Well, I've seen it all now...

I don't know if this is the best for the "well, I've seen it all now" category, but it is definitely the thought that keeps coming to my head right now.

As you know, I am on my slow mission to go green. So, I was looking for what to use for some sort of fertilizer for our fruit and veggie container garden we started that would be organic, chemical-free and not leave any ill effects to pass onto us. That's when I came accross this...
Oh yea, you're reading that right... pure organic cricket poop fertilizer: CricketPoo!. Maybe it's just me... did anyone else know that crickets are farmed for their poo? Can you imagine the job fair booth for this profession?

Who needs toys?

Like most parents, Steve and I have realized that kids can be happy playing for hours with most anything - especially unconventional non-toy items, but also some everyday household items. These items include, but are not limited to:

• Empty plastic Easter eggs
• Empty boxes of any shape or size
• Paper - especially that of which we do not want them to rip
• Lacing strings (Ethan thinks they are lassos - yes, a super hero thing)
• Any string, loose or attached to something
• Leaves
• Laundry hampers - especially empty ones that they can knock over and get into
• Anything in a cupboard or drawer - doesn't matter what
• The bathroom sink
• Light and ceiling fan switches (hours of fun!)
• TV Remotes
• Our cell phones (Collin called some lady last week on my phone then hung up... she called back to find out who it was... that was a fun conversation)
• Our regular phone
• Mommy and daddy's fragile mental state

And this $5 bookshelf... You would have thought it was the latest and greatest thing out right now, and that it would make them the envy of the neighborhood. Hmmm, Santa's making a new list this year...

This looks like fun.

Oliver decided during their art project that he would rather paint his hand then the paper. And just look at this concentration... tongue out and all.

Oliver, I love your creatively, but just so we are are clear, no permanent paint/ink like substances are allowed on your body until... well... never. Okay sweetie?

Balancing act

Saturday night, while we were waiting for Steve and Ethan to come home for dinner, the twins were getting fussy. When the twins get fussy, we start pulling out the crazy. One of which was me putting a plastic piece on my head and walking around with it. When it fell off, I put it back on and walked some more acting as if it was the coolest thing ever, then squatting down to let them take it off my head. Surprisingly enough, they loved this. Collin especially. He decided he wanted to do it too. He spent probably twenty minutes putting it on and trying balance it there. It was hilarious!

Frustrated determination face

Continued determination face

Thankfully they are still amused by such simple things... what will I do when they are older?

Determined...

...can be a word to describe all the kids really. Collin especially is always determined to get whatever it is he wants off the counter and into his little hands - whether it be the TV remote, a car, his binky or food to name a few things. In this case, it was food. I cut up a pineapple before dinner, while waiting on Steve and Ethan to return from the store. I had it safely up on the counter, pushed back. I went to change Oliver and while doing this, Collin walked in chewing something. What? Yes, you guessed it. So, I decided to document him in action. What is missing, of course, are the shots of him stretching with all his might to get the cutting board and pull it over to the edge. I have no idea how he managed it, but maybe his superhero name should really be changed to Mr. Fantastic, from Superman.

Last day of preschool

Thursday was Ethan's last day of preschool this year. Ethan actually really loved going to school. He learned the days of the week in part because he loved going to school so much that he knew when Tuesday and Thursday were (his class days). He made a lot of friends through the course of the year, which he told me he was very sad not to be able to see every week. Say it with me "Awwwwww." Hopefully at least a few will be in his class next year.

Ethan with his teachers: Mrs. Anderson (Mrs. A - on right) and Mrs. Zaborski (Mrs. Z - and the reason for the initial calling instead of last name - on left)

Since I knew he was sad about preschool ending, I took the afternoon off and we to COSI to celebrate. We had a blast! Since it was almost 2 pm on a weekday, we had almost the entire place to ourselves for all intents and purposes (an added bonus I didn't know about). We played in the zid's zone, looked at the funky frogs in the frog exhibit, walked around the space exhibit, played with all the cool stuff in the gadgets area, went through the life exhibit and then walked through the progress town.

Playing in the water area.

Getting super hero "powers" (of course)

Building in the gadget exhibit

Our final creation

It's great that we have such a fun children's museum in town. I remember as a child taking the long field trips down to Columbus to visit the old COSI (in the old building). I also remember some trips with Amy and Katie when she was just a little one! Remember those Amy? Can you believe your baby is at Senior prom today?

We became members in March, hoping that we could take each child (young and old) to the museum at different times for some one on one fun... and maybe some group fun too. I am sure there are many more good memories to come over the years, adding to my older ones. I can't wait to add to them!

Mmmmmmmmmm

I smell something good...

Sharon Woods

Today was the Mother's Day lunch at Ethan's preschool. We did artwork with the kids and had circle time as well. Of course, guess who forgot her camera? I have some neat artwork Ethan did that I may scan and load later.

After the lunch, Ethan and I went to Sharon Woods, one of our many local parks. He hasn't been for a while - long enough to have forgotten what it was like. After being there awhile, I remembered that I could use my phone to take photos - though not as good, still something. It was an absolutely gorgeous day and I was after all with one of my favorite little men and I needed some photos (I REALLY wish I had remembered my good camera!).

We went to the farthest area of the park, which to me is the best in that it has the pond, a playground and a walking path in the woods.

He climbed the giant rock.
Looked for fish in the pond.

Ventured into the woods in search of "nature".

Blew (MANY) dandelions.

And reflected.

He was telling this dandelion that he would find him his family.

Oh yea, and we had ice cream - Cold Stone - Ethan insisted. Chocolate with gummie bears (it pained me to agree to gummi bears... artificial colors and flavors... augh!)... see, I am not the meanest mom in the world. You need some pure sugar to balance out the spinach popsicles and whole wheat everything I feed him!

On a side note, thank you to all the Franklin County folks that passed the Metro Park levy this month! We have some great parks and I am glad everyone supports them!

Captain Underpants!

As you all know, Ethan is a superhero. Lately, it's been Robin. Which is cute and all, but here's the thing folks... he sees pictures of them and he thinks they are in their underwear. It does kind of look like it. Do you see where I am going with this? Yes, Ethan insists on only wearing his underwear. Or as he calls them - his "short shorts." Really. You know how Superman has a telephone booth? Ethan has our downstairs bathroom. He goes in, takes off his pants, hides them and comes out as Robin. Why does he hide them you ask? So we can't find them and make him put them back on, according to him. "Wearing my underwear makes me the bestest Robin I can be mom."

Now, we are pretty laid back about it, but we kind have a rule that you need to wear pants when you leave the house. He doesn't see it like this. You know how you see those kids out wearing their pjs? Or a favorite princess costume? Or even a superhero costume? And you know that parent is picking their battles and letting them be themselves. I believe in nurturing that as well, but um, it's kinda socially unacceptable to wear your underwear only (even with a shirt on) outside of the house. Granted most stores and restaurants say "no shirt, no shoes, no service" without mention of pants/shorts, but I am sure they would have something to say if he came strolling in the place in his underwear - boxer briefs or tightie whities just the same. Your thoughts? With summer approaching we are nervous that negotiations will get more difficult since we can't argue that it's too cold out. And in case you are wondering or were thinking: "wait, most of the superheros wear tights." Just know, we are not going there with Ethan and none of you should either. You hear me?!

Ethan said to me a couple days ago: "Mom, I'm excessed with super heroes." (meaning obsessed I'm sure, but excessed fits too! )

It will probably also humor you to know, we actually all have superhero personas as assigned by Ethan. I am Wonder Woman, Steve is Aquaman, Collin is Superman, Oliver is Batman and Lauren is Jayna. However, you'll be relieved to know, we all keep our pants on.

Dear Ethan, Oliver, Collin and Lauren:

On this mother's day, I just want you all to know that I feel very blessed and lucky to be your mom. Though I always knew I wanted children, I never knew just how deep my love and bond would be with each of you. Everyday I am amazed by you for so many different reasons. You are all very unique and special. Your personalities are so wonderfully funny and interesting at the same time. I am in complete awe of you.
I also didn't know just how hard being a mommy would be. Not only balancing act I have to perform, but also just the sheer responsibility I feel to make sure that you are safe from harm - both physical and emotional, nutritiously fed, chemical-free (could there BE any more chemicals in children's products?), giggling and laughing, having enough - but not too much - 'stuff', balancing wanting to give you the world with responsible parenting, teaching you the way of the world but shielding you from it at the same time, finding the right amount of quality time to spend with EACH of you (with limited time to begin with), finding ways to put a smile on each of your faces every single day, the very intense protectiveness I have for each of you, the mommy guilt, the wondering how I can be the best parent to all of you - each with very different needs, as well as the thousands other things that I worry about endlessly on a daily basis. Though you may (and do - Lauren) get frustrated when your friends are eating Froot Loops and you are eating Kashi, or discover that you have been eating spinach popsicles all these years or that I puree veggies and stick them in our dinners (um, sorry Steve and Lauren, I only put it in the boy's food... promise), find out what Chuck E Cheese is and wonder why you haven't been (Lauren, you were the lucky one) or why you didn't (and don't) have every single gadget and gizmo '[but] all the other kids have [it]' and the many other things that you will resent me for at one time or another; I hope you know the intent was truly for your benefit and I am sure I (will and have) made many mistakes along the way. And though I am not always the best mom, in that I have moments of shortened patience, I sometimes yell and wish I didn't (and know I shouldn't), I don't always get you outside as much as I would like or take you to as many places as I hoped, I get upset sometimes when you beat the hell out of my tables or wear inappropriate clothing (even when you know you are not supposed to) and when you talk back to me; I hope you know that even then I still love you very much. These things are my short comings and not yours. My love is truly unconditional.

I really want each of you to be true to yourself. I want you to strive for the stars, but be happy with whatever life gives you. I want you to always remember what is really important: family, friends, love, joy, being true, etc. I want you to find joy in every little thing and share it with those around you. I want you to live your life to the fullest. I want you to know how proud I am of you, for just being you. And I want you to know just how deeply I love each and every one of you. You each have brought more joy to my life than I could have ever dreamed. I am honored to be your mom. Please always know, no matter what... mommy loves you whole, whole bunches!

Behold...bounty...

Lookie what we found while watering our strawberries? Our FIRST harvest! Okay, okay... just give me that one... we were excited. And yes, it is tiny but it is a small victory for this non-green thumb... and isn't it the cutest thing ever?

Eating the bounty (it was kind of anti-climatic due the size and number).

Workin' at the car wash... whoa, whoa, whoa...

Ethan helped Steve wash his van today. He was very, VERY excited to help daddy... and told me all about it. He's a big boy now you know (he told me).


He told me that spraying the wheels was his favorite thing. It's the small things...

Hmmmm... he should be just about ready for mowing the lawn and doing the dishes. You think?

Green secret exposed?

I tried a new popsicle recipe with my little green secret. This one was banana, pineapple and spinach. I kind of noticed in the last batch that there were little specks of green spinach leaves but the color of the final product was so reddish purple it wasn't obvious. However, when you take two light colored fruits that's a different story. According to the lady I got the recipe from, it was supposed to make the popsicles an "electric green" color... which it kind of did... but there were TONS of small pieces of spinach too. Still, you definitely cannot taste the spinach at all. I decided to freeze them and give it a shot. Okay, here's where my little secret gets a little worse... I might have told Ethan the green specks in his popsicle were... well... um.... sprinkles. Well, what was I supposed to do - tell him the truth?? 'That's spinach sweetie - eat it up.' Not gonna work. Plus, this is the kid that will not eat pizza cheese if he sees spices on it - like little bits of oregano or basil (which honestly is what it looks like in the popsicle), so I had to make 'the story' good. The result: he likes them. See, no harm done... right?
I now know why she recommends you get the Vita Mix Blender 5200. It takes whole fruit and vegetables and purees them finely so there are not pieces parts floating around. I did look at it when I first saw the recipes. It was quite impressive and seems to also be endorsed by Martha Stewart. Ooooo! I don't know what it is about her, but sadly if it's her 'good thing' I want it to be my good thing too. Why is that? Unfortunately, its price tag is equally impressive. For the cost, it should grow my fruit and veggies, wash them, cut them, blend them, and feed the kids the smoothies or popsicles itself! Or at the very least go the store for me to get the stuff! Come on Martha... couldn't you have gotten them to give us a better deal?? I don't need yet another market bag and what is Body + Soul magazine anyhow? I guess I won't be doing green smoothies. Little bits of green floaties... er I mean sprinkles...in a frozen popsicle is different than little floaties in your drink.

Does anyone have one of these? Bet she's smiling because she got it for free and pays people to make her smoothies.

Fun in the sun!

Last weekend we spent a lot of time outside. We went to the Relay for Life Family Fun Fest in Sunbury to support Team Matthew and cancer research. They had an inflatable bouncer and a giant slide. Both of which Ethan loved. The twins were too young for the slide at least. The bouncer would have been okay but there were a lot of big kids in there too. So, they strolled around with daddy until they decided they had enough.
On Sunday we took the kids to the park. This adventure takes two adults, but three would have been ideal. Oliver, the runner, spent the entire time running around... running down the path, running to the woods, running to the shelter, running across the playground, running into the parking lot... you get the picture.

This is the view we had of Oliver most of the day... the back of his head.

Collin on the other hand was content staying in once place, only that place was at the funky metal climbing thing on the BIG KID's playset. He insisted he could climb it... but he couldn't. He could get himself on it, he could move towards getting ready to go up it, however when wasn't able to accomplish the next bar he very quickly went into temper tantrum mode and threw himself backwards. Yes, while in the air... on the metal bars... he threw himself backwards! Of course I was right there with him, so he never got hurt. Which actually didn't help matters because since I saved him over and over, he felt invincible and more driven to try. If I took him away from it he screamed.

Ethan was quite a sport about the fact that his parents were both one on one with each twin. He climbed up all the metal monkey type bars to the slides, being quite the monkey himself. He had a blast. I was actually quite impressed at his fearless climbing... last year he would have nothing to do with it.

It was a fun weekend of running and playing in sun!

Mary, Mary, quite contrary...

How does your garden grow?

This year I decided to grow some veggies in containers. I am not yet ready to dig up our grass and quite honestly I didn't think Steve would go for that anyhow. Ethan is very interested in things growing, so I thought it would be fun to plant things with him. Okay, yes, I had an ulterior motive: I am hoping to get him to eat vegetables again! "They" say getting children involved in gardening helps this cause. Here's the issue... momma just ain't all that good with plants. I typically have to replace my flower pots on the porch one or twice a summer. I really try though.

Here's to the "we can do it" attitude! We planted strawberries, peppers, cherry tomatoes, romaine lettuce, spinach, carrot seeds and green bean seeds (I am not too hopeful about the last two) but it was fun. (And it only looks a little Kentucky in our back yard full of pots.)

Strawberries

We also planted a few sunflower seeds and added lavender, dill, basil and rosemary to the herb garden that Ethan and I planted three years ago. Fortunately herbs are like weeds that someone discovered you could cook with... so they grow well just being left alone. Speaking of that, if anyone wants any oregano, thyme, sage or chives... we have them in abundance (these are three years in the growing). Especially the oregano and thyme. So, just come a snippin'.

The herb garden -see the oregano (left) taking over?!

As it tuns out, Ethan's favorite things about this activity were finding Sherman Wormins (Jen - you'll know what these are) and watering... and watering... and watering. Basically watering everything in our entire yard and playing with the hose.

We shall see if we get a bumper crop or a bummer crop this season.

On a side note, I think I have finally reached my peak of boring. In the last two weeks (and even right now), I have been almost overly excited to get plants; particularly at Oakland Nursery (great selection!)... I know because I have (sadly) been many places "window shopping." I also got really excited about the opening of the Westerville Farmer's Market this last Wednesday. So much so that I did a little song and dance when I realized the day of that it was the opening day. Seriously... I need help.