tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55818069689253708682024-02-06T21:53:31.824-08:00Crazy Cruz HouseWe are a family of 4, or 6 if you count our once spoiled dogs. After 6 yrs of marriage, we added twin boys to the mix. They were 1 year when we made the trip to Ethiopia and it was love at first sight. Since then, Michael spends his days working as a Chiropractor and I love being a stay at home mom. Okay, I am way stressed and need more down time, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. So, between 2 hyper dogs and 2 rambunctious boys, we are definitely the Crazy Cruz household.gr8dc2bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07379231519647681256noreply@blogger.comBlogger72125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581806968925370868.post-4155891444675920442010-09-20T23:34:00.001-07:002010-09-20T23:45:48.015-07:00Monday Night Football<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrQbrLatw9KsB9ase3GIifzcI17bmShOqmQjp6Ic_NvS1HTpq5WwC4LV2ug7tvotXOWo-ZkACCgtkp-mDS1LoLyPliZ2K0FvVE5wnAzzPRtrsHCgbsDI3cvyu69wCvnhtoVr-1t2ndFtk/s1600/188.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519253753822132130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrQbrLatw9KsB9ase3GIifzcI17bmShOqmQjp6Ic_NvS1HTpq5WwC4LV2ug7tvotXOWo-ZkACCgtkp-mDS1LoLyPliZ2K0FvVE5wnAzzPRtrsHCgbsDI3cvyu69wCvnhtoVr-1t2ndFtk/s320/188.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2iXICpS-tHrdvfK1RKsZI36sHyMZbq7hygsQ_3KNfzojZketCpusVJxSkRJz4h0bRbM9HrsoMwNS7yRGfnavG_xBLw8Ig5JNADXyEvqUvFlpLqZVGAr1K56IIasfQNotUsaED9BVHlig/s1600/new+ff+photo.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519251704463915746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2iXICpS-tHrdvfK1RKsZI36sHyMZbq7hygsQ_3KNfzojZketCpusVJxSkRJz4h0bRbM9HrsoMwNS7yRGfnavG_xBLw8Ig5JNADXyEvqUvFlpLqZVGAr1K56IIasfQNotUsaED9BVHlig/s320/new+ff+photo.jpg" /></a> Poor guys. It is football season and because of fantasy football, mommy goes crazy over each and every game. Of course, tonight was no different. The boys enjoy pacing with me and jumping up and down and cheering for my players. And, I won the week by a mere 0.5 pts....it looks. These weekly antics did come in handy when they had to cheer Daddy during the corporate football competition. They may not have noticed that Daddy's small chiro office got spanked by the huge Walmart team, but it was nice to hear them screaming, "Go Daddy! TD Daddy!" Well it was nice for the first 15 minutes of the 1.5 hr game. Love you guys. I dug these pictures out from last year's Super Bowl party. It was fitting for tonight's game.<br /><br /><div></div></div>gr8dc2bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07379231519647681256noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581806968925370868.post-87198675849848682432010-01-06T23:13:00.000-08:002010-01-06T23:49:24.443-08:00It's Alive!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtoR5bACq6ulUmmN1hQSzkZXiZw0xX-CWZ22iaS2xGY3zduoAix41t0xeHWry3BX9m31276S1mDWtSAGyMqHyf_fvnN8_fGcqSvLLr1Yqk72hXBcPzh41EP5jPYqeGwyfj1A-DOI7XN30/s1600-h/xmas+09+024+mod.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423893510368972050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtoR5bACq6ulUmmN1hQSzkZXiZw0xX-CWZ22iaS2xGY3zduoAix41t0xeHWry3BX9m31276S1mDWtSAGyMqHyf_fvnN8_fGcqSvLLr1Yqk72hXBcPzh41EP5jPYqeGwyfj1A-DOI7XN30/s320/xmas+09+024+mod.jpg" /></a> Okay, this blog has been seriously dead. I find time to update my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">facebook</span> pics and add little <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">tid</span>bits on my status updates. I am lazy. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Arghhhh</span>. I have probably forgotten a million very cute, very important things already. Shame on me.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBEWqET5bjtHYRBTY87EQDB2LiLjxFpXRAA8ztYTbh5FYnYX6AcQ8NPUvwdYJ2lR8C9-NsdJbaF0_MFbjNjI-xnfogRMCSGyP4a42SOSa9B1niVlq5_YFIsYa4Cs-lQlgHdaGAGvTTg_M/s1600-h/xmas+09+6+mod.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423893507497823666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBEWqET5bjtHYRBTY87EQDB2LiLjxFpXRAA8ztYTbh5FYnYX6AcQ8NPUvwdYJ2lR8C9-NsdJbaF0_MFbjNjI-xnfogRMCSGyP4a42SOSa9B1niVlq5_YFIsYa4Cs-lQlgHdaGAGvTTg_M/s320/xmas+09+6+mod.jpg" /></a> I will try to review a couple of things and it probably will be a little too brief. As you can see, Ben and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Seb</span> are perfectly wonderful. They are outspoken little hams. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Seb</span>, still the silly performer and always wanting to please everyone, and Ben the stubborn, head strong smarty pants. <br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUL72xXNW0nU7AYh9ExXGyyxLjJnrUhT_808gweZugtsUySHq7K2n-uuYe8I1wpJfFZQEaKq5xQTUCrx_RMxyzcOhJWIHCP3ZwLFRe7vuzF7xkVEhA5OZr3wYFs0l2bqdCK1PKUEBtRqI/s1600-h/thanksgiving+09+mod+3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423893497464274626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUL72xXNW0nU7AYh9ExXGyyxLjJnrUhT_808gweZugtsUySHq7K2n-uuYe8I1wpJfFZQEaKq5xQTUCrx_RMxyzcOhJWIHCP3ZwLFRe7vuzF7xkVEhA5OZr3wYFs0l2bqdCK1PKUEBtRqI/s320/thanksgiving+09+mod+3.jpg" /></a> They both talk non stop now. They speak in long sentences with quite the vocabulary. Some phrases that come out of their mouths make me do a double take. They can recite their ABC's courtesy of their frequent viewing of Super Why. They can count to 20, but sometimes will skip the number 14.....both of them do this, even when reciting separately. They know every nursery rhyme under the sun and love to sing them with hand motions. Ben resorts to singing Pat A Cake <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">every time</span> he is in trouble because he knows that his cute <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">rendition</span> makes me smile and melts the frustration before the first line is done. They love books and to play outside. They like to play restaurant in their play house and come up with the craziest <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">scenarios</span>. They fight like brothers, but also acknowledge that they are <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">each other's</span> "Best Friend". <br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFjouY9IJh-hmsBxxnwQyTFvPiNt1p68FWb05pL7qip8MLO1F2Z_zl_ANs6umtC8OCUPYQGVWzDHVQ2IYyRpPj36vAEclFhVWxdvuqnju7j7onrdt-rlr_FNcSJouiIJqZMy2CYzYmMiM/s1600-h/Picture+003+mod.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423893492970629298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFjouY9IJh-hmsBxxnwQyTFvPiNt1p68FWb05pL7qip8MLO1F2Z_zl_ANs6umtC8OCUPYQGVWzDHVQ2IYyRpPj36vAEclFhVWxdvuqnju7j7onrdt-rlr_FNcSJouiIJqZMy2CYzYmMiM/s320/Picture+003+mod.jpg" /></a><br />They still love Thomas the Train. I fear this love of Thomas will never end and I am still looking for a break from those endless string of Thomas videos. I can't believe how grown up they are. I can't believe the pieces of me I see in them......both the good and the bad. <br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZgLkP3Wdx4QKl3lif1NT8P03-AYwg_J97MSFQc7dlCRjrOw1I9dLra175In0vfMJNxxJL9QpHa9MUuTzxZ7ilavCPkb4zMWVSuuMPB3ne7YQLXZTKWr7JEaM9gjJWI_WK_C-K40fZiLM/s1600-h/100_0930+sep+09+mod.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423893487180128674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZgLkP3Wdx4QKl3lif1NT8P03-AYwg_J97MSFQc7dlCRjrOw1I9dLra175In0vfMJNxxJL9QpHa9MUuTzxZ7ilavCPkb4zMWVSuuMPB3ne7YQLXZTKWr7JEaM9gjJWI_WK_C-K40fZiLM/s320/100_0930+sep+09+mod.jpg" /></a><br />I love these guys so much. Every night I tell them how much I love them, how proud I am of what they have accomplished that day and how they have made me happy. Every night I choke up when I do this. I love my babies. Although Ben would remind me....."No mommy. We're not babies. We're boys!" <br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div>gr8dc2bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07379231519647681256noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581806968925370868.post-62710054831696085372009-07-06T08:47:00.001-07:002009-07-06T09:30:13.707-07:00Memorial Day WeekendAll hope of ever catching my blog up are futile. I have a sneaking suspicion that I will never actually attain such a feat. But, here we go anyway.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6M7E_VD177cEXNJsUI7cBYClKc5QW0-uqPtN4vMD3ZwVJom4FKf9-idRr0Y6Vn85hcP8iA49tCBEBnqEYGPxt4khC17cud6mPlb9uM7VOjSm9h6CEcRqHr85KSkqs-trGG8h693ZJUPs/s1600-h/May+2009+memorial+day+018.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355375081627770978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6M7E_VD177cEXNJsUI7cBYClKc5QW0-uqPtN4vMD3ZwVJom4FKf9-idRr0Y6Vn85hcP8iA49tCBEBnqEYGPxt4khC17cud6mPlb9uM7VOjSm9h6CEcRqHr85KSkqs-trGG8h693ZJUPs/s320/May+2009+memorial+day+018.jpg" /></a> Memorial Day Weekend we went up north to visit the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">parentals</span>. The boys can't get enough of the attention. A weekend full of two sets of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">grandparents</span> who don't get nearly enough time with their <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">grand kids</span> on a regular basis leads to a lot of fun for the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">grand kids</span>. We spent a lot of time with both sets of parents. We all ate too much. We went to a softball game where my old High School was playing for the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">championship</span>. This gave a chance for my mom to show off her <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">grand babies</span> to all of her friends in the softball world. One of the cool things about this was that I was able to meet Willie McGee....baseball great who once played for the A's and Giants. His daughter plays in the league and so my mom has gotten to know him rather well. He is a very nice guy and I hope his hand shake gave the boys a little baseball magic.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXqLFxCbAB8oV5wiEbYmHuuFdssb1_RD3D8NSSdE2YWbSAAGKufkm3xOKxl50HUHws74iMDYc6gCsFYsQC9qLvY1LQ_fBam-GlZmOUebLOPrZGnuW7bioTCkI_niXGMWYhCnBJcpGJQJc/s1600-h/May+2009+memorial+day+012.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355375075403648226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXqLFxCbAB8oV5wiEbYmHuuFdssb1_RD3D8NSSdE2YWbSAAGKufkm3xOKxl50HUHws74iMDYc6gCsFYsQC9qLvY1LQ_fBam-GlZmOUebLOPrZGnuW7bioTCkI_niXGMWYhCnBJcpGJQJc/s320/May+2009+memorial+day+012.jpg" /></a> How could I forget the boys' favorite part of our trip. First on the agenda was Pixie <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Playland</span>, a toddler amusement park. The boys loved it and blew through ride tickets at an astounding pace. Of course, there was a train that went around the park. There was a tunnel and ducks and a lot to do geared especially to their age range. The boys loved it!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbRlN-7g77A5qtNva8JWqEk-l2ihiNYMcT0ZhRpu1WM5Qb5VZBnCpoL1cMyOhu5SyhxALllavGhrCjl7jEr7ReF7_aOjqg9UEMQO35y_l9dKBqMCmHCpduejrw46i0ahRexZL3TGZfdkY/s1600-h/May+2009+memorial+day+009.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355375069903516626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbRlN-7g77A5qtNva8JWqEk-l2ihiNYMcT0ZhRpu1WM5Qb5VZBnCpoL1cMyOhu5SyhxALllavGhrCjl7jEr7ReF7_aOjqg9UEMQO35y_l9dKBqMCmHCpduejrw46i0ahRexZL3TGZfdkY/s320/May+2009+memorial+day+009.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgegYI5gpRZM35wqqDbMKgAm4DU9nmwxL2SN8IrW7yc9daotDRbWQ-MsHM-Ln0afJ9mQ57_GsEkz_cwWKJdkstiJBwWWjsFEr5gIl3WN0ZOABdjG-_UWfvBsNRUe7TkgYbnhjzVeE-oYTU/s1600-h/May+2009+memorial+day+005.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355375067452647362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgegYI5gpRZM35wqqDbMKgAm4DU9nmwxL2SN8IrW7yc9daotDRbWQ-MsHM-Ln0afJ9mQ57_GsEkz_cwWKJdkstiJBwWWjsFEr5gIl3WN0ZOABdjG-_UWfvBsNRUe7TkgYbnhjzVeE-oYTU/s320/May+2009+memorial+day+005.jpg" /></a> They had cars for the boys to drive. That was a ride it was hard to convince them to stray from. We also went on two roller coasters. The boys were not so sure how to feel about those. One was a dragon with big hills. I really <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">underestimated</span> how fast it could go. The boys didn't cry, but I don't think that Ben has ever clung to me so tight as he did on that ride. After the first go round I was hoping it was over. Of course, we went around three times before the attendant stopped the ride. Now, I love roller coasters. I have <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">ridden</span> them as long as I could remember. But, that dragon was kinda freaky. I don't know if I was scared because of the company I kept or because it was really all that fast or because of the surprise of how fast it came to be, but......I was glad that they didn't circle around to ride that thing again. When asked if the dragon was fun, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Seb</span> without hesitation said,"Yes....but, it was <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">soooo</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">fassssss</span>. I get too scared. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">Fassss</span>. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">Fassss</span>. I done."<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigekiX4HOIO-KxnNI-l8xpXoSf3w4svst3NDJWvUq9L6ZxxX3Yka4ntu1YR3jz2AAEKL7J50clT9HLSNXLUma732gXwverDV3XACCAilABahmQzLv3lw6WEVma5oIBvCk26jDrzvdsBNM/s1600-h/May+2009+memorial+day+002.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355375060545070370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigekiX4HOIO-KxnNI-l8xpXoSf3w4svst3NDJWvUq9L6ZxxX3Yka4ntu1YR3jz2AAEKL7J50clT9HLSNXLUma732gXwverDV3XACCAilABahmQzLv3lw6WEVma5oIBvCk26jDrzvdsBNM/s320/May+2009+memorial+day+002.jpg" /></a> The boys also rode in this plane ride that not only goes around, but they control it going up and down. I was quite nervous with this one because we couldn't ride with them. I was secretly thinking.....What if they want off and jump out as the ride is high up in the air? I think the terror had tears in my eyes....I am an <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">overprotective</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">wimp</span> when it comes to my babies, you know. Of course, they were fine. No daredevil antics. Ben didn't care for it all that much, but again, didn't protest. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error">Seb</span>, once he learned the controls, took the plane high up in the air. He liked it a lot and decided to return to the plane a couple more times. Brother did not ride it again however and promptly returned to the cars which were safely on the ground at all times. All in all, it was a very nice weekend.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div>gr8dc2bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07379231519647681256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581806968925370868.post-85524558005276042009-06-01T09:24:00.000-07:002009-06-01T10:06:43.627-07:00The 3 yr old Photo ShootA little more catching up.......<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Nu1dZ75SSpbfZzmnKSbDq4iyBQP1gwYZADOsQxg-1Lx19EiZ14nXC7xIXi7piw_tD3VlU3LgSkBNnCjNomNIi4wAQ9pfnbr6uUk3-9pWhxKiDplZkyhShdgCxvFzRWsFvP_-Yk7ze8I/s1600-h/41+mod.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 256px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342396563921312082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Nu1dZ75SSpbfZzmnKSbDq4iyBQP1gwYZADOsQxg-1Lx19EiZ14nXC7xIXi7piw_tD3VlU3LgSkBNnCjNomNIi4wAQ9pfnbr6uUk3-9pWhxKiDplZkyhShdgCxvFzRWsFvP_-Yk7ze8I/s320/41+mod.jpg" /></a> So, obviously I don't mean a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">photo shoot</span> from three years ago, but do in fact mean that we took our yearly trip to Sears for a birthday <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">photo shoot</span>. So, yes, the following are the boys' third year birthday pictures. Of course, they are as handsome as ever and such big boys now. And, what a difference a year makes. Although the pictures came out just as great last year, it was quite the process. Last year, Mike had to grunt at the photographer just to take a picture when the boys looked still and decent. The boys were all over the place. Running here, running there, unable to take direction and definitely a handful.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOC4hH5EJSLZBFjl2h4o24W67HSHNjyfT_st5AuVNjueWqZJgX12kkmUuvbk6vaGKgt8ZpB8qQfBmrf7uOI0pIDgf9ub5o-3uJCi5fr4gcDq824_3MjFRX3oPMZ3eCuT_XzvkKs3T09vQ/s1600-h/31+mod.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 256px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342396490766167778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOC4hH5EJSLZBFjl2h4o24W67HSHNjyfT_st5AuVNjueWqZJgX12kkmUuvbk6vaGKgt8ZpB8qQfBmrf7uOI0pIDgf9ub5o-3uJCi5fr4gcDq824_3MjFRX3oPMZ3eCuT_XzvkKs3T09vQ/s320/31+mod.jpg" /></a> This year, now that they are big boys, it was much, much, easier. The boys actually posed. They did not run around the studio room in a frenzy. They may not have held their hands where directed for long periods of time, but at least the bodies were in one place. And they did good. Quite the hams.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMBGCUpnq1ReLTglLMrCiNlCCsPobHQ5o79Bem3NprKjGN4czsJwLLCbiPDob-UcDHzjcsmzqL8DQ54jh96N7jP-qVTd-XmNvvC0fqng1JBkqe8GIRWLGVcQimLe-TawAdx0s_k5SzjcQ/s1600-h/21+mod.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342396485019510322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMBGCUpnq1ReLTglLMrCiNlCCsPobHQ5o79Bem3NprKjGN4czsJwLLCbiPDob-UcDHzjcsmzqL8DQ54jh96N7jP-qVTd-XmNvvC0fqng1JBkqe8GIRWLGVcQimLe-TawAdx0s_k5SzjcQ/s320/21+mod.jpg" /></a> It is really scary how time flies. And, I know, I am a broken record on that one.....but, in the day to day, things just melt together. Then, before you know it, you are looking at a picture and thinking, "Wow. When did they get this big? This old." Yes, I know they are 3 and last year they were 2. But, those are just numbers. Then they come up with something new.....something that is probably a symptom of being 3 and it forces you to really stop and think. It makes you think of all that has happened in the past year/years and how happy that you are that you didn't miss any of those little things. For every time I have complained about missing out on something for myself......it reminds me why I am happy to not go to this movie or that party. I have gained so much more in being present. In spending time with my boys while I can....while they want me to spend time with them. While I am their <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">everything</span>, as they are mine.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjsDVxUgwVTvdP0zX4Kf6sRAyy_3XQUZ8KW8byIKtLN7bC_l2PTUmhuYzXiyYn1lcNQEdgram0vXUcJEnifCT2rGzDJZWUkrPPlg8xXIy0pkplGEvbIrKj6rsI_I7oDaqyuX9IDgRGTbA/s1600-h/10+mod.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342396480070942706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjsDVxUgwVTvdP0zX4Kf6sRAyy_3XQUZ8KW8byIKtLN7bC_l2PTUmhuYzXiyYn1lcNQEdgram0vXUcJEnifCT2rGzDJZWUkrPPlg8xXIy0pkplGEvbIrKj6rsI_I7oDaqyuX9IDgRGTbA/s320/10+mod.jpg" /></a> So, yes......I hate watching Thomas a million times in a row. I do get a little exasperated with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Seb's</span> constant need for my attention. "Mama, mama.....I have to tell you something. I have to show you something. Mama.....will you sit with me? Will you read to me? Mama, I need you." I am glad that even if I don't get to take a shower right away in the morning or if I don't get to use the restroom exactly when I need to.....that I make the time to listen to what he has to tell me or see what he wants to show me....even if it was a ploy just to get my attention when I was trying to sneak away to wash the dishes or straighten the house. Even if I have seen or heard whatever revolutionary news he wants to share just ten minutes ago. I am happy that my answer is usually yes to sitting with him and reading with him because especially before bed, those are special times we have together that I will remember and I hope that they will remember too. Even if right now the wonder twins are making me read two Thomas the Tank Engine books about nine times each before falling asleep. It is a small price to pay to be such an important, wanted and loved person in their lives.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8GtFo79AY8BIxi26ieO2-9x5JotelbVGs-3hLE6HbJID55TZ-9oRG-bxhcHEYiqst3ofSUTqPXuZoSvK9B6ZJg1Fyl3ixJJQGai5DOZyDbcCl22p-YumQ2LD9_hamTTyfLmAi6dMlRkA/s1600-h/3+mod.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342396482393564386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8GtFo79AY8BIxi26ieO2-9x5JotelbVGs-3hLE6HbJID55TZ-9oRG-bxhcHEYiqst3ofSUTqPXuZoSvK9B6ZJg1Fyl3ixJJQGai5DOZyDbcCl22p-YumQ2LD9_hamTTyfLmAi6dMlRkA/s320/3+mod.jpg" /></a>I am glad to report that Ben has begun talking more too. It seems that he is always a couple of steps behind <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Seb</span> in new things, from getting teeth, to walking and now to talking. Although we don't know for sure, I have always believed Ben the "younger" of the twins. Ben is my baby. But, I don't know what I will do if he talks as much as <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Seb</span>. We recently took a long car ride to the Bay Area and for every minute that <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Seb</span> was not asleep, he was demanding I turn around for conversation. With Ben, for the longest time it was one word at a time and then most recently two. But, now he is stringing together more and more. "Oh, mama....a fan.....goes round, round, round (complete with hand motion)." "Oh, mama, look....bird.....fly.....tree!" And, the icing on the cake is that just last night, when we were doing our reading marathon and I asked a question about the story, I heard a little angels peep. It was Ben. I asked him to repeat because I barely could hear the answer. To be honest, I didn't know he had answered, I thought he was commenting about something unrelated. But, when he spoke up, he did have the answer to my question. He had actually felt confident enough to answer a question before <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Seb</span> and without looking to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Seb</span> for approval. I am so proud that he is finally finding his voice.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdIZcp9wbckPfHFawKhHdPxBLToeKV1Hz_H9cQ4hxE_OoZUhTUufCoh8jRL_wLrRUPUYfN6dIun0Nebx5Vi-VCNGSk86NQlEAhIet0FLKnhONaXaU39E4yhFCzmVZ1kVcRlSd1jNHNn9k/s1600-h/1+mod.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342396474153965714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdIZcp9wbckPfHFawKhHdPxBLToeKV1Hz_H9cQ4hxE_OoZUhTUufCoh8jRL_wLrRUPUYfN6dIun0Nebx5Vi-VCNGSk86NQlEAhIet0FLKnhONaXaU39E4yhFCzmVZ1kVcRlSd1jNHNn9k/s320/1+mod.jpg" /></a><br />So, I will try to get back to you all and talk about the ups and downs of our Memorial Day Weekend trip to the Bay Area. Until then, enjoy the pictures of my beautiful big boys.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div>gr8dc2bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07379231519647681256noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581806968925370868.post-20221757063819870962009-05-20T15:36:00.001-07:002009-05-20T16:27:12.764-07:00A Nice Visit From the Grandparents and a Trip to DisneylandCatching Up ---Part III<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhErXMHmDaKToMDSUsK6tOti258Me3riULfGsUQ_5y7Ra2ECjRxTiKtauOvvXA3n-NU9jM5JoLZG6vKZuo9AZQ23V8rrmtycvkWFFEtQ80d4S_o0LVSYKwfEv7-yEs6FVsuTJYsdlQBNk8/s1600-h/third+birthday+cruz+003+mod.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338039538606220514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhErXMHmDaKToMDSUsK6tOti258Me3riULfGsUQ_5y7Ra2ECjRxTiKtauOvvXA3n-NU9jM5JoLZG6vKZuo9AZQ23V8rrmtycvkWFFEtQ80d4S_o0LVSYKwfEv7-yEs6FVsuTJYsdlQBNk8/s320/third+birthday+cruz+003+mod.jpg" /></a> As mentioned before, we had a lot of guests come through town to celebrate the twins' third birthday. We were especially lucky that my mom's Spring Break <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">coincided</span> with the birthday party. My parents came for a visit that week and of course spoiled the boys rotten. I almost feel <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">nonexistent</span> when there are such revered guests present. Each and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">every time</span> I try to do something, it is,"No mama, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Nonny</span> do." Or it is,"No mama, Papa do." And boy, do they remember every little thing. For instance, my mom makes them their favorite breakfast each and every day (waffles/pancakes and sausage). I was picking up Bisquick from Costco the other day and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Seb</span> pointed to the box and said,"My N<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">onny</span> makes pancakes. My N<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">onny</span> loves me." Or, when we get into the car, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Seb</span> will ask,"We go see Papa now?" "No <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Seb</span>, Papa lives far away. We will see papa in a month or so. We are going to see (whoever we are going to see on that day)." "Mama. We don't need to see (insert name). It is papa's turn. We need to see papa now." <br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiczhclMh86vb9zA3SOTIzi50jAYkb4_BWoASsSoypV5nblDLpj4ybKfDZRB0D_Ll4ff8GgjSXC5wjKAEt7ngZKLHbRzvWysbK4SjBqfxioEvTogEo5A-EVVvha5mz4wmrUBuDdfbopKgI/s1600-h/may+09+003+mod.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338039532481346114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiczhclMh86vb9zA3SOTIzi50jAYkb4_BWoASsSoypV5nblDLpj4ybKfDZRB0D_Ll4ff8GgjSXC5wjKAEt7ngZKLHbRzvWysbK4SjBqfxioEvTogEo5A-EVVvha5mz4wmrUBuDdfbopKgI/s320/may+09+003+mod.jpg" /></a> Even when something happens that <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Seb</span> is proud of, he must include his thought on missing those favorite family members. With a new haircut he goes through all the names,"Papa will like my haircut? <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Nonny</span> will like my haircut? <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">GG</span> will like my haircut?" Or when it has been a tough potty training week and he actually has a good potty day," My daddy is proud of me? My N<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">onny</span> will be proud of me?" "Yes <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">Seb</span>. Everyone is proud of you. " Then of course, it is inevitable. "I need to call my Papa on the phone. I need to talk to Papa. I tell him. I tell him."</div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi84G_jBEaotY6NdlBXtss2-G-jEFu18zZF5SPrUR-RKcQ51sDzJ92ZS32y5tAzPfte8dVZyWHO0tkiHNwNllmK-gmxFSbn6D4pDVxSDkGCHQ_9Eqkr8HmuisZ_WJgYLVYTYrAmCJwRy9g/s1600-h/may+09+001+mod.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338039534441701426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi84G_jBEaotY6NdlBXtss2-G-jEFu18zZF5SPrUR-RKcQ51sDzJ92ZS32y5tAzPfte8dVZyWHO0tkiHNwNllmK-gmxFSbn6D4pDVxSDkGCHQ_9Eqkr8HmuisZ_WJgYLVYTYrAmCJwRy9g/s320/may+09+001+mod.jpg" /></a>The boys have enjoyed playing outside with their new toys. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">Seb</span> thinks his motorcycle is more than awesome. He is also in love with his Sponge Bob thongs. I don't know what it is about Sponge Bob that kids like. The boys don't watch the show, but love the merchandise. I can't stand that show. I much prefer the barnyard.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDINjYBIzN3i-awl0JmOdQIW1WGITXfw-9pAzJNMW2zAjmw-kcfAeKtGR2t3a8H-1NY1528kosrMZNFkxdE426XtXur0NSrm5MkDb4kefpzF5JvtARZBs9LaAayhXwLNtAxnnrLU62h0g/s1600-h/april+09+002+mod.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338039529762220770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDINjYBIzN3i-awl0JmOdQIW1WGITXfw-9pAzJNMW2zAjmw-kcfAeKtGR2t3a8H-1NY1528kosrMZNFkxdE426XtXur0NSrm5MkDb4kefpzF5JvtARZBs9LaAayhXwLNtAxnnrLU62h0g/s320/april+09+002+mod.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv1gu7icVk6rsCuyuh_ewoRi-zPYWpUr-p_5x1Du2c0jMFKgjhDPNgRpn_B0me-GomUkua8jlhGQCSP2jWhyZuMtQAIg27ex_eZDJq1x3VCHT_mhrsk-CTSOQc2yvfQLf_CncaOdKz6lc/s1600-h/april+09+001+mod.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338039527576048466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv1gu7icVk6rsCuyuh_ewoRi-zPYWpUr-p_5x1Du2c0jMFKgjhDPNgRpn_B0me-GomUkua8jlhGQCSP2jWhyZuMtQAIg27ex_eZDJq1x3VCHT_mhrsk-CTSOQc2yvfQLf_CncaOdKz6lc/s320/april+09+001+mod.jpg" /></a> My parents got the boys a couple of scooters. They are three wheeled scooters and so can stand up with little balance. The boys thought those were really cool, except for the fact that they didn't really get the scooting part for a couple of weeks. They wanted to stand on the things and have everyone push them around. I guess what they really wanted were <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">Segways</span>. Come on boys....you have to get some kind of exercise out of the whole thing. It was quite hilarious seeing my mom and multiple other adults trying to scoot around on these little scooters to demonstrate how they were to really work. Of course, instead of teaching them by example, the boys just laughed at such a circus act. No inspiration at all. Never fear, they have picked up the concept now. Although, they do still enjoy chasing mommy as mommy rides around the patio. <br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKuxqMJFyetqKi5bsfO3E-4rXjUPvgHJ8meOjTLjZMD6OMRMR8Tpa0i_wepmtpWJuC73BONmmadX_y60BqFvLIBZi59WeNtBgVldxp_1LtZNJjINdzN0SU7xBwf38UIWsgHQQKGgb5UE0/s1600-h/april+09+007+mod.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338039140561858322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKuxqMJFyetqKi5bsfO3E-4rXjUPvgHJ8meOjTLjZMD6OMRMR8Tpa0i_wepmtpWJuC73BONmmadX_y60BqFvLIBZi59WeNtBgVldxp_1LtZNJjINdzN0SU7xBwf38UIWsgHQQKGgb5UE0/s320/april+09+007+mod.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj14CHIBdhwTeDp19Jf1pNUuzSmfDljDjRyQ-o7eSIxiBalgGFFMcUoDulr6T5QBZLQyKUhiaHVZbflKzgYgMChDqOitlbS1CKYun1_hISIjJe4PS-PtAcxlaRC0f9RIHoUmdJx7V0Fjg/s1600-h/april+09+006+mod.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338039134475426434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj14CHIBdhwTeDp19Jf1pNUuzSmfDljDjRyQ-o7eSIxiBalgGFFMcUoDulr6T5QBZLQyKUhiaHVZbflKzgYgMChDqOitlbS1CKYun1_hISIjJe4PS-PtAcxlaRC0f9RIHoUmdJx7V0Fjg/s320/april+09+006+mod.jpg" /></a>On the actual day of the boys' <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error">bday</span>, Daddy took the day off from work so that we could go to Disneyland as a family for the first time. We were hesitant to do so beforehand because we were not sure how much they would enjoy it or if they would like to ride the rides etc. Since Disney was giving free tickets for birthdays and it covered half of the family, we decided to chance it. The boys were in heaven. They LOVED it, everything about it, from the rides to the characters to the overpriced refreshments. I apologize for the lack of good pictures, but you try running around with two kids excited to explore every inch of the greatest place on earth. Furthermore, there were few lines and so no time in between <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">runnings</span> around to stop and pose. We were go go going from 10am to 5pm when one twin finally fell asleep in the stroller and we thought it the perfect opportunity to run away while we still could. <br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU4eGAAHwJSpGA0LpaiEtgHHU3fjX3uX5loZUP0lpu-9VDR_w3wgEHgczjGi_9fAW33PbcLbBjyEAePewEd9LjcU72W5myOhldcXNhc5zsyoC4g9zjDmfJF2KhUB_5XdX1rGa1K6BN9CI/s1600-h/april+09+004+mod.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338039125457447938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU4eGAAHwJSpGA0LpaiEtgHHU3fjX3uX5loZUP0lpu-9VDR_w3wgEHgczjGi_9fAW33PbcLbBjyEAePewEd9LjcU72W5myOhldcXNhc5zsyoC4g9zjDmfJF2KhUB_5XdX1rGa1K6BN9CI/s320/april+09+004+mod.jpg" /></a> The boys loved the Jungle Cruise, the Train ride with the Dinosaurs, the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-error">Autopia</span> cars (I let Ben drive so that was certainly a bumpy ride) and the Winnie the Pooh ride. I was also not surprised that they loved the Buzz <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-error">Lightyear</span> ride which upon ending was the only time there was a meltdown the whole day. Ben didn't want to relinquish his seat and didn't understand that with no line we would be back in no time. So, yeah, that was a little awkward with me dragging a flailing child down the tunnel as every person in a 10 mile radius stopped to stare. But, for such a big day at such a young age, I think the day an overall success. The rides that the boys loved that came as a surprise were the Pirates of the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Caribbean</span> and the Haunted Mansion. We were hesitant with those two wondering if they would be too scary. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-error">Seb</span> especially loved them. In fact, for two weeks after our trip, everyday, several times a day, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" class="blsp-spelling-error">Seb</span> asked when we were going to go see the Pirates again. He bragged to family members that he had seen ghosts. He also added," Oh, it was scary. But, I like." The one disappointment of the day was that he didn't get to see Goofy. I think that next year.......season passes are in our future. And given another year to grow, just imagine all of the new rides they will be eligible for. It really does make me happy to see my great boys that excited. I don't know what I will do when they start to get to the age when mama and daddy aren't the preferred tag along guests on their trips to new and exciting places. Thankfully, I think I have a couple of years left before I have to worry about that.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>gr8dc2bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07379231519647681256noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581806968925370868.post-88914016694076212009-05-13T08:42:00.000-07:002009-05-13T09:27:44.722-07:00We Had A Bday Party<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw9r7WIvu2EqdQl3QXnmaju4uO4dcZwL7YdwqLeEeixEZKEVXIjd7h22LyoqmW72129ZnNx9mLGDGjFaBrvOZMKuaZhjXpvEr0IMARhIrkMqMkAnWDIQtr0fWmT7NfgVYdf0dxWtALo-k/s1600-h/3rd+bday+34.JPG"></a> Catching Up - Part II<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5o1dGVqZDxsTBN4NQPolYGphOUxYTYwGs6mR7BXb0EbnWyDrbIBJDWOf5ayvPytboDUm4gHby5LyWNnJYEdmd8YK2yHH-c1iwpXj43C4GPboAiwKFyoiCLJDBN25kT8LgO9XWzWrtqJ4/s1600-h/3rd+bday+33.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335336395144477138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5o1dGVqZDxsTBN4NQPolYGphOUxYTYwGs6mR7BXb0EbnWyDrbIBJDWOf5ayvPytboDUm4gHby5LyWNnJYEdmd8YK2yHH-c1iwpXj43C4GPboAiwKFyoiCLJDBN25kT8LgO9XWzWrtqJ4/s320/3rd+bday+33.JPG" /></a> The boys' had their third birthday party. People came from near and far to celebrate. It was a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Backyardigans</span> party this year as last year was Cars and it just didn't seem right to have the same party twice. The boys had a great time. Of course, the favorite part of any party for them is the cake. Even more so than the gifts. Although a close second comes in two parts. They enjoyed the fact that all visitors let them take/eat whatever they wanted off of their plates (I was a little embarrassed at their scavenger like nature) and they loved my mom's homemade lemonade that was freshly squeezed from homegrown lemons (as did all guests - it was an unexpected hit to the party). I would say that hours were spent (especially by Ben) with a party cup and a fork. A fork?? Yes, how else can one dig out and eat the pulp string by string. Amazing what will pass for entertainment these days.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiomVvfgSS9NVLKidr_dKil9qSzKHfeeMiGa16ojAUE5YS4UK4MLm8D4rRcKyQj9nxlsc49n3KKRYfYQE6dhbg0Y397BGQqrtZRWHubtUO1jbhJMxuHyAaC0vhaZP21DJQFN8OD44v1eo/s1600-h/3rd+bday+32.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335336390123810306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiomVvfgSS9NVLKidr_dKil9qSzKHfeeMiGa16ojAUE5YS4UK4MLm8D4rRcKyQj9nxlsc49n3KKRYfYQE6dhbg0Y397BGQqrtZRWHubtUO1jbhJMxuHyAaC0vhaZP21DJQFN8OD44v1eo/s320/3rd+bday+32.JPG" /></a>Back to the delightful cake though. I do agree with them that the cake was rather fantastic. Yummy! <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Vons</span> does the best job and has the most delicious cakes. They did not have a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Backyardigans</span> design however so the boys got to pick out the design that they wanted from the cake book.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRMMqprFC1cnWbdc_E6Ngo2fUkVDNQuLQs9z92S69db-01CWQYdEkHEFYj6YqvnNRLTRJ3P9UYRko6_K16ZG5UmgqefbVgefh1J9aALele2LvjGgJHZaCTdLvSWcWj1P72aLeeFveGIhE/s1600-h/3rd+bday+28.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335336383917765730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRMMqprFC1cnWbdc_E6Ngo2fUkVDNQuLQs9z92S69db-01CWQYdEkHEFYj6YqvnNRLTRJ3P9UYRko6_K16ZG5UmgqefbVgefh1J9aALele2LvjGgJHZaCTdLvSWcWj1P72aLeeFveGIhE/s320/3rd+bday+28.JPG" /></a>The good news was that they agreed on something.....that is a miracle in itself. The bad news.....they picked the Ratatouille rats. Okay....I know. The cartoon rats are very personable and cute. But, the thought of rats on top of my cake.....I didn't like. I tried to persuade them that Mickey Mouse would be better. Although still a mouse......a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">kinder</span>, gentler.....less ratty mouse. We tried Speed Racer, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Nascar</span>......even hockey. They wanted the Rats. So, since it was their birthday and their cake, it was their decision. No one seemed to mind and I do admit that it didn't stop me from enjoying multiple pieces.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ZpLBqhlBZAJorR-qIcd9PZGMxjrO8Ph1zAGrtOvowPTmQK-MURl74zr6Z2zT-5UNC1WGxWlZYEBpWWTKYDW194uVknQXPQQBfcF1BugPgD4nbp_-Ep6tzMk9wUzwkwr0CJGzAJvnHhc/s1600-h/3rd+bday+27.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335336382727266658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ZpLBqhlBZAJorR-qIcd9PZGMxjrO8Ph1zAGrtOvowPTmQK-MURl74zr6Z2zT-5UNC1WGxWlZYEBpWWTKYDW194uVknQXPQQBfcF1BugPgD4nbp_-Ep6tzMk9wUzwkwr0CJGzAJvnHhc/s320/3rd+bday+27.JPG" /></a> The boys were treated to an enormous amount of gifts. Of course, they weren't so interested in opening said gifts. I had to do the bulk of that job and had a little help from one of the other children in attendance at the party. Not to say that they didn't appreciate what was inside all of the neatly wrapped packaging and gift bags. They were just too busy running here and there to stay in one place too long. They made out like bandits though and I was just as happy that they got some very nice clothing as well.<br /><br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335335565768925730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTu7KXMgfRhL1ut4ZP831g6yXK6YLuyKIXKqo2VZIDj4q7jaNkbfxQXFF_mt9b7x05QbNbtfQ29RoCthlh-BnhBaD3oJucyBgcNZAt_Ta7hFRojaTfKShzawxbB-P9CRe22X543u0c5bU/s320/3rd+bday+15.JPG" /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrzeG36PpIEmMFY88VdNz1v6rXib1EQarCHfkHc5x1dIFA8FexysYPgjYrrfOqBLA_WesHOUkq9O-GMkQMck4iVnbzLXtgWF-u9dShlkQre_R97UVOxIGufIwKFD_oz7j2LVK1Qgyce7s/s1600-h/3rd+bday+14.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335335559746158546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrzeG36PpIEmMFY88VdNz1v6rXib1EQarCHfkHc5x1dIFA8FexysYPgjYrrfOqBLA_WesHOUkq9O-GMkQMck4iVnbzLXtgWF-u9dShlkQre_R97UVOxIGufIwKFD_oz7j2LVK1Qgyce7s/s320/3rd+bday+14.JPG" /></a>We did the obligatory pinata thing. A great hit at any kids party. Of course it is a little stressful keeping all kids out of the line of fire. The boys did pretty well with taking turns. That poor Pablo bird took a beating though. I almost felt guilty at the prospect of watching this poor animal taking so many hits. Its head getting smashed in and knocked about. I half expected an animal rights activist to jump forth from the crowd to rescue the poor thing. Finally, we had to have one of the older kids break it open. Then the rush to candy grab ensued. <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCS4YUTqZZJ5SuNkiOXxINwUXxdXWKA5uMiMtySQnD_wafhXq-voh9gzG8_5TnKP6m1S6YdQew1Vl1VWLyHQ2IR0UrUPXHT3WWSFBRRww_cebHmpC_-tHrW3MYu07Kqx3F7kRpPivtbsw/s1600-h/3rd+bday+6.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335335560948610466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCS4YUTqZZJ5SuNkiOXxINwUXxdXWKA5uMiMtySQnD_wafhXq-voh9gzG8_5TnKP6m1S6YdQew1Vl1VWLyHQ2IR0UrUPXHT3WWSFBRRww_cebHmpC_-tHrW3MYu07Kqx3F7kRpPivtbsw/s320/3rd+bday+6.JPG" /></a>Mike was certainly a great host and was the grill master for the day. If there is one thing that we were successful at doing, it was feeding our guests. Not only did we have an island of snacks, but my dear husband was busy for the duration of the party grilling hot links, hot dogs and hamburgers for a ravenous crowd. To my surprise......he didn't char one single meat product. He was on his game folks.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBsvGanDt1jZh2fb_aI_7PsxdFyi0wKn778qhjJ3jAbOpXZpGQICtqEkbuFbNHFvIt3Wzz9s96pCdPIXuPgyWHUpBGFcK65q5Otb6__LXyJp4D-C5Mb8pGafYc972-Youpju_YePwnDQY/s1600-h/3rd+bday+4.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335335555214508482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBsvGanDt1jZh2fb_aI_7PsxdFyi0wKn778qhjJ3jAbOpXZpGQICtqEkbuFbNHFvIt3Wzz9s96pCdPIXuPgyWHUpBGFcK65q5Otb6__LXyJp4D-C5Mb8pGafYc972-Youpju_YePwnDQY/s320/3rd+bday+4.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiozGilBE1IlcVc8LM09t7gd9RxNAxZqZdiq3sRX-ma1_1nCCrkOX1_Awq9lgo-m7WIZzhMSwVkXeuoHY_d3nh6u9dUNIP_nD2E9l_YX0RX5Kr7DsoFWlfnejL2SQM-6448oAEeDAXQiVg/s1600-h/3rd+bday+3.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335335551390588082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiozGilBE1IlcVc8LM09t7gd9RxNAxZqZdiq3sRX-ma1_1nCCrkOX1_Awq9lgo-m7WIZzhMSwVkXeuoHY_d3nh6u9dUNIP_nD2E9l_YX0RX5Kr7DsoFWlfnejL2SQM-6448oAEeDAXQiVg/s320/3rd+bday+3.JPG" /></a> So, I end this <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">installment</span> with pictures of the boys enjoying their party in their new house (<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">bday</span> gift from mommy and daddy). I think the boys had a fabulous time which is what it is all about. And mommy and daddy really realized how old they were when after the party they had to go straight to bed exhausted and passed up on the opportunity to go to another party that night at a bar where <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">drunkenness</span> and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">karaoke</span> would have been in full effect. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>gr8dc2bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07379231519647681256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581806968925370868.post-14885036705837295702009-05-11T09:17:00.001-07:002009-05-11T09:52:03.694-07:00We colored EggsA little catch up -----Part I<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6G0i-4NNxNm4fkNiJ0VI1zHkaruhEXw7WykuBHiUfEHnDBxdDEz4wbWfWk72Bwmw1yKyaSSqrFcMIBhq1U_j4h53RsIX6J9r1wnNf_pm_Dalz0CFbeVG8jlQH68NNjUbWZbiPx1Ui06g/s1600-h/easter+09+019+mod.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334601724932285106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6G0i-4NNxNm4fkNiJ0VI1zHkaruhEXw7WykuBHiUfEHnDBxdDEz4wbWfWk72Bwmw1yKyaSSqrFcMIBhq1U_j4h53RsIX6J9r1wnNf_pm_Dalz0CFbeVG8jlQH68NNjUbWZbiPx1Ui06g/s320/easter+09+019+mod.jpg" /></a> So yes, I have been MIA for the last month. I used to hate when I tuned into <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">some one's</span> blog and it had been neglected. How could they??!!?? Right? I am now one of those people. Not that I have been held up by super important tasks or am a super important person. I have done a mediocre job of keeping the house clean. The minimalist approach of doing just what I had to not feel guilty. Yes, I have kept the family fed. I have spent a little extra time with those little dogs of mine. We have attended to a couple of local parties and obligations.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjMt0P5LM32BB0-JF8Ka109avbnCfzQLmn5eFkZIgyMZuwJ5x78yb7ljiZSIaKGxq9zlP2DrdPZkKVRDVF9WDb3byCjp7-jHStVG6Ed6wal-mxU_PiS_LyFa2JDj-_3CTRH6TQj8-Vg2A/s1600-h/easter+09+015+mod.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334601721911002530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjMt0P5LM32BB0-JF8Ka109avbnCfzQLmn5eFkZIgyMZuwJ5x78yb7ljiZSIaKGxq9zlP2DrdPZkKVRDVF9WDb3byCjp7-jHStVG6Ed6wal-mxU_PiS_LyFa2JDj-_3CTRH6TQj8-Vg2A/s320/easter+09+015+mod.jpg" /></a> I have tried to be a good mom and spend as much time as possible doing things with the boys. This has meant playing in the backyard a lot in this sunshiny weather. Playing in the little pool, kicking the soccer ball around (boy is Ben getting good at dribbling the length of our lawn or zinging it across the yard), watching that horrible Thomas the Tank Engine (Tho-as ---no m pronounced---as demanded all day long by <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Seb</span> or <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Choo</span>-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Choo</span> as <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">concurred</span> with by Ben). We have gone about our routines which those who know me know that I love my routines. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Seb</span> continues to talk my ear off and Ben is still the "quiet one". <br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipYmUoGBKhvo391m4hSMh6AnDN8qctCnv_C9WcE9vuIVRYVw5J0GLPfcLErCCQ16n3zrxg1rLQfqWhNx7IU06p_PklLsyNtufxGe60KdHkzV_0yWe7GxYNg5ToV9ZWiemzR-SNjrfMZxk/s1600-h/easter+09+006+mod.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334601718803530754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipYmUoGBKhvo391m4hSMh6AnDN8qctCnv_C9WcE9vuIVRYVw5J0GLPfcLErCCQ16n3zrxg1rLQfqWhNx7IU06p_PklLsyNtufxGe60KdHkzV_0yWe7GxYNg5ToV9ZWiemzR-SNjrfMZxk/s320/easter+09+006+mod.jpg" /></a> However, none of this is the reason for not having time for the ole blog. I know this because I still have time for pouring over <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">facebook</span> (and Mafia Wars). I still have time for my 3 fantasy baseball teams. I am moving right along on my second 162 game season on my PS3 <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">MLB</span> The Show. I am proud to proclaim that my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">DVR</span> is wiped clean every week as I finish my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">recorded</span> shows before the next one comes along. I have my unlimited 3 at a time <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">netflix</span> which I try to get back the very next day. And, of course.....I have my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">Roku</span> player so that I can keep up with my instant play selections on those days that the mail is slow. I have turned my movie viewing into somewhat of a crazy activity as well. Just as I would play school when I was young and assign reports to the cabbage patch students and then go and write said reports......I have found myself pretending to be professor of interesting classes which compare movies/TV shows and find myself constructing said papers. How else could 20 episodes of season 1 Charles in Charge captivate me so. My excuse.....research of course.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMPtE3IOoRkWCu6rN0NEbbpmSEzsZPmfFUDior0hN8OHbtEugJmuwbnR8T3oPx8EODvSnuV6ZauVcEKTASP4jwPciPyHbZlriig-rw6EfZB64PTDeVfxrJFqbpzz9oQPOQLhIw-8KNTcg/s1600-h/easter+09+004+mod.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334601715407921410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMPtE3IOoRkWCu6rN0NEbbpmSEzsZPmfFUDior0hN8OHbtEugJmuwbnR8T3oPx8EODvSnuV6ZauVcEKTASP4jwPciPyHbZlriig-rw6EfZB64PTDeVfxrJFqbpzz9oQPOQLhIw-8KNTcg/s320/easter+09+004+mod.jpg" /></a>So, down to it. Over the next couple of days.....no I will not be sharing the ramblings of my TV and movie findings. I will be catching you all up on a few of the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">occurrences</span> around here of which I have neglected in blog land. I am going to do it. I am. So.......we colored eggs. This was back around Easter, duh. It was a lot less messy than I expected it to be. The boys were very patient and loved picking the colors and dropping the eggs in. They were excited to find that the red and blue made purple or the great combo that green and blue made. They enjoyed putting the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">stickered</span> faces on after the eggs had dried. However, they still do despise the eating of eggs. So, mommy and daddy had a little eating to do. Egg salad sandwiches for lunch and a big vat of macaroni salad did the job on a week full of those pesky eggs. As for dietary likes and dislikes.......<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">Seb</span> generally will try everything and swallow at least one bite of anything. Very seldom does he request mommy's hand to spit something out. Ben on the other hand is king of picky. On a good day he will try something. He then will rarely swallow it. It used to be he too was a frequent user of mommy's spit out hand......but, now he has a new thing. He leaves said bite on the tip of his tongue......sticks the tongue out and expects mommy to pluck and discard. It is quite the sight and I try not to laugh to encourage such behavior. </div><div> </div><div>I promise......tomorrow is another day......of blogging. We will tackle the birthdays perhaps. <br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div>gr8dc2bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07379231519647681256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581806968925370868.post-19356356151596046572009-04-08T09:45:00.000-07:002009-04-08T10:58:19.312-07:00Oooooh Kay.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsrcgok6j0_MOff0ucoqbUcy6PnzEvz0iWhw1k6_gyl-eAkEBuenDJYytSzg_ee_uQUrsP9mn7y0p2HQxFxpzScr9QeO2Wp_xzLYem5Olklxju1nkKPs5g99tnLqXoC3bLKog_Q0btdB4/s1600-h/march+09+011+mod.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322378513748228722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsrcgok6j0_MOff0ucoqbUcy6PnzEvz0iWhw1k6_gyl-eAkEBuenDJYytSzg_ee_uQUrsP9mn7y0p2HQxFxpzScr9QeO2Wp_xzLYem5Olklxju1nkKPs5g99tnLqXoC3bLKog_Q0btdB4/s320/march+09+011+mod.jpg" /></a><br /><div>So, yes it has been forever since I last wrote. Why this is, I do not know. There has been plenty to write about.....I just haven't had the energy. I have been quite the procrastinator lately. I need to clean the house. I need to finish our 2 yr post placement report and send it off. The list really goes on. We did make it out to Little Ethiopia to visit with our friends at the monthly meeting. It had been too long and we are glad we went. I really missed those guys.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUxD4kDVb2dJ4gdma6CCeIF3xknesiPi-rd8QI2hxrr_L0ZJeTaLxWsZ88rw-rE8xNsGeP45qhuw0qs3fV7finf8cJQbd7NVKCQU4OqQg0oXYZTnVkj1iiKZbPIykYbL8BBT54WS3EL0k/s1600-h/march+09+019+mod.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322364039135879138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUxD4kDVb2dJ4gdma6CCeIF3xknesiPi-rd8QI2hxrr_L0ZJeTaLxWsZ88rw-rE8xNsGeP45qhuw0qs3fV7finf8cJQbd7NVKCQU4OqQg0oXYZTnVkj1iiKZbPIykYbL8BBT54WS3EL0k/s320/march+09+019+mod.jpg" /></a> As you can see, the musketeers are still pretty popular around here. My mom made the tunics and sent some pirate hats which really have the boys over the moon. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Seb</span> is especially drawn to his costumes being that he is the budding actor in the family. He still has to act out and repeat any scene he is watching on TV. Whether it be a choreographed sword fight or Goofy spitting on his hand and smoothing down his hair under a hat......it is all mimicked quite convincingly. While watching the musketeers he must have his tunic, his hat (usually his Dodger's batting helmet??) and his guitar (which is used for being the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">troubadour</span> and also doubles as a sword.)<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPWAHHimHx4pF2hDQq8p65GPbwnfdi2jj703_VnfBRs9oCXS1wWW-2_XIXsflwDJLSN6RPutwe4bJ0gWaDlArprtg6y-Bjf93otDz94sQEi4R_rgvo0wYk_fH8hwwWvKrwx0bgBBmQ5Ys/s1600-h/march+09+018+mod.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322363860226706738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPWAHHimHx4pF2hDQq8p65GPbwnfdi2jj703_VnfBRs9oCXS1wWW-2_XIXsflwDJLSN6RPutwe4bJ0gWaDlArprtg6y-Bjf93otDz94sQEi4R_rgvo0wYk_fH8hwwWvKrwx0bgBBmQ5Ys/s320/march+09+018+mod.jpg" /></a> Of course, the tunic is sometimes a source of a fight for me. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Seb</span> loves his tunic so much he does not want to take it off to eat.....or even use the bathroom. Luckily enough for me.....they don't insist on watching the Musketeers all day long anymore. They do pepper in a few other shows and my sanity thanks them.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR42m91-e4oAa5qBMSuUJvL5RVQiguTFNLHHt7cvy8bzWCSUfNhaTvRoqMGlLRAtvair50AXc-D_NmcHbbESz3lawh5bYRbfoFhXUeHasll7klmWaR28RczHZBPyo8Z6vI2WFekOj_SnE/s1600-h/march+09+015+mod.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322363854651343362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR42m91-e4oAa5qBMSuUJvL5RVQiguTFNLHHt7cvy8bzWCSUfNhaTvRoqMGlLRAtvair50AXc-D_NmcHbbESz3lawh5bYRbfoFhXUeHasll7klmWaR28RczHZBPyo8Z6vI2WFekOj_SnE/s320/march+09+015+mod.jpg" /></a> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Seb</span> continues to amaze me with his <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">linguistic</span> skills. He really is quite the talker. What used to be "NO" morphed into "Not Yet" which is now "<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ohhhhh</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kayyy</span>!". Of course, he now has picked up some of my not so finer moments in parenting to parrot back at me. "I told you....."(the exasperated mom thing of how many times have I told you, blah blah blah.) or "Mom, Don't tell me. I know, Mom." (when he knows I am about to go into the previously mentioned speech) or "What did you do that for?" (When I do something that he now finds annoying.) It could be worse though....thank goodness I don't have an overactive potty mouth! But, I am glad that he has so much to say, even if that means that he never stops talking. You never know what he will come up with next, from "My <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">dada</span> has big boobs" to "<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Scooby</span> has eyes like me" to "We all wear blue" and on and on. Ben is still content to let brother do the talking. It is most likely to hear from him when he wants something or has a request.</div><br /><div>Both Ben and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Seb</span> have learned most colors and can identify a jelly belly from a mile away. Ben has the sweetest voice and his version of "yellow" makes me smile. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Seb's</span> favorite color is blue. He insists on wearing at least one article of blue clothing at all times. One day he even refused to wear a Navy Blue shirt because "that's not my blue". Ben on the other hand isn't a color snob. He is a character or picture snob. Good luck changing his shirt when he has fallen in love with a certain logo.....whether dolphin, dog or a Cars character......I am lucky that we usually get clothes in pairs otherwise the kid may just wear the same clothes all week long. And when the well runs dry....you should see me convincing him that Handy Manny is just as cool as Lightning McQueen and very often.....it works.<br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfVBOL3Y5RyKobYpMFMju309_bU1mdHJKYTMmy6n4nSSr1V0iNPlMxY0EBfRoolQus5k_ptClaLSjooFhiczIHUvW2tcGTFi8oQC-tGa0yJetVs81qRlMGsJhl_wEDzi20pQ8QmOxYplI/s1600-h/march+09+013+mod.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322363857116042290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfVBOL3Y5RyKobYpMFMju309_bU1mdHJKYTMmy6n4nSSr1V0iNPlMxY0EBfRoolQus5k_ptClaLSjooFhiczIHUvW2tcGTFi8oQC-tGa0yJetVs81qRlMGsJhl_wEDzi20pQ8QmOxYplI/s320/march+09+013+mod.jpg" /></a> The favorite food around these parts is an <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">oldy</span>, but goody. Peanut Butter! The boys love peanut butter....on a banana, in a sandwich, just on a plate.....PB & J or just PB sandwiches are an almost everyday lunchtime demand. Each twin polishes off a half sandwich and Ben can do it in what seems like a minute's time. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">Seb</span> is so in love with PB that the color brown is rarely identified as brown. It is PB. It doesn't help that the brown jelly belly is PB flavor and so probably what put the idea in his head. </div><br /><div>The boys are now learning to count to ten. I start them off and they say the next number before I repeat it. This all happened by surprise actually. After our nightly tooth brushing routine I would count to ten to allow them that last bit of "I do it myself!" <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">tooth brushing</span> time. One night, they started saying the numbers before I did. Now they enjoy practicing our counting routine.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaK3XnGoVqcdD1PMjCXP8A0nWjA54q6DYciQ72AykNVBIBK7QvCc6m-RQM77Ldk9zl1tUckXnL_iIivJeSQfMXRBDUgyC72AG1WPd2g28odqIkqXdAWeoBgfznJi8A-9A-_VEvVejYsVU/s1600-h/easter+09.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 228px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322363852473933778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaK3XnGoVqcdD1PMjCXP8A0nWjA54q6DYciQ72AykNVBIBK7QvCc6m-RQM77Ldk9zl1tUckXnL_iIivJeSQfMXRBDUgyC72AG1WPd2g28odqIkqXdAWeoBgfznJi8A-9A-_VEvVejYsVU/s320/easter+09.jpg" /></a> Okay....so really....this picture shouldn't surprise anyone. My guys to a T. I love that they are such individuals with different personalities. Poor Benny, I promise that we really didn't set out to torture the poor kid. He was totally into it until the Bunny grabbed him. And he did so well with Santa this year too. Note to Bunny.....give Ben the candy before taking the picture. </div><div></div><div>Last year we didn't do any of these commercialized Easter activities. This year though we will be coloring eggs. I am also doing our little family tradition from when I was little where the kiddos awake to find that the "Easter Bunny" has hidden jelly beans all over the house. I remember finding jelly beans into the summer months sometimes, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">haha</span>. I am sure we will be on a sugar high this coming Sunday. Then on to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">GG's</span> for another hunt and a nice family dinner. Then the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error">fam</span> will be coming for Spring break and the boys' 3rd <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">bday</span> party. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-error">Seb</span> keeps talking about, "My party" and is excited to name all the people who may attending. In fact, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">every time</span> we go into the car he asks if "we go my party?" No <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-error">Seb</span>...the party is at home. Then on to who is attending again. "Papa goes to my party. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-error">Nonny</span> comes to my party. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" class="blsp-spelling-error">GG</span> comes to my party." etc. 3 yrs old.....can you believe it? and of course, their <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_23" class="blsp-spelling-error">bday</span> means that we are approaching our 2 yr <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_24" class="blsp-spelling-error">famiversary</span>........</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Please...don't let me blink.....it seems like years fly by when I do so!!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div>gr8dc2bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07379231519647681256noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581806968925370868.post-34976319739319996452009-02-26T10:20:00.001-08:002009-02-26T11:43:14.132-08:00I Love You Too, Mama.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL_KMgIuMrbwYt9WyuoFXRVS06jpivExqC3mIJjD-nfFHSKq5_xhyphenhyphen9JxjWyBV_jF0nCm6dJ1KJDPoF1qATUKp4uVyPS4YVl3GEZhdZ5kM3tJ3w_Y4vIN5YdGLEzMdBTNydbfFHnOePm6I/s1600-h/feb+09+013+mod.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307173508086824946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL_KMgIuMrbwYt9WyuoFXRVS06jpivExqC3mIJjD-nfFHSKq5_xhyphenhyphen9JxjWyBV_jF0nCm6dJ1KJDPoF1qATUKp4uVyPS4YVl3GEZhdZ5kM3tJ3w_Y4vIN5YdGLEzMdBTNydbfFHnOePm6I/s320/feb+09+013+mod.jpg" border="0" /></a>Things are pretty much as can be expected around here. Ben's rash is just about gone. His stomach has a giraffe spot pattern from skin growing back darker and his face has a white spot pattern where the skin grew back lighter. Amazing really, but he is healthy and happy and that is all we could ask for. The weather has been pretty nice so that means good times in the backyard.....and also means that my two little bundles of energy can wear themselves out throughout the course of the day. They have been busy playing with their new basketball hoop, digging in the dirt, kicking the soccer ball, playing with the foam swords that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Nonny</span> and Papa brought for them......<br />In fact, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Seb</span> loves to put a bucket on his head and march with his sword. He calls himself, "Good Knight," when he does this. Of course, with the basketball hoop they are more into dunking than shooting, but it is hilarious to watch <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Seb</span> dribble. He gets a few good bounces in and then the ball scoots away and he falls to the ground as if his balance was attached to the bouncing ball. Ben loves to investigate everything in the yard as if he has never seen it before. He collects and counts rocks. He checks out the many different flowers and trees and things falling from the trees and plants. He can spend hours shoveling rocks or digging in the dirt. He transfers dirt from the ground to the dump truck and then to various parts of the yard. Ben loves to be outdoors and will stay there long after his brother has decided to go inside.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCdmTvZNDviEMwJoU3BNI8RohWps39UXmZQZxUfdxvDA8-RwBsQNrW1tc9CWV0dgID708bl2FSQ4sjDiXBU9qzyJ0teP0boLiR_6huD9HZBDMHs_uVZhHNjYUxkhHPSDsomEO93YIrn0E/s1600-h/feb+09+007+mod.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307173282482318482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCdmTvZNDviEMwJoU3BNI8RohWps39UXmZQZxUfdxvDA8-RwBsQNrW1tc9CWV0dgID708bl2FSQ4sjDiXBU9qzyJ0teP0boLiR_6huD9HZBDMHs_uVZhHNjYUxkhHPSDsomEO93YIrn0E/s320/feb+09+007+mod.jpg" border="0" /></a>The boys' new favorite movie is the Mickey Mouse version of "The Three Musketeers". And, when I say favorite....I am talking obsessed! I am talking all day long, if they are watching something......it is that movie. Help me!!! I tried renting something else and putting it on the big TV in the front room (an enticing ploy... I thought). They watched ten minutes before Ben promptly led the charge into his room and demanded his movie. Of course, it is a crack up to watch the movie with them (the first 2-3times a day). <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Seb</span> has to talk throughout the whole thing. He is like the second narrator. In books and movies he loves to point out the characters. "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Ohhhhh</span>, the bad guys. Where did the bad guys go?" He flips the page. "There the bad guys. What they doing? They jump big." or whatever the page shows. This goes on with any movie or book about all the characters. Of course his favorite is Pete which is one of the reasons why I think he loves the Three Musketeers. And the funny thing is, he loves Pete so much he will not classify him as a "bad guy".<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgesXf5cr75a8KHf-8Yi3e6Rf_MLloTsjqc8LZRIBXxw4TzIK60tfq0vW8j0yOCtKHoTXa8tnHElu3AwQ9jWFJ9RHDxFwlbGErd-_IeyqWgXOFrV76EjphDY6lXHSn7fSX7mR00oX0JjJM/s1600-h/feb+09+006+mod.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307173278237052258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgesXf5cr75a8KHf-8Yi3e6Rf_MLloTsjqc8LZRIBXxw4TzIK60tfq0vW8j0yOCtKHoTXa8tnHElu3AwQ9jWFJ9RHDxFwlbGErd-_IeyqWgXOFrV76EjphDY6lXHSn7fSX7mR00oX0JjJM/s320/feb+09+006+mod.jpg" border="0" /></a> Both boys are loving the traffic signals while driving. Where before they would get excited helping daddy navigate and screaming "Go!" with the green light and "Stop!" (insert obligatory stop hand motion) with the red light, they have now added the "Slow Down." for the yellow. Of course they say the words so that they are drawn out very <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">sllloooow</span>. It has really stuck with them and even in their gingerbread man book where the gingerbread man's chest buttons are those traffic light colors.....they talk about the colors and what they mean. </div><div>Also, when they watch their TV shows, they have been participating more. They answer the questions asked by the cartoon character and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Seb</span> will add to it even. </div><div></div><div>TV: Is this the sound of the tiger (audio of a bee)?</div><div>Ben and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Seb</span>: <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">NOOOOOOOOOO</span>!</div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Seb</span>: A <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Beeee</span>! A <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Beee</span>! </div><div></div><div>TV: Is this G<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">oofy's</span> tie?(pointing to one of three ties)</div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Seb</span>: Too tiny. (pinching hand gesture)</div><div>TV: Is this G<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">oofy's</span> tie?(again pointing)</div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Seb</span>: Too big.</div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYdC9zbvZYIMGPa43ZQfrnr66zqgk5XV2qop3IZb-Eg4WnsJRrIjMkW_fXa_hJ0_hTYtO4tvJsUWBOTuYjELViGsbaFAd8i4CEl3pe8DyQHp-qKOCoROSoq0z3rupQ0ts8pXjsqQrBb0k/s1600-h/feb+09+005+mod.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307173274184392226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYdC9zbvZYIMGPa43ZQfrnr66zqgk5XV2qop3IZb-Eg4WnsJRrIjMkW_fXa_hJ0_hTYtO4tvJsUWBOTuYjELViGsbaFAd8i4CEl3pe8DyQHp-qKOCoROSoq0z3rupQ0ts8pXjsqQrBb0k/s320/feb+09+005+mod.jpg" border="0" /></a> I am still loving our nighttime ritual. We have the TV off, music in the background and we just talk to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">each other</span> and cuddle. Ben always tells me I have to sit with him first and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Seb</span> is usually okay with that. This is the time I get the most love from my Benny. He is a busy dude and although very loving......he is completely different then his brother. Nighttime is when he kisses and cuddles and tucks in his favorite stuffed dog by his side. He likes me to rub his back or his head and would like for me to never leave his side. At bedtime, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Seb</span> goes down the list of all the people he loves. He always starts with Mama, Daddy and Ben and then adds in whoever we have been talking about or visiting lately. Whether it be the dogs or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Nonny</span> and Papa or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">GG</span> and Steve. His new thing though is after he declares who he loves, he turns it around. "Mama loves me. Daddy loves me. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Gung</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Gung</span> (Ben) loves me." and so on. </div><div>What is really special to me though is that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Seb</span> always makes time to tell me he loves me. Not just in a list of names. At random points throughout the day, he comes to me with a big smile and hug and says, " I love you too mama. I love you too." That just melts my heart. I love that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Seb</span> can express himself now. Yesterday I had accidentally bumped his head while cleaning the room and he said,"Mama, you hurt my head." That killed me. Also, whenever I steal away to get my chores done <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Seb</span> says,"Mama. I help. Me clean too. I come." Outside <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Seb</span> will motion to me,"Mama, sit with me." I sit and he motions to the dogs. "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">Jagr</span> sit with me." Miraculously she comes over. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">Seb</span> will look at me and say,"Mama, you love me this much." (he reaches his arms as far as they can go. I say,"<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">Seb</span> I love you this much." I reach my arms too. "Mama, loves me in heart." Touches his chest. I answer,"I love you in my heart." <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">Seb</span> replies,"I love you too mama, in heart too."<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjitrimyuW9unDK42sNasJWhOZmqS5U2ueCGJTmFYJTNj9p0nUZCOGC9c69s8pVrcPZqo77XqcHtvtPG_6j86Ug4ldCIG4Hd9k7Wrb4N2tXOlCoes4wvGVrXytzo4BgHJ52uzYD2yk4lcY/s1600-h/feb+09+002+mod.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307173230409618018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjitrimyuW9unDK42sNasJWhOZmqS5U2ueCGJTmFYJTNj9p0nUZCOGC9c69s8pVrcPZqo77XqcHtvtPG_6j86Ug4ldCIG4Hd9k7Wrb4N2tXOlCoes4wvGVrXytzo4BgHJ52uzYD2yk4lcY/s320/feb+09+002+mod.jpg" border="0" /></a> So, I know.....I could go on all day. I look at this picture and think.....what are they cooking up next? It is exciting to see them grow and learn. I am so proud of both of my boys. Their birthday is coming up in a couple of months as is our <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">Famiversary</span>. Happy times every day and celebrations to come. I love you too, Ben and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">Seb</span>. I love you too. With all of my heart.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKvirUG3NMfX1T4LIlBmHZ55g8zcj3Gk-24LmwIz7bGWD18HSJFCu95LYtzJ59X7Az0YGqHdtjfJvIkbbhiXYw7pJIG8x941V3FGS04jSK9BxzJo9PH3e4VpIYbqq08cgAVm-A8C7Syow/s1600-h/2009+ski+week+004+mod.jpg"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div>gr8dc2bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07379231519647681256noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581806968925370868.post-69979972018905623962009-02-09T13:47:00.000-08:002009-02-09T13:59:12.722-08:00Who Knew??<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2LJqvIn_BDglzOQhDaLQAxupC7zQyep1ksGYImCDWoOaAXkMFYNzGtiRwDO_cXpyU4suQupiKmjznw2N38A-7hp-V-x5bZ8e3r0aJCi1ZVc3TiMencFBtTe9wRFMMWGu5OQfYys5Cr78/s1600-h/superbowl.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 170px; height: 209px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2LJqvIn_BDglzOQhDaLQAxupC7zQyep1ksGYImCDWoOaAXkMFYNzGtiRwDO_cXpyU4suQupiKmjznw2N38A-7hp-V-x5bZ8e3r0aJCi1ZVc3TiMencFBtTe9wRFMMWGu5OQfYys5Cr78/s320/superbowl.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300917874193845058" border="0" /></a>So, who knew? I thought I was lightyears away from seeing a picture of my kid at a party.....a party I did not attend......on someone else's myspace page, haha. Double take....is that really my Sebby? That must have been some Superbowl party kid. <br /><br />Here is a big high five to my Seb though. He has been talking up a storm. For example, he'll see a monkey on TV. "Ohhh, monkey. Me love monkey. Daddy love monkey too. Mama no love monkey. Gung Gung (that is Ben....don't know how, but it is) loves monkey too." And then it starts all over with the next thing whether it be Mickey Mouse or a banana. <br /><br />Seb has been working hard on his potty training too. Ben refuses to even begin and I am giving him slack partially because of his rashy mood and partially because it is easier for me to focus on one kid at a time in that arena. He sits on the potty once every hour and is doing quite well. He gets a jelly belly treat for going which he loves. Now he has taken to sitting Sally (the stuffed Porsche car) on the potty next to his. "Sally go Pee," he says. Then he sits and goes and exclaims,"Go Pee, Me go Pee." He gets his treat and says...."Sally candy too." I say that Sally has to share with him.....not falling for that one.....no way.gr8dc2bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07379231519647681256noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581806968925370868.post-73878017745875133962009-02-02T09:20:00.000-08:002009-02-02T09:56:13.111-08:00Super Bowl Sunday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQn4hAV12U_vyRIqbOStgf9o4M_pQHH3Vn0syrU_ZWBH49t1VYQWarjOgaw9t5kXl3-vREu0l2IhvAfsdkv5fk_iKBH0OVkmDhUokirzYuunaYSTYOVfRdtQaAUDV3PeBm90gYBaL_LKA/s1600-h/superbowl+09+002+mod.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQn4hAV12U_vyRIqbOStgf9o4M_pQHH3Vn0syrU_ZWBH49t1VYQWarjOgaw9t5kXl3-vREu0l2IhvAfsdkv5fk_iKBH0OVkmDhUokirzYuunaYSTYOVfRdtQaAUDV3PeBm90gYBaL_LKA/s320/superbowl+09+002+mod.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298257877231972130" border="0" /></a><br />So, yes, we are still unable to attend such events as Super Bowl parties as a family because of the rash that just wouldn't leave......you can't see it that well from the pictures as thankfully the head and back regions are only like former white blistery dust. That is very much welcome compared to the big red leopard spots on the chest and belly and those now spreading from the shoulders down the arms. When reading up on this stupid rash we did learn a couple things that explained some changes we had seen. The rash causes fatigue and headaches along with its obvious itchy nature. Bingo....after so long of no nap taking, Ben has been putting himself to bed mid afternoon for a little nap or falling asleep on the couch while watching a movie or TV show. He has been more irritable than usual. He has wanted to be held more, babied more and has decided that he does not want to bugger with using the big boy potty anymore and he used to be the star in that arena. Poor sick guy.....hope you get well soon kid.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15AhvIwTtL4A-LvYY-3589GQNQRGNLqTMB-6n-lFpqR2PJUdbyO_h21at_ErjSESvDpwEBpDwp61o1mMAPZfU3NVI4Xw_XW6L_AAVcgJ-HeYY9pCqeuNyWONHWvCDzqmsgDdXmgMbz4Y/s1600-h/superbowl+09+006+mod.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15AhvIwTtL4A-LvYY-3589GQNQRGNLqTMB-6n-lFpqR2PJUdbyO_h21at_ErjSESvDpwEBpDwp61o1mMAPZfU3NVI4Xw_XW6L_AAVcgJ-HeYY9pCqeuNyWONHWvCDzqmsgDdXmgMbz4Y/s320/superbowl+09+006+mod.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298251377095898738" border="0" /></a> Because of the dreaded rash and people's very dare I say racist or is it just anti- African view of what that rash must mean, after much deliberation we decided that Ben and I would stay home from the annual Super Bowl party. We figured Daddy and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Seb</span> could party down and Ben and Mommy would have some much needed one on one time at home.....the boys wouldn't notice.... right? Plus, Ben is a bit antisocial and doesn't usually enjoy a huge party of strangers while <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Seb</span> basks in it. Ben loves alone time.....he wouldn't mind right?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgycrTOSdoawSV8SUFbP7QPeu1JUDcCQfO1uvz8b-ojxlltb65zjIzTtADAtv75q-42LW6xQuFILHcmVe5-JGFHYiW4yW_Y_ANbNgXqPJsVzdceVHdqWd6DsphbPgSWDLmxDp-SfnFzGLA/s1600-h/superbowl+09+005+mod.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgycrTOSdoawSV8SUFbP7QPeu1JUDcCQfO1uvz8b-ojxlltb65zjIzTtADAtv75q-42LW6xQuFILHcmVe5-JGFHYiW4yW_Y_ANbNgXqPJsVzdceVHdqWd6DsphbPgSWDLmxDp-SfnFzGLA/s320/superbowl+09+005+mod.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298251378787100114" border="0" /></a>Daddy had gotten his hair cut and so we figured the boys were about due for one as well. They both hate it, but I had the lesser hater of the two, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Sebby</span>, come to me first and Daddy told him that we were cutting his hair so that he would be ready for the party and ready to see his main squeeze <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Cassidy</span>. With a little protest and a few tears we got <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Sebby's</span> hair cut. The big surprise was to see Ben run over to me, plop himself into my lap and demand his hair cut too. Now usually Benny is a two man job because he hates it......with a capital H, Hates it. Writhing, screaming, crying, bending, moaning, freaking out.....absolutely <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">positutely</span> HATES HIS HAIR CUT! But, hearing that brother was getting ready for the party......Ben wanted to get ready for the party too. He sat without batting an eyelash through the whole thing. I praised him all I could, but knew he still couldn't go to the party. It really made me sad. Poor kid.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5q1649Y0wvF5BIbRsMh8dfxrBHQObh7_RLCc6LHa5POqqxuwWFI7jVOV_PJAe75kfb6HbQ0fHl_S-EeKelgEomQ2EoafUocvr2HEt_sY1wcysT5xq7NH1488KtPYnWgkGVZYn4kMS2nI/s1600-h/superbowl+09+004+mod.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5q1649Y0wvF5BIbRsMh8dfxrBHQObh7_RLCc6LHa5POqqxuwWFI7jVOV_PJAe75kfb6HbQ0fHl_S-EeKelgEomQ2EoafUocvr2HEt_sY1wcysT5xq7NH1488KtPYnWgkGVZYn4kMS2nI/s320/superbowl+09+004+mod.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298251372557486978" border="0" /></a>But, the boys still had some time for some fun. So, the brothers took their baths and got dressed up in their Raiders jerseys (as if the Raiders would ever make the Superbowl) and played for a while. Racing around the couch by foot, by hop and with the ever popular crawl races.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxJ1RAl-7UNUVTNNT8moPmQWBlKSwyXdKHs3KZOcPJvDL0tu6-jOvEJmhbi6zbWOa4Ai8ZLqHlhenTFaC76y87_tYAN9Lh2Gp_7ezboSQy_3E_eOgt2fNxG2jv5zBxsBW4W6SnUSWzhGk/s1600-h/superbowl+09+001+mod.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxJ1RAl-7UNUVTNNT8moPmQWBlKSwyXdKHs3KZOcPJvDL0tu6-jOvEJmhbi6zbWOa4Ai8ZLqHlhenTFaC76y87_tYAN9Lh2Gp_7ezboSQy_3E_eOgt2fNxG2jv5zBxsBW4W6SnUSWzhGk/s320/superbowl+09+001+mod.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298251369083455170" border="0" /></a>The boys were so cute, I couldn't help but take a couple of pics with them. And in the end, it wasn't so bad. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Seb</span> and Daddy went to the party until half time. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Seb</span> played with a gaggle of girls who carried him around and dressed him up in various outfits. He let all the mommies at the party dote on him. He even refused to let Mike feed him and insisted on sitting on our friend's lap and eating from her plate.....silly boy.<br />Ben and I ordered pizza which made him feel right away that he was getting the better deal. We did all those things that are impossible to do with brother home....we played with the train and Benny could build his own track and not fight over the tunnel piece. He got his doctor's kit out and I was his patient. He also enjoyed beat boxing into the stethoscope. We played golf in the house. We sat together and watched the game and he got all of mommy's undivided attention. Yes, mommy and Ben had a fabulous time. Although.....mommy was more tired after this day than any other in a long time. It is hard for me in my old age to run races around the couch in every manner possible and give into a toddler's every whim. But, I think Ben was happy to have the time alone and I was happy that he was happy.gr8dc2bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07379231519647681256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581806968925370868.post-65581108621643442322009-01-23T09:20:00.000-08:002009-01-23T10:36:59.038-08:00My Big BoysThese wonderful boys amaze me everyday. We have been pretty much stuck in the house and not attending functions since Ben caught a viral rash.....ugly, but not serious, so no worries. It isn't said to be contagious and no one has caught it as of yet. This is with Ben....when feeling <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Seb</span> is getting too much attention lifting up his shirt to show his leopard spotted belly. He points out all the "boo boos" and laments his condition so that we can sympathize. Of course, brother being the compassionate dude he is, starts to kiss each and every boo boo. A little gross, but his heart is in the right place. We have enjoyed the quiet time together as a family though. Sometimes it seems like you are going all over the place to visit here and there and you forget that you are missing out on time together. So, we have really just been enjoying each other lately. My parents and my grandmother came for a visit last weekend and of course, the boys were spoiled with homemade waffles and a side of sausage every morning.....not to mention homemade pizza and all the attention two boys could ever get in a four day weekend.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-LfJsws7NcvRizmdAHctQby0WykxJuJQeWgkeofOgJoenff3U3TC1DkRKizUDB_Mp5ls14rGHKI_5L8NwgOdkx8-te34cBKIqoQj0NfUb4vWcQTbD9t7co1vpQ7L0cB34ObmU5sV9wds/s1600-h/jan+09+027.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-LfJsws7NcvRizmdAHctQby0WykxJuJQeWgkeofOgJoenff3U3TC1DkRKizUDB_Mp5ls14rGHKI_5L8NwgOdkx8-te34cBKIqoQj0NfUb4vWcQTbD9t7co1vpQ7L0cB34ObmU5sV9wds/s320/jan+09+027.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294545599467710674" border="0" /></a>Little by little my mom has been bringing things back that I had left in my old room that I like to think of as free storage. As these things make it back to me and find room in my garage, I am of the opinion that my junk is no longer welcome in its old habitat. This visit was a bunch of my.....well, for normal people it would be Halloween stuff.....for me it was just general room decor. My scream ceiling <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">hangy</span> thingy.....scream mask, scream figurines, a big crypt keeper....I don't know what else. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Ahhhhh</span>, memories, right? I was happy to see that the boys may take after me once and for all in my love of all things horror. The boys were quite taken with the Scream stuff......although I didn't let them near my most prized Crypt Keeper.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJM7_FkCRUKcC4GZtWsHB6ojam6-CnbCNO8b_Wptw4hSWEDfJ64OSUEn_RI_q-Qzcjy719NCiL5ZuSvPzSKT_kUzy_UoQM-casl7A3croB6J7BRoVx6c3FWI3JBOoYMozknA-9vDtMANY/s1600-h/jan+09+026.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJM7_FkCRUKcC4GZtWsHB6ojam6-CnbCNO8b_Wptw4hSWEDfJ64OSUEn_RI_q-Qzcjy719NCiL5ZuSvPzSKT_kUzy_UoQM-casl7A3croB6J7BRoVx6c3FWI3JBOoYMozknA-9vDtMANY/s320/jan+09+026.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294545593886838866" border="0" /></a>Very funny that characters in Disney movies can send them hiding behind the couch, but Scream masks are great to play with. They love "ghost". I keep thinking, ha, maybe our Halloweens of Pooh and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Tigger</span> are fading fast and a good old fashion movie marathon starring Jaime Lee Curtis will be in order before I know it. After all, mommy and daddy's first date was on Halloween for such a marathon. Even if Daddy has bad taste in movies.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSsEhLkoO1o0ew0cgBVpmHGF0azX8YN-qy6u578sANCLUxwLN2r02ePXGxSz6CrjavsSohOwgGo-Ay0TC62UCKsGL6kjjT4thmzAQjhMRK1KSbRYannNKDSpm0nxnh-2ThxVzFkZ4wTUw/s1600-h/jan+09+028.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSsEhLkoO1o0ew0cgBVpmHGF0azX8YN-qy6u578sANCLUxwLN2r02ePXGxSz6CrjavsSohOwgGo-Ay0TC62UCKsGL6kjjT4thmzAQjhMRK1KSbRYannNKDSpm0nxnh-2ThxVzFkZ4wTUw/s320/jan+09+028.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294545587625443170" border="0" /></a>Too bad I only had one mask. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Seb</span> so enjoyed running around the house in it and bobbing like a rapper in a video. He hid behind the couch and jumped out with an enthusiastic boo several times....followed by uncontrollable laughter of course. Note to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Seb</span>.....it isn't really scary if you do it from the same place over and over again a million times in a row. It doesn't surprise anyone. Of course, we love you so much we can't help but throw up our "surprised arms" and give a scared yelp. Poor Ben was so jealous of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Seb's</span> mask, he put the hanging scream over his head. Now that was funny. Especially seeing two little ones chasing <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">each other</span> around the house with loud giggles and enjoying Halloween in January.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1zdHFpSwOSLJzqXkBUX_PgpC-7xQq76pjTbyCW8elrqlNyizgqI-9b86Wds5KJOjnYTpfyBwuC76JBJidkcZjR7SjLUWRJasBjQe0JuNrN0zxS8ZXPCOpty1RYt6mRZ69aPiRENTgdjE/s1600-h/jan+09+018.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1zdHFpSwOSLJzqXkBUX_PgpC-7xQq76pjTbyCW8elrqlNyizgqI-9b86Wds5KJOjnYTpfyBwuC76JBJidkcZjR7SjLUWRJasBjQe0JuNrN0zxS8ZXPCOpty1RYt6mRZ69aPiRENTgdjE/s320/jan+09+018.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294541148396033186" border="0" /></a>The boys are just growing up too fast. Their vocab is growing and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Seb</span> is starting to put together little three word sentences. Usually, "I love.....(enter whatever he is doing)." I love ball. I love cookies. I love tools. etc. Of course, a big laugh came when he was writing with chalk and of course the ch sound came out as a hard c. So, he told everyone very proudly," I love cock." He also is telling me a lot more when he needs to use the bathroom. He says,"Go pee," and points proudly at the stream going into the potty. He also has become more independent. He wants to pull up his own pants or put on his own shoes....even when this could take a million years with tie laces (why he prefers his rain boots I suppose). If I try to help him with my impatience....he puts up the stop hand and says in a strong voice," I DO IT!" He also has become possessive with his things as so very few things aren't joint community items in the life of twins. Well....his bed is his. So, gone are the days when Ben could come over for a snuggle or sit next to brother leaning on the pillow. I frequently hear now..."<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Noooo</span>! My Bed!" and of course, that makes Ben want to be on that bed more. I finally get Ben on his bed and all of a sudden one toe is over the divider and then one foot with a devilish smile and then I hear,"No! My Bed!" from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Seb</span> again. This is reminiscent for me of many battles my sister and I had over the couch when we were allowed a cushion each and pushing the boundaries would often lead to bickering and a call for MOM!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2niLGVQP5lHGEDgw9FecrxOsnRhbhc2fq6DEWU0waOisHxF7bfdkbUWR2MS83vbPqTcz7bkwug8XAz-Avcso-Dl-jLT85yUAUTjzlc2E2Plb-qV7TBRYrWo7CoV0Fj-dyVDauDUc2spE/s1600-h/jan+09+006.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2niLGVQP5lHGEDgw9FecrxOsnRhbhc2fq6DEWU0waOisHxF7bfdkbUWR2MS83vbPqTcz7bkwug8XAz-Avcso-Dl-jLT85yUAUTjzlc2E2Plb-qV7TBRYrWo7CoV0Fj-dyVDauDUc2spE/s320/jan+09+006.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294541142237997250" border="0" /></a>Both boys love to count never mind that everything in a line that they are counting is "2, 2, 2, 2". They also like to try to point out letters. Many times the letters are "E, O, O, T, T, A". Although I was impressed as we have been writing their name in chalk and they can point out letters if asked....don't know how much of that is coincidence in three letter names though. Ben can say his first name now which is a major achievement for him. If you ask, "What is your name?"....okay, usually if I ask as he doesn't talk to many strangers.....he will tap his chest and say,"Me Ben!" <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Seb</span> also says "Me, Me, Me" when it is his turn for something. He also has started demanding milk, but he calls that "Me" too. I only give them milk or juice with meals and they get water in between when thirsty. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Seb</span> now will tell me," No <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">wa</span>! Me! Me!" If he sees me going to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">refridge</span> water dispenser as I still water their juice, he catches it. He says,"No <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">wa</span>, no <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">wa</span>".<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGjhEQn4Cd0sQNWYYNl9RTpS5jYmZjkBJLPpXYWJOMbZLfwV5EkSFLGZFY9sDOs3ZaZqzEXjgVATNDZJY17VfRIAwiZ8dwv0LweM_8ynyBbbeoDEgTSbvHVJfVHrU0dVMdSz_kc3Ku6xc/s1600-h/jan+09+002.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGjhEQn4Cd0sQNWYYNl9RTpS5jYmZjkBJLPpXYWJOMbZLfwV5EkSFLGZFY9sDOs3ZaZqzEXjgVATNDZJY17VfRIAwiZ8dwv0LweM_8ynyBbbeoDEgTSbvHVJfVHrU0dVMdSz_kc3Ku6xc/s320/jan+09+002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294541130919011618" border="0" /></a>They are in love with running races now. Ben is faster than a bolt of lightning. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Seb</span> runs well, but his big feet often get in the way. They get impatient waiting for me to start the race sometimes and demand,"Set Go!" Of course, once someone fell and my mom picked them up and gave them lots of attention.......they started doing dramatic flailing falls and laying out on the ground every single race. They would then call for the person they wanted to pick them up. I finally got tired of that game and tried ignoring the fallen children helpless on the ground. Of course, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Seb</span> then squeaked out in a very pitiful voice,"Help me, Help me." So I couldn't help myself. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Seb</span> is also very good in soccer. We set up a kicking triangle with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Seb</span> in the middle. He loves "kick ball". He is usually on target and even stopped a couple kicks between his leg....future goalie I imagine.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH8F0H2eTlUtRqAt94n96YPD-9fKRJfhRsKHUPyKKV3Viu82dJ-_U7dkoIG5tenLjUBLg36Hn7ommuMPiqDO4mM6zSgzld7UzY2_4fxkORfK0RDSCDu_475W70CWGo55S7ZEpM2XeV7mQ/s1600-h/jan+09+001.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH8F0H2eTlUtRqAt94n96YPD-9fKRJfhRsKHUPyKKV3Viu82dJ-_U7dkoIG5tenLjUBLg36Hn7ommuMPiqDO4mM6zSgzld7UzY2_4fxkORfK0RDSCDu_475W70CWGo55S7ZEpM2XeV7mQ/s320/jan+09+001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294541126254408002" border="0" /></a>They are also fond of their slide. They go down it in every position imaginable. They push it over and make forts. They push it back and forth across the lawn for no apparent reason. We got a sheet out and made a fort the other day. We told <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Seb</span> that we put up the sheet to make a fort of the slide. He said,"Sheep, Sheep," and looked under the sheet and said, "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">BAAAA</span>?Baa?", looked out and said,"no sheep." We had fun though even with no sheep. The holes of the slide made good spaces to make ghost hands come up through the sheet and grab faces......a favorite pass time around here. We also took the sheet and made adult held hammocks to swing the babies in. That was fun for them too. <br /><br />One more funny thought......the potato heads that the boys play with. They have become less interested in the potato, but love the accessories. They balance the hats on their head.....put on the Santa beard or hold the various lip pieces in their mouths so that they are in fact the potato head. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Seb</span> even took the potato head arms and played the piano with potato head's hands. It was very strange and my crazy brain had wonderful thoughts of horror movies in the making.<br /><br />Anyway....thought I would say hi from our sick house and let everyone know we are in deed still alive. We miss you all and promise that as soon as the rash leaves we will be rearing to go and ready to hang out with you all.gr8dc2bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07379231519647681256noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581806968925370868.post-42846862847525426212009-01-07T17:48:00.001-08:002009-01-07T18:22:52.084-08:00Our New Year'sSo, as New Year's approached this year I was very upset not to have any plans. Babysitters are scarce and even my grandmother parties well into the wee hours on New Year's. Oh I complained and complained and hated that I would probably be in bed asleep by the time midnight approached. We were set to have a quiet evening at home. Nothing even special for dinner. Mike had popped into work earlier and a couple of friends said they were getting together and we could join them....but, I was reluctant to accept. The twin <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">tornadoes</span> can be a menace when presented with an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">unchildproofed</span> house full of interesting things to touch and grab and perhaps even break. Michael gets really nervous too and so I convinced myself that they would rather not have the lot of us join them.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Rcae85ZDCxDt-FEqgpfNpiy2DUoJHVGrYj52a1ioQkVbwjeYnNoObH2ZoShD9HDRKth3j397WO-J8xVpRqSdW4tiChP1-OLCTiqWNhyphenhyphenuV4P8Mxb37HEFtqpK2dO6NgKz0AAwHdUBmLY/s1600-h/new+years+4.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Rcae85ZDCxDt-FEqgpfNpiy2DUoJHVGrYj52a1ioQkVbwjeYnNoObH2ZoShD9HDRKth3j397WO-J8xVpRqSdW4tiChP1-OLCTiqWNhyphenhyphenuV4P8Mxb37HEFtqpK2dO6NgKz0AAwHdUBmLY/s320/new+years+4.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288734580071664930" border="0" /></a>Luckily, I was wrong. A couple hours before said get together, the phone rang. It was one of the girls asking if we were planning on coming over. Defeated, I sighed and said that she probably didn't want the boys running around her apartment late into the night. But, I was wrong. She welcomed us one and all. So, we decided to go and I was glad that we did. We all had a great time. There was pizza and cookies.....and wine (see red face in picture). We were able to visit whilst the boys were awed by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Nemo</span> and Ice Age on the television. Also, the boys were overjoyed with the pet selection in this household. There were fish, lizards, frogs, cats and a big dog. Okay, Ben was very scared of the big dog, but there was a lot to keep the boys busy.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYMi2bh1d8dCDCCBbXunwvCVaENziNJPwYjKmR1xB3E7NWuAGOGTRY8lSAU7yAlhDMudB6Rt4Dm1cu-9B153kV1r1tFyd8adIX0esM9h2jVgigmvKLzowQfUs5kkzoR093IIXnt8zeINU/s1600-h/new+years+7.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYMi2bh1d8dCDCCBbXunwvCVaENziNJPwYjKmR1xB3E7NWuAGOGTRY8lSAU7yAlhDMudB6Rt4Dm1cu-9B153kV1r1tFyd8adIX0esM9h2jVgigmvKLzowQfUs5kkzoR093IIXnt8zeINU/s320/new+years+7.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288734575119585842" border="0" /></a>I always underestimate how grown up my boys are. They visited well and stayed up late without much protest at all. They actually mingled with the guests. Anyone who knows my boys knows that I am making an effort to socialize them. For too long I have kept them home with me and they are pretty shy when it comes to light conversation with an acquaintance. Usually when people try to talk to them, they are met with a stop sign hand and several "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">no's</span>". Not tonight though. The boys were ready to party.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDBYGARDoEcbPoCbWulUIdaYbLWNxCYrI41JRmflmC5XGtsa4A1nlsc4d_XQfnY-68vpzqU3sAbLwAh9IysZOX4wd0WC3DFzQG9UoZwL35sW_LbWcEz8z5_cHKPKO4TdWpUfyI66QViVY/s1600-h/new+years+5.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDBYGARDoEcbPoCbWulUIdaYbLWNxCYrI41JRmflmC5XGtsa4A1nlsc4d_XQfnY-68vpzqU3sAbLwAh9IysZOX4wd0WC3DFzQG9UoZwL35sW_LbWcEz8z5_cHKPKO4TdWpUfyI66QViVY/s320/new+years+5.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288734561399195826" border="0" /></a>Seeing how well they did, I felt a little less guilty about keeping them out late....away from their cozy beds. But, if you look at those smiles.....you can tell, they were happy to get out. They needed it just as much as I did.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66AaMOd_AsZNFPFYJElwae-er414-j5mj9PzrnxhUpHNp5d2ecb_K7Hm1hyphenhyphenAzqMREx9RIXU1UAOiRtJRdWgL1HfQLnaCp7O1Num3B6dISvFPAai2vmD2V7Gwh3xXTR9p12_-yyoJ9a3A/s1600-h/new+years+3.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66AaMOd_AsZNFPFYJElwae-er414-j5mj9PzrnxhUpHNp5d2ecb_K7Hm1hyphenhyphenAzqMREx9RIXU1UAOiRtJRdWgL1HfQLnaCp7O1Num3B6dISvFPAai2vmD2V7Gwh3xXTR9p12_-yyoJ9a3A/s320/new+years+3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288734559708962130" border="0" /></a>As the hours crept on, luckily the boys began to quietly fade. They melted into the couch which was just as good as their beds. We covered them with blankets and proceeded to watch an advance copy of Twilight while we chatted and waited for the arrival of the New Year.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtnKZ5bhnilthWs7wOecxdmI2p2pSoHtkhck_va5lWqR9Hgzpk4vLO3IBVeYV2Oot_pOVH9A4DU-dmwzFunkYt3wSBaPBW2R15OYUmX4v9B_gW8KFcpl6e9iBcGEdrc-U08VyCXjLOjz8/s1600-h/new+years+2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtnKZ5bhnilthWs7wOecxdmI2p2pSoHtkhck_va5lWqR9Hgzpk4vLO3IBVeYV2Oot_pOVH9A4DU-dmwzFunkYt3wSBaPBW2R15OYUmX4v9B_gW8KFcpl6e9iBcGEdrc-U08VyCXjLOjz8/s320/new+years+2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288734553278331058" border="0" /></a>Okay.....we got a little crazy too. And, this picture did wonders for helping with a New Year's resolution.....that much Booty is good for no one. Okay, Michael may disagree, but that is a whole different kind of blog. But, to sum up.....we had a great time with great friends and are confident the New Year will bring many good things for many good people.gr8dc2bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07379231519647681256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581806968925370868.post-73305643826391632412009-01-01T14:30:00.001-08:002009-01-01T14:43:20.521-08:00Too Tired to Say MuchWith the holidays and the endless stream of visitors and the partying and cleaning and celebrating some more.....I am too tired to actually be coherent. So, I won't write much. With pictures being worth 1000 words and all, I think I will meet my word quota for this assignment. I was really even too busy to get that many pictures taken-good sweet wonderful ones anyway, so these will have to do. The boys had a great Christmas though. They had way too many presents and now, if not before, I can say that our house is nothing short of a toy storage facility. When I recover.....um, err, possibly by the summer, I will have to organize said toys. For now they are piled high in every spare closet --to the ceiling like some movie closet where an avalanche could break at any moment. Word of advice, do not open any doors that may lead to a closet in my home.....it could be hazardous to your health. At this moment, the four of us are warn out from our New Year's Eve partying......I may blog about that one some other time, but for now I am going to take a nap. Enjoy the pictures. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA8yqT1FThZEF8Lp3s3pMlB7y24bhVPML-FD7JowHTjIZBxrm17R1Ov-rr7vc57L3m8kWNKU6R4mzTsDpHjtY1f4wOzYjTIwS78bjpxVh6a9rnJXu4nGZH2U9rmV3vvbpJR_kTNQTOSFw/s1600-h/dec+2008+054+mod.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA8yqT1FThZEF8Lp3s3pMlB7y24bhVPML-FD7JowHTjIZBxrm17R1Ov-rr7vc57L3m8kWNKU6R4mzTsDpHjtY1f4wOzYjTIwS78bjpxVh6a9rnJXu4nGZH2U9rmV3vvbpJR_kTNQTOSFw/s320/dec+2008+054+mod.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286456748002227362" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6vUDtgCpInFIe6k97LiiJ03NWQ79FV2wn0eF7o1S8EcdeiY9cWnBEZydej3MYuRQGp2qQdgaATg7bS5Jhd119zS3jHVXM3mWtN6pEvNCwfLYfBPGOssmMxcTv_ynkR_wHt2LdG9crW0I/s1600-h/dec+2008+052+mod.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6vUDtgCpInFIe6k97LiiJ03NWQ79FV2wn0eF7o1S8EcdeiY9cWnBEZydej3MYuRQGp2qQdgaATg7bS5Jhd119zS3jHVXM3mWtN6pEvNCwfLYfBPGOssmMxcTv_ynkR_wHt2LdG9crW0I/s320/dec+2008+052+mod.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286456748662348866" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx1GSIJp34NEIMfqSTb8PnT997C41igQapaNflVvwISQZCF7tsTVazUkKKeuq_qiDxDmSe4c81ANUwkV9AZP1Tipyaq_YyFjQ4NLpIXnPqV8EpAXxdAUh6UzgUpEexaXpMUT4DnxkKJF0/s1600-h/dec+2008+051+mod.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx1GSIJp34NEIMfqSTb8PnT997C41igQapaNflVvwISQZCF7tsTVazUkKKeuq_qiDxDmSe4c81ANUwkV9AZP1Tipyaq_YyFjQ4NLpIXnPqV8EpAXxdAUh6UzgUpEexaXpMUT4DnxkKJF0/s320/dec+2008+051+mod.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286456639658056850" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghq4QUu03lXPzfZO_P1POLZkufDDJBhUwHPvmGS6QLPy9oH-wenDYTKgLxGtxReGppSs710QT5nGKTOGfZC_gyAc4YDGKIb0HD5Zcx_SpnE_-02PqhBFUrkW9lDBQ2mxoeVOKLWXvMygE/s1600-h/dec+2008+047+mod.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghq4QUu03lXPzfZO_P1POLZkufDDJBhUwHPvmGS6QLPy9oH-wenDYTKgLxGtxReGppSs710QT5nGKTOGfZC_gyAc4YDGKIb0HD5Zcx_SpnE_-02PqhBFUrkW9lDBQ2mxoeVOKLWXvMygE/s320/dec+2008+047+mod.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286456630999762514" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0HmgdvYNfeLGltMkcmdFiqHczdZYoYEynOwwAxqvloCll2W5iLVA_Bdm7tviATqB3ywKfXNnjphyOPGfZurOIaoz8xCies9PZmZtnhD7RXaOPLBLp-pXBKsnWDk_Kg-i7fVL0kLirpKI/s1600-h/dec+2008+046+mod.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0HmgdvYNfeLGltMkcmdFiqHczdZYoYEynOwwAxqvloCll2W5iLVA_Bdm7tviATqB3ywKfXNnjphyOPGfZurOIaoz8xCies9PZmZtnhD7RXaOPLBLp-pXBKsnWDk_Kg-i7fVL0kLirpKI/s320/dec+2008+046+mod.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286456625614971810" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFEpFayyLs5p9kY-RA6TGA-2aPGISK3CG8qLCdVwqhY0x3yDpYJTc8OzHXw5tlBPxyDAfJWzRhByn0YKCyiBghL_QF_k_0SWLCqty622v3AeOvuJgWY98KeNmRAyWWEcyxYF8bb4ufXpE/s1600-h/mod.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFEpFayyLs5p9kY-RA6TGA-2aPGISK3CG8qLCdVwqhY0x3yDpYJTc8OzHXw5tlBPxyDAfJWzRhByn0YKCyiBghL_QF_k_0SWLCqty622v3AeOvuJgWY98KeNmRAyWWEcyxYF8bb4ufXpE/s320/mod.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286456621068213058" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlFMJm4m9xYDF1o45XN6pFp_7PpR1MblJ-bjyhWNiARWuck7UAGuKiw06cOAPYmVKQz4WQFIZ_nyzvaH7vVgnu6EvOjoLanExBmvjaFjqyGU4IEphddxGCN5we0Mf-PXkp4V7iRr8K3Gs/s1600-h/dec+2008+040+mod.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlFMJm4m9xYDF1o45XN6pFp_7PpR1MblJ-bjyhWNiARWuck7UAGuKiw06cOAPYmVKQz4WQFIZ_nyzvaH7vVgnu6EvOjoLanExBmvjaFjqyGU4IEphddxGCN5we0Mf-PXkp4V7iRr8K3Gs/s320/dec+2008+040+mod.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286456621833567858" border="0" /></a>Wishing you all a fine 2009 and I hope you all had an awesome holiday season.gr8dc2bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07379231519647681256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581806968925370868.post-62221172938483063142008-12-22T08:14:00.000-08:002008-12-22T08:21:34.503-08:00Santa Clause is coming to TownAs if I didn't know that my boys are growing up at the speed of light......it is confirmed in a little tradition known as the Santa photo. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1HwGo6VZvk5LmxeDyIIg3FPK1xkDVhqS4TphYj3AMM1prHSpddsd8LCiAdz2modXsbaHzypoTZmxjjpHHUZ3QJzRjq-OMiLO_konixYY2UkWyBNVHE-Hs49oxL9O6hDQQGvk9d-GWD6U/s1600-h/santa+clause+and+boys+07.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 221px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1HwGo6VZvk5LmxeDyIIg3FPK1xkDVhqS4TphYj3AMM1prHSpddsd8LCiAdz2modXsbaHzypoTZmxjjpHHUZ3QJzRjq-OMiLO_konixYY2UkWyBNVHE-Hs49oxL9O6hDQQGvk9d-GWD6U/s320/santa+clause+and+boys+07.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282648786037464146" border="0" /></a>In one short year, look how much they have grown up. Last year, Santa was just an old scary man with a long beard who they didn't know and didn't want to know. Look at the horror....the terror....the tears.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPRQHv0WXBKXj-kHZh4IVMiCia6UEp2qCcvjWAobrN0UXxnhp-x_-wJ8WjI5uwjjuopAnvYCjHf9pwQDkA98QAa4CpvAB-LmPYSmkwu3B1vcvYvV09VFkZ2F8sprkOuTDX8IIZIfTDCzo/s1600-h/lastscan.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 216px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPRQHv0WXBKXj-kHZh4IVMiCia6UEp2qCcvjWAobrN0UXxnhp-x_-wJ8WjI5uwjjuopAnvYCjHf9pwQDkA98QAa4CpvAB-LmPYSmkwu3B1vcvYvV09VFkZ2F8sprkOuTDX8IIZIfTDCzo/s320/lastscan.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282648783467903730" border="0" /></a>A year later, is a different story. Number one, a candy cane is a great gift in the eyes of my boys. Santa is a superstar as soon as he starts passing out these sticky and soon to be slobbery treats. And although, Ben cares more about that candy cane than the mystique of the bearded one, Seb has a happy smile. No more tears and fears. My little boys are big boys and I am not imagining the fast rate at which their youth is evaporating right before my eyes. Oh boy, I can only imagine a goatee in Santa pic number three next year, sigh. Okay, a little overexaggeration never hurt anyone, right?gr8dc2bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07379231519647681256noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581806968925370868.post-70175175276215574792008-12-17T13:12:00.000-08:002008-12-17T13:35:58.437-08:00CA snow day<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4fexQ-zrE9mF-KvBPaLjrdxZT3ileX9qmvRv40yItlfvMECC4Z1E6VSOcHuC7-4YyBPdXPvu9qqBZphd6UeDqvEiIECrPd__x6WnHz0vsNrs6JCK8c6IjJPGihG6giWyBAwPh-I1-Qrg/s1600-h/dec+2008+032+mod.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4fexQ-zrE9mF-KvBPaLjrdxZT3ileX9qmvRv40yItlfvMECC4Z1E6VSOcHuC7-4YyBPdXPvu9qqBZphd6UeDqvEiIECrPd__x6WnHz0vsNrs6JCK8c6IjJPGihG6giWyBAwPh-I1-Qrg/s320/dec+2008+032+mod.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280870341582349314" border="0" /></a>So, what is even better than driving through snow on the way home from a trip.......having snow at home the next day! We awoke to a blanket of white snow and the prettiest dainty snow flakes fluttering down from the sky. Of course, our satellite dish will not work because of it, but it is something different for this CA girl. We did a year in MO and had plenty of ice and snow, but this is CA. This would have been a dream come true when I was a little girl.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0HizFfjyTVYE3ks4rG48XiTfz_o6YcTiYHZihVTQ-digfXt_VZGTVigenZ70Tz8JBzjXzNQe3wFTyzTb_HH45Xwu4GGQN1TDr4fiCaDqki6Vd71O9VYshwmWI-TYSaridrniuGR_qlEY/s1600-h/dec+2008+028+mod.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0HizFfjyTVYE3ks4rG48XiTfz_o6YcTiYHZihVTQ-digfXt_VZGTVigenZ70Tz8JBzjXzNQe3wFTyzTb_HH45Xwu4GGQN1TDr4fiCaDqki6Vd71O9VYshwmWI-TYSaridrniuGR_qlEY/s320/dec+2008+028+mod.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280870337151650626" border="0" /></a>Of course, we don't have snow clothes for the boys and my mom actually picked up some boots and gloves yesterday......which are not here today and won't make an appearance until Monday. But, I couldn't resist. Just looking through the window made the boys squeal with delight. And the snow started to pick up and there was a wonderland in our backyard. So, at 10am.....I gave in. I bundled the boys in layers of clothes and we ran outside into the exciting elements.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2hLAlY6h4e8aKgdqu0iDX9QmX4FYEUcsMjp4rn8Z_SOMBSitFY85fI3Q6pdbjOuio5mvsYoPO9_AR1uOC9bb1RaamCaUfMae37jXyjOtE3_COyCg6yNttX7CF7NqKgCcjyKgcxxRnJ3c/s1600-h/dec+2008+027+mod.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2hLAlY6h4e8aKgdqu0iDX9QmX4FYEUcsMjp4rn8Z_SOMBSitFY85fI3Q6pdbjOuio5mvsYoPO9_AR1uOC9bb1RaamCaUfMae37jXyjOtE3_COyCg6yNttX7CF7NqKgCcjyKgcxxRnJ3c/s320/dec+2008+027+mod.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280870331750847138" border="0" /></a>There is nothing like the joy on a kids face in their first experience of snow. They ate it from the sky with tongues hanging out as far as possible. They blinked as flakes stuck to their lashes. We made a snowman. We had a snowball fight. We created big snowy piles just to trample them like Godzilla. They enjoyed the slick slide with my assistance and were really in awe. Even our break for hot apple cider was taken outside because the boys were having too much fun.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDOQCc1SUu_3OzkIJBlw86Lp3lT985FO37-uE93G24DaiAw89MkyKCIQbMQ3aw7mfQn7dQQ9A_6Z8sMX67rU6az91Ihjcvi8gwQmO0155IUlHk8FrxJR_uzo9jf3FRpb0PYQ3Mo7lYbqY/s1600-h/dec+2008+020+mod.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDOQCc1SUu_3OzkIJBlw86Lp3lT985FO37-uE93G24DaiAw89MkyKCIQbMQ3aw7mfQn7dQQ9A_6Z8sMX67rU6az91Ihjcvi8gwQmO0155IUlHk8FrxJR_uzo9jf3FRpb0PYQ3Mo7lYbqY/s320/dec+2008+020+mod.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280870330454713426" border="0" /></a>Of course, though, the fun cannot last forever. As the clothes started to get more wet than dry and the fingers started turning red from the frost and I knew the tennis shoes had cold little feet with wet socks inside....we had to come inside for lunch. Inside to a nice heated house where we would change our clothes and put our shoes in the dryer and eat while we looked longingly at the scene outside. It just keeps coming down and is beautiful. I love the trees covered in snow. I love the look of a snowy yard.....even if I can't keep my balance to save my life. Okay...I only fell once so it is not that bad.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJQCB3CdJMwzSGsMHyseQOPHulR4eXI1N71NJaI2a_KXSAuLCk4X3mIFcE9vXaJlB5DJR_uhMNY1k142Mjr33c4fJ4mpv9hKJdIMgDY2mraKUDTtB-VBmenYlLW_9L9GMaKdAEU785NGk/s1600-h/dec+2008+018+mod.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJQCB3CdJMwzSGsMHyseQOPHulR4eXI1N71NJaI2a_KXSAuLCk4X3mIFcE9vXaJlB5DJR_uhMNY1k142Mjr33c4fJ4mpv9hKJdIMgDY2mraKUDTtB-VBmenYlLW_9L9GMaKdAEU785NGk/s320/dec+2008+018+mod.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280870327607912290" border="0" /></a>But, along with the good comes the bad. One of the scariest things is a Californian trying to drive in the snow.....or a So Californian trying to drive in the rain even. Okay, driving is scary all together, but you can't trust anyone in these conditions. So....the Christmas cards would have to wait to be mailed. If I can't walk in it....I can't drive in it. The schools are closed, even my husband's office was closed. Man, he couldn't even get the car in the garage when he returned home.....we are not armed with snow shovels and didn't know we would need to be. But, we will drink a hot cocoa and look out the window at the lovely scene and just relax and enjoy this holiday season........if I can convince dh that this is not an ideal opportunity to play NCAA football on the PS3 that is. Come on.....at least volunteer to take the boys out for their second jaunt into the wild snowy world that is our backyard. I already did my 1.5 hours today which was totally worth it, but I don't know how much more frost bite I can take.<br /><br />P.S. Stay away from the yellow snow......how much can two little dogs pee in a couple of hours anyway.gr8dc2bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07379231519647681256noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581806968925370868.post-77727831168474998632008-12-16T08:15:00.001-08:002008-12-16T08:48:11.504-08:00Busy Busy Busy BeesAs you can tell from the title of this particular blog....We have been busy! Okay, we are always busy, but we were especially busy this weekend. My sis and I were throwing our parents a party for their 25<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span> wedding anniversary. Thank goodness she had the time to organize and put the details together. She was the backbone to this operation and of course, with her impeccable sense of style, it was a great event. So, we went home for a long weekend that flew by too quickly.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2O5G8LnQzCI2onO3YmYy_-_t0VFQHhIPlzmPw8aBWOAeVnfoisl-9iNRZWUIBCzxTe6RUWw7AF8v0QB2DAU7KofhjoxT-r43kGtJm26FI0rKulYQdSR1-Gmxf0T21yonLQQIeGkJYtco/s1600-h/dec+2008+014.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2O5G8LnQzCI2onO3YmYy_-_t0VFQHhIPlzmPw8aBWOAeVnfoisl-9iNRZWUIBCzxTe6RUWw7AF8v0QB2DAU7KofhjoxT-r43kGtJm26FI0rKulYQdSR1-Gmxf0T21yonLQQIeGkJYtco/s320/dec+2008+014.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280423700232191122" border="0" /></a>Can you believe that this is the weather we drove through on our way back from Nor Cal. It was actually quite pretty and the boys were very excited to see the snow. It almost rated with the Moos of the many cows, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">baaaahs</span> of the many sheep and the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">choo</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">choos</span> of the many trains that we saw on our drive. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG2u1RQpw9OxId0ON5j7A1nXqlCmQkWqmSNNMl7G46PAXpMnQ1LEUulI9hr4tfzXmtFpkML0kqWSUfwfoM_JuSVoyZPvaVTu1InymaX1LHsnRA7W_6AVJe6VOl0F0osQg02UKdqu2JhQ0/s1600-h/dec+2008+012.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG2u1RQpw9OxId0ON5j7A1nXqlCmQkWqmSNNMl7G46PAXpMnQ1LEUulI9hr4tfzXmtFpkML0kqWSUfwfoM_JuSVoyZPvaVTu1InymaX1LHsnRA7W_6AVJe6VOl0F0osQg02UKdqu2JhQ0/s320/dec+2008+012.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280423589779733826" border="0" /></a>We are lucky that the boys are so wonderful in the car. Six hours is not fun......even if there is a stop over at McDonald's on the way. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphen7CkVsFFXjhMNvZoA9zo3uewU4iK4GcUVMSuS-NcvkFASiXCgq_A4C3FI6NtoICgKUDVUxYGGPi3srrVu-ht5B5ohKWQIpl6PF1GEKZ4GPDhMlYsHQMuPpqW0XcCUXN9va031zrSErU/s1600-h/dec+2008+013.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphen7CkVsFFXjhMNvZoA9zo3uewU4iK4GcUVMSuS-NcvkFASiXCgq_A4C3FI6NtoICgKUDVUxYGGPi3srrVu-ht5B5ohKWQIpl6PF1GEKZ4GPDhMlYsHQMuPpqW0XcCUXN9va031zrSErU/s320/dec+2008+013.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280423587178879522" border="0" /></a>Of course, we have Einsteins on the TV and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Twizzlers</span> to snack on (this is the boys new favorite treat) and who could ask for a better excuse to travel.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNTTJ6izSh9GXztXGYVjTG2N8JkEJLtAvHEdGK7eY0fXp-MFRoJpDE_DiYNO6zWR89W9cPtDng_vMFlw6Q6Y545TJW5B7jhn0PEvKtguEofFC-DMi2TIYO8dGr8U1N5BCBRigVVQ-xvu8/s1600-h/Dec+12+2008+014.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNTTJ6izSh9GXztXGYVjTG2N8JkEJLtAvHEdGK7eY0fXp-MFRoJpDE_DiYNO6zWR89W9cPtDng_vMFlw6Q6Y545TJW5B7jhn0PEvKtguEofFC-DMi2TIYO8dGr8U1N5BCBRigVVQ-xvu8/s320/Dec+12+2008+014.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280423576586031506" border="0" /></a>We had kicked off the festivities of the weekend first visiting my mom at her school and showing off the babies.....um, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">errr</span>, my big boys. That night we braved the cold to go to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Tilden</span> park set up for Christmas. They had a really nice display of Christmas scenery and of course this included Winnie the Pooh which is always exciting for the dudes. The boys forgot the cold after the first 10 minutes of shaking like a tickle me Elmo and were not easily contained as they whipped around the area at full speed ahead. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOpHiRSoW3xEYmf-Kz_vGisjtLKgiXYgoYEoRi9fw91vjjIFT_MW7J-d7S32BJkhl8uWX0o87zaHZWOz1_pb7j6t4Cne-CE1ZHfyDkYtQxDJGo_Jy3jUO8aCB13ZK7IWFLAjqoGIGBueE/s1600-h/Dec+12+2008+010.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOpHiRSoW3xEYmf-Kz_vGisjtLKgiXYgoYEoRi9fw91vjjIFT_MW7J-d7S32BJkhl8uWX0o87zaHZWOz1_pb7j6t4Cne-CE1ZHfyDkYtQxDJGo_Jy3jUO8aCB13ZK7IWFLAjqoGIGBueE/s320/Dec+12+2008+010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280423573317368418" border="0" /></a>The main draw was the Merry Go Round. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Seb</span> loves it! Although this Merry Go Round was like at supersonic speed. I have never seen something fly around so fast. Needless to say, I was a little dizzy.....but it didn't bother the boys.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXoZrWV-eWcvcB5_8ym-PIDErlfOs39_NatJoJAdCchDRVdTw1LzKwYtBTq_6pPUkdrQhA_tWO4gLqbJ1LH_JxT-8QtCdyCBbUneGhrXoWcQ8V7vxXT2eadOxctiuA_jFaEp06ji_Tyfk/s1600-h/Dec+12+2008+007.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXoZrWV-eWcvcB5_8ym-PIDErlfOs39_NatJoJAdCchDRVdTw1LzKwYtBTq_6pPUkdrQhA_tWO4gLqbJ1LH_JxT-8QtCdyCBbUneGhrXoWcQ8V7vxXT2eadOxctiuA_jFaEp06ji_Tyfk/s320/Dec+12+2008+007.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280423566858139570" border="0" /></a>This was the first time we were able to get Ben to agree to take a ride. Before, at other venues.....he always refused. Of course, with my big self pinning him to the tiger.....who wouldn't feel safe. So, he acclimated quickly and went on the next time without my riding behind him.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi29F1I5X_1wkoPragWGM38XUI2TSHKIG7LY62gnqTSO-oGLRkWqU-V2qKH7IMTuGShq9IotdXQrcOXjiGPV6Ah2_030IJgV0zoz_0s6btPs41ova5Aj4vWf148TvtnslyAx0ypefDm-do/s1600-h/Dec+12+2008+019.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi29F1I5X_1wkoPragWGM38XUI2TSHKIG7LY62gnqTSO-oGLRkWqU-V2qKH7IMTuGShq9IotdXQrcOXjiGPV6Ah2_030IJgV0zoz_0s6btPs41ova5Aj4vWf148TvtnslyAx0ypefDm-do/s320/Dec+12+2008+019.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280423174177084018" border="0" /></a>The boys did pretty well at the main event also. We had a very nice lunch at Scott's and my guys were quite dashing in their ties. Although the boys got a fruit plate instead of salad and chicken fingers and fries instead of the grown up food.....their appetite was unparalleled and I don't know how they ate it all. I was even impressed that they were able to stay in booster seats with no belts as there were no high chairs and we had forgotten our traveling seats to secure them in. They really are growing up and I have to remind myself as an overprotective mommy that I don't give them enough credit. They really are rock stars!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiHfdBzLOELixHGGywps14dI1L9unJTG5KepKH7a_1Eodmgrxw2C5OBpc6RazulKthe5vVKnY_tk-9CyfXuyADv__dN8o0MOz7nOAdZ2-Bs0WMWd5qtO7vYd_TxzG6VKcfrCtr3CzOOpI/s1600-h/Dec+12+2008+015.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiHfdBzLOELixHGGywps14dI1L9unJTG5KepKH7a_1Eodmgrxw2C5OBpc6RazulKthe5vVKnY_tk-9CyfXuyADv__dN8o0MOz7nOAdZ2-Bs0WMWd5qtO7vYd_TxzG6VKcfrCtr3CzOOpI/s320/Dec+12+2008+015.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280423052051437234" border="0" /></a>Here are the happy couple coming in from the cold to join their party. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-cv2bEW_MCt8Gg2CJwkx0Uhlo_XZgURr0QYaFijUBL5gn6Bpao4nQzP6uUNUhiewM1Tn9f9EfzFjkIQn48o01VQaO4acj9RIXvLp05fkb-g_lKMGBdfqYy5HeiVGDDSAfqbiewsOGLDk/s1600-h/dec+2008+010+new+mod.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-cv2bEW_MCt8Gg2CJwkx0Uhlo_XZgURr0QYaFijUBL5gn6Bpao4nQzP6uUNUhiewM1Tn9f9EfzFjkIQn48o01VQaO4acj9RIXvLp05fkb-g_lKMGBdfqYy5HeiVGDDSAfqbiewsOGLDk/s320/dec+2008+010+new+mod.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280422775538274562" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-cbuGGSHtpwVqVdQebKXwAGyxtuEBFx4TCXLa4VvVX4BCN-CbBhZ-MaUSI80QIOWWvJ12ykV0TxQ4Tysoq0mbfifeecmunUCOr3VzC0eEx21gFhcc2ewB1EcB5JxyTjyWO8pQorLLAbs/s1600-h/dec+2008+008+new+mod.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-cbuGGSHtpwVqVdQebKXwAGyxtuEBFx4TCXLa4VvVX4BCN-CbBhZ-MaUSI80QIOWWvJ12ykV0TxQ4Tysoq0mbfifeecmunUCOr3VzC0eEx21gFhcc2ewB1EcB5JxyTjyWO8pQorLLAbs/s320/dec+2008+008+new+mod.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280422741054748802" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMhCk0Wdcrey9fXmNJW4iRRrlChSTGXJx37uWcb71O2n6Vxdl47nxGJa5JE98rsobB7hM_WP4raCGOhRvQd3SynGdynCiZmDbXxbv1h2J992biDQDhAoPm-oCLuZs_vIuoIMqJCWXPrdI/s1600-h/dec+2008+006+new+mod.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMhCk0Wdcrey9fXmNJW4iRRrlChSTGXJx37uWcb71O2n6Vxdl47nxGJa5JE98rsobB7hM_WP4raCGOhRvQd3SynGdynCiZmDbXxbv1h2J992biDQDhAoPm-oCLuZs_vIuoIMqJCWXPrdI/s320/dec+2008+006+new+mod.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280422741375922258" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis9l4daIFCskHyQwr_dsKOLrgbHOh9raeGbrP6q7zaBupTd5JHh0xxpZ3-Vku0C2R-uFi7pXTuUb5Hh-wRXTKI3Kgta3fyANAjaQ7lMA448IMdsFl2hrnZST4rs-EudKZ_pNfk6LB0I5Q/s1600-h/dec+2008+004+new+mod.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis9l4daIFCskHyQwr_dsKOLrgbHOh9raeGbrP6q7zaBupTd5JHh0xxpZ3-Vku0C2R-uFi7pXTuUb5Hh-wRXTKI3Kgta3fyANAjaQ7lMA448IMdsFl2hrnZST4rs-EudKZ_pNfk6LB0I5Q/s320/dec+2008+004+new+mod.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280422735626329330" border="0" /></a>And more of the boys in their ties.....I can't get enough of my cuties! Yes, a successful weekend...but too short. However, it gave me something to talk about in this here blog. Something other than the fact that a couple days previous in one of my panic rushes to get too much done....I gave the dogs the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Twizzlers</span> and the boys the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Milkbones</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Seb</span> looked at me like I lost my mind and gave it back with a look. Of course, when I rush to Ben......he is eating the tasty dog snack with gusto and I feared he wouldn't trade me for his candy. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Unbelieveable</span>. I really need to slow down/calm down sometimes, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">hehe</span>.gr8dc2bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07379231519647681256noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581806968925370868.post-45853042955339692872008-12-04T18:33:00.001-08:002008-12-04T19:01:41.435-08:00A Quickie<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDVKqGDBz-g9aXVE1du-PF-YwiH18ag2VKDt338glDvi0myaD9ChZPYe2xrB-1KIPNvms4aL3ratrcDxOsWFXyEJjA7aJ2nkFwP2J7VQNyeeh-NvmyuU95hyphenhyphenmPm5HnI0HcbjK4dMhTxII/s1600-h/dec+2008+008+mod.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276129207047667634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDVKqGDBz-g9aXVE1du-PF-YwiH18ag2VKDt338glDvi0myaD9ChZPYe2xrB-1KIPNvms4aL3ratrcDxOsWFXyEJjA7aJ2nkFwP2J7VQNyeeh-NvmyuU95hyphenhyphenmPm5HnI0HcbjK4dMhTxII/s320/dec+2008+008+mod.jpg" border="0" /></a> So, no I haven't gotten my Christmas cards out or even started on them yet. I so wanted to take some nice pictures in the backyard where the boys have a wonderland of crunchy leaves to hop in, stomp on and throw. Who said that there are no seasons in CA. I swear that these leaves were very green at one time. Anyway, my best laid plan did not work, no big surprise here.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQbisiM01u7oaWiKZWYyrh0K9-zRkWdT6gJn-AlB-04yzeEyGfghG6VybyPx8GRQo-p6mH5hv_W9ffWfQotoo80pLbuPjCNAHKLdC9QY-TUNCvM0rvSHRWOd2PtzRQGCH643OUIi4sVNg/s1600-h/dec+2008+005+mod.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276129021497816722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQbisiM01u7oaWiKZWYyrh0K9-zRkWdT6gJn-AlB-04yzeEyGfghG6VybyPx8GRQo-p6mH5hv_W9ffWfQotoo80pLbuPjCNAHKLdC9QY-TUNCvM0rvSHRWOd2PtzRQGCH643OUIi4sVNg/s320/dec+2008+005+mod.jpg" border="0" /></a> True, both boys are battling some kind of illness. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Seb</span> has had a runny nose and the most horrible poops lately. I know, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">TMI</span>, but can I just say for the sake of commiseration that the only solid thing in the diaper has been the corn he ate the night before--- that in an ocean of murky brown swamp water. A smell that lingers for 3 hours in a room and makes me check and recheck for a repeat <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">occurrence</span> to find nothing. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Hehe</span>....I know, I shouldn't have gone there. But, I thought those days of washing all the sheets, changing the clothes multiple times and daily baths were in the past. Apparently not.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVvQXItV3A-8b_Ob7xqacXVzpic-Uv9eAGykO13p_D-Mbc9AJHa0_lC-VFdUm-gNNgTyOqCu13eQ5DoX50R_oIGmyBpCysqIw5ThOobxc9M53IAn0QekmqmkuTf960a6m4kjaNeFZ0baA/s1600-h/dec+2008+003+mod.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276129010441649298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVvQXItV3A-8b_Ob7xqacXVzpic-Uv9eAGykO13p_D-Mbc9AJHa0_lC-VFdUm-gNNgTyOqCu13eQ5DoX50R_oIGmyBpCysqIw5ThOobxc9M53IAn0QekmqmkuTf960a6m4kjaNeFZ0baA/s320/dec+2008+003+mod.jpg" border="0" /></a> So, after today's late morning (and very needed) bathing, I thought I would try to put the boys in a nice selection of button up shirts in the quest to obtain the perfect picture for our Christmas cards. Staples is great and cheap to get such things done in one day and so I had high hopes that I would be like my former self and have those Christmas cards out with a quickness. However, Ben has been in such a mood lately. He will change his pants from day to day, but he gets attached to his shirts. Earlier this week to avoid <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">unnecessary</span> battles I gave in to allowing him to wear his pajama shirt for two days straight. So, when I approached him with a nice button up shirt....thinking hey, it's cold, he has to wear something after the bath....the battle began. No, No, No. So I moved onto a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">poloish</span> long sleeve with fancy striped sleeves and a gang looking number on the chest (one of his usual favorites) and this was also a no. So, I gave him a choice which still left me with a No. Ben, dude, it is cold. You can't be half naked today and you aren't wearing pajamas. After much fighting I got him to wear a dinosaur shirt, hardly appropriate for a heart warming Xmas card. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Seb</span> seeing Ben in a dinosaur shirt of course had to wear his as well and so I gave up on the nice clothes and gave into their opinions.<br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjIw_r6FutA1nBWC_8MN_ari7wya-Q7beACInIRgt8LYwa44tJqHFHwDSxLD0u3FOQjFgsNOI56cfccGjZuPl9W6rrJZPN3Je1diBM0XcENxJCf8RsioXvtT936gPbFKTGWAH8lvzT83Q/s1600-h/dec+2008+006+mod.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276129026706562914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjIw_r6FutA1nBWC_8MN_ari7wya-Q7beACInIRgt8LYwa44tJqHFHwDSxLD0u3FOQjFgsNOI56cfccGjZuPl9W6rrJZPN3Je1diBM0XcENxJCf8RsioXvtT936gPbFKTGWAH8lvzT83Q/s320/dec+2008+006+mod.jpg" border="0" /></a>So, I thought.....well, maybe I can still get a picture taken with both of them together....although not ideal, they are so cute......maybe nobody will notice or care. Of course, with this I could not get them barely in the same universe to take a picture together. Pose one and the other runs off. That is what I get for trying to get something done without my scary counterpart at home. So, whether or not we get a Christmas card made this year, I do not know. But, I do like to take pictures for the good ole blog and so today was not a wasted day. Who could be disappointed by these loving and cheerful smiles anyway?<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf7mfs20zngTUJ6kZeEjDe1QiXSGJTFS2ISjdaN8dx6b-RV8Mhl9q-FUrxYxWmXCyBBbsb7i7dVdUrhApldePKt3ep9_UtoIe-Tn-jbRLAUII41x_QOIf3_sx-oJ2UHbrYnwxkrOKPKZA/s1600-h/dec+2008+004+mod.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276129018217190850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf7mfs20zngTUJ6kZeEjDe1QiXSGJTFS2ISjdaN8dx6b-RV8Mhl9q-FUrxYxWmXCyBBbsb7i7dVdUrhApldePKt3ep9_UtoIe-Tn-jbRLAUII41x_QOIf3_sx-oJ2UHbrYnwxkrOKPKZA/s320/dec+2008+004+mod.jpg" border="0" /></a>Even if things don't (and by don't I mean never) go according to plan.....how can I not be the happiest mommy alive? I am lucky to have these angels to call my sons and a little independent streak never killed anyone.....right?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div>gr8dc2bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07379231519647681256noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581806968925370868.post-77951460673241728932008-11-24T08:24:00.000-08:002008-11-24T10:18:41.873-08:00Coming Soon: The Busy Holiday SeasonSo, I will start by saying that this last Thursday was the midnight showing of Twilight. My circle of friends near and far had been anticipating this movie for what seemed like an eternity. Luckily, my grandmother agreed to stay over so that Mike and I could join our group of 20+ Twilight Saga fanatics at the opening showing. People started lining up at 1pm for the midnight group. There were three sold out rooms in our theater and another theater with similar numbers down the street. Our wonderful friend Mina got there at 4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ish</span> and alerted the movie people that she was holding our spot. We got there at about 7pm and were happy to be about 11<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span> in line.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJkjreoVYJzKl98vW-UoRpEgMk2P0-emWbMZcXe8ub705YZjpiE1itcbyj2Hi0SODgUicZRUhm9PwTKcaE4_gHKfIPe7Jw_A8CcK6MaeD2vUvffjqBcqD1Bo0WZz6g2lVL3rCuEBJIoqo/s1600-h/m_54ad2e1fee9e483d81b9743cee4d204a.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272262438838959538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 170px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 127px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJkjreoVYJzKl98vW-UoRpEgMk2P0-emWbMZcXe8ub705YZjpiE1itcbyj2Hi0SODgUicZRUhm9PwTKcaE4_gHKfIPe7Jw_A8CcK6MaeD2vUvffjqBcqD1Bo0WZz6g2lVL3rCuEBJIoqo/s320/m_54ad2e1fee9e483d81b9743cee4d204a.jpg" border="0" /></a> Some may think that waiting in line for 5+ hours is crazy or would be boring to say the least. It was anything but. It was great to hang with the group and with the hordes of people all with a common interest. There were kids and teenagers. There were husbands and wives. There were soccer moms with whole soccer teams. People wearing <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">preprinted</span> shirts. People with posters and news clippings, magazines and official guides. The LA Times showed up to sell newspaper inserts at 50 cents a piece. There were heated debates about the characters. Those that hated Jacob and those who preferred Edward but couldn't help but defend Jacob from attack. Debates about casting and whether the movie could live up to the electricity pulsing from the characters in the books. It was a wild and fun time.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRz6zSNuZqR6vGqu6Uf0C1zEFsEfbaEKtonDueMJ264SMaJFLq8ZCsec7IyEzbEx4W8lrytZ2O7ovx9WD4iMmzIU78_JAVaJ89QUCPulzo1da72nIqsR7a7ppYW7Jmn6aS0FFFR9lSsrY/s1600-h/m_2339ed28b6cf44a7aecda3bae158e418.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272262437422248770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 170px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 127px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRz6zSNuZqR6vGqu6Uf0C1zEFsEfbaEKtonDueMJ264SMaJFLq8ZCsec7IyEzbEx4W8lrytZ2O7ovx9WD4iMmzIU78_JAVaJ89QUCPulzo1da72nIqsR7a7ppYW7Jmn6aS0FFFR9lSsrY/s320/m_2339ed28b6cf44a7aecda3bae158e418.jpg" border="0" /></a> The whole movie watching experience was amplified by the shear number of fans piled in the room. From the raise of the curtain to the end of the movie, loud roaring cheers and enthusiastic clapping ruled the theater. The crowd even went crazy with the cameo of Stephenie Meyer herself.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL9xPNgg8SArFn2iY0wdRbMxRGuoUWWhBf9eN2ivmXgzm-IHmLYTDBl4Gsb7MakAE-1G3HmnCiGEJWwKcyLHtjbfmX2tiCWHZey7mPrMeYsDBoNKko0R0WwNz1pFyf8rZOOGTB6HyCVZE/s1600-h/m_c4def2ad95284c6097ac680ee30b79d5.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272262434179760530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 170px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 132px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL9xPNgg8SArFn2iY0wdRbMxRGuoUWWhBf9eN2ivmXgzm-IHmLYTDBl4Gsb7MakAE-1G3HmnCiGEJWwKcyLHtjbfmX2tiCWHZey7mPrMeYsDBoNKko0R0WwNz1pFyf8rZOOGTB6HyCVZE/s320/m_c4def2ad95284c6097ac680ee30b79d5.jpg" border="0" /></a> The movie itself was good. For an addict like me it was sensational. I would like to see it again and again....if I had someone to watch the boys and also unlimited amounts of time and money. I do plan on reading and rereading the books until it comes out on DVD. And then it will be time to wait in line for the second installment. I don't know if people who hadn't read the books would see it quite the same, but Michael liked it and wouldn't like me spreading this all over town....but has said that he plans to read the books over his Xmas vacation. He may just be fanning a flame there though because he knows how amorous I return when I have spent a couple of hours in Forks immersed in the intensity of Edward and Bella. But, hey, the movie opened to something like 70.5 million dollars this weekend. So, I can't be that crazy.......especially when certain people that I know have already seen it three times!!!<br /></div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNirBOuQVczeZF1tFYbNx76xGO-wZKlfnBCLLadA8Au9t7nqljZdaRXdNju6MTs6JGjcMoIld9MDt36ZUvqVgdRwNpizZS9gjzfQ7WzTMXROrCfyHtS-g353uX8geuDYz5jTsRGfsQ_3g/s1600-h/twilight+015+mod.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272261316405523282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNirBOuQVczeZF1tFYbNx76xGO-wZKlfnBCLLadA8Au9t7nqljZdaRXdNju6MTs6JGjcMoIld9MDt36ZUvqVgdRwNpizZS9gjzfQ7WzTMXROrCfyHtS-g353uX8geuDYz5jTsRGfsQ_3g/s320/twilight+015+mod.jpg" border="0" /></a> Busy days are ahead. The holiday season will be here and gone before we know it. So, I have to admit that I put up my Christmas tree yesterday and rapped presents. I know....it isn't even after Thanksgiving yet! And, I usually abhor decorating. I always refused to put up a tree and got away with it last Christmas because we went to my mom's for the holidays and so I wasn't depriving the boys technically. Well, this year Xmas is at my house. And, after going back and forth about it.....I got the dang thing. It is a fake one and a little crooked from being shoved in a tiny box....but it will do. It is one of those three piece things that have the lights on it already. That at least took the lazy portion away from my argument. We were shopping yesterday....not my favorite thing to do during the holidays with the crowds, but better now than a couple weeks from now. So, we got the tree and the boys picked out a Cars tree skirt and some Cars ornaments to add to the box of ornaments I had gotten as a gift once and never used before this. Once home I assembled my tree and the boys were in awe of it. They loved it....the lights, the Cars ornaments, even the shiny assortment of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Santas</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Penguins</span>, Snowmen etc. that were added to leave no branch unadorned. Not touching the tree takes some reminding, but the boys sat for hours <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">oohing</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">aaahing</span> and pointing things out. I suppose that is why it had to be done.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggyiP5kDUDt_TRvbPQjyeXWdN_6jffe_R-SQc_hDcuVZOS3s0ncCi34xnkDwQbP02s65fE3Z7ncYjOHQJpCvuenUFmFAs9ZnC0wjMnGnRgpld-FLcnj_tY0bfZ16fOGdnnZaJSl2v_-yU/s1600-h/twilight+014+mod.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272261310337585970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggyiP5kDUDt_TRvbPQjyeXWdN_6jffe_R-SQc_hDcuVZOS3s0ncCi34xnkDwQbP02s65fE3Z7ncYjOHQJpCvuenUFmFAs9ZnC0wjMnGnRgpld-FLcnj_tY0bfZ16fOGdnnZaJSl2v_-yU/s320/twilight+014+mod.jpg" border="0" /></a>The gingerbread man book is still a favorite. When my grandmother came over to babysit, she made gingerbread men for the boys with raisin eyes, cherry mouth and papaya buttons. The boys were overjoyed. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Seb</span> kept placing the gingerbread man on its picture likeness in the book. Then he would bite it and we would say,"Ouch!" and he would laugh. He also shared the gingerbread man with the cow, horse and little old lady in the book. Ben on the other hand tore off his arm and leg right away to eat and then made him run around the table before finally biting off his head. One gingerbread man apiece was worth at least an hour of fun. Then later that night my grandma asked <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Seb</span> where the gingerbread man was......referring to the book before bed. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Seb</span> smiled, opened his mouth wide and pointed down his throat. Then he rubbed his belly and said,"Good."<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCP6Bs2MWFCgDK6inUbrdiJIX3KWnx1t3tIOIII74HLcmjXMUm_Z1rzU9DFs-lKPlwiCrloN9tvJqvX6m8KReNBOTjin9vlC7RUHsvkpGwvniK5HFmo_EFzzJ6I7XTdJBFh0LCNUuLW8A/s1600-h/twilight+006+mod.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272261307820217442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCP6Bs2MWFCgDK6inUbrdiJIX3KWnx1t3tIOIII74HLcmjXMUm_Z1rzU9DFs-lKPlwiCrloN9tvJqvX6m8KReNBOTjin9vlC7RUHsvkpGwvniK5HFmo_EFzzJ6I7XTdJBFh0LCNUuLW8A/s320/twilight+006+mod.jpg" border="0" /></a> As I have feared before, Ben is really attached to me. I have always known that Ben would be one of the kids on the first day of kinder that would be howling and I would be the mother crying right along with him. We have started attending a new church with a great childcare system. They have five rooms --each for a designated year age with two teachers per room and a supervisor that patrols all of the rooms. The kids play and have a little lesson and then have cookie time. If your child gets too upset, they have electronic screens that flash your kid's number so that you know to come and rescue them. Of course, when dropping them off, I already had tears in my eyes. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Seb</span> steps in the room with a big smile and runs off to start playing without a glance back. Benny on the other hand pulls at my heart strings. He goes in and finds a toy and before I can leave, comes to me to grab my hand and show me the rest of what he has found. I get my hand back after a couple of minutes and slowly make my way to the door. But the stupid security gates.....it takes a million years to figure out how to open it. By the time I am on the other side, Ben is watching with wide eyes and a quivering lip. I blow him a kiss, tell him goodbye and tell him to have fun. I will see him in a little bit. The roar of death and ocean of tears erupt. I can't bring myself to go into the church. I hide with my back against the wall in the hall, almost crying myself. Michael wants me to leave, he will be fine in a couple of minutes. But, I want to stay and listen. I want to hear him stop crying so that I know he is alright. Of course, Ben senses me there. He climbs up on the gate and cranes his neck around to see me hiding in the hallway. He has an extra loud burst of tears to try and draw me back in. I blow him a kiss and assure him I will be back soon. I have to leave now.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-nW8qt8o6Joq8sIT6Qj9k1IX1fje3JOhOAwEWw8_dKAgx7eZiL_x4_kwnK31bviegKjfbXXyGq9b3M3iDTkq2owR6ZP5pqU27t7F1Qz6Q4TCvhqkPHKFlNrmnNr0MWEGKEj7RYmtMSFw/s1600-h/twilight+005+mod.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272261302168781138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-nW8qt8o6Joq8sIT6Qj9k1IX1fje3JOhOAwEWw8_dKAgx7eZiL_x4_kwnK31bviegKjfbXXyGq9b3M3iDTkq2owR6ZP5pqU27t7F1Qz6Q4TCvhqkPHKFlNrmnNr0MWEGKEj7RYmtMSFw/s320/twilight+005+mod.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Our number is never called, so I am calmer. Of course upon picking up the boys, they are happily playing. Ben doesn't see me right away and runs around the room as busy as can be. He has a toy spoon in his smiling mouth making quick laps around tables and chairs and Michael and I look at <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">each other</span> and know that that is our typical little Ben. Then Benny sees me....stops in his tracks.....the spoon drops and he runs to the door. He reaches his arms up and says,"Carry, Carry." He is ready to go home. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Seb</span> on the other hand, smiles and waves and says hi to us. He then makes his rounds and says bye to everyone in the room. All the way to the car, he walks hand in hand with his Daddy waving at every passer by. When in the car we ask the boys, "Did you have fun?" <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Seb</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">answers</span> with an elated,"Yeah, yeah!" Ben gives a nonchalant nod. </div><div></div><div>Not only is leaving the boys hard on me because I am one of those overprotective, hovering, following their every move moms, but because I have this guilt when I leave them. I wonder if it is just Ben's sensitive personality that has him upset or is it a real fear that I won't come back. That I am abandoning him. I think this is what makes it harder for me to be unemotional about it. It is hard for me to go.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjESw4JIjAukEw_uNuTjWffLhN-_w0h1ZQdOEC_B4dXWoXmG6RzKxWy8QXVK2DritvYMfgi-1bXAAOuy85v7THb27ivsVEk8bJFZwxEog7H-mRZaU5Q-vNzs7d-sAlBojhFIYsE9j05xdQ/s1600-h/twilight+002+mod.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272261297019302578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjESw4JIjAukEw_uNuTjWffLhN-_w0h1ZQdOEC_B4dXWoXmG6RzKxWy8QXVK2DritvYMfgi-1bXAAOuy85v7THb27ivsVEk8bJFZwxEog7H-mRZaU5Q-vNzs7d-sAlBojhFIYsE9j05xdQ/s320/twilight+002+mod.jpg" border="0" /></a> One last thing. I have been teaching the boys how to say,"I love you." <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Seb</span> is pretty good at it and now if I say- I -with a pause, the- love you- come out right after. With Ben, he is not the talker with this emotional stuff, so he has his own <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">rock star</span> moves. With <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Seb</span> and I saying I love, Ben does an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">over exaggerated</span> point for the you and adds the biggest sweetest smile so that you know what he means. Of course, if the subject is daddy, it is always, "I love Dada!" instead of the You. I don't know why. It is just how they do it. I love those little dudes.</div><div></div><div></div><div>We have so much planned over the next couple of weeks with trips and visits and parties that I don't know when I will get a chance to blog again. If I don't.....Happy Holidays to you all out there. If I do....well, then I guess I will just have to say it again.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>gr8dc2bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07379231519647681256noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581806968925370868.post-4029746464931652008-11-12T11:20:00.000-08:002008-11-12T12:15:32.704-08:00Family and Friends: A Great Weekend<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA7u5aNaC1ELvZzMxaCnMoTxcijbnK7MdLRyvq0V79eW5UrnQpO2pSSyqLQsmcyxUXttDqoVndHX7XLx6TULPKzIardAg_YDAA0GZKizgymnn0OKjAYtOmY3tCMdHNb_IthKkAk1ira9U/s1600-h/nov+08+006+mod.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA7u5aNaC1ELvZzMxaCnMoTxcijbnK7MdLRyvq0V79eW5UrnQpO2pSSyqLQsmcyxUXttDqoVndHX7XLx6TULPKzIardAg_YDAA0GZKizgymnn0OKjAYtOmY3tCMdHNb_IthKkAk1ira9U/s320/nov+08+006+mod.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267853935668311970" border="0" /></a>So, with my run of luck lately, I didn't hold much hope for the weekend. We had plenty to do, but I was only guardedly optimistic. We had the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">CHS</span> LA area picnic to attend and a whole group of family coming in from Friday through Tuesday just for a nice visit. Of course, a couple days before this very busy weekend got underway, the four of us got colds and I didn't know if we would make it to the picnic that we were so anxiously awaiting. But, alas, not wanting to be stuck with a potluck sized portion of hummus, we made our way to Culver City and were glad we did. The fresh air and warmer temperatures were good for both our bad moods and sickly condition. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq1vKRgPWeTDd9JF1M5XWfr1T5fXgORNU39dYuBA23HUdeGDvQq0rNCfO2BneNga9a7HFGr4KqwQqPDPuX7DOiV5pVFqibXnl48rnlBKQ6oMIEZYVpbpAEwRFUhh4aji3pn8YAlQP77Uk/s1600-h/nov+08+005+mod.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq1vKRgPWeTDd9JF1M5XWfr1T5fXgORNU39dYuBA23HUdeGDvQq0rNCfO2BneNga9a7HFGr4KqwQqPDPuX7DOiV5pVFqibXnl48rnlBKQ6oMIEZYVpbpAEwRFUhh4aji3pn8YAlQP77Uk/s320/nov+08+005+mod.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267853930543848562" border="0" /></a>The boys had a grand time playing on the swings and play structures and running in the endless green fields. It was great to meet Kristina, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">CHS</span> social worker who had been so wonderful during our process-- who put up with our thinly veiled <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">exuses</span> for emails which were attempts to see when a referral may be coming and who was the one that actually called when we were notified/surprised with our twin angels. In between chasing our energetic duo, we got to hang out with some of the coolest people known to man. I can never get enough of Lauren and Marley and now I can stalk <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">JCMarie</span> as well. So exciting to be a part of such a cool crowd. We were able to meet and put faces to people from the forum that we knew only as cryptic <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">usernames</span> and not as actual people. It was a really great time, even if a chocolate chip cookie and too much juice ended up as poop on my pants (not my poop...I said on, not in....- a gift poop from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Seb</span>, okay). We were sad to leave, but with all the excitement of several hours at the park and multiple people to visit with, Ben was overwhelmed and exhausted. He needed the long ride home to nap and recharge his batteries. When the tantrum tidal wave hits, it is time to run for cover.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVV-GwE59ao2Bk7eTTiv3vhvMTWot0_hKxhrgSRampWufl_B6_WlUlDUbcGTifXpFL2f1yNOVSznoTZtQH_AnKpmE3FQ3UrfAT_bsyPfb4jl547TNfP3BsEc-eEk4Wgbxy53mBeBSOEdo/s1600-h/nov+08+003+mod.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVV-GwE59ao2Bk7eTTiv3vhvMTWot0_hKxhrgSRampWufl_B6_WlUlDUbcGTifXpFL2f1yNOVSznoTZtQH_AnKpmE3FQ3UrfAT_bsyPfb4jl547TNfP3BsEc-eEk4Wgbxy53mBeBSOEdo/s320/nov+08+003+mod.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267853918606976194" border="0" /></a>So, it was back home to visit with my Aunt Evelyn, in town from AZ for a business trip. Also visiting were my parents from the Bay Area and my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Nonny</span> from down the hill. As I have said before, I love when my mommy is visiting because not only are the boys spoiled....I am completely spoiled as well. It is like Christmas come early with having help with the boys and help with the chores and help with the cooking......not to mention a big prime rib dinner that only mom can make. We also had fun playing American Idol on the PS3. Michael always wins, but it is fun to try to sing these songs only for Simon to tell you that you are hopelessly terrible. Although, I do feel bad when some of the less talented family members get the boot even from Paula. Now, that is really sad.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX77quz1HB6geMzupFFPFt9pP2tsfwVYlnUx2l0WS3xTyaY4dxmKjCYAv4TAK6cCWrXdJ5mkU79qEY9fTQ1l7UPUyosTIzPinFWDxvfprMtWMV6d2MjebCVilND3wHuTqKFjtY1XDZoXk/s1600-h/nov+08+002+mod.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX77quz1HB6geMzupFFPFt9pP2tsfwVYlnUx2l0WS3xTyaY4dxmKjCYAv4TAK6cCWrXdJ5mkU79qEY9fTQ1l7UPUyosTIzPinFWDxvfprMtWMV6d2MjebCVilND3wHuTqKFjtY1XDZoXk/s320/nov+08+002+mod.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267853919643046322" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp6HGQHAVFMfwpecykUuS_HgIlNUjJ0WPDQ2127jdxRwGS0FnlUCO3KSpu1BZ34TFwPhFTnhCE8rVpTRwg0CCx6XJC7lSXka07ymMHAb17HbGs_b9SBuRUztXfPUMiBXa_ZCCuTGJCKtQ/s1600-h/nov+08+001+mod.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp6HGQHAVFMfwpecykUuS_HgIlNUjJ0WPDQ2127jdxRwGS0FnlUCO3KSpu1BZ34TFwPhFTnhCE8rVpTRwg0CCx6XJC7lSXka07ymMHAb17HbGs_b9SBuRUztXfPUMiBXa_ZCCuTGJCKtQ/s320/nov+08+001+mod.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267853914322174818" border="0" /></a>The latest and greatest with the boys are as follows. Sebastian has really been into role playing as a baby. He comes over and says,"Baby, Baby." He climbs into my arms and I rock him back and forth. He then will close his eyes and fake snore with a huge smile. Then he tells me to do the "Gucci Gucci <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Goooo</span>". I tickle his chin with those silly words and he laughs and laughs. Ben has taken to making me exercise my arms. He comes over and fashions my hands into a makeshift butt seat. He sits and wants me to lift up and down. The trick is in the balance and being able to do it more than a couple times without my arms falling off. The real problem occurs when <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Seb</span> gets jealous and wants to do the same thing. I definitely can't lift one butt per hand, but <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Seb</span> is so solid, I can barely get a couple of lifts with two hands when he has successfully pushed his brother off my lap. It is good <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">excercise</span> though as the old lady arm fat accumulating under my arms can use a little minimization. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijKd-vftuPbbQWbKQFEupRUuT8eSPPf34vG78pXGcPYokqpWQ-xLs048Xgo0Q6uYI0AyKg1UyLMUCaG907qJ1dr-TmwPV-8NVt8mLgIXNmC4Og3R44agFKnscqp1QLqRD_XBXffO58b60/s1600-h/nov+08+008+mod.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijKd-vftuPbbQWbKQFEupRUuT8eSPPf34vG78pXGcPYokqpWQ-xLs048Xgo0Q6uYI0AyKg1UyLMUCaG907qJ1dr-TmwPV-8NVt8mLgIXNmC4Og3R44agFKnscqp1QLqRD_XBXffO58b60/s320/nov+08+008+mod.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267853609515405970" border="0" /></a>The boys are also fascinated with putting their toys to bed.....all day long. Whether the giraffe from the animal train or the wonder pets or tow mater, they bring said toy over to the bed, tuck it soundly in and give it a kiss on the head or snout. They then wave bye bye and throw kisses. Sometimes they lie next to the toy and stroke it while it lays under the covers. After leaving it for a few minutes they return to check that it hasn't moved. Then it is thrown overboard and a different toy is put to bed in its stead. Also, Cars has made a return in the DVD player. For a while I had been given a break. I couldn't remember the last time I had to watch it. The boys have too many videos and had actually gotten to a point where I wasn't watching the same one everyday. Although, in picking the video, I would have to go through almost every one before one or the other twin said yes instead of no. Then getting them to agree....a whole separate issue. For awhile I could get the "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Ein</span>--<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">eins</span>" in there which was victory because they would usually let me pick which of the eight or so Einsteins to watch instead of repeating over and over the same story. But, now Cars is the favorite again. And they <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">oooohhhh</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">ahhhhh</span> and scream crash and run in place and get excited like it is all new again. Plus, Ben asks for Cars by name. No going through a collection only for them to pick the last one I offer. Cars it is....again. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgthUTnnha4v5a7yzCsiKmyTle5O-C8UEQV7VkQzsml3d8y3laTDxiGemhGNrd241RC_UP84O5Rb5mSrcouJp8Rqs0nQdtOwVBtqte7GInNVV30La_CqP4V0Si_KL3RN4ZKlOW27lV-Jvo/s1600-h/n772582206_934189_5366.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgthUTnnha4v5a7yzCsiKmyTle5O-C8UEQV7VkQzsml3d8y3laTDxiGemhGNrd241RC_UP84O5Rb5mSrcouJp8Rqs0nQdtOwVBtqte7GInNVV30La_CqP4V0Si_KL3RN4ZKlOW27lV-Jvo/s320/n772582206_934189_5366.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267853583330421298" border="0" /></a><br />So, I leave you with a picture from the picnic courtesy of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">JCMarie</span>. I had forgotten my camera in our hurry out of the house, so I am glad to have a memory or two of such a fun day, even if I looked half crazed. Lauren looks to really be enjoying herself though.....but that probably has more to do with the cookie than something I am saying. And of course, Marley is as cute as ever. Can't wait to meet up with everyone at the end of the month again. Good times.gr8dc2bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07379231519647681256noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581806968925370868.post-17849052892882625812008-11-03T09:50:00.000-08:002008-11-03T12:10:55.581-08:00Tomorrow...Here begins the end of the WorldMaybe....well who knows really.<br /><br />-------Skip this paragraph if you are tired of political opinion pieces-----------<br /><br />But it is an end to the principles that this country was built to protect. Absolute power corrupts absolutely and as voting laws are changed to keep those who want to stay in power.....in power......as freedoms like the second amendment are stripped so the common man can't reclaim his rights under a tyrant...... as freedom of speech is done away with if it is a dissenting opinion ....you have to wonder where it all leads. A forced redistribution of wealth and a government who controls what used to be free trade....... With a nonexistant free press.....the Republic is dead. Will it all really be squashed so easily? There are already grumblings warning that this path will lead to a revolution....a civil war. I wish that some balance would occur to prevent such. Without balance, no matter what party or individual is in power......it is catastrophic for our way of life. So, politicians....suprise me. Be the men/women you promise to be. Don't make fools out of those people who trusted what you said and voted for you. At the very least, it will create the same situation we are in now.......but, with victory for the other side and no hope of bipartisanship. <br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264492735613182210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGpvx1eKdwlsV34LHw4jRAtleV4x21t26leKj9gn6G223U3SGL3tad5dFWzpkGh9EP_KcQF_QOKee7D4biOHCsVL8pyPZCSZFMlLN4qJLDvpWNtSVLpf2d2dGl10xyF3Melt2Vn5J0fsM/s320/aug-sept+050+mod.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLhs9VycoufsQUgbuu2hUwbmtR2EVt8-HtGw0xTgvPIHZZBtYk8k2aoJJAV6pP5dhdUi_RVMkera0YZLv_jYXGmGCrolBw3scjz-AfZBl1TKKiZab3ej67YE7SPgklRFk2SfL206qNKA0/s1600-h/aug-sept+054+mod.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264492750670908274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLhs9VycoufsQUgbuu2hUwbmtR2EVt8-HtGw0xTgvPIHZZBtYk8k2aoJJAV6pP5dhdUi_RVMkera0YZLv_jYXGmGCrolBw3scjz-AfZBl1TKKiZab3ej67YE7SPgklRFk2SfL206qNKA0/s320/aug-sept+054+mod.jpg" border="0" /></a> On the lighter side of the political situation, the funniest conversation occured at a family dinner party. Of course, as is the trend for this hot election season, politics was the topic of choice. We agree on the presidential bid and were also debating initiatives. So, just as the conversation is winding down, my mom looks at the twins and asks....."Who are you voting for?" Knowing my boys, they don't talk much and their words are very much in a different sphere of interest. I expected to hear Tow Mater, McQueen, Dora, Wa Pets or Cow Cow. So, it was to the table's surprise when Sebastian smiles and says with a loud and confident boast,"CAIN! CAIN!" Everyone looks up in surprise and claps and smiles and Sebastian looks over at his brother with pride. Well, Ben looks at my mom with a thoughtful glance. He taps his finger to his chin. And proclaims," Obamama!" That brought on another roar of laughter. It is surprising how all of this political conferencing even made it into the minds of my toddlers. And how could Ben pick "Obamama". Ha, ha........Then I remembered.......the last two weeks we had visited with my wonderful (wonderfully liberal) friend Lauren and Ben had taken a liking to her. I thought that he was just after his buddy Marley's chicken while he sat on her lap.......now, I am pretty sure that by some kind of liberal osmosis......Ben was body snatched, ha ha. No more sitting on Lauren's lap buddies......it is just too dangerous. Okay....I am kidding.....but, thought it an amusing story anyway.<br /><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264492725265472098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOTfUJEZ2VgRvAfWGvKTEMfBWL5HjMs9L_VJxUQKS8AFAHa8yqRqc_OQ3n1nOgOiL3K5uhsql-5lJJM4rOQm-PBTkgue9o6qkcfTfS9ls11FKEXSpPNSIuFtJ5eQt59az_iPrlWqNo-Kw/s320/halloweener+021+mod.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2FHlivZPKVJnkR8ZOIejEmlLNWeB-5yq3G6ePlinZQrhWJwGEfZX_7EGAF5U6hV_aPlUehs8lRACDTC7ZYoYkZ8qxM4c4JDuD_tW_7KHZTHwdEJM4kvTaj-m7QNJjZxQkBsoWjrFgPV0/s1600-h/halloweener+012+mod.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264492703837854754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2FHlivZPKVJnkR8ZOIejEmlLNWeB-5yq3G6ePlinZQrhWJwGEfZX_7EGAF5U6hV_aPlUehs8lRACDTC7ZYoYkZ8qxM4c4JDuD_tW_7KHZTHwdEJM4kvTaj-m7QNJjZxQkBsoWjrFgPV0/s320/halloweener+012+mod.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264491751441540066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGp4oUSnsIGWjLCFr4U3vGLNSDEmlgrziH0J4lDf2aAtlhhgmbLvuoxkZlEX_fXo78UcMpvYDc7ysnrPs0a5ocOC3BAS1dOBy7R0RouZJV3OpxmZzM-RI6fmKhf4cnDoAGNxjh12TcVks/s320/halloweener+010mod.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiFdN57T_uokYT-rWPb3BwgyFXOMfVxEXMxhVpH1nXPimoR968UdYhnan8A4OgrNjNeZgPO6iMorSbxYQWQctEpTI0_oOeNz6JSQWaWM2VEro_LfdYxJUYOMQUxG_tY88z4dxIhl4h16w/s1600-h/halloweener+008+mod.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264491748205015474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiFdN57T_uokYT-rWPb3BwgyFXOMfVxEXMxhVpH1nXPimoR968UdYhnan8A4OgrNjNeZgPO6iMorSbxYQWQctEpTI0_oOeNz6JSQWaWM2VEro_LfdYxJUYOMQUxG_tY88z4dxIhl4h16w/s320/halloweener+008+mod.jpg" border="0" /></a> Okay, enough of the politics. On to the fun stuff. Daddy was a hit at work in his nerd costume and the boys had fun as Tigger and Pooh on Halloween. I dressed them up in the morning to play in their costumes for the day. We were leaving that night to make the drive up to the Bay Area after Michael got off from work. His cousin's son was getting christened in SF early Sat. morning and so we had to leave before the boys got to go trick or treating. Chocolate is still a no no with their lactose intolerance and so it is just as well anyway. I think at their age the fun of dressing up and playing all day was more exciting than going door to door. Plus, the grandparents made sure there was no shortage of marshmellow and gummy candies, not to mention videos and toys awaiting their arrival. </div><div>In the afternoon, Mike, Lauren and Marley stopped by which is the greatest Halloween gift that I could ask for. The boys and Marley played in the backyard and ate lunch together. Marley held his own with my two men who were obviously fiending after his chicken again. I tried to convince the family yet again to move next door and we joked about knocking down the fence and all the fun and parties we would enjoy. I will cross my fingers for this version of reality because there are few people, if any, I would rather have as my next door neighbors. So, we had a great visit and a noneventful drive up north that night. It was Mike and my 10 year dating anniversary as well.....so we missed our usual ritual of gory movies and pizza......but, I suppose I will get over it.<br /><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264491737626948546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx6hVPrT2aR88vr4936fzgbchf2IabaNDeu7jMUKEOqaI6ra6_FbrbytE8_Zb0jHlSJ703xZaoZ4t8XAesABaZsStdxK8lekfsWJmmEHSW4VwGLYVn8zKO0HWF00Nfk66vo3rYNZ1n8O8/s320/halloweener+004+mod.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDhq7tLWwlhxVBwhiF_vOiCjTpg_FuCbjtylAtp1UVJTZBq2jsaSed1P6T7jaa5XwJBMnEuo5k1_5WWtkZKG6-P8a3-TKXo-8GCdWZ3aBlIBY7wmonwrN9wR0gXztfI_GO-3pkJRTcUyY/s1600-h/christening+weekend+3+mod.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264491718609718306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDhq7tLWwlhxVBwhiF_vOiCjTpg_FuCbjtylAtp1UVJTZBq2jsaSed1P6T7jaa5XwJBMnEuo5k1_5WWtkZKG6-P8a3-TKXo-8GCdWZ3aBlIBY7wmonwrN9wR0gXztfI_GO-3pkJRTcUyY/s320/christening+weekend+3+mod.jpg" border="0" /></a> We had a good time seeing all of Michael's relatives at the baptism and then going to a beyond tastey Chinese restaurant for the reception. I think it was a 16 course meal and I gave up at about the 7th round. Sebastian held his own and probably made it through more courses than I did. Ben was all about the rice and soy sauce and of course had some noodles. They were doing fine at such a long dinner, but of course my husband is the ultimate poop. First he convinced his cousin that the hot mustard was honey mustard. Poor guy. Then he convinced the same cousin that the red pepper sauce was sweet. Then he took a whole crab shell and made it chase and pretend attack Ben at the table scaring him to death. So, the boys were well behaved, but Daddy left a bit to be desired. Well, I suppose Ben did start using the chopsticks as drumsticks....but that was after his daddy showed him how. And Seb was using the tip of chopsticks to stick into different entree sauces for taste tests. You can't take us anywhere, hehe! All joking aside, the boys were received very well by the family. In the past, we have had some problems with Filipino culture as it relates to our family situation. Most every person came over to say hello and reacquaint themselves with the twins. Every passerby stopped with an encouraging,"Guapo, Guapo." </div><div>We also got a chance to visit with my parents later that evening. It was nice to spend time with both sides of our family. Hence, the picture of the crazy woman with the boys is my mom who people say that I look a lot like. That picture is so a me thing to do. I love my mom.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwCAMrm9ZOQfj-54cQ8segm1MYcsElAsDJjboxEaiEslvdCXYc-1BHyndjVb16oyAb6FQuN0AQ41lIEdWKJiDhuwXN5ltZVE1gCx_wCIU5hRta1pEWaKSrlZNJh_sE9RqyKTnIILoahwU/s1600-h/christening+weekend+1+mod.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264491700481754754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwCAMrm9ZOQfj-54cQ8segm1MYcsElAsDJjboxEaiEslvdCXYc-1BHyndjVb16oyAb6FQuN0AQ41lIEdWKJiDhuwXN5ltZVE1gCx_wCIU5hRta1pEWaKSrlZNJh_sE9RqyKTnIILoahwU/s320/christening+weekend+1+mod.jpg" border="0" /></a>The favorite song is still "Old McDonald" in which they love to make the animal sounds. This has been great for them as they will now answer with the sound if I ask them....."What does the duck say"....."Quack, quack" and they have expanded to horses and sheep and well, they are convinced that the farmer has a snake, which is their favorite. And, for halloween of course, the farmer had a "gos ---boo" and a "weesh ----hehehe". But, who cares, if I had a farm......I would probably have a ghost and witch too. Actually, my last condo was full to the brim with ghosts. Not by choice of course. The boys already loved taking baths and to make that addiction even stronger, I bought them some bubble bath. Why would I do such a thing to myself? I am dragging them out after an hour and Ben still chases me around wanting to inspect each of his "ra-sin" fingers. The boys also love their Imagination Movers CD. Sometimes they want it on so that we can dance and jump. Other times they are tired of my singing voice at night. I will sit down as I usually do and they will put the "no hand" up and say, "no, no, no". This means that they want to listen to their music and want me to kiss them and say goodnight to leave them to whisper their secrets and listen to music as a brotherly duo. Luckily this rarely happens as I love the time we spend together before bed.....or maybe I like a captive audience when I sing nursery rhymes and reminisce about my teaching days, hehe.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>gr8dc2bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07379231519647681256noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581806968925370868.post-42069785940423519442008-10-09T08:22:00.000-07:002008-10-09T09:44:10.520-07:00A quick 'ello'So, I have been taking more pictures lately and though it makes a good excuse to blog....even if I don't have much new to say. But hey, it doesn't stop the politicians so I guess I will babble a little too. And I can guarantee you that I won't repeat my stumping speech soundbites or make promises that will be near to impossible to keep. I won't try to get your vote by pretending to be just like you. I am not Robin Hood, I am not a war hero, I cannot fix the economy (which makes me not all that much different from our politicians anyway) and I may just crawl into a hole and not come up until groundhogs day. What really scares me is the direction that this election is taking. Not so much who wins the presidency on a personal level, but that when Obama wins, he will most likely enjoy a 60-40 advantage in the Senate meaning that all those things that I don't agree with will be streamlined into law. It may be just enough for me to join the NRA and all things that entail, before it is too late. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYQ-mjGZU7rQVtr13DY5Z6AunE5BRDOGEutb7EI5wJha1ygWBYlDZbwQRkYHhH787W1G_FPY-mkeCumGVCzWmBQtpW9XKa2hHK46kYiQ1OqH_zx5bVv4ULLVffBQYpujNdhoE6iDUUafE/s1600-h/DSCN0313+mod.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255176119624110690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYQ-mjGZU7rQVtr13DY5Z6AunE5BRDOGEutb7EI5wJha1ygWBYlDZbwQRkYHhH787W1G_FPY-mkeCumGVCzWmBQtpW9XKa2hHK46kYiQ1OqH_zx5bVv4ULLVffBQYpujNdhoE6iDUUafE/s320/DSCN0313+mod.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0EMJcwwWE86XrX49Qg218qH6asEbOcZSALXa3y8A2KRuPmaId816j6L66uSnCfBNcZXdaZ-btt0DNr6OKJXRGdLd4TTSsSN57ZE6rdEwGmTLtY4LYEYw2Z3aQ-lvs-1EDpXAEcRqB5Tg/s1600-h/DSCN0307+mod.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255176118656749490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0EMJcwwWE86XrX49Qg218qH6asEbOcZSALXa3y8A2KRuPmaId816j6L66uSnCfBNcZXdaZ-btt0DNr6OKJXRGdLd4TTSsSN57ZE6rdEwGmTLtY4LYEYw2Z3aQ-lvs-1EDpXAEcRqB5Tg/s320/DSCN0307+mod.jpg" border="0" /></a> So, as this is not a happy household with things unraveling politically all around us.....we have to find things to do to keep us busy. Distract us from our impending doom. Fantasy football wasn't going well for me this last Sunday, so I let Michael convince me that we could drive down to the Orange County Auto Show. He had been working on me for quite sometime and I had come up with plenty of excuses why not....the expensive gas......need to catch up on housework......its too draining for the boys....I would rather be run over by said cars then be trapped in a crowded building with them for hours on end. Can you tell it is really not my idea of fun? Still undecided, we were giving the boys a bath and discussing back and forth for the upteenth time why we should/shouldn't go. Then Michael plays dirty. He asks Sebby who is enjoying his bath to the fullest,"Do you want Mommy to let you go to the car show to see all the cool cars?" Sebby gets the biggest smile on his face and jumps up with an enthusiastic,"Yaaaaaaa!" That was the clincher. How could I deny that sweet face? And, so the boys enjoyed themselves. Inspecting and touching and climbing in and out of cars all afternoon. They had a really great time.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk4p4GpTjPoOIWSAVoeMeHXBfKLkAg2wcNf4L4rAth8upPBezxTdxavXK2SzLPgmeVyMvxDPqSlnZ6Ck4MeYaTp4ECLYd4NCQPr8oJh2vy3jqrX_x7-C4tas-1g6VL1WfWsqBN_ZO6Yw4/s1600-h/DSCN0318+mod.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255176124277350050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk4p4GpTjPoOIWSAVoeMeHXBfKLkAg2wcNf4L4rAth8upPBezxTdxavXK2SzLPgmeVyMvxDPqSlnZ6Ck4MeYaTp4ECLYd4NCQPr8oJh2vy3jqrX_x7-C4tas-1g6VL1WfWsqBN_ZO6Yw4/s320/DSCN0318+mod.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSsx1d3zFseJu-XVo8Yu3jTj8fnXew54c2ez9hCsQJaK-2R3HXH0spKqXdup00LCNcXXxbkEtoddVqOrU85qu6P6nca7kfBgede8lU8fd9gFhJjN-0BXf71i77P_LaM1qj_igecEf1wws/s1600-h/DSCN0306+mod.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255176123010356834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSsx1d3zFseJu-XVo8Yu3jTj8fnXew54c2ez9hCsQJaK-2R3HXH0spKqXdup00LCNcXXxbkEtoddVqOrU85qu6P6nca7kfBgede8lU8fd9gFhJjN-0BXf71i77P_LaM1qj_igecEf1wws/s320/DSCN0306+mod.jpg" border="0" /></a> And I suppose that Michael works really hard and should be able to do something he wants to do now and again, hehe. I usually say what we can do and what movies/TV shows we watch. I pick the restaurants and he never complains (except for Queer as Folk.....I had to watch that series all by my lonesome.) He didn't even bring up the fact that he babysat that Saturday so that I could go to the movies with some of the girls. It was really great to get away from my house o' penis for a couple of hours. Of course, the girls were seeing a total chicky flick that I probably could have waited for on video. The new Nicolas Sparks movie, the one with Diane Lane and Richard Gere was adequate. Usually I am a water fountain of tears, but not so much for this one. The others were sobbing away. Perhaps after such a movie going drought, I was missing my horror and suspense. I like the Romance too, but I guess this one just had something missing for me. Don't get me wrong....I had a great time.....being out and about and being me, not just mommy. I must say I have a date with the girls again for the opening of Twilight. We are so stoked for that one. And, having read the series......I know it is right up my alley. Okay....is it just me or is that saying just really nasty sounding. Anyway, the boys survived an afternoon with Daddy. Sometimes I have my doubts, but even when Ben cried for 40 minutes after I left......Michael was able to fix the problem. A trip to McDonald's for lunch and I was all but forgotten.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxxVrAv8VOSjHqHu3xS1oUD8PnM5RTB9LBfKS2N0Sw2sukxXpTKHMVa7m8zwCljOCK7CXAKmPivXp83JrFjcITXNRJwmLN1K9I9jb1bpX7Bf2sQm8HYTub1Q-b_0SP_-wf_8wmoF4PhxA/s1600-h/aug-sept+034+mod.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255176123330358594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxxVrAv8VOSjHqHu3xS1oUD8PnM5RTB9LBfKS2N0Sw2sukxXpTKHMVa7m8zwCljOCK7CXAKmPivXp83JrFjcITXNRJwmLN1K9I9jb1bpX7Bf2sQm8HYTub1Q-b_0SP_-wf_8wmoF4PhxA/s320/aug-sept+034+mod.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOGl6yZQAMMnM-7-OpFbkSRqVv8w_nWT5kX1gLlhBXXEkV3znqQA-FjbezIk_2Dp3X0h2ggDdAmueXR-RzrtUoVAJwlPv4m0o2YFG7xjQemvSl6Je6dQBKZTtKn2A3zuATZYWl9kGU6j8/s1600-h/aug-sept+023+mod.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255175614568866610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOGl6yZQAMMnM-7-OpFbkSRqVv8w_nWT5kX1gLlhBXXEkV3znqQA-FjbezIk_2Dp3X0h2ggDdAmueXR-RzrtUoVAJwlPv4m0o2YFG7xjQemvSl6Je6dQBKZTtKn2A3zuATZYWl9kGU6j8/s320/aug-sept+023+mod.jpg" border="0" /></a> I will come up with some interesting twin happenings so as not to bore you with myself.....Let us see. The bath is a favorite activity in our house still. The boys love baths and will beg for one anytime of day if they are reminded by a cartoon bath on Blue's Clues or whatever program they happen to be watching. They splish and splash, read their books, play with their toys and wash eachother's backs. I still easily wash their hair with a cup by saying,"Waterfall! Waterfall!" and deluging them. They laugh and think it is the greatest. The other night, Michael went to set up the bath as the boys were finishing dinner. Seb was done and ran into the bathroom to get daddy to put him immediately in the tub. Ben was then in a hurry. He did not want to be robbed of those extra minutes of fun that his brother would get. He had half of an Oreo left on his plate. He looks at the Oreo, he looks down the hall, he looks at the Oreo and says,"Done! Down! Down!" The cookie did not rate up there with the bath. That is pretty surprising, but a good sign I think.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255175611524895762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2A2PvFphFcut-tWsoKUNjPtiElz36Sl-QaTJFOBC1FuI_NQlvcrsvsze-JpC_9S6KwGaW-C7ySV0ZnPiOKMMmQpZgPvzJKDZdX_DHGD5Gr8Um2kggPqN9fnOnwkL07OFQVRiOzi2hYnY/s320/aug-sept+024+mod.jpg" border="0" /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmoyNkDHYCOj3KE2URkrD_VeD-rMdBhuov1Hom9FNFRaKxy-Hn3w-v87dEJmKT1HdErBwyfJauTWS6hV01-IX1g3Ox8qDoLJTnAo6IPyRFvC2wldfC8oBRhVfCzbk-WhpSHoR8wzw_fn0/s1600-h/aug-sept+028+mod.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255175623712592818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmoyNkDHYCOj3KE2URkrD_VeD-rMdBhuov1Hom9FNFRaKxy-Hn3w-v87dEJmKT1HdErBwyfJauTWS6hV01-IX1g3Ox8qDoLJTnAo6IPyRFvC2wldfC8oBRhVfCzbk-WhpSHoR8wzw_fn0/s320/aug-sept+028+mod.jpg" border="0" /></a> So, Oreos are the new favorite cookie in this house. It was once the Teddy Grahams, then the Sugar Wafers and now good old fashioned Oreos. At first we would get those mini oreos, but with the way prices at the grocery store are skyrocketing, I decided to try the Costco size box of the one's that I had grown up on. The boys loved them. Not because of mere size, but because they could twist them open and lick out the filling. This style of eating an Oreo must be innate to our being as I haven't eaten Oreos that way since I was young and I don't think that they were copying the Manning brothers.....all though twin NFL quarterbacks would not be too shabby of a future.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaMaQ9gcLDPAzfwJUOjcTsZK8LgYVGTg-IxzU_6hQcxUhxxjTWgI_ZLjNk9_GrcBnmr-vFnCmIcvbgmJX1TILIrRa8g02pdM0_U85IOBJUwMYE9JJY7FIELXCLVLWq64HOWiOow2NTLX4/s1600-h/aug-sept+030+mod.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255175622919944418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaMaQ9gcLDPAzfwJUOjcTsZK8LgYVGTg-IxzU_6hQcxUhxxjTWgI_ZLjNk9_GrcBnmr-vFnCmIcvbgmJX1TILIrRa8g02pdM0_U85IOBJUwMYE9JJY7FIELXCLVLWq64HOWiOow2NTLX4/s320/aug-sept+030+mod.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDSy5tct_rPjZYiv4-IilhYlK-ZHh4fmiZL2IOViJbMX_I5LzQ5Y0OJwAT83YBH6_fM-zI4WzWRPM9gQ-y9P-m4aPtNgXVpMftfJtAmaNv1eJD3o4Im6ImthmFELoDSrsv7FbTEBEganU/s1600-h/aug-sept+032+mod.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255175625663556594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDSy5tct_rPjZYiv4-IilhYlK-ZHh4fmiZL2IOViJbMX_I5LzQ5Y0OJwAT83YBH6_fM-zI4WzWRPM9gQ-y9P-m4aPtNgXVpMftfJtAmaNv1eJD3o4Im6ImthmFELoDSrsv7FbTEBEganU/s320/aug-sept+032+mod.jpg" border="0" /></a> Another cute thing was Sebastian's desire to help me change Ben's diaper. The first time it happened, I was quite surprised although Seb is the caretaker and sensitive dude of the duo. I was even more surprised that Ben allowed such an invasion because although he is quite the flasher, he only likes mommy to mess with such things as diaper changes. But, Seb came over and grabbed a wipe and cleaned the said area pretty thoroughly without a complaint from Ben. If we ever decide to add to our family, Seb will make a very good big brother and helper. Also, the tickling over here is out of control! The boys love to tickle and they will chase me around tickling and saying,"ickle, ickle, ickle!"with giggles of delight. This has made it increasingly hard to get things done as they know the right time to launch an attack....like when it is time to clean up their room and get ready for bed. The tickling buys them at least an extra half hour of awake time as I could never ignore the swarm of little fingers. I think it has become a big thing because at home I make a big laughing deal out of the whole thing. I run around in circles and throw back my head in a fake laughter that they don't identify as fake yet. This is usually pretty fun although Seb got perturbed at me when I didn't respond as such in the middle of Costco. His tickle fingers under my chin with his "ickle, ickle" prompt was not enough for me to wrecklessly drive the cart around the store in a fit of laughing hysterics. <br /><br /><div></div></div>gr8dc2bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07379231519647681256noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581806968925370868.post-48502783469237652002008-10-01T08:31:00.000-07:002008-10-01T09:35:21.695-07:00On the Road Again<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7lJqJvbeW6Uc9WffQ36BEgeuum59vMa_9SyAYai_8tzvEESbv8eWjxj7mPY-roOQYa-8HVnzF_fFQlFj6DdzCa7gt3Omdgi_D35YsEHnOIM1x4sNG8p1z10DiJNmxISdoQX801nkLZrY/s1600-h/aug-sept+001+mod.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252211352028991954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7lJqJvbeW6Uc9WffQ36BEgeuum59vMa_9SyAYai_8tzvEESbv8eWjxj7mPY-roOQYa-8HVnzF_fFQlFj6DdzCa7gt3Omdgi_D35YsEHnOIM1x4sNG8p1z10DiJNmxISdoQX801nkLZrY/s320/aug-sept+001+mod.jpg" border="0" /></a> Okay, so it seems that we are always in the car. Maybe too many cool people live too far away or we live too far away from too many cool people. It is hard to pass up a chance to see them even with gas prices the way they are. And, now to top it off......we have a gas consuming beast. Sorry to my eco-terrorist friends out there. We needed the extra space and this opportunity kind of just fell into our laps and was too good to pass up. We still have the Trailblazer to use for short trips here and there around town (as if that is much more ecofriendly), but the Suburban has the room for the stroller and booster seats and when we go on long trips, the dogs and our luggage. And hey, I was afraid that I was going to end up with a minivan.......I prefer this option to that.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkoj705ZY4CUyfFGW-LneG0W01Ju7xryTyx_1J_JeRk5SChWwiIHKFN2dy9rL2E62zmA-7EtlQOV-C40-h98Eh3c9nhcld0QPT3NztqE_x9mmKMrAzZNeShdlgwfkIHyPeljzLWJCqAa4/s1600-h/aug-sept+002+mod.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252211359031562898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkoj705ZY4CUyfFGW-LneG0W01Ju7xryTyx_1J_JeRk5SChWwiIHKFN2dy9rL2E62zmA-7EtlQOV-C40-h98Eh3c9nhcld0QPT3NztqE_x9mmKMrAzZNeShdlgwfkIHyPeljzLWJCqAa4/s320/aug-sept+002+mod.jpg" border="0" /></a> So, it seems that every picture I have taken in recent history is in the car seats. And for most of those, even when awake the boys don't have their eyes open. In the new car we have their seats next to eachother. With no buffer zone.....we have frequent sibling skirmishes. It can be caused by the taking of a favorite toy or Seb wanting to hold hands and Ben wanting his space. Here we are on our way to Little Ethiopia for our monthly lunch gathering/play date at an Ethiopian restaurant. It is a good thing the boys have a couple of hours to recharge their batteries so that they are in a good mood and ready to go. I have come to the conclusion that the boys need to be socialized more though. Of course, when a friend came up to Sebastian, first he slunk away......not knowing what to expect of the little stranger. He adjusted well though and was playing in a few seconds time. Ben on the other hand wanted nothing to do with playing. He stayed securely standing between my legs.....his safety net I suppose. When taking out his "zools" (pretzels), of course, they were a big hit with the group. As to be expected though, Ben did not want to share. He tried to guard his bag of snacks to no avail. He did allow his brother to get his hand in said bag. Seb then in turn, passed out the pretzels to the rest of the group. We look forward to next month's gathering, especially since there were some very noticable absentees this month. Namely, two of our favorite families.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSmipErmenKLoiVzp7Hkb81lk1VG2o2INSAcQudQ36X6iMBEpMLfrf3m9BCt4CKl9FCN7mn38nBre-bl0_mGuatScL4-qmcnJV-kguBEf7XWbweXvl5cOTmCAWqSzbWj1SqHLyG-m9kpQ/s1600-h/aug-sept+019+mod.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252210247815273954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSmipErmenKLoiVzp7Hkb81lk1VG2o2INSAcQudQ36X6iMBEpMLfrf3m9BCt4CKl9FCN7mn38nBre-bl0_mGuatScL4-qmcnJV-kguBEf7XWbweXvl5cOTmCAWqSzbWj1SqHLyG-m9kpQ/s320/aug-sept+019+mod.jpg" border="0" /></a> So, it has really been more of the same here. Michael has been tormenting me to agree that we can drive the distance again the next two weeks to go to car shows with the boys. Arghhh...not my idea of fun. At first I tried to thwart his attempts by saying it was too much gas, especially after all of our friendly jaunts down the hill. But, he may get his way afterall since one of my favorite people in the world will try to meet us at one of these horrid car shows with her beautiful family. I can't imagine passing that up.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbbYdlqgFTmimvz7KajT946r6pcYq_BqG_RGLkpwRoCNqZrOVwRfBVsKmOH7UZtgM6XblUMIsbl92qTXKJianr0OyXujz1CXeOcumioRfq4OQUO0GcHjeAV42Dn91kDQn2QJc0h0VEMBg/s1600-h/aug-sept+011+mod.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252210252555017554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbbYdlqgFTmimvz7KajT946r6pcYq_BqG_RGLkpwRoCNqZrOVwRfBVsKmOH7UZtgM6XblUMIsbl92qTXKJianr0OyXujz1CXeOcumioRfq4OQUO0GcHjeAV42Dn91kDQn2QJc0h0VEMBg/s320/aug-sept+011+mod.jpg" border="0" /></a> Sebastian continues to love his cows and still brings that plastic thing everywhere we go. It still shares his food and in this picture has found love with a dinosaur. At night, he has taken to a new hobby. He has always loved brushing his teeth and will remind me when I tell the boys at night that it is time to get ready for bed. He always says,"Teeth, teeth." As if I would forget.....maybe Daddy would, not mommy. This is always to Ben's chagrin because he hates to get his teeth brushed. Anyhow, in the past, Seb always would brush and brush and it would be hard to actually get him to relinquish the brush in a timely manner. I figured, this was a good problem to have as teeth can never be too clean. But, now, it is not his teeth he is obsessed with. It is the teeth belonging to his cow flashlight. It is one of those that moos when the handle is pressed to open the mouth and shine the light. Well, now it is a half hour hobby of Seb's to brush the cows teeth. Not only does this take time without the benefit of getting his teeth super clean.....but the mooing is atrocious for that period of time. Why couldn't he have taken up the hobby of brushing his brother's teeth?......That would have been a win - win!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUXYCo2DM3KyLMYrQOqrpp8fgZG51zFBiFJVJq7SSHDM9z4PYmP0si7F_7vdw-mswwG2VBRPKc6oIg3DONiN6bisMSiPN64W7cMfl7aoyMDBfWPeKDfg9GNavgi_xEHGhp7L8MMGT3QGM/s1600-h/aug-sept+009+mod.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252210251383072258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUXYCo2DM3KyLMYrQOqrpp8fgZG51zFBiFJVJq7SSHDM9z4PYmP0si7F_7vdw-mswwG2VBRPKc6oIg3DONiN6bisMSiPN64W7cMfl7aoyMDBfWPeKDfg9GNavgi_xEHGhp7L8MMGT3QGM/s320/aug-sept+009+mod.jpg" border="0" /></a> I continue to be impressed at the progress the boys are making in their behavior while dining out. True, they have whatever coloring activity the eatery has to offer and we bring a bag of their toys, but they do a great job whether it be Chinese, Pho, Italian or fast food. Here we are at Oggi's.....a great brewery/pizza/Italian type place. The boys got popcorn chicken, but I love their Italian Stallion pizza. The best!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKCFXlyxKMNoWR5WYjHkxCX7_EGZn6zjMSyyJ-pyhhdR-vrF6RbvwYO7u6_-Ux-9iWAR3c-zt2khRgUTWb5-4uEno2TZq2xvlZpr_U6wP6LMTku_3b4UTwXGQP_nzJ8IJDLwCeXjCW_tE/s1600-h/aug-sept+005+mod.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252210251996492882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKCFXlyxKMNoWR5WYjHkxCX7_EGZn6zjMSyyJ-pyhhdR-vrF6RbvwYO7u6_-Ux-9iWAR3c-zt2khRgUTWb5-4uEno2TZq2xvlZpr_U6wP6LMTku_3b4UTwXGQP_nzJ8IJDLwCeXjCW_tE/s320/aug-sept+005+mod.jpg" border="0" /></a> Now for the newest of exploits. New ways to drive mommy crazy, I think. They have taken to going to their drawers and throwing every article of clothing out. This makes me very angry as I hate organizing and reorganizing, folding and refolding daily. Of course, I can get them to put the clothes back in the drawers and Seb does it with a smile......but that doesn't mean that it is neat or not just a pile of clothes willy nilly in a drawer. The blankets also come off of the shelf from time to time. The boys love playing ghost. It is too bad they can't see through the blankets as running around with a bed spread over your head (and entire body depending on size of spread and body) can be quite dangerous. The same holds true for pillow cases which are a little more restrictive. The other day, I even found Seb hiding between the matress and fitted sheet. How he fit, I do not know......but these kids come up with the darndest things.</div><div>The boys have also taken to removing the matress from one of their beds. They either place it so that it is a supreme bouncer to jump on while they scream and giggle,"Bounce! Bounce! Bounce!" or they fashion it into a slide from bed to floor. They are very excited when they move the matress to find lost cheerios and zools that are, who knows how old. They don't care.....it is still a tasty extra treat to them.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8db5CBxGzLZ-LEWyeqn_d90OnyOGx9-cS8iyvE5KYcyDWsfIu-XkUlB8ljq7Nx-VlRk2DqQV_KvjdnNYqsItjppm8nxCt2B6hHYxhF4X-F0KlrAzYTWzdP-sm6a0vIlEU9OhEyP9PEVA/s1600-h/aug-sept+004+mod.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252210259222363986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8db5CBxGzLZ-LEWyeqn_d90OnyOGx9-cS8iyvE5KYcyDWsfIu-XkUlB8ljq7Nx-VlRk2DqQV_KvjdnNYqsItjppm8nxCt2B6hHYxhF4X-F0KlrAzYTWzdP-sm6a0vIlEU9OhEyP9PEVA/s320/aug-sept+004+mod.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Ben has also discovered the joys of the doggy door. Our doggy door leads into the kitchen which is sectioned off from the house by a gate that keeps both the dogs out of the rest of the house and the boys out of the kitchen. As the boys are always running in different directions, one day I was chasing down Seb in the backyard and returned to find Ben missing. I called and looked and didn't see him. I was panicked until I heard giggling. He had climbed into the kitchen via doggy door and was looking through the window jumping up and down in excitement as I searched for him. I should have known he would figure out the doggy door. The previous week, he would push the flap open and peer in at the less social of our dogs (the one that makes himself scarce when the babies are wildly playing outside). Ben spent much time that week peering in and waving his hand as he said,"Heelllllooooooooooo, Heelllloooooooooooo!" </div><div>The boys have also grown fond of drawing with chalk. The cement in the backyard is one big canvass of scribbles. Of course to them they are pictures of either snakes, Tow Mater or helicopters. They have graduated from their fascination of making me draw moons. I just wish they weren't into the graffiti aspect of drawing their "nakes" on everything else......windows, their slide, the chair etc. etc. Something to work on.<br /><div></div></div>gr8dc2bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07379231519647681256noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581806968925370868.post-76179100540809931592008-09-15T09:29:00.000-07:002008-09-15T11:42:50.697-07:00Can I Be Anymore Boring?Okay....so thinking about it.....I am really a boring person. Without my boys....I would have nothing to talk about. Well, there is politics, but being surrounded by lefties in CA in an election year doesn't put me in the mood. I have realized that I don't get out enough. Since moving, no girl's nights out or social lunches where the topics are revolving around adult themed conversation. All the cool kids live so far away. Plus, my singles or kidless groups have given up on me. I am no fun- a shadow of my former self. I used to have a flare for the innuendo.....now I have been reduced to stories about poop. Even Mike and I rarely get out anymore. And, as with this weekend, when we did go out, it was hard not to talk about and miss and wonder about what was going on with my little angels. I guess I am afraid that I am loosing my edge. For example, when the boys first came home.....I was determined to stay my cool quirky self. I wanted them to be matching Freddy Krueger's for Halloween. This year.....they will be Tigger and Pooh.<br />So, on to my favorite subject, the centers of my universe.....my boys.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOOblFWSmHpyMh1SSEXV5nbYJBzEQWYNbO17pgJCXwPKUc0a53C4-x8_T3qzKMpl1wd1tPZYIL_kPptTPClm9SlHj7dYVXCNYC5I299aNZ4W0md7ZyfdUBhYqJFB9CQOc0TM0QO6cIXYo/s1600-h/aug-sept+003+mod.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOOblFWSmHpyMh1SSEXV5nbYJBzEQWYNbO17pgJCXwPKUc0a53C4-x8_T3qzKMpl1wd1tPZYIL_kPptTPClm9SlHj7dYVXCNYC5I299aNZ4W0md7ZyfdUBhYqJFB9CQOc0TM0QO6cIXYo/s320/aug-sept+003+mod.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246287029482668258" border="0" /></a>As mentioned in my last post......the love of Cows and the need to chase me with snakes is still the most popular of passtimes. Although, we don't only have to watch those Barnyard cows anymore. Now I get to ask through each of their videos to see what the boys want to watch. Very rarely do they agree, but, at least we are back to some variety. They have also taken up liking the Noggin shows as well as the Disney Channel so that gives some more variety as well. But, cows in general are still all the rage. I found myself glaring at a cow on the side of the road yesterday.....just because it was a cow. I have even hidden the Gingerbread Man book because, yes, you guessed it....there is a cow that wants to eat the Gingerbread Man. We could be stuck on that page for a half hour at a time. Seb sees the cow and won't turn the page. And with that book or his puzzle or his plastic cows, there are two things that fascinate him. The utters and the tail. He has to point to every cows utters and say,"Boob!!". He will talk about the "boobs" for what seems like hours. At least with the tails, he will go to all animals and point them out. But, it always comes back to the cow. Even with a picture of a barn with no animal in sight, he will point at the doors and say, "Mmmm (his cow sound) ---inside---Mmmm."<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkXmg_P3AP1FdnJkju1dZHQ_kVF_NcdGSSiij2X5IS1f2hJW8iHRt6tY0oy1Q33eyOM2NQHid1Q35F2zS5cbuJrS3CTBAd2JPdntYovEMJvMY2kHT1O_CxddHa1KrBgJxVZetntdGsrd8/s1600-h/aug-sept+011+mod.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkXmg_P3AP1FdnJkju1dZHQ_kVF_NcdGSSiij2X5IS1f2hJW8iHRt6tY0oy1Q33eyOM2NQHid1Q35F2zS5cbuJrS3CTBAd2JPdntYovEMJvMY2kHT1O_CxddHa1KrBgJxVZetntdGsrd8/s320/aug-sept+011+mod.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246287030981562802" border="0" /></a>Now, Ben, he is less prone to a one track mind. He plays with just about anything. He is quite the block stacker. He gives rides to his little men on cars. His favorite toy at the moment is a small remote control car. He says,"Push buttons," he pushes the buttons and says,"Go, Go, Go!" as the car goes forward or backwards until crashing. This can keep him busy for a very long time.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSBibz-nJNkRH6sx1ehs_p1W99V1PDjZ9hevBsUXAiYVWYsUm3T8zN5boE47tuqe8Wah27b1UAUM6eEdx1oXZ86ZQNHsik6pjrMwjf0TGcdZooaXUj81jqJvJBrIk7IbcJQZW_7anyl5c/s1600-h/aug-sept+016+mod.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSBibz-nJNkRH6sx1ehs_p1W99V1PDjZ9hevBsUXAiYVWYsUm3T8zN5boE47tuqe8Wah27b1UAUM6eEdx1oXZ86ZQNHsik6pjrMwjf0TGcdZooaXUj81jqJvJBrIk7IbcJQZW_7anyl5c/s320/aug-sept+016+mod.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246287031238936898" border="0" /></a>Ben is very much into tongues though. He uses his tongue as a taster tongue when he sees a food he is not too familiar with. He touches said food to the tip of his tongue to see if it is worth eating. He sticks out his tongue and points and says a version of tongue. He always wants me to stick out my tongue so he can point and identify it. Well, I finally took out the Mr. Potato head's that they had gotten for Christmas. They have taken to watching Toy Story and Mr. Potato head rates second to "Buzz" only. They even love him more than Woody. So, while I am making dinner, I put the boys in their seats and they pass the time with Noggin on and either color, do puzzles, play blocks or legos, or play with the Potato heads. To Ben's extreme delight, one of the potato heads has a tongue piece. He attached it and before I knew it, with a big smile, stuck his tongue out......they touched tongues and that is the story of how Ben and Mr. Potato head started their almost daily love affair.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD79Tw7bLRRFjN-p0IJcqOJGEhyPpMMXNq7O4SVXibc60Wdvc5Xk-MhKn00VVtrLJxkFiy9a21yI-g8O4gGqglo-aJlXiSFC8kM_egGhq1duZp9edML2VFZ9OYfi-1GZWMmPsdyO5qeuw/s1600-h/aug-sept+019+mod.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD79Tw7bLRRFjN-p0IJcqOJGEhyPpMMXNq7O4SVXibc60Wdvc5Xk-MhKn00VVtrLJxkFiy9a21yI-g8O4gGqglo-aJlXiSFC8kM_egGhq1duZp9edML2VFZ9OYfi-1GZWMmPsdyO5qeuw/s320/aug-sept+019+mod.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246287034762195474" border="0" /></a>Who knew that plastic potatos could keep kids so busy. Ben is one to build more realistically. He likes the pieces to be generally as they are intended to be. Although check out how my smarty flipped the mustache to make bushy eyebrows. Seb is an artist with his potato head, he puts parts wherever he gets the whim or will take pieces to build multiple faces on the sides of the potato.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQd9JMvZUXo8SeryEgyzT_LyycK9vS4o0qaZq5FHp6CjyjnClJr_S4x2wnK3pJULHDBnnM7vGlOV8jx1jvKDnoOb7Up00LCit7AVmZSmjYwdl1NzzVzfku8o1cpJCDTr2oudIUgKE9a6s/s1600-h/aug-sept+023+mod.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQd9JMvZUXo8SeryEgyzT_LyycK9vS4o0qaZq5FHp6CjyjnClJr_S4x2wnK3pJULHDBnnM7vGlOV8jx1jvKDnoOb7Up00LCit7AVmZSmjYwdl1NzzVzfku8o1cpJCDTr2oudIUgKE9a6s/s320/aug-sept+023+mod.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246287042108763762" border="0" /></a>My boys are a bunch of hams too. They love to be tickled and to tickle. They have taken up the art of fake snoring. Of course, they close their eyes and snore with the biggest smile on their face. Most of the time they remember to lay down before doing so. They love playing hockey and golf and when the clubs or sticks are put away will use anything to hit the balls. Seb is even known to try to putt the ball with his snake.....which he is able to do even with the snake waggling in curls. Until it broke, his plastic hoe also made a good hockey stick. Ben continues to have a good arm, both throwing the baseball and football. This is not a good attribute when he throws books, or crates or toys though. The boys have also taken to learning different modes to escape. They know dump toys out of their crates and stack them to climb over the baby gate. Once I confiscate the crates, they have been known to stack their potty chairs just as effectively. Too smart and brave and agile for their own good I say.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBgHvOEL2l2raiOV3C6-dwQWKBHoLEI7O0EqjQdnrrs2YyMm81h5L4gN7Fdnp112zpTbNeURtEoKhl8f79Nb3bovfKqlqKsmnONDgQkMOql1uSYiYuc5NL20XJ8wKvJEMXcqtOXlEOTvE/s1600-h/aug-sept+001.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBgHvOEL2l2raiOV3C6-dwQWKBHoLEI7O0EqjQdnrrs2YyMm81h5L4gN7Fdnp112zpTbNeURtEoKhl8f79Nb3bovfKqlqKsmnONDgQkMOql1uSYiYuc5NL20XJ8wKvJEMXcqtOXlEOTvE/s320/aug-sept+001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246286684291133794" border="0" /></a>Speaking of potty training. We are still moving at a snails pace. I actually had a very bad week a while ago where one of the boys took up poo finger painting. Within minutes it was on the bed, the walls, the floor, the toys. Three days in a row, I had to figure out how to clean the offender, clean the room and keep the other twin out of said mess at the same time. I needed a twin or clone.....or maid. By that Friday, I was a mental mess. Although, who knows......if you consider it modern art, maybe I should get a canvas and make a fortune for future college funds. It was a crack up, albeit a little nasty when the next day, Seb dumps out his crate of toys. He starts looking through them one by one, putting most in the crate and a couple to the side. When he is done he points to the small pile of toys and says,"Poo". Whether this is him on a scavenger hunt in the backyard or pointing to his diaper and patting his butt, I know what this means. And, yes, the toys have poop from yesterday- dried on them. Poor Eyeore has a snout full of poop in fact. This did not make me happy that I had missed it from the day before, but I was very delighted that Seb could both sort toys and was able to bring my attention to the infraction. <br />The following week, I am happy to report that Sebastian made progress in trying to use the potty. On the first day, he took off his pants and diaper, peed next to them and then sat on the potty chair. I encouraged him and tried to explain that the pee pee belonged in the potty. Steps out of order and what not. The next day, he took off his pants and diaper and pooped next to them and then sat on the potty. This I was a little less encouraging about, but I try to look on the bright side. At least, it wasn't on the walls, even if it did take some cleaning.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKhfRfL5Qj-AedRKczlyQPxoOz-d-2lsebQpvdanoGo8f2ijOqU-9qQTUriAxuYi-7DwKji2vylP7DZ6NlYsrP4EQ984_da6Z5eMIr67zEt7AF4lncjLvvy8Q0YQuiBKm_j0g5a76HTLQ/s1600-h/aug-sept+002.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKhfRfL5Qj-AedRKczlyQPxoOz-d-2lsebQpvdanoGo8f2ijOqU-9qQTUriAxuYi-7DwKji2vylP7DZ6NlYsrP4EQ984_da6Z5eMIr67zEt7AF4lncjLvvy8Q0YQuiBKm_j0g5a76HTLQ/s320/aug-sept+002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246286688560085554" border="0" /></a>Our nighttime ritual has changed a little as after the reading of a couple of stories, the boys now want me to sing to them. Of course, this usually is about a half hour singing the same two songs over and over. Yes, I do know more songs than two.....I taught Kindergarten after all. But, Take Me Out to the Ballgame and Grand Old Flag are the two that I am made to sing until my voice is gone. They enjoy the hand motions and will sometimes join in with them. Then, after my singing it is time to kiss them goodnight. Although, this too goes on for a good 15 minutes......they have a little thing where they tell me to kiss the feet, kiss the belly, kiss the lips. over and over again-- times two silly boys. Just when i think i am done.......i get a foot in the face and can't resist their giggley request. FinallyI end with the usual,"Goodnight, sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite!" This I also follow with a zombie like gobbling on their bellies. But, this means game over and I finally make my exit to their laughing and then a last contented sigh. They do have me rapped around their little fingers. I love though, that I am their favorite person on this earth. They smile upon seeing me enter a room. That never gets old. I get up in the morning, go straight to their room and am met with the most amazing welcome. Sebastian covers me in hugs and kisses and Ben gives a warm smiley wave with his "ello". No matter what is wrong in the world, this is guaranteed to cure it. This is why I don't mind not being anything more interesting than Ben and Seb's mom.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8krypGM44IMiNmFyrLUYYuSBVEVPrqkY8xtLFnpBKi21ih28jG-HExE3efj4hY4_ijLTxiwYQKviPdWfs43M1t-b8ZEkqsbplkRuy-YqjcWqCmTE9KdM3yqdb12OdKBoCo9uml-lxE7k/s1600-h/aug-sept+013+mod.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8krypGM44IMiNmFyrLUYYuSBVEVPrqkY8xtLFnpBKi21ih28jG-HExE3efj4hY4_ijLTxiwYQKviPdWfs43M1t-b8ZEkqsbplkRuy-YqjcWqCmTE9KdM3yqdb12OdKBoCo9uml-lxE7k/s320/aug-sept+013+mod.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246286698261448610" border="0" /></a>gr8dc2bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07379231519647681256noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581806968925370868.post-18159695195013215592008-08-26T08:23:00.001-07:002008-08-26T09:57:32.282-07:00Where does the time go?I am sitting here, a little guilty that time has been a little short and I haven't really had all that much chance to blog this month. We had our anniversary, my birthday, and many a house guest and event to attend. Mike was rarely home as he was working twice the hours.....August is the time for school physicals which his office volunteers to do at every school (middle and high school) in the area. But, there is no excuse really, as I know that a million very cute, very cool things happened and I know that because I waited so long, it is inevitable that I will forget something. The boys continue to amaze me everyday, both with their developing personalities and how much mischief that they can find in the most seemingly safe situation.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggvKpTZfCbEzUQecCv9R_qRiYvTE8F8XAfeqocO6VUU8TKHMAxuly4nu18NuAOkLewMmwQcYudT6pJSPugGTGS0XVmn9DSznlUQn_DyWTt6FxGGaJoDXspUTKNniJ8OAb6cIBuVCfAdfY/s1600-h/July+August+2008+011+mod.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238847927711005330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggvKpTZfCbEzUQecCv9R_qRiYvTE8F8XAfeqocO6VUU8TKHMAxuly4nu18NuAOkLewMmwQcYudT6pJSPugGTGS0XVmn9DSznlUQn_DyWTt6FxGGaJoDXspUTKNniJ8OAb6cIBuVCfAdfY/s320/July+August+2008+011+mod.jpg" border="0" /></a> They are actually starting to talk a little bit more. Of course, it is the toddler language that is best understood by me being that I am with them 24/7. But, it is coming along and they are making progress. Ben has added a very convincing "no" to his bag of words. Before, it was just Seb who asserted his opinion at every turn. Now, Ben is the naysayer. I put in the wrong movie......the sweetest little montage of no's comes out. I make the wrong food or pick the wrong book, and it is, "no, no, no". I love that he is finally expressing himself and now I have taken to creating questions just to hear his little no. "Ben, are you done with your food?" "No, no." "Ben, can I take your plate yet?" "No, no." The only time that I have been the least bit annoyed with his no is yesterday when the DVD player wouldn't work and they couldn't watch their favorite movie. I tried everything on TV to replace it, but it was a futile attempt. I think that there was a steady stream of head shaking and increasingly louder no's until we went outside to play before lunch. Of course, many of you may think that the word no is no big deal or that a bigger word would be more attention worthy. The boys have plenty of words or version of words that they say. Ben somehow even managed to say dinosaur the other day. Both routinely tell me to "sit, sit down" when I am buzzing around the room. Or they tell me to t-ckle or "again book" for reading another book before naptime or bedtime. They can recite almost any Disney character and have added Buzz and Woody to the cast of Cars. But, why I love the word "no" from Ben is that he was one never to give his opinion through a word and do it so well. Tantrums yes, but actually expressing himself before frustration is a new thing. </div><div> </div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWGDY_X85CWS6wi5fY4TV4wGdvBSxTG1IBquuCUJ-IWe4-thTzf8qYkPt_j4TCys9rNa5qKNLj6n5zbRmVlAGidU5qlo7QdalcF_w9O7wpWiRxthIylqxpfMaUX0Av-U90fXuhhBRn2uE/s1600-h/July+August+2008+012+mod.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238848065271455122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWGDY_X85CWS6wi5fY4TV4wGdvBSxTG1IBquuCUJ-IWe4-thTzf8qYkPt_j4TCys9rNa5qKNLj6n5zbRmVlAGidU5qlo7QdalcF_w9O7wpWiRxthIylqxpfMaUX0Av-U90fXuhhBRn2uE/s320/July+August+2008+012+mod.jpg" border="0" /></a>Besides their constant need to climb to new heights.....I don't know how Ben scales some of the surfaces he does including closet walls and toy chests, the boys have discovered a love of scaring mommy. Not just giggling when they are doing something dangerous mind you. I have a very real fear of snakes. Usually amid a night terror where I am thrashing around in the middle of the night, running here and there and waking my poor husband up.....he will try to settle me and ask what it was this time and it is usually snakes on the floor or in the bed or whatever. (The last time, it was actually barbies everywhere, but that is for another post.) Anyhow, on our last vacation, the boys got wooden snakes. Somehow knowing, or perhaps my dh put them up to it, they got it in their head to chase mommy with the snakes. Now, I realize they are wooden and cannot hurt me, but they still give me the creeps. So, the boys make the ssssssssssss sound and think it is great fun. Okay, I let it be fun for them with exaggerated squalking and running around in circles.....but I know that it is only a matter of years before those wooden snakes are replaced by their real life counterparts. That is what is really scary.<br /><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2PitHutv083rXcPXGaXslMcu5kBM0P0cvuM9s7ApEaXR2pZA1K05uSNJC2t_m-A4qhXC3qMPYN_gA1fopg1jPQYGXR1j5APcCZzJpxazJJPdJUpfDzw9U_iracng2qXABJ6I2f5DpaMw/s1600-h/July+August+2008+047+mod.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238848070193474450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2PitHutv083rXcPXGaXslMcu5kBM0P0cvuM9s7ApEaXR2pZA1K05uSNJC2t_m-A4qhXC3qMPYN_gA1fopg1jPQYGXR1j5APcCZzJpxazJJPdJUpfDzw9U_iracng2qXABJ6I2f5DpaMw/s320/July+August+2008+047+mod.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p>Watching Cars everyday is now a distant memory. I am lucky to convince them to watch their extra Einsteins, Manny, Cars, Rats etc. at all. There is a new love in town. It is Barnyard. With Seb being so crazy about Cows, we got the movie in the off chance he would take to something new. Little did we know it would consume our lives. Everyday, I try to slip in something else. I offer suggestions to the sweet little no's that I love. It always ends in, "Cow, Cow!! Mmmmmmm!" They love that movie. We even bought the compilation of TV shorts of the same Nick series that the movie is based. This didn't leave the DVD player for a week straight. Not even the old Cow movie was allowed to replace it. I couldn't believe that they knew the difference. What do I expect with how well Seb can act every scene. Seb in his quest for perfect reenactment of every scene has even begun to set up props.....moving the toy chest and turning over a crate to make an ideal replica of the cow's computer work space. He mimics everything from their actions to their emotions and is starting to mix in some of their words. I am amazed by what he can glean from cartoon animals in the way of direction and facial expression. A very talented youngster indeed.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIeI_VpSftCZcIHUv76eDosB-B3JKLLOvOi4aiRhnrR9_4CV4vYz_8tWlG29Rm30SkfRe8AWNB_HspR_zU4oI05PgkfZsAQFvFiaYoumDZv1Ttt67a_ggXeGaZh5-kNjVzasns9DXzoMU/s1600-h/July+August+2008+051+mod.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238848074786931842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIeI_VpSftCZcIHUv76eDosB-B3JKLLOvOi4aiRhnrR9_4CV4vYz_8tWlG29Rm30SkfRe8AWNB_HspR_zU4oI05PgkfZsAQFvFiaYoumDZv1Ttt67a_ggXeGaZh5-kNjVzasns9DXzoMU/s320/July+August+2008+051+mod.jpg" border="0" /></a> Another cute little story which I hold close to my heart occured the other day after giving the boys a bath. We have those sliding glass doors on the bathtub and it is always a struggle to keep the boys from sliding them back and forth when they bathe together. Seb is more private and always wants the doors closed. He is a crack up with other people in the room. We call him Mr. Modest because he will close his knees together and hide his privates if anyone but myself is in the vicinity. Ben on the other hand loves to be free. He will run naked with reckless abandon, letting it all hang out so to speak. He prefers the doors open. So, when I bathe them together I try to put my hand as to block the doors from sliding back and forth. One day, with my grandmother visiting and the boys playing with no thoughts of the doors, I let my guard down and although my hand was up there, it was not at ready position. All of a sudden, my grandmother's rogue boob accidently pushed one of the doors open, trapping my fingers in between the doors. Ouchy....to say the least. I got my fingers out and couldn't help but cry....yes, I am a baby. Ben concerned, wanted out of the bath. I picked him up to dry him off.....thinking he just wanted out. Instead, he gave me the biggest hug imaginable. He reached behind me and grabbed a tissue. He then dried the tears on my face. This melted my heart. Ben who is usually not a big hugger/lover type....usually just on his terms and with reason......took care of his momma. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF_Z8Sw0RIBl0q96kQxO6fNkurJzZI8bDABdObnJ1Y0co3ILWtIlaRaKFdFVfcGPBcI8sO2KEDCL2PQA120c0fURPbu_Mlrl8ui9k5p-MvLliQAtyhBfkw9kC9wmHtbOTL6vcEx0-f6LA/s1600-h/swim+aug+1+mod.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238848082114326402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF_Z8Sw0RIBl0q96kQxO6fNkurJzZI8bDABdObnJ1Y0co3ILWtIlaRaKFdFVfcGPBcI8sO2KEDCL2PQA120c0fURPbu_Mlrl8ui9k5p-MvLliQAtyhBfkw9kC9wmHtbOTL6vcEx0-f6LA/s320/swim+aug+1+mod.jpg" border="0" /></a>Here is a picture from the boys first trip to a GG's pool. Ben was terrified most of the time and had the death grip going on. He finally relaxed a little by the end, but had to be in my arms at all times. Seb was like a fish in water. He loved it and got the kicking down right away. He even blew some good sized bubbles in the water. </p><p>And for all those interested, Seb is still traveling everywhere with his plastic cow. The cow even had to alternate bites of spaghetti with him at an Italian restaurant. Although very cute, it took forever to finish dinner...although they finished every bit of food on the plate. Ben sucks those noodles like lady and the tramp and Seb took a spoon and cow and himself didn't leave a drop of meat sauce. Seb can be quite the caretaker when he wants to be. Many a time during lunch he will feed his brother applesauce or whatever is on the menu and Ben opens up like a little baby bird. I much prefer this to when Seb is trying to abscond with the last cookie to an outcry of, "YaYa YaYa Ya Ya," by Ben. Of course, Ben is in to asserting himself now. The last time this happened I heard a deafening scream by Seb and turned to find Ben biting the offending finger and not letting go. I was afraid that it would be bitten off....but he released to my scolding and Seb was left with a swollen purple fingertip for the day. I don't think he tried to strong arm another Lightning McQueen graham cookie away from his brother after that episode. Now he knows he has to be a little more slick and shifty. Of course, when I wanted to relay this story to my mom with Seb in the room.....he was embarrassed. He wouldn't let me tell it. He said,"Nah, nah, nah," waving his hand at me with a very stern look on his face. He then put his hands on his hips and shook his head. I wonder where he gets that from. </p><p>Hopefully the month of September is not too hectic. I am in need of a little monotony. Then, maybe I can keep up with my blogging.<br /></p>gr8dc2bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07379231519647681256noreply@blogger.com2