As of recent, I have been trying to come up with new activities/games for my kids to do. Staying inside the house (mostly just our house) all day with the same old toys just doesn't meet the demands of a 17-month old, and more specifically an almost 3-year old. And going to Grandma's and Grandpa's house every day just might wear out the excitement of that idea. Some things we've tried--on days that are too cold to go outside--are baking cookies (Carter loves the cookie dough, and helping to make it, but Emmy gets a little restless during this one), playing with play-dough (Carter also loves this one, but Em still tries to eat it), reading stories, playing guns (maybe not the best activity, but Carter and Emily both get a kick out of that one:o)), and occasionally watching a movie (okay, maybe the movie-watching is a little more frequent than "occasionally"). If the kids will sit down to watch a movie, that is usually the only time I have to myself during the day. Yes, Carter is watching a movie right now, and Emmy is taking a nap.

These games we play are fun and have helped to make rambunctious days fun days too, but I'm afraid they're getting old. So, today I got online to look for some new ideas. While doing so, I left the kids upstairs playing for about five minutes. I went up to find Carter and Emily helping themselves to some yogurt straight out of the carton. Em was covered pretty much from head to toe.

I had already sent Carter to the bathroom out of frustration before I thought to take a picture. He wasn't near as covered as he had a spoon to eat with, and Emmy, just her hands. Just this morning while I was getting ready they did the exact same thing with a bowl of frosting. Am I being too neglectful?

Reflecting on today's messes has made me think a lot about some of the things I have learned- or should have learned by now- to avoid or deal with, being the mother of two very energetic kids, a 1 and 2 year old, just 16-1/2 months apart.

1. Keep as close supervision as possible 110% of the time!

2. Never leave open bags of cereal, crackers, or anything of the like within reach. It will end up scattered across the kitchen/dining room floors.

3. If they are laughing histerically at each other in the next room, most likely something is being destroyed or thrown about all over the premices.

4. Never ever ever plan a shopping trip "for fun" with just you and the two of them. You may end up chasing them in the dressing room from stall to stall in your scivies.

5. The bathtub requires extremely close supervision. If you choose not to, the whole bathroom may be flooded, not to mention the damage done below in the basement bathroom.

6. Just try to get up and get ready before the kids are awake, otherwise you may look like you just got out of bed for the rest of the day.

7. Always, always, always have something for them to do so their energy is put to good use and not toward destruction.

8. I love my kids more and more every day despite the messes I am faced with.

9. Potty training for 8 months and counting is not my idea of fun!

10. My kids are the stinkin' cutest kids in all the world, and I wouldn't trade them for anything!

11. My husband is pretty dang amazing too, and I love him more than ever!

Just because I know some things to do or not to do doesn't mean I always do or don't do it. Thus, my life is an adventure each and every day!! :o)