winter sickies

We have been truly fortunate the last few years. The boys have had a cold here and there but we've been ear infection, strep, stomach flu free for a very long time. This year we have not been so lucky. I blame it on the kindergarten year combined with having kept Parker home from pre-school last year. He didn't get a chance to build up his germ resistance and is bringing EVERY germ home this year and kindly sharing it with all of us.

I can be a tad over the top with my boys when they are sick. God help there future wives! I tend not to leave their side. Fuss over them incessantly. Ignore any chores that could or need to be done. Watch movie after movie. Parker has a mini bunk bed from Ikea. Today I've lugged both mattresses down to the den, grabbed some rarely used blankets out of the linen closet and placed a bucket by Nick's side. He asked to go to the basement but I drew the line there. I might need the big t.v. for a Dance Off later! For now though I'll sit, work my way through the morning paper, get him cheerio's and be here to rub his little back when he talks to the bucket. The stomach flu better be the only time he's talking to the bucket!

Take that Mama Nature

Today I decided us King's were going to take matters into our own hands since old Mama Nature simply refuses to cooperate. So out to the garage I went in search of boxes. Luckily, due to my extreme procrastination on taking recyclables, I had a plethora to choose from. Next I went digging through my fabric stash and finally a stop in the craft closet. I lugged all the goodies to "the rug" (this is a rug in our foyer that serves as a meeting point for our family-odd , I know).

 After I picked Parker up from school, I announced we were going to build a snowman. They of course looked at me as if I was crazy. But once I explained they were more than excited to dive in. I had to chew on the inside of my cheek a few times to keep from offering my design opinion and I'm glad I did because they are sooooooo excited about THEIR creation. They named him Snowy.

Parker suggested keeping him beside the fire place then proceeded to laugh so hard that Nick and I could not help but giggle along. He just thought he was so darn clever putting him beside the fireplace! Once he was placed and had been outfitted with their choice of hat and scarf I did a "take that Mama Nature" jig. Complete with some moves I've learned during my intense dancing lessons from Just Dance 2. When my Tony worthy performance was complete Nick said, "Mommy, I don't think you understood the moral of the story of Arachne. You shouldn't brag we made a better snowman with boxes than one out of snow from Mother Nature." Darn Greek mythology. Darn kids that pay attention to the moral of the story.

It did! It did! It REALLY did!

Elation people, pure elation was the tone of our house this morning. That is until the dreaded question was asked. Once the words left his lips I knew it was going to be a potentially serious situation. Now for those of you not currently residing with a 5 yr old that as previously stated NEEDS winter snow, you may not be able to fathom the metamorphosis that can happen in an instant. I digress. So the question. The 3 words that changed Parker into a raving lunatic.

Parker, "Is school cancelled?"

Me, (living in fear so desperately trying to find my most loving Mommy voice) "No sweetie, it isn't. But Mommy will pile all the driveway snow for you to play in when you get home!"

Parker, (sensing my fear) "THAT'S IT! I KNOW THAT YOU CALLED THE WEATHER MAN AND TOLD HIM TO MAKE ME GO TO SCHOOL FOREVER AND EVER!!!!"

After this it all became a blur and the next thing I know I was sitting in my kitchen with my coffee.

He was still holding a grudge when I picked him up from school but I know he was back to feeling elated when he saw his pile waiting in the driveway!

(ssh, don't tell the neighbor we were stealing snow from their yard!)

When will it snow?

The question currently playing on repeat at our house is, "When will it snow?"

Nicholas likes the snow and would prefer it to make an appearance but Parker...

Parker NEEDS it to snow.

Now, I'm trying not to think about it, but I did notice a lot of people buying milk, bread and eggs at the store tonight...

Even if it's just an inch! I can scoot it around on my driveway to make a big enough pile for him to play in. Just an inch or so is all I need so I don't have to keep answering the question- 

The Witching Hours

I am going to be very honest and say "I REALLY have to work at liking the hours of 4:30-7:30 pm most days of the week in the winter!" I like to call them "the witching hours". I used this same term during both of my boys 3mo-6mo span of life. If you take the general restlessness of outside activity deprived children, sprinkle a dose of a 9yr old with tourette's, add a dash of a 5 yr old master grudge holder, and cover with a winter disliking Mom-well you can use your imagination as to how delightful evenings can be.

 NOW we do take this all in stride and try to make the best of it! This is where it does help to have my routine resistant personality.  Tonight we had the luxury of having Bob join us. He is actually home all week! A VERY rare treat! We made him play hop-scotch twister (there are no words for this), and Sorry sliders. By the end of this, Nick's ear-ache was back in full swing and Parker announced that Nick was NEVER allowed to kiss him as long as they lived and if he did (imagine Harry Potter wand for effect) his lips would be sliced right off! For sure and for certain!

Just don't tell Parker he gave Nick a hug and a kiss when he went up to bed. I guess it was o.k. since he did it!

Like Father, Like Son

And the obsession is passed from big to little...

Gold Fish Kisses

I know that kids and adults for that matter benefit from a consistent bedtime routine. The problem is, I tend to rebel against routine and I think it may be a genetic trait. I have tried to embrace routines...fly lady, set meal times, quiet times, getting ready for bed...I just simply can not stay in a consistent routine. This is why tonight I find myself giving thanks for the ability to just sit and smile as my 5 year old repeatedly comes up with a "need"  that is preventing him from falling asleep. Sometimes that week old scratch really does need a Scooby-doo band-aid. And sometimes you need Gold Fish Kisses and Gorilla Hugs instead of the usual bath, teeth, book and bed. Because I know before long, I'm going to be sitting on this couch wishing more than anything I could hear the "pad, pad" of little feet coming to tell me, "I think I could fall asleep if Nick didn't push me last Wednesday. You see this mark, it's making it hard to get comfortable on my leg."

2011 here we come!

Well we have finally decided to blog! After several previous attempts and chickening out, 2011 seemed to be a perfect time to begin.

As a family we have many goals and ideas for 2011. We want to include our family and friends in them and we want to be held accountable (the scary part)!

We hope you will enjoy reading about our adventures-thank you for taking time out of your day!