Who needs expensive toys?

Why do we buy toys? Seriously, why? In the end, the children will play with the most basic household object or something that we're going to eventually throw in the trash. I caught Bradley playing with the tag on the side of his toy. He had toys all around him, new toys, hand-me-down toys, you name it....he chose to play with the tag. Drew and Sophia played for close to an hour in an orange storage tub. They loved it. Does this mean I can pick up random things around my house this winter, wrap them up and pass them off as presents under the Christmas tree? :)

The Dinner Table

So, I'm sure we are like alot of Americans. The dinner table is the one place that we can enjoy each others company at the same time. We actually bought a new table recently to accomodate our growing family. It's rectangular in shape with 4 chairs and a bench. Drew and Sophia were both originally occupying the bench, but one fall backwards landed Drew right next to me in a chair. So, we've got Sophia on the bench sitting solo across from me. Drew to my right, Bradley in his booster seat to my left and Mark at the opposite side from Bradley. We've figured it's best to not have any children side by side. Like most evenings, you're cutting food into small pieces, blowing on it because "it's too hot mommy" and watching as your own food becomes lukewarm. You can almost bet money on it that Drew mid chew will need to go to the bathroom. He grabs a magazine on his way there. He's only 4, but he already realizes that that's just what guys do. In the meantime, Sophia competes to win the award for slowest eater on the planet and Bradley makes grunting noises when you don't shovel the baby food in fast enough. After a few minutes of the grunting and slow chewing, Drew will return to the table to then devour his food. Mark and I will sometimes attempt to have an adult conversation, like 'how was your day?', 'do anything exciting today?', but that's about as far as that convo will get. Interruptions begin with Mommy, Mommy, Daddy, Daddy. It's time now to see who can get the most attention from Mommy and Daddy while Mommy and Daddy are trying to talk.

In between the shoveling of baby food, Mommy does get in her bites of food and before she's finished is being asked about dessert. Cookies, cinammon applesauce and ice cream have been the favorites lately. The oldest two will get theirs while poor Bradley stares at them and drools. To entertain him while the others eat, the newest game at the table has been that everyone at the table takes turns saying the word 'Quack'. The baby busts out in laughter after every 'quack'. No matter the size, little quack from Sophia with the added arm movements or the big quack from Daddy duck, they all get the same appreciation from Bradley. These 'quacking times' are the moments that I sit back and look at this awesome family that God has given me and I thank him for it.

Pad Thai

Every once in a while, my coworkers and I venture about 12 miles north of work to enjoy some pad thai. From the looks of the place, you wouldn't think that such wonderful food could be created from inside the pole barn. You read that right...the pole barn. Inside you'll find some tables and chairs, we always sit at the same table. The owner/cook works in the back kitchen so we just seat ourselves. If you go up there on your lunch break, you get to listen to All My Children or depending on the time One Life to Live on her tv. Outside she has a garden in the summertime where she grows her peppers. You can pick them fresh and she'll use them in your meal. The pad thai is AMAZING, so amazing that I've never tried another entree on the menu. A train almost always passes by while you eat and the door continuously swings open with carry-out orders. She pretty much runs the show. Sometimes there's a man there that helps with the drink orders, etc. It's nice to eat there every so often because it's quiet and simple. My stomach is growling. Time for some quiet and simple.

Something new

I've decided to begin a blog. I have no idea where this might go. I have a feeling it's going to be a mixture of 'deep thoughts', 'you'll never believe what my child just said', sitcom reviews and alot of randomness. Welcome to my life. :)