Big Sissy's Thankful List

One thing I'm really thankful for is MOPS. No, not mops, although my husband would be thankful if I used one. Mothers of Preschoolers. Usually we have good speakers, sometimes we do a craft, but we ALWAYS have a hot breakfast and great times with other women (childcare included). Today was pajama day. Moms and kids all went in our pajamas, and the women watched a comedian on DVD and chatted, while the children were being cared for by top-notch volunteers. They love our children so well, and Big Sissy's class is always doing the best crafts. It's so great for me, because that might be my least favorite "fun activity." I think it's because I don't like messes. Anyway, I'm thankful for them. Today Big Sissy came home with 3 crafts, one of which was a turkey whose feathers each had the name of something she's thankful for.

Her list is Caroline Pudding (her stuffed kitty), Tabby (her Build-A-Bear stuffed kitty), Dog Dog (her stuffed puppy), Gracie (finally someone real. LOL.), Mommy, Baby Kitty (Tabby's baby), Levi, Daddy, and grilled cheese.

The Bananas Have Overstayed Their Welcome

Big Sissy and I have interesting conversations when she has to be in the bathroom for an extended session. Today she wanted to know how to draw a banana. Since we were in the bathroom, I drew one with my finger on my leg (which looked weird, even to me).

"You have to color it in to make it a banana," she said.

"Yes, I would color it yellow if I were really drawing a banana."

"And you would have to get a black crayon to make all the black spots."

Hmmm...maybe I should show her how to draw banana bread instead.

Branson Trip

Hubby was on vacation this week. This is the last week that UPS allows "their people" to take off before the Christmas rush begins. I can't believe it's already over. We've been in Branson for the last few days with Hubby's parents, who have a timeshare. It was so great to get away. It didn't exactly go as planned because it was COLD and nothing opens before about 1:00 in the afternoon this time of year--not good for little ones who take afternoon naps. So...we spent a lot of time in the room, at WalMart, and at really early lunches. It was still fun, though. We visited the Landing, got some shopping done while the kids napped (Thanks, MawMaw and PawPaw!!!), ate some good food, and took the girls miniature golfing for the first time.

OK. I told myself I wasn't going to make fun of anything in this Branson blog, but I'm just going to say one thing. I don't go to Branson for the shows; in fact, it's been years since I've seen one there.The billboard pictures are entertainment enough for me. I go for shopping and Silver Dollar City. The kids love the rides, and I love the kettle corn. Anyway, I saw a school bus one day and it dawned on me that people actually live there. I don't know why that struck me as weird. But I was picturing what the teachers must wear to keep the attention of all the entertainers' kids: maybe a tight leather pantsuit with diamonds and a big blonde wig. I don't know...it made me laugh. I met an elderly lady there who was traveling with other senior citizens on a tour bus. She was so happy to be able to talk to me and Little Buddy for a while. She said she was getting tired of all those old people. LOL. Makes me wonder what I'll be doing for fun when I'm that age.

Cold, sunny day at the Branson Landing. The big, shiny reindeer isn't actually part of the family. He just asked if he could be in the picture.

Little Sissy golfing. Mostly she liked to take everyone's balls out of the hole--or pick them up from wherever they were hit and drop them in the hole. Made keeping score a challenge!

Yes, this is actually how she hit the ball. I think she still beat me.

Family Portraits

We got our family portrait made today for Christmas cards. It's always such an ordeal trying to get all of us ready and looking cute AND happy. We actually got some pretty good ones this time, but here are some of the funny ones.

OK. Here's what we'll do. Little Sissy, you sing "Doo doo doo" while Big Sissy sings "Tra la la."

Now it's important to let your lipstick dry before our next little number.

Now, Little Buddy, you act like it's 30 degrees out and we just put you in the tub naked. Perfect.

Now go ahead and eat that duck while I jump around and put funny animals on my head to make you laugh.

For our family picture, Big Sissy, you concentrate on keeping your headband up. Everyone else, just stare at me like I'm from Mars. There. I think we're done!

Fun Balloon Art

Remember when I told you I had to break up with Cecil Whitaker's because Pizza Street treats us so much better? Well, Brian the Balloon Artist works at the one on Cave Springs, and he's there every Tuesday night. He can make anything--Elmo, Cookie Monster, aliens, spiders, turkeys, etc. Tonight the girls picked Snoopy and the Little Mermaid. Check this out. And did I mention that it's SO cheap?! Cheaper than fast food, definitely.

We Have Kids Stacked to the Ceiling

We told Big Sissy that when she turned 4, we would stack their beds. They are actually bunk beds, but we've had them separate because we were nervous Little Sissy was not ready. This week she slept in her "big girl bed" with no rail, and tonight is their first night in bunk beds. It's amazing how much bigger their room seems! I'm already thinking about where we can put our next one...

Mix at Your Own Discretion

There are some things that go great together, like peanut butter and jelly. Other things can be a fatal mix, like alcohol and certain medications. I've found in parenting that there are some bad combinations, too--not fatal, but certainly uncomfortable or messy. They can't always be avoided, but here are some bad combinations we've encountered:


1. Breastfeeding and teething

2. Playdough and carpet

3. Big box of crayons and really warm sunshine

4. Late nights and early mornings

5. Leftover food and really deep diaper bags

6. Babies and white shirts

7. C-sections and bikinis

8. Little tiny toys and little tiny nostrils

9. New walkers and coffee tables with sharp edges

10. Poorly-fitting diapers and big blowouts

11. Playing in the sandbox and rubbing eyes

12. Exploring spitup piles and sucking fingers

13. Socks and perfectionists

14. Pregnancy and fast toddlers

15. Long car trips and broken DVD players

16. Long car trips and nutrition

17. Halloween and nutrition

18. Icy days and fancy Christmas shoes

19. Damp bibs and closed hampers

20. Playing airplane with your mouth open and cute baby drool