A reflection

So, for those of you who either sold your stocks, bonds, or mutual funds yesterday, aren't you kicking yourself today? So what the market was down 7% in one day? It was up almost 5% today. I don't even look at my retirement stuff. I'm in it for the long run. In the 30-40 years that it will take for us to retire, I'm sure my returns will still average out to 8% a year.

I just laugh at the slephs that have all their money in the market even though they are retiring in the next year or so. When you are this close to retirement, its about preserving capitol, not taking big risks. People need to look at the big picture. BIG PICTURE PEOPLE! Dollar cost averaging, mutual funds and pension plans are all good words to me.

I'll be supporting their $685 monthly payments from social security anyway until I retire.

So, put away your tissues and lets talk about something positive.

Johnny has been a riot the last couple of days. He wakes up and he's trying to make us laugh. He has such a contagious laugh. I can't wait to see him as he progresses from a little boy to a big boy. Watch out world, here comes Johnny!

Brooke has been talking sentences and just plain old whiny. Not sure if we're going through premenstrual issues already or not. She wants all her boo-boos kissed. If she doesn't get her way, a fit is thrown, she's loud, she whines. What does she remind you of?

Matthew and the babies went to a playgroup sponsored by Birth to Three today. Matthew sang when the teachers sang, he participated in the activities. He did awesome. Hes more under responsive on a lot of issues. When we were reading books tonight, I would ask where things were and he was pointing them out and even when I asked what the pictures where he would name them. This is a big improvement.

Usually what happens is that John and Brooke beat him to the punch and then he just sits there. So I'm really proud that hes participating in activities.

Instead of being a hair cutter when he grows up, now Jacob wants to be an artist. He loves to draw. And I must say he has surpassed my abilities already. I'm so happy he has found a hobby that he really likes. He also said a prayer tonight for all of us. He said, "May God wipe away all our tears." And while I'm sure he learned it at school, I was really touched that he said that before the babies went to bed.

No throwing

Signal problems, wireless connections. Its the reason why I didn't post last night.

Brooke was sitting across from me at the table yesterday coloring. A marker rolled across the table right at me. So I tossed it back to her (gently) and she said, "No throwing Mama!"

Do as I say and not as I do.

Crossroads

I'm at a crucial crossroads in my life.

I can either lose the 20-30 lbs I want to lose, or gain 75 to 100 lbs over the next two years and try out for the Biggest Loser.

I think I could gain the weight quite easily as eating out has always come naturally to me. Also, chocolate, ice cream and chips are very agreeable too.
The downside of that is buying new or bigger clothes and frankly being a bit more tired due to the extra weight.
Also, I'd have to leave the kids behind while I was on the show. I'm not sure if that is a positive or negative.

Another first!

This was my day.

I got up and went to First-Aid training at the YMCA. Then I went to Sam's and got diapers and milk. Then I got home and put the kids to bed in which John still took off his duct-taped diaper and peed all over the crib. And Brooke woke up after a 1/2 hour screaming and not at all happy.

After naptime was over, Jacob, the babies, Luann and I went back to the YMCA for open swim. This was the first time for the babies to be in a pool of this size.

A summary of the events.

Jacob was jumping into the pool, diving under the water, finding the diving sticks, practicing his glide and paddle. I was so proud of him.

Brooke seemed most comfortable in the water and even tried blowing bubbles. She practiced kicking and paddling. John immediately did the doggy paddle when I put him on his front. Just proves that he is related to animals. Matthew was more content to play with the ball and other toys.

Matthew did step off the side into the pool and well, sunk like a lead balloon. But I was right there and just pulled him up. The water was 2' 10". Then he just played by the side and didn't want to come in until the end.

John, on the other hand, was reaching for something in the water and fell in. He looked like a seal entering the water and both Luann and I grabbed him and then made it seem like a fun thing he did. He loved to splash and tool around on the floaty things.

Then after this little girl vomited in the water and the pool was suddenly closed, we decided to get showered and dressed and head on home.

The four kids ate a 12 inch sub and each at a bowl of ice cream. Swimming must make everyone hungry!

And now I have to use my Dyson in the living room where the kids (Matthew) threw crackers.

Its a small, small world

How time flies. Summer is clinging here by its threads. In Wisconsin winter is our longest season. And its so hard to take the kids out to play when its -10. Or just getting them in and out of the car.


I feel like I've done a lot with the kids and we've spent a lot of time outside, but yet I feel like we have not done much at all. I don't want to over schedule us that I feel frazzled or the kids don't get to just be themselves and play.



Now that Jacob is in kindergarten, he's gone from 8:00 to 11:30 a.m., he's got swimming on Monday nights and Soccer on Thursdays. The babies have a playgroup on Tuesday mornings that is sponsored by Birth to Three.



I'd love to start the babies in another class. But I'd like to enjoy lazy mornings and afternoons a few days a week. And its such a pain getting them ready to go somewhere. It has gotten easier, but I hate to get the stroller out all the time to go into places and holding three children's hands is kinda hard.


This week when I was working at the YMCA, I met someone who I only had known in the blog world. I recognized the name and I introduced myself saying I was a friend of Michelle's and that I had read their blog before. Its kind of awkward meeting someone who you know a lot about, but yet, is it really comfortable talking about everything that is on their blog?

Going with the mob

Soccer practice. Was it really? Jacob likes to kick the ball around, but is very hesitant to join the mob in kicking the ball around. I'm sure you all know the scene. Four and five year olds stumbling, kicking and all withing a 5X5 foot radius trying to kick the ball towards there goal.

He'd much rather play goalie. We tried to get him to join in, but I think he just didn't like being "pushed" around.

After soccer practice, we went to Play it again sports and bought new soccer socks. In bright orange. It was the color he picked. His team is yellow and he picked out orange socks. He does dress with flair.

Waiting for 7 p.m.

Today we went to Oshkosh outlet mall and got a few things. We stopped at the YMCA and chased balls and dribbled and had mom running around the gym chasing things. So, I thought everyone would be tired when we got home. May be tired, but stubborn won out. John took off his diaper and screamed during naptime. So I duct taped it. Minutes later hes still screaming and I peeked in and his diaper was off. So this time I duct taped it more and just left him. I wasn't going to go in again. He thrives on attention - especially when its negative.

So I get him up when the others start stirring and he had his diaper off and he had peed in his bed. So I do the laundry... And he probably still took his diaper off again a few more times, even with diapers duct-taped. And then he took a diaper off when he was done messing in it. Sigh... If I only had four pairs of hands and four sets of eyes.

And then Jacob pushed John down outside and then John retaliated on Matthew by pouring water all over him and also pushing him around.

So... John goes in his crib while I calm Matthew down.

And now Johns bedding is on his crib and I'm just waiting for 7 p.m to hit so I can put him to bed. :)

Taking one for the team

I've done my own trials on products out there and this is what I've found.

Hanes no wedge underwear really does work and it cost smidgens of the price as Victorias Secret.

Victoria's secret makes really cute underwear, but it cannot hide the fact that I have a triplet belly. (i.e. jowls of the dog, extra skin, jiggly stuff)

A tennis ball works wonders on your back- save a trip to the chiropractor and all that other expensive stuff. Unless you can afford a massage. That trumps all.

Oxy clean can get 99% of all my families stains out. I soak the clothes overnight in hot water and a bunch of oxy clean. And I also use the oxy clean spray.

Steamed vegetable packs are just as good as the home grown stuff.

Yet another first

Well, John had his first (and only, I hope) visit to the plastic surgeon today.

Our appointment was at noon. I was running just on time, knowing I was late because of the 10 pages of paperwork I have to fill out as a new patient. Or the guardian of a new patient.

So I filled out the paperwork while John looked at his Thomas the Train activity book. Luckily I brought that because we didn't get in until 12:45. We saw the nurse. John sat on my lap and put his arm over his eyes. The doctor came in a few minutes later. He was such a great doctor, really relating to a two year old and just genuinely caring.

He looked at John graphite mark and felt it. He said that there was still some left in his temple. So he got out the tweezers and started prying and picking at the piece. I held on to Johns head and his flailing arms and legs. And a few times a stray leg almost kicked the doctor in his privates.

Then he got a needle out and tried to flick the piece out. He got most of it out and he hopes that since the wound is open and is bleeding that the body will expel it out by itself. Otherwise since graphite stains tissue, it could take months or years for the color to fade. And if it still bothers us when hes about 7, we can have it taken out then.

John actually handled it pretty well. He cried and tried to get away, but once the doctor was done, he was walking around and his normal self.

Another first

Brooke got her first haircut today. It was getting straggly in the back so I just trimmed the back. So it looks like she's got a cute little bob in the back. I'll upload some pictures when our picture finally gets fixed.

Surgeries, surgeons and vacuums

My Dyson still has not gone into the closet and I show it off to everyone who steps into the house. How dorky is that?

My connection keeps going down. Bad AirStation. I've typed this post three times.

So now it will be really brief.

John goes in to see the plastic surgeon on Monday due to the lead in his head. I hope insurance covers the cost or it will be coming out of Brooke's college fund.

I have to have surgery sometime in the near future for my carpal tunnel. I just have to plan it around Scott's schedule when he can take some time off.

Now I'm going to go play with my Dyson.

The right to have privacy

You know, I'm still really ticked off about last night. I'm sick of people coming to the door soliciting stuff. And at such weird hours too.

On a religious perspective, I can imagine how hard it would be to go out and witness your faith to others. However, I don't want it at my door. I don't care if it were someone from my own church. This is my house and if I want to find Jesus, I can turn on the radio, the TV, get on my computer, use the phone, or the old fashioned way of going to church.

The last time it was the Oreck Vacuum cleaner guy at 8:30 at night on a Saturday. Then some guy selling meat out of a big truck (not Schwanns) came at the babies naptime. Now this guy at 7:41 p.m. right before Monday Night Football and my kids bedtime.

Instead of a do not call list, we should have a do not solicit list that people have to follow too. I guess I can always post no trespassing signs all over and put up more no soliciting signs too.

A canvassing fantasy

This may contain language, bias and opinion that is not suitable for all ages.


So, I'm minding my own business in my own kitchen when I see two young men walk up to the door at 7:41 p.m. You know, the time I'm getting my children ready for bed?
I keep cleaning up, waiting to hear the doorbell, but I never hear it. So I walk to the door and walk out into the entrance and open the door.

Two kids, with bad haircuts, short-sleeves and too short ties, with name tags are on my doorstep. The one on the my left speaks. "I'm so and so and I'm here to spread the message from the church of Jesus Christ and the Latter Day Saints." And he's about to go on. Before he starts his, "Find Jesus" speech, I interrupt.

I ask them, "Do you know what time it is?" "Does your father have multiple wives?" "Are you brothers?" Which of course left them speechless and slack jawed. And then I closed the door and resumed putting my kids to bed.

Now the last paragraph was what I WANTED to say. What I really said was, "Thank you, but I already have a church." And then the one on the left asked, "Which church is it?" And my thought was, "Do you think I'm lying to you?" And I answered, "St. Peter Lutheran."

And THEN I went to my computer and printed off a "NO SOLICITING!" sign and put it on the front door. I think I may have one made from Uppercase Living. That's how serious I am about this.

Sickos Part II

So today at 4:30 a.m. Jacob got up to get some water. So that woke me up. Then Jacob couldn't get back to sleep so he got up to play. He kept coming in and waking me up. Then he had bathroom issues and I thought that now all the boys are sick. But, he has acted normally today and has not had anymore problems.

So today we continued the BATY diet. The kids were eating their toast. John was just sitting there whining. I sat down to eat my toast and John threw up on the table and all over my toast. So, my toast did not look appetizing and neither did anything else on the table. So I just threw everything away and washed all the washable stuff.

John slept about 7 minutes today and Matthew didn't at all. They are going to bed after this post. But on the positive side, John perked up tonight after I gave him an Oreo. He knows to pull it apart and eat the stuff inside. He may not know how to use the toilet, but he knows how to eat an Oreo.

Its going to be a long winter...

Sigh. Sigh! Is it over yet? Are we done? Can I stick a fork in it? On the positive side I have only had to do a few extra loads of laundry a day. And the boys haven't had tons of dirty, sloppy, icky diapers all day long, usually just one or two a day. But, vomit throws a wrench into my cleaning schedule. Matthew threw up earlier today. A little bit in the living room and then as I put him on the changing table, he vomited all over me, the changing table, the wall, all the little crevices that were around.

This is in the bottom five duties as a mom.

So the kids were on the BRAT diet today. I should say the BAT diet, Bananas, Apples and Toast diet. And they got Yogurt so that would make it BATY.

Today is the first day of bow hunting for deer here in Wisconsin. Scott let me sleep three hours today and then he went this afternoon. He shot a doe, but couldn't find it.

Oh, yeah. I forgot to mention that I'm coming down with something. But at least its not like what the kids have. I'm just a limp noodle who could sleep all the time. Its really the best kind of sick you could have when you have kids. I laid on the couch and they all just sat or laid on me.

Sickos

My little boys have diarrhea. They have had it since Tuesday or Monday. I don't know, the days all flow together. Brooke had it the week before just for a day or two. I'm ready for them to be done. I'd like to clean the carpeting.

I can tell its weighing on John as he is very quiet and sits on the couch. Matthew is still smiley, but has been laying down more. Too bad they can't sleep more.

My kids just don't understand that I have their lives mapped out for them. They need to nap for 2+ hours until they are at least three. At that time their crib sides will be lowered and they can get out as needed. I'll need to write up a plan and put it in their inboxes for them to read and then sign.

Nine Eleven

Seven years ago yesterday, our world was rocked. I can remember sitting at work, watching CNBC and hearing and seeing the coverage as the first plane crashed into one of the towers of the World Trade Center. I worked on a trading desk at Thrivent and my co-workers and I were getting our morning calls and reading research - waiting for the opening of the stock market. As we watched in horror, the second plane hit the next tower. This was a live shot.

Over the next few days and weeks I heard story after story of people who I worked with in the brokerage community talk about how it affected them or how they were on the phone with someone who worked in the tower and the phone just went dead. It gives me the shivers to this day.

One story in particular still gives me the shivers as I still think of it. A lady I worked with, Kathleen, she worked at Prudential somewhat near the towers. I visited her offices when I was there in 2000 and I remember driving past the Towers thinking, I will never go in there because I'm afraid of heights. They were magnificent.

So Kathleen has a younger brother James. He worked at Bridge, which is a company that has trading, analytic software, etc... James got a phone call from a co-worker who was sick. He couldn't make the demo that was going on in the Windows of the World restaurant that day. So he went in his co-workers place. HE WENT IN HIS CO-WORKERS PLACE. HE WAS NOT MEANT TO BE THERE. Except God had his plans for James. James was called to God's side on September 11th, 2001. His family realized late that day when James didn't come home and didn't answer his phone calls that something had happened. Later they found out that James went to the Towers instead of a co-worker.

I think we all go through rough times in our life where we question, "Why?" "Why me?" And I always try to put it in perspective. It could be worse. Losing a loved one in such a tragic, horrific way... Kathleen, if you read the blog. I love ya, girl! Everytime I bite into cheesecake, I still think of you! God bless your family!

Apple picking

Today, I had an EMG done on my hands to see if I have carpal tunnel. I have the symptoms of carpal tunnel and have done therapy this summer with some improvement. I had an EMG done in 2004 when I still worked. That time it showed that I did not have carpal tunnel. I remembered it being very painful.

So, needless to say, I was kinda apprehensive going there today. I got there and the nurse did the electric shock stuff to see how my nerves were reacting. Then the doc came in and did the needle stuff. It wasn't bad until they got to my right hand and put the needle in the muscle in my thumb. It still hurts like, like, well, really bad. Ice does help though.

The doc and my GP said I may have signs of arthritis too. I'm 33 years old. I've got 50 more years to live. I get the test results next week.

Well, my point was that a difficult pregnancy and being a parent makes pain management different. The EMG wasn't bad compared to a dental numbing or an epidural.

So then today I get home and the babies go down at 1:15 p.m. John never falls asleep and Brooke and Matthew wake up at exactly 2:15 p.m. screaming. And they sleep in different rooms. So I get all of them up and they are whiny, miserable, cranky children. Everyone wants to sit on my lap, but no one wants to be touched by the other. If you look at someone wrong, they cry. So I decide to take them to the Apple orchard and get some apples. Its the same orchard we go to every year. We couldn't pick apples from the tree yet, so we just bought some from their store. John snatched up apples that they were sorting and started eating them. And then put them back. The other two had more manners and waited for me to give them the "sample" apples. We came home with a bag of apples and two containers of caramel.

On the way home we stopped at a friends house who used to help out with the babies when they were actually babies. Donna has a hobby farm with 2 horses and about 18 cats. The kids were thrilled with all the cats running around. Brooke touched the electric fence, but either it was between shocks or her rubber soles prevented her from getting shocked. We fed the horses the apples that the kids were eating. They petted the horses, although the babies were intimidated by the sizes of the horses.

There were six brand new kitties that we got to hold. The other cats don't let you get that close to them for petting. The cats are grey and orange tabby and calico. Cosmo is a calico so I have a fondness for Donna's cats.

Then we went home and took a bath and got the farm smell off of all of us.

The streaker

This is for yesterdays post. My sister has been married 25 years. 25 years. Wow. Scott and I have been married 9 years this year. I'm hoping that at 25 years that Scott and I can take a vacation that isn't kid oriented. Or just a vacation.

Diapers. Why do the kids want to take them off? John purposely takes off his diaper and flaunts it in my face.

I heard Jacob yelling that John had his diaper off. I came into the room with John running naked and Brooke chasing him with a diaper wipe. Scott happened to walk in the house at this time seeing me chasing Brooke, chasing John.

John tends to throw his diaper behind the couch or chair.

Now, I know that there are some of you that think, "maybe he's ready to be potty-trained." No, because John isn't your typical child. He does this to get a rise out of me.

parking

Our local walmart now has parking for expectant mothers and for senior citizens. Where was this 2 1/2 years ago when I really needed it? I'm going to request triplet parking signs.

End of an era

Today my family attended a retirement "roast" for the Pastor of our church. (My extended family, Scott stayed home with the kiddos) This Pastor baptized me, confirmed me, married me, and baptized my children (a couple of them twice). He had been with our church for 34 years. I grew up with his children, spent many hours watching TV and playing in the cemetery and even a few sleep-overs in the cemetery. Which is really creepy.

We have a new Pastor who came to us a few years ago and he has really fit well into our church. He's got great sermons, personable and (my favorite) very organized.

Its still hard to think of our church without thinking of Pastor Ash.

John had a challenging day sensory wise. He was mouthing everything and everyone. He was running and jumping and beating and banging into everything. He was aggressive with his siblings. He's got to touch and crawl and sit on everything. I tried doing some bouncing with him on my exercise ball and got out some other sensory play- exercises that the therapists do with us. It really didn't help. Scott played catch with all the kids in the living room and he seemed to really like that and wasn't tackling anything then.

When we were outside today he was putting rocks into his mouth. I got his chewy toys out, but cars and other off-limit things are much more interesting to put into his mouth. He also enjoys ripping out Brooke's barrette from her hair. He was so rough yesterday, I thought she wouldn't have any hair left.

I'm really hoping that contact sports will be good for him when he's older. Only two more years to flag football...

Feed me, feed me!

I went to bed kinda late last night. Jacob crawled into bed with me at 3:17 a.m. He had a really stuffy nose and couldn't sleep. I get up to give him some medicine and we lay down. He can't breathe out of his nose and he's must not be used to breathing out of his mouth. So, if you can imagine, it was very nosy and not rhythmic breathing. Finally, I woke him up to blow his nose and that helped the noise level. Finally when the sun was just peaking into the room, he was breathing somewhat normally and I could get some sleep.

And then Brooke woke up at 6:30 a.m.

So when Scott got up today, I asked if I could go back to bed. He had to be to work at 9:30 a.m. an so I got to sleep for a little bit. Its hard taking care of kids when you're really tired. I've forgotten what its like.

Today, as I was eating lunch, Brooke decided she wanted to feed me herself. So she was using the fork to feed me this potato, cheese, hamburger, refried bean BBQ stuff. It wasn't sticking together the best so she slowly fed me piece by piece. I realized that for people who are dieting, this is the way to eat. If they have 20 minutes or so. I'm writing in to WW and tell them my idea.

She was so proud of herself. She kept saying, "Mmmmm, good." As I ate it. It was so cute.

School days

It has been two days in a row that I have walked Jacob into his classroom and there were no tears. Lots of hugs and kisses, which I love. Tonight as we talked about school, I think he loves the learning, but is still finding his spot in the social scene. It is really surprising to me that he can be so outgoing and funny outside of school and then when he gets into this school situation, he doesn't know how to interact with the kids.

Top ten list

The older I get, the more I realize how bizarre some people's acts are. There are just people out in this world who should not reproduce. As you read the paper or see the news, everyday there is so much violence, stupidity, etc... It just makes me want to lock my door and never let my children out.

Random thoughts by Jean.

1. I'm so glad that Brooke didn't poke John's eye out with the pencil.
2. I should take away all sharp objects. No pencils until they are 3 or 4.
3. I heard three really good Metallica songs on the radio. Jacob told me that he really likes "tallica". And then he started growling.
4. I also heard NKOTB today on the radio and could not stop smiling. Such hokey songs.
5. I cannot believe that NKOTB is back together and going to perform their hokey songs. Thirtysomething year old men dancing around funny? My favorite was Joey.
6. I really don't like getting up early to take Jacob to school.
7. I really like Sarah Polin.
8. Its because she's pro-life and thats one of my very important issues.
9. I can't wait to work tomorrow at the Y. I really like that place.
10. This is a pretty dumb list.
    

Attempted homicide

If you kill your brother is it called genocide then?

A 911 call was put into suspects father when the suspect decided to stab her brother in the face with a pencil. The suspect had no remorse for the incident and felt she was justified in self-defense due to the fact that her brother got into her personal space.

The suspects father wasn't overall concerned but did suggest that I take away sharp objects.

Another call was put into the pediatricians nurse. She said that pencils are no longer made with lead and we don't have to worry about lead poisoning. However, there is some "lead" in the wound yet and victims mom cleaned the wound and also put hydrogen peroxide on the wound and a bunch of triple antibiotic ointment.

If victim starts to act funny or foams from the mouth, I will take him to emergency.

Book of Life

The kids and I went outside early this morning and played, then ate messy foods right before bathtime. Birth to three came over and John really interacted well and was talking up a storm. I don't think Matthew said two words during the whole thing.

I decided to go to Sam's Club after lunch due to the fact we were out of Margarita mix, diapers, milk - all the essentials. I actually sat the kids at the bench and had them eat a snack and that worked out pretty well. I didn't lose anyone and no one fell off the bench. Well, at least not backwards.

As we were going to check out Brooke reached out to touch the lady ahead of us. I told her not to touch the lady in front of us. The lady turned around and we started talking. She told me she had a friend who had tried for years to have kids and now just had twins who were in the NICU. I told her about FVMOM and gave her one of my ribbonandglue cards so that the twin mom could contact me if she wanted too.

As we checked out she mentioned she had a son pass away last year. I gave her my condolences and she went on to say she had him for 23 years and she was thankful to God for that. She had mentioned he just had graduated and went out to California for a job and passed away there. Something clicked in my head. I asked her if he attended Fox Valley Lutheran (my alumni). She said that he had and his name was Ian. Small world that it is, Mark and Luann, who come over... their son was good friends with Ian. We talked some more about how life is so precious. Ian's name was written in the Book Of Life it little earlier than most people.

We kept chatting out in the parking lot, with both of us having tears in our eyes. But she told me to cherish every moment with my kids because it goes fast. She had such a uplifting attitude about Ian and that he was with God now. I think that conversation really strengthened my faith and reminded me that God has a plan for us all. We just have to trust Him.

Kids are pretty intuitive. I wonder why Brooke decided to try to reach out to her.

Excuses, excuses.

Today, I woke up Jacob from a sound, sound sleep for school. He slithered down the stairs with his blanket. I told him to go get dressed. He said that he wasn't going to school because he had the flu.


Good thing he wasn't looking at me when he said it, I cracked up and even had tears in my eyes over that one. I can't believe in Kindergarten he's already making up excuses not to go to school! What will he think of next?

Attack of the Killer B's.

Oh, this brings me back to sitting in my room listening to Anthrax. They made an appearance on Married with Children and even on Sesame Street. I love this CD and I think I still have it...somewhere.

But I regress, so the babies and I went outside to splash in the pool. Brooke points out a bee. I kill it. Then I see more. So while the kids are playing in the pool, I'm running around killing bees. After about 20-25 bees, I admitted defeat and called for a retreat of the troops.

I know my neighbor told me that he had a bee hive he was going to get rid of, but I think this is coming from the hated crab apple tree right outside of the house. I didn't want to keep spraying insecticide, so I put a plastic bottle of soda outside (like the directions said on the "humane way to kill" a bee website) and hope to entrap a bunch of bees. How is it humane to have them drown in soda? I would think a crushing blow by my foot would be more humane? Or even a little perfume to drown them in and then a blow by my foot.