Rules and Consequences

I have a rule. You aren't allowed to tip your chair back and balance on 2 legs until you have a job and can buy me a new one if you break it. For those wondering why this rule is so complicated (instead of a simple "keep all chair legs on the floor" rule), it's because Cr likes to tip his chair back sometimes.

The consequence for breaking this rule is that you lose your chair and have to stand until further notice.

Last night Z was the first to lose his chair at dinner. Then it was L.

Mommy: L, don't tip your chair back. You've lost it.
L (with a smile): Oh, I can't stand it.

I Used To Play the Flute

Anyone who ever heard me play the flute (which, by the way, it turns out that those who play the flute can be either flutists or flautists) would have no doubt as to why I am a former one. My poor band teacher (from 6th-9th grades) had a reputation for trying to get his students to stay in band when they told him they were planning on quitting. Not only did he not question my decision to quit, I think he smiled. But none of that is really related to this video, other than he's a flutist, too. Really, you have to watch it. And, to tie this post into homeschooling, I need to point out that the boys recognized Peter & the Wolf (it was our first official Music Appreciation piece).

Merry Christmas!

I thought these guys were too great not to share.

N's Birthday

N turned 2 last month. He picked out firetruck plates for his big day. In his words, they were "very cool". That's what happens when you're the youngest of 5. You use phrases at 2 like "very cool". The best part about his birthday was that he's too young to request going to Chuck E. Cheese. Well, as least that was the best part for Cr and me.

He enjoyed ripping into his presents. He's the first boy who has had a passion for tearing paper (and books-ack!). He was shocked when we encouraged him to rip the paper. I am afraid to wrap the Christmas presents and put them under the tree now, though.

He received a Magna Doodle of his very own, a rolling backpack, a toy vacuum and broom. He's growing up, and he's such a delight. His brothers dote on him and in return he cracks them up (unless he perceives their "doting" as "annoying" and then he just screams).

My Birthday

It's been exactly a month since I had my birthday. I won't bore you with the details, but it was a wonderful day. I mostly wanted to share the cake the boys decorated. Have any of you every had a crunchy cake? This is a yellow cake with chocolate frosting. Then the boys were let loose with sprinkles. They like sprinkles. A lot. This cake was actually a bit iridescent when they finished. But I'm pretty sure that every single sprinkle was placed with love, so I was one happy Mommy. Even though the cake was really crunchy.

A Day Late

Jenn over at Classless and Lovin' It placed a call for Christmas Tree pictures in her 'Fess Up Friday post. I'm only a day late because while she asked for them on Friday, the contest didn't close until yesterday.

So here it is. Our tree. If you look closely, you'll notice that N has undecorated the bottom portion of the tree. And messed up the tree skirt. And the stuffed animals. I'm tired of straightening them out, so this is what it looks like most of the time. I did remove his cereal bowl from under the tree before I took the picture, though.

What's That You Say?

Ugh. I've got so much to blog about (my birthday, N's birthday, Thanksgiving, etc) but by the time I have a moment to write I'm just too stinking tired.

The older boys have been playing with Super Spy Kits recently. These kits come with "Super Spy Ears", which are earbuds attached to some device that is supposed to amplify sound.

Cr was home for lunch today and we were in our bedroom talking. We kicked the boys out, but Z threatened to get on his Super Spy Ears. After we finished our conversation, Z pops his head around the corner and started laughing.

Z: I've got in my Super Spy Ears.
Mommy & Daddy: Z, leave the room.
Z (still has in his Super Spy Ears): What?
Mommy & Daddy: Z, leave the room. We're trying to talk.
Z (still wearing his Super Spy Ears): What?!?
Mommy & Daddy (laughing because he can't hear us with his Super Spy Ears in ): Z, leave!
Z (removing his Super Spy Ears): What's so funny?!? I couldn't hear you.

Question:

J: Mommy, do I look good like this?
Mommy: Of course you do, honey. Let me take a picture.

How else does one answer the question? This is J's new bat costume. He's been wearing it as often as I'll let him.

Kid Food

Cr is studying and I've got a cold, so I served the boys "kid food" for dinner. One of the items on the menu was curly fries.

I gave M his plate and he started crying.

M (through tears): I don't want these kind. I don't want these fries.
Mommy: They're french fries. Eat them.
M (with even more tears): I don't like them! They make me nervous!

Through the Eyes of a Child

J drew this lovely portrait of Cr & me on Monday at Judo. Do you think this is how he really sees us? We look a slightly deranged. Cr looks like a happy psycho while I look a bit more like an angry psycho. At the very least, I think it's time to start our Family Art Class up again. We'll begin on Tuesday night.