Don't need no schoolin'

We are learning that McKenna is definitely not a morning person. She needs a slow ease into her day. If a slow ease is not available she locks down, digs her feet in and much frustration ensues. She doesn't want breakfast, she wants PJ's, a blanket, TV and the big red couch. It is not a pretty site. Especially because we have the exact total opposite in Bailey, her eyes pop open, without an alarm most of the time, and singing, dancing and skipping ensues. Could. not. be. more. opposite.

I have learned how to help McKenna ease into the day. First, go in and turn on her lamp, not the big blinding overhead light mind you, the quiet soft lamp. Then whisper in a positive voice that is completely ridiculous for that early in the morning, "Good morning sunshine, time to start a wonderful day of . . ." and we have to add incentive, something good that is to happen that day, something that really gets her blood pumping like: Dad is meeting you for lunch, we are having pancakes for breakfast, we get to check the mail for a package from Grandma, I'll give you $10 dollars if you get dressed in the next 5 minutes. Then just walk away and let it sink in, she has to come to me.

So here is the conversation the other day when no matter what we did, a slow ease into the day was NOT happening.

McKenna, "I don't want to go to school!"
Dad, "You have to go to school so that you can learn." To his credit, he is maintaining stellar control over his voice so as not to cross over to yelling and pulling what little is left of his hair out. And where am I in all this? I'm cowering in the kitchen praying that Mark doesn't turn the situation over to me.
McKenna, "I already know everything I need to know!
1. The earth turns around and around.
2. Jesus watches over us.
3. Milk makes my bones strong.
4. Fairies are real and they make magic.

Dad, "Huh, you've got a point"

She did not stay home but with that we eased into a bright beautiful day full of a 5 year old.

Know what happens when you add a Diet Coke to a Triple Fudge cake mix? This . . .

. . . and let me just tell you that IT. WORKS. I learned this trick from a friend and I was a skeptic but I thought, 'What the heck". If it doesn't work, I'm out an 80 cent cake mix and a 35 cent Diet Coke, it was worth the risk. And by doing it this way you eliminate the oil and eggs, which is a huge cut in calories and fat. We added a dollop of light whipped topping and it was gooooood stuff. The cake was moist, chocolatey and brought smiles to my family's face. Next time I'm going to use caffeine free for the kids sake.

Here is what last week looked like:


bright sunshine. We pulled out sandals and capris and basked in it. It didn't stick, it is gloomy and raining (why do I continue to be surprised and disappointed by this?) this week. I have to remind myself that all the gloom and rain makes for a lushious green landscape that we get to enjoy, oh, about 3 days out of the year.