Randomness

Sometimes, the days get away from me.

Maybe that happens to you, too?

I begin the day with great (or mundane) plans

and somehow, life happens, and I don't accomplish what I'd hoped I would.

Computer time is pretty far down on the list,

after all the things that must get done, which are followed by the should's.

The if-I-get-a-chance's come last.

All of that to say 

I really would like to write more, I just don't get many chances.

Here we are in February already!

We have some February birthdays in our family;

Isaiah and my mom share a birthday on the 1st.

Dennis' parents hosted us all for dinner yesterday 

to celebrate.

Isaiah went to a movie with his friend Nate later that afternoon.

I knew we couldn't all go do something "fun",

but I was able to send him and a friend anyway. :)

They saw American Sniper 

(which I totally want to see but most likely won't because it comes after the must's and the should's and even the if-I-get-a-chance's).

Andrew got to sleep over with some friends from his book club this past weekend.

One kid puked--too much red licorice--and the re-telling of the event is a thing Andrew has enjoyed.

12 year old boys...

I recently discovered this site.

simplynoise.com

I choose the brown noise.

Where has this been my whole parenting life?????

Linnea made a fabulous lasagna a couple weeks ago.

Ohmyword, so good.

We don't require black-tie for meal time, 

but Elijah likes to look sharp.

Ruby likes to make a scene.

Linnea makes most of the meals during the week.

She says, "What should I make?"

I tell her and voila! It's like magic! Almost.

I help some but she is quite capable of doing it herself and

I appreciate it more than she knows.

Here is the recipe for the lasagna.

You're welcome. 

Recently, Ruby said "Mom? You were right---it IS a good feeling when your room is clean."
She left, then came Ivy.
Ivy: "Hey Mom! If we keep our room clean for a WHOOOOOOOOOOLE year, would you buy us a caaaaandy bar?"
Me: "Um, YES. Yes, I would."
Ivy ran to tell Ruby the news, giddy, and clapping with excitement.

It lasted a day.