There are no words.

    Have you ever heard the joke about the woman who was in the kitchen - cooking for a dinner party?  Realizing that she needed to get a few more ingredients for her menu - she knew that she wouldn't have enough time to go the store.  Instead, she asked her husband to go while she continued to work.  She made a list for him...here's how it read:
1. Bag of carrots
2. Onions
3. Apples
4. Oranges
5. Mushrooms
6. Bananas
7. Bag of sugar
8. Bag of potatoes
    The woman became worried as her husband was taking much too long to return from the store.  When she finally heard his car outside, she went to help with the groceries.  Complete shock took over as she looked inside of the car.  It was FULL of bags.  As the woman dropped her jaw, she asked in bewilderment, "WHAT took you so long and WHAT IS ALL of THIS?!"  Her husband shot a glare at her and said with frustration, "Do you have ANY idea how HEAVY it is to carry SEVEN bags of sugar and EIGHT BAGS OF POTATOES?!"
    Aaahhhh - I used to think that was funny.  That was of course until the other day.  It seemed like we were out of everything - so I asked Adam to run to the store.  The two older boys wanted to go with him, so I stayed home with our two little ones.  
    All we needed were the basics...milk, eggs, bread, fruit...nothing in particular, just the staples.  In his defense - I didn't write a list. 
    Just like the woman in the joke, I became worried at how long they were taking.  I waited and waited...and when they finally got home, the boys came in first - each loaded down with grocery bags.  Strangely enough, regardless of carrying the weight, they both had the biggest smiles on their faces.  "Dad is AWESOME to go to the store with mom!  We want HIM to get our groceries from now on!"
    Ohhhhhhh no. Shooting a look at Adam as he walked in behind them, he looked back at me with an innocent smile and muttered, "It's not THAT bad."
    Sure enough, bag after bag of chips, cookies, ice cream, gummy bears, gummy worms, gummy fish...anything and everything you could imagine.  There were no eggs, no milk, no yogurt...no anything of nutritional value.  It literally looked like three 12 year old boys went to the grocery store with a stolen credit card.
    Needless to say, as much fun as it has been to have a Willy Wonka Factory instead of a kitchen over the past few days...I have learned that if we're going to have anything with some level of healthy value in our home...I canNOT send my husband and the kids to go and get it.
    There is something I will say though, he does have one good point...ice cream IS made out of milk.  
    Here's to hoping that gummy fish have Omega 3 in them too.

    Looking at my inbox today, I found an invitation to a "Cookie Exchange".  I've always been a chocolate chip kind of girl, with maybe a peanut butter cookie thrown in for good measure...but good gracious...I have seen the light.  
    Our two older boys were in the church choir last year and their director was a Wonderful woman named Mrs. Z.  For their Christmas goodies, she gave each child in the choir, a huge angel sugar cookie...or so I thought.  It was very pretty and had sparkly sugar covering it.  When we got in the car to drive home, all four kids were sharing the two big cookies and a rare occurrence happened...the car was completely silent.  "How's everybody doing back there?"  I questioned.  One tiny muffled voice answered, "Fine...dees tooties are weewy dood Mommy!"  I could all but feel the crumbs hit the back of my neck.  
    Asking for a bite, one tiny hand reached forward with a small piece...it was amazing.  Nothing less than confection perfection.  I was obsessed with getting the recipe.
    The following week, I begged Mrs. Z for the key to my newfound love and she graciously complied.  I asked her today if she would mind that I posted it as well and Thanks to her...here it is.  She actually said that it wasn't a sugar cookie in fact, but a shortbread cookie.  No matter what it is...it's amazing.  Thank You Mrs. Z!!!

Shortbread Cookies:
3 Sticks of Butter at room temperature
1 Cup of Sugar
1 tsp. of Vanilla
3  1/2 Cups of All-Purpose Flour
1 Cup of Confectioners'/Powdered Sugar (for glaze)

Mix the butter and the sugar together in a bowl until combined.  Add the vanilla.  Sift the flour and add it to the butter and sugar mixture.  Mix on low speed until the dough begins to come together...do not over mix.  Dump on a floured board and shape into a disk.  Wrap in plastic wrap and chill 20 - 30 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 350*.  Roll the dough on a floured surface until it is 1/2 inch thick.  Cut into shapes.  Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake 15 - 20 minutes depending on the size of the cookies.  The edges should begin to brown a little.  Cool on a rack.

Combine confectioners' sugar with 2 Tbsp. of water to make a glaze.  Brush onto cookies and sprinkle with sanding sugar.  Enjoy!

    Now that the end of the year is drawing near, it's fun to look back on different things that have happened.  One of the biggest reasons that I started writing this blog was due to the passing of my Grandma.  She always told me throughout my life to write (even if it's just a little) every single day.  Because of her, I have kept a journal since elementary school...oooooo, you should read what happened in the third grade!
    I like to blog, to basically journal for the kids.  When they're older, I'm happy that they'll be able to look back on the year 2012 and read what happened.  When they have their own children and call saying, "Mom, Dad, I NEVER did this when I was their age..."  We will gladly remind them to turn to the month of April. 
     It's fun to be able to go back and read through it all.  If you have even an ounce of a pull to blog, journal...or write in any form...(wow, I sound like my Gram) but, do it!  You'll love looking back on the things that you wouldn't believe you had forgotten.  
    It's been great to write and has made me happier beyond compare if anyone else found a giggle or smile in the blog as well.  
    Earlier in the year, one of the nicest people on Earth named Cathy Kobre, an editor from a wonderful website called "Mamapedia" agreed to use one of our posts.  She could have heard me screaming from across the country when she put it online.  She used a post again today, and yes...just go outside...that will be me you hear screaming.  
     Thank You Cathy and Mamapedia for making the end of this year have such a special treat.  I'll bet my Grandma will be smiling down today.

www.mamapedia.com is their website,  the blog that they used for today is posted on: http://www.mamapedia.com/voices/kids-on-a-plane

    I have to take thirty continuing education hours every three years to keep my license as a therapist.  I went to a conference today to gain six of the hours. 
    The conference was a good one - but something in particular stood out.  The speaker began to talk about how important it was to get enough quality sleep every night.  She said that what we do BEFORE bedtime, can actually affect this.  
    Evidently, there is something called "blue light".  This light stimulates our brain and suppresses the secretion of melatonin - or the "sleepy hormone".  Where do we find this "blue light"?  From our televisions, computers, video games, energy efficient light bulbs, electronic gadgets, etc.  The presenter said that when our eyes and brain are exposed to it, it takes approximately 90 minutes for our minds to slow back down again and prepare for sleep.  An HOUR AND A HALF!!!  
      What do our kids do right before bed?  They watch one last show, play one last video game, spend ten more minutes on the computer and so on and so forth.  Adam and I wonder why EVERY single night, all four of them jump from bed to bed and flip through the air.  They're wide awake and it makes us crazy.
    We decided to see what would happen if we changed things around.  We told them that they had until 7:00 to do whatever they wanted, then absolutely everything had to be shut off.  When 7:00 came, we gave them baths and put them in their pajamas.  The hardest part of all, was that WE shut our TV shows and computer off too.  It really made a difference.  The house was quiet and calm, while the extra "noise" wasn't there.  
      The kids got into their beds and read books.  We said our prayers with them, sang a couple of songs and left their rooms.  We waited...aaaand nothing.  No jumping, giggling, hitting, kicking, snorting...nothing.  All four were sound asleep. 
    I don't really know what to think about it, but I can't believe it could be that simple.  I'm anxious to try it over the next few nights to see if it was just a fluke.  
    I know it will be hard to turn everything off.  Come to think of it though, I'll be happy to do it if it means having nights of peace and quiet without our crazy monkey children screaming from room to room.  I would hope that they/we would feel so much better and well rested the next day too.
    I can't imagine that it will really work, but I know at least for one night, the house was as quiet as a mouse.  If you decide to try it too, we would love to hear if this "Blue Light Special" works for you. 

    Having three boys ages five, seven and nine usually means having video games.  I have no idea how any of them work, but when I was a kid I did play a mean game of Pac-Man and Donkey Kong.  My older brother and I would compete on our Atari and have a ball...so...I get it.  It's fun to hang out and be together.
    As long as I've known my husband Adam, he's never been the type to sit and play video games.  I actually like this about him.  Even when we dated many moons ago, he wasn't the kind of guy to spend hours on the couch in front of the TV.  
    Today, something happened though.  Adam was going through some boxes and came across an empty Wii box from our son Ethan's birthday.  My Mom and Dad had given him the Wii back in April.  When little Ethan opened it, he was so excited that he screamed and jumped up and down.  It was so funny - that nobody even realized there was a bonus "Mario Brothers" game included in the box.
      Today, when Adam happened to find the game, a strange look came over him.  He held it as though it was a million dollar winning lottery ticket.  He kept saying, "Whoooaa...I used to LOVE this game!!!"      
    The boys ran to him yelling, "What IS it, Daddy?!" Adam looked my way with the biggest smile and whispered..."It's Super Mario Brothers".  There was some crazed look in his eye.  
    Little did I know that when Adam was maybe 10 or 11 years old, he LOVED playing this game on his Grandparent's trusty "Commodore 64".  (I don't even know what that is.)
    Needless to say, for the rest of the afternoon, there were FOUR boys, ages five, seven, nine and thirty-seven, sitting on the couch together...screaming and laughing as they cheered each other on.  
    Thanks to Mario, it looks like it's going to be a loooooong winter.   

    Three words.  Hallmark - Christmas - Movie.  It's the time of year when you get to snuggle up with a cup of hot chocolate and a good Christmas show.  "Come Dance with Me" is the perfect movie to do just that.  
    I loved this movie and was really impressed with the acting skills of the awesome Andrew McCarthy ("White Collar") and the stunningly beautiful Michelle Nolden ("Numb3rs").
    McCarthy plays Jack, an executive in a financial brokerage firm who is trying to get a promotion.  The president of the firm is Drew Clayton (Chris Gillett, "Suits") who happens to be the father of Jack's girlfriend, the fabulously rich and elegant Demi Clayton (Stephanie Mills, "Urban Legend").
    Demi's mother, Clarisse (Jane Moffat, "The Kennedys") is planning the annual high class Christmas Ball, so Jack secretly begins to take dance lessons to learn how to Waltz - in hopes of making an impression.
    The impression is made on him however, when his dance instructor, Christine (Michele Nolden) opens his eyes...and his heart.
     The Hallmark Channel Original Movie World Premiere, "Come Dance with Me" airs Saturday, December 8 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT, 7:00 C.
     Oh....and don't forget the hot chocolate! 

    Mom and Dad left for an awesome vacation back in October.  They traveled through several different countries all over Europe.  It sounded like a dream trip.  
    Meanwhile, back here in reality, while they were gone the kids asked constantly where "Grammie and Papa" were and when they were coming back.  It was a loooong time, but finally a few days ago...we went to the airport to get them.
    The three boys have been on an airplane and loved every minute of it.  Lauren has never flown so she constantly asks when we get to ride in a "pain".  We talk about flying with the four of them eventually, but going to the airport, reminded us of how crazy it would be.
    The last flight we took with the kids was to see Adam's family in Texas for Thanksgiving.  I was pregnant with Lauren and the boys were ages one, three and five.  You know how some people totally freak when a baby gets on a plane?  You can literally hear their brain screaming, "Oh no, no, no...not by me...please no..."  Yep.  Picture that plus two more kids and one HUGE preggo Mama.  People began to shift uncomfortably in their seats and put their bags in empty spots beside them.  It felt like that scene from a movie when nobody wants you to sit with them in the cafeteria.  Adam walked behind me through the aisle and I heard him quietly laugh and start saying to people as we passed, "We're sorry in advance." 
    The flight turned out to be fine, we made it through with little drama - but still haven't mustered up the courage to do it again.  
    This brings us back to the airport the other day.  I know the kids were excited and all, but holy cow.  To try to keep all four contained in one area while NOT letting them cross some imaginary line for non-travelers that they couldn't see...well, the term "herding cats" comes to mind.
      Mom and Dad eventually DID appear and people stared as the kids screamed and waved.  
     If you happen to be traveling with little ones for the holidays or if you're traveling beside them...hang in there and know that no matter how long the "pain" ride may be, it will be worth it in the end.  After all, there's no place like home for the holidays.  

    Having three boys within four years of each other sometimes takes an act of God to manage.  Here are some things that we have learned so far...
1.  When they're first born, cover their front when you change their diaper...trust me on this.
2.  When they're older and learning how to potty train, buy stock in bathroom cleaner.  What possesses them to have "sword fights" when they go or see how far back they can stand?  One may never know.
3.  When the house is perfectly quiet and you think it's a miracle, go find out what's happening...fast.
4.   Seriously, when the house is perfectly quiet and you think it's a miracle, go find out what's happening...fast.  
5.   When they're learning how to dress themselves but you still have to stand behind them to help with their buttons or zippers...bite down and clench your teeth.  They jump up hard and fast...causing your chin to bleed and teeth to chip...their little heads never seem to even notice.
6.  When you happen upon a beautiful snowy day, don't be surprised when they decide to "write their name" in the middle of it all, just because they can.
7.  Apply number six to the woods as well. 
8.  Boys fight.  I mean...FIGHT.  Sometimes it's good to break them up immediately and other times...let them go for a little.  The amazing thing about this, is that when they're done - they're done.  It's over. 
9.  Boys move.  They're physical and active.  They climb trees and flip on furniture.  It's hard to expect them to sit still or focus for long periods of time.  Some inner howler monkey comes out of them when they do.  
10.  Boys love, completely and wholeheartedly.  When they're older, it's a rare day to get them to snuggle however.  They usually attack with a quick and unexpected hug that would parallel the precision of a Stealth Bomber.  When they do though, it will melt your heart and warm your soul...and you'll never, ever be the same again.  

    Once Upon A Time there were four small children who desperately wished for snow.  "How can it be Christmas without snow?" they would ask.  As the days of December began to pass, they worried that Santa couldn't arrive without it.  
    To make matters worse, the weather was warm and sunny.  There were no signs of winter at all.  Jack Frost had skipped their land it had seemed.
    Suddenly, the youngest child went to the window.  "LOOK!"  she said.  As the  others followed, they saw the air filled with hundreds of feathery white fluffs of magic.  "They're SNOW Fairies!"  She cheered as she ran outside.  
    Her big brothers followed as their mother watched in wonder.  She tried to figure out where these white "Snow Fairies" came from but instead, found herself smiling as she watched the children run and laugh.  They chased the fairies tirelessly and tried to catch each one as if they were fireflies of the winter.  
    Growing weary, the children came inside to  rest.  "I hope the Fairies bring us snow!" the little one said.  
    Their mother wondered if that might ever happen but she knew one thing for sure...anything is possible with the magic of the season and the spirit of a child.  Who knows...during this time of year, you might even see a Snow Fairy come to life. 

(I tried to get a picture of it even though it doesn't really do it justice.  It was some kind of plant or flower that seemed to float through the wind all over the back yard.)