The task was easy enough, I needed to have a shower. I don't exactly trust the kids by themselves (who can blame me?) so I decided to put them in their cribs with a stack of books to keep them occupied. I figured this would buy me enough time for a quick shower.
I had just rinsed the conditioner out of my hair when I heard little footsteps come running toward the bathroom. Hmmm....definitely not a good sign. Stellan appeared in the bathroom and then, in a very matter-of-fact manner, he said, "I got out". Well, that was obvious. Darn it, I wasn't done yet. He ran out to check on Jameson who was now screaming because he wanted to get out. Funny how the 2 year old climbed out but the 3 year old stayed put. Whatever. Stellan definitely deserves his nickname of Monkey.
Needless to say, I quickly washed up and then headed out to do damage control. I can't even have 5 minutes peace and quiet just to get clean. Sheesh.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Friday, September 28, 2007
Getting the mail
The boys were playing nicely in the basement, running their Tonka trucks back and forth (and into each other, once in a while). I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to run to the mail box (across the street, don't worry....) and get the recently delivered mail. It happened that the neighbours were out so I had to stop and meet them. (I hadn't yet met the one that I share a wall with.) We chatted for a bit, I grabbed the mail and then headed back in. (I did happen to apologize if we were a bit loud at any time. I was very relieved when she mentioned that she doesn't hear us but totally understands since she also has 2 young boys. Whew!)
I was a bit concerned because I left the boys alone longer than I had planned but I figured they would be OK since they were playing with their toy-du-jour, the trucks. I turned the corner and noticed the basement door was closed. Uh oh, I know I left it open. The first thought that crossed my mind was that they closed the door in order to hide whatever it was that they were doing downstairs. I headed to the kitchen to drop off the mail and was planning on dashing downstairs. Instead I stopped dead in my tracks and let out quite a scream. Instead of getting into trouble in the basement, the boys were now standing on the kitchen counter surrounded in cracker crumbs, bananas with bite marks and empty gum wrappers. No wonder I screamed! They had taken the newly opened bag of crackers and took random bites. The rest they dumped on the counter or threw into the family room. In the process they broke every last one of them.
There were also three bananas strewn over the counter, each with a big bite out of the middle. They weren't even peeled. I found the bits of peel lying in various places throughout the kitchen. Even if Jameson hadn't said, "Mommy, Stellan ate the bananas, I didn't", I could have quickly figured it out. Instead, Jameson was chomping on a huge wad of gum. "How many pieces of gum do you have in there sweetie?" "Only 3 Mommy!" (big grin with pink blob hanging out) Lovely.
I couldn't resist, I had to take a picture. They had fun posing (stinkers!). I cleaned up the mess and made them each eat a banana. They thought the whole ordeal was quite hilarious. They got stern warnings NEVER to walk/stand/do anything remotely similar to those actions on the counter ever again!
I will admit, the boys ended up in bed a bit earlier than normal. I needed the break. When does James get home?
I was a bit concerned because I left the boys alone longer than I had planned but I figured they would be OK since they were playing with their toy-du-jour, the trucks. I turned the corner and noticed the basement door was closed. Uh oh, I know I left it open. The first thought that crossed my mind was that they closed the door in order to hide whatever it was that they were doing downstairs. I headed to the kitchen to drop off the mail and was planning on dashing downstairs. Instead I stopped dead in my tracks and let out quite a scream. Instead of getting into trouble in the basement, the boys were now standing on the kitchen counter surrounded in cracker crumbs, bananas with bite marks and empty gum wrappers. No wonder I screamed! They had taken the newly opened bag of crackers and took random bites. The rest they dumped on the counter or threw into the family room. In the process they broke every last one of them.
There were also three bananas strewn over the counter, each with a big bite out of the middle. They weren't even peeled. I found the bits of peel lying in various places throughout the kitchen. Even if Jameson hadn't said, "Mommy, Stellan ate the bananas, I didn't", I could have quickly figured it out. Instead, Jameson was chomping on a huge wad of gum. "How many pieces of gum do you have in there sweetie?" "Only 3 Mommy!" (big grin with pink blob hanging out) Lovely.
I couldn't resist, I had to take a picture. They had fun posing (stinkers!). I cleaned up the mess and made them each eat a banana. They thought the whole ordeal was quite hilarious. They got stern warnings NEVER to walk/stand/do anything remotely similar to those actions on the counter ever again!
I will admit, the boys ended up in bed a bit earlier than normal. I needed the break. When does James get home?
Bike Ride
Wow! Essex County and Windsor definitely spoiled me when it came to riding a bike. The flat terrain made it quite easy to haul the kids in the bike trailer without working up much of a sweat. Welcome to Princeton. The rolling hills and varied terrain make it a beautiful, scenice area but it makes it a bugger to pull the kids these days. I decided to take advantage of the absolutely gorgeous weather and take the boys for a bike ride. James had headed back to Windsor to pick up the car so I was on my own. The tires were recently pumped and ready to go so I thought it should be a relatively smooth ride. I headed out the driveway, down the cul-de-sac and out to the walking/running/biking path. Then I encountered the first hill. Oh my goodness!!! I couldn't make it up. I literally had to get off the bike and pull the kids up the hill. Granted the kids plus the trailer weigh over 60 pounds, but still!! Sheesh. Let me tell you, I surely appreciated the down hill trek. We continued on the bike ride for 45 minutes (only a few cries from the kids. Stellan didn't like Jameson hogging the bike trailer.). We made it home where I had to guzzle a glass of cold water and take a break. Note to self, get out and bike more often; it will get easier.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Muffins
I dutifully volunteered to make the snack for our gathering on Wednesday this week. Easy enough, told to keep it simple. Problem was, I forgot. I only remembered on Tuesday night when I went to the calendar to write in a play date for Thursday. (I LOVE playdates.) Shoot, the grocery stores were closed, would have to make due with whatever we had in the house. Decided to make banana muffins, easy enough. Made them hundreds of times, can practically do it in my sleep. Add a nice bowl of fresh grapes and it's a great little, simple snack. Darn it, no grapes, need to go shopping. Will have to do that in the morning.....with the kids! I'm a glutton for punishment!
Got through the shopping trip with few problems. Granted, there were stern warnings before heading into the store. I'm sure the tongue lashing from the other day was still fresh on their young minds. Some lovely red grapes that happened to be on sale too!
Got home, fed the kids and put them down for an early nap. Stellan slept, Jameson didn't. Both were confined to their beds regardless. I needed to make the muffins afterall.
I made 2 batches of banana muffins, one with chocolate chips, one without. Also decided to make a batch of regular chocolate chip muffins. Put both pans of banana muffins in, heated the oven and set the timer for 15 minutes. I know they typically take 22 minutes in my regular stove but I'm getting used to this one so I figured to set it for 15 minutes in order to check on them, just in case. Well, good thing I did, otherwise the muffins might have spontaneously combusted. The burning smell wasn't something that had boiled over from a previous dinner (should have figured that out sooner, I hadn't used the oven yet) it was the muffins burning to a crisp. Every single muffin was severely singed on the bottom. Sheesh. Now what? I needed those muffins!!! Well, I still have the plain chocolate chip ones. I turned the oven down almost 100 degrees and watched them carefully. Much better. Time to buy an oven thermometer. 12 muffins won't cut it though. Still needed to make something else.
I frantically searched the pantry and fridge and decided on making a pasta salad. Easy enough and still a simple "snack" (OK, light meal but still....). A slight bump in the road when I went to make the dressing and realized that the vinegar was still in Windsor. Improvised, everything was fine and actually tasted quite good.
Stressful day but I got through it. Whew!
Got through the shopping trip with few problems. Granted, there were stern warnings before heading into the store. I'm sure the tongue lashing from the other day was still fresh on their young minds. Some lovely red grapes that happened to be on sale too!
Got home, fed the kids and put them down for an early nap. Stellan slept, Jameson didn't. Both were confined to their beds regardless. I needed to make the muffins afterall.
I made 2 batches of banana muffins, one with chocolate chips, one without. Also decided to make a batch of regular chocolate chip muffins. Put both pans of banana muffins in, heated the oven and set the timer for 15 minutes. I know they typically take 22 minutes in my regular stove but I'm getting used to this one so I figured to set it for 15 minutes in order to check on them, just in case. Well, good thing I did, otherwise the muffins might have spontaneously combusted. The burning smell wasn't something that had boiled over from a previous dinner (should have figured that out sooner, I hadn't used the oven yet) it was the muffins burning to a crisp. Every single muffin was severely singed on the bottom. Sheesh. Now what? I needed those muffins!!! Well, I still have the plain chocolate chip ones. I turned the oven down almost 100 degrees and watched them carefully. Much better. Time to buy an oven thermometer. 12 muffins won't cut it though. Still needed to make something else.
I frantically searched the pantry and fridge and decided on making a pasta salad. Easy enough and still a simple "snack" (OK, light meal but still....). A slight bump in the road when I went to make the dressing and realized that the vinegar was still in Windsor. Improvised, everything was fine and actually tasted quite good.
Stressful day but I got through it. Whew!
Good Riddance!
I believe our resident evil beast is dead. It took a can of Raid but I think he might have crossed to the other side. I wasn't the one to carry out the deed, afterall, the spider might have rebelled and jumped on my face. I'll have to wait and see if it haunts us again tomorrow. Stay posted and keep your fingers crossed.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Stop N Shop
The plan was simple, head out to the grocery store and pick up some much needed groceries. The store had the deluxe carts that look like fire trucks and other vehicles, thereby making the experience more toddler friendly. I even found a cart that had two functional seat belts and both steering wheels were still attached firmly in place. (Not so easy to find, usually something is broken.)
It really shouldn't have been too difficult. Afterall, I've seen many mothers bring their toddlers into stores and leave with their sanity in tact and still have bags overflowing with groceries.
The boys were quite excited to see the cart and promptly chose a side and buckled themselves in. (Forget mommy helping and actually speeding up the process. "I do it Mommy!")
I searched my purse for the list I specifically remembering ripping of the pad on the fridge. No luck; darn it! I grabbed the weekly flier and quickly perused the sales. (Some particularly good sales this week. I love sales!) Had a quick recall of most of the things I needed and headed out down the aisles. The boys did well through the produce, Jameson only stood up once (difficult to do since there is a roof on their part of the cart; he ended up leaning out of the windshield) and asked to help. That was a really sweet gesture but, from experience, I know that his help includes touching EVERYTHING and knocking over some of the perfectly piled produce. "No thanks sweetie, not this time." They got a bit antsy so I headed over to the lobster tank where they were quickly enthralled by the creatures waiting out there last time here on earth before being tossed into the pot, unsuspecting of their steamy demise. I had to manoeuvre the cart so that each of them had a chance to be next to the tank. We headed off to complete our list (well, the makeshift list I composed in my head) with promises of coming back if they had good behaviour. Stellan decided that it would be more fun to lean on Jameson than to sit straight. This did not please Jameson so he proceeded to choke Stellan. Stellan fought back and Jameson cried. Lovely. Before there was bloodshed I decided Stellan should move to the regular seat.
I gave them each a box of mac and cheese to shake in order to occupy themselves (so it annoyed some other patrons at the same time, at least they weren't screaming). This worked well until I decided to actually stop the cart and look for yogurt (a really good sale therefore quite a congested area). Stellan decided that shaking the box of mac and cheese wasn't good enough but throwing it on top of the roof of the cart was a lot more fun. Afterall, it does make a much louder noise. The inquisitive child that he is, he decided to test other delectables from the cart and see if they made loud noises when they hit the cart/floor/me/whateveritlandedon as well. I quickly scooped up the wayward food and headed out to finish the shopping, knowing that it was a battle against the clock before they completely lost it.
I was in the last aisle, stopping for just a moment. Jameson decided to hang his head out of the cart, it must have offered a bettter view. Problem is that he smashed his head off a passing cart. It really sounds worse than it was. I don't want to downplay the fact that it was dangerous and painful, but the two carts were barely moving so it truly wasn't as bad as it could have been. Oh the screams that errupted!! I truly believe that the entire Stop N Shop heard us. I also feel they judged us, but that's their problem. I gathered him up and kissed his head. The other cart driver felt badly but I told him not to worry, he shouldn't have been hanging out of the cart. A painful lesson learned, I hope. I now tried to steer the cart with one hand as I carried Jameson in my arms (not an easy task). I continued to smother him in kisses (I think he was more scared and embarrassed than hurt). We made it to the checkout lane where Jameson quickly improved seeing that he was now free of the cart and could touch things. He headed down the lane and proceeded to push all of the buttons on the credit/debit machine. I unloaded the groceries as fast as possible while trying to convince a screaming Stellan that he really didn't want to get out of the cart. He didn't believe me and kept trying to climb and free himself of the seat belt (thank God for seatbelts). The screams of protest continued as I tried to pay and reload my cart with the now bagged groceries. In the meantime, Jameson ventured over to other lanes to see what was going on. I was trying to keep him within reach all the while trying to keep a hysterical Stellan from plunging out of the cart and landing on his head. Everyone in the lanes was now looking at me and my hooligan children. I remained very calm and steered my troop out to the van. We got everything unloaded and headed back home. Some choice words were exchanged while we were driving but we all made it home in one piece.
Lesson learned: Wait to do the grocery shopping when James is home and can watch the boys.
It really shouldn't have been too difficult. Afterall, I've seen many mothers bring their toddlers into stores and leave with their sanity in tact and still have bags overflowing with groceries.
The boys were quite excited to see the cart and promptly chose a side and buckled themselves in. (Forget mommy helping and actually speeding up the process. "I do it Mommy!")
I searched my purse for the list I specifically remembering ripping of the pad on the fridge. No luck; darn it! I grabbed the weekly flier and quickly perused the sales. (Some particularly good sales this week. I love sales!) Had a quick recall of most of the things I needed and headed out down the aisles. The boys did well through the produce, Jameson only stood up once (difficult to do since there is a roof on their part of the cart; he ended up leaning out of the windshield) and asked to help. That was a really sweet gesture but, from experience, I know that his help includes touching EVERYTHING and knocking over some of the perfectly piled produce. "No thanks sweetie, not this time." They got a bit antsy so I headed over to the lobster tank where they were quickly enthralled by the creatures waiting out there last time here on earth before being tossed into the pot, unsuspecting of their steamy demise. I had to manoeuvre the cart so that each of them had a chance to be next to the tank. We headed off to complete our list (well, the makeshift list I composed in my head) with promises of coming back if they had good behaviour. Stellan decided that it would be more fun to lean on Jameson than to sit straight. This did not please Jameson so he proceeded to choke Stellan. Stellan fought back and Jameson cried. Lovely. Before there was bloodshed I decided Stellan should move to the regular seat.
I gave them each a box of mac and cheese to shake in order to occupy themselves (so it annoyed some other patrons at the same time, at least they weren't screaming). This worked well until I decided to actually stop the cart and look for yogurt (a really good sale therefore quite a congested area). Stellan decided that shaking the box of mac and cheese wasn't good enough but throwing it on top of the roof of the cart was a lot more fun. Afterall, it does make a much louder noise. The inquisitive child that he is, he decided to test other delectables from the cart and see if they made loud noises when they hit the cart/floor/me/whateveritlandedon as well. I quickly scooped up the wayward food and headed out to finish the shopping, knowing that it was a battle against the clock before they completely lost it.
I was in the last aisle, stopping for just a moment. Jameson decided to hang his head out of the cart, it must have offered a bettter view. Problem is that he smashed his head off a passing cart. It really sounds worse than it was. I don't want to downplay the fact that it was dangerous and painful, but the two carts were barely moving so it truly wasn't as bad as it could have been. Oh the screams that errupted!! I truly believe that the entire Stop N Shop heard us. I also feel they judged us, but that's their problem. I gathered him up and kissed his head. The other cart driver felt badly but I told him not to worry, he shouldn't have been hanging out of the cart. A painful lesson learned, I hope. I now tried to steer the cart with one hand as I carried Jameson in my arms (not an easy task). I continued to smother him in kisses (I think he was more scared and embarrassed than hurt). We made it to the checkout lane where Jameson quickly improved seeing that he was now free of the cart and could touch things. He headed down the lane and proceeded to push all of the buttons on the credit/debit machine. I unloaded the groceries as fast as possible while trying to convince a screaming Stellan that he really didn't want to get out of the cart. He didn't believe me and kept trying to climb and free himself of the seat belt (thank God for seatbelts). The screams of protest continued as I tried to pay and reload my cart with the now bagged groceries. In the meantime, Jameson ventured over to other lanes to see what was going on. I was trying to keep him within reach all the while trying to keep a hysterical Stellan from plunging out of the cart and landing on his head. Everyone in the lanes was now looking at me and my hooligan children. I remained very calm and steered my troop out to the van. We got everything unloaded and headed back home. Some choice words were exchanged while we were driving but we all made it home in one piece.
Lesson learned: Wait to do the grocery shopping when James is home and can watch the boys.
Arachnid Update
Well James is home so I promptly put him on spider detail. We headed out to the back patio/yard ready to annihilate the beast. James opened the screen door and there it was, perched in its spot as if it owned the place. The nerve! Well, truthfully I was glad it was there, that way I didn't have to worry where it might have crawled. James got his sandal ready but then figured he needed something a bit better suited for the task at hand (machete? blow torch? hand grenade?). He looked around and grabbed Jameson's tennis racquet. OK, whatever. He readied himself and then thrust the racquet at the spider. HE MISSED!!! The little devil scurried away into the netherregions of the track. I can't believe he missed! Does that part of the track lead to the house? I start to panic. I ask (well, rather demand) James to run in the house (via the front door of course, just in case) and check to see if it made it into the kitchen. I have visions of opening the box of Honey Nut Cheerios and seeing the beast glaring up at me, chuckling to itself and then running, at lightning speed, up my arm and into my hair. Hey, it could happen. James saunters (not fast enough in my opinion) inside and does a quick check turning up nothing. Oh great! Now where has it gone? How am I going to be able to sleep at night, knowing that it's lurking somewhere near the periphery of my home, possibly coming inside to set up camp?
Now I have to wait and see where it will turn up next. My money's on the fact that I will be the one to find it and it will be when James is at work. Life just isn't fair!
Now I have to wait and see where it will turn up next. My money's on the fact that I will be the one to find it and it will be when James is at work. Life just isn't fair!
Monday, September 24, 2007
Telemarketers
This is ridiculous! I've had a phone for a week and I'm already getting calls from telemarketers. Give me a break! They were trying to sell a home security system. We already have one but I just said, "I'm not interested". Stellan chose that exact moment to let out an ear piercing scream. (Do the sell muzzles?) Hopefully the lady got the point that I was busy. Anyway, I wouldn't be surprised if the company sends someone to break into your house so you call them up and get the system afterall. Cynical, maybe.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Arachnophobia
Anyone who knows me know that I'm a major arachnophobe. Well, today that phobia kicked into high gear yet again.
First off, James left this afternoon for his training in Connecticut. Not a problem, he got off OK (forgot the directions, thank God for cellphones and a wife who is home with Internet access) and the boys seemed to be OK with the fact that daddy had to leave.
After their naps, the boys and I were in the back yard/patio playing basketball. Well, Jameson was playing, Stellan was standing on the table so he was tall enough to tip the ball in and I was cleaning up the garbage from unpacking. Regardless, the boys wanted to go to the actual basketball court at the club house. Stellan needed a diaper change first so we were headed inside to take care of business. For some strange reason I looked up and saw a HUGE spider lurking the the track of the sliding door. Oh man! Now how am I supposed to get in the house? I know that if I run through that the beast will choose that exact moment to fall on my head. (There is a small rational part to my brain that tries to tell me otherwise but I ignore it.) Jameson detects that something is up so he asks me what is wrong. I told him that mommy needed a bit of courage. Well, the courage never came. Instead I had Jameson go in and unlock the front door so I could just go around and completely avoid the spider. Once we were all in I worked up enough courage to close the patio door and instructed the boys to keep it closed until Daddy comes home on Tuesday. Now I keep thinking the house is infested with spiders. I cautiously walk around expecting one to be lurking in every corner. I think the spider is silently laughing at me but I'm fine with that, just as long as it stays outside. Sheesh, what a way to live.
I miss my old neighbours. :( I could have called Ray over to kill my spider.
First off, James left this afternoon for his training in Connecticut. Not a problem, he got off OK (forgot the directions, thank God for cellphones and a wife who is home with Internet access) and the boys seemed to be OK with the fact that daddy had to leave.
After their naps, the boys and I were in the back yard/patio playing basketball. Well, Jameson was playing, Stellan was standing on the table so he was tall enough to tip the ball in and I was cleaning up the garbage from unpacking. Regardless, the boys wanted to go to the actual basketball court at the club house. Stellan needed a diaper change first so we were headed inside to take care of business. For some strange reason I looked up and saw a HUGE spider lurking the the track of the sliding door. Oh man! Now how am I supposed to get in the house? I know that if I run through that the beast will choose that exact moment to fall on my head. (There is a small rational part to my brain that tries to tell me otherwise but I ignore it.) Jameson detects that something is up so he asks me what is wrong. I told him that mommy needed a bit of courage. Well, the courage never came. Instead I had Jameson go in and unlock the front door so I could just go around and completely avoid the spider. Once we were all in I worked up enough courage to close the patio door and instructed the boys to keep it closed until Daddy comes home on Tuesday. Now I keep thinking the house is infested with spiders. I cautiously walk around expecting one to be lurking in every corner. I think the spider is silently laughing at me but I'm fine with that, just as long as it stays outside. Sheesh, what a way to live.
I miss my old neighbours. :( I could have called Ray over to kill my spider.
Cherry Pie
Mmm....warm cherry pie. It was pricey but man was it yummy! My mother in law makes delicious cherry pie but I think this one even beat hers by a slim margin. James ate over half the pie. Sad thing is, he probably lost 2 pounds while eating it. Whoever said life was fair?
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