Don't panic! It was my kid!

Getting 6 people anywhere on time and ready is always a chore. Our plan for Easter service at church was to be there about 20-30 minutes early. We figured it was a "hot" church day and we wanted to make sure we had time to get everyone settled. We started extra early but somehow managed to be racing out the door 10 minutes before it was to begin. I really have no concept of time and couldn't care less about being late. My husband on the other hand hates it! He will often refuse to go in or won't attempt to go at all if it looks like being late will be noticed or cause a scene. He does have a point that rolling into a room as a group of 6 is not usually missed. Luckily, the church is close to our house. We arrived, parked, unloaded, and got to the far side of the building and were scrambling to check in the kids in hopes of making less of a grand entrance during the beginning. The parking lot was full and they were closing doors. It was clear we were "last". I could hear the music beginning and expected to be hunting for empty seats in the dark. Just as I was signing in Ryder for his class, lights started flashing and a screeching siren sounded. I saw Matt's face immediately. It was priceless! He was already racing towards to door leading to the hallway. Honestly, I knew who was responsible! Ryder had pulled the fire alarm! The teachers were already evacuating classrooms and organizers were frantically searching for the source of emergency. I announced to each person with a look of panic on their face that it was a false alarm and that my son had pulled it. I continued with checking in the little ones. I was hoping to not have to take responsibility in front of the couple hundred that had stopped singing to evacuate! The best part is that Matt ran to the door of the kids area and just stood there like he didn't know what had happened! Ha! Later Ryder said, "I pull the thing and it said wee ooo wee oo!". Really, how would he know not to? It's bright red and eye level for him. It's typical for our family that not only would we not be early or even on time but that everyone would have to be evacuated because we arrived!

Valentines Day

My mom always did fun things on holidays when I was growing up and still mails box's full of fun holiday things to my kids now. So, as a mom I try to make each holiday special and memorable (even if I don't feel like it). This year for Valentines Day I decided to make a super fancy dinner with candles, a great dessert and sparkling cider. It's nice to get away and have a date night but we generally have more fun celebrating with our kids anyway. Restaurants are crowded and getting a sitter on nights like New Years or Valentines Day proves tricky. We went to lunch and to a movie to celebrate alone earlier in the day instead. I kept telling Ryder all day, "you have to be a good listener because today is love day". He didn't really get it but I try every angle I can come up with as a bargaining tactic. I made the kids big heart pancakes with strawberries and chocolate in them, cut snacks into hearts while constantly bargaining with "today is love day" tactic. For dinner I planned a special menu full of time consuming yummy things. I used my best tablecloth, new silverware and red plates. I dug out my super special delicate wine glasses! I had to wash them because they hadn't been used in so long they looked like antiques. The only entertaining we do in our house is kid centered. These glasses are probably the only thing left from our wedding gifts. I knew my big kids would get a kick in seeing these came out of the cabinet. Everything looked great! While setting the table I had to explain several times to Ryder the candles were for Love Day, it wasn't his birthday. I was feeling very accomplished and proud of my romantic dinner. Just as I was about to pull everything out of the oven I heard a unique snapping sound. I looked over at the living room and most everyone was laying on the couch watching TV....except for one. I glance over to the dining room and there was my answer! Ryder was sitting up on a chair gently snapping the beautiful delicate stems of my glasses right in half. It wasn't a malicious attempt to ruin my plans, it's just what he does. I secretly laughed and then pitched a fit over my special stupid glasses. I got over it, Abbi replaced what was left with Halloween goblets, exchanged Valentines and had our romantic dinner for 6!