Craptasticness!

If Momma ain't happy then ain't nobody happy.

Unfortunately, that tends to be the case in our family too.  Not that Momma was necessarily unhappy so much as not feeling well.  The drastic temperature changes we tend to experience in Texas wreck havoc with Momma and the kids allergies/sinuses.  Add to that an unfortunate event of melting a green halloween makeup crayon in the dryer just prior to drying new beige linen, throwing out her back somehow, mix in a nice migraine headache...and, well, you have a pretty NOT happy Momma.  And, pretty cranky kids too.

Bubeaner contemplating a hiding place in the living room.

Not sure why the formal living room holds so much appeal to the kids.

Although they started out on a good note for them. Since Momma could barely move, the kids were thrilled to have yet ANOTHER pajama day.  Seriously wonder how they will function once school starts if all they want to wear are pajamas. At least they were clean pajamas. Some days you just have to count your blessings. And they also got a couple of episodes of the Disney channel.  Pretty sure the kids secretly rejoice when Momma is ill because they get to watch TV.

Found you!
Gotta love that smile!

However, they were actually pretty helpful and cleaned the nursery and playroom. It was not immaculate, but all the toys were put away.  We did not check the inside of the tent in the nursery.  As of late, they have discovered they can hide toys in the tent and the room will look "clean."

Discovered these last spring when we visited uncle Jan and aunt Lena.

The kids love them.
And we love them because of the fine motor skills they require.

The kids then entertained themselves playing a game of hide-and-seek.  Momma could not really figure out which one was actually hiding and who was seeking.  It appeared they were both doing it. But it kept them entertained for almost a half hour!  

Bubita playing a solitaire version of Memory.

Most toys are in the play room.  Any toys, such as the small Lego, that need adult supervision which mainly includes craft project and small manipulatives are kept in the family room.  This allows us to keep an eye on them regardless of what we need to do.  Before they needed to ask for permission to use some of the toys. But now that they are "big kids" they can pick what they want to work on so long as an adult is present.  Today, they did a good job keeping themselves entertained while Momma kept an eye on them.  These projects/toys have the added benefit that they tend to keep the kids quiet while they concentrate on them.

Turn away for a minute and suddenly our bedroom is invaded by all the kids' babies!
It was actually a little freaky.

Bubeaner and Bubita are old enough that most days they can do without a nap, especially the days they are at home.  Momma usually will ask them if they want to take a nap after lunch time. Sometimes they do, sometimes they don't.  On days Momma is not feeling well, there is no choice.  Everyone naps!

Bubita requires a lot of Momma cuddles when she is cranky.

And, boy, was she cranky and emotional.

Most of the afternoon the kids spent it playing with manipulatives or craft projects.  The afternoon actually went by pretty fast.  This was just as well since they were picking up on Momma's crankiness and getting a little prickly too.  Bubita especially tends to pick up on Momma's emotions.  Poor Bubeaner has to deal with two emotional women all on his own.  He was thrilled when Daddy-o got home.  Of course, this  does not bode well for Bubeaner and Daddy-o's future when Bubita enters the teen years and Momma enters menopause. Eeck!  Better not let them think too much about that.

Amazing what a little cuddling will do for Bubita.

Of course, she then started milking it.
But anything to keep her happy and not crying or screaming.

On the bright side, tomorrow is another day.  And we will get out of the house even if it is to drive around.  And the kids will get dressed in something other than pajamas.  Surely 3 days of pajamas cannot be good for morale. And Bita & PapaPepe will be getting here tomorrow too. So here's to a better day tomorrow.

Bubeaner and Bubita playing Chef for Daddy-o

There were many, many, many tears and crankiness from Bubita.
Bubeaner dealt with it as well as any man can deal with it; he survived.

Hello 2014!

Welcome 2014! 

We had planned on staying up playing board games with the kids while watching Star Wars movies.  The intention was good. And we even made it through Episode IV. However, 2014 found us sleeping in bed cuddling with the kiddos. 

The many faces of a mini-drama queen in training.

The day was quiet and relaxing. Bubeaner and Bubita kept to their normal (way-too early) morning routine, which Daddy-o thankfully handles.  A bit of breakfast, which included Bubita gobbling up Momma's bunuelo as soon as Momma was out of sight. The grapes we were supposed to have at midnight were also enjoyed as a morning snack.  It was a pretty laid back day.  The kiddos only made on request: pj day!

Sous Chef Bubita assisting Momma making pineapple tamales.

She insisted on scraping the side of the bowl as well as managing the mixer controls. 

And since the weather was so nice, Bubeaner and Bubita took advantage by spending a good bit of the morning outside on the playset.  There is a bobcat, and in previous years a mountain lion, that roams the community.  The mountain lion had a nice meal in a neighbors yard last year. And, we caught the bobcat resting in the kids slide a few weeks ago.  This has limited their play time outside to only when an adult can be with them.  We do not want the animals thinking the kiddos would make a good snack. So today, they played to their hearts content while Daddy-o had a fill of the day's many bowl games on the TV outside.

Bubita concentrating on her artwork for Daddy-o

Momma made her first attempt at pineapple tamales.  Bubita helped out with the preparation of the dough and filling.  And Bubeaner helped out with the actual assembling of the tamales.  They both have shown a great interest in cooking and baking.  And they love to help.  They are still not allowed to use knives or mix/stir anything on the stove.  However, they help with almost everything else.  And Momma has an ulterior motive in getting them excited about the kitchen.  Momma hates cooking.  So if the kids LOVE cooking, maybe, just maybe, they may take over that aspect in a few more years.  Nefarious, I know!

Cannot start the new year without blackeye peas for good luck.