Sam's Boots

I don't know why I've had this on my mind for the last couple of hours, but I think it has something to do with personality, growing up, evolution, genetics and little boys that want to be like their Father.

Sam is set in his ways. His Dad is set in his ways. They're just alike ... two peas in a pod. Sam notices detail. He likes detail, and he doesn't like change to his detail. Just like his Dad.

Spring is here and it's coming in quickly ... and with it brings warmer weather. Sam isn't ready to give up his Winter details. Such as a green soccer shirt that he would like to wear 6 days a week and the same pair of jeans that he lovingly refers to as his Speech pants. (He must have wore them to Speech one day) These are the only pants he will wear. The same slim pair of size 3 Wrangler straight leg pants .... every day. With a patch on the back pocket. Just like his Dad.

I don't think he's caught onto the fact that we have more than one pair. My job is to keep them clean and ready for whenever the knees get dirty from a hard day of play, or a visit to the barn.

Sam also isn't ready to give up the boots he wears. As hard as I try to get tennis shoes on him ... he is always searching for his broken down boots. I've grown so accustomed to the click of his heels on our hardwood floors ... and I'm sure when Summer comes, even if I am lucky enough to get him into a pair of short pants ... he'll never give up those boots. Just like his Dad.

The Girlfriend

Overheard through the TV monitor while "The Dad" was putting the Littles to bed.

Jay: My girlfriend is not home. She has to work late tonight.

Dad: Well ... you tell your girlfriend that her boyfriend is going to get his little butt spanked if he doesn't get in that bed! Now!!!

Jay: I don't have a girlfriend!

Gotta love that quick wit and the mind of a three year old!

Cow Feed and Kids

This evening we had visitors. The neighbor and her daughter, and her daughter. Actually the neighbor is my wonderful sister-in-law, who walked up our road with Amanda (PhotoChick) and Liv, who came to play with the Little's.

The kids had a good time together, and as the neighbor and her girls were leaving, I looked around for the kids and found them here. They were jumping in the cow feed and throwing it everywhere. Well, actually Meg was, and I lifted the boys in so they could join in the fun. It's my job to make sure they have equal rights! There's no favoritism around this farm! No Sirree!

Amanda was kind enough to run back and snap a few pictures for me since my camera was in the house and someone had to make sure they didn't bury each other in ground corn feed. Thanks Amanda!

Now, we have to keep this to ourselves, because we certainly don't want Uncle Don or Marlboro Man to see the mess they made in there, or how much corn made it to the floor! But look at how much fun they had! So we'll just pretend that we don't have a clue what happened in that little building.

I just love these corn covered kids and the shanigans they come up with!

Be Blessed Everyone.

Wading ...

Early this morning, long before we usually start our day ... we had an adventure. At first they were so unsure of walking out into the water. As always, they reached out for each others hand.
They squished mud between their toes and wiggled their feet, and were very quiet as they inched into the water.

This was a "first" for them. They had never waded at the edge of a pond before. But they quickly learned to love it.

... and they laughed, and had so much fun, as each rock hit the water and splashed on them.

I loved watching their bare feet in the water, and I loved seeing Sam's pant legs rolled up so he could wade. Sam won't wear short pants. Not even on the hottest days ... for he's a farmer. A farmer, just like his Daddy ... and farmer's like his Daddy don't wear short pants. Not even in the water!

Be Blessed Everyone.

Snippets of a Boy

These are very busy boys. They work hard at what they do, and believe me ... they work a lot. They work the hardest at getting free. Their one and only goal once outside, is to get on the other side of the fence. Today they did, and they gathered everything they could find and carried it all over the yard. We sat and watched them work, and let them go.

They work well together, because they should. They think alike, they act alike, and they are alike. They are little brothers in a big world. As they carried this ladder all over the yard trying to find a place to put it, they talked about getting the "dinosaurs out of the pond, so they wouldn't eat the fish." They have very vivid imaginations these days, and I have to watch them like a Hawk and be aware of their every move. It's a Mother's job to keep them safe. My job.

They're fast, and they move on to new things in the blink of an eye. They're carpenters and builders, and construction workers. They're farmers and they drive trucks and trains. They drive school buses and tractors and they fix everything in their path.

... and they find mud holes. Because they're boys, and it's their job.

The sun shines on them, and they look golden and beautiful. They are care free little boys on a mission.

This is their pond. Where the Dinosaurs live.
... and they aren't even aware that their pond is one inch deep and twelve inches around. It's big to them, and they did the job they set out to do. We're now one less Dinosaur, and we saved the Fish!

They're my heroes! ... and when they see me watching them, they smile, and they know they are loved, and they are safe. It's my job.

Be Blessed Everyone.

Adventures of The FarmHouse Kids

It was an adventure alright!
You think they're all innocent and sweet? Well, let me tell you ... they're not!

They teach me life lessons every day ....
Then they taught me this!

.... and I ignored this.
... and this.

Never saw them before in my life ....
... and these, they are a nosey bunch. Making fun of my baby! They think they're sneaky ....
Ready, Aim ... Throw! Hit 'em square between the eyes Kids! Daddy won't miss a few cows ... just don't show him the rocks!

Have a Blessed Day!

Laundry Fairy

We've desperately tried for the last several months ... or even more, to get these kids to dress themselves. No Luck. No Success. Not even with the bestest of bribes. We've literally had to do everything for them.

Well, let me tell you .... today it all changed. They miraculously started putting their own clothes on .. all by themselves, and then taking them off and redressing again. Something must have clicked in one of their little heads ... one is all that it takes since they're "monkey see - monkey do" around here.

I kept track. Jay changed his clothes seven times today. That is completely. One drop of water or pee and he needs a new outfit. Socks included. Sam was constantly on the floor putting on different pants. He needed to wear his "favorites," and then he kept checking to see if he had on "Lightening McQueen" underwear. He did ... until we ran out and then he had to wear "Mickey Mouse." Sam too, can't get one thing on his clothes, or we have to change them.

Meg, on the other hand ... well, what can I say? She's woman, and she changed faster than the electric meter was spinning, just because the boys did.

I counted 27 socks, 13 pairs of pants and 11 shirts! I wonder if they think we have a Laundry Fairy that lives here!

Be Blessed Everyone.

Speaking of Pee .... a couple of days ago I took the kiddo's into the little local market on Main Street, USA ... and as I was trying to get them to hold hands so we could walk in ... Sam downed his "panties" and stood facing Main Street and pee'd in a flowerpot with his jeans down around his ankles. Everyone in the store was smiling at his little bare butt! Only in a small town ....

A Formal Public Apology

When I got up this morning ... Meg was sitting here at my computer reading my blog. She'd been here for hours taking notes. (I forgot to tell you that I have extremely talented and highly educated three year olds) She ask for a formal written public apology from me, related to yesterday's post, and the fact that I embarrassed her and ruined her reputation.

She said that she absolutely is not a "bully" to her brothers, and she adamantly denied striking Jay. She says that picture was doctored up to incriminate her! .... I said, "uh-huh ... what about him covering his face and cowering down Missy?" Then she threw her little body on the floor and kicked and screamed for five minutes. But when she puckered her lips and pouted for about two hours, and refused to get dressed for pre-school this morning, I knew I had to do something! (I just love preschool)

Therefore, please take this as a public apology to Megan!

Okay Meg, you can quit gloating now .... you've been around those uppity Cows too long! Oh, one more thing ... I changed my password!

Be Blessed Everyone.

This Girl

This sweet girl with braids and boots is strong willed. She is independent and can hold her own. She is Woman! The next generation. She will defend the sisterhood someday, and stand up straight and be heard. I want this girl child to always be equal. I want her to be a Christian woman and loving Mother. My wish for her is to be assertive, and to find her place in this world and leave a great mark. I want her to be strong of heart and soul. I want her go grow into a woman that is respected and loved ... and mostly I want her have a faith that runs so deep that no one can shatter it.

I want her to reason and be rational, and never take what's not hers. I want her to respect others and grieve for losses of the heart. I want her to always give more than she takes in life. I pray that she lives long and easy, that she has many years to give to others. I want her to share life, love and laughter with everyone that knows her. I want the world to remember her long after she's gone. I wish her great love in her life. My wish for her is real life.
I hope that she never raises her hand against mankind. I wish her calm and peace. I want her to have sweet dreams. I pray that life doesn't throw her a river of turbulence and strife. I wish only the very best for her in everything that she does. I hope that she sees life as a great gift and never finds those rose colored glasses. I want her to speak to God, and know him personally. I pray that she has a deep trust and values what she has been given.

I wish her complete happiness, and many accomplishments. I want her to dance and to fly, and encircle the world and never leave the ground. I want her to be free. Free from heartache and free from hurt. Although I know life throws us curves, I pray that she will handle them well and always come back stronger than she was. I wish her to be a Reflection of Grace.
These are my prayers for you Meggie. ... but for now, I really wish that you'd stop bullying your brothers. Jay had that tree first. You can't hit him and run. One of these days, he'll catch you, and I'll let him. Though I won't let him hurt you ... I will let him get the best of you, and teach you a few lessons. But I promise, when he's through with you ... I'll make sure that I wipe your tears and give you a hug.

You're just beginning your journey little girl .... may it be sweet with not many scraped knees along the way.

Be Blessed Everyone.

Bob on the Brain! (God help me)

Yes, Bob is still on the Brain! Mine, Jay's, Meg's and mainly Sam's! This morning when I took the kids to preschool the electric company people had about four trucks blocking the road while they were setting new utility poles on our road.

Before we ever left home, Sam was so excited. He got all the way out to the car, and then he suddenly stopped and turned around and ran back up the sidewalk to the door. He forgot his hat! ... and as we all know, Bob always wears his hat!

He had to have the hat because Bob the Beel-Dor wears a hat and he was going to see Bob and Liftie. Liftie had Bob up in the air in a bucket, and Sam was going to watch him. Sam was even going to work with him. (so he said) I parked the car sideways in the road so the kids could see, and we watched Bob work like we have every morning this week before preschool. Bob is quite amazing! He's on TV, and he works on our road too! Bob is quite an talented guy! Oh how I love that Bob!

This morning Bob even came over to the car and spoke to the kids. Sam was blushing and was so excited that his ears and cheeks were bright pink, and he couldn't even bring himself to talk to Bob. It's not every day, that Bob and his helpers stop what they are doing and come and talk to you. Even if they're coming to tell you that they cut your telephone line in half accidentally and your telephone doesn't work anymore.

So we sat there and watched Bob work for a good little while. The whole time Sam was mesmerized. I thought for a brief moment that no way could I take his Bob movie away from him. He loves it so much. No matter how tired of living, eating and thinking Bob I am. I could, however, just hide Bob for a few days. So tonight folks, that what I did. I hid Bob the Builder on top of the TV ... up so high that Sam couldn't possibly reach it.

Then as I sat here blogging my little heart out .... I heard a little boy upstairs singing, "Bob the Builderrrrrr! Can you do it? Yes, we can!" Over and over I heard this. Then I heard banging and slamming and more banging. Then I heard Bob the Builder on TV. Bob the movie had somehow found it's way into the DVD player. It must be magic!

I tip-toed my way upstairs to see what was going on. For I knew that Marlboro Man was surely wide awake while on bedtime duty. Surely the man didn't shirk his duties and fall asleep!

Lo and behold when I opened the door .... what a sight did I behold! Lordy be! The bedroom light was on, Marlboro Man was sound asleep in the recliner. Meg was asleep in her bed, and Jay was asleep in his bed!

Bob's sidekick, Sam, was standing on the chair that goes to his cute little desk. The cute little chair was on top of Jay's bed! Sam was on tippy toes reaching to put a CD in the CD player on the top shelf! (thank goodness the shelf is bolted to the wall) He looked at me and said, "It doesn't work!" .... then he grinned. Then I grinned. Then I didn't have the heart to get upset with him. He knows I'm a sucker for that grin!

So now I'm sitting down here whistling ........... "Sam the builderrrrrr ......... yes, he can!" God help me! When I get this tune out of my head, I promise that I won't tell any more Bob the Builder stories! Never ever! Well, maybe .. if Sam is in them!

Be Blessed Everyone.

White Chocolate Raspberry Creme Lipstick ... Anyone?

Night before last, Meg found a Christmas present that I hadn't given her yet. Well, actually I've been hiding it from her ... and probably would have forever, if she hadn't found it. ... and find it good, she did. A big double sided "Dazzle Dream Make-up Case" ... full to the brim!~
Of course, she couldn't dive into it all alone ... so I let them all sit on top of the dining room table and put their "lipstick" on. They were loving it. Meg barked out orders to the boys, on how to apply lipstick correctly. They didn't listen though. They were too busy digging their fingers into the little containers and smelling it. I'm thinking that "the more they use now, the sooner it will all be gone!" Plus, if they're sitting on the table, they can't get it on anything except themselves.Meg actually rubbed half of that tube of lipstick/gloss/chap-stuff/wax/pink-stuff on her lips. All at one time. Back and forth 33,478 times. I counted every time she slid it across her lips. The entire time she stared at me and puckered them babies up!
Sam was eating his, as much as he was rubbing it all over his face. He's just not feminine enough to apply it correctly. He has no idea ... only that it smells good. He does have a good pucker though. ... and he is cute!

Jay, on the other hand only used a tiny little bitty speck of lipstick. He likes to save things. For later. Like hide it in his sock, to keep it later after everyone else is finished with whatever they had, and he can bring it out and tease them with it. He does this. He hides his bubble-gum in his sock too.

Final shot. ... and she's telling me to put the camera down and hide her lipstick from the boys. It's a girl thing she says .... and they're only boys!

Be Blessed Everyone!

Boobies

When I picked the littles up from daycare this evening .... we went out to eat. Just me and them, at Main Street, USA. Again. It's our favorite haunt these days. I carry a menu all folded up in my purse, so I can call the order in, and when we walk in .... we're ready to be served. That is of course, after we spit out the wads of bubble-gum that's always in their mouth! Sam was telling Jay a secret in the above picture. Funny thing is, Sam never whispered one word.

Meg stayed home from preschool/daycare today and went with me to Indianapolis. This was a first for her, and let me tell you ... she doesn't tolerate lone travel without her "bro's" one bit. Seven hours round trip in a carseat didn't cut it for her. She has Strep Throat and had not been on antibiotics for 24 hours yet, and couldn't attend school .... so she was stuck with me for the day. When you live way out in the sticks and there isn't anyone to watch your kiddo's ... you do what you have to do. Here Meg is telling Sam a secret .... but unlike Sam, she was talking. Loudly .... and saying way too much!

Let me back up and tell you that when we walked into the restaurant ... the Tecumseh High School basketball team was having dinner there, along with the coaches and a few other parents. Otherwise, the place was packed. ... and it's a small "table to table" place.

The boys had ask Meg if she went to the Doctor today because she went yesterday and didn't go to school then either. Meg has quite the little memory these days! She told them, (and everyone listening since we're the focal point while there) that Mommy took her shirt off and has boobies! Two Boobies.

That perked up the ears of the little Main Street Cafe, and earned a few snickers from their Kindergarten teacher to-be's Mom and Dad. It also got a belly laugh from the Grandmother of Quadruplets sitting at the next table that are the same age as my littles.

Meg looks quite proud doesn't she, in the above picture.

Then they proceeded to ask more questions about my Boobies, and all the while, telling me that they have Boobies too. Thankfully they didn't show me. Meg again told them that I took my shirt off and the Doctor touched my Boobies and she saw them. Daddy saw them too, she announced. Of course I just kept taking pictures of these cuties and tried to change the subject ... but they don't fall for that! Never.

So while these guys hammed it up and discussed my Boobs with the basketball team, the school staff and the neighborhood, I could only smile and offer them more french fries! .... and take a few more pictures like I was an idiot!

Be Blessed Everyone.

"You're making him nervous!"

Tonight when I was getting the kids in bed, Sam would not settle down. I "sorta kinda" yelled just a little bit at him to "get back in that bed!" He instantly dropped down in his bed and started to boo-hoo for his Daddy. .... and wail was more like it.

Jay sat up in his bed, looked at me, rolled his eyes, and in his utmost exasperated voice, he said, "Stop talking to my bubby like that .... you're making him nervous!"

Well, excuse me! I thought that was my line. The kid is only three years old and I thought that I was the boss. I just want to know who taught Jay that nervous word!

Oh, he's cute enough that he got away with it. That, and the fact that my jaw is still upstairs on the floor in their room.

Be Blessed Everyone!

A Star is Born

Meet Sam. Super-Star Sam. He's a basketball star. All thirty-five inches and twenty-eight pounds of him. He can slam dunk his "Pooh ball" right along with the best of them. He's got it going on. Notice the hands? Right in sync with the dunk!
He know just how to slam em. He also is a "ball hog." He won't share and makes his team mates cry. But he's talented. He can dribble like a pro!

He's so good, he just rises on his tip toes .... aims and shoots, and it's a two-pointer straight down the middle. Wilt Chamberlain didn't have anything over on Super-Star Sam.
Just like a celebrity .... he stops and poses.

Ball in hand .... he's going to pivot and shoot! Up in the air he goes. He's off the ground and he shoots!
.... and he scores!

Sam's Umple Darrel came over this evening and played basketball with Sam. Umple Darrel was trying to show Sam a few moves ... but Sam already knew them. Umple Darrel has to bring his own Winnie the Pooh ball next time ... cause Sam don't share! Cause he's a Super-Star!

Be Blessed Everyone.