More funny things that kids say...

I could have a blog JUST about all the crazy things that the kids say from day to day, but in an attempt to keep all the funniness in one place, here are a few that I've been saving up for you:

Celine ask each and EVERY day "Is it cold or hot outside?" before she gets dressed, and we tell her which it is. But lately, with the weather changing so frequently and being cool in the morning and hot in the afternoon, I've just started telling her what type of clothes to put on, ie. shorts or pants. Well, the other day on a cool morning, she had her usual inquiry, and John Paul responded to her, "It's cold, so be sure to wear long sleeved pants!" After explaining to him that pants don't have sleeves and that by calling them pants they are already "long" and that "shorts" are well, short; he replied, "Yeah, whatever. She knew what I meant." Well, so much for trying...

Grant and Meg were working on a paragraph for a Creative Writing assignment he had to do, and he was trying to think of a topic to write about. After Grant had been sitting there, unable to come up with any ideas, Meg asks him what the problem was, "I don't know, I'm just not feeling creational today." As a collective "Huh?" resounded through the room, Meg, without missing a beat corrects him, "It's creative. Creational is not a word." Grant's brilliant response: "Whatever. You knew what I meant." Are you noticing a pattern?

Katie has been trying to potty train my soon-to-be two year old niece, Cora again. And she's playing the nay-nay (candy) card again. This time to help her distinguish between her love of all things candy, and the use of it as a reward she has started calling the M&M's and Skittles she's using as a reward "Potty-Money". Well, I don't think it worked, because now, instead of asking for nay-nay, which is pretty cute, she calls ALL candy "potty money". She's a very determined little girl, and will forcefully and loudly declare, "Momma, I want potty-money!", no matter where she is. I think it's safe to say that Katie is probably getting some strange looks in public.

Celine is beginning to understand the concept of keeping track of the time of day it is. That's big for a six year old! She has a little digital clock on her desk, and it was put there to eliminate a few of the dozens of times she requests for me to tell her what time it is. So now, instead of my having to dictate the time to her, she that it is her duty to now periodically inform me of the time. The other day she says, "Shanny, it's ten-oh-oh, o'clock." It took a moment for me to focus and figure out what she had said, then we had a little lesson in reading time. She's now asking me how to read the time on her clock, so I guess I haven't really solved my problem of updating her on the time of day. At least she'll be the smartest six year old she knows! Being able to tell time and all!

Be Good and God Bless!

P.S. It's about 11:43 AM. Just in case you were wondering.

The Eternal Spring Break...

We are entering week three of the Eternal Spring Break! I know that Spring Break is on the verge of being finally over- but it seems to this individual that it will continue on forever! Two of the kids had Spring Break the week prior to Easter, the home schooled kids took their break during Easter Week, and now Monica is on her Spring break THIS week. Things are not looking too promising, as far as getting work accomplished goes. This week seems to be fraught with distractions and interruptions. See when Colette and Wern were home, they would sleep until lunch time, roll out of bed, and promptly go to someone else's house, or off to meet friends. So there were few distractions while the rest of us worked on school. Last week was fun and easy going. We mostly just chill-axed, (that's chilled and relaxed for those of you not hip to the lingo of the day!) But this week, with Monica being an early bird and itching to go do something, things are well, hopping. So far today Monica got up, ate, beautified herself (which doesn't take much effort, she's gorgeous!) and has gone to get her DRIVER'S PERMIT!!!! Holy Driver's, Batman!! I am surrounded by teens getting their driving privileges! I mean, come on, people!!! I've got teens from the Youth Group driving, teens at work driving! I think the only way this would be any more traumatic is if I had kids of my own driving. That might just be too much to handle. So I have a feeling that the next few days will be filled with requests to take a certain 15 year old driving, and keeping me constantly updated on the status of her boredom. For the WEEKS prior to her B-day, I (and the rest of the free world) received daily reminders of how much time remained until her birthday. Well, anyway, now we get daily reports on how she has nothing to do, but if someone would take her driving, then she'd be happy. LOL! I assume the "someone" she is referring to is moi, but her beautiful puppy dog eyes do not have the same control they once had over me! I am strong! I will not cave! Besides, my insurance won't cover her driving the "Mighty Kia" so she'll have to settle with Mom or Dad. Now, I'd ride with her in one of their vehicles- but that is not a piece of information that I plan on supplying her with for at least another few weeks. I need that long to get all my "affairs in order"!

Be good and God Bless!

Last Day of School!

Well, until the end of Easter Break, that is! Today was a busy day, packed with all the work left to complete for the two days we will be out this week. Tests, creative writing, Religion lessons, etc. Celine is studying the 10 Commandments in Religion and there was a picture of a family praying with their hands folded and their eyes closed. She asked me why we have to pray that way. After I explained that you don't always have to pray that way, and that it is a good way to pray because we aren't as easily distracted, she preceeded to fold her hands, close her eyes, bow her head; but only for about a second. Then she looks up to me and says, "Know what I prayed for?" "No, sweetie, what?" Now, I fully expected some deep, earth changing prayer. One petitioning for world peace, or that all children might have homes and food and mommies and daddies who love them. At the very least a request to " make me a good child of God". What she answered was, "God. I want a pony." That's it. A pony. Not even a "please" was mentioned, much less a "May I have". What could I say? The only thing that was good and right to say: "A pony is a GREAT thing to ask for, Celine!" OK, thinking back I probably should have embraced this teachable moment and told her about all the things she could be praying for, but, hey! Ponies are very important, especially to little girls! And God knows the desires of our hearts, right? So, I say if Celine wants a pony then she should talk to Him about it! Besides we were only on page 2 of a 12 page lesson, and I was sure something else was going to come up- something a little more challenging that we might need to spend more time on, like "Thou shall not kill."





If you are anything like me then you have lots to do to get ready for Sunday! I am sewing Easter Baskets for my nephew and my Little Cousin Lizzy, and I am in charge of bringing the cakes-as usual! I can't decide between a bunny cake or a lamb cake. The last time I made the bunny it came out so cute, but died a tragic death while in route to it's destination. So I think I'll go with the lamb! I don't think I'd survive the loss of another bunny, especially on Easter. Then there's finding something to wear for Sunday, and Mom and I have been working really hard trying to get Shananagins Bags to be a little more productive, so I should be working on that every spare moment! This is a picture of the poor little bunny, RIP, Mr. Bunny! You sure did taste good! I'll be sure to post pictures of the ones I make for this Easter!





Wow, I had best get busy- lots to do, so little time to get it all finished in! Have a great day!





God bless and Be good!

Tests, family, and Anointiation

I know I already posted for today, but in order to move beyond my preoccupation with a certain man who will remain unnamed, I have decided to post about some of the things I have stumbled across this week. (I also will not tell you that I am listening to iTunes as I type this. Can you guess who I may be listening to?)



OK, this is the last week of the Third Quarter for us at Ave Maria Academy. Did you know that we had our own Academy? Well, we do, and it's the dreaded "End of the Quarter" around here. That means LOTS of reviewing and testing, oh and lots of grades/paperwork to complete and get ready to be sent off to be recorded. On top of all this Meg has jumped a jet and flown out to California to a conference, so I'm here with the kiddies, ALONE! Well, Donna's here, but I'm alone in the schoolroom. Honestly it's not been bad at all! In fact, it's been quite quiet. I have no idea why, but as the old saying goes, "Don't look a gift horse, or a quiet kid in the mouth". Alright I made that second part up, but I'm not about to question why they are miraculously muted! Anyway, I have felt a bit stretched from time to time, especially when everyone wants or needs my immediate attention. It's just a matter of tying the others to their chairs tight enough so he/she can't wriggle free before I can finish helping the other one. KIDDING! I find myself asking, "Can you wait just one moment more while I finish helping ___________ (insert Celine, Brian, Grant, or JP here). They've been very patient for the most part, thank goodness! Believe it or not, we are actually AHEAD of schedule! All of them have very light work tomorrow. I am completely confused as to how that happened, but I'll just refer to you to the old saying from earlier!


The other day while reviewing with Grant for his Religion test, Grant asks me, "Hey, Shannon, how do you spell 'anointiation'?" It took me a second to figure out what he was asking me. "What are you talking about, Grant?" (I was a little flustered, because I was doing a, ACTUAL Spelling test with Brian, and was feeling a little stretched!) Grant clarifies, "You, know, anoitiation, like in the sacrament: The Anointiation of the Sick!" I lost it! I laughed so hard. All he could do was say innocently, "What?" After I pulled myself up off of the floor and composed myself, I calmly reminded him that it was the Anointing of the Sick, and spelled that word for him. Too cute, too funny!


Now, on to my other favoritest gaggle of kids, my SISTER'S! (Man, I need some grown-up friends!) My sister tells me that my nieces and nephew are jealous that I don't write more about them here. Well, it's not because I like the other brood better or anything! :p It's simply due to the sheer volume of time I spend with these munchkins. You do have to admit that they provide one with oodles of amusing antidotes to share, though. So Katie decides to share a few funny moments with me, fully expecting to see them appear here in print. Being the accommodating Big Sis that I am, here they are:

Kate and Chris, her hubby, (I know my boss' hubby is Chris, too. Don't blame me for the confusion! Chris is a very common name, people!). So Kate and Chris asked Meg, who is also a professional photographer, to take the family's pictures last weekend. For whatever reason, there seemed to be quite a discussion about Cora's hair, and how it would be worn for the pictures. It was decided, after much debate (?), that she would simply wear it naturally. She has the most beautiful curls, so that would look oh-so-cute! Well, as Kate finished coiffing Alexis' hair, Cora steps up on the stool in the bathroom and declares, "Cora turn! Want bow!" Katie and Chris turn to one another and say, "Cora has spoken!" The result were adorable pictures of the whole family, and Cora had her bow. I'll be sure to post the results of the photo shoot once we have them back!



















We attended the BIG family reunion on my Mom's DuPont side this weekend. There are so many people that we rent the St. Johns County Fairgrounds to be sure we have enough room! It lasts for days, and Sunday is the giant family supper. All of us were there, and wearing the requisite name tags. Alexis says to me, "Aunt Sissy, there sure are a LOT of Sissy's here!" It seems that our family has the tendency to nickname the girls in their families "Sissy". Man, I thought we were confusing Cora by calling Alexis Sissy and me Aunt Sissy, but that child was turning in circles with all the people being called Sissy there! Poor kid, she had no idea who was who! I think that Lexie was a bit confused too. She was happy to get to compete in the egg toss with her Daddy, though. She ended up with egg all over her, but she had a BLAST!



There were several adorable little play houses there. I'm not sure why, but I can tell you that I am sure that Lexie and Cora had a ton of fun playing in them! Maybe they were houses from Munchkin Land? I think Deuce was a little young to be interested in them, but he loved being able to run around and visit with everyone!






OK, I am typed out. Hey, guys, feel free to post comments and questions. Maybe I could do a question and answer post! Until next time:

Be good and God bless!

Happy New Year!

Happy 2008 to all!

I pray that each of you will be abundantly blessed in this new year! My family had a sad start to 2008. We had to say good-bye to a beloved uncle and brother. My mom's oldest brother, Drew passed away on New Year's Day after a long battle with cancer. He was a wonderful, loving man of God, who will be greatly missed. It is a great comfort to know that he is with his parents, and together they are all praying that we too will join them one day.

May the souls of the faithfully departed, through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.

OK, on to the funny stuff, my life! SO this past week has been full of the craziness of getting back in the swing of things...You may be wondering what things might be swinging in my life, but it's more likely that you aren't! He he! But in case you are then here they are in no certain order:

The school bell has rung, and we are back to the good ole learning routine. (and as I type this, Meghan is trying to teach Grant the finer points of double negatives and they are both chanting, "I haven't never had a hat! I haven't never had a hat!" They seem to think that is a great sentence to chant.) Even with all its stresses and headaches I so love this time with them. Sure I lose my temper often, and I frustrate easily, but to be with them as they learn and to hear the off the wall and funny things they say makes it worth it! Don't dare tell my boss this, but to be honest, I'd do this work if the the only payment I received were the hugs I get when they finish their work at the end of the school day!

Healthy living is something we all start thinking about this time of year, and I am no exception! I have recommitted to the decision I made last year to lose weight and become healthy. I am well on my way to achieving my major goals, knocking out little goals along the way to the major ones. I have decided to forgo any sort of social life and opted instead to become a gym rat! When I said this to a friend yesterday she replied: "Shannon, I don't know that I would EVER describe myself as a 'rat' under any circumstances!" I would normally agree with you, oh wise friend, but in this case, it is SO applicable. Let me explain...

Each evening I scamper into the gym, (not the excited, "I can't wait to workout!" kind of scampering, more of the "Get me in there so I can get OUT!" kind of scamper, or even MORE rat-like is the "I hope nobody sees me" scamper.) I scan my membership card, and much like one of Pavlov's dogs, I have an automatic response to hearing the BEEP of the computer acknowledging my existence. One of doom, gloom, and fear of the pain that is bound to follow soon.(Hey that rhymed! ) I then head for the ladies' locker room to change my clothes and psych myself into climbing up onto an elliptical machine and not back into my car. I have come to a recent realization, that I really don't have a problem with the act of working out. My problem is with having to workout in front of dozens of people, all of whom, I'm convinced, have their own membership solely to stare at and snicker at the fat girl trying to workout. I know this is all in my head, and I'm sure that many a skinny girl has felt the uncomfortable heat of an intense stare while sweating on a treadmill, but for very different reasons, I'm sure. I'm already extremely self-conscious, put me in spandex and get me huffing and puffing and sweating profusely, then my self-conscious meter skyrockets! So now I have the complex of a "rat", feeling like I have no business being there. Then I work my boo-ta-tay off(hopefully) grunting as I struggle through my weights routine and sweat so much that I smell like a rodent of unusual size (that movie quote is for my roommate, Yvette!) Finally, I scurry out of the gym with lightning speed, desperate to be free of my smelly prison! I have to say that anyone who claims to have met their significant other in the gym either worked behind the counter handing out towels, or was blind and probably has a broken sniffer!

I have also been searching for a new T.V. Now I had a perfectly good television: not too big and not too small. But obviously it had issues. A few weeks ago while I was working through a long weekend, my Sainted roomie, Yvette called me and began to explain to me that, just as she was settling into a DVD she's been wanting to watch, my T.V., the main one in our sitting room, had jumped off the shelf it has been sitting on for six months now, and landed face down on the tile. Try as she may to revive the set, it was a goner, and had to be "put down". This left us without a T.V., horror of horrors, I KNOW! So I started looking for a new T.V. I knew I wanted it to be a little bigger than the other one, so I was checking out 32" flat panel screens. Man, are they pricey! I made the decission to wait until after the Super Bowl to buy one. In the meantime we were watching T.V. on a tiny 15" set. In desperation I called my mom and dad and, low and behold, they said I could have my "old" set back. It was indeed the 32" I was hoping for, but not a flat panel, but it was priced just right: FREE! I am happy to report that this new set is indeed well adjusted (Ha Ha!) and in no danger of committing "set-icide"!

Wow! When I write I get carried away. This will have to be it, for now! Have a great day!

God bless and BE GOOD!