One Step Closer....At The Price of My Hands/Back/Knees

Well, 90% of the glued down adhesive is up. After trying scraping, trying a sander, I decided to try something I read online....boiling water and putting it on doubled towels for 6 minutes (see the steaming towel in the last picture). Really, I am not kidding. I thought...what the heck? It's free and if it doesn't work, I am on my way to Menards looking for SOMETHING to get this stuff up. It worked like a charm! After removing the towel, the adhesive was bubbly and scraped up with no effort whatsoever. I even had Lucy and Carlie scrapping. Never mind that our house was like a sauna with continual pots of water bowling and steaming towels, it worked, it worked! There are still more several spots we need to go over...but what I thought would take us until midnight on Sunday, took me 5 hours today. My hands have blisters - both from scraping and the boiling water - my back is killing me...and my knees are surely bruised...but hey, we saved money. The silly thing is...I think the redish floor underneath is kind of cool....retro....how funny!

Oh My - What Did I Get Us Into?

Monday we are having a new floor installed ... and in spirit of saving LOTS of money (not time mind you..) we are tearing up the old floor ourselves. Each night after the kids go to bed Jeff and I tear up and scape another section of this most glorious floor. TWO layers of carpet (don't you love the wood floor pattern carpet? - what is that 60's? 70's?), and an old glued down padding that just refuses to come up. Wonderful. This is how we will be spending New Years Eve, New Years Day...and quite possibly the entire weekend. I love my old house, I love my old house, I love my old house....really I do!

The Many Smiles of Christmas

From Webkinz, to My Little Pony's, to new PJ's, to board games, too -- oh my -- let's just admit, we are so spoiled!!! Christmas is such a fun time of the year, but I know my girl's "breed greed" during this time of the year. As hard as we try to complete service projects, give to the needy, and make the season about Christ....for a 6 and 3 year old, it really just comes down to the big guy in the red, and what he brings.

Three Little Bakers

Over Christmas break, Jeff taught the girls how to make bread from scratch. (The man has his mother's patience.) They worked and worked, kneaded and kneaded, waited and waited and then finally after an all day process we ate wonderful bread for dinner that night. The girl's were so proud of their bread! What a skill to learn...what a good daddy....

Over All Ready?

After a couple month's of preparation, Christmas Day is over. Boo hoo. The girl's enjoyed the day so much, and it is so fun to see how they are becoming their own little persons. The hit present of the day for Carlie was her digital camera, and for Lucy it was a toss between the Dora Pegasus or the Diamond Castle Barbie (which by the way...both should come with volume control...) We enjoyed opening our presents and eating our birthday cake in the morning, we all took long wonderful naps in the afternoon, and we hosted the Gongaware's in the evening. We had so much food left over (surprise, surprise), but everybody walked away with armloads of goodies. We still get to celebrate Christmas with the Ringger's on Saturday, so the fun isn't done yet! As Jeff and I sat and reflected tonight, we couldn't be more thankful for our families, our health and how God has blessed us so undeservedly - and I hope we never forget who are blessing are truly from.

We're Ready Santa!

Birthday cake is made, cookies are out, lists are made, reindeer food is sprinkled outside...we are ready Santa!!! Tonight Carlie had her Christmas program, and we celebrated Christmas Eve with the Gongaware extended family. We got home much later than anticipated ... the girls are just now snuggled into their beds, and its almost 11:00p!! Sleep in tomorrow? Ha!! We can't wait to celebrate Jesus' birthday tomorrow!! Merry Christmas to all!

Ice + Old Trees = Trouble

Ice plus our old trees, equals a lot of work. All of these HUGE branches and tree limbs, and our house remained untouched. God definitely had his angels wrap their big wings around it today - I can think of no other possible reason why our house didn't have damage today, or that not even one of our power lines was taken down. Jeff is at the store(s) right now in search of a chainsaw. I have a feeling they are the hot item today. Grandpa Ringger has graciously volunteered to help clean up tomorrow. We are going to owe him a steak dinner for this one. Thanks for everybody who prayed for our protection...it worked!

Carlie's "Project"

Last night I received a call from Carlie's teacher, Miss James. Miss James asked if I would "please bring my digital camera to school tomorrow." When I inquired "why?", she informed me that Carlie has made a project with one of the toys the children share, but won't let anybody take it apart until she can get a "digital picture for her blog." Oh my...what have I created? Miss James told me that Carlie went as far as to hide this under Miss James' desk from the other children. This cracked Miss James up. Carlie calls this project, "Rainbow Pizza." How appropriate!

Lucy's Christmas Program... How Cute!!

Today's was Lucy's first Christmas program, and not only did she look beautiful (Ginger, does the dress look familiar?), she did so good! I was so proud!!! The little girl in the picture with Lucy is her BFF Delaney....also featured in the dance class video. We have been praying for Lucy's teacher, as she found out recently she has breast cancer. But she has been receiving good news and only has a short bout with chemo & radiation (any bout is too long..) Miss Jeanie visited their class on Tuesday and Lucy informed me that Miss Jeanie "was no longer sick, because she didn't make any noises from her mouth or anything." After I thought about this a bit, I said, "you mean Miss Jeanie didn't cough?" She replied, "Yes, mommy." I love their innocence. Enjoy - one week until Christmas - We Wish You A Merry Christmas!!!

Well...Lucy may not be our dancer...

We have completed the tap portion of Lucy's dance class. I think the novelty of going to dance class has worn off. Each Wednesday she asks if we can skip dance and "just stay home." They put on a "show" for the parents yesterday and I took a video. I need to remind myself that she is three...and quit pushing my children to these unrealistic measures. All that said, it is so fartin' cute, and don't you just love those lily white chicken legs?

The Nutcracker

This is the second year Carlie and I attended the Nutcracker Ballet. There is a group of six of us (three pictured) that have attended both years. We eat out...girls only...and then attend the Ballet. I must admit, I really like the ballet, and Carlie loves the costumes more than anything. I think I am going to give Lucy a couple more years. Even Carlie gets a little antsy at the end, I can't imagine Lucy. Carlie purchased Lucy a ballerina snow globe and she got a Nutcracker one. It is such a fun event, I think we might invite Aunt Lacey for some girlie time next year!

Living Next To The Griswalds

Okay...we got a new neighbor this summer. Mind you...we don't live in the most "up scale" neighborhood, but not necessarily the white trash section of New Haven either. Our new neighbor (name - Wiley...as in Wile E Coyote). This summer he entertained us with his Harley Davidson, Gargoyles on his roof, and Tiki Statues in his landscaping. Now...we are experiencing Christmas. It started out mild with some lights along the roof line, which I thought was very nice. And each night we come home...something has been added. It's like the 12 days of Christmas...in lights! 12 candy canes blinking, 11 wreaths a glowing, 10 deer a standing.....well, I could go on and on, but I'll let you watch the short video. The UP side to this is that the girls absolutely love it. I have half the mind of going over there and giving him a Christmas Card and telling him thank you for entertaining my girls. Because each night as we turn the corner we have to see ...what that crazy Wiley put up now. Unfortunately on the video you can't see the Christmas tree that rotates in his window...or the music accompanying the lights. Yes, my friends, he is giving Clark Griswald a run for his money.

Whew! Busy Weekend!!

I am having a hard time believing I have to go back to work tomorrow! Boo hoo! Jeff and I started the weekend by taking a "half-shopping-day" on Friday and getting the Christmas shopping for the girls done. I am having a hard time buying for them this year for some reason. Or perhaps I am struggling with the fact that my girls HAVE SO MUCH and I am know there are many people that have so little. I am feeling a little selfish. Saturday I went my way, and the girls had Daddy Daughter Extravaganza Day. I got together my my friends and made my "just-like-DeBrands-but-better" caramel apples, and Jeff took the girls to Storytime with Santa at Dupont Hospital. They got plates, got to sit on Santa's lap and even went secret Christmas shopping for mommy. Unfortunately, Lucy just couldn't keep a secret and told me what she got me. It made Carlie very frustrated. Saturday night we attended the Ringger Christmas, and I am just thankful for my HUGE family. I am not sure how many more years we have with Grandma and Grandpa, and it makes me sad to think about that...but on the other hand our family has experienced so many miracles this year, I am just enjoying this moment. Sunday we went to the mall to finish up more shopping, and then went to a basketball game at Spiece Fieldhouse. Something very different for my girls...and let me tell you...they don't give a cahoot about basketball. They were more into the princess ornaments that I just bought them, oh - and popcorn. Future in sports? I don't think so.

Except for running...see the clip below with one of games orchestrating....my girl's did pretty good! Lacey's boys were HILARIOUS! Especially Eli throwing the balls back!

Ready for Christmas

The day after Thanksgiving. The day we stay in our pajama's all day long, eat leftovers, drink flavored coffee and pull out the Christmas decorations. This year is the first year that both girls took ownership in their tree. For those of you who don't know, we set up two complete Christmas trees. Mommy's tree is in the dining room, complete with glass ornaments and matching decor. The kids tree is in the basement, with a mismatch of colors, ornaments that have been bought and/or made over the years. Normally the tree has almost all of the decorations on the bottom 1/3 of the tree, but this year, they got smart, and used stools to decorate the whole tree! I was very impressed!! Each decoration we pulled out we commented..."this one is from Grandma Ringger when you were 2", "this one is from mommy last year," "this one is very special because its the first ornament you made in school" and so on. Needless to say, you don't have to guess which one is dearest to my heart. Has almost 6 years already gone by since I first had kids? Is that possible? I know Christmas isn't Christmas without Christ, but I truly believe Christmas isn't Christmas without kids.

Feast Day

Each Thanksgiving the Kindergarten (Indians) and Pilgrams (2nd Graders) celebrate Feast Day at CLS. They make their own costumes, partake of games and get to "feast" on a fun lunch of turkey, popcorn, grapes, brownies and much more. It was so fun to see these little Indians sing songs and play games for a few hours. I was thinking...next time Carlie does this, she'll be in 2nd grade...and Lucy will be an Indian!!

I Love My Family

This is the week of Thanksgiving, and I spent my weekend with my family. I am just here to tell you, I love my family. I listen to others in my life complain about their siblings, their parents, their in-laws, and you know what - I cannot relate. I am so blessed with such wonderful parents, siblings and in-laws. This weekend we spent some time together, but it wasn't enough time. I actually truly miss everybody so much when we are not together. We had our first CLS skating party, and Dustin & Emily came to help out, and Lacey came with my two incredibly beautiful nephews - I was so proud to introduce them to everybody. I just wanted to take a minute to let everybody know how much I love them and am so proud of our family. God has blessed each of us in so many ways, I just want to say - I love each and everyone of you!

Garage Sale Grandma

We were at Target last night looking for stuff for Grandma Ringger's birthday. After much looking, and many ideas, Carlie informed me, "...mom, Grandma doesn't really like new stuff, she likes more stuff from garage sales, maybe we should give her money..." Ha, that cracked me up - I think Carlie knows her Grandma well!

Can I Get Some Respect?

I get it. Being a mom you don't get much respect, but COME ON! My morning starts around 6:30a when I quickly shower and get dressed, waking Carlie up at 6:50a, so Miss Princess can "sleep in" for 10 more minutes before getting up. Then I coax her up to get dressed, brush teeth, etc. Then each morning I try to make breakfast healthy and nutritious, only to be told, "that's all you have for breakfast?" I am talking her options are: French Toast, Pancakes, Cereal, Oatmeal, Yogurt Drinks, Toaster Strudels, Toaster Swirlz, Omelet, Bagels...you name I have it for breakfast!!! After breakfast, I make sure so looks cute (which normally isn't too hard), drive her to school, only to be told she wants dropped off (I am beginning to think she is embarrassed of me). After working for 8 hours, coming home and getting dinner on the table, I am told dinner is "gross" or "not a do-over", then while getting them ready for bed, I am scolded for not getting more mouth wash, or tonight Carlie informed me that her "laundry was over flowing, when was I going to do it?" (my laundry lady took a day off on Monday..hee hee). Seriously - the girls is FAR from running out of clothes. After they are in bed, I pack lunches for the next day, unload book bags, sign papers, check homework, make sure Chapel money is in check, double check the calendar in case I forgot something for school, make dinner for the next day, and then finally my glass of wine. Sigh - again - I see many ugly teenage years ahead. And to boot - guess what the virtue is this month in Sunday School - GRATITUDE. It's almost fun doing her God time at night when I get to point out all the things she ISN'T thankful for. You know what? I should be thankful for her, shouldn't I. Good point God. If I didn't have Miss Princess, what would I do with all my free time?

Our Sweet Lucy

Okay, God fed me some humility. Tonight we went to Lucy's PT Conference, and again, Jeff and I had a hard time leaving with the GIANT heads we had due to our pride. Miss Jeanie used words like "sharing", "helping others", "so polite", "so sweet" and very good at cutting and can even write her name! Although Lucy likes her scheduled routine (who can she get this from...Aunt Lacey?), she adjusts very well to a change of routine. The only point she needed work on was going potty by herself (she needs Miss Jeannie in the restroom because she gets scared). Hey - that's understandable! Never know about those school bathroom monsters. How did I ever get blessed with two beautiful and smart girls when I was such a stinker? Oh - I can hear all of you now....they aren't teenagers yet.

Lucy's Field Trip

Recently I went on a field trip with Lucy's class. Maybe its because she is my baby, and we tend to baby her, but she was a StInKeR on that field trip! She cried often (see class picture) and continually wanted held. Miss Jeanie informs me that "this isn't the Lucy I know!" Well, Miss Jeanie, this is the Lucy when Mommy is around. I hate the thought of not attending her field trips or class events, but she honestly acts better when I am not around!! What's up with that? She did do better after I pretty much had to ignore her -- but what kind of parent is that? Oh my Lucy...I just can't figure that little princess out!

Weddings Are Fun!!

We attended the wedding of one of our neighbor's daughters tonight. Receptions were once upon a time for dressing up, drinking, dancing and stay out late....now they are about dressing up, eating a free dinner, dancing with your kids, and getting home at 8:00p - even before they cut the cake! This evening the girls learned the wonderful thing known as the "chicken dance" - luckily, mommy didn't have to do it with them (see video below). Yes, I have done the chicken dance many, many times before...but I was in a "different" state of mind you might say during those times. I knew children would change my life, but I honestly had no idea!

Type A Personality

We had Carlie's PT Conferences last night. And I walked out of there wondering how I was going to get out the doors, because my head was so big. Carlie received glowing reviews from her teacher. Not only was Carlie academically smart, but she indicated that she had a very large heart, and often times, Miss James looks to Carlie to help the others who aren't behaving, or aren't learning as fast. She even admitted sometimes she relies on Carlie a little too much. She used words like, "leader" and "artistic" and "well-behaved"...we are so proud! She even mentioned that she can really tell Carlie loves the Lord, and has a very strong faith for a 5 year old. Those last words meant more to me than any of the above. She also indicated that Carlie has a very strong "A Personality"...sheepishly, I think she gets that from me....or perhaps her Aunt Ginger...or Grandpa Ringger! Miss James could see Carlie in a teaching role some day, a leader, very creative and loves to help people. I just thank God for our little blessing every day!! I am so excited to see what the Lord has in store for her!

Happy Halloween!

I hope everybody is coming off of their sugar buzzes...I know I am! So much yummy chocolate, not enough time! Grandma Barb was responsible for the adorable costumes you see above. I don't think my girls understand quite how lucky they are. For some odd reason, Lucy picked Stephanie from Lazy Town, and she actually kept the wig on longer than I expected!! Carlie was a Pink Fairy, and the costume was beautiful. While going through old costumes and reminiscing, we came across Carlie's Piglet costume, from when she was just one, and well, you know Lucy and her thing with pigs...well, she has wore that costume every day since we "re-found" it. Mind you that the legs on the costume are shorts on her, but she looks so cute in it!! How can you tell somebody that they can't wear a Piglet costume, complete with a hat with pig ears? It makes me smile just thinking about it. Hope everybody enjoyed their Halloween!! Can you believe its November already??

Beth Moore Girls

Old friends...good times...new times. These are my two good Beth Moore Bible Study gals. We first study we conquered was Daniel, and then Believing God, and now I am going through a study without them, and its just not the same. Julie (middle) is moving to Bloomington next Wednesday, and Vicki (left) is finding out just how much time babies take (i.e. Mariah - far right). How our lives have changed in the few years we have known each other. These are my prayer sisters, I go to them when I need accountability, prayers or just like to share my praises. Christian sisters I think people call them. I am going to miss Julie, and I see Vicki not often enough. Life just gets so busy, there isn't enough time for what I want to do. Let's see...I could quit work? Hmmm, I sure do like my house though. Well, for now, I will be content with dinners once in awhile, lots of emails and Blog updates. I love you girls!!

Reason No. 274 Why We Can't Have A Pet

Recently Carlie has been asking (well, begging) for a pet. Conveniently, because of Jeff, Carlie and Lucy's allergies the answer has to be no. Personally, I wouldn't mind a dog around the house, but that would be one more mouth to feed, and one more thing to worry about when we go out of town.

Today while cleaning up the flower beds, raking leaves and getting things ready for Old Man Winter, we had to dig up Carlie's beloved tomato plant. I didn't really give it much thought and gave her two chores = clean up the sand box toys and dig up the tomato plant and throw it away. After a couple of rounds on the lawn mower sweeping up leaves, I notice Carlie is crying..not just small tears, but small sobs! I stop the mower and run over to her to find out what happened. Well, she is distraught because we have to dig up her tomato plant. She goes on to say how wonderful it has been all summer ("remember the salsa we made?" "remember the wonderful salads we had?"). I tried to explain to her that it was dead, and it won't grow back next summer...and promising her we would buy more next summer. That didn't do it...tears continued to come. At this point, I am trying not to laugh, because I remember the end of each summer working on the Harvester digging through old tomatoes, and wondering how Carlie ever would have survived on the farm. And then I think...what if this was a live pet? How would Carlie survive the death of a cat, or a dog, or even a fish???

Well, we ended up digging up the plant, saying a prayer of good-byes and making cookies and watching Tinkerbell. Everything seems to be fine again. Whew...the drama!

It's Starting

Wednesday is Chapel Day at Carlie's school, and the girls are required to "dress up" a bit. Carlie broke out her tall boots this Sunday for church, so I just assumed she would wear them for Chapel today. She was acting funny when I told her to put on her boots, and when I finally questioned her behavior, her response was, "what if they make fun of my boots?" My first response was, "So what, tell them they don't know fashion. Mommy things you look adorable." But then I had flashback of two pairs of corduroy pants...one pair light purple, one brown pair. I despised those corduroy pants and mom made me wear them at least once a week. How I cried, and how I was made fun of for those pants. So I made a deal with her...wear the boots, bring a pair of shoes in your back pack and if you get made fun of you can change at school. It's just shoes, right? Is the fashion peer pressure starting already? At Kindergarten? Really? And in my mind I am telling myself....just because you give into this fashion peer pressure (mommy), you don't have to give into ALL fashion peer pressure (mommy), or other peer pressure for that matter. If one mommy jumps off the bridge, doesn't make it right for this mommy.....right? Just keeping telling myself that....

Pumpkin Time!

I love this weather. I love wearing sweatshirts and being outside without sweating, mosquitoes or freezing...this is perfect weather. Today was pumpkin carving day around our house. Having two "girlie girls" the girls were very excited about the "idea" of carving pumpkins, but when it came right down to it..they were disgusted by the fact that the inside of the pumpkins were slimy and needed to be cleaned out. So daddy and I cleaned and carved two pumpkins this afternoon. After we were done, and the lids were returned, the girls were happily took over the pumpkins to show them off. So funny. As you can tell from the pictures, Carlie refused to touch anything with her hands and used two spoons the entire time, and I MADE Lucy pose for her picture, after which she almost cried because she was so mad at me. And also with Fall comes leaves around our house. And rakes, and more leaves, and more rakes, and tarp rides...yes tarp rides. Jeff started this with Carlie when she was very little, the tradition carries on. Just listen to Carlie's giggle...really, who needs Disney??

And More Hiking...

While my sister is off at Disney with heated pools and maid service (no jealously noted), we opted for free hiking at yet another local park. We tried for a longer hike today, and the girls did good up until the last 15 minutes, when Lucy wanted carried and Carlie wanted to ride on Daddy's shoulders. Our girls are just getting too big to be carried!! Where did our babies go?? The leaves were beautiful shades of yellow, orange and red and at one point Jeff and Carlie witnessed deers bouncing by. We even saw two canoe's floating down the river, and both girls expressed an interest in canoe'ing at some point. Hmmm...I think we can do that! Jeff, be prepared to get out in the ICE COLD water and portage us over the shallow points. Hee hee. He wouldn't mind being our Prince and rescuing us! I love fall time with the crunch under our feet and the crispness in the air. Too bad it is only a pathway to the white, cold yet to come :(

Fall Sleepover at Grandma and Grandpa's

While we enjoyed our Mommy and Daddy weekend and Lacey enjoyed her Fall Bash, the grandkids enjoyed the Fall Sleepover at Grandma and Grandpa's house. Some of the high points of the weekend were "eating as much potato chips as they wanted," "driving the boat while Caden fished" (okay...were there life jackets??), many, many lawn mower rides through the fields, and "riding in the back of Grandpa's truck." Screech...halt....did you say, "riding in the back of Grandpa's truck??" Okay, I know as kids we did it ALL the time, in fact, when I turned 10 I could sit on the edge of the truck bed (but not until I was 10 mind you). So why did my stomach go into my throat when I thought about my precious angels doing the same? Has city life softened me so much, that the fear of riding in the back of a pick up truck makes me slightly sick? Or is it that parenting thing again? I would have to go with the latter. I informed mom and dad that next time, I'd just rather not know. And you know what...I am sure there are things that I used to do that they'd just rather not know too!