As predicted (by me), our house is the hang out after school for junior high (we are a block away).  Every day after school, there are usually a handful of boys playing basketball in our drive way.  Alex and his friends from school.

Today, the basket ball play did not happen.  Our Volvo is stuck in the driveway, directly under the basket ball hoop.  The car starts and can go forward, but, is unable to reverse.  

Must get Volvo to work (or move).  It seems to be cramping Alex's social life.

Figured out why there is a gasoline smell in my van.

It only took me 24 hours, too.  (I'm quick)

RT left a gas can in the trunk of the van.

Funny thing is, he was going along with how the van must be starting to go because of the gasoline smell.

The Talk

I did it. I had to give "The Talk" to each of the kids.

Um, no, not THAT talk.   The other one. 

I think you might recall me writing about Newton. My third (hairy) child.  Newton is 11. He's been slowing down over the last year. Hey, when your 77, you've earned that right. 

Last week, I noticed Newton was kind of dragging.  His tale was between his legs and he was sleeping quite a bit. (not much of a give a way when he normally sleeps alot).   He was hanging out in the basement, sleeping. Normally he hangs upstairs and sleeps (waiting to hear a crumb fall on the floor) that's his selective hearing. He hears only what he wants to hear. Those words are "cookie" and "walk."  He does give a little bark now and again if someone sets foot on our property. He might not get up, but he gives a good low "woof" warning. 

For the last week I have been warning the kids. Giving them updates on how Newton is doing that day. 

After last nights walk, Newton just laid in the grass about 30 feet from out yard. He got sick a couple of times and he needed a rest. I have seen that look before on Sheddy (the dog we had growing up). Newton tried to smile and look happy while he was resting. I had to get RT out to help me walk Newton to the yard. That's when we decided it was time for the talk. 

I'm not sure if Bella totally understands. This time I had to stress the fact that we won't see Newton (if it happens...). Trying to give comfort that Poppy would take care of him.   

The tough talk was with Alex. He was two when we got Newton. He grew up with him.  He remembers (a little) when we got Newton.  Newton has always been around for him.

It's hard with pets.  They are part of the family.  It's hard watching them get old.  Just hoping Newton isn't in any pain.

Responsibility

I have these talks with my kids. I tell them how they need to be more responsible.

A few months back, Alex was having a problem with his phone.  It wouldn't turn on. He had no idea what happened to his phone. (It wasn't the fact that he took it sledding with him and kept it in his sweat pants) I took it to the cell phone provider only to find out that the phone has water damage. (Again, Alex has no idea how it got wet. He said he never took it out of his room)

Nick has been having problems with his phone. Right now it doesn't work at all. I keep telling him to bring it in and have it checked out.  I think it takes too much effort to drive there.  (although, driving all around town for hours and hours doesn't seem to have any affect on him)

There was the incident of the lost calculator.  Yea, the one that runs about $100.  (luckily, I found it) 

Nick recently lost his flash drive. He has been looking everywhere for it.  I told him to check the lost and found at school.  Maybe someone turned it in?  He said that no one would turn something like that in, they would just keep it.  I said, you won't know unless you look.

Last week, I realized that I lost the key for work.  I don't lose things so this one has been hard for me.  The key can be anywhere.  It was on my key chain (loose).  I have a clip that I use to clip my keys onto my belt loop.  I think the key might have fallen off when I clipped my keys.  But, when?

All of these talks about responsibility and I lose my key for work.  Great role model, huh?

I think I had it when I took the girl scouts to Build a Bear and out for pizza.  I called both places and they could not find it.  I called mall security.  I searched the parking lots at both places.  I asked at Carson's (we walked through the store to get to Build a Bear).  No luck.

I had to fess up.  The next time I worked, I told my boss how I lost the key.  I felt so bad.  She was relieved.  I think she thought I was quitting.  She said, "I lose my key all the time!  I think I've lost 5 or 6 keys!"  (yea, glad she isn't giving the responsibility talks to my kids)  I got a new key and all is well.  (I'm still looking for the other key, hoping it will turn up)

The other morning, Alex said that he needs a new calculator.  (the $100 calculator)  I said, what's wrong with your calculator?  He said it doesn't work. 

Here we go again.......

He is currently using  my calculator from high school.  I told him not to lose or break it.  I said I took care of it...it's lasted this long, let's try to get it to last even longer...

Frozen

Am I the only one who has not seen the movie, "Frozen"?

Teacher Appreciation Day Gift - Big Smartie

It's Teacher Appreciation Week here.  Time to thank the teacher's for all that they do.

Last year, if you remember, Bella gave her teacher the M & M jar.  Take a look HERE.

This year we thought we would do something a little different.  There are SO many ideas online (and on Pinterest).  I decided on the Smarties candy.  I bought a giant Smarties (is it supposed to be plural?), got out my pretty paper and let Bella cut it out.

WHAT?

You heard me.  I had the child do it.

I know.  I know.  Pinterest makes you feel like you, the adult, have to do it and make it look absolutely perfect.  The gift is from the student and that is who should be in charge of making the gift, right?

Getting back to what Bella did for this teacher gift.

Bella cut out some pretty paper and made sure both sides looked nice.  I let her use some fancy scissors so the edges look nice.  She wrote on a piece of white paper, "Thank you for helping me become a big Smartie" and glued that to the pretty paper.  Used the hole punch, tied some ribbon on the card and onto the Smarties (I had to help a little here) and it was ready to gift.

Supplies needed:
Big Smarties candy
Pretty paper
White paper
Pen
glue
scissors
hole punch 
ribbon

Pretty simple, huh?

*unfortunately I do not have a picture at this time.  Bella snatched it up and took it to school before I could snap a picture.  I'm sure you can use your imagination.

***Looking for other ideas for Teacher Appreciation gifts?  Check these out:

 Thank you for making me a Sharpie
Thank you for being my M & M
Thank you for your Commit "mint"

Vanilla Pudding Cookies

I'm always looking for easy dessert recipes.  Usually it's to bring along to someones house.  Most of the time it's to satisfy all of the sweet tooth's (teeth?) in this house.

I found this recipe on Sweet Bella Roos and had to try these cookies.  I needed a quick and easy dessert to bring to a party and thought I would try them.  You can find the recipe here .  These cookies are super delicious and will disappear quickly.

Vanilla Pudding Cookies

from SweetBellaRoos

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cup flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 3/4 cup butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 2 eggs
• 1 pkg vanilla pudding

Instructions

Beat butter and sugar until fluffy; gently beat in eggs. Mix flour, salt, baking powder, and vanilla pudding mix in a separate bowl. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet. Stir in vanilla. Bake at 350 degrees for 9-10 minutes.

*I found this recipe on Pinterest and, on another post, SweetBellaRoos made these cookies and rolled them in sprinkles.  Tried the sprinkle version and they were a hit!

**For the vanilla pudding, a small box is used.  Use the instant pudding.**

Alex said that these are the "best cookies ever."