The Fall in Review

We have had a busy last few months. Therefore I am going to do a general fall blog excluding the big things (the beach, Caleb's baptism, Anna Grace's birthday and Thanksgiving). I think the big events each deserve their own post.

Football Season Commenced

We were ready.


As the season progressed Dean got even more ready.

Fun Photos


Part of the Huff family stopped in for a quick visit.

Anna Grace got Josh all dolled up for the day.


Anna Grace and Logan had a blast together.


Dean had more fun than he could handle for one day...note the cheeseburger in his hand.




And Caleb was his happy self.

Party in Caleb's Bed

We found Anna Grace and Dean in Caleb's bed playing with him.

We enjoyed the zoo.

We love the tigers.





Caleb had a different plan for his time at the zoo.


Monkeys are silly.


Kangaroos are funny.


But the tiger is the best.

We really did go to the lake on vacation...back in AUGUST

Better late than never I guess, I am documenting our week at the lake.

Each child had some sort of break through while we were there.

Anna Grace learned to swim.
(Even though I can't find a picture of her without floaties at the moment.)

Dean learned that if you fall in with your life jacket on you will float and it will not be the end of the world.
(He was not much for swimming but loved the boat, dock and yard.)

Caleb learned to roll over.

Caleb also went on his first boat ride. While it is not a "break through" it is certainly worth mentioning and photographing. You may not be able to tell from the pictures but he did really like it.

Now on to the pictures...

Boating Fun

Lake Fun

Yard Party

House Party

Taddle Telling

Anna Grace has been quite the little taddle teller lately. So this morning after she said (in that exagerated whinny voice that all taddle telling is spoke in), "Mama, Dean messed up my bow," I began to consider why taddle tell, what is worthy of taddle telling, and the likes.

If adults where taddle tellers...specifically if I were a taddle teller it would sound like this (in that same voice Anna Grace uses)

Any listening ear, Neal forgot to put his socks in the laundry basket last night.
And Caleb woke up early from his nap.
Those of you still listening, Anna Grace is bossing her brother around this morning.
And finally, Dean didn't eat all of his cereal this morning.

So really what did I accomplish? Not sure but for a brief moment I did feel better. However I think it was not because I was able to taddle on others and point out their faults (the whole point of taddle telling) but instead because of the trivial things that came to mind to "taddle" about and because the whole idea of an adult taddle telling seems so silly.

Before I go one last thought (a taddle on myself actually)...

While I was typing this post, I let the chicken boil over on the stove. When I ran to turn it down, Anna Grace came in the kitchen all concerned and asked, "Mama, do we need to call the fireman?"

Do you know how bad it smells...

When you forget to turn the spaghetti noodles to low and boil the water out?

Needless to say we at peanut butter and jelly tonight with blueberries and apples. Oh, and it was just a small amount of noodles - only enough for Anna Grace and Dean; not a 4 quarts of water amount.

Seasoned Mom vs 1st Time Mom

A first time mom would have a change of clothes in the diaper bag - and maybe even an extra shirt for herself.
A seasoned mom would roll with the punches of the day without hesitation.

A first time mom would panic a little.
A seasoned mom would laugh it off.


Today we had a busy morning. When we got to MDO to pick up Anna Grace I had a hunch it might be time for a diaper change for Caleb. I was prepared for that - having the rare forethought to grab the diaper bag before leaving the house earlier. I thought my arm felt a little damp as I headed to one of the little people rooms with a changing pad. When I laid him down I realized it was time for some action and quick. As I thought through a plan of action and what I had in the diaper bag I realized I was not really prepared for a blow-out. Even if I had a change of clothes in the bag for him it would have been a onsie and that would not have been appropriate for the cool weather.

So I changed his diaper and put his clothes back on him. His clothes weren't so bad. But for some reason the arm of my shirt was green - it was a green shirt to start with thankfully but the two arms were now different shades of green.

No big deal I thought. I can live with this for a few minutes. We raced off to get Anna Grace and head to the grocery store - all 4 of us - yet as I walked back down the hall my arm no longer felt damp; it now felt full out wet. I laughed with a friend commenting that "green was in thankfully" and was off to load the car and go to the store.

Yet when I put him back in his seat and looked down at my arm I realized somehow it was now unbearable. Well it would not have been but I had to go to the store remember. So again I thought what can I do?

I strapped all three into their seats and ran back inside. This time I asked the teachers if I could borrow the restroom. When they saw my arm, they asked if I needed anything. Not to worry, I had a plan. This morning God providentially had me throw on 2 shirts instead of a jacket. I took the long sleeve off leaving the short sleeve with very little and very discreet poop on.

We headed to the store. I managed to buy a week's worth of groceries in about 20 minutes - probably because I was freezing in my summer shirt and no jacket. We came back home; changed Caleb's clothes and tucked everyone in for their nap/rest time.

I really wanted to start cooking dinner - Neal's dad is coming since he is solo this week - so I would have time to straighten up the house. I just could not shake the disgusting feeling I had not only on my arm but really all over. It seems that the baby wipe bath I took on my arms while in the car waiting my turn to pull out of the school parking lot and a new clean shirt was not enough. I decided a shower was in order.

So where does that leave me? Blogging instead of cooking and cleaning. No extra clothes in the diaper bag like a FTM yet not able to roll though the day with a disinfected arm. No panic at any point and originally laughing at the situation yet not able to keep the light-hearted feelings and insisting on a shower. I guess I am not a FTM or a seasoned mom; I am somewhere in the middle and considering the day and it's circumstances I am okay with that.

Quotables by Dean

The scene: Dean - who happens to be pantsless after his recent trip to the potty- sitting on the top of the steps beside me.

me: Dean, do you know why I took the candy away from you?
Dean: Yeah. You took it away from me.
me: Why?
Dean: (with a very thoughtful, confused expression) You...you...well...be-tuze...(now taking the time to point at me as he continues)...You know why, Mama.

Anna Grace has an announcement to make

I know I am long over due for some posting. Sorry about that. It is feast or famine around here when it comes to blogging. Our schedule lately has not been conducive to much time spent at the computer. However, Anna Grace's announcement is so big that I had to make the time today for this one.

While up at the church this morning she made a Thanksgiving turkey. Each feather says what she is thankful for. It reads, I am thankful for...

mommy
toys
books
my sister

I read it while walking out of the church and stopped dead in my tracks to ask, "Anna Grace, who is your sister?!?" She did not have an answer for me. We got a big kick out of it and hope she is not a little prophetess.

The Race

Neal ran in Race for the Cure today. He walked in the door a few minutes ago. I asked him how it was and told him how I wished it had not been raining so I could have gone with the children. His quote, "There were soooo many people there. So much pink. There were so many over-zealous middle-aged women. The fountain was pink. Did you know that?" I laughed and said, "Well it is Race for the Cure, all about breast cancer. Makes sense to me."

Since I was not at the race I took his picture when he walked in the door.

Good Food

I know I have been lax for the past month or two. I don't really have an excuse - just have not done it/been into it. I have been doing dorky things in my spare time like organizing my recipes (the ones not in cookbooks that is). Which has brought on a whole new crop of cooking. It has helped me get out of the same old thing rut and try some new dishes. Here are two things that we really enjoyed and were extremely easy. I had to pass these along...

The first is Skillet-Grilled Burritos with Creamy Cilantro-Jalapeno Sauce. It makes 8 servings (one burrito per serving) but I think for nursing moms it should be 1 1/2 burritos per serving. I was probably satisfied with one but wow they were so good I had to eat a little more. And I think part of what makes it so good is the sauce so make the sauce; don't skip out on it, the lime and jalapenos were excellent.

The other new hit at my house - especially with Neal; he keeps talking about how good it is - is Creamy Bell Pepper 'n' Tomato Soup***. I know what you non-tomoato people are thinking but I had a non-tomato person try it and she liked it enough to eat a bowl. Instead of making Christmas Croutons you can use your pumpkin cookie cutter (assuming you have one) and make pumpkin ones. I actually just sliced whole wheat French bread really thin and toasted it with some salt, pepper and a tiny bit of cheddar cheese. I would imagine their croutons are very good though. The children around here loved it - I think mainly because it was pureed and they like all things they don't have to take the time to chew and they loved the dipping of the bread.

Maybe next time I am insprired to update the blog I will put the pictures from our lake vacation on or our recent beach trip.


***I realized Southern Living does not have the exact recipe on line that was in their magazine. So here are the differences so you can choose which one to try...
Instead of 3-4 roasted peppers use 2 (12oz) jars roasted red bell peppers, drained
Instead of savory tomato pasta sauce mix use 1 (0.6oz) envelope Zesty Italian dressing mix
Add 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Omit Parmesan cheese garnish

"How do men walk around with those things?" - Elaine

I actully typed this hours ago and took some cute pictures of the children that I was going to attach to the blog. One problem though...we have a new camera and I don't know how to get the pictures off of it and onto the computer. Sure I could figure it out if I wanted to take the time but I think it will be easier for Neal to show me tonight. So here it is...


We have been working hard the last few weeks reminding Dean to "point it down" when he goes to the bathroom to insure all of the tee-tee goes in the potty. This process has helped him realize that he has lots of control over where he tee-tees within the potty. Moments ago I was standing in the bathroom; I thought to myself that Dean had figured out his new skill. With the slightest movement of his finger he was changing the direction from left to right - very quickly mind you. Then he decided to move his finger ever so slightly up and you guessed it..."DEAN!!!! Buddy, you can't do that you just got tee-tee all over the room." (Thankfully he did not think it was funny; he was a little concerned by his action and insisted that we clean it up immediately.)

what's a mom to say

This morning we went to Bible study at the church. Afterward we drove past a house that had a trampoline and swing set/fort in the backyard. Anna Grace commented on it. We came back home, ate lunch, then left again to run a quick errand before nap time. While in the car I had a priceless conversation with Anna Grace who had obviously been thinking about the Pattillo's cool backyard.

Anna Grace: Mama, when can I get a jumpaline?
Me: What? (Hoping she was not really asking for a trampoline.)
Anna Grace: A jumpaline, Mama. Its a circle and you jump on it. Do you know what I am talking about? A jumpaline.
Me: Oh, you mean a trampoline.
Anna Grace: Oh, a trampoline. When can I get one?
Me: I don't know.
Anna Grace: Well, Jesus said it would be good for me to have one.
Me: What?!? Did you say Jesus said?
Anna Grace: Yes, Mama, Jesus said it would be good for me to get one.

Wow! What can I really say to that?

Me: That is interesting. How about some music? (Enter Bear music.)


Hey, Pattillo's, could you please get a fence up or invite us over to play...something?!? Your killing me.

Family Newsflash

This goes out to all children under age 5...
When your mom walks in the room and you jump up to attention the "mom antenna" goes up. When she asks what you are doing and you smile and say, "Nothin, just playin"; she will grow even more suspicious. But then when you say, "Would you go away please," while that is very polite she will most likely decide she wants to "play with you" so she can sit and stay a while and see what you are really up to.

A parenting moment...
I might be willing to say you have not really experienced life until your two year old calls you and the rest of the family into the bathroom to let you know he pooped a spaceship. As if that is not enough of a comedy the family then gets to stare into the potty talking about what a fabulous spaceship it is.


And yes I know I have not posted about our vacation. We had a great time and hopefully I will take a few hours this week to compile all of the pictures into a blog for you.

Unsolicited Advice, part 2

I say part 2 because part 1 is found on my friend Lindsey's blog (here).

People just crack me up. Like not too long ago I had a family member email me a reminder (a.k.a. impractical article) about how we should never put our purse on a table, counter or other surface that we eat off of or holds food. Apparently purses should be kept on hooks. Why you ask? Well, because we put our purses in grocery store buggies, the floor of our car, the floor in restaurants, blah, blah, blah. The germs that the bottom of our purses carry should not be spread to the table or counter. I agree. It is a great point. However, I live in the real world with three children. I just don't have time to worry about that. I like to consider my purse as a means to help build my family's immune system as it spreads germs wherever I place it!

But on to my recent unsolicited advice...Yesterday I was in the grocery store with all three children. This is something that I usually don't do but sometimes - like when there are no diapers in the house - it is necessary. So in we go. Dean and Anna Grace are in the big buggy (I could not find any of the big kid carts to strap them) and Caleb is in his carrier attached to the basket. Things start off great. Dean and Anna Grace are happily playing (which does typically mean laughing/singing/etc but not fighting) and Caleb is asleep. Not long into our trip Caleb wakes up and so it begins. Every time the buggy stops he starts to cry...loud...because he wants to be back asleep. And every time the buggy moves he stops and starts to fall back asleep. I did not want to push the buggy around the store until he fell asleep and then do my shopping so I chose to hurry though the store and let him cry. Well there was this older couple in there and it seemed that we kept going down the same aisles. The lady was fine; she smiled and then continued to shop. The man on the other hand was not pleased. The first time he saw us Caleb was just starting to whimper yet when he looked into the buggy and saw the contents - three small children and some bananas - he shot me a disgusted look. Then however with each passing and Caleb's cries getting louder his mean glances became dirty looks that ultimately became disgusted stares. I knew what he was thinking..."Do you know how this happens, Girl? You don't have to have so many children; shame on you. Hope this is your last. They are too close in age." Blah...Blah...It is the same dumb comments people are crazy enough to say to my face. As I was racing to the check out lane I saw him one last time. His look was just down right evil by this time. I wanted so bad to stop and say, "Hey, Goodin, if you have a problem with this why don't you put that case of Miller High Life back on the shelf and buy me a pack of condoms!" But instead I chose to smile at them one last time and then look at the check-out girl who seemed happy to have us in her line, crying baby and all, and say, "Are you sure you are ready for this crew?"

Catching Up

We have been busy the past few weeks therefore I thought I would take some time to catch the blog up.

First the children and I spent a week in Mississippi visiting family. We all had a great time. I tried to take pictures but I know I did not capture the essence of the trip. However here is our recap in picture.

Caleb took his first mud sink bath.

Anna Grace and Ottie played Sorry! together.

Dean joined in the fun.

Dean and Ottie had too much fun and needed to rest.

Holt spent a few hours with us on Wednesday. Since it was way more calm then (opposed to the day before when Holt, the triplets, Slade and Laurie came to play) we took a few pictures.

Anna Grace, Holt and Dean playing the fishing game.

Holt and Caleb were excited to meet.

Now on to August. So far we have made cookies, tried to get a birth announcement picture (yes I know he is 13 weeks old but I am extending lots of grace to myself since well I just am) and gone to the lake for a weekend. Here you go...

Frosted Double Chocolate Chunk here we come!

Trying to take a good picture of Caleb.

Caleb guarded the house while Neal took a nap at the lake.

Triple Threat ready for bed after a long day of play.

The boys paling around this morning.

What a grin!

We are taking a vacation to the lake in a week. I will do a better job of taking pictures and hopefully have a great post when we return.