Who's The Boss?

If I didn't know any better, I might think it was this little guy:

We are in the midst of a battle of wills these days, and let me tell you ... his is pretty strong. I told him yesterday that I was the boss. He got up nice and close to me, shoved his fat little finger in my face and said "No, I'M the Boss!" Seriously.

I'm going to win this battle. I mean, I have to. This is serious business. And really ... he wants me to win. I've been reading books, trying a few different discipline tactics, laying in bed and worrying about it at night. He's not a bad boy, really he is very sweet. He loves to cuddle, he is kind to his brother. He just doesn't listen or follow directions AT ALL. But I'm trying.

And now that I spent and hour getting him to take a nap, this little guy has woken up.


Dang. There goes my workout.

Dinner and a Movie -- Idol Style

Despite a few difficulties early on, Jon was able to recover quickly and we had a GREAT Saturday celebrating my birthday. I came downstairs to this:

Tanner picked out some special earrings to get me from Target, which was absolutely the cutest thing ever. My parents got in around lunchtime and we were able to just relax (and eat cake!!) with them before we left for our big date.

I have to chuckle a little at the words big date. It was a HUGE deal to us to be able to go to dinner (SUSHI!!) and a movie, and we had the restaurant and the movie picked out WAY in advance ... we were so excited! We left around 4:00, because we wanted to be able to eat an early dinner and catch an early movie. We laughed over dinner at how much our lives have changed since having kids. We used to go out to dinner ALL THE TIME and think nothing of it. And we went to a movie (or two) every weekend! Now it's a huge production. And most of the time, by the time we eat dinner, we're too tired to go to a movie afterwards! Not this time, though!

Anyways, here are my thoughts about our selections ... Idol Style:

Dinner: SUSHI

Simon: Uh ... NO.

Kara: I'm sorry honey, but it's a no.

Randy: No, Dawg. Sushi just ain't your thing.

Guest Judge, Katie Perry: You make me feel dirty.

I tried! I really really did! But I just didn't like it.

MOVIE: The Blind Side

Simon: Quite possibly the best movie I've seen so far this year.

Kara: I LOOOOVED it. A hundred and ten percent yes.

Randy: A Ba-zillion percent yes, Dawg.

Joe Jonas: Yeah ...

I Loved it. Loved it. Loved it. Loved it.

We were home by 10:00. In bed by 11:00. My kinda date. My kinda birthday. :)

What Really Happened

So, my assumptions about what happened yesterday morning were mostly correct. However, the details of what really went down make the whole thing so much more entertaining.

Jon did take both boys to Target for some last minute birthday surprises ... in their PAJAMAS! (and Tanner's were most definitely of the summer variety)

Tanner was allowed to walk on his own inside the store. "He had to touch EVERYTHING! And he was at least 20 steps behind me the whole time. That kid doesn't listen one bit!"

Here's the best part. When they got to the car, Tanner didn't want to sit down in his carseat. "No, Daddy! I got poopies!" (This recognition of having messy pants and not wanting to sit in them is new, BTW) Jon said "too bad" and wrestled him into his seat. Disaster struck. Poop was everywhere. Think 2.5 year-old blowout. Of course they didn't think to bring the diaper bag. Luckily, I keep some wipes in the car. Jon had Tanner in the parking lot, completely naked, trying to clean him off. (yeah ... it was about 19 degrees outside) Tanner was freaking out. Landon was in his seat screaming. There was poop on the car, the carseat, Jon even had poop inside his coat. My little boy rode home naked, in his yucky carseat in the cold car.

Can I just say I'm so glad I was asleep in bed, oblivious to the whole thing? That was like 10 times worse than when I lost my keys in Target and had to wait around there for 90 minutes AFTER I had finished shopping with both boys.

I do feel a little bit bad that this happened to Jon, when his intentions for the whole outing were so good. But I have to be honest and say that it was somewhat comforting to know that he had a rough time of it. It makes me feel like so much less of a failure for all the times I have a rough time of it (um ... more often than not). And I think that was the best "birthday surprise" he could've given me.

Birthday Smiles

This morning I got to sleep in.

I mean - it IS my birthday weekend after all.

I awoke about 20 minutes ago to hear a bathtub running and kids squealing/screaming. By the time I got out of bed, everyone was downstairs again. I walked in amongst Target bags being quickly stashed and instructions from Jon that I was not to buy Tanner any more pull-ups. It seems there is now a big yucky mess in my mini-van. Jon also reminded me that Tanner does not obey. Then I was sent back upstairs.

Here's what I think went down:

Jon took both boys with him to Target to get some last minute birthday surprises.
He allowed Tanner to "walk" instead of ride. I'm pretty sure this is where the "Tanner doesn't obey" came in. They got in the car and Jon didn't realize that Tanner also pooped while he was on the store. (Remember those two minutes when he actually stood STILL so you could shop?) He pulled in the garage to find a stinky mess all over Tanner, his clothes, and his new carseat. At this point, he's wondering how in the heck he's going to get both kids inside, get one in the bathtub, and get everything cleaned up all without waking me. I'm totally laughing right now because just imagining it all is so hilarious to me. We'll see what actually happened.

Landon is now napping and I'm waiting in my room for the okay to come downstairs. I hear lots of little boy yelling about birthdays and balloons and Jon saying "Shhhhh!" I can''t wait to see what its all about! Hope your morning is off to a good start!

*Okay, I just heard the real story, and it's SO MUCH more hilarious. I'll fill you in later!"

Milestones

Four years ago, I started writing this blog. I was just turning 26. Jon was in Iraq. We had no children. Our life was so very different.

Today I turned 30.

And celebrated 7 years of being married to my sweetheart, who still wants to make out with me, despite the yummy mixture of dried goldfish-chunk-spit-up and snot all over my shirt (thank you, boys).

I loved my 20's, and can't believe all the huge life changes I experienced in the last decade. But, I'm excited to see what my 30's have in store for me. Hopefully, it will be filled with sweet memories of watching my little family grow together. It can't get much better than that, can it?

Jon and I are officially celebrating my birthday this weekend with sushi and a movie. (My first sushi experience ... I'm so excited!) By normal standards, today would have been a little rotten ... an EARLY morning wake-up, cranky kids, the beginning of getting sick ... But I had birthday wishes flowing in all day, which made the day seem so much more special! And made me reflect on how very blessed I am to have such thoughtful friends. Thank you for all the well wishes!

I spent most of the morning using my camera to spy on my boys. This one was looking especially cute, after having perked up a bit since starting his antibiotics yesterday. :)

Here's to a new decade filled with sweet smiles and kisses from my boys. The following decade, my kiddos will be teenagers and probably not so willing to show their affection, so I'll take all I can get now! XOXO

Under the Weather

Two Boys

Four Infected Ears

One Sinus Infection

Somebody must be praying for us, because we're hangin' in there!

(Is it you, Grammy?)

Pumpkin Bread

Want the recipe for the delicious pumpkin bread that's been on my mind for days now? (I finally made some today!) I hope you like it as much as my boys and I do!

Pumpkin Bread
3 cups flour (I use 1.5 cups white mixed with 1.5 cups wheat)
1.5 tsp salt
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp nutmeg
2 tsp cinnamon
3 cups sugar
1 cup oil
4 eggs
2/3 cups water
1 can (15oz) pumpkin

1) In a small bowl, combine flour, salt, baking soda, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Set aside.
2) In a large bowl, combine sugar and oil. Add in eggs, water, and pumpkin.
3) Gradually add in flour mixture and mix well.
4) Divide between two greased loaf pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 45-55 minutes.

I usually put one loaf in the freezer for later. It freezes really well!

*p.s. My littlest love was sick today! Poor thing ... looks like we're headed back to the doctor tomorrow.*

What to do ... what to do ...

One of my old coworkers used to tell his students ... "Only boring people get bored."

And, goodness knows, I don't want to be boring. I'm actually pretty good at keeping myself busy and I've always enjoyed time alone. Some of my recent endeavors:

• Baking (I'm convinced this has something to do with the weather. Winter makes me want to bake -- pumpkin bread, muffins, any type of cookie...)
• Playing around with my 30-day free trial of Adobe Lightroom (it's amazing what you can do with your pics in this program. Wish it wasn't so expensive to buy!)
• Watching the Bachelor, American Idol, Grey's Anatomy, or Private Practice
• Reading

I could go on ... but I won't. After all, this post is not meant to be about me.


Or even about him.






It's really meant to be about him.

Yes, my poor little boy who was just today diagnosed with a double ear infection and a sinus infection. Yuck Yuck Yuck. Needless to say, we won't be venturing out anywhere for the next few days. (Not like we go that many places in the dead of winter anyways, but I digress). This post is really meant to be about ways to keep my little guy busy. This handsome fella loves to be entertained and really doesn't play very well independently, but he does get excited about anything I'm smart enough to call a project.

I am definitely not the authority on this. But, I thought I'd share a bunch of random ideas I've collected in hopes that you might share some of your ideas with me. Lots of them we've already done. Some are on our to-do list. So, here goes:

• Bagel Birdfeeders: Spread bagels with peanut butter, top with birdseed, and hang on a tree outside
• Suncatchers
• Puzzles
• Decorate the windows with window-clings
• Fingerpainting
• Watercolors
• Play-doh
• Body Tracing: Have your child lay down on a large piece of paper, trace them, then have them draw or glue on clothes, hats, facial features, etc
• Counting with Stickers: Divide a piece of paper into several squares with a number in each square. Help your child to put the correct number of stickers in each square.
• Beading: Macaroni noodles on pipe cleaners work great!
• Foam Kits: You can find these little craft kits at most craft stores or Target/Walmart. Make lots of cute little things with self-stick foam. We made a "birthday crown" this weekend. You know ... for his June birthday.
• Paper Plate Smiley Face: Have your child glue googly eyes, and a large mouth onto a paper plate. Cut out several small white squares and have them glue them into the mouth like teeth. Makes a funny looking character! We twisted up orange pipe cleaners and poked them through for hair.
• Baking (of course!)
• Decorating Sugar Cookies: valentine cookies would be fun!
• Making Valentines
• Lots of VERY CUTE craft ideas on this website and this website
• And tons of other great ideas on this website
• Friends and Family Book: Do you still have all those Christmas Cards that everyone sent you? Put them together into a book that you can go through with your child. They will love looking through it all year long. We add birth announcements and any other photo card we get in the mail throughout the year.
• Play a Game: Memory, Candyland, Don't Spill the Beans, Don't Break the Ice, Cootie
• Indoor Picnic: Set out a blanket and eat lunch on your living room floor.
• Make a snack mix and put it in to-go bags: We mixed together cereal, nuts, dried fruit, etc, and put in snack size bags. It was fun to make together and fun to eat, too!

And if all else fails, pop Toy Story into your DVD player, cuddle up on the couch with your little one, and enjoy. :)

How do you keep your little one busy during the winter months?

Whirlwind

Do you ever just look around at your house at the end of the day and think ... What the HECK happened here???

I hope I'm not the only one.

This place was sparkling when I went to bed last night. But now, 24 hours later, it looks like a tornado (or two) passed through. Every. Room. Is. A. Disaster.

And I'm off to bed to read James Dobson's Parenting Isn't for Cowards.

It's been a long few days ...

:)

Even Though He's Trouble ...

He's still my main squeeze.

This morning, I visited a potential preschool for next fall.

Where is the time going??

Baby, It's COLD Inside!

I should have known something was wrong during the boys' bathtime last night. The littlest Hall can't seem to stay away from the drain cover, and is constantly letting the water out. When I went to refill the tub, the only water that came out was cold! I couldn't figure out what was going on. I hadn't run the dishwasher yet or even done any laundry. I hurried the boys out of their bath. Poor Landon just wailed when I rinsed his hair with the cold water. I know ... Wicked Mommy of the Midwest. I wasn't about to let him sleep with macaroni and cheese gunk in it, though.

Anyways, after I finally got the boys in bed, I came downstairs for some ice cream and American Idol. I noticed that it was REALLY cold, but still didn't think much of it. After a while, my feet started to feel almost numb and I thought I felt a draft. I checked the thermostat and it read 18 degrees Celsius. (No, I don't know how much that really is, but we can't seem to get it back to Farenheit, so we usually just keep it around 21 degrees Celsius). My first thought was to blame Jon. He had just gotten our gas bill the night before and flipped a lid. I was sure he turned the heat down, not realizing that 3 degrees Celsius is like 12 degrees Farenheit. Just to be sure, though, I checked to make sure all the windows and doors were shut and finally ventured downstairs to the utility room that houses our furnace. I won't name any names, but someone (my oldest, I'm SURE) found his way in there yesterday and flipped the furnace switch to off. I didn't notice that he had also turned the water heater down to LOW until this morning when I tried to take a shower. (Poor Jon had a nice cold one when he woke up!)

We are back to normal now, thank goodness! And there is a new lock on the door to the utility room. What could he possibly get into next?

How Much Longer...

...until Spring gets here??

*Alternately Titled*

Mama Needs to Clean Her Windows

I've Heard It All

Disclaimer: I understand it's probably gross to look at chewed up food in a little boy's mouth. But eating is just about the only time I can get this guy to sit somewhat still. So, please bear with me for all the "see-food" pictures you often find on this blog. :)

Anyways ... Tanner was A-TALKIN' today! Just a bit of what I've heard from him today:


This morning.
Me: Tanner, please take off your jammies so we can get dressed for MOPS.
Tanner: You're BOSSY, Mom!

In the car, as we pull out of church. The boys are looking at each other and laughing.
Tanner: I love you, Landon!

As we pull into the garage after MOPS.
Tanner: Time to take my nap, Mom!
Me (thinking to myself): WHAAAAAAAAT? Who IS this kid?

Up in his room a few minutes later.
Me: Okay, pick out 2 books to read.
Tanner: No, Mom! It's time for my nap! Leave me alone! Go Away!
Me: Well then ...

As I am getting him out of the bathtub ...
Me: Okay, go and pick out some jammies.
Tanner: No, I hafta wash my hands.
Me: You don't need to wash your hands ... we just washed them in the bathtub.
Tanner: NOOOOOOOO!!!!
Me: It makes me very sad when you yell at Mommy. Nice boys don't yell like that.
Tanner: NO! I'm a scary boy!

A little while later at the dinner table. I had just finished my plate.
Tanner: Gonna get a lil' bit more, huh.
Me: Yes, I am going to get a little more.
Tanner: A lot bit more, huh!

And because I know they are reading this ... this was also overheard in the bathtub.
Tanner: I love Lauren.
Me: I know you do, bud.
Tanner: I love Kat, too.
Me: Do you love Mommy, too?
Tanner: Nope.

Redneck Christmas

It started with a fat lip.

(random bee sting ... I know ... wierd, right?)

And ended with a shiner.

(Doesn't it just break your heart? A table jumped out at him when he was running around.)

With some NASCAR pajamas in between.

And a little bit of wrestlin' to top it off.

How's that for a Redneck Christmas?

Christmas Goodies

Tonight I'm headed to a cookie exchange with the ladies from my Bible study.

I would love to bring the sweetest thing I've made this year. (Raspberries included!)

But I'm not sure there's enough of him to go around!

So, instead, I'm taking THIS.

Is your mouth watering yet?

I found this recipe and lots of other great ideas over at The Idea Room. Check it out if you haven't already!

Cabin Fever

For a variety of reasons, we've barely left the house this week. Needless to say, I've been working hard to keep my little "big boy" busy. (More on that later, when I'm not so tired!)

Today, we made popcorn chains to hang on a tree in our backyard for birds and squirrels to eat. (Do they even come out when it's this cold?) From the minute I told Tanner we were going to make them, he wouldn't stop talking about them. "Popcorn chains, Mommy! Popcorn chains!!" He was very eager as we got started and did a great job with the threading. My chain turned out to be about 4 feet long. Check out Tanner's.

He got a little sidetracked, what with the big bowl of buttery popcorn and all. There are about 15 kernels on his string, but more like 150 in his little belly. Ha! (Just like Mommy!)

And don't worry ... we cleaned up the mess before this guy could eat any!

He's been rather cranky these days, and we don't serve popcorn to SCROOGES around here. (or babies for that matter!)

For Grammy and Uncle Pat

I thought you might enjoy this. Pay special attention to the mohawk styling at the end.

Happy December!

We're still here! Just having some trouble with our internet.

Thanksgiving was fantastic. We got to meet sweet little McKenna (our niece!) for the very first time.

My parents are slowly healing.


The boys are doing well.

Landon has two teeth. He's pulling himself up to standing now. I'm pretty sure if I measured it out, he would have crawled at least 3 miles each day. He's constantly on the move. Even in the bathtub, he does laps -- and laughs the whole time. It's all pretty entertaining. He's still working on sleeping through the night and has made it all the way from 7pm to 5am about 4 times now. And did I mention that he's the sweetest thing ever? Because he IS.

Tanner is talking up a storm these days. He's very excited about all of the Christmas decorations up everywhere. Each morning he looks down from the top of the stairs and yells "My Christmas, Mommy! My Christmas!" as he points to the tree. I tried to explain to him this morning that we celebrate Christmas because it is Jesus' birthday, but then he got upset because he can't stand to celebrate any birthday but his own. I'm pretty certain he cried tears when we sang "happy birthday" to Poppy last month. We'll have to work on that ... He's also very into locking doors right now. And he reminded me once again last night to NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER leave your child bare-bottomed after his bath. I can't wait until he's house-broken ... errr ... potty-trained.

We ask him everyday whether he's on Santa's naughty or nice list and he always says "naughty." It's a good thing we have this guy to report each day's activity to Santa. This morning he showed up for the first time ever. I wonder where we'll find him tomorrow ??

I'm in Trouble Now!

What I'm Thinking

It's a cold, wet, dreary day here. But we're not letting that ruin our day. I had no problem loading my pajama-clad kids into the car just to drive to Starbucks and back for a latte.

This little love is napping.

His first tooth (bottom left) started peeking through just yesterday. I wanted to cry when I saw it.

This little love is anxiously awaiting a sample of the oatmeal chocolate chip cookies that just came out of the oven.

And I'm thinking we may or may not just stay in our jammies all day.

Isn't he SCRUMPTIOUS?

I would happily have a baker's dozen if they were all as sweet as my little Landon.

* Just for the record, he slept ALL THE WAY through the night last night for the first time. (6:30pm - 5:45am). Just when I thought it was never going to happen, it did. It just a took a little while ... 7 mos 2 wks to be exact. Now I know it's possible. Can I get an AMEN?!!

We've Been Inoculated!

Finally.

We've been unable to get the vaccine in our own county, so we took advantage of our weekend in Michigan and found an H1N1 vaccine clinic taking place here today. Jon had already left to go hunting, but thankfully, my grandma agreed to go with me. I don't know what I would've done without her! Two little ones. No stroller. Two hours in line. Enough said.

And God bless Landon ... he was the best little patient. Didn't even make a peep when he got his shot ... just when right on sucking his pacifier. Tanner cried from the time he got the shot until we got home 35 minutes later.

The whole thing was just an energy-sapping experience, but I'm so thankful we've gotten the first round of shots out of the way! Maybe by the time we need the second round, we'll be able to just get them in our pediatrician's office!

Halloween Fun ... as promised!

My! We've been busy lately ... probably too busy, but that's my fault as I have a tendency to overschedule and generally bite off more than I can chew. Oops! Now that Halloween is over, I feel like I can finally come up for some air. My mom had planned to make the boys' costumes this year, but wasn't able to finish, so I took over, thinking it was no big deal. And it would have been no big deal if I could only read a pattern well. I started last Sunday and finally finished them at 2pm yesterday -- just in time to trick-or-treat at 4! Note to self: if you decide to sew your own costumes next year, start them in June ...

Anyways ...

The boys and I spent Wed-Fri with my parents and arrived back home just in time to welcome Jon's parents for the weekend. Grandpa Michael and MawMaw came to celebrate Jon's birthday and spend Halloween with us. I was SOOO glad they came ... they are such wonderful company.

I woke up early Saturday morning to decorate for Jon's birthday, make his cake, and finish my sewing. Believe it or not, that pretty much kept me busy until it was time to trick-or-treat! The boys had a blast playing around with the grandparents for most of the day. Before we knew it, we were getting Tanner and Landon all dressed up for the Halloween fun. Can I just say ... Landon was the cutest pirate I have EVER seen. And Tanner was so much fun this year. He loved dressing up and putting on all of the accessories (even though he discarded them one by one as we were making our way down the block). He loved going from door to door and even said "Trick-or-Treat!!" and "Thank You!" like such a big boy.

After trick-or-treating (it was SOOO cold!) we warmed up with some cornbread and chili and then Jon opened his present. His favorite one? I'm so glad you asked! That would be the "learn to play the recorder" kit from the boys. (Remember this post?)

After our birthday celebration, Jon and I took advantage of some free babysitting and went to see Couples Retreat. I loved it and was very entertained. Jon and I talked all the way home about how we need a vacation and where we could possibly go. :)

We finished the weekend on a high note with a wonderful brunch with the grandparents and an afternoon of family time -- my heaven. Now, it's time for me to head to bed. Wasn't I supposed to get an extra hour of sleep somewhere with the time change? Where exactly did that hour go???

Enjoy our Halloween pics!

Ahoy!

Arr, me hearty! It's been a full day and me eyes are very close t' shuttin' fer the night ... but before I go t' sleep, I'm obliged t' give ye a wee little peek at our fun. Me little mateys were stealin' hearts left an' right today. Be sure an' come back t'morrow if ye be wantin' t' hear the details.

The Best Medicine

After much discussion last week, it was decided that I would travel home to help my parents after my sisters left. I have to be honest ... I was pretty hesitant to take on the job, knowing I would also have two active little boys to take care of. I was so nervous that the three of us would become more of a burden than a help. And that I would basically just stress everybody out.

Silly. Silly. Me.

My parents blossomed under the care of my two little ones.

What I learned this week:

1) Watching a two-year-old peform "Open, Shut Them" and "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes" was much more nourishing to the soul than any food I could have prepared for them.

2) Holding a sleeping baby kept my mom a thousand times warmer than the blanket I covered her with, or the slippers I helped put on her feet.

3) Listening to my boys laugh in the bathtub was more cleansing than the hydrogen peroxide I poured on their wounds as I changed their dressings.

4) Watching cartoons and eating breakfast in bed with her grandson was the best kind of distraction from my mom's constant pain and nausea. And my dad didn't even mind the crumbs left behind on his side of the bed. ;)

5) My constant encouragement was no match for the time Tanner saw my mom using the restroom and said "YAY!!! Grammy gets an M&M! Grammy gets an M&MMMMMMM!!!!"


These two were the best kind of medicine.

We'll be heading back next week for another dose.

A Little Bit of Peace

Don't you just love those new little paint samples they sell at Home Depot? You can get a pretty good size sample of any color you want for just under $2.50. It's great, really. Especially if you are terrible about making decisions, like me!! We are determined to paint our living room/dining room that is really a playroom, and I think I've bought nearly 10 different samples of paint to test out.

Just an hour ago, I schlepped the kids into the store, bought two new samples, and came home to test them out. Landon fell asleep in the car, and Tanner was playing so nicely by himself, I thought it was a great time to get out the paint, brush it on a few pieces of posterboard, and see how I like it. Surprise, surprise -- Tanner decided to join me. He pulled his chair up to the countertop, stood beside me, then spilled the entire sample of paint all over my hardwood floor.

I (very calmly) removed my shoes and paint-splattered pants, carried him up to his room and locked the door, explaining that I would come get him after the mess was cleaned up. Then, I proceeded to clean up that huge mess, yuck. Anyways, now I'm done. Tanner is up in his room playing (HE doesn't know I'm finished yet). Landon is still sleeping. And I have a little bit of peace. I might even have a cup of coffee before I go upstairs.

And I'm just going to go ahead and say it. In honor of my dad and Jon's dad. "We can't have anything nice around here."

:) PEACE OUT.

Prayers, Please!

Many of you already know what happened this weekend, but some of you don't, so let me fill you in.

On Thursday night, my parents were in a car accident on their way to visit my little brother at West Point. I got a call from my grandmother on Friday morning to tell me what had happened. Their rental car was totaled in the accident, but fortunately, the inside of the car stayed pretty much intact (other than the windshield). The accident happened in Toledo, so they were taken to a hospital there, where they have been ever since. My dad broke his clavicle in three places, and just had surgery to repair it on Sunday afternoon. My mom's hip was fractured right where the hip socket is and she also had to have surgery on Sunday evening. The rest of their injuries were just cutr and bruises ... thank goodness!

My sister, Lauren, flew in immediately after she got the news, and we drove together to Toledo to be with them on Saturday. I had to come back on Sunday, but Lauren decided to stay with my parents for the week. My other sister, Katherine, flew in on Sunday night and will also be with my parents for the rest of the week. (Did you get all that???) I am so lucky to have such wonderful sisters who were both able to take a week off and get my parents back from the hospital and settled in at home.

I just spoke to Katherine on the phone and they are getting ready to load my parents up in their van to bring them home. I'm not quite sure what we should expect as far as recovery for my dad, but I know that my mom's recovery will be pretty long. She cannot put weight on her hip or sit up straight for 6-8 weeks. We have a lot of work to do to get the house ready for that kind of situation and aren't quite sure what to do after Lauren and Katherine leave. So, please just keep my mom and dad in your prayers. And if you think of it, say a prayer for my sisters and I, too, that God will give us the wisdom we need in making the right decisions for them, etc. We are so sad that this happened, but incredibly thankful that my parents are still here and that their injuries will eventually heal! I'll keep you posted!

"My do it"

Just a glimpse of life with a "big boy" in the house. :)

Oh, Brother!

... a guest post from Landon.

The other day, my mom FINALLY got into the front of the line at the post office. Tanner had already gone through a whole lollipop and even took his shoes and socks off while we were waiting. He was being SO Bad. But I was being good -- of course. Someone's gotta keep my mom sane at times like this! I kept the old ladies behind me distracted from my big brother's behavior by flirting with them big time. They were all in love with my dimples. I mean, who ISN'T? By the time she got to the front of the line, my mom forgot the pin number to her debit card. That's almost as bad as forgetting your phone number! In fact, she entered the wrong pin so many times that she got locked out of her bank account. Talk about embarrassing. I made sure to wake her up a few times that night to give her a hug and make her feel better.

I'm getting pretty good at moving around. Tanner gets all worked up whenever I get close to his toys. (The kid thinks EVERYTHING is his.) Yesterday he tried to physically move me away from his kitchen stuff. He obviously didn't realize that I'm 20 lbs of solid muscle.

My mom attempts to feed me mush every night right around dinner time. It's totally gross and I try really hard to keep my mouth clamped shut. I'm no fool ... if I eat that stuff it'll make me way too full to wake up for my night-time snacks, complete with undivided attention from mom. (She's a total sucker -- it's the DIMPLES, man! I'm telling you! The women LOVE them!)

My dad is totally fun. He flies me around the house like I'm an airplane. And he's always telling everyone how fast I catch on to things ... like breastfeeding, which always makes Mom roll her eyes. She loves it when he tells other people things like that.

My brother and me ... we're going to be best buddies. I just know it. Even though he's pretty stingy right now, I know he'll eventually learn to share. He's very protective of me. Whenever we go over to a new friend's house, he always leans over my seat, points to me, and says, "NO! MY brother!" with a really stern look on his face. He comes to my rescue during the day whenever I am crying in my crib. And he's always so happy to see me when he first wakes up in the morning. I can pretty much say for certain that he is my favorite person in the world.

Don't worry, though, Mom and Dad. You're tied for second.

Still Adjusting

Well, it's no secret by now that some days are better than others around here. I'm happy to report that today was a good day -- which is nice because yesterday I was about to pull my hair out.

Both boys slept a tiny bit late this morning, then we had playgroup, a trip to Kohl's, and a calm afternoon filled with lots of independent play by Tanner. He is very into pretending right now, and spent close to an hour taking different stuffed animals up to his room, attempting to diaper them, read to them, and then make them take a "nap." It was all very entertaining to spy on!




Landon spent most of the afternoon just crawling around the playroom with Tanner. He was so content to just watch his big brother in action while gnawing on everything in sight. I can't believe how fast he is starting to move. He is still Army crawling, but definitely getting everywhere he wants to go. Pretty soon I think he'll start pulling himself into a sitting position. No teeth yet. Solids are going okay. Still not sleeping through the night :( We had his 6 mos. checkup last week and he weighed 20 lbs (80th %tile) and measured 29 in (off the charts). I asked the doctor if he should be sleeping all night yet, but he said not to worry about it. (Hmpff! Easy for him to say!)





I have been really struggling lately to accomplish anything. To-do lists (which I used to LOVE) totally stress me out and make me a mean mom. So, I'm trying to just do what I can when I can. Lately our naps are all over the place, so someone is always awake. The house is a mess EVERY NIGHT when Jon gets home. I often feel like I'm floundering and barely keeping my head above water. I just can't seem to get it together even though I spend ALL DAY taking care of my house and my boys. Maybe this is what life with multiple kids feels like. Or maybe this is just a bump in the road and my kiddos are extra needy right now. Time will tell. Even after 6 mos, I'm STILL adjusting to life with 2. I find that my attitude makes a HUGE difference in how my day goes ... not that I am more productive when I have a good attitude, I just approach the day in a different way and it is more enjoyable for everyone. I'm sure a good night's sleep wouldn't hurt anything either. :)

Speaking of, I better get my kitchen cleaned so I can get to bed. Goodnight!