Ode to Shamrock Shakes

As I sit here, I am slurping my first official Shamrock Shake of the season. Now let's preface this with the fact that I am not a regular McD's patron. Sure, my kids recognized the Golden Arches before they knew who they president was, but we truly only frequent the drive thru about once a month at the most.

But, at this time of year, I find myself breaking my neck as I drive by the store, looking to see if the Shamrock Shake sign is up yet. Since I didn't have school today (teacher convention) and neither did the boys, I decided to dust off the holiday McDonald's gift cards we received and head out.

When I was ordering, all I could focus on what that beautiful green shake displayed on the display. Moments later, it was mine.

What do I love about it? With any shake, I love that the first five minutes you feel like you are literally sucking for your life to have a taste. Your cheeks sink in, your eyes roll back in your head, and your mouth hurts from trying so hard. I love the creamy texture that I leave to melt on my tongue. I love the mint burst that each slurp offers.

Maybe this obsession mimics how I feel about girl scout cookies. I know that I can only have them once a year; hence, they are amazing! I like to think my Shamrock Shake commitment runs deeper. Maybe I love them because my birthday always comes around with the onset of the Shamrock Shake?

Whatever the reason, I love my shakes, and I am going to go and savor the rest of this first shake of the Shamrock season.

Friday Photo Fiesta: New Favorite Shirt

I love Evan's exuberance at receiving gifts. He is always so thrilled and grateful to gain anything new. At Christmas time, he slowly opened each gift and wanted to play-- albeit briefly-- with the new item.

For Valentine's Day my mom had sent a box of goodies and T-shirts from her and dad's latest trip. I hadn't opened the box for a long time because the boys had been so sick and then we were trying to space out the gifts. Finally, this Tuesday we opened the box to get our hands on all of the goodies. Evan immediately grabbed his new lizard shirt from mom's stop in Cozumel and replaced his Packers jersey with it.

I was touched and thought it sweet, but then when he got ready for bed, he laid it out to wear the next day. Ok- I thought, he hadn't worn it much that night anyways. Yesterday, he came home from school with new ketchup stains and paint stains. (I am sure those are permanent additions. I am terrible at stain removal.)

This morning, Evan comes running in my room. "Mom, I'm dressed!" What is he wearing? The new shirt, of course. So, I took a picture today. Here is my precious, filthy man!

At least I know- and grandma knows- that he loves his gift!

Quickie: Meet Mr. Mardi Gras

Below is an excerpt from my actual conversation with Evan after school:

Mom: Ev, what did you talk about at school today?

Evan: We talked about Mardi Gras.

Mom: Cool. What is Mardi Gras?

Evan: He's a guy who speaks French.

Mom: Really? Why did you make a mask for Mardi Gras?

Evan: Because Mardi Gras wears a mask sometimes.

Mom: What else did you learn?

Evan: Mardi Gras likes to eat alot on Fat Tuesday!

I don't know about Mardi Gras, but I know that I like to eat alot of Fat Tuesday, too! Just had to share!

From Snap to Clap

For Christmas, Chris bought me this awesome Ipod docking stereo for the kitchen so that I can listen to my Ipod where I spend my most time! (Those are my words not his.) The result has been fun: the boys and I listen to music every morning before school and while I am cooking dinner. We dance around the room, giggling and sometimes arguing over what songs to play.

Through this time period, I have realized that another family member has an interesting dance move similar to his mom. If you remember in November on a girls' night out, I realized my penchant for snapping while I dance. Sore fingers and thumbs revealed my Elaine Benis-like dance moves.

Andrew has a different move altogether: The clap!

While listening to his favorite song last week (they call it "Tick-Tick Boom!"-- It is really Will Smith's "Boom, Shake Shake Shake the Room."), I noticed that on each "Boom" Andrew would clap his hands. He would shake around the room, kicking and twirling, but when the word "Boom" came on, he would clap enthusiastically.

Thinking this was just a one-time fluke, I hesitated on naming this Andrew's dance style. Yet, the very next morning, he put "Tick, Tick, Boom!" on again, and the clap resurfaced. He is so serious about his dancing that I never commented on the clap. However, I am amused that he has found such creative moves.

I guess truer words have never been spoken: Like mother, like son!
Tick, Tick, Boom!

The Sleepwalker

One of my family's exemplary abilities is the ability to sleep. I have often teased my dad for falling asleep at the drop of the hat-- during movies, conversation, etc. I also have inherited quite the knack for skillful sleeping, and it appears so has Brendan.

When Brendan sleeps, he is out. Gone. Dead to the world.

This week, Brendan woke up one evening only about an hour after he had gone to bed. He stumbled out of his room like a drunken man looking for a beer, and meandered towards the bathroom to turn on the light. Moments later he left the bathroom and, with glazed eyes, began looking around the living room.

Fear set in me. Is he going to pee in the living room? I hysterically scream at Chris to "Help Him!" Chris leaps up, also not wanting to clean up pee from the TV, and guides Brendan to the bathroom. I tell Chris to keep watching to make sure B gets it in the potty. I know who cleans the bathroom in this house, and I didn't want a pee-soaked floor.

Chris is laughing hysterically now as he describes Brendan nodding off while trying to pee. Chris notices that Brendan has a line of drool still hanging from the side of his mouth as well. Through a series of hilarious comments about Brendan keeping "the pee down," he finally finishes.

Dazedly, Brendan comes out and collapses on the couch; all the time I am telling him to go back to bed now. He looks at me behind a veil of sleep-filled eyes and wraps himself in a blanket on the couch and shuts his eyes.

I am so amused and finding it hard to not wake him up with my revelry at his expense. Ultimately, Chris guides the sleepwalker back to his room. The next morning, he had no memory, but we sure enjoyed ourselves.

I needed a boot. . .and a bucket!

As predicted, Valentine's Day in the Doucette household did not emulate any romantic depiction of what Valentines should be like. Frankly, it was quite the contrary.

The Bucket:
Somewhere in the middle of the day, Andrew began complaining of a tummy ache; however, he didn't show any other signs of the impending flu. Yet, Evan all of the sudden developed this crazy fever of 103! (He actually kept that fever through Sunday night.) So, I decided that between recovering from being sick and taking care of the kids, I would run and get take out Culver's for dinner.

While I went to get take out, I instructed Chris and the kids to set the table with the nice plates and real glass cups. (We haven't used glasses since Andrew and Brendan stopped using sippy cups. The glass cups have been placed high away, not ever seeing the light of day.) I also left candles out, thinking that we could have a candlelit dinner.

When I got home, they had set up the table beautifully, and I put the Culver's food into fancy serving plates and bowls, and we sat down to a Valentine's dinner of Chicken tenders, burgers, fries, and fried cheese curds. Everything was going well until out of the blue, Andrew coughs just a little and then begins throwing up everything. He stood next to the table getting sick on the floor while we are screaming at him to run to the bathroom. He tries, but he misses again on the carpet upstairs, finally making it all the way to the toilet.

I literally just sat for a minute and laughed. Seriously? He threw up at the table during our Valentine's Day? Then, I felt bad. He looked miserable, so I sat him on the couch and begin the clean up.

The Boot:
After dinner, I had promised Brendan that I would make Root beer floats. He was bummed that he had to miss his Valentine's party due to the pink eye because they were supposed to have root beer. So, I promised to make floats-- and we did!

As I sipped my float, I was quickly taken back to being a young kid visiting my Aunt Peg, drinking root beer floats. She had this awesome boot shaped mug that I liked to have my floats in. I loved that the toe of the boot kept the last bit of creamy root beer that I could drink at the end. I must confess that while my float tasted good Saturday, I could have used the boot. It always made my float just perfect!

While Valentine's Day was far from perfect, we ended the night as a family watching a movie together. I suppose spending time with the people you love most in the world is possible the best way to enjoy Valentine's Day after all.

Party like you're a four year old!

When you were four, your perception of Valentine's Day focused on two main ideas: Valentine cards and candy. This week, I had to plan a Valentine's Party for a group of 5 four year olds, trying to keep in mind what they were really interested in.

It was my turn to host preschool for Ev's home preschool this Wednesday, so I brainstormed about ideas that pertained to the big heart day. I came up with a theme of letters.

The kids began class by decorating a foil-wrapped cardboard box (just like we all had in 3rd grade) that would be the container for their mail treats during the day.

Then, I herded the boys upstairs where we talked about how the mail works. The kids excitedly participated in a game I made where they pretended to be mailmen to find the letters I had "hidden" (left in plain sight) around the house. I gave them an official mail man hat (train conductor- but they had no idea!) to wear as they searched.

We sorted letters by zip code, street, and house number. We looked at letters in the envelopes and made words. Busy, Busy!

Other highlights for the morning were making --and eating-- heart shaped biscuit pizzas and reading Valentine books. The day culminated in Valentines and treats!

Their favorite activity is always the free play time. These boys are so imaginative! They love Ev's dress up clothes. This time they pretended they were starring in a TV show about superheroes, so they were all acting parts. It was awesome to be cast as the "fly on the wall" to their imaginations.

Truly, it was a fun-filled way to spend the only healthy day that I had in my house this week. The kids were hilarious, full of life, and willing to learn. (And they were able to fulfill their need of exchanging Valentines and eating yummy candy as well. . .)

Hit Me Baby, One More Time!

Brittney Spear's iconic lyrics reverberated in my ears this week: "I'll lose my mind. Give me a sign. . . Hit me baby, one more time!"

The topic of frustration for me this week? Illness. Again. And Again. And Again.

A few weeks ago I vented about my desperation over the color pink radiated from Evan's eye, yet we recovered. However, Sunday evening served as a catalyst for a week fraught with illness. Here's the breakdown:

Sunday night: Brendan begins throwing up in the middle of the night. Two complete bed changes were necessary.

Monday: B stays home from school with Chris. Monday night, Chris starts to feel flu symptoms creep up on him.

Tuesday: Chris is feverish and nauseated, yet he makes it through a mediocre work day then comes home and crashes for much needed rest.

Wednesday: A brief respite. I taught Ev's preschool class. (Info will be forthcoming. . .)

Thursday: About midday, I start to feel chills and nausea. I actually arrange to leave school early out of fear of getting sick at school. I come home and rest on the couch for eight hours straight. It was almost impossible to force myself to stay still, but I was feverish and just out of sorts. When Brendan gets home from school, I take one look at him and realize he has PINK EYE! Seriously? Pink eye? again?

Friday: B stays home from school again. However, I don't want to miss school, so I take him with me for a half day, then Chris picks him up and takes him home for the rest of the day. As the bell was ringing at school for the end of the day, the phone rings. My stomach drops: What could it possibly be? Evan. He was throwing up at school.

I hung up the phone and actually laughed hysterically for a minute. Is it possible to go crazy from all this illness?

So, now only Andrew has been immune from our week of illness. We are hoping that if he is going to succumb that he does it soon.

I am sure that my V-day plans involve a complete wipe-down of the house and washing of sheets. Keep your fingers crossed for a speedy recovery for us!

It's All Relative

55 degrees in Florida is like a cold nap. People would be in winter coats, scarfs, putting their pets indoor, and generally shivering. 55 degrees in Alaska is like a heat wave. Appropriate attire would be shorts and smiles all around.

55 degrees -- in February-- in Wisconsin-- is like a rare jewel. Yesterday we experienced this oddity. I wore short sleeves to school, and I wasn't even cold! I usually have the fall/ spring attire that I wear for 2 months of the year, and I have the winter attire that I wear the other 7 months. Not yesterday, I broke the code and busted out a spring shirt!

Then, we had a fire drill- in February! Usually, that action would have elicited serious criticism from the teachers as we had to go outside and freeze. Yesterday, we were grateful. I actually saw the sun during the day! We stood outside and groaned when they let us back in the building.

When I came home, the boys wanted to enjoy the weather as well. 55 is at the right temperature where the snow is mostly melting, but as the sun goes down, it is still a little brisk. So, I found the boys attire so amusing that I took some pictures.

Evan decided that a short sleeve shirt and a pair of shorts would be sufficient. And it was, temporarily. He then needed to add gloves to keep his hands warm. I like this picture because you can see the snow remaining in the background and my silly boy trying to shoot "downtown" in his shorts. (He actually told me that he likes to shoot from "downtown" yesterday.)

Andrew and Brendan exhibited a little more sense with at least long pants, shirts, and gloves.

So, it's all relative. Our brief spring-like day is quickly fading to 40's today and 30's the rest of the week, but we enjoyed our glimpse while we had it.

Keeping my promises

Keeping promises isn't always easy; that's why I hesitate to make them. I reserve those for things that I know I can fulfill.

A few weeks ago, I offered an idea to the boys that we should go see the movie Hotel for Dogs and each of them could bring a friend -- kind of a fun way to spend a Saturday in the winter. As with anything in my life, it became more complicated.

Each week I would find myself not thinking about this promise until Friday evening, which would then be too late to call their friends for Saturday morning. Last weekend, we decided that we were going to call people anyways despite my procrastination. They started dialing, and sure enough, everyone was busy. They were disheartened and began suggesting additional names of kids that they barely played with because they wanted to go. I was frustrated- with myself for waiting and with them for their overeagerness.

So, this week, I vowed I would plan earlier. We called Thursday. . . (That's early for me.) Brendan got his friend "booked" for Saturday. We attempted to arrange a friend for Ev, but that fell through Saturday. (He was fine with it- he still got a movie!) Andrew we bribed with morning golf with Chris in lieu of taking a friend to the movie.

So, yesterday we went and picked up B's friend and trooped off to see Hotel for Dogs. Of course, the boys sat two rows ahead of Chris and I. They already don't want to be seen with mom and dad. We supplied them with little boxes of store bought candy -- yes, I am teaching them to break the law at an early age. And, I bought the Mega popcorn from the theater. When the lady asked if I wanted melted butter on it, I quickly quipped that I would prefer my heart attack regular not super-sized! Yikes!

The movie was funny- I could hear the kids laughing rows away. And most importantly, they had a nice time.

Promise fulfilled. Check!

What Five Bucks Can Buy You

As I was cleaning up the kitchen last night, I came across a simple flyer mixed in with the mountain of papers that the boys bring home in a week. In a simple narrative note, the middle school announced a carnival on Friday evening where all activities cost 25 cents and proceeds benefited the Red Cross. Hmm. . .

Almost in synch with discovering this note, I hear the boys argue with each other. Hmm. .. This could be the cure I need.

We loaded up and headed to the middle school. I give my five bucks to a lady and she rewards me with 25 tickets. Let the fun begin! The kids commenced waiting in line at many of the various booths. They played all of their favorite things: bowling, putt putt,

bean bag toss, plinko (I waited forty minutes in line for this one. I let the kids go play other games. So not worth the 40 minute wait,), wheel of fortune, hockey, and football~

Besides the endless waiting in line, the evening was fun. The kids were excited and we were out of the house, not arguing.

I even participated in a Silent Auction where I won tickets to our local Mallards (Single A baseball) and clothing as well. Andrew actually slept with his new Mallard hat on. Evan just put his on again this morning and insisted that I wear my pink hat, too!

The five bucks was worth every penny!

SuperBad

My boys had been looking forward to the Superbowl for weeks. Brendan made an official proclamation that no fruits and vegetables were allowed on Superbowl Sunday. We were only allowed to eat junk~ Besides the food, Brendan has recently become a Steeler fan. For B, he likes anything that is the opposite from what everyone else likes. So, since the Browns and Steelers are rivals, he chose the Steelers to love.

He picked a good year for that. Much to my chagrin, the Steelers have been awesome. Brendan was, of course, not disappointed on Sunday.

I began my food preparations shortly after lunch, creating some of my favorite menu items: cherry football and helmet Jello Jigglers, a yummy snack mix with Chex, pretzels, yogurt covered raisins, and M&Ms, Buffalo Chicken dip with Fritos, lots of chips, and pizza! My neighbors came over to join our festivities and we feasted all through the first half.

I love to tune in to the SuperBowl for the commercials, of course! The first half did not disappoint me. I loved the Doritos globe commercial and the E trades Baby. It is an odd sensation to be yelling, "The commercial is on! Hurry back!"

At halftime, all the kids (plus a couple of adults) donned to 3-D glasses to watch the big movie preview.

The kids all giggled and "oohed and ahhed" at the 3D cartoon, while I squirmed uncomfortably during the Chuck preview where a beautiful blonde saunters across the bed in 3d. (However, I am pleased that we were not in the Arizona area because I hear they accidentally saw more than just a preview. . . )

The rest of the game progressed with excitement. The boys volume peaked at "unbearable!" They were shouting at each other as the game continued with the teams volleying back and forth between possessions. The excitement was contagious and we were all half shouting as the game came to a close.

As you know, the Steelers took the win. I figured the Steelers win is just another way to "dig the knife in deeper" for the Browns' cataclysmic season. Not only did the Browns suck this year, but the Steelers had to go and win the SuperBowl. Yuck. . .

Oh well- We had a great night and an even better night's sleep with full bellies and silence in the house.

The Snow Blazers

I remember the laborious process of getting ready to sled ride when I was a kid. My mom had this idea that putting old bread bags on your hands and feet before you put on gloves and boots would help keep your hands and feet warm. (I am not sure it worked, but who is counting?) After we finally got suited up, it was usually mere minutes after being outside that the cold weather won and we quickly returned in the house.

This weekend, the boys had their chance at outdoor fun, and they lasted much longer than I did.

On Saturday, all three boys walked to the boys school to sled on the little hill in the backyard of the school building. This hill is the spot for fun where their gym classes come to sled ride in the winter months. Also, the 3rd and 4th graders are able to use the sleds to ride down the hill during recess as well. Here is Ev trooping up the little hill.

The boys lasted over an hour; long enough for me to trudge to the store so that we could have three sleds, one for each boy. Of course, the new sled quickly became the envy of all as it was FAST! Evan screamed at the bottom of the hill, "That was awesome" while he displayed rock star hands and shook his head.

Sunday, the weather was still forecasted to be tolerable, so after church I took the two older boys to the big watertower hill in the next town. This hill is significantly bigger than the Eagle Point hill. It actually reminds me of the hill from Christmas Vacation. . .They boys flew so fast and far down the hill, returning gleefully each time for more.

They loved to race each other. . .

Here is the long walk up. I took this picture when they were about halfway back up the hill. You can see the ledge they are walking on. As they go down the hill, all paths seem to lead to this ledge where they slide up on the side before continuing on down the hill.

Here is Andrew displaying the "fast sled." By the end of the trip, the boys rode together a few times. The first time they hit and bump and quickly dispersed off the sled. They were laughing and waving their hands in the air out of pure exhilaration.

I wimped out today long before they did. I was freezing. The wind was whipping across the top of the hill, and I wasn't moving like the boys. I continued the issue the "it's the last time" warning, while they implored for "one more time." Finally, I won out, but I think they had an amazing time.