The s**t hit the fan last night!

So it started out as a nice relaxing day, doing laundry and getting back into the swing of things since getting back from our trip. I did some cleaning around the house, mopped the floors, bathed the dog, then scrubbed the tub so it would be ready for their bath. Before I could even wash their hair or bodies, Gabe poops in the tub! So I get the two of them and all their toys out of the tub and make them stand on the mat while I scrub the tub out, AGAIN! Of course they didn't stay on the mat where I asked them to. They went running around the house naked. Gabe realized that he wasn't finished pooping so he finished right in the middle of the hallway. Then another small piece fell in our bedroom and Isaiah managed to accidentally step in it. Then I hear the dog scratching at the door to get in... she's rolled in goose poop!!! SERIOUSLY!!! So I lock her outside until I can finish washing the tub and bathing the boys again. Then I bring Angel in and bathe her, AGAIN, and then wash the tub for a third time!!! I seriously think that after roughly 6 loads of laundry, bathing the kids twice and bathing the dog twice I must have used an illegal amount of water today. When Gabe pooped in the tub I knew I'd be mentioning it on my blog, but decided not to get the camera and spare you that image. But when all hell broke loose after that I knew I needed to document it or no one would believe me. So sorry for the images below, but I needed proof!

one can of Comet...88 cents
a little elbow grease... 0 dollars
the honor and priviledge of getting to do it all again tomorrow... PRICELESS

the guilty party

Thanksgiving in Hilton Head

We had such a great time visiting Gigi and Old Bob, Grandma and Grandpa!!! The kids have never behaved better on a trip! It was about a 6 hour drive down and about 7 hours back. No traffic but just a couple of stops. We were so proud of them! Isaiah has really missed my parents and grandparents so this was a great time for him too. He ran right into my mom's arms for a big hug. What a awesome feeling. Grandpa was his same "Old" self :), handsome and charming as ever. Grandma served an amazing Thanksgiving feast. Thanks for all of you hard work Grandma! The worlds best poet couldn't describe the excellence with which you live your life as a Grandma and Greatgrandma. I'm so thankful for you!

The Naughty Virus

I went to the park with two great girlfriends yesterday and we were sitting around talking while the kids were playing nicely. They were sharing how yesterday was a rough day for them as far as behaviour and discipline goes. They asked how my day went, and it was fine, just had to do some stuff for work. I joked that we don't have behaviour and discipline issues at my house... big mistake! Like karma out to get me, that afternoon turned into a nightmare!!! My almost four year old peed in his pants, then later pooped in his pants, constantly yelled and talked rude to me, while I was on an important phone call, he and his brother tore up their rooms. Every drawer was turned upsidedown and emptied. Clothes were thrown out of the closet into a big pile on the floor, blankets and pillows were thrown out of Gabe's crib, the list goes on. It was unbelieveable. When I walked around the corner and saw this all I could say was "you've got to be kidding me". I was already exhausted because Gabe got up super early, so I wasn't even able to respond with a spank, or timeout, or to find a dungeon somewhere... oh, I'm sorry, did I actually type that? Just kidding, not really, but just kidding. So anyway, stay away from us for about 5-7 days. Unfortunately they don't have a vaccine for this.

That was a "Blind Boys of Alabama" CD that we've been "borrowing" for the last year-and-a-half from Jon & Shannon! It's the boys favorite dancing music. It seems the boys might have my rhythm, something Justin doesn't have a lick of! But it's very cute to watch him try. Of course Justin did pass on his brains and good looks!

correction

Major mistake!!! Justin noticed that I left out the main ingredient to the chocolate oatmeal balls... peanut butter!!! I add about 1/3 cup. So sorry if you tried these already!!!

Check out these moves!

Pictures from the Parade

In the hands of the Potter

I was talking with my sister-in-law the other day about how God is humorously trying to reshape my cares and prioroties when it comes to the way my kids look and dress. I will admit, I am probably a bit anal when it comes to things appearances. I try to let things slide that don't matter in the eternal scheme of things but it's hard sometimes. For example, check out this little number:




My three year old insists on picking out his own clothes every morning, and three or four other times a day for that matter, and my heart pounds as I await his always interesting fashion statement of the day. The other day he picked out a great outfit, as seen above, but of course had to throw in my belt to shake things up a bit. Only my parents can appreciate the incredible humor in this. As a little girl I would wear belts with all of my clothes: nightgowns, dresses, you name it, I had a belt on, along with tights and great sounding shoes. I about fell to the floor when he requested my help with this belt. He was completely serious, not just using it as a holder for a sword,which they also come in handy for. He just wanted to wear it.
At the beginning of the fall I had to roll up most of his pants at the ankle, still trying to figure out what size he was going to be this year. Well, he got so used to me doing that, that now he wants to roll up every pair of pants at the ankle, even ones that are not too long. He pairs them with boots that are slightly too big, and shirts that totally don't match, but he thinks he's the man... and he is. I constantly have to bite my tongue and let his personality blossom, as it is a beautiful sight. God's so sneaky. Through my son, He is teaching my the difference between "the cares of this world" and that which really matters.

Who needs toys

This is what my kids love to do - make "tracks" out of every pillow and cushion in the house!!! The toys just get in the way!

Precious Moments

Although these moments can seem few and far between, they're awesome when they happen!

Forbis Family Favorites

Zucchini Cakes

2 1/2 cups grated zucchini
1 egg, beaten
2 tbsp. butter, melted
3/4 cup italian style bread crumbs
1/3 cup onion, finely minced
1 tsp. Old Bay Seasoning, or more to taste
flour to coat patties
oil to fry with

1. In large bowl combine zucchini, egg, butter, bread crumbs, onion and seasoning. Mix well. Let sit a few minutes.
2. Shape into patties and coat with flour. In a medium skillet over medium heat fry until golden brown on both sides. The slower you cook them the better.

* Justin & I have talked about trying to come up with a sauce for these but they're so good plain! We eat these once a week. The kids inhale them!


No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Balls

2 cups quick oats
3/4 cup white sugar
3 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tbsp. water
1/2 tsp. vanilla
2/3 cup butter softened
confectioners sugar to roll balls in

1. Combine all ingredients in mixer.
2. Roll into balls and roll in confectioners sugar until coated.
3. Refrigerate until firm
4. Don't blink... they'll be gone!!!

Happy Halloween

We went with our neighbors to their church's Halloween Festival. It was a lot of fun. Isaiah was a Clone Trooper from Star Wars and me and Gabe were Batmama and Robin. Justin was working in Washington DC yesterday and wasn't supposed to get home until tomorrow but made it home by about 9pm. He missed seeing the kids in their costumes but I took plenty of pictures. Isaiah stalked the Chick-fil-a cow all night long, while Gabe was terrified. If the cow came in the same room as us he literally began shaking and clung to me for his life! I'm sure next year he'll be stalking the cow with his big bro. He copies everything else he does!

Toe Sucking

Here are some pictures of Gabe sucking on his toe the other night! I guess this is what happens when you try to ween an almost-two-year-old from his passy! Well, at least he had just gotten out of the bathtub!

Silly Mommy tried to sleep again!

It was a great day for a nap today and when I dozed off Isaiah got up and took the container of brown sugar and hid behind the chair. I found him eating it with a spoon. He should only be wired for a few hours, right?

Rainy Day Celebration

After one of the worst droughts in recent years, we finally got some rain... and boy did it rain, and rain, and rain!!! When we said the kids prayers at night we always asked God for rain and we said that we would dance in it when it came. Well, Mommy held to her word and it was a blast!

Halloween Fun

Here's a video of the kids doing a little song they learned at story time at the library last week. It's so cute! We don't make a habit of teaching the kids witchcraft! The lady was just trying to do some Halloween songs.

A Trip to the Fire Station

My sister-in-law arranged for us to take a trip to the local fire station last week. It was great. After a tour through the inside of the fire station the kids got to climb in the trucks and even hear the siren and see the lights. We learned that the new ladder truck they got a couple years ago cost $360,000!!! Cut the truck in half and it would more than pay for MY HOUSE!!! But I sure am thankful for our brave firemen. We had a scare a little too close to home a couple weeks ago. We're in a terrible drought and apparently someone threw a cigarette out their window at the end of our street and it started a brush fire. The entire corner at the end of our street was on fire! We're out in farm country so I was very impressed when several different area trucks showed up and got it under control. It could have been a very bad situation! THANK YOU FIREMEN!!! Anyway, my parents got Isaiah this fireman's suit last year for Christmas so I thought it was the perfect opportunity to wear it and get the kids excited about our trip. You'll notice that Isaiah combined the fireman's suit with cowboy boots for an unforgettable look. He sure thought he was "the man". He's definiately my little hero.

Gabriel is part chipmunk

I finally firgured it out. Frustration has been mounting towards my 19 month old, who often decides not to swallow his food and carries it around, sometimes unbeknownst to me, for hours at a time, before he decides to spit it out somewhere on the floor. It started out with just grapes. I quickly discovered that he wasn't able to, or didn't want to, swallow the skin of grapes. I would be innocently walking around my house barefoot and "ahh!", I would step on a partially chewed grape skin. Lovely. He now will be eating a meal that he loves and get to the last bite and realize that he didn't really want anymore, but refuses to just go ahead and swallow or spit it out. He holds his jaw tight and there's not much you can do. After watching a Curious George episode the other day, yes I watch Curious George, they showed Jumpy Squirrel hiding nuts for the winter. Then it occured to me. Gabe must be sensing that winter is coming, although you woudn't know it by the weather. I must be doing a pretty crappy job of making him feel safe and provided for if he feels the need to save food in case he doesn't get his next meal. Anyway, mystery sloved! ;)

Friday Night Family Fun

Who would have guessed that your idea of ultimate Friday night activities would include watching your kids run around in their underwear screaming at the top of their lungs and listening to thier echo? And playing hide-and-seek where Gabe looks like he's "head-banging" while we count? We were laughing so hard our sides hurt! I couldn't have imagined a better night! Here are some pictures... wish I had video!

Justin tried to camp out with Isaiah Saturday night. They had a great time a few weekends ago but this time around, Isaiah had a few too many M&M's too late at night. He was wired until about midnight. Justin eventually brought him inside and put him to bed.

Too funny not to share

We went to the park this afternoon. One of my nephews asks:

"Has it been 60 seconds?"

"Since when?" I responded.

"Oh, since about 5 minutes ago?"

HILARIOUS!!! I love that child! Let me tell you he also "broke a liver" once after slipping down the stairs. :) Too funny!!!

Mama's got a new 'do!!!

I don't know that I'll keep it this way, but it's been a fun adventurous experience... and boy did my hair need it!

It's almost Friday...

Isaiah peed out the window yesterday. He removed the screen and peed out the window. Just thought that visual might help you through your day. Make it a great one!

Feeling so loved...

Justin has been working out of town for a few days and walked in the door with these today. He's not the type to do something like this so it was super special! Feeling this loved makes life such a joy, even with all the struggles I've been going through lately. Thank you God for this wonderful man...

He cracks me up!!!

While I was typing that last post, Isaiah was pooping on the potty right near where the computer is. First he said "Moooommmmmyyyyyy, I need you to wipe me! (pause) Not yet, I still got air in my butt!" I love having kids! Like the scriptures say (something like this) "Laughter doeth good like a medicine!"

Isaiah's first day of preschool!

After a few months of going back and forth about it, Justin and I decided that it would be best for Isaiah to begin preschool. His cousin is already enrolled and loving it, so we signed Isaiah up and he had his first day today. He is in a different class, with the hope that he will begin to gain some confidence, come out of his shell and learn to make new friends on his own. He was such a proud little guy wearing his favorite shirt and his new backpack. He got a little upset at one point but otherwise made it through the day quietly observing what school was like. The fact that Mommy left for a little while was a new concept for him. It was a little painful for me, hating the thought that my son would think that I just left him or didn't want to be with him. In fact, during what I thought would be some very productive time at home, turned into watching the clock and waiting for that minute hand to hurry up so I could see my little guy and hear all about his day. I was almost the first car and thoroughly embarassed him by waving like crazy out the window as soon as I saw them bring him out. I swear I saw him roll his eyes! After I picked up Isaiah we took lunch to the park to play. Here are a few pictures from our exciting day.

Comic relief

As I said in my last post, it's been a really hard week. To hard to explain in a blog, don't worry everyone's okay. But we were all in desperate need of some real belly-laughing comic relief... and we got some! Last night, Isaiah was pooping on the potty and needed me to wipe him, and at the same time Gabe had a poopy diaper. He had an oversized shirt on as pajamas so I didn't notice that he decided to take it off. When I finished wiping Isaiah and saw Gabe's poopy diaper in the hallway and ran looking for him. He was in the living room and I grabbed him and laid him down on a towel that was nearby. Justin walked over to us to help me with Gabe and literally slipped in a big pile of squishy poop! It was just like in a cartoon! He almost landed flat on his back! I laid on the floor laughing histerically! It was wonderful!

Also, last night in the car, we were playing the kids bible songs music. One of the songs says "God in three persons, blessed Trinity". Well, very fitting to the way the past week has gone, Isaiah changed the words to sing "God in three persons, blessed sanity!" Again, it was perfect! God definately has a great sense of humor!!!

Had to share this...

I had a rough day today and was not feeling well. This afternoon, Justin took the kids out to run some errands and came back with some medicine for me. Isaiah came running up to me and said "We got this to help you feel better, wait here, I'll be right back", and he ran into the kitchen. He came back with a little medicine measuring cup and syringe dropper that I give them their medicine with. He put them on my lap and said "Here, let me help you". I'll never forget the way that made me feel - absolutely indescribable. "Proud" doesn't even come close.
-one thankful Mommy, and feeling a little better too

Proud of Daddy

Justin built this great new swingset last weekend! You can't tell it from this picture but it's really tall so the kids can swing really high! Isaiah loves it! Phase 2 will include a slide and fort area, maybe in the spring.

More from Westport

My Mom took a whole lot more pictures than I did. Here are a few of them and there are more below in a new slideshow.

of all the things to do with LEGOS...

SILLY BOYS!

Becoming a superhero

I know some of you by now are probably seriously questioning my parenting skills, which is understandable, but working from home is not as easy as it sounds! Oh yeah, just leave your 3 and 1 year olds alone while you sit at the computer and wonder what clever ideas they'll come up with this time!!! As I shared with some in an email, I was counting my blessings that it was just his arms and not his face! Right after this happened we headed to the doctor with my sister-in-law for her prenatal check-up. I know I was getting a few looks like "this lady has no business raising kids" and "mine would never do that". Oh, just you wait... There's nothing more adventurous than parenting, that's for sure! It's the original extreme sport!!!

Westport trip 2007

Photobucket Album

Raising kids is like exercise...

...it's sometimes exhausting and strenuous, but it's good for you and it makes you feel good. And it's ALWAYS worth the time you put into it!!!

Don't turn your back on a three year old - part II

Well, my three year old is giving me more than enough material to keep this blog updated daily! Let me fill you in since the last sprinkles story... because it continues! In the quest for another shower the other day (silly me, I should have known better) Isaiah, whom I thought was sound asleep facing the wall, but was really just faking it, decided that it was worth another try with the sprinkles. This time he decides to shake them all over his train table. On it I had his "Little People" set up. There is one piece with a circus scene with a carousel and "tea cups" ride. Isaiah dumped some sprinkles down in the seats and proceeded to shake water out of his not-so -spillproof cup onto the sprinkles creating a very sticky mess. I didn't even begin to tackle this one until the next day. Then yesterday, while I was trying to get some very important design work done before we go out of town, Gabriel was asleep and Isaiah was ready to move on from sprinkles. Yes, this time he chose waterproof mascara. Ladies, this stuff should be required to be kept in the medecine cabinet with a childproof lid. Isaiah first covered his face with it, eyebrows, lips and even teeth. Then he decided that he wanted his Spiderman sheets to have the black Spiderman instead of the red Spiderman, so three of the faces were painted black, along with some of the wall that got in his way. So, unable to hold in a chuckle, I was completely ineffective in my discipline. So much so that I wouldn't put it past him doing it again.
Just barely holding on,
Kit

Barbie's Tuna Salad (from allrecipes.com)

This is for all you moms out there who are tired of eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with your kids! Every now and then I treat myself to this delicious recipe:

1- 7oz. can solid white tuna, drained and flaked
6 tbsp. mayo
1 tbsp. parmesan cheese
3 tbsp. sweet pickle relish
1/8 tsp. dried minced onion flakes (I use onion powder)
1/4 tsp. curry powder
1 tsbp. dried parsley
1 tsp. dried dill weed (I don't have any so I leave this out)
1 pinch garlic powder

Mix well and serve on crackers or a sandwich!

showers are over-rated

Well, I know I've written before about my quest for a shower. Last time Isaiah drew all over the floor, thankfully with washable crayons! This time I left them contently watching Star Wars, only to get out and find Gabriel SITTING in my underwear drawer (the contents scattered on the floor) and Isaiah hiding on his bunkbed eating 3 year old christmas cookie sprinkles he found in the back of the pantry. Needless to say, if you ever see me looking a little greasy, or worse, you smell me before you see me, just remember my philosophy... showers are so over-rated!

king of the playground!

My neighbor got this great shot when we went to the park together last week.