Thanks, but NO thanks

Strangers have an overwhelming urge to offer unwanted advice.
I sometimes believe that people think I'm young and stupid. How could anyone have three kids at my age.
I'm older than I look. Should they see something they don't agree with, they feel the need to correct me.

Someone yelled at me today. "Wait up!" He was very angry because Kaity and Abby were behind me. If I don't keep moving, the kids don't move. I often look back, but I can hear them, their shoes, and their voices. Apani does not shut up...EVER. If she's not talking or singing, she's humming. Besides, they were probably three houses down at most...so they were close by.

Then I was told that they shouldn't be picking up sticks. Have you never heard of a nature walk? As long as their not running or waving them in the air, they can pick up sticks.

People also feel compelled to tell me about their family. Which on most days, is fun. But in near 90 degree, humid weather, and a crying baby, I'm REALLY not interested. The only thing I want stopping us, is a traffic light.

I think my favorite thing to hear is the sympathetic, "Oh, no boys? The next one will be a boy." I'm glad Maddy wasn't a boy, otherwise I'd keep trying for another boy. Three is hard enough. Could you imagine the feedback I would get if I was walking around with FOUR young kids????

With an imagination like that ...

Maddy spilled cheerios ALL over the living room. In a very MOLLY-Like voice, I asked, "Who made this big mess?"
She points to Kaity.
"Kaity didn't do it," so she pointed to Abby.
I told her, "No, you made this big mess."

Then I got a little distracted. When I returned to clean up the cheerios, they were gone! I was impressed to say the least. Part of me thought, the girls ate them. But beaming with pride, realizing that my children without hesitation or encouragement cleaned up, I asked who I should thank. Abby raised her hand. I told her how proud and thankful I was. Then I turned to the hall to go to the kitchen. I wish I had a picture.

...

Abby simply relocated them. "To feed the birds," she said.

if you haven't noticed...

I have a new blog...just detailing the successes and not so many successful family meals. I'm trying to put recipes as well so look out for it! Feeding My Girls

Expect to see a spinach or avocado smoothie recipe for tomorrow...I still can't decide which to make for dinner.

Let's play a game

Boy or Girl?



If you guessed boy, you're an idiot.

If the stroller didn't give it away, you would think the dress would.

Graduation and DC pics

Maddy felt much more secure watching the fireworks as I stood.



Apani drew a whale...pretty good, I must say.

Picky

My kids are picky eaters. Apani always tells me simply, she's just
not hungry. A typical day consists of mostly fruits and crackers
(goldfish, pretzels...)

We always start with a
Breakfast bar, sometimes kaity will also have a bowl of cheerios or some waffles.

After that, anything goes
Apple slices
Cheese stick, maybe
Nectarine, some days
Berries either black, raspberries, or strawberries
Banana, if we have
Yogurt
Maybe a sandwich: pb&j, ham, or turkey
Trader Joes Tempurah Chicken
Eggs
Popcorn

That doesn't seem like very much to me. These past two weeks have been
particularly bad so I have set some goals for myself:

Preparing more meals.
Find a cookbook that suits my family's needs: quick (Maddy is needy),
kid friendly (get these girls involved) and healthy.
Groceries.
Eliminate the snacks: make those kids hungry!!
Purchase highchair.
Turn off the tv and sit as a family together at the table.
Make more smoothies: easy way to sneak in veggies and use up the tart fruits.
Stress less.

A few weeks ago, I was preparing every meal but the girls were not
feeling it. The trash can was fed better than the kids. Thus I gave
up. If they did eat, they were finished before I could get to the
table! I'm more determined this time and think with proper planning I
can get it done. I just need the motivation. Thinking a good
cookbook will do just the trick!

You're welcome, Bay Ridge Strays

My mother hired a landscaper last summer. She put in a beautiful fountain and pebble bed. My father had the brilliant idea of putting fish in the fountain. The strays were fed well, my dad actually thought buying more fish was a good idea!

Anyway, feeling lazy, we opted for the yard instead of a walk to the park. I didnt plan on going out, but I felt bad, so Maddy and I joined them. Where do I plant Maddy's little behind? In front of turd! My mother's beautiful garden is becoming a litter box! I hate cats.