Window Cleaners

Because my windows are always dirty (see previous post), the kids clean them often. They think this chore is very exciting, which definitely makes things easier for me. All I have to do is turn on some fun music and give the window a quick spray, and they will attack (and dance). Turning them into their favorite characters is a special bonus.

"Out, you dastardly spots!" Batman yells. Although she does help, most of the time Princess Ashley prefers to just watch.

I don't care if they leave the windows a little streaky. We're aiming for effort and habits here, not perfection!

We have a lot of glass in our house. These are the sliding doors off of our dining room, and you can imagine that they probably get the messiest.

Surprisingly, the kids bathroom mirror is also usually very dirty. They know they aren't allowed to climb up on the counter top (except when cleaning) so when they do sneak up there they tend to do other things they aren't supposed to as well (ie, writing on the mirror with toothpaste).

One last window. Everett is very thorough.

He also feels very proud when he has cleaned all the windows (more windows than you saw pictured here). I was happy that he was so proud on this day. Then when I was tucking Everett in bed that night, he said, "Mommy, are we going to do some more chores tomorrow?"

I told him yes, but I tried to make it sound fun. "Yeah! Are you going to get rid of those dastardly spots, Batman? That was so much fun!"

Everett didn't buy it. "I don't want to do chores tomorrow. They're boring."

Well, I guess my approach wasn't as fool-proof as I thought. It was nice to have my house clean, though.

Why My Windows Never Stay Clean

(In case you were wondering.)

When the windows are at perfect toddler face height, smudges are just a fact of life.

And no, she is not the only culprit.

A Face Only a Mother Could Love. . .

. . .but a cold just kind of does that to a person.

Before and After: Snow!

So, it snowed. I'm sure you haven't heard. If you're in the 60% of the nation who did get snowed in this morning, I'm sure you have similar pictures as mine. If you're not, consider yourselves lucky.

We, in the very southeastern edge of Iowa, only got hit by the edge of that massive storm so I will be the first to say that we are 1) grateful we didn't get the worst of it and 2) grateful that we don't live in a heavily populated area (have you heard about Chicago's Lake Shore Drive nightmare?). As it was, we did get quite a dumping of snow, but for us that mostly just meant F-U-N.

BEFORE the storm really got started.

AFTER the storm was underway (unfortunately it got worse than this).

BEFORE Joel made much of a dent in the snowdrifts.

AFTER over two hours of labor.

BEFORE Joel got tired.

AFTER he decided to use the snowblower some friends recently gave us.

. . . AFTER using that snowblower.

BEFORE (minding their own business)

AFTER Papa attacked.

AFTER: laughter

BEFORE: Everett, having conquered the snow mountain.

AFTER: when conquering isn't permanent.

AFTER: usurping "king of the mountain" claim.

AFTER: not seeming to mind.

BEFORE: with fun intentions

AFTER: when snow in the face is not-so-fun.

AFTER: calling for Mama to get a towel now pleeeeease!

AFTER: when mama just keeps taking pictures.

We've had a lot of fun today. Joel's office closed down and we have really enjoyed having him home with us. I think the kids are going to be disappointed tomorrow when they wake up and realize their Papa has to go back to work.

Story time

Everett and I were the only ones awake yesterday afternoon. I knew he needed some good one-on-one time with me so I suggested that we write a story together. Everett took off with that idea and dictated a story that I wrote on several sheets of paper for him.

Then, illustrations! He had a lot of fun with the illustrations and did all of it without help.

I thought I would scan the pictures and upload them so we can keep this story for later.

I don't want to leave Ashley out, so here is a picture she did a couple of days ago. She is starting to get more precise with her drawing and it is a lot of fun to watch!

Potty Training (We're Not Done With This Battle)

I've been really lucky that both my kids basically potty trained themselves--Ashley just after she turned 2 and Everett when he was 2 1/2.

Until these past few days, we've kept both kids in diapers during the night. Ashley almost always wakes up with a dry diaper, but Everett's is always very full. Sometimes he even soaks through his diaper. We've considered putting Ashley to bed without a diaper but in the interest of even-ness, we have just kept everybody the same.

Well, my diapers are running out and so I decided that we will try being 100% diaper free before I go out and buy new ones.

Ashley has done great. She is not a heavy sleeper and has good bladder control. Then again, I wasn't worried about her.

Everett has woken up several times a night having wetting the bed. I think we will end up continuing with the diapers for a while but I am going to finish out the week to be sure. This whole thing got started because I know Everett likes going in his diaper. In fact, he often goes in his diaper before he even gets to bed. I got a little frustrated with him a few nights ago and told him we are cutting him off from diapers.

Mostly, I just wanted to see if he would be able to stay dry if knew he wasn't wearing a diaper. I know some kids will go during the night just because they know the diaper will catch it. I will be the first to admit that this is poor timing on our part, due to the operation Everett had last week (orders from the doctor to drink lots of fluid = lots of fluid coming out as well) but it was something we decided to try anyway.

I think Everett still needs some time, although we are going to finish out the week to see if this gets any better. My sweet little guy has been a bit of a late bloomer in general and I bet in a year or so he will be over this hurdle. We'll see! I'm not too worried about it yet since he never has accidents during the day anymore, but if anyone has advice I'd love to store it away.

Free Cards?

Does anyone want a promo code for 10 free shutterfly cards? It was sent to me after Christmas and I have no use for it. I will forward the code to anyone who wants it (FYI it can only be used once by one person). This offer expires on Jan. 30th.