. And she definitely did not turn into a sobbing mess because of her miscalculation of closed spotless glass doors to open spotless glass doors. Not her! And it--for sure--did not take everything in us to keep a straight face from the comical sight she made.

And, I did not--upon ordering the King Crab Legs at a private beach club the other night while out with my in-laws and friends of theirs--break into a sweat wondering how in the world I was supposed to eat said crab legs when the waiter presented me with them. I'm a cultured girl, and definitely not sheltered in the seafood department. I know things like this. And really, as I sat back quietly, secretively scoping out how the others were digging out their crab meat with their mini crab fork, I agreed that they were doing it correctly. Just as I thought it was to be done.

I know what you're thinking. She sure has got it together. Now, I'd love to hear how well you have it together.

And, in case you want to check out others who indeed have it together, hop on over to My Charming Kids and join in the fun.

A Slow Fade Day!

2009-01-04T15:37:00.008-06:00

It's been a slow ~~fade~~ day!

Being treated to lunch on the member deck of The Mediterra Beach Club, then playing in the sun for the rest of the day.

Now that's called Coastal Therapy!

A slow da-aaay!

Blues and greens in many shades.

Now that's called Ocean Artwork!

A slow day!

Palm trees swaying, sea gull chasing, shell hunt racing.

Now, that's called Beach front playing.

A slow day...

...on the Bay!

Soaking it up

2009-01-03T21:04:00.009-06:00

[squeal]

You don't know how exciting it is to be ~~back online, with my tweeters, commenters, and bloggy buddies~~ relaxing with Mr. Marvelous and Juj in Naples, FL. My FIL & his wife were so excited to see us drive in, and boy-oh-boy are they fabulous entertainers.

I'm going to make this quick so I can rejoin them out on the lanai. (I had no idea what that was until this afternoon when we arrived.)

Tonight we enjoyed dinner on the beach at the La Playa Beach Club. Here is Julia shelling along the ocean for the first time.

[gah]

Can't a blogger have a minute alone on the computer?

They're calling. I gotta go.

28 hour road trip

2009-01-01T00:01:00.001-06:00

Ahh! The crashing waves.

If I squeeze my eyes closed real tight--and ignore the sound of my PC running at my feet--I can hear them. And it won't be long now, before I revisit the home of the Year Round Heat Wave for some relaxation and rejuvination. Although our life rearing our 4 children--all born to us in under 3 years--is pretty much a gigantic piece of chocolate cake, we're ready for a little change of scenery for a few days.

Naples, FL here we come!

Hubs and I decided that the weather is fair enough here in Icicleville to head out tonight--as opposed to tomorrow morning--and guide the smallest car I've ever laid legs in down 20 some hours of road. ~~Wish us luck.~~ Please pray for our safe travel. It's not like me to get nervous, but you know, we'll have one of our most precious pieces of cargo stowed--in a fancy popcan on wheels--with us, and three others waiting at home. Phew! It's funny how the birth of your children changes your dare factor in life.

With that being said, here are a few of our target points along our road trip. How many of you have been/know someone/live near any of these?

Madison, WI
Champaign, IL
Nashville, TN
Birmingham, AL
Montgomery, AL
Tallahassee, FL
Tampa, FL
or Naples, FL

I'm bringing the camera and I hope to take some random, meaningless photos to show you all, all the while tweeting about our excursions there and back. And, I'm sure the drive will go fast, being that I'll ~~be bringing along that scarf I started knitting and really need to get moving on~~ have our 4 year old's new Leapster to play with.

Ta ta for now.

Oh, and one more thing. Toddler slippers! They were toddler slippers sewn and packaged for some friends' little girls.

Wordless [What are they?] Wednesday

2008-12-31T13:06:00.000-06:00

Any guesses?

Tonight's Bash in the Bath

2008-12-29T19:21:00.003-06:00

Alternately titled: Let's not forget a mug of Chamomile Citrus.

Alternately titled: It's about time to rumble in the ~~bronx~~ bath.

Alternately titled: The more flicka, the betta.

Alternately titled: Which Lush Bath Bomb shall I drop tonight: Avobath, Honey Bee, or Big Blue?

Date Night and Vacation Destination

2008-12-27T12:25:00.009-06:00

You see, it's been 5 months since my SIL and niece--hubs' sister and her 4 year old--shacked up with us in our basement. That sure does make it easy to have date night any time we choose. We just put the little people to bed between 7-7:30 and go on our merry way. Usually our merry way consists of a movie with a restaurant to follow. Last night it was surprise take out Chinese from daddy and a late showing of 7 Pounds.

We arrived 30 minutes early last night and were the first to choose our seats. No, hubs doesn't have those really cool self tinting glasses, like it appears in this snapshot. And yes, my hair wrap is the bottom strip of my polkadotty Gap maternity shirt that I snipped off yesterday. How did you guys guess?

And, before the movie started, while I munched on two favorite movie theatre snacks and snuggled with Mr. Marvelous--across the arm rest--we talked about going here:

This is what I unwrapped on Christmas morning confirming my guess to Sneaky Santa's riddle. The riddle he's had planned for the last 3 months.

I sure am eating my words after talking like this.

[sung to the tune of The Twelve Days of Christmas]

2008-12-26T13:38:00.007-06:00

On the day after Christmas my true love said to me,

Ju-lia's hair...is not so bad,

Norah and Hazel...really loved the paper,

We sure took a lot of...pictures of the girls,

Our house looks like...a major disaster,

It will just have to...stay like this for awhile,

and,

When are you going to blog about your special treat?

*I didn't say it was a perfect rendition of the song.

(Soon! I promise. Just as soon as I sit for a minute, snap my sugar high children back into shape, and finish picking up hidden, leftover scraps of Christmas paper. I'll tell you all about how Santa came to our house, presented me with the last letter that had a 7 day schedule of everyone who signed up to watch our children at our home--in March--while Mr. Marvelous takes this lucky lady to a far off--warm--place. Then I'll tell you about how I figured it out, how he confirmed I was correct, and...well, where we are going.)

As for now, have any of you figured it out?

What do these letters spell: RATIOCCSA

Besides you, Suzanne! Good guess! And smart thinking...emailing your idea as not to spoil the fun. As for the rest of you, consider the comment area open as of now...for your best guess.

Sneaky Santa Revealed

2008-12-24T12:30:00.002-06:00

Last night after putting away tubes of Christmas paper, scotch tape and my pair of scissors--that I will never forget to stow high on the shelf again--I decided to turn on my computer monitor to check my email before bed.

To my surprise I found this:
Sneaky Mr. Marvelous!

To think all this time he really didn't mean it when he said, "Who has this kind of time to spend putting a riddle of this sorts together?"

I should have known!

But this is all that I know. That it is indeed my husband behind the curtain. Kripes! He won't spill one more bean about it. "You'll just have to wait, my dear." he says.

"But honey! These letters make no sense. And who sent all those letters?" I pleaded.

"It will be so much more fun for you, if you wait. My dear." he promised.

So I will.

last minute changes

2008-12-23T14:26:00.009-06:00

There have been some "last minute changes" here at 4[children in]under3[years]. First, I'll tell you about our morning.

This morning, I tweeted about needing to swing through our closest superstore for odds-n-ends. After loading our cart with a mega box of size 3 diapers for Norah and Hazel's day wear, size 4 diapers for their nighttime wear, size 5 diaper for Luke's day wear, and size 5 "Nighttime" for his nighttime wear--and yes, I do think about how much we contribute to our local landfills--I realized that being in the store with 4 children much longer would Just. Not. Work. Christmas grocery items would just have to wait until after they were tightly tucked in bed, and I was alone. Therefore, I grabbed a mega box of wipes and we headed to the checkout line. "Who wants to go to [friend/acquaintance/relative's]* house?" I asked. Julia and Luke cheered with excitement. So, last minute, as we left the parking lot, I phone said person to confirm they were home, and started on our 50 minute drive out of town that would end up being a wonderfully joyous time.

*I'm leaving out said person's name because of a privacy issue. It deals with a Christmas surprise issue...that would be a spoiled issue if said person's name was, well, said.

Then, yesterday's naptime decided that last minute it would usher forth more than just a rested 4-year-old. Take a gander at these:

So, last minute, we decided to schedule an emergency haircut. It's at 5 this afternoon.

Then, last night I found a letter from my Sneaky Santa. I tore into it finding my next letter:

And last minute, before I headed out with a friend to get a last minute Christmas present, I decided to flip through the mail one more time and found this:

Two letters in one day!

With one more minute--before naps are over--I'll recap the accumulated letters so far.

"R,A,O,I,T,C,C"

What's it spell? Anyone? Someone? I'm terrible at Scrabble!

Not Me! Monday..for I was not embarrassed.

2008-12-22T09:15:00.005-06:00

UPDATE: Ok. Psych! The version I was talking about is not from Shaun Groves but Russ Lee. I promise this time. And, I got another letter from the Sneaky Santa. We'll talk more later.

UPDATE: My favorite Christmas song this year--that I spoke of below--now has an artist!! Hip, Hip Horray! My ipod is welcoming Shaun Groves' version of O Come all Ye Faithful as we speak.

ORIGINAL POST:
It's Monday again, and that means ~~our favorite crockpot BBQ for supper, 18 month appointments for the twins, and hopefully riddle #5 from the Sneaky Santa (Did you read what Andi said last post?)~~ it's Not Me! Monday!

I have not had a difficult time leaving this present--that I made for Julia--alone in the Christmas cupboard. And, I do not think it's the cutest thing I've seen since felted bunnies:

And, the reason I haven't wrapped it yet is not because I love looking at it, that I [heart] crafted clipboards in pinks, greens, and blues, or because its ribbon combination is like eye candy for me. No! I just haven't gotten around to it. For pete's sake you guys, it's Tinkerbell. Only 4 year olds--and maybe 5 year olds...quite possibly 6 year olds too--love Tinkerbell. Not mamas!

And because I promised....

...the other morning--while our 4 and 2 year old were constructing atop the lego table in the livingroom, the twins were eating whole wheat banana pancakes in their highchairs, and I was cleaning up the kitchen--my very favorite Christmas song for this year came on the radio.

(I've searched high and low for the male artist who sings this wonderfully harmonious version of Oh Come All Ye Faithful with no luck at all.)

I cranked the volume and phoned a friend--one who had been trying to help me figure out the artist--so that she could turn it on her radio too. I only got her voicemail so I hung up and continued to dance around the kitchen belting my very best stage voice into the pancake flipper while the twins watched with wide eyes.

Just then I was startled with an, "Excuse me, Hello!" Mid-chorus, I did not spin around to find the carpet guy--seemingly amused--witnessing my mini concert as he stood in our front entryway. He did not have the widest smile painted across his face. He did not apologize--as if he was caught without paying--chuckling, "Sorry, your kids let me in." And, I certainly didn't quickly lay the flipper down as I started in with my explanation of why I was doing what I was doing. Na-ah! Nope! I don't get easily embarrassed over things like that. (Ok, but I really don't. But this time I did. I mean I didn't.)

Now this is not the end, but yet the beginning. For more embarrassing moments that never happened, click on over to My Charming Kids. You'll be glad you did.

Riddle #4: With some Puppy Chow

2008-12-21T12:50:00.005-06:00

As I sit here munching on Puppy Chow--it's what I made after the children were tucked in bed the night Mr. Marvelous was out getting reaquainted with Black Diamonds--my brain is getting quite the workout. I'm mulling over these 4 anonymously signed, Sneaky Santa letters that have arrived in my mailbox over the past week.

First, I thought I pinned the tail on our friend Gregg. Then, a college hallmate of mine my freshman year, Resa. Then, I imagined it was a bloggy friend of mine, Alicia. And lastly, I had reason to believe it was MckMama, an older and wiser alum from my alma mater. That was until she texted me to clear up my erroronous presumption.

But, now! Even if I do think it is my MIL. What are the letters, "R,A,O" and now "I" supposed to be spelling?

Check this cute card out:

On the inside, "Hope Santa brings all your favorite things" is typed. And on the front, my name and address are typed also. There's no handwriting to dicifer this time around.

And, do you remember how the first 2 envelopes were postmarked in St. Paul and then the Upper P&DC? This one was postmarked in my very own town. Something smells a little fishy here. Is my husband in on this?

So, if I'm spelling something, I now think it is RADIO. Will there be a clue on the radio? Will I forever be held in suspense? And, will I be the one to eat the entire tub of Puppy Chow today?

Riddle #3: Tony the Tiger Style

2008-12-20T00:01:00.003-06:00

UPDATED: I just found another riddle in the stack of mail--that came 4 hours late due to our blizzard (poor dear mailman)--that Mr. Marvelous brought in. I'll post it soon. But, I have to say, I think I've been wrong about each person I guessed so far. I think I might have my finger on it now though. But as to WHAT it is, still no clue!

ORIGINAL POST:
Top 10 reasons why today (as in Friday since I'm posting this at midnight) was Grrrrreat:

#10: I watched Luke play oh-so-nicely with my friend's 4-year-old during our morning playdate. With his hockey helmet in the backwards position and an occasional lion roar booming from his mouth, he worked his kindest friend voice the entire morning. Atta boy, Lukers!

#9: We got our snowsuit groove on after naps. And, despite Norah's refusal to enjoy the freshly fallen snow, help build a snow fort, and laugh with the others on a crazy fast sled ride, we had a festive, great time.

#8: Not one of the twins dirtied the bath water during group tub time tonight. If you know what I mean. Yesterday morning, Hazel did so, and she was very disturbed by the whole situation. Very!

#7: I apparently made the carpet guy--who was at our door at a bright and early 8:20 this morning--chuckle as I greeted him with my surprised, "Oh! Hello!" (More on that one in the next Not Me! Monday post.)

#6: I finished the cutest, girliest, craftyist, 4-year-old'ish, Tinkerbell'ish Christmas gift for Julia tonight while a friend crafted next to me in my scrap room.

#5: I found broken pieces of glass in our garbage disposal, sink drain, and on our countertop today. And, I haven't heard one peep from anyone about anything breaking. Hmm? Oh, wait. That shouldn't make this list.

#4: I got this in the mail tonight: while trying to pull Norah around in the sled to prove that Minnesota winters are something she'll eventually find herself yearning for.

And, no! I have no idea what this means. In fact, this Sneaky Santa actually asked inside the card, after wishing me a Merry Christmas, "Have you guessed yet?" Let see, have I guessed who and what this is all about with the letters "R, A, and O?" Not even the teensiest, weensiest bit. Am I totally loving that someone is playing a favorite game of mine on me? Completely, entirely and absolutely! Except I really wish I had some sort of lead here. Am I spelling something? Oh, and the postmark stamp is not readable. I wonder where this one came from?

Dear Sneaky Santa, could you answer a few of these questions please? Because as of now, I'm thinking "A" and "O" might imply that this girl is running this sneaky show.

#3, #2, and #1: Mr. Marvelous just arrived home from a trip to the slopes with a friend. Ahh. Now I can go to bed.

Riddle #2: Sneaky Santa

2008-12-18T13:50:00.011-06:00

Remember when I said that I love suprises, but don't love easy solves?

Well, I'll admit. When my Sneaky Santa--that's what I'm calling him/her, "Sneaky"--sent Riddle #1 (you can catch up in my previous post), it was postmarked in St. Paul. That's not too far from here! And, right away I pictured the one person I was sure must have concocted this mystery. Gregg! Oh!! How nice of him, I thought. Then, I assumed it was: Game O-ver Mystery Man.

However, I most certainly didn't assume correctly. This Santa took sneaky to a whole new level.

Let me explain. Today my riddle's envelope was postmarked in the UPSTATE P&DC...way the heck up and over from us. (Like, hours and hours and hou...well, you get the picture.) Hmmm. Either this Santa has been making some practice routes in preparation for Christmas Eve or there are a few of his elves wrapped up in this conundrum.

Now, feast your eyes on this folks:

...just a plain banana yellow sheet of paper and the letter "A" circled in the word March.

So, let's wrap our brain around the clues so far.

letters "R" and "A"

yellow paper

"precious thing"

"more valuable than your most wanted thing"

"what's left after the fog"

So far, FaithHopeLove said ring. Ehlan thinks rest. And, if I had to choose one from Sarah's list I'd pick rainbows. (It does have the two letters, and yellow is in a rainbow.) But, what about Bora Bora, y'all? Yellow sun, precious sleep with Mr. Marvelous in huts over the ocean? Yes? No? Gosh, I thought it was a shot in the dark, but maybe I'm on to something here.

I will leave you with this one last thing. The handwriting on the envelope today is very, VERY familar. So familiar that I'm feeling a very strong pull towards one of two people. It's long and flowylike. No longer do I think it is Gregg, but possibly my friend Resa. She's nowhere near either of the previous post offices, but then again, I never thought we'd have 4 children in 2 1/2 years, now did I!?

Riddle #1: Stunts like these

2008-12-16T12:55:00.010-06:00

UPDATED: I just ran in from the mailbox. (And actually, I had a handful of Christmas cards that were freshly licked, saw the mailman at my neighbors box, and dashed out to catch him. But missed him by a few yards. I felt like a dork standing in the middle of the road watching him drive away.) Guess what came!!!!! Another letter from my Secret Santa. And believe me when I say, "They ARE GOOD!" More to come.

ORIGINAL POST:
Yesterday and today have been some doozies.

I'll tell you this though, amidst the constant drum of the washer and dryer and the race through boxes of diapers, I'm enjoying every minute of the snuggle time with little Ms. Norah. She's barely made a peep over the last 24 hours, just lays in my arms with her head on my shoulder. Droopy eyes and all. But, I'm pretty sure Hazel and I are on our way back down the mountain of mucky tummies. Likewise, if Norah keeps up her appetite like she has, I'm thinking she'll be tiptop by tomorrow morning. But my SIL (Mr. Marvelous' sister who lives in our basement) she came home around lunch time today dragging her tail. Poor thing.

And if you ask Julia and Luke, they've heard me say to myself numerous times "I'm so glad this is going on now, and not next week, or the next week."

Oh! And, last night they also heard me squeeeeeeal with excitment. You want to know why? Do you? Ok. But do you really? Alright, alright. I'll tell you.

Look at this:

This came in the mail, unreturnaddressed. Do you all know that I.LOVE.THIS.KIND.OF.STUFF?? Obviously someone knows that. But who could it be?

At first I thought it was my dad. He's so like that. Sneaky, tricky, and artful when it comes to stunts like this sort. But Mr. Marvelous pointed out that the cutout "R" appears to be from a Rice Krispie box. And my father does not eat Rice Krispies. It's a good thing too--that it's not from him, not that he doesn't eat Rice Krispies--because while I love surprises/riddles/stunts like these, I dislike an easy solve. Then I thought it was t h a i t r a i t. She has my address, and is always making efforts to better people's day. But I just. Don't. Know.

So have at it folks. What do you think this is all about? Something that has an "R" in it? More valuable than my most wanted thing? Hmmm. I've been thinking about it all day and I've no clue.

Well, I mean, I have lots of clues. I just need help putting them together.

Not Me! Monday

2008-12-15T06:03:00.003-06:00

UPDATED: Because of a recent incident that didn't happen to us this morning, I've added a Not Me! scenario at the end of this post.

ORIGINAL POST:
I could think of 43 things that didn't happen to me in the last day and a half.

I'm sure of it.

But, to save you time to hop over to My Charming Kids and read all the other things that would never happen to a chick like me, I'll give you just 2.

On Saturday, Mr. Marvelous and I were short our oldest child and thought we'd load our 2 year old and 1 year olds in the car and run to the mall to Christmas shop. As we excitedly began searching for a spot to park, one of the twins did not let out a loud burp followed by her entire breakfast. Not even twice! Nope. Then--after a quick 3 minute trip home--as I was leaning across little Hazel to unbuckle and remove her entire carseat--with her still strapped into it--she did not repeat the process of burp-and-release-breakfast right across my arm. No way! That would be gross.

And last night, after all Mr. Marvelous' Tuesday Morning Bible Study friends and their families left our house, I did not walk into Julia's room to find these two:

jumping on her bed. Not me! We run a tight ship here! Our children know the Furniture rules and follow them wonderfully. Furthermore, they had not stripped down to bare nakedness leaving their panties and diaper on the floor near the door while flailing about in their birthday suits. Never. [huff] I wouldn't even know what that looks like.

Ya catch my drift? Not me!

And, hot off the press! After we arrived home from our morning business today, I unloaded Hazel first knowing she had blown through her diaper and up her back, therefore needing a change before I removed the 3 remaining children. After returning to the car for her siblings, Luke did not yell, "Mommy, No-wah no peel good!" as she was apparently trying to outdo her twin sister's vomit session right then and there. Nope. Which means we most certainly didn't just infest many, many children--between our party last night, and the grocer's Stay-n-Play this morning (I'm so sorry!!) with this nasty bug that isn't floating around our house. I do not blame it on the ~~McDonald's Playland~~ Germ City that we visited last Thursday. I did not have to go through the entire car seat clean up ditty as I did just a few days before. I will not have to call my friend--who was planning on watching the twins while Mr. Marvelous, Luke, and I go to Julia's rescheduled and very first EVER Christmas Concert at preschool--to tell her that we won't be needing her since one of us will be staying home with our little Norah. And as a result, I did not set up the pack-n-play in our bedroom for Hazel, so that for the VERY FIRST TIME they would sleep apart from eachother allowing for uninterrupted naps for the both of them.

[Sigh.]

Nope.

A ba-rilliant idea, my dear!

2008-12-13T15:28:00.009-06:00

Hi ho! Hi ho! It's off to Florida we go.

That's right folks, I said we. Some strings have been pulled, we've assigned caretakers to each of our three youngest children while we're away, and Mr. Marvelous, Julia and I are making the 25 hour drive to the sunny peninsula of the year round heat wave. And if I remember right, swimsuits and phat white sunglasses are a requirement to pass over their border. [Check. Check.] But then again, I've only been there once--during a "Chemistry" trip my junior year of high school--and that was a few...11...years ago. (ELEVEN years ago?) But hold on there a sec. We're not departing our beautifully snow laden parts until New Years day, let's hold off on sending your souvenir requests just yet.

So fess up. Which of you thought my hubby would pull through with the ba-rilliant idea of bringing me along for the roadtrip? (Because you're pretty smart cookies.) Isn't Mr. Marvelous truly that! Marvelous. And I attribute that--partly--to his upbringing with his mom and sister. He definitely aims to please the Venus mind in me. And, I'm betting Luke won't fall far from the tree, being in a house full of girls. I'm sure his wife will thank his sisters.

Speaking of his sisters:

Here's one of them. Hazel wanted the spotlight for a minute. She's feeling fine now, and appreciates all her concerned readers.

Now if you'll excuse me, Hi ho! Hi ho! It's off to pack I go.

(Ok, maybe I'll go have leftover Chicken Vegetable soup for supper, wait for Julia to get home from Disney on Ice with her Grandmother, prep for the Christmas party that we're hosting tomorrow after church, put Hazel's freshly washed carseat back together, enjoy Christmas, and wait for New Years. With a lot more inbetween.)

the following email from Mr. Marvelous

2008-12-11T13:31:00.005-06:00

Preface: We live in Minnesota!

Did you know that the last time I vacationed somewhere warm was on our honeymoon?

And, oh, that was fabulous!

Mr. Marvelous and I enjoyed 8 days/7 nights on the sultry island of Cozumel. I'd go back to our resort in a heartbeat. And I've let that be known to my wonderful husband--of 5 years--many times since we waved goodbye to the schools of tuna, mopeds and helmets, and 24 hour sunshine. (Ok, fine. But it felt like the sun was always out.)

And, last year when my darling dude accompanied his father and brother to sunny Florida, I happily obliged since ~~I knew it would be a great bonding time for them all.~~ he promised we'd go together this year.

Now, might I have you read the following email that I received from Mr. Marvelous just yesterday? At first I found it completely bizarre. Now I think of it as entirely comical.

Subject: Set aside ambitions....to see the full picture.

Tiff,

Think about the positives and the negatives of Julia and I driving the BMW convertible [mmhmm, I can see where this is going] to Florida sometime in Jan. It would be 2 days of driving and 2 days in Florida.

Positives:
- Julia and dad time
- Julia gets to see the ocean [She watches Nemo. She's fine.]
- Julia gets to fly in an airplane [I love airplanes, I really do.]
- You have my Titan while the Yukon is being repaired [Thank you Target lot.]
- Julia gets to travel to Florida
- Time with my bro, as he would also be a driver

Negatives:
- away from the fam for 4-5 days
- umm…. [Yea, you already know my answer.]
- Tiff doesn’t go this time and Julia goes before you [Bingo.]

Your Babes

Let's just say, it didn't take me long to see the "big picture." What picture do you see?

remember that gigantic piece of chocolate cake?

2008-12-10T13:12:00.005-06:00

I have chicken thawing on our bedroom window sill. I taught Luke what a Wet Willy was before naps. I ate Christmas cookies for lunch. All morning, I climbed up blowup house steps holding Norah and Hazel together in my arms. Then, I slid down the slides with them on my lap, which is apparently against the rules. I have keifer curdling on my countertop. I'm 10 days behind on our family Christmas card, in comparison to last year. I took up knitting on Monday night. I'm finding that it's a bit harder then I imagined. If my mom or MIL offered to watch the children overnight, I'd round up Mr. Marvelous--and all our ski stuff--and head to the ~~mountain~~ miniature ski hills 'bout an hour north of us.

And, we tried this again:

and did some of this:
...and it turned out exceptionally magnificent.

(I told you life with lots of little people is one gigantic piece of chocolate cake.)

the twins' sleeping arrangement slumber party

2008-12-09T11:34:00.004-06:00

When I said before that the girls have different sleeping arrangements, I most definitely didn't mean we moved them to a double bed already, like we plan on doing some time in the future. While I think that continuing to allow them to sleep together--until they request differently--is what they would prefer, 17 months is a bit too early. Don't you think?

But 2 years old is creeping up on us. That's when Julia crawled out of her bed for the first time and woke me at my bedside. I was so excited for us to take off the siderail of her crib and transition. Luke crawled out at a fresh 16 months--just 2 weeks after the girls were born--so it was on with a crib tent. I didn't want any escapees while I was dilusionally tired with newborn twins. Isn't it funny how things change after your first?

So, back to Norah and Hazel's new sleeping arrangements. And actually, this is quite old news. It's been about a month since we moved Luke's crib together with Julia's old crib/Norah and Hazel's crib to make one big bed. I was certain they wanted a bigger bed. I thought it might roomy things up for them and give them both more space to move and breath.

But night after night, when I check on them before I hit the hay, they continually prove me wrong as they're smooshed together to one side of their bed.

At least now there's enough room for me to jump their siderail, snuggle up nose to nose with them, and cuddle for a minute.

What did we do? And Not Me! Monday

2008-12-08T08:45:00.000-06:00

It was a fun, jampacked weekend. If I do say so myself.

But don't take my word for it. Just ask these two who joined in the adventures with me:

That's the duo that I caught myself blowing mucho kisses at--through the rearview--while barreling up the highway to the big city for an overnight sleepover at my brother and SIL's. But before we arrived at their slippery, six degree doorstep--2 hours from ours--we made some other stops. So in true Not Me! fashion, I'll fill you in on a little of what we didn't dip our toes in. (Toes covered with thick socks and snow boots, that is.)

Hang on to your Viking hat, these horns are ready and rearin'.

While enjoying our morning playdate with friends Nicole and MckMama (Where "Karen" works, but wasn't that day.), I did not look at their two sweet little girls and wish my little Norah and Hazel were along too. Not once! For goodness sakes, I had two children along with already. That was plenty. And Norah and Hazel were home with their daddy wrestling and reading books, so everyone was getting good quality time in. And I knew this, so it didn't feel weird--at all--that I was having fun with only half of my squad.

Our next stop was my good friend Michelle's house. It was her daughter's 4th birthday party. And believe me, when we walked in and I saw her fabulously decorated cupcake birthday decor--trees of felted cupcake ornaments, carefully constructed cupcake shirts as party favors, and pink and brown ribbons and bows galore--I did not foam at my craft loving mouth. I just enjoyed it all like everyone else, not once drawing up blueprints in my mind of exactly how I would attempt to recreate it all when I returned home. Come on! Nope.

And, after my SIL and I enjoyed our night out at the Christmas concert, we stopped at a Caribou for coffee by the fake fireplace. While standing in front of the cashier, trying to decide what to order, I did not apologize for my indecision justifying it with, "I'm sorry, it's just that I'm a Starbucks girl at heart but I'm trying to broaden my horizons."

Now, if you want to play along in Not Me! Monday, go on over and join in. It's rejuvinating! Oh, and while you're over there, check out the REBEL FOR A CAUSE RAFFLE-WAY. The Mckfamily is raising support for three wonderful ministries. Try for a chance at winning a Canon SLR plus TONS of other great prizes. But hurry. It ends soon!

Just keepin' it real with ya'll.

2008-12-05T12:37:00.009-06:00

(..so that when I'm 50, I don't brag to some new mom of 4under3 that my days with lots of little ones was one gigantic piece of chocolate cake!)

Yesterday afternoon was supposed to be great memory making at its finest.

And I think it was!

I'm pretty sure each and every one of our four had a marvelous time on our trip to the corner/edge of our neighbor's yard/50 feet past our driveway and back.

I'm quite certain that Hazel was telling Norah just "how much fun it is to ride" in the sled she was in. And it's a good thing that Norah didn't notice the mitten clips I fastened to her. It's like they didn't seem to mind the weather. Or being bundled. Not one bit.

If only Mr. Marvelous was able to join us. He was at work about 15 minutes away. However, he might have heard all our laughing and caroling. I'm sure all the neighbors did.

I know the little girls wanted to stay outside a bit longer, but I figured we've got all winter for outdoor fun. So we cut our snow play short...

...and snuggled on the front rug. I still in my coat/snowpants/boots/neckwarmer.

We'd probably do it again this afternoon. But I sure don't want to wear out the excitement of it all, ya know. Like I said, we've got all winter.

[sigh]

Wordless Wednesday

2008-12-03T12:58:00.004-06:00

Alternately titled: New growth within a hibernative season.

Alternately titled: Paperwhites! Where have you been all my life?

Alternately titled: Even a non-green thumb can make these things grow.

Alternately titled: Here comes the sun..do-do do-do. Here comes the sun.

Alternately titled: A little ditty, about Jack and Diane. Two American kids growing up in the heartland. (Oh, wait. That's not right. Sorry, wrong post.)

I come to you with morning breath

2008-12-02T20:35:00.009-06:00

I practiced Lounging Complacency today. Otherwise known as the stay home, relax, and be fine with it exercise.

I admit it. "Hi, my name is Tiffany and I am a Go-go-aholic."

I've acknowledged that I have difficulty implementing the stillness proponent during the wake hours of our days--and I wish I didn't feel like we had to go somewhere every day--so last night I decided that this very Tuesday would be different.

We were to be still. In our home. Together.

So today was a pajama party for us all. Well, not all. Norah and Hazel woke up soaked to the bone, so they had breakfast in clean t-shirts, then went straight upstairs for a "splish splash," then into clean outfits. And I changed into lounging clothes from my real pajamas. But Julia and Luke sported their Cinderella and Basketball jammies through and through.

And somehow this whole thing was super invigorating. And refreshing. Like a breath of Starbucks' whole bean Breakfast Blend. Ahh.

I know that most days we all clean up nicely, like this little guy does:
..which makes today's all day pajama party--filled with morning breath--seem just fine.

Not Me! Monday

2008-12-01T13:15:00.004-06:00

I know. I'm late.

Golly, some Not Me! members were writing about what they didn't do over 12 hours ago. Go check them out at MckMama's blog carnival. It's a hoot! And I'll be honest, time got away from me so I wasn't going to post today and it didn't even bother me. Not one bit!

But, the little ones are napping and I've put one load of laundry in today so my day is feeling pretty accomplished. Here it goes.

The other day when a friend asked me, "Are you tired this morning? You look a little sleepy." I most certainly didn't tell a little fib and agree with her that I was most definitely bushed. It didn't matter that I got 8 hours of sleep the night before and was feeling foot loose and fancy free that morning--until that moment--apparently I looked tired so I figured I'd give an explanation for my weary eyes.

And yesterday when this little girl:

begged me to repaint her fingernails--the ones that were painted by me the night before--because her "gloves rubbed off some of the polish" I did not tell her that partially rubbed off polish is the "in" thing these days so that I could get out of another fingernail fume session. I'm not sure if she believed me, being that my nails are never chipped and always polished up nice.

Then today after serving up seconds on Julia and Luke's lunch plates, then putting away all our lunch fixins, I did not bribe them to "be finished already" when they asked for even more food. The bribe had nothing to do with "whoever is finished, clear your spots, wash your face, and I'll give you an Oreo cookie for dessert."

And there you have it. Truthfulness revealed.

Now what is it that you haven't done lately?

Make Your Own Napkin Rings

2008-11-29T14:15:00.003-06:00

We've been discussing "Christmas lists," pretend playing with baby Jesus and the nativity scene beneath our tree, and giving our Christmas cds a run for their money, as they've been filling the house with Christmas cheer for quite some time now.

And, I understand that most people decorate for Christmas sometime after Thanksgiving day. But I'll be honest, we've had our tree up and this table decorated for Christmas for nearly 2 weeks now.

Pretty cute, right? That's what I thought each time I walked by our dining room table that's set for six. But it seemed as though something was missing. Until today.

Ahh! Much better. Napkins dressed with a napkin ring. I found a similar idea over at Charlotte's and thought it was a grand idea. Here's how it's done.

First, gather paper towel or toilet paper tubes, flatten a little, and cut to your desired size. Then, glue a coordinating paper and ribbon around the tube. Embellish with a button, and wala! Napkin Rings at their easiest.

Now this little crew has plenty to cuddle up with while they're waiting for the three wise men.