Tips #105 & #106

Tip #105 even though we both speak English, my husband and I speak different languages. Ever heard of "feelin' yer oats"? Me neither!  Ok maybe some of you have.  But it was a first for me from Kerry and he got that deer in the headlight look when he said it.  What?  what do you mean what?  But the other day when I took our "rag-a-muffin children" to the store he said "what? what does that mean?"  If you grew up in my household you know exactly what it means.  Do I really have to explain it?  Seriously you should know those things, like when my father-in-law called my children "welps" and I thought I should be upset about it, apparently not!  I'm told it's not a negative term in Star Valley.  Who knew I would have my vocabulary extended just by being married.  The things we learn.

Tip #106 watch out for those light fictures, they are lower than you think. 

vaulted ceilings are so much fun, especially when the uncles come over and chuck you as high as they can and get your balloons for you, but don't forget, the chandelier isn't so high and that pointy tip on the end, it hurts.  Especially when it comes in contact with your head!  

Have you ever sat and reflected how far you have come over the past few years.  This morning was one of those days and as I sat here thinking I thought it would be fun to make note of all the things I've learned since being married and having kids. So this month will be a remembrance and learning month.  All the things I've learned about random stuff.  It might take a while, I've learned so many things, but I'll start with a fun one.
Tip #1 of things I've learned
  When your dryer vent is plugged, there are actual tools you can buy to clean it out.

  Don't stuff rags wadded up into a ball and tied to a rope down that little hole.  (Not my idea by the way) It may get stuck half way through, and tugging on it may only cause the vents to pull apart, which are in the floor, so if you want to fix it you will have to cut open the ceiling in the basement (not going to happen).  Or you can cut a hole in the garage wall and try to stuff a 10' pvc pipe into the vent trying to push the stuck rags out, but you have to ask your wife to help, who by the way just got home from the hospital that morning from having baby #5. (I wasn't very cooperative) and when you finally realize that all the vents in the floor are broken apart and the little ball of rags just isn't coming out, you can look online and call all the appliance stores for other ideas.  And then you can create this contraption (dryer vent) in the garage.  Which I think is suppose to be cleaned every so often.  So do we touch it? Nope.  It still makes me laugh every time I see it!!  I'm not sure Kerry laugh's about it though. Maybe in 20 years  FUN TIMES!!

Mess? What Mess?As I look around this afternoon and that is what I saw.  Messes, Messes, and more messes,    Then I decided to look beyond the mess and see the reality of what is going on here.   Bath time, where the kids played for hours.  Cookie dishes because we spent quality time together.  Dishes in the sink, because I took the time to make breakfast and I have taken up making dinner again.  Which I’m sure my family appreciates, even if they don’t say so.  Chinese jump ropes hanging from the door knob because Kylan found that they make a good giant human slingshot.  It also doubles as horse reigns and giant worms.  Blankets and babies line the counter, because we had to interrupt pretend play for lunch, and that is where they landed for the break. And Kyra’s clothes all over because she is becoming so independent and can dress herself now.  And my clutter counter, because amidst all the fun we are having, I just haven’t gotten all the Christmas cleaned up and we still have a delivery to make, and we accidentally brought home a cousins gifts that need to be returned.

I look around and see all the things my kids are learning a midst their play and ….OK OK who am I kidding.  It’s a mess.  A disaster that happens faster than the blink of an eye (it feels that way at least) I guess it is a good thing we try to teach are kids responsibility too, because today after school they are going to learn the value of Hard Work and a Clean House.

 Then we will enjoy a nice quiet evening of reading, Hot Chocolate, and family time.  Now someone please help me explain to the kids that, this is the way it is supposed to happen!!

-FYI- I just turned around to see Kyra butt naked with a brush, comb, and curling iron in both hands, with the bathroom stool and rubber bands at her feet.  We are supposed to be leaving in 10 Min.  Should I do her hair or get her dressed first?!!