My thoughts for August 1

August is not starting out to be soo exciting. I got the kids up, dealt with K's horrible behavior this morning (think screaming, really really loud and that was K, you probably heard her wherever you were). Then I had to go run some errands. Now who can complain about shopping? I had a bunch of kid birthday presents to get. I have a set budget and I am sticking to it, not a penny over. Searching for the best bargains to get the most for my money. But staying practical too. Kids have way too much toys, don't ya think?  Our new rule is, new toy in, old toy out. We have so many toys, most of which don't get played with . Most people I know are probably the same way. Is it some time of competition to see who can accumulate the most toys in their childhood? And we all know, they end up playing with boxes, blankets, and clothes pins. At least in my house they do. Oh yeah and lately my silverware and plastic containers!  Heck I think a UPS store probably has more exciting things than our playroom (boxes, tape, and bubble wrap).  I am not saying I am against toys, because I am not. My kids will get toys for upcoming holidays, there is no doubt about it. I will not be mad, upset, or annoyed by toys. I just need to keep them under control. We got a birthday invitation and inside it had a list of suggestions, and it listed clothing size and shoe size. Pure genius I tell you.  Sure maybe its not so exciting for a kid to open an outfit, but its not supposed to be about the gift anyway, right? I would never buy a kid a birthday gift without a little toy or something fun though. I am not a total party pooper.

John was a busy man, he cut the grass today and stained K's bed. The color is perfect and I am so excited by this! Best part is, the stain color I wanted ended up being clearance! So it was cheaper than all the others! 

We were able to sit down tonight as a family, despite John being on call (and he almost always gets called out if I make a big dinner) And tonight on the menu was homemade chicken nuggets, mashed potatoes, and corn on the cob (had a few ears left over). I did have to put dinner off for 30-60 minutes when John did get called out. But since we had a late lunch, it was not too big of a deal. JT played the I don't like that at dinner again tonight. But we are used to this and he gets buckled in until he takes some bites. This usually means a few minutes of crying, then he eats and gets unbuckled.  We used to be really bad at letting him get down and play when he was done or not wanting to eat. But when it came to restaurants, he can't do that. So he needed to understand he needs to sit at the table until everyone is done. Which he now understands at home, working on restaurants is next. 

Well off to put kids to bed. They are having a sleep over in JT's room again tonight.  They are supposed to be cleaning up the playroom, but I hear more of the bossing from K and playing from JT. Wonder if they even cleaned anything?

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To answer some questions in my comments 

Wendy - J turns 3 on November 9. Glad to here Ben has no interest in the potty either, lol. And I only think about the taking the bubba away, actually doing it, that is another story, lol. 

Sarah - I agree why push them, but I also see the points of the dentist and teeth development . That being said, we just limit the use, when he is ready, he will give it up (no dentist will tell me when to). That is what happened with K with the potty and the bubba. And you are right, nothing wrong with adults having blankies : )