Three-way texting.

I came home from my Wednesday Funtivities last night and my husband showed us his latest find:

Apparently he heard Lucy barking and discovered this turtle when he went to investigate.  Our property could be described as "rolling hills," so there is a lot of little ponds around from the snow melt and such. 

Handsome Dude has been telling me about the "big worms" he sees when he is playing.  I saw a HUGE snake the other day out there and it dawned on me that he is probably calling snakes "big worms."

It gives me the pee-pee shivers.

After the kids got a good look at it, we walked it down to the pond-ish areas and let it swim away.

And I must admit this to you all:  I am greatly disturbed.

For I truly know not what is out there, lurking about in my rolling hills.

***

We had a movie night last night.  We decided to finally let the kids watch the newer version of "The Chronicles of Narnia."  I wasn't sure if it would be too scary.  Well, the girls liked it, and I think some parts were intense for them, but they were not terrified.

The boys, however . . .

My poor boys.  I just kind of mesh them into the girls these days.  No.  They are not old enough to watch "The Chronicles of Narnia."  I have bad parenting skills.  Little Dude kept jumping up and shouting:

"SCARY!  WEE SCARY!"

Then he would dive onto me and bury his face into my stomach, which is known for its comforting, pillow-like qualities.

He would decide that he was brave enough again when the scary parts were over.  He would slowly back down off of me.  I, being the mature mother that I am, would pretend to cry so he would stay and snuggle with me.

He is my last baby, you know.

He would smile and say, "I love Mommy!  A lot! "

And leave.

Only to dive back as soon as terror struck again.

Handsome Dude sat with his eyes glued to the TV and his hands covering his ears the entire time.

I think he got confused as to which of his senses he should be covering.  But what-evs.

So.  We tricked the boys and told them we were all going to bed.  Then we let the girls come back up to finish the movie.

Because, apparently, I believe in scaring and tricking my preschoolers.

***

Thank you all for your snack suggestions this week.

I can safely say I have been starving my children in the snack department.  I usually do something like a banana or a graham cracker.

Some of the suggestions I got were: nachos, calzones, and parfaits.

You know what ELSE everybody likes? Parfaits! Have you ever met a person, you say, "Let's get some parfait," they say, "Heck no, I don't like no parfait"? Parfaits are delicious!

Name that movie.

I always thought things such as nachos and calzones were meals!  Silly me!

I don't know if I have time to create such feasts for my children, though.

Perhaps I will just bump up their cracker rations.

***

I have more questions for you all.

Don't pretend you aren't excited.

Feel free to answer one or all or none.

The choice is yours.

1.  If you homeschool, what do you use for Bible?  I am thinking of shaking things up.  As much as one should shake up a Bible curriculum, of course.

2.  What are some books your kids have enjoyed?  I have a 2nd and 1st grader.  We have been listening to some books on cd.  Some recent favorites are:

The Tale of Despereaux

Because of Winn-Dixie

The Chronicles of Narnia series

The Little House on the Prairie series

3.  Why are there turltes and snakes on my property?  Do you think there could be bears?

4.   If there are bears I am moving.  This is not a question.  It is a statement.  And a very reasonable statement, too.

5.  Why do people say "Woot!"?  Where did it come from?  I prefer "Woo-hoo."  Seems a little more appropriate for a woman who is about to turn 30, such as myself.

6.  My mom thinks people can 3-way text, sort of like 3-way call.  Do you?

7.  If you homeschool, what is your favorite part?  Mine is getting to do school with them.  I love our curriculum and I love learning with them.  We are actually having a lot of fun.

8.  What is the worst part about homeschooling?  Mine is trying to keep the boys occupado and feeling insecure.  I often wonder if I am doing things "the right way."  And laundry.  I just think laundry brings out the worst in everything.

9.  Speaking of laundry, all of our whites are slowly turning a dingy rust color, on account of our well water.  This is just wrong.  And, yes, I use bleach.  Has anyone else ever encountered this problem?

10.  What is your favorite, quick main dish recipe?  I just discovered one that seemed simple enough.  Buy 1 pound of chicken strips from the deli and slice them into thirds.  Place them in a 13x9 pan and cover with a jar of spaghetti sauce and mozzerella cheese and bake for 30 minutes at 350.  Super easy way to make chicken parmesan.  I served it with spaghetti noodles.

11.  That was a lie.  I served it to no one. I made it and then I told my husband I was at my witt's end.  And he, being the loving husband that he is, told me to go for a walk and he would deal with serving the children the meal.

Holla, David.

Holla.

Happy Thursday!