17 month old Toddlers

Toddler time out ( a daily ritual)!!!!

Perhaps you have heard the Toddler rules of possession... if not let me remind you.

1. If I like it, it's mine.
2. If it's in my hand, it's mine.
3. If I can take it from you, it's mine.
4. If I had it a little while ago, it's mine.
5. If it's mine, it must NEVER appear to be yours in anyway.
6. If I'm doing or building something, all the pieces are mine.
7. If it looks just like mine, it is mine.
8. If I saw it first, it's mine.
9. If you are playing with something and you put it down, it automatically becomes mine.
10. If it's broken, it's yours.

Having 3 toddlers in our house I have discovered a few more of their rules. Mind if I share?

1. If it is on, I must turn it off.

2. If it is off, I must turn it on.

3. If it is folded, it must be unfolded.

4. If it is a liquid, it must be shaken then spilled. If it is a solid, it must be crumbled, chewed,

then smeared into the carpet.

5. If it is plugged, it must be unplugged.

6. If it is not trash, it must be thrown away. If it is in the trash, it must be removed, inspected,

then thrown on the floor.

7. If it is closed, it must be opened. If it will not open, it must be screamed at.

8. If Mommy's hands are full, I must be carried.

9. If Mommy is in a hurry and wants to carry me, I must walk alone.

10. If it is paper, it must be torn. If it is toilet paper, it must be unrolled on the floor.

11. If it is on my tray, it must be dropped on the floor.

12. If it is food, it must not be tasted.

13. If it is not food, it must be tasted.

14. If it is dry, it must be made wet with drool, milk, or toilet water.

15. If it is a carseat, it must be protested with an arched back.

16. If you are a sibling, you must be bitten at least once a day. Lay off MY things!

If I understood these rules, I would perhaps be the world's greatest mommy. However, I have come to accept that I will never figure them out. So, for now, while I try to get through each frustrating day, I will cherish these times because they will soon pass. My babies wont be babies anymore and I will be wanting to trade those teenagers (with a whole different set of problems) for babies once again.

Here are a few pictures to offset my negative comments. They really are precious children and I wouldn't trade them (or my crazy life) for the world. Also, a picture of the "big kids" All of whom celebrated birthdays last month. Courtney -8 Lindsay -5 and Zack 3. Where has the time gone?