Buying “anything” takes a long time

Tonight we had to make a trip to Kohl's to spend a gift card that was due to expire Saturday.  Lately, taking Keeton anywhere is a monumental pain in the. . .

So, we are always so excited to go somewhere with him--especially in the evening, after a full day of daycare, a full day of work for us, after pulling him kicking and screaming from the swingset where he had no intention of leaving and putting him in the car to go to a store where we just need to buy "something", "anything".  In otherwords, there is no plan and we try to never go anywhere without a plan, mainly because plans are much faster, in and out situations.

 So, we get to Kohls' and Keeton is in high spirits--ready to dash across the crowded parking lot; who cares about cars?  I am already seething by the time we get to the doors, but figure I might be okay--Kohl's has those shopping cart/stroller combo-deals and they have seatbelts!

 Amazingly, both kids want to get into a cart, so off we go.  They were completely entertained as Jeff and I pushed them down the aisles--laughing and screeching (but happy screeches, so those aren't a battle I fight).  This lasted until we reached the toddler department (approximately 4 minutes).

Now we are shopping like the contestants on the old tv show "Shop till You Drop"--as though there is some timer ready to go off in 70 seconds, signaling us as the losers--consilation prize is two cranky toddlers.  Jeff took Keeton to the toy section so that Ella and I could find the "something",  "anything" quickly.  After settling on a dress for church, we made our way to the toys, then to the shoes, then to women's...still  no Jeff, no Keeton. 

Eventually, I hear them coming (Keeton, anyway).  I think we are leaving and Jeff sees the dress.  He makes no comment; he doesn't like it...it is too "long" (huh?  remember that when she is 16).  So, dilemma--buy the too-long dress or go back to battlefield, with the timebomb (Keeton) in tow. I suggest we scrap the buy "anything" plan and get the kids underwear--Ella needed some and Keeton might one day decide he doesn't  like diapers.

 After 10 minutes trying to locate the kids' "underwear with characters on them" section, complete with Jeff's annoyed comments about the layout of the store, we are once again off to the check-out.  Check-outs are my nightmare.  If hell is a place of one's biggest annoyances, it might be checkouts where I am trying to contain multitudes of whining toddlers.  Keeton and Ella plop their underwear selections (Diego and Minnie Mouse, respectively) on the counter, Keeton runs down a few aisles (Jeff takes chase), Keeton tries out a few straws on some coffe-like travel mugs (this is why you are supposed to wash things first--toddlers slobber on them in checkout lanes), and we finally pay and leave.  And yes, I did stop him on all the above activities...

In the car I sigh a relieved breath and realize it only took us and hour and a half to buy "anything", not bad.  Looking back to the kids, Ella has opened her underwear and has one pair on her head--"Look!  I have underwear on my head!"  Of course, Keeton does the same, but he just plops a pair on top of his head--no intricate fitting of leg-band elastic over the ears like Ella has done.

 Jeff and I laugh and Ella, annouces, "I am a booty-head!"  Then, "No, I'm a butt face!" 

Hmm, maybe we shouldn't egg her on...this could come back to bite us in the proverbial booty...kindergarden is one year away, but the kid has a scary memory.  I can only imagine the teacher phone call on that one...

Overhauling

Bear with me as I redesign this site.  I finally remembered (or painstakingly forced myself to relearn) how to log back into my cpanel and use my ftp software to upload new themes and change a few things.  Anyway, you may see some "raw" links and I won't have picures appropriately sized (maybe not even posted) for a few days.  Thanks for the patience!

Daddy kicked me, but it only hurt a little

Ella was super excited today to go to the soccer store and pick out pink and white soccer shoes and shin guards for soccer starting this week.  Of course, Jeff was in his element, too (shoes, sports, what more could he ask for?).  The very instant we were back in the car she had to put on the shin guards.  They look kind of strange when paired with Crocs, by the way.  I kept looking back at her, with her pink and silver guards -- feet propped up on the back of Jeff's seat, thinking how quickly she grew up.   Before we could make dinner she had all the soccer gear on and Jeff took her out to the garage to kick a ball at her shins (yes, really, he did and please don't call child protection).  Even though we've been prepping Ella for "soccer reality", meaning that she will probably get kicked or shoved, we are pretty sure that her easily bruised ego and sensitive nature will cause her to burst promptly into tears the second another kid does any of the above.  So really,  Jeff's intentions (a little barbaric as they may seem) were to show her that her shin guards will help her legs not get hurt if she gets kicked.  I guess it worked, because Ella proclaimed that, "Daddy kicked me, but it only hurt a little."

Adding on

I thought everyone might be interested in knowing that in a few days we are adding an addition to the crazyiness (i.e. Bloom household).  Mollie, a 2 year old English Setter is on her way from Wisconsin...yeah, because life isn't hectic enough without more dog hair, more dog toys, half chewed stuffed animals stolen stealthily from the kids, and more sad doggy eyes to peer at us as we try to enjoy a peaceful dinner (well, nevermind...there really is no such thing here anyway).  However, I have to admit that Mollie's pictures sort of did us in and there is something dutifully loving about a dog--especially, I can imagine, a dog who has never really had anyone to take care of her or stare at, drooling on their legs at dinner.  So, we are starting a new adventure & we will keep you posted.  If you want to see pictures of Mollie, you can find her here: http://www.englishsetterrescue.org/adoptable-dogs/A1680.html.  We'll keep you posted!

Quicky Updates

It has been a really busy summer…the kind where you aren’t even sure how you were busy, you just know you were.  A quick update, since I haven’t posted in a while:

Keeton is finally talking more!  I know it is hard to imagine, but I was kind of worried about it…I know, me worried.  He at least says “Daddy” now, which just absolutely does one over on Jeff, which is why Keeton is currently snuggled up on the couch with Jeff at 11 pm.  He came downstairs, totally ready with his cute-sleepy face and went right for “Daddi…”;  It obviously worked!

Ella had fun staying with Keeton at Grandma and Papa’s house while Jeff and I were in Floriday last week.  She told my mom that she missed us, but we were in her heart…seriously, where does the kid get this stuff from?! 

The only other news is that we *might* be adding another addition to our family…

Nope, no babies, but maybe another four-legged fur-ball.  We are considering adopting an English Setter from a rescue.  I know, we might very well be crazy, but Jeff sort-of sold me on the idea, and I’m a firm believer that if it is meant to be it will pan out.  So, if the good Lord wants us to take in this dog, then He will make the arrangements work.  We shall see!

Okay, it is late, so I promise I won’t wait another 2 months to post!

A man of few words…

As you all know, Keeton doesn't talk much.  He really doesn't need to with Ella.  So, we've taken it upon ourselves to dress him in t-shirts that speak for him...



More to come!

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