Rumbi

I don't know what's wrong with me. I survive something horrible, promise myself never to attempt it again, then time passes and I forget my promise to myself. Suddenly the horrible idea seems like a good one again. Similar to the marathons I've run and the baby births (surgeries) I've been through. After each one I promised myself I wouldn't do it again. Now both sound like potentially good ideas. Today's episode of "Stupid Chelsea" is entitled, "Rumbi."

 I took the kids there by myself a few months ago. I had a gift card, it was lunch time, the restaurant was right next door to Three Little Monkeys where we had just finished Story Time and Crafts.... so we went. And the kids were crazy. Running, jumping, food throwing... nothing enjoyable about it. Terrible looks from strangers. I couldn't dare look at my phone when it beeped or go refill water cups because as soon as my head was turned for a moment, someone made a mess. I now clearly recall hauling all of them out of there and back into the stroller, going home and texting Brian something like, "Your children are crazy monkeys." Yet yesterday, I seem to have forgotten about that ordeal. We went to Story Time, then Deseret Book to get birthday gifts for their Grandma McKell (which was also a little insane, if you can imagine 3 little people who feel the need to TOUCH EVERYTHING), then they were hungry. And I had a Rumbi gift card. And it was directly on our walking path home. How could we not stop? Ugh. I think some people go out to eat because it's relaxing and enjoyable. For me, it was EXHAUSTING. Keeping them contained involved all kinds of antics - games, funny faces, spoon tricks, etc. They were content and silent for about 3 minutes, when our food initially came out and they had all been served. But the whole "eating" thing apparently got boring after that. Yay for takeout containers. Except that while I was packing it up, I looked over to see Bennett using the straw of someone else's drink at a table that had just left. Ew.Ew.Ew. Restauranting alone with 3 kids ever again? NO!

Lazy wheels of training

I feel kinda lame for not working with Brianna on bike riding yet. She'll be 5 in February. Add that to my list of lazy parenting.
I've heard it's better to take off the pedals so she learns balance, like those Strider bikes, then put them on again when she's ready. Skip the training wheels all together. I'd love to hear what other parents have done to teach the riding of the bicycle?

Tiring bike ride

Out of Brianna's Mouth Lately

"Where can a kid get some food around here?!"

"I want two cats. White with pink paws and purple fur. Named Snowbell and PoppyCat."

"Sometimes when I go potty, I have to go potty again. I think there's something wrong."

"I remember when I used to be on the potty train too."

"I'm going to add the finishing touch to my cup of water... JUICE!"

"Courtney, I've got my eyes on youuuu!"

"Can you turn this empty bottle of juice into a toy for me?"

"Courtney is a peepee but she's still my best friend."

"I think there's something wrong with my bum. I've been going potty for years and YEARS!"

"No, mom, I want you to say, 'I would be DELIGHTED to make you some food!' like that, and smile."

"Are you writing that down, mom? That was funny. Write me down."

"cute" court

Courtney looked adorable at church on Sunday. You're just going to have to take my word on it, obviously, since I couldn't really get a good picture of her. I can't even remember what she was having a tantrum about, but I had to take her into the bathroom. Then I tried again to get a good picture and it made her even madder.  So here she is. My darling pink princess.

Sidenote:  I've been doing this Paleo thing for a couple weeks now, and last month did my 3rd 10-day raw food cleanse.  I've been loving it, and fitting into my clothes so much better!  :)  Though the sugar cravings never really go away totally, I've learned how to combat them more effectively. 

Enjoying a little bread

When Bennett met London....

Bennett found a cute little girl at the park to share his snacks with  :)

nice niece

We've got niece Lily here with us for a few days while her Nonny and Papa enjoy the yearly family reunion with Grandma Smith and her children. I love having Lily here for several reasons, one being that I finally have a child to practice hair-dos on!

My girls fight me on it. I'm lucky to get a ponytail in. 

But Lily will sit and let me practice. Which I need a lot of, since I'm not very good.
But I enjoy trying!

Happy place

Ever been secretly thrilled that you've got a grumpy/tired/sick kid in your arms, simply because they're so dang cuddly... I think Nonny was definitely enjoying a tired-cuddly-Bennett moment. In his Halloween jammies she gave him. So basically it couldn't have been any better for her.