Christmas Prep

All four of my kids wanted to buy presents for their siblings and parents this year.  This was a little hard for Sam and Grace; they wanted to buy presents but don't have reliable income.  They both did extra chores around the house and earned a few dollars.  Then Michael and I took turns taking them to the dollar store and thrift stores on a quest for the perfect gifts.

Then there was the wrapping.  There were lots of locked doors, lots of tape, and a whole lot of wrapping paper.  The best part was I didn't have to help wrap any of these gifts.  The big kids helped the little kids and I was off the hook.

Ethan working on his gift to Libby.  I guess it's easier for a 12 year old boy to work on the roof of the shed than anywhere else.

Pita the Socially Awkward Dog

Pita is an easy dog.  She doesn't wander off.  She doesn't eat anything she isn't supposed to.  She does not have accidents in the house.  She walks fairly well on the leash.  She hasn't bitten any other dogs or children (even if they deserved it).  She doesn't even shed. She is a well behaved dog.  But, MAN she is awkward!  She climbs on any available lap and engages in a staring contest with the lap owner.  This is her way of seeking attention.  She is needy and in constant need of reassurance.  If the kids blow whistles she starts shaking uncontrollably and hides in the closet.  She has managed to shut herself in my closet on numerous occasions.  She has issues.

Occasionally though, she can be sweet and almost normal.  When that happens I need to have photographic evidence.

Also worth noting.  Grace made herself a bed in the living room.  Out of legos.  Looks comfy doesn't it?

"Mom, take a picture!"

How could I say no?  Merry Christmas to all!

Decorating El Fako

 Tired of waiting for El Fako to be set up, the kids started decorating themselves.

The tree in all its pre-fluffed glory.  Michael is examining the string of lights that had gone out.  It's still on the tree and it's still out. That's the way we roll.

 Decorating.

It was Ethan's turn to put the angel on the tree.  Just goes to show that you are never to old to be picked up to put the angel on the tree.  But sometimes you get too heavy so then mom just pretends to pick you up as you stand on the arm of the couch.

NOSTALGIA ALERT!

Here he is putting the same angel on La Reala FOUR years ago:

And EIGHT years ago:

Warning: Gross Stuff Ahead

If your stomach is easily upset, you may be better off skipping this post.  With the disclaimer out of the way, I shall start.

Sam has been having problems cleaning himself properly after using the bathroom.  There has been poop smeared on the toilet seat and on other surfaces.  He struggles with wiping well (if at all) and rarely washes his hands. This has led to additional instruction on proper hygiene with frequent reminders.  He has learned how to properly clean the toilet because I got tired of doing it.  Things were getting better.

Then I walked into the bathroom and I almost lost my lunch as well as my sanity.  The entire toilet, the seat, the back, the tank was covered in brown splatter.  I was too traumatized to even step into the bathroom.  How was this even humanly possible?  What is wrong with his sphincter?  Gah!!  This is disgusting.  I quickly dashed out of the bathroom, grabbed Sam, a rag, and a spray bottle of vinegar water.  I instructed him (in a mostly not yelling voice) to go clean the toilet until it was "Mom clean".

After a few minutes I reluctantly went to check on his progress.  He was giggling as he cleaned.  What the heck?  He looked at me with cheery eyes and announced, "I sneezed a dog cookie."  Yep, the brown splatter was the result of Sam sneezing while eating a dog biscuit.  It says something that I was deeply relieved to realize the mess was caused simply by my child eating dog food.  Proper diet may need to be the next item that receives some additional instruction.