Hiatus.

Wow. That was such a nice break. Not one entirely without guilt, mind you, but nice nonetheless. I checked my favorite peoples' blogs everyday, just didn't quite require the same posting effort of myself. Ahh....to let one's self off the hook.

We have really enjoyed a wonderful holiday season. It's not quite over yet, but as we are drawing near the epiphany I keep thinking and reflecting. I keep thinking about all the new things we did this year. Our little family started some pretty neat traditions and we also got to include some old ones, passed down from our parents and grandparents as well. Tradition is such a beautiful thing isn't it?

Advent was a hit and the kids had a lot of fun. I never really realized before just how important it is to really make the effort to bring tradition and spirituality to their level. To make faith come alive. To make Christ's Peace come alive for them. That is our JOB as parents. If we don't do that for them, who are we to complain when they're questioning the existence of God at the age of 15? Steve and I can't ever be too lazy to be our family's leaders. Even when it's hard. Even when we're tired and discouraged. Even when I am pregnant and overwhelmed. Even when every secular thing around us is saying that the way we're doing it is "crazy", "over the top" or "rigid".

Christmas was beautiful. Despite our entire family being taken down with a nasty case of the flu right in the middle of it all. We tried to keep our spirits up ( I must admit, I faltered a time or two with the whole high spirit thing) and we really tried to keep the focus where it should be. It's funny, even with limiting the gifts to three outside gifts a piece, our kids still have WAY too many toys. We had to go to a Superstore yesterday and buy huge plastic bins just to store everything! We baked, we laughed, we sang, we drove to Noni's house for the weekend and rode on a Horse Drawn carriage in the snow. We played lots of games, we went to Mass, we watched the story of St. Nicholas, we sang happy birthday to Jesus and put him in the manger, we gave gifts, received gifts, and built snow forts. We created really cherished family traditions and memories. I really think it's just going to keep getting better every year.

Along with my children, I learned a few things this season as well. My expectations of myself are too high in a few areas of my life. In others, they aren't high enough. So, my resolution? To let go. I am going to let go ( well pray like crazy and ask for help, because left to my own accord...) of those things which are entirely out of my control and just cause me pain and frustration. I am also going to sit down with Steve tonight ( his idea) and make goals in 7 areas of our lives. Things we'd like to change, but specifically, for me, things I'd like to be better at or to learn. I have been excusing my lack of dedication in certain areas by the fact that I have three+ children, or I volunteer, or I'm tired at the end of the day, or....you get the idea.

One area of renewed dedication; I LOVE Curves. Every woman on the face of the earth should go to Curves. (I promise, I'm not being paid to say that.) Although, I am really feeling like three times a week isn't enough. Anyone have any experience with that? Steve started going to a different gym and we are alternating every other morning.This is another way we realize we need to be leaders of our family. If they don't see us wanting to taking of ourselves every day, why will they?

On hiatus no more, people. Hiatus no more.

" And suddenly

there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: 'Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.'" Luke 2:13-14

Thank you, Lord, for bringing us the Saviour who is Messiah. He is the reason. His glory shineth around us.

May God bless you all this Christmas and pull you close to Him, letting you rest in His perfect arms.

Merry Christmas.

March no more.

" I love you SO much."

That's what Ella leaned in to say to Paxton as they were playing a game together on the computer tonight. So, maybe my efforts to foster strong emotional connections haven't completely failed. Or, maybe she just wanted to get as close to him as she could so she could snatch the mouse out of his hand without any warning. Either way, I'll take it. Either way, Paxton got to hear "I love you" tonight from someone who's usually telling him he can't be her best friend anymore. Progress. We're making progress.

This last week of Advent activites has been really nice. It's mostly been discussions which, while daunting at first, are really painless now. The kids really seem to be able to close their eyes and imagine the picture we are creating with words, to put themselves in those shoes and to summon compassion. I am really loving our talks at the dinner table with the Advent candles glowing, lighting up their eyes.

We've talked about the wise men and their gifts. About what gifts we can give Jesus. We've talked about it being better to be rich in who we are than in what we have. To be rich in blessings and to have real treasures. We've talked about heavenly treasures and how they are much different than earthy ones.

And tonight? The world's best Gift. 2 Corinthians 9:15. "Let us thank God for His priceless gift". There is not enough money in the world to replace a priceless gift. What makes Jesus our priceless gift from God?

I am finding myself more and more excited about Christmas and this upcoming weekend spent with family; relaxing, playing and laughing by the fire. I am letting go of all the stress of the last three weeks. I decided that my childrens' December birthdays will never be blown over or rushed through. They will always have their own birthday celebrations, with no Santa Claus anywhere in sight. In order to accomplish this goal? I'll be starting to plan for their birthdays in September. Okay, that's a little ridiculous, but at least by November. Less stress for Mommy, more fun for the whole family!

Oh, and one more thing. Steve and I are never having sex in March again.

Nutthouse? Anyone? No? Just me?

Two birthday's down. One to go.

I have been to Spokane and back, we're off to Paxton's Christmas play tonight, Dad's birthday lunch and volunteer work tomorrow, then off to Spokane for the weekend.

I keep having this huge expectation of myself this time of year. It's been eating at me that I STILL haven't posted pictures of Ella's birthday, talked about it, posted pictures of Shepherd's birthday, talked about that, or posted any pictures of our Advent projects. I have to let it go. When I get to it, I'll get to it. Right? Until then....I'll just keep beating myself up that I can't seem to pull everything together enough to at least appear organized.

We are still doing our nightly Advent projects. We are still doing family activities and trying our darndest to relax and enjoy the season as much as we can. I am trying to stay as relaxed and upbeat as possible. The thing is, I have just seemed to have lost my "filter" as of late. You know, that filter than enables one to tolerate peoples' bullsh*t? My filter is totally busted right now. Does that have anything to do with pregnancy? With holidays and mingling different families? With feeling like crud in general for a good half of the day?

My mom, who's a therapist, says this is her busiest time of year. Hmmm....I can't imagine why.

..and a Penguin cake in a pear tree.

Penguin cake made. Check.

Advent activity to light a candle in a dark room and show the kids just how much Jesus being in our lives can help us out, help us to see in darkness. Check.

Video camera battery charging for hours and hours of taping fun for a certain sweet boy's 1st birthday party. Check.

Worked out for my very first time at Curves this morning. Check. Loved it. Check.

Made an attempt to go to confession tonight. Check. ( It's insane the amount of people that seem to feel unclean ALL at the same time. There were like 20 people waiting in line! I didn't have a chance.) Next week. Check.

In bed by 10:00pm. Check.

Forgive me?

Okay, so apparently when I say "later today" what that translates to is "anytime within the next 90 hours". Heads up.

Our Advent activities seem to be more discussions lately. We have had to stretch ourselves as parents to try to finesse the wording and illicit contemplation from a 3 and 4 year old. Not an easy task.

Day 9: Jesus loves little children and says His kingdom belongs to them and those who believe like them. Matthew 19:14.
We were suppose to look at baby pictures of ourselves and Thank God for letting us always come to Him like children can come to their parents.

Day 10: Make way, you in the desert! Raise all the valleys; level all the mountains; smooth out the rough and rugged places. Make a highway-the Lord is coming! Isaiah 40:3-5. We talked about things in our lives that might be rough and rugged and in need of Gods smoothing out. Paxton suggested bathwater. Ella suggested her hair.

Day 11: Years before Jesus was born, Isaiah, a prophet, gave us a picture: Jesus would be like a new banch growing out of an old stump. He would bear fruit: wisdom, understanding, knowledge, power, delight in God, goodness, and justice. Amazing things would come from Jesus because God's spirit was with Him. Isaih 11:1-5. Dear God, I know that I may never be perfect like Jesus, but please help me to be like a tree that bears good fruit. Task? To make an ornament shaped like your favorite fruit. Paxton's would be a strawberry and Ella's would be a blueberry. We need to get those made.

Day 12: "The Shepherd's Surprise" There were shepherds living out in their fields, keeping watch over their sheep at night. Luke 2:8. The shepherds were just doing their jobs. They had no idea of the great surprise that God had in store for them. What does God have in store for us? Thank You for surprising us with blessings, God! We are making a list of all the good things God has already given us. Snow, family, headache medicine, eggnog, etc...

Tonight, Day 13: God's Word is like a lamp that lights the path of our lives by showing us how to live in God's Truth. Psalm 119:105. Dear God, thank You for the Bible. Help us to grow in our love and understanding of Your Holy Word. Amen. We'll be playing with flashlights tonight and seeing how far they can light our way.

Whew. Have I really missed updating for 5 days?!

Shepherd's 1st birthday is on Tuesday, but we'll be having his party on Sunday. Better get crackin' on that cake! And tell you about Ella's party. And post pictures of Advent activities. Oh, how there are too few hours in my life.

reality checks.

I am busy today, making four batches of almond roca for various upcoming events. I am trying to make up for yesterday, which was a TOTAL wash, since my migraine permitted only small amounts of productivity here and there in between head rubs and vomiting. SO sad. Anyway, I am a whole new woman today and feeling like taking on the world!

While I was on my first batch of candy, I overheard this conversation:

Ella: Paxton! You can't have that!

Paxton: Yes I can! It's mine, Ella!

Ella: Well, then, I'm just not going to be your best friend anymore!

Paxton: You should get out of my room then.

Ella: But....but....why?

I had my volunteer shift yesterday. It seemed to drag on and on with my pounding headache. What with all the gagging while accepting and testing urine samples, I was really starting to feel sorry for myself. Then? Then, just as I am about to walk out the door to head home, flowers came. For me. Flowers for me. My beautiful husband had sent flowers to me. Just because. I was sort of speechless and then I felt like I should send them back. I haven't done ANYTHING to deserve flowers lately.

My reality check? That even when I am feeling sorry for myself, whining and the like, my best friend will still let me stay in his room and he'll even send me flowers because he can see that my behavior is a desperate plee for some nurturing.

Thank You, my beautiful Lord, for bringing this amazing man into my life. Thank You for humbling me and making me slow down, forcing me to appreciate my life, my blessings, and my precious family.


**an Advent activity update coming later today.

Humility.

Me: (after getting Paxton dressed and ready for Preschool, and then looking at the finished product..) Wow!

Paxton: Yeah, I know.

Helping Him with our Happiness.

This begins the second week of Advent. We are so anxious and excited for the coming of the Christ Child. I have been thinking about my attitude a lot lately. About how my attitude makes or breaks my experience, how I see others, how I see the world. I have been guilty, oftentimes, of waiting for feelings of charity, patience, and compassion to just wash over me like rain or influenza. It doesn't work like that. I am really aware of that, lately. Happiness is not about luck. All those wonderful feelings must be cultivated, tended to, sewn.

This is taken from a great book I am reading right now; 'People universally tend to think that happiness is a stroke of luck, something that will maybe descend upon you like fine weather if you're fortunate enough. But that's not how happiness works. Happiness is the consequence of personal effort. You fight for it, strive for it, insist upon it, and sometimes even travel around the world looking for it. You have to participate relentlessly in the manifestations of your own blessings. And once you have achieved a state of happiness, you must never become lax about maintaining it, you must make a mighty effort to keep swimming upward into that happiness forever, to stay afloat on top of it. If you don't, you will leak away your innate contentment. It's easy enough to pray when you're in distress but continuing to pray even when your crisis has passed is like a sealing process, helping your soul hold tight to its good attainments.'

So good. So appropriate for what our Advent topic and activity was tonight.

"If a child asks his parents for a fish, will they give him a snake? Of course not! If people, who are not perfect, know how to give good gifts to their children, won't God, who is perfect, do a much better job of giving good gifts to His children when they ask Him?" Matthew 17:10

We need to ask for happiness by asking God what HE wants for us. Only then will we really find happiness. He is the PERFECT gift giver, giving us things we may not understand, want, or feel like we need. He knows. He loves us with a perfect love. His desire for our happiness is infinitely greater than we can even fathom.

I was born with dark hair, dark eyes, deep and easy laughter, drool filled slumber, long fingers, child bearing hips, and a stubborn stong will for a reason. God knew what he was doing. He always does. Now? Now these child bearing hips hold babies all day long, these long fingers fit perfecly intertwined with my husband's on quiet drives home, and this strong will keeps me from quitting when everything in my body wants to. God gave me gifts that I didn't ask for, that sometimes I don't even want. But always, always I can know that He has a plan for my happiness, for all of ours, that is greater than we can know.

We just can't ever stop doing the work, taking Him for granted.

Reason for the Season

Day 6: Jesus said, "Look at the birds-they don't buy or make their food and they don't store it anywhere. God is the one who takes care of them. You are even more valuable to God than the birds." Luke 12:24

Lesson learned? Do not be afraid of losing anything and do not be bound by earthly possessions. Thank you God, for always taking care of our needs when we trust in You. Amen.

We made a feast for the birds! We dipped pinecones in peanut butter and than rolled them in birdseed. We hung 5 of them throughout our yard for the birds to enjoy.

Day 7: Tonight we talked about Psalm 127:2. God grants His loved ones sleep. The Bible tells us that God never sleeps. Tonight, when we put the kids to bed, we'll thank Him for keeping watch and protecting us while we sleep.

We had a nice day today. Daddy and Paxton had a "Boy's Morning" and then came home and put lights on the house. Ella helped me do a little cooking and baking and Shepherd crawled around, getting into anything he thought looked fun. We watched the space shuttle launch as a family tonight and the kids LOVED it. It is pretty amazing isn't it? We are able to go into OUTER SPACE.

Steve and I are having a date after the kids go to bed. We're watching a movie and sitting on the couch, side by side. It seems that with all the hustle and bustle of this season and the activity that surrounds us, we are left at the end of the day looking at each other saying, "Hey, who are you? When did you get here?"

Tonight I'd like to look at him and say, "Hey, there you are! I've missed you."

Family days.

Thank you, Melissa, for sharing one of the most beautiful photos I have seen in quite a while.

This is a very special day. The day we get to celebrate when the Virgin Mary herself was conceived without sin, temptation, or spiritual turmoil. She was, quite arguably, the most perfect human being that ever lived. Wouldn't you choose her to give birth to your Son if you knew He was going to be the SAVIOR OF THE WORLD?

"For he has looked upon his handmaid's lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed." Luke 1:48 (also part of the Canticle of Mary)

Mass was lovely today and the kids, for the most part, were well behaved. On Holy Days of Obligation we usually attend Mass in the school gym, since that 9:00am time seems to work the best for our family (7:00 is just a little too close to bedtime). We usually spring Paxton from his Preschool room and we all walk down the hall together for Mass. It's nice that some of the other parents do that too. I think the Preschoolers get an idea about what an important day this must be, if they get to be picked up by their whole family and hang in the gym together!

Our priest has been teaching the kids latin. Since he took over this parish, about six months ago, he has done wonderful things with the school. He is a former teacher himself and latin tradition enthusiast. All the kids in this little school now know the Lord's Prayer, the Hail Mary, and the Emmanuel in latin. It is the most beautiful thing to see a 6 year old saying the Hail Mary in latin. I wish my mind were spongy like theirs! It's a bit more like a pumice stone now, especially since pregnancy brain is in full swing. So far today, I have spilled a glass of milk, hit my head on the garbage can lid (don't ask), tripped over a blanket that was in plain sight, and hit my head again on the cupboard in the bathroom.

I will post later about our advent activities. These are really neat to do together. I just wish they didn't involve so much glue. It's so....sticky.

I WILL post pictures. I promise. It is not empty. I mean this. I will post them.

Friday nights are movie and pizza nights and I CAN"T WAIT. Mommy's ready for a teeny break.

Priorities.

Me: Ouch. My hip really hurts today.

Paxton: Oh no, Mom! Are you still going to be able to dance?

Oh, my sweet boy, always. I will always dance with you.

The Leaving.

Oh, dear. It has already happened. It has already come to that point when my mom leaves, after having been here a few days and I have to sit and think. I think about how much she does when she's here, about how much my children adore her and love playing with her, listening to her read, listening to her sing silly, impromptu songs throughout the house. I think about how much I DON'T do when she's here because I'm just that comfortable. She did laundry, washed, dusted and organized.

My mom and I always make it a point to set aside time to argue about at least one thing, as well, while she's here. We just want to be as productive as we can. Nothing in particular, but just one thing. We get it out of the way and then we move on, having hashed, rehashed and "heard" each other. I think another thiry years of this and we will have finally resolved every issue we've ever had.

Now that I don't have a Noni to distract I have to pull other tricks out of my hat. The kids are now each having "bedroom time" so I can get a few things done before dinner and this evening's Advent activities.

Last night's Advent activity was to go outside and enjoy the night sky. Daddy bundled the kids up and they lasted about five minutes and found 2 stars. The focus was on Psalm 148:3,5 "Praise Him, sun and moon! Praise Him, all you shining stars! God commanded, and there you are!" Dear God, thank you for being the light of the world. Amen.

Tonight we are going to read Psalm 8:3-4, " I am overwhelmed when I look up at the heavens and see the stars Your hands have made. It is amazing that You even think about me!" Dear God, Your world is so big and I am so small. Yet, You know me and give me everything I need. I may not always understand it, but I am grateful. Amen.

We'll make a star ornament for the tree tonight. And, yes, the pictures are coming. I promise. Just as soon as Steve gets around to it.

I went to my volunteer shift today, like all Wednesdays. Mom stayed with the kids, picked Paxton up from Preschool, took the kids to McDonald's, brought them home, colored, read, gave naps and finished more laundry. Usually I take the kids with me and we are rushing and I'm "shushing" all day long. Today, I came home to a beautiful house and happy children, much different than the exhausted, crankiness that usually follows a day when Mommy "works". It was so wonderful.

What am I going to miss the most about Noni? Wicked games of gin after the kids go to bed, too much laughter, and plenty of sarcasm to get me through until the next time we meet again. Thank you, Mom, for getting me. Thank you, Mom, for your beautiful sense of humor, for rarely taking yourself too seriously, for lightening my crankiness with a wink and a colorful remark, reminding me that I am taking myself WAY too seriously. Thank you for loving my husband as your own son, for talking to him, laughing with him, teasing him, and folding his underwear. Thank you for making the effort. All the time. Even if it means we're going to fight sometimes. I love that about you. Fearless communication. Advice, complements and strategies. Thank you for those priceless, beautiful gifts.

What my kids are going to miss the most about Noni? Baths with lots of bubbles and laughter, singing and dancing in the middle of the floor, or snuggling slumber parties and story telling. Hard to say which makes the biggest impression. One thing is for sure, though. After Noni leaves we are all changed just a little more. And we thank her for her influence.

Now, if we could just get her to stop having surgeries and such lengthy recovery time, we wouldn't have to wait so long in between long visits. Although, my Nana always had a saying which she has passed on to my mother; "Guests are like fish: after three days they start to stink."

We love you, Mom. Even if you stink.

Advent activities update..

I told you I would post and let you in on our activities each night, as we celebrate the season of Advent together. Sorry I'm a day late. Please excuse my slackerdom.

For the first day of Advent, we talked about Luke 1:26-32, " God sent the angel Gabriel to a town called Nazareth...", and said a prayer thanking God for His special plan for Mary and for us, too. Then, we made an angel ornament for the Christmas tree. Steve, who has let me know how "non-crafty" I am (in the most loving way), had to show me up with not one, but two PERFECT ornaments.

Tonight's reading and discussion was from Matthew 2:6. "Out of you, little town of Bethlehem, will come the greatest of rulers, for He will be the Shepherd of all of God's people." We followed with a prayer thanking Jesus for being the Good Shepherd, and always taking care of all of our needs, keeping us safe and sound. We made a sheep ornament.

Steve thinks we should post some pictures. What do you think?

I am SO happy to be doing this for Advent this year. We made our own Advent wreath this year as well.

Noni is here for the next couple days and is so much fun to have around. She has been playing with the kids in ways that I never seem to find time to, doing laundry, dishes, and cleaning. She helped us decorate the tree and make our ornaments. Where does she get all this crazy energy? She did ask this evening, after our "Advent Craft Time", if it was bedtime yet. :)

Life is so blessed and I am really, really trying to take it one beautiful day at a time.

I am fully aware that I have yet to post about Ella's 3rd birthday. I am sorry. There is so much to tell and what with all the crimestopping I've been doing, I just haven't had time. It's coming. Soon. I promise. Really.

Vigilante by night. It's all in a day's work.

This month feels busier than any December that I can remember in past years. Why? What's different, you ask? Let me tell you.

It all started with Thanksgiving. That was busy. Now it's time to get ready for some pretty big birthdays, obviously JESUS' being the biggest. Ella will be 3 tomorrow. Shepherd will be 1 on the 19th. My dad will be 53 on the 20th. And Jesus will be....well, you get the idea. Advent, addressing Christmas cards, attending Christmas programs, cookie exchanges, Christmas shopping, holiday parties, and birthday parties. You know what? I wouldn't change a thing. Not a thing.

What I am going to pray for help with? Just relaxing and taking one beautiful day at a time. Just relaxing. Just relaxing. Just relaxing. I am already feeling more relaxed. Ahh....that's better.

So, Ella's birthday is tomorrow. I asked her what sort of fun party she wanted. She informed me that she would like a Dora Princess party. Not Dora. Not Princess. A Dora Princess. So, I had Safeway help me cheat a bit by making a two tiered cake as a starter so that tomorrow morning, I can pretend that I know how to make a castle cake. We'll see how that one works out for me. Especially since, while pulling out of the Safeway parking lot I had to briefly take off my stay-at-home-mom hat and put on my Vigilante hat which, as you will read in a moment, wreaked a little havoc on our castle cake.

As I was walking into Safeway this evening I witnessed two men trying to steal a cart full of groceries, mostly what looked like beer and chips. I wouldn't have known that they were trying to steal if I hadn't witnessed the manager grabbing their cart while they were trying to walk away and telling them that they needed to get back inside. Now, mind you, it's about 12 degrees here with ice and snow on the ground everywhere. The manager had no coat on. The men had no coats on. But, as you might have guessed, they ran anyway. The manager tried to CHASE THEM. One of the thieves was a quite heavy Hispanic man. The other, a 17 year old skinny white guy. Interesting couple. More interesting, watching a very heavy person trying to run, quickly, on ice. Somehow though, they both got away. They should have stayed away. They were not smart.

As the manager was starting to chase after one of the men he yelled back at a young bagger girl to call the police. She was going in right as I was. She went up the counter and told them to call the police. They asked why. She said, " I have no idea". She didn't. But, I did. I yelled from about 20 feet way, " Because two men just tried to steal some groceries and are now on the run". Such high drama in this small town. Then, I continued on to the bakery to pick up the cake I had come for.

I paid. I walked to the van, noticing that the manager was now back standing outside on the curb. Just looking around. I am sure he was waiting for the police to come. I got in, handed the cake to Steve who was in the passenger's seat, and told him the little story. We turned out of the parking lot and headed home. Strange. I think I see one of the guys! Just walking along the sidewalk, TOWARDS Safeway. Yes! That's him! As far as I knew, the police still hadn't shown yet. So, I flip a u-turn. A dramatic, Dukes of hazard, sort of u-turn. Yeah, that's right, in the mini-van.

I speed past him so that I can turn into the parking lot and let the manager know he's coming. The guy was fast. While I was turning the van around to leave again, he snuck around me, got into his car and began spinning out, attempting to leave. The manager had caught up to him now. He tried to run the manager down with his car. A) This manager takes his job very seriously. B) This stupid criminal just upped the ante from a misdemeanor to a felony, vehicular assault. Whoa. It all unfolded right in front of us. I laid on the horn. And flashed my brights over and over trying to get the attention of any other passing vehicles. Out of nowhere, in Chuck Norris style, a big suped up truck with yellow flashers and a CB antenna pulls right in front of the criminal, blocking him in ( since I am right behind him) and jumps out of the car, yelling at the guy to stay in the car. Now Chuck Norris and the manager are yelling at him to stay in the car, trying to force his door closed. Steve throws the cake at me and tells me to stay here, these guys might need some help. Wow. It's exciting isn't it?

Finally, after we have him apprehended on our own, the police show up to finish the work, arrest him for trying to kill someone with his silver subaru, and take our statements. I even brought a lovely piece of paper home to fill out, noting as many details as I can recall of the events that transpired.

Oh, the cake. So, In that whole "tossing" commotion, the cake got a little...damaged. Nothing that a little Red #4 and some Dora figurines can't hide, I suppose. But, it'll be tricky. I am hoping my mom will get here early enough tomorrow to help me do some damage control. It was all in the name of justice though. One more dangerous grocery stealing criminal off the streets. Now I can sleep at night.

Ahh....it's all in a day's work.

Lesson learned? If you are going to commit a crime like that in the dead of winter, dress warmly and don't leave your car at the scene. If you do choose to leave your car at the scene, don't be a wimp. Wait it out. Don't come back for your car for at LEAST an hour. Silly, silly man.

Alrighty then.

Me: (As we are bundling the kids up for a very fun but very cold parade this evening) Ella, honey, you need to make sure you tell Mommy when you need to go potty.

Ella: I will, Mommy. I just don't think I have any potty in there. But keep your eye on me in case I go poop.

Ah, the joys of mothering a verbally colorful princess.