It's the simple things...

a futile effort
Originally uploaded by Knight Diver

Sights like this aren't uncommon with the kids.

We were going on an evening walk and the kids wanted to ride their bikes. This is understandable since we've made some great strides this summer; Vivian had graduated to having no training wheels, and Christian finally figured out the whole pedaling thing.

Needless to say, we just need to work on Christian's steering... he can't seem to stay on the side walk. With hindsight, I'm beginning to believe this might be something he does on purpose, since he found just about every rut from our house to the park.

It's the simple things in life that he enjoys... who knew pedaling with no progress was one of them.

No boys [g]irls only

Denied!
Originally uploaded by Knight Diver

It's a common phenomenon, I'm sure, boys wanting access to where the girls are, etc. And, I *KNOW* it gets worse as they get older.

This picture is of Pxian outside of Vivian's bedroom, the morning after Viv's first sleepover.

I told him, it's something he had to get used to. His disappointment quickly dissipated once we proceeded to go downstairs to make breakfast and watch Saturday morning cartoons.

Happy Earth Day

Vivian singing

Technorati Tags: Earth Day,Kids,Singing

How to Expand Ivory Soap - wikiHow

This looks like a fun activity to do with the kids.

How to Expand Ivory Soap - wikiHow

Snowball is in a contest...

So, I signed Snowball up for a photo contest.  It's Bissell's "Most Valuable Pet" Photo Content.  And you can vote for him by click any of the pictures below.

Here's the TinyURL to share with friends and family:

http://tinyurl.com/2f42tb

We did have some better pictures of Snowball, and I thought that I could change it after I uploaded it... but, apparently, you can't.  So, here are some below.  He also has a flickr photo set.

www.flickr.com

What is this?

This is a Flickr badge showing photos in a set called Snowball. Make your own badge here.

The weekly prize is a new vacuum, the Bissell's Pet Hair Eraser...  which is something we need as that our old vacuum isn't working anymore.  {sigh}

From all the weekly prize winners, a grand prize winner is picked.

Bissell's grand prize:

1. Pet's photo placed on Pet Hair Eraser vacuum and package
2. $10,000 Donation to Pet Cause of winner's choice!

If Snowball wins, the $10,000 donation will be given to the Capital Area Humane Society. 

And remember kids...  don't forget to control the pet population be getting your pet's spayed or neutered.

Technorati Tags: Pets,Snowball,American Eskimo Dog,Bissell,Pet Hair Eraser Vacuum,Photo Contest

Snowball has his own page! How Crazy is that?

Visit my family

Technorati Tags: American Eskimo Dog,dogster

Snowball needs a new toy...

Technorati Tags: pets,fetch,fetchbot 9000

Snowball

So, things with Vivian's birthday gift fell into place.  We adopted an American Eskimo puppy about two weeks ago, and let me tell you...  he's like a third kid.  Except, he enjoys being in a crate and whines much less...

The human kids enjoy the crate as well, but children services won't let me keep them in there while I'm out of the house.  Sigh...

Technorati Tags: American Eskimo,Kids

Jelly versus Jam

In case you didn't know, there is a difference between Jelly and Jam...  You know the difference?

Jelly is made from the fruit juice.  While, jam is made from both the fruit and juice.

At least that's what I've been told.  Interested in reading more? 

Go here.

So, why the blog of fruit preserves?  No reason...  it's just that we finished making the kids lunches for tomorrow and it consisted of Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwiches.

Doesn't that sound yummy?  This kids think so, and that's all the matters.

A Meme

I stumbled across Lina's blog Uncool and found this meme, 

Bolded statements are true about me.

1. Father went to college
2. Father finished college
3. Mother went to college
4. Mother finished college she finished when i was in junior high
5. Have any relative who is an attorney, physician, or professor
6. Were the same or higher class than your high school teachers.
7. Had more than 50 books in your childhood home.
8. Had more than 500 books in your childhood home.
9. Were read children's books by a parent.
10. Had lessons of any kind before you turned 18.
11. Had more than two kinds of lessons before you turned 18
12. The people in the media who dress and talk like me are portrayed
13. Had a credit card with your name on it before you turned 18
14. Your parents (or a trust) paid for the majority of your college costs
15. Your parents (or a trust) paid for all of your college costs
16. Went to a private high school.
17. Went to summer camp.
18. Had a private tutor before you turned 18
19. Family vacations involved staying at hotels
20. Your clothing was all bought new before you turned 18.
21. Your parents bought you a car that was not a hand-me-down from them.
22. There was original art in your house when you were a child
23. You and your family lived in a single-family house.
24. Your parent(s) owned their own house or apartment before you left home.
25. You had your own room as a child
26. Participated in a SAT/ACT prep course
27. Had your own TV in your room in high school
28. Owned a mutual fund or IRA in high school or college
29. Flew anywhere on a commercial airline before you turned 16
30. Went on a cruise with your family
31. Went on more than one cruise with your family
32. Your parents took you to museums and art galleries as you grew up
33. You were unaware of how much heating bills were for your family.

Technorati Tags: Meme

Almost there...

Kids grow up quickly and suddenly... one moment they are babbling, helpless, little bundles of drool, the next moment they are miniature people with opinions, their own set of likes and dislikes and they can communicate.  It is quite a miracle.

Here's another thing that amazes me. 

For the past seven years, we've had to purchase diapers.  This is from the time my daughter was born up to now. 

Seven years!

Seven years of buying poop and pee-pee collectors, in all of Pamper' different varieties:  Toddlers, Cruisers, Trainers, Swimmers. 

On only a couple of occasions, two different sizes.

I do have to say that we were lucky that diaper purchase for Vivian and Christian overlapped for a little over a month. 

I remember the time when we decided to stop buying Vivian diapers.  This period of time also coincided with us trying to get here in to a "no diaper" zoned pre-school.  We flat out told her:

We are not buying you any more diapers, you're a big girl and you know how to go to the potty and you need to go to school.

And, it worked. 

So, why am I blogging about this now?  Well...  these past couple of days, my son has been keeping his night time trainers dry!

I don't know if I'm happier b/c I can confirm the fact that my son is not going to be in diapers throughout High School and College, or that we're getting rid of another monthly expenditure.  (Yes, there was some celebration when we no longer had to buy baby food and formula)

Light at the End of the Tunnel...  here we come!

Superstores!

There's something to be said about the conveniences made available to us with the creation of these large department superstores.  Wal-Mart, Meijer's, Target are all doing it.  Now a days, you can pick up some home items, clothing for the kids and this weeks grocery all in one place.  How great is that?

Furthermore, prices are so cheap, it's almost ridiculous to go somewhere else to purchase things.  Especially when it comes to kid's clothing or toys.  So, as a parent always watching how money is spent, I really have no choice.

Along with the good, there's always the bad.  Wal-Marts has always had a bad reputation of treating their employees like crap.  As well as roughing up manufacturers in selling items in bulk way below acceptable margins.  There are also numerous problems brought to communities and their small businesses when a superstore takes root in their area.

But, the one thing that gets me...  the biggest gripe I have is how large these places are.  And, consequently how it never fails that once we get to the farther point from the closest restroom my boy has to "go potty."

UGH!

Technorati Tags: children,wal-mart