Happy Easter Weekend!

This was one of those weekends that I could replay over and over again. I think the fact that it was extended by two extra days for our Easter break may have contributed to the goodness. We spent Friday visiting with a friend and her delicious newborn baby, then returned home to dye some Easter eggs. Lyla seemed to enjoy this project more than Max. She had fun combining different colors and creating designs on her eggs, whereas I probably blinked twice and Max had already dropped his entire pile of eggs into all the color cups. He was unimpressed and ditched us to play outside, however his eggs ended up being the brightest colors since they were left to soak for so long. Nobody likes the taste of hard boiled eggs in our family, but we had fun dissecting them afterward. 

Saturday the kiddos woke up at the crack of dawn, because that's what they always do when we have the day off. Lyla woke up with the idea that she really really needed to go get her haircut, like immediately. She actually started this a few weeks ago when she mentioned that she would really like to cut bangs. This was one of those "smile and nod" moments in parenting with the expectation said child will likely forget about whatever they keep going on and on about.....but Lyla has a natural ability for being extremely persistent. She did not forget and this "I want bangs" conversation continued for about three weeks. So, when she brought it up yet again on Saturday morning, I said "okay fine, let's go!" And off we went on our 9:00 a.m. adventure! Technically they are side swoop bangs because she has a calic, but regardless, we think her new style is fab. The boys left on their own adventure to Home Depot. I was laughing at Max's comment when Kirk told him that's where they were going. He said, "you mean, it's like our home...but it's a depot???" Yes, exactly son. Kirk decided he wanted to make our garage less trailer park-ee, so that was a nice improvement. I decided Kirk is in the "weekend project" phase of life. Max has been quite eager to assist him.

I made lunch for us and then the kiddos played outside for the remainder of Saturday afternoon. And by remainder I actually mean for about five hours. They were mad when I made them come inside at five o'clock. The neighbor kids may drive me nutso sometimes, but I'm also really appreciative of them. Lyla and Max really look forward to play time with their neighbor friends. I want my kids to value the friendships they make in life. It reminds me of a book we read together, "If I could keep you little I would pick for you a friend or two, but then I would miss you choosing friends you like who like you too!" It's a cute one. Anyway, I left later that evening to join some friends at a painting class. I forgot how much fun those classes are!

The Easter bunny visited as we slept that night. We were lucky it didn't rain and he was able to hide some eggs outside for the kids too! It was pretty funny when the kids woke up that morning because they could not find their baskets. We left them on the couch in plain sight, but they were running in circles and probably looked at the baskets five times before Lyla finally noticed hers. Max had this disappointed look on his face as he watched Lyla go through the contents of her basket. His basket was sitting right next to hers!!!!! We watched in disbelief for a few seconds, before we finally motioned Max to his own basket. You have one too little buddy! That morning brain fog is a real struggle. We ate breakfast and then I'm pretty sure the kids consumed 70 pounds of candy while I prepared a couple of dishes to take to Charli's. I do not like all that Easter basket madness, by the way. Who invented hiding plastic eggs with candy in them? I don't like that person. And whyyyyy does Easter basket grass exist? That stuff spreads like wildfire. And why do I even go along with all of it!??!

I took pictures of the kids before we went to Charli's and they were super agreeable to do so for once. I had this genius idea to have a pretend sibling wedding. The kids loved this idea and they were totally all about it. I told my brother this story and he called me "creepy" and "weird" --- typical little brother thing to say. I thought it made for a really exciting photo session! We even had a wedding ceremony, complete with wedding march music and a bouquet for the bride. It turns out I'm a terrible wedding officiant, as the only thing I could come up with for the ceremony was to have them say one thing they love about each other. Max contemplated for awhile and eventually said "booty" as his response to the question. I thought it was hilarious, but apparently that part of the story also contributed to my brother's "creepy" comments. He's entitled to his opinion though. We enjoyed lunch together at Charli and Jeremy's house. The kids got in their mandatory golf cart and Mario Party time. And that concludes our Easter festivities!!!!!!!!!!!!! I slept like a baby on Sunday. 

Silly string...another evil product....yet I continue to buy it like an idiot.

 Her face is PURE JOY!!!!

Lyla: Birthday Interview

We recorded Lyla's birthday interview today and I'm so happy that I actually remembered to do it the same month as her birthday! Unlike Max, where as I completely forgot until six months later. Whoops! Anyway, this is just a fun little tradition that I hope I can keep up with. I look forward to watching the answers evolve through all the different stages of adolescence. I am hoping we can get some soul crushing eye rolling at some point. I know it's in her genes somewhere. It will be great fun! I went back and watched the interview we did for her third birthday and I am amazed at how much older she is now. It was two years ago, so of course she has changed, but sometimes the actual realization doesn't sink in until I go back and watch old videos or look at pictures. She still has the same spunk, but I miss that little three year old sometimes! 

I try to ask the same questions in the same order each year. The answers are always so funny to me because they are usually nothing I would expect or responses I would provide if I was answering on her behalf. The on-the-spot answers is what makes it authentic and entertaining though, so we will just keep rolling with it. 

Max sat on my lap for almost the entirety of Lyla's interview this year, which is pretty impressive for his little attention span. I think his commentary and giggles in the background are my favorite part of the interview this year. He is a goof ball. Enjoy!

A Tribute To Handsome Monster

We welcomed Handsome Monster the betta fish into our family one afternoon in the Spring of 2015. He lived a lonely, mundane life similar to other betta fish, swimming about his tank day in and day out. His most thrilling moment in life was most likely that one time he fell down the sink drain in the kitchen and I rescued him. I selfishly contemplated ending his sad existence at that time with a simple flip of a switch, but my conscious advised against it. The kids really adored that fish, as much as a fish can be adored that is. They enjoyed feeding him & occasionally helped clean his tank. This is the story of his tragic passing to the underworld.

I walked by Mr. Fish and noticed a large pile of food lingering at the bottom of his tank. Then I opened the container of food to find it completely empty. I instantly knew Maxwell was the culprit of such an act, but at the time I simply shrugged my shoulders and made a mental note of yet another thing that needed done later. I'll be honest, this task was definitely low priority. However, it did not occur to me the overhaul of fish food would poison him! I thought of it more as like a buffet. Yes. He died. I walked by a short time later to find his little fish-self floating at the top of the water. And we all know what that means! I tapped the tank a few times, initially trying to convince myself he was still alive --- flashback to my childhood. Then, I better get this off my chest too, my next thought was, "Well, at least I don't have to clean the tank now." Ahhh! I'm a terrible person. Don't tell Lyla. 

Alright. So I kept it on the down low for the rest of the afternoon about Handsome Monster's food induced demise. I considered dumping the contents myself, but the odor was so putrid I decided to save it for Kirk. [Oh man! Now I'm a terrible wife too!] Kirk arrived home and I filled him in on the situation. He agreed to dump it because he's a sweetie like that, the problem is he went ahead and took care of it right then and there. The jury is still out on whether or not I actually said "wait until the kids go to bed" or if he just didn't hear me. cough I said it cough cough. Anyway, Kirk spooned the fish into a separate container and that's when Lyla caught him walking out the front door with the murky water filled tank. He was on his way to dump the thing outside far far away, the sewer maybe. He ignored Lyla and continued on through the front door, which left me with the incessant questioning. I really suck at coming up with answers when under pressure, so most of my responses were a combo of mumbling and lots of ummm uhhh well. I would not be a good candidate for debate team. My brain finally sputtered out that the fish got sick. 

Lyla is a bright little girl, so upon receiving those details and putting it together with the fact that her dad was disposing of the fish tank, she replied with "you mean he's dead?" And que the water works. I wish I could tell you it was one of her award winning dramatic performances, but this was the real deal. She was visibly upset about the information she had just processed. I walked her over to the fish floating in a cup and she wailed even more. I gave her a big hug and felt shocked by her reaction. I don't think we can own another pet ever again because they all die eventually and this was just heartbreaking for my sweet girl. It was heartbreaking for me too, I felt so bad for her. This was a seriously sad situation. If you've ever seen the movie Grown Ups, it totally reminded me of the scene when the little girl reacts to the moth getting electrocuted on the bug zapper. I can't help but laugh a little about that. 

We snuggled up in her bed and talked about how lovely of a fish Handsome Monster was. I had to get a little creative because honestly what do you say about a fish ---- "He was such a good swimmer...." I like to keep it honest with my kiddos as much as possible so I explained to Lyla how the fish got sick because he was overfed. This initiated more tears, yet I found myself holding back a smirk as she said "I tell Max 'just a little pinch' all the time!!!!" She was referring to the proper amount of fish food that should have been dispensed. We went into detail about how it was an accident and then I felt myself getting desperate because she was still so sad. I turned on my improv skills and this is what happened --- so much for not sugar coating it. Ha!

I told her that when fish "get sick" it's very important to flush them down the toilet, instead of having a typical burial service. I told her there is a magical toilet tunnel, separate from the poop & pee tunnel, that sucks in sick fish. Those fish get carried through the magical tunnel and sent all the way to the ocean. Upon arrival, they meet a beautiful mermaid who cures them of their illness and revives them back to their happy fish-self. She was very fascinated by this idea and wanted more and more details. I told her stories about how I was a terrible fish owner when I was a little girl and grandma Anna flushed many of my fish down the toilet. This was somewhat true, but then she wanted the names of my fish. Holy crap. Okay --- their names were Goldilocks & Rocko. We talked about how Handsome Monster has likely met all of my old fish and they are having great times down in the ocean. We agreed it's a much happier living environment than he was previously in. 

We went to the bathroom together to send Handsome Monster down the magical tunnel. She shed more tears during the short memorial service. She said goodbye and seemed content with her decision afterwards. It was time for bed but before that she had one more request. She wanted to give a hug to Max, who was already in bed. I said yes because she melts my heart with that one every time. She went into Max's room to exchange hugs. I watched as she relayed her own version about the whereabouts of the fish. She told him the fish is living with all of mommy's old fish and lots of mermaids. She didn't even blame him, which I thought was very merciful of her. She was quite sweet to Max who listened intently, but was ultimately oblivious and remained emotionless over the issue. 

Most importantly, Lyla worked through the unexpected grief of losing her fish friend. She understands and her emotions have stabilized. She has already started discussing the idea of getting a new fish, who most definitely needs to be pink this time according to Lyla. I think I'll let round two of having a pet fish remain just an idea for as long as possible.  

RIP Handsome Monster. Taylor caught a video of Lyla during the peak of her sadness. I was going to post it but it just seems too raw for the blog. If you really want to see it you can certainly text me, be sure to have the personal access code listed on your VIP card ready. Heeheheeeee!

Babysitting 101: By Lyla

I'm posting this video to give some of our far away family a glimpse into Lyla's talkative nature. I've mentioned before her tendency to ramble, but it seems to be occurring more & more often lately. She came up with this random idea that she is now old enough to start babysitting. She even planned a date night for us. She was convincing me of this for at least ten minutes before I thought to record it. In the video she is talking about Max and our baby friend, Gianna. I'm not sure how the baby got tossed into the equation, I just rolled with it.  

The video runs a bit long, as she wanted to discuss this topic f.o.r.e.v.e.r. So I don't blame anyone for not wanting to watch the entire thing. It's definitely one of those videos where you start to wonder if the parent knows they are obsessed with their child. And yes, I am well aware of my insanity. When did the most basic human functions become so remarkable & entertaining to watch!? [ <-- Spoiler: January 4, 2012] My grandma sent me a text yesterday saying how much she loved a voicemail I left her because she could hear Max breathing in the background. Yes, breathing, people. I would say it's safe to assume I'm not the only obsessed person. Ha!

Postscript: Lyla announced later the same day that she better wait until she is four or five before she starts babysitting. She is a funny funny girl. I think she forgets she is only three, I know I do. 

https://youtu.be/arsWphz-Xj4