Thursday, June 17, 2010

Peaceful Desert Life...

So, I am on my way out the garage door to the backyard to hose down a yoga matt that hasn't been touched in three years and I turn the corner and "HELLO!" A rattling, hissing and coiled Diamond Back Rattler is two feet in front of me. NO- I am not exaggerating.

What did I do? Lost all breathing capabilities, nausea crept in fast and I ran like hell!

Raced inside and told Art and he proceeded to call the "snake guys" aka "reptile removal." While he was doing that I snuck back outside to make sure the little booger didn't go somewhere else and of course he was long gone. I was thinking 'my kids, my kids. We can't come out here again until we find that thing." Shaking and dry heaving, I kept looking. FINALLY, I found him sandwiched between our house and a loose sheet being used to cover an outside buffet. Holy macaroni, did I ever lose it when I found him! Oh! I couldn't get a handle on myself. Shaking and jumpy and nauseous eeeeewwwweeeee!!

Justin, the volunteer reptile removal specialist arrived and was probably thinking "Oh, another garden snake...yaaaaaaaaaaawn." Low and behold - this was a good one!! "Mating season! Good thing it was a male. If it was a female then you'd be getting a few more" he informed my husband.

Don't you love seeing my 23 month old sons popper toy right next to the snake? Lovely.

Monday, June 14, 2010

Finger Painting 101

Trying to expand my childrens artistic experiences, I decided to invest in some finger paints for a fun and cool summer project for my kiddos. I have held off on finger painting for a pretty long time, thinking "they can do that in school some day." Then I start to feel guilty - that I needed to get over my strong tendencies to keep things clean and focus on what would be a great experience for them. Big mistake! :)

We really did have a blast w/ the paints but the aftermath is three times the amount of time of the painting . Post painting, not knowing where to begin, I calmly guided both cuties out to the backyard and let the water hose rip! Sprinkler time! I have always joked about having to take a hose to the high chair...well, today I actually stepped out of the way and let Lily and Jack wash the high chair.

I think next time we will do our painting on the picnic table, outside, naked! Yes, there will be a next time! :)

Friday, June 4, 2010

"Babies"

I went to see the documentary "Babies" yesterday. It was wonderful. I highly recommend. I walked away realizing that there is not one way to care for a baby. Just show them love, love, love and everything will be alright!