After 27+ years of life I have made a very interesting discovery about myself this month. I hate tissues. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against blowing my nose, though I wasn't a fan as a kid probably because of those bits of toilet paper and paper tissue that you're supposed to use. I haven't thoroughy thought out the whys and wherefores, but I imagine my hatred for tissues is based in chapped noses, stuffed pockets, and hands full of boogers.
So what to do with stuffed sinuses and gushing noses? Well, as a mom of boys, sleeves and t-shirt hems work in extreme emergencies. A bandana works in a pinch, though even the best most well-used and worn of mine chaps the nose after a while. Actual store-bought hankies are rare, though work fine if a bit on the thin side. But the very best has proven it'self to be a scrap of memory.
A number of years ago, I got a pair of leopard print flannel PJ pants at Wal-mart. They were incredibly soft and warm and 2-3 sizes too big. Eventually they ripped, and I held on to them until a stroke of genius and desperation inspired me to turn them into a Halloween costume for Shaner when he was 2. (Austin wore it last year too!) My kids are the most adorable leopards ever and I'm immensely proud of that little costume. There wasn't much material left over from the pants' reincarnation but enough to make a headscarf for when I was feeling edgy (gotta have leopard print once in a while).
But, life goes on. One day in utter desperation of something to help clear my poor chapped nose that was gushing all over the place, I reached for the nearest unoccupied scrap of material- and my headscarf became my go-to-booger-catcher. It's substantial and soft, no more chapping for me! The only downside is the fact that I have to wash it- and don't have it during that time.
In fact, I'm contemplating making everybody one for Christmas. Share the Love!
Austin's handprint in the star.
Shane's handprint.
Surprise!
When Shane took off to look at the eggs, Austin was still admiring his basket and bunny.
Immediately, Shane started organizing the eggs according to type- real vs plastic, size, and coloring- the reg dyed vs the painted ones.
Austin had fun finding them in all the odd places the Easter Beagle hid them.
So did Shane...
Then they got to be sooo many...
That I moved the whole lot to the center of the living room-
Shane (after his banana) went straight for his chocolate rabbit- which is odd since he's not much of a chocolate fan. He methodically removed and ate the bunny's carrot, then it's candy eyes, and then cut off the poor things ears (there was no tail otherwise I'm sure it'd have been on the removal list).
A little later, we ALL got a surprise.
Then Shane had a very nice idea.
They did a great job hiding them, and helping Dad get them all.
Then I took the cracked and damaged eggs and started on a tray of devilled eggs- Brett's favorite egg food. I got all prepped and then had to sit down, so Austin decided to finish the job for me.
Points to remember-
Shane was fastidious, made very colorful eggs, and barely made a mess...
Austin mixed his colors, got paint all over his hands and tummy, and used his paintbrush water to soak the eggs, maybe to wash off the paint? He gave up after only a handful of eggs and asked for a bath.
It's kinda silly, but I really loved how they turned out!
though the picture doesn't quite do them justice.
Dad only had to arm the gun for Shane, who did pretty good aiming down-range.
Austin needed a little more help, but managed to get the trigger pulled on his own.
And to top off the fun, after Dad and Mom had thier turns shooting the .45s, we all got to hunt around finding all the .45 caliber brass that was lying around. The boys got pretty good at recognizing the .45s among all the rest, even the .40s.
Bit of a reminder... over the last couple years there has been NEW first aid rules for kids with "head injuries" like this. When you were a kid, momma would put ice on bad lumps and knocks, to keep the swelling down. But, due to the somewhat-recent deaths, the great THEY looked at the first aid measures again. NOW, the rule is to NOT put ice on heads, especially kids' heads. They've found that the bump will swell regardless of the ice, the ice merely reduces the outer signs- instead the swelling goes inside, putting pressure on the brain (which we all know is bad). So, forget the bag of frozen peas, and stock up on the best first aid tool there is- HUGS and CUDDLES!
Austin IS his father's son!
You can kinda see in the back there- Our buddy Troy who, when told there would be kareoke, swore up-down-back-and sideways that there was NO WAY under heaven we'll be getting him to sing... he he he... YOU might be next!
Yes, neither was clothed and they were only in it for the beaters.
My friend over in Hidden Falls (hatchery on the other side of Sitka island) is a crafty nut and MADE all Christmas gifts this year. I didn't get a shot of mine or Brett's but these were the boys'. They were pretty thrilled and one day I will actually remember to get them to wear them when helping me cook.
