They're BAAACK

Every summer our lovely friends the cicada killers return.

That would be if. . .

lovely = heinous

and. . .

friends = huge menacing thugs

They nest under our front stairs outside. Blechk. If you've never encountered one, consider yourself lucky. We fight them hard with boiling water poured down their burrow holes, and can after can of wasp killer. But they're TOUGH to kill, even a direct hit doesn't always take one down. We target the females even more, they're the ones that capture the cicadas and take them back to the hive. We swipe their dead cicada carcasses they leave lying by their burrow holes as they kill more. Seriously, blechk.

Yet they always return the next summer. Though we can tell their numbers are reduced because their buzzing reign over our front flower beds (which don't contain flowers but what do they care, they EAT cicadas) seems to end earlier every year.

Let the war begin.

Haunted

Inspiration

I was reminded of a true gem today by my Jeffy. Sometimes he's the smartest guy in the world.

"Listen to the Mustn'ts"
by Shell Silverstein

Listen to the MUSTN'TS , child.
Listen to the DON'TS
Listen to the SHOULDN'TS
The IMPOSSIBLES, the WONT'S
Listen to the NEVER HAVES
Then listen close to me -
Anything can happen, child,
ANYTHING can be.

So I immediately went out and bought Where the Sidewalk Ends. How did I not already own it? That and A Light in the Attic were by far two of my most favorite books growing up. I read them over and over and over.

I feel better that it's now in my house. A Light in the Attic is soon to join, and the littles are soon to laugh and think and feel silly while reading these amazing poems.

Got Paint?

A lady at McDonald's just tipped me off that Glidden is giving away a quart of paint, your choice of color till July 2nd. It works, I got navy blue myself to redo Rome's Goodwill dresser. No shipping charges, they didn't even ask for a credit card number. I'm not sure if the actual can of paint will come or a coupon - but I think it's the can.

Awesome!

ABC's of Me

A -Age: twenty-twelve

B - Bed size: Queen. Jeff wants a King Tempurpedic. Eh, I don't really care.

C – Chore I hate: Cleaning the master bathroom. I hate it so therefore I never do it. Don't believe me? Just ask my Mama how often I cleaned my bathroom growing up. It's scary.

D - Dog's name: Someday we (and by WE I mean me & the littles) want two teeny tiny dogs named either Rocky & Adrian or Duncan & Tessa (If you know where that second set of names comes from then you are SUPER cool).

E - Essential start your day item: My laptop.

F - Favorite color(s): white & red

G - Gold or Silver: gold

H - Height: 5'5"

I - Instruments you play: Rockband guitar, bass & drums. Aren't I musically awesome?

J - Job title: Mama

K - Kids: Capri Marina, Rome Valentino, Sable Rose

L - Living arrangements: I don't get this question. I live in a house. In KCMO. With my Jeffy & my littles.

M - Mom's name: Janice

N - Nicknames: Aby, Ab, Abs, Abster. But Jeff has NEVER called me anything but Aby (excluding pet names). BTW - I forfeit. Call me whatever ya want.

O - Overnight hospital stay other than birth: No way Jose.

P - Pet Peeve: poor spelling (it's DINING not DINNING people!), people/kids touching me with their feet (babies are exempt), SELFISHNESS, lying, people who are mean/nasty/snarky/rough/insensitive with kids. That one is more than a pet peeve, and is something that really boils my blood.

Q - Quote from a movie: "I stole the baby!!" (If you know what movie that comes from then you are SUPER DUPER cool.

R - Right or left handed: Right

S - Siblings: 4 younger brothers.

T - Time you wake up: whenever the Rome gets up - he's always my first riser, usually about 7:30 or 8:00. But then I go back to bed till I need to be up or Sable calls.

U - Underwear: Garments

V - Vegetable you dislike: I like most veggies, but am fine with all of them. I wouldn't CHOOSE to eat eggplant or zucchini but I WOULD eat them if you served them to me. I'm nice like that.

W - Workout style: Awesome.

X - X-rays you've had: Jaw, left arm, dental

Y - Yesterday's best moment: When the AC in our van died. It's the compressor and is gonna cost nearly $500. Wait, that was the worst moment. The best? Remembering that we HAVE a car, and we HAVE the money (even though we don't want to part with it) and that at the end of the day the Lord has blessed us more then we deserve.

Z - Zoo favorite: the Aviary, searching for the Tawny Frogmouth - which we have NEVER found.

I won't play tag, cause nobody ever plays along - except for one gal, and she knows who she is. Feel free to tag yourself if you feel so inclined.

Except that I lied and I am definitely tagging my Mom.

Sunburns and Torrential Rain

We got both in one day.

I try oh so hard to utterly slather my littles in sunblock whenever we are out playing in the sun. Especially if that sun is going to be combined with water play. I suffered SO greatly from sun poisoning one summer when I was a stupid teen and didn't wear any block at the beach. I'd hate for them to have to face that too.
So yesterday, after the slathering, we went to the Spray Park at the Y.

(stock photo)

We all returned home with sunburns.

It's just so hard to leave that cool water and apparently 30 spf isn't enough. Dang it. Mom of the Year right here. I'd be a liar if I said the Spirit didn't warn me. Again.

After rests and MORE spring cleaning (I swear it'll never end) we headed out to got to a T-Bones baseball game. Our bank, Community America Credit Union holds a members meeting every year. The last two years they had a huge party with TONS of free stuff & activities at the T-Bones stadium followed by fireworks. THIS year, due to the economy I suppose, they didn't have the big party but instead gave members free tickets to the game.

I was less than thrilled and so were the littles. Sometimes change stinks. But we got the tickets and were going to the game.

After dinner at Cabellas, we drove over to the stadium which is near the Legends shopping center.

Any Kansas Citian would attest to the fact that yesterday was a HOT day.

When we got to the ballpark we realized our CRUMMY seats were directly in the blazing sun. Fabulous. There we were, sunburns and all, facing that sun again. So instead we stood in the shade watching the game and waiting for the sun to go down some. I forgot to bring the camera. Close your eyes, think of us - covered in sweat - and you'll have your own little photo.

I was really feeling sick from the heat, heat can really get to me, and wanted to just leave. The tickets were free anyway, we'd lose nothing. But I could see how excited the kids were to be there, heat and all, and Jeff was said he wanted to stay too.

Anway, the sun got a bit lower and the kids got antsy to get to our seats. Jeff kept insisiting he was fine, Rome agreed - but after a bit Capri, Sable and I took off to find some air conditioning.

We headed to Target for some diapers, and then to McDonalds for some cold drinks and to cool down. After a little bit, when it looked reasonably darker outside, I called Jeff to see where the game was at. It was the sixth inning and moving fast so we decided to head back to catch the last bit of the game and see the fireworks afterwards.

It was a LOT cooler when we got back. But the game had slowed down and was still in the 6th inning. A 4 to 4 tie continued on into extra innings. It started to get really cool and wonderful, the wind picking up from the North. 10th, 11th and then. . .the lighting. All of a sudden there was an announcement that the game had been delayed due to an incoming storm.

(stock photo)

Then came the tears.

All Rome wanted was the see the fireworks after the game. He had stuck out the whole darn thing like a little trooper and now the players were all leaving the field. No finish. No fireworks.

And then came the rain. We got to the concourse in the stadium and watched as they raced to cover the field. The wind picked up more and more until it VERY nearly picked up the tarp. A gigantic wave rushed through the tarp sending the field workers running to secure it. Then they STOOD on the tarp in the pouring rain at intervals all the way around to hold the thing down.

The lighting flashed over and over and over, the rain poured and the wind was SO incredibly strong. The weird thing was I don't remember hearing any thunder. How is that possible?

And if it had been just me and Jeff, we'd have stayed and watched the rest of "the show". Truly it was one of the neatest things I've ever seen.

But it was already 10:45pm, Rome was sobbing, and the littles were exhausted. So we headed home.

The storm grew stronger and stronger, with rain dumping down so fast that Jeff could barely see the street. But we made it home and got everybody to bed.

Some days I'm especially amazed at the majesty that is this earth and how the weather can turn on a dime. But this was a day I'll never forget.

Father's Day

Was just swell.

For breakfast, the littles and I made Jeff eggs and cinnamon rolls. No, not homemade. I don't roll that way. Ha.

Raced to church where there was no way I could have been prouder of my primary chorus.

They. Were. Amazing.

We worked hard and prepared three songs: "The Dearest Names" (2nd verse) which I taught the kids the signs for, "Daddy's Homecoming" with all the motions including a VERY big "great big kiss!", and a slightly changed "Teacher, Do You Love Me?". We did it as "Father, Do You Love Me?".

"Teacher/Father" is a TOUGH song. Hard to read the music, hard to learn, and includes an adult part. But it's beautiful and so touching that we committed ourselves to learning it. We were able to get 4 Dads to sing the adult part, including Jeff. The Dads were great, the kids were awesome.

There were many tears in the chapel, including ones from me.

How I wish that it was OK to sometimes sneak a Flip into Sacrament meeting!

Home again and I made turkey sandwiches, awesomely delicious fruit salad with peaches (Jeff's favorite), and chips.

The kid's were DYING to give Jeff their presents.







Boy do I hate when I have to use the camera flash, it puts a shine on EVERYTHING & everybody's skin looks so un-lifelike. Blech.

After presents it was naps. For Jeff and Sable that is.

Later, I made egg noodles boiled in beef bouillon topped with marinated thin round steaks and tri-colored peppers. Ghiradelli brownies and mint chocolate chip ice cream for dessert.



I love this man/Daddy/husband/best friend.

Dads

I love them too.

I'm sure I'm not alone.

Some favorite memories of MY Dad. . .

. . .the green mask, being chased, round & round & round.

. . .flowers, for Mom AND Me.

. . .baseball games at Camden Yards.

. . .illegal fireworks.

. . .New Years Eve "Gambling".

. . .skiing. Just the two of us.

. . .stolen stalagtite from Zeus's cave.

. . .a shared love of banana ice cream, green tomatos, pickles & olives.

. . .auctions.

. . .slide shows.

. . .handing me your pen in sacrament meeting.

. . ."The Helping Hand".

. . .the painting bought to replace it. JUST to make me happy.

Love ya Dad.

PS - this blue eyed gal loves ya as well.

No Anarchy

None.

Nada.

Zilch.

Zip.

Not that boys = anarchy. Don't get me wrong, the other two A's are super sweet, and huggable as a matter of fact. It's just that 6 kids can be a lot of kids.

But I didn't have 6 kids today. This morning their other Grandma Cathy (they've got 2) called to say that Anders had a baseball game and she'd just go ahead and keep both boys to take them to the game.

So instead we had just Aubrey. Which is pretty much like having a babysitter all day. She and the littles played all day. She watched and took care of Sable ALL day.

Jeff's off work so we all headed downtown to Crown Center for some lunch and the intentions of going to Kaleidescope. But we got sidetracked at the Legos, The Candy Store, and then at the festival by the fountains.

Back home and the kids continued to play and play. Nice play, the kind that requires no attention.

You'd think my house would be sparkling clean with all the wonderful housework I decided to do while having this free "babysitter".

It's not.

Because I chose to NOT do housework. Would you? Instead I went out while Sable slept and the kids played. Jeff watched over the brood. I got lots of yummy things for Father's Day tomorrow. Mmmmmmm, yummy things.

Gearing Up For Some Anarchy

We've got one of the triple A's tonight - Aubrey. She's super sweet and adores Sable, who adores her back.

Tomorrow morning the other two A's arrive, oh boy. Make that two boys.

It's gonna be a full house. And I don't mean that in a San Franciscoey, Jesse Katsopolis way.

I mean it in a 6 kids, age 8 and under for the entire day sort of way.

Cousins

Today we spent near to the entire day with cousins, an aunt, and a Mar-Mar. That would be Cathy, Jeff's mom (of course her name to the grandkiddies would HAVE to be something marble-like, it's only right). Cathy was taking her turn watching Jon & Katie's (Jeff's brother and his wife) kids the triple A's - Aubrey, Anders & Ammon. Cathy was watching them while J & K are in Mexico. Our turn is coming up.

No pics cause my camera was full. FULL. But Cathy took a bunch so maybe I'll have to steal some for posting later.

First to the library for story time.

Then to McDonalds for noisey crazy play, and lunch.

Afterwards to Zona Rosa to play in the fountains. Jeff's sister Regina and her two kids joined us there. This is where I was VERY much wishing I had my camera. So many cute picture opportunities with SO many cute cousins about. Regina jokingly called it "cousin camp".
It was at least 100 degrees so even us adults had our feet in the water.
This is NOT a pic of the cousins, it's just a stock photo from the Zona Rosa website for those out of townies who've never been.

When we'd had enough we walked over Cold Stone for ice cream and another fountain. Again, this is a stock photo.

Regina wanted to go to Gymboree, in the new addition area. We decided to join her, so off went Cathy with the triple A's and the rest of us walked to Gymboree. Next to the store we found a new fountain. We weren't that surprised, Kansas City is the City of Fountains so they are literally everywhere, but we were excited cause this one is really cool. No stock pic, and no real pic. The best way I can describe it is frogs with crowns shooting water from their mouths in the center. Then four frogs separated on either side of the pavement that shoot water over the pavement into the main fountain. It is VERY cute, check it out Kansas Citians if you haven't already.
I of course spent way too much money at Gymboree and then we finally said goodbye to the last of the cousins.

You'd think living so close to so much of Jeff's family that days like this are typical. They are NOT. Busy lives, schedules and differing desires keep us all apart much too often. So today it was good to get all these kids together for a day at the fountains.

These Walls Can't Hold Us

See?



4 minutes later.

Swingin'.

And home again.

For no reason at all, blogger REFUSED to upload the first video. I tried 3 times yesterday, then re-downloaded the Flip video to my computer and tried again today. Finally I gave up (after HOURS of it claiming to be downloading on Blogger) and put it on YouTube. This has happened to me one other time. Does anybody have any idea why? It is SO incredibly frustrating!!

Grounded

Jeff found out this morning that he has training tomorrow, Wednesday & Thursday from 7am - 5pm.

Aack.

Since we only have 1 car this means that the littles and I will be stuck at home. Maybe we'll get lucky and Cathy will be able to lend Jeff her car.

Otherwise. . . it could be a VERY long 3 days.

Slice of Life #5

Right now, and every night. After dinner it's bikes and trikes, scooters and baby ride alongs.

Oh, and the wagon.

Lakeside Nature Center

This place is AWESOME. I found it online today while looking for a different nature center. It's in Swope Park, by the Zoo.

Free. Huge. SO well maintained. Tons of animals. Two bald eagles. TWO. Great kid's play area with a puppet theater, puzzles, coloring.

The hiking trail is one of the neatest we've been on. Huge limestone rocks that run down a long part of the trail, and train tracks so close by you can FEEL the trains pass.





Jeff's always asking me, "Do you want ME to take your picture?" But hey, I'm getting pretty good at the stick your arm out self portrait.


















We kept finding these teeny frogs.



Mountain Jeff.





We'll be back. A LOT.

All Of Us

Go to Science City.































To clarify. We go to a LOT of places. We are the extreme opposites of homebodies, especially me & the littles. I just don't always remember or care to drag the camera along. Lately though, I've felt the need to take the camera to all the places, like Science City, that we often go to but don't always get pictures of.

Just you wait.

I'll have photos from McDonald's one of these days.