Merry Christmas Mom

Chad and I chose to buy ourselves a new sliding door for Christmas. We were sick of losing half our heating bill out of the monstrosity that was there before.
















We were sick of letting in flying insects into the house through the holey screen door every time we wanted some fresh air. We wanted a door that could be opened by a person of average strength.
















It was installed Saturday, and was quite exciting. It's a beautiful door that matches our windows. It was worth every penny I paid. I love it. Unfortunately it did not last the day intact.















Apparently the screen is hard to see at night. It is now ripped and bent due to a certain 7 year old child slamming into it. Probably an hour earlier Chad had commented to me that it was hard to tell if the screen was open or closed. He kept having to double check before walking outside. If only we had thought this out a little. The thing has a warranty, although I'm sure we'll have to pay some kind of shipping or installation fee. Now I remember why we hate getting new things at our house. They never stay new for long. Although less than 24 hours is a new record I think.

Sick Time

This is the hardest time of year. It seems that every December, all of the kids and Luann get sick with the stomach flu, or at least a nasty cold and cough. This year has been no exception, and I have had to take sick leave from work in order to take care of my babies. Luckily for you, we don't have picture to share. :)

Five ways to entertain you toddler while practically sleeping

I will call this the daddy edition of "Five Ways to Entertain Your Toddler." I've suddenly realized why interaction with dad usually happens on the bed.

1. Read books. They usually don't catch on to the fact that you've read the same sentence five times in a row because you fell asleep and lost your place.

2. "Wrestle" on the bed. Usually involves laying there while child climbs all over you. Although Mr. S has the annoying habit of sitting on one's head and jumping up and down. Nothing quite like diaper on the head. And with three kids, a fresh diaper is not guaranteed.

3. Play hide and seek. Why is it that daddy always hides in his bed under the covers?

4. Have a talent show. All that is required of a parent is to lay on the couch and give occasional words of praise to kids while they flip and twirl to their heart's content.

5. Build a fort. Nothing quite like helping make another suitable napping spot, complete with sun darkening blanket coverings.

Of course there is always the turn on the TV and hope they watch it tactic. That one doesn't work on our toddler yet. Hopefully that kicks in before he stops taking naps.