Saturday, December 27, 2008

Boys and their toys

I finally got all of the toys put away today. Well, I got them all put away until noon, then all were dragged out of their hiding places by two little boys. Why can't kids play with a toy, put it away, then get another toy out? This drives me bonkers! Our house isn't big enough to accommodate all of these toys out at once! So, do you know what that means? Nathan doesn't know this yet but one day this week we are getting rid of old toys to make room for the new ones. And when I say "we" I mean me, the soon to be mean mommy.
This wonderful event takes place twice a year. And every time it happens you would think the world was coming to a violent and horrifying end. "Mommy, I still play with that...that's my favorite toy ever...I looooooooove that one...why are you doing this to me?" Drama, drama, drama!
This time I'm going to have Brian take both of the boys out so I can do this on my own.
No little hands to "help." No little boys with sad puppy dogs eyes convincing me to let him keep just one more toy. Just me, all my byself (as Nathan says) tossin' toys.

Friday, December 26, 2008

Toy Overload

These past few days have been a whirlwind. Toys, toys and more toys have been given to my boys like they will never get another toy, ever. We have toys in their rooms, the living room, our bedroom, the kitchen and in the entryway that haven't even been taken out of their boxes yet. And next month for Brandon's birthday I'm sure there will be even more toys. Craziness!
All of their dreams have been answered and smiles are plentiful right now. I love happy little faces.
I hope all of you have had a wonderful Christmas too.

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

4:42 pm

Six years ago at 4:42 pm on December 23 something amazing happened. Nathan was born.
Yesterday my little man turn 6 years old. I wish I could just push a button and make him stay little forever. But he has reminded me over and over that he just needs to grow up. There are so many things that he wants to do. Walk on the moon, fly like Superman, be a race car driver. So, I guess I must let him grow.
Last night we had a small birthday party for him. Pizza, bread sticks with cheese and an Incredible Hulk birthday cake. He got everything from a scooter to a crazy remote control Shell Shocker thing to his own wallet complete with McDonald's "credit cards."
After the green icing was brushed from his teeth and the sugar rush had finally subsided, we curled up in bed and read a bedtime story.
Thank goodness he isn't too "big" to snuggle with mommy. I think my heart would have physically broken if he had.

Friday, December 19, 2008

Sweet Torture

Nathan's birthday is coming up in four days. So what does every soon to be six year old need? That's right...an Incredible Hulk birthday cake complete with green icing and big number 6 candle on top!
While Nathan was looking through the catalog of cake designs, Brandon had plans of his own. He had his chubby little face plastered to the glass case of fancy deserts. "Bite...Bite...BITE" I'm sure everyone in the whole store heard his pleads. There were dogs made of icing, cupcakes, cookies, fruit tarts, anything and everything a little boy would need to satisfy his sugar cravings. The bakery guy felt so sorry for him that he gave both the boys a couple of cookies.
In the end we walked out of the store with four free cookies, a drooled covered size two t-shirt and an Incredible Hulk cake ordered.
Good times!

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Oh Christmas Tree

Last night Nathan and I finally put up our Christmas tree. I was holding out, hoping that either it would put itself up or Brian would finally do it for me, but neither happened. So, last night after Brandon was sound asleep, I drug it out and put the mangy thing up. Nathan "read" the color coded directions and handed me the appropriate limb, what a big helper he is! Then I put our new multi-colored lights on, all 400 of them. Nathan is so proud and Brandon is totally amazed with the lights. "Yights...booo, reeee, wellow, geeeen....teeee!" Too bad he points to blue when he says green, but who cares, it's cute.
Nathan has been busy putting the finishing touches on his ornaments today so we can put them up tonight. I think this year we are going to have all home made ornaments on the tree. And I think they are all going to be on the upper half of the tree. Brandon has grabby little hands!
It actually looks pretty good. Now I kind of wish I would have put it up earlier. We'll just keep it up longer than we normally do. Instead of taking it down Jan 1st I keep it up until Jan 2nd!

Monday, December 15, 2008

2am morning call

For the past two weeks Brandon has decided to get up at 2am and scream. Why? Because screaming is his second favorite thing to do (first is eating) and 2am just seems like the perfect time to scare the crap out of mommy and daddy.
Last night there was a change in our routine and he went to bed almost two hours later. So, instead of 2am it was 4am. And instead of going back to sleep within a few minutes, he decided to stay up for 1.5 hours. You know how your eyes twitch because they are so tired and coffee doesn't do anything for you anymore? That's where I am right now.

Brandon is cranky and tired but will not take a nap.

I'm cranky and tired. I would take a nap if I knew that the kids wouldn't burn the house down.

Poor Nathan is stuck with us all night long.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Breakfast with the big guy himself!

Tomorrow morning Nathan and I get to have breakfast with Santa. Santa will be making a rare and special appearance at Nathan's school between the wee hours of 745a-845a, then it is back to the North Pole for last minute adjustments to the "who's been naughty and nice list." Well, that's what I've told Nathan anyway. hee hee!
Nathan is not a morning person, so it will probably be interesting when 7a rolls around. He may jump up out of bed with no problems or he may moan and groan and we'll end up snuggling the morning away. But just the idea of having cinnamon rolls and o.j. with Santa has made him giddy with excitement.
Yesterday Nathan got to go to the school's Holiday Gift Shop and purchase gifts all by himself. We sent a check with him, which he thought was just a piece of paper, and they gave him money back for the difference he didn't use. That was a huge deal! He thought that besides the gifts he got, they actually gave him money too! The look on his face was of total amazement. "Mommy I bought stuff and they gave me some money too!" And the poor boy cannot keep a secret for anything. As soon as he saw me he blurted out what he got me. I remember doing that as a kid too. Ok fine, it was last Christmas! At least we know who he gets it from.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

All things Brandon

My little coconut head...he has a perfectly round hard head and brown fringe-y hair, just like a coconut. If you would thump it I'm sure it would sound like one too.

Harmonica man...trying to play a harmonica is kind of hard for a little one. So if it doesn't make sound why not make the sound for it. Have you ever heard a moose moan? I guess that's what Brandon thinks it should sound like.

oohhhoohhh...wiggle your fingers and say oohhohhh when daddy is lecturing at you. See how long it takes before he starts laughing and kissing your neck.

Coy boy...don't smile at Nana even though you've missed her all week. Once she leaves scream until your face is beet read and see how long it takes mommy to pull the car over. (2 blocks)

Ho Ho Ho...He'll say it but won't even look at the big guy.

Tv cleaner...why not just lick the finger prints off.

All aboard...sit in a box, cup your hand over your mouth, say "all aboard...choo...choo" and you've just done what Brandon has done most of this evening.

Monday, December 8, 2008

Christmas crafts

We have been keeping ourselves pretty busy the past couple of days. We have been making Christmas ornaments. Popsicle sticks, glue, markers and sequence, all that good stuff. Brandon's hands look like they've been tye-dyed. Nathan decided to glue his fingers together tonight (thank goodness it wasn't super glue). And my kitchen floor looks like 80's prom dress exploded.
Anyone what to come over and clean? Have you ever noticed how hard it is to sweep up sequence? It's nearly impossible to get them all up.
Tomorrow we are going to make a wreath or a tree to put on the front door. That's after I take down the turkey, of course. I'm so far behind on Christmas this year. I have two presents bought, no cards sent out, and our pathetic tree hasn't even been put up yet.
I'm kind of scared to put the tree up. Brandon is such a bulldozer that I'm fairly sure he will pull it down. So, that means no glass ornaments this year. Fragile and Brandon do not belong in the same room together.

Saturday, December 6, 2008

Moe

A part of our family has passed on. Yesterday I had to put Moe to sleep.
My scruffy old buddy had given me so much joy in the 11 years I had know him. The first time I met him and his brother Curly they were just 2 years old. Brian and I just started dating and he decided to introduce me to the "boys." They were tugging on an old sock, growling at each other like they were going to rip one another to shreds. They just looked at me from the corner of their eyes, neither one was going to give up that sock.
Moe has pulled some pretty good stunts over the years. He use to get mad at us when we would leave for work. So he would pull all of the pillows and cushions off the couch. Once he even pooped on the coffee table to get back at us for leaving. He got into big trouble for that one!
After he had enough of Curly playing with a squeaky toy, he would rip it open and take the squeaker out. Then to make sure we couldn't fix it, he would chew the squeaker to bits.
And his favorite treat has always been popcorn. He would sit at our feet, drooling on our toes, waiting for us to give in and finally give him some.
I'm going to miss my buddy. But I'm sure that where ever he is, he's gotten the spring back in his step and is eating popcorn until his little heart is content.

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Snow

The boys woke up to snow yesterday. Oh the excitement! You would have thought it was Christmas morning from the squeals and giggles coming from them. It didn't snow much, just enough to get two little boys excited for the possibility of more to come.
Brandon and I sat at the back door and watched the snow flakes float down. Last year he was barely 1 when it started snowing, so he could have cared less about it. But this year is a whole different story. Amazement was in his eyes until I put a little of it in his hands, then he wanted nothing to do with it. "Told...told!" (cold...cold!) was all he could say. Then he ran to get Nathan out of bed to show him what was going on outside. Nathan came running out of his bedroom, still half asleep, then screamed "SNOOOOOOOOOOW!" He begged to go outside to play in it, there was barely enough to cover a blade of grass. I told him once it snowed enough to make a snow ball then we would go out to play in it.
After we ate some breakfast, I made some hot chocolate and we watched it snow some more. Nathan asked a hundred times if we have everything we need to make a snow man. I assured him that we would be fully prepared before it snowed a whole bunch.
Then he asked one more time just to make sure.

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Country Vets vs. City Vets

Our dog Moe has been sick for a while now. I've been taking him to a veterinarian for the past year and a half. This vet is from my home town, a small country tourist-trap type of town. This vet is like no other. He charges very little for his services and people wait hours, yes hours, just to see him. Even though he is great, he doesn't have all of the stuff other vets have, like an x-ray machine. I had to take Moe to a vet here in the "city" to get an x-ray, and I thought I might as well get a second opinion from him as well. He confirmed that he does have a bladder-urinary stone and a constant infection from the stone that is causing Moe so much trouble. He sent us home with 2 weeks worth of antibiotics and a huge bill.
So now it is 2 1/2 weeks later and Moe has been in so much pain. I called this "city" vet back to see if there is another type of medicine we can try. No there isn't and the only other advice to us would be surgery or to have him put down. They won't do the surgery but would refer us to a specialist. This specialist charges around $2000 or more for a surgery. $2000! As much as we love Moe there is no way in this world we could afford to pay that much. So I scheduled an appointment to have him put to sleep on Monday. My heart was broken. Yes he's old, 13 yrs old, but he still has a lot of life left in him. How could this be it?
So in a moment of panic, I called the country vet. They told me to bring down his x-ray and they would see what they could do. I grab Moe and we race down there and wait for 3 1/2 hours before we were seen. I'm shaking, Moe is shaking, we are both so nervous either of us could barely stand. The vet takes a look at the x-ray, looks at me and says he could do the surgery, there is no guarantee that this will work but it's worth the try. Oh, and it would be $50.00 for the surgery. $50 vs. $2000. Why is there such a big difference? This difference almost cost Moe his life.
Moe spent the night in my home town with a vet that calls him sweetheart and baby. I called to check on him this morning and he made it through surgery and is resting comfortably. My dad is going to pick him up for me and bring our fuzzy four legged baby back home.
My country vet may not have all the fancy equipment that these city vets do, but he has more heart and compassion. And in the end that's what saved my Moe's life.

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Happy Thanksgiving

It's 11:37 pm.
The kids are snoring.
The dogs are still sniffing around the kitchen for a stray piece of turkey.
The bed is calling my name ever so faintly...Ellie...Ellie...rest your weary head.
I hope you all had as wonderful a day as I have had.
Goodnight.
Sleep tight.
Don't let the bed bugs bite.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Thanks mom

Let me tell you a story about a woman who is totally awesome.
She has many names but I call her mom, sometimes mommy. She has been my mom for, well, ever since I can remember and I love her with every ounce of my soul.
We have sang out of key to James Brown's "I feel good" after a day of scrubbing toilets, drooled over beef jerky, laughed so hard at each other we could barely stand, cried at Hallmark commercials and talked on the phone for hours like teenage girls.
After I had Brandon and quit working to stay home with the boys, she "hired" me to clean her house just so I could have a few extra bucks. She has laid me off since then, but that's ok, whatever.
I have taken advantage of her, treated her like crap when I was a teenager (sorry about that!) and asked her to sleep on my couch with me after I had Nathan because I was scared out of my mind. And tonight she shared something with me she worked 10 years for. She was given a gift certificate by her previous boss to a jewelry store and told me that I could have half of it.
Who does that?
Because she was so generous I was able to get Brian a Christmas gift I wouldn't otherwise been able to get him since I don't have a job outside of the home right now.
That's how awesome she is.

Beginnings and Endings

Mornings belong to Brandon. Brandon is my little early bird, which means I am too (reluctantly). Most mornings he will pull up two chairs to our back door and we watch what is going on in our backyard. We watch the clouds form, leaves dance around, and if we are lucky, the squirrels will be out playing. Our squirrels are about the size of a medium sized cat. So, Brandon calls them "kitty" and meows at them. I love sitting there with him, his eyes wide in wonder. It's a perfect start to any morning.

Nathan, on the other hand, is my night owl. The night belongs to him. After we put baby brother to bed we get to have our special time. Sometimes we'll work on his homework or play board games. We'll pop popcorn and watch a movie with all the lights turned off. My favorite though is when he brings me five or twenty books to read. We curl up on the couch and read until daddy comes home. It's the perfect ending to any day.

Saturday, November 22, 2008

One Day

One of these days my living room is going to mine again. I won't step on any blocks in the wee hours of the morning. I'll have a library that doesn't consist of books with just pictures, there will be books with words too. My bed will not have superhero blankets on it for when the kids decide to sleep with us. My kitchen won't have a Little Tykes picnic table or little letter magnets all over the fridge. The walls in the guest bathroom will not be canary yellow or decorated in surfboards, I may keep the seashells though. My carpet will be clean and spot free, no smudges on the windows and there will be no toy cars in my shoes.

One day my home will be quiet. Then I will miss little letter magnets, brightly colored bathroom walls and superhero blankets. But for right now it would be really nice not to step on a block when I'm barely awake. It hurts!

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

What did you say?

Some funny things the kids say.
Every morning Brandon likes to greet me with "Hi Boobies!"
Nathan likes to make up his own words to songs. His version of Jingle Bells goes something like this... "jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way. Oh what fun it is to ride a one more frufrin sleigh."
When Nathan was 3yrs old instead of saying Good Job, he would say "Good Boj." And now Brandon is starting to say it the same way.
Last weekend we were watching "The Mummy 2" with Nathan. When he saw the mummy for the first time he said "he looks like a skeleton with a little mummy in him!"
And when Brandon sees anything scary he will wiggle his fingers at it and say "oooooooo!"
Every time Brandon sees Mickey Mouse he starts singing "Hot dog, Hot dog." (For those of you who don't watch The Mickey Mouse Clubhouse that's part of their theme song.)
Nathan calls Brian's cigars "smokers" and Brandon calls them "hot dogs."
After two months of me working with Brandon, he will now call Brian "Daddy Po-Po" when Brian puts on his police uniform.
Nathan gets some letters in words mixed up too. Hospital is hostipal, medicine is mecidine and magazine is mazagine.
The only bad thing about the kids saying things funny is Brian and I starting saying them too.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

It was a fun day

Yesterday I got to volunteer in Nathan's kindergarten class. Some of the kids remembered me from the Halloween party so they thought they were having another party and got pretty excited. That was until I popped their balloon and told them I was there just to help out...sorry kiddo's no party today. We had fun anyway though. I got to help out with some of the important everyday tasks that teachers do. For instance, I sharped 24 pencils AND I got to hang hand painted turkeys out in the hallway. I felt pretty important. Then to top it all off, I got to roll dice for the kids to count and color in the number boxes (like bingo). After my duties were done, I was able to tie shoes, zip coats and watch the kids sing and dance to the "To-Ti-Ta" song. In all, it was awesome! Kids are so funny. Ms. George asked all the kids what they wanted to eat for Thanksgiving. Some replied that they wanted pizza and brownies, but one little girl just thought that it was more important that everyone know that her daddy's name is Steve. Ok then.

After school, Brian and I took the kids to the mall. I don't enjoy going to the mall, especially around the holidays. Nathan and Brandon love it though. Eating at the food court is like a 5 star dining experience for them and then a trip to the Disney store just tops off the whole evening. Plus Nathan spotted Santa in one of the stores. Seriously, Thanksgiving hasn't even passed and Santa is out? Nathan almost blew a gasket he was so excited and Brandon wouldn't even look at him. I don't think Brandon will be in the Santa photo this year. Last years was pretty funny. Nathan was smiling like a cat that just ate the canary and Brandon had a huge frown on his face and a leg up like he was going to take off running any second. After a talk with Santa we bundled the kids up and headed for home.
It was a fun day.

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Two whole days of goodness

The boys have been playing together so well for the past two days. Not that they don't normally, but usually I have to break up quite a few squabbles. I don't know what has gotten into them but I love it nonetheless.
On a normal day, Nathan is trying to scare Brandon with toys that talk. Brandon really doesn't like any toy animal that talks or moves. So, I'm usually hiding those toys after Nathan has scared the snot out of Brandon. Then Brandon likes to get even. He will hide Nathan's hot wheel cars. Brandon knows that Nathan's cars are sacred and no one is suppose to mess with them. If one is missing (out of the hundreds) Nathan knows about it. Then the chase is on, Brandon is screaming as Nathan is running after him.
Last night and today there has been peace all around.
Why? Is this the calm before the storm? What is going on with my wild boys?
As I speak, Brandon is sitting in his room looking at his books and Nathan is playing on his floor with his cars.
Both of them quiet.
Both of them calm.
It's almost scary.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

For the love of all things quiet...

Loud children...that's what I have. Very loud children. I could pull my hair out sometimes because it is so loud, but this afternoon I had a quiet moment and I just didn't know what to do with myself. Quiet moments don't happen very often. When they do happen I kind of stumble around the house in a daze. I wonder if it is my mind trying to figure out where I am. The surroundings look familiar, it smells like our house, but the lack of noise throws it off. What's going on, it says. Then I realize that it is quiet because the boys are doing something they're not suppose to be doing. Climbing over the back of the love seat, over and over again.
Once I stopped their furniture climbing expedition, the madness resumed and my mind was once again crowded with screams and squeals. Nathan is now playing his keyboard as loud as it will go and Brandon is singing "Underdog" into the microphone as loud as his voice will go. I remember where I am now...crazy town.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Aw Shucks...



I got an award today...woohoo! My friend Ryan over at Instantaneous Instances gave me an I heart your blog award. How nice is that?! You should really check out his blog too! He has a slight addiction to photography, which is great for us since he is living in Alaska right now with his wife. Plus, if you are in the mood to do some Christmas shopping, check out this site and you can purchase some of his pictures! Cool huh?!


Anyway, with this award there comes some rules. I have to do the following:


  • Display the award. (It took me a few minutes but I finally got it)
  • Linking back to the person who gave it to you. (I figured that out too, yeah me!)
  • Paying it forward & nominating 7 blogs. (don't really read 7, but will pay it forward)
  • Leaving comments on their blogs telling them they’ve received one. (will do)
  • Enjoying the award. (with a cup of coffee)

So, the lucky winners are...

My lovely aunt at CRae's Corner.

Her lovely girls at Badoral Blogs, Venom is blogging, and Monkeys love Ladybugs.

Those are the only ones, besides Ryan's, that I faithfully follow (when updated).

Congrats to the new winners of this award, and thank you Ryan for thinking of me!






Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Happy Veteran's Day

Nathan has been so excited about Veteran's Day. This month in school they made calendars and highlighted Election Day, Veteran's Day and Thanksgiving. He was happy that Obama won on Election Day, but Veteran's day has captivated his full attention this month. "Mommy, what is Veteran's Day?" "Mommy, what are veterans?" "Mommy, how many veterans do I know?" "Mommy, will I be a veteran some day?" Brian and I explain what veterans are but my favorite was telling him about all the people in his life that are veterans. His grandpa (Brian's dad) was in the Army, papaw (my dad) was in the Army National Guard, his uncle Danny (my uncle) was in the Army, pop-pop (my grandpa) was in the Marines and his uncle Eric (Brian's friend who might as well be his brother) was in the Navy. Oh, his little blue eyes just lit up like the 4th of July. So, in honor of all the hero's in his life, he wore his camouflage pants today. And as for his last question "will I be a veteran some day?" I changed the subject to Thanksgiving.

Monday, November 10, 2008

Hello from no computer land...

Life without a computer really stinks! Our computer fizzled out on us last week and it has been driving me nuts! So, we are on the hunt for a new one. Brian put a band-aid on this one for the moment but I can see the ends peeling up as I type. In the almost 11 years that Brian and I have been together we have never purchased a computer. Either his dad or mine has given us one, how lucky are we! I think it is about time that we finally get us a brand spankin' new one of our very own. I'm kind of excited about it. I would be more excited it we had more money to get a really nice one, but heck, who cares. We don't do anything important on the computer, just play, so really why do we need all the bells and whistles? Anyway...
This past week has been a pretty exciting one. I really wish it hadn't been but that's why we have kids.
Nathan decided that it was time to put tweezers in the light socket. Why? Because he thought it would be neat. We didn't think it was so neat, and neither did he after his punishment.
Sparks flew and the socket melted, Brian almost had a heart attack (he was standing next to Nathan when it happened) and I cried (because that's what I do). Nathan was fine and now he knows to never ever, ever do that again! Let's just hope!
I finally got my front yard somewhat landscaped (after living here for 6 years) thanks to my mom and dads help. They came up here the other day and helped me lay some landscaping stones around the front porch and then Brian and I got some mulch and put it down. It looks so much better! If we had purchased the amount of mulch that my mom had said then it would look ever better but Brian thought that would be "way too much." Guess who was right? Let me give you a hint...it wasn't Brian!
Brandon is doing just fine. He is stumbling around after Nathan, growing like a weed and keeping us on our toes. He sings and dances constantly and laughs at everything. He had a scraped up knee that is always on his mind. He tells it hi, bye, nite-nite and kisses it every chance he gets.
Other than that, we are all doing well. If I don't post in a while you know that the band-aid came off and we will be purchasing a new computer soon.

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Saturday Sundae's

Today's check list...

1) play outside since it is November 1st and 68 degrees.

2) sweep out the van before those dust bunnies start driving it themselves.

3) eat hot fudge sundae's on the front porch.

4) rub Nathan and Brandon's bellies because they ate too much.

5) take a walk around the neighborhood since we just ate hot fudge sundae's

6) play outside since it is November 1st and 68 degrees.

7) talk to Brian on the phone. He forgot that today is November 1st and he was suppost to wear a long sleeve shirt to work and that tonight the time changes so he has to work an hour extra at his part time job. Sucks to be him right now!

8) tell Brian he is my hero. If it weren't for him I would have to work and miss out on eating hot fudge sundae's on 68 degree November days.

9) kiss a boo boo on Brandon's head, he just ran into the wall for the 100th time today.

10) fix dinner so my kids don't have a sugar rush.

Happy November!

Halloween

Halloween is becoming my favorite holiday. I love the costumes, pumpkins, candy, kids so excited they almost explode. We had such a blast yesterday. I got to volunteer in Nathan's classroom for his fall party. They had their cookies and kool-aid, played candy corn bingo and painted pictures. Then to burn off all of the sugar they inhaled, everyone got to play on the playground. 5 and 6 year olds are so funny. It almost makes me want to become a kindergarten teacher...almost. I was so proud of Nathan, he was so well behaved and polite. On the way back into the school after recess, most of the kids were being really loud down the hallway. Ms. George stopped the line and started to give them a little lecture about how they are suppose to act in the hallway. Nathan turns around to find me and then mouths "it wasn't me!" Ms. George just about lost it. He was going to make sure that I knew it wasn't him making all that noise. He knew if he got in trouble there would be no trick-or-treating!
After school, my parents met us at the house and treated Brian and I (the kids too) to dinner at Famous Dave's BBQ. If you have never been there, you need to go. It was soooo good!
Then we came home, put on the kids' costumes and off we went for a night of candy gathering. Nathan was so proud of Wolverine costume. The claws are his favorite part, even though it was hard to pick up the candy. Brandon could care less about his costume, but he was the cutest little sheriff in town! We walked the whole neighborhood, knocking on doors, picking out candy and saying hi to everyone that walked by. The boys are the social butterflies of the family.
As an added bonus to the night, Nathan lost another tooth after dinner. The tooth fairy stopped by for a little visit and left some money in exchange for his little baby tooth.
Nathan told me last night as I was tucking him into bed that this was "the best day of his life."
It was one of my best days too.

Friday, October 31, 2008

It's Halloween!

"It's Halloween!" That's what came out of Nathan's mouth first thing this morning, at the top of his lungs. Oh, he's so excited he can barely contain himself. He has checked on his costume three times today to make sure it is all there. This year he is going to be the mighty Wolverine. I told Nathan that he could decide what Brandon was going to be this year, as long as it was something we had around the house. We have tons of dress up clothes and costumes. So, after a week of sorting through all of the costumes, Nathan finally decided that Brandon should be a cowboy with a badge. "A Sheriff? A cowboy sheriff?" I said. "No mommy. A cowboy (a small pause) with a badge!" Excuse me.
Today at school Nathan's class is having a Fall Party. He came home yesterday talking as fast as he could about having cookies and Kool-aid, lemon flavored Kool-aid. I'm not sure what else they are going to do. When his teacher said cookies and Kool-aid, his brain probably shut down after that. Cookies and Kool-aid, that's a lot of sugar. I bet she's going to give that to the kids right before she sends them home. Thanks a lot Ms. George!

Monday, October 27, 2008

Ordinary days

I never want to turn into one of those parents who squanders away the ordinary days. But honestly, sometimes I do. I can get wrapped up in what needs to be done, what just can't wait, rush rush rush.

When the boys grow up I want them to remember the ordinary days as being extraordinary. I love splashing in mud puddles, chasing butterflies around the backyard and watching the kids eyes light up with every shooting star they see. Their innocence and simple pleasures amaze me and remind me this is their only childhood. It's my responsibility to make it extraordinary.

Stop and smell the flowers. Dance with the one you love. Savor every moment.

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Superman symbols do not belong there

This morning as I stood in the kitchen enjoying my coffee and surveying the mess of little toy soldiers on the floor, I gasped in horror! What is that on my butcher block? The same butcher block that my dad made me almost ten years ago. The same butcher block that has graced two apartments and one house. Is that what I think it is? Yep, Superman symbols in crayon and pencil, all over the front of my butcher block. "NATHAN GREGORY HARVEY!"
His eyes are wide with horror, he knows exactly what I've seen. "Yes mommy?" "How did THAT get on my butcher block?" "I don't know, maybe Brandon did it?" Really, blaming your baby brother who can't write yet is your defense? I don't think so. "Go to your room, sit on your bed, and don't touch any of your toys!" I called my dad to ask what I can do to get it off of the wood without hurting it. I can tell he is trying not to laugh too hard as I'm in my state of panic. Steal wool or a little bleach should do the trick he informs me. I get my scouring pad and gently scrub my treasured block of wood. Sigh of relief, it comes off just fine. I grab the olive oil and rub it into the wood like it's a potion to make all the boo-boos feel better. I notice the crack from putting it too close to the vent in my first apartment. I see the few nicks it received from moving it into the first apartment Brian and I shared. It's wobbly leg is from me trying to move it around the kitchen in our house to find its perfect resting place while we are here. These are just a few of the battle scars, little notches of our history, that will remind me of all the great happenings in our life. I grab Nathan, give him a kiss, and explain that we only color on paper. Next time I'm admiring my big block of precious memories, I'll think of the superman symbols and Nathan's big blue eyes saying "oh crap! she saw what I did!"

Friday, October 24, 2008

Little quirks

If Brandon doesn't get to talk on the phone to who ever I'm speaking to, he will scream, until his face turns purple.

Little green army men, no matter how strong Nathan believes they are, do not win the battle with the garbage disposal.

No matter how much Brandon loves Elmo, if the toy moves by itself and talks, he will scream, until his face turns purple.

My children do not understand what "wait one minute please" means.

My kids are stuck on loud 90% of the time.

Even though Nathan and Brandon love each other very much, they will fight like they are each others worst enemy.

Brandon has my dads laugh.

Nathan laughs like Brian.

Bath time is just as fun as a trip to an amusement park for Brandon.

My boys love everyone.

Kisses are wet and hugs are huge.

Nathan loves to make Brandon scream.

Nathan loves to scare me...seriously it doesn't take much, a simple "boo" will do the trick.

Popcorn is to be crammed into your mouth, not eaten one at a time.

"Yesterday, last night, tomorrow" according to Nathan, could actually mean months ago.

My boys have huge hearts, wild imaginations, big voices and sweet smiles. I wouldn't change a single thing about them.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

A no melt down day

Maybe I shouldn't say that yet since the day isn't over, I'll just cross my fingers and hope for the best.
After Brian left for work this afternoon, I packed up the kids, my coupons, and my ever growing shopping list and headed for the grocery stores. Yes, that's right, I said stores. I hardly ever go grocery shopping with both boys by myself. I usually go "all my byself" (as Nathan says) after the boys are in bed and Brian is home from work. But today, we needed food and I just couldn't put it off until tonight. If Brandon doesn't have milk to drink, then no one is going to have a pleasant evening. So, off we went. Our first stop was Aldi's, a discount-no frills store that has great prices and pretty good produce. The boys charmed some candy out of a sweet lady. She totally fell in love with Nathan's blue eyes and Brandon's chunky cheeks. (Who doesn't?!) We finally made it out of there, no screaming, no fits, just some smiles. Thank goodness for sweet lady's with chocolate stashes in their purse's. I was starting to see the screams forming in Brandon's eyes. We get the car packed up, and headed over to Kroger's to finish out my list. I pull out a box of crackers from my huge bag and let Brandon munch on them while I played ISpy with Nathan as we looked for our groceries. To my surprise, we made it out of there pretty quick. Still no tears, no fits and no screaming! The reason why I normally don't go shopping with the boys is, Brandon screams at the top of his lungs if he doesn't get to eat everything he sees and Nathan gets cranky and impatient after 20 minutes and sometimes decides to just not listen. It is stressful and frustrating and usually someone ends up in tears. That someone is sometimes me! But today was a great day! No tears, no screams and no defiant children. That doesn't happen very often. Sigh!


Side note....
Mr. Vince Heichelbech, pay my friend for the pictures he took of you and your bride!

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Zoo and School

Yesterday, Brian and I took the kids to the zoo. We love the zoo. Especially when it starts getting cool out. Hardly anyone was there, which always makes it nice, and the animals were pretty active. Plus, they had all of their Halloween decorations out. Nathan got a kick out of that, Brandon did too as long as we stayed at a distance. The kids and I got to ride the carousel. Nathan loves their carousel, instead of horses to ride, they have all different types of zoo animals. At first Brandon was excited, but once we got on I guess he thought the animals were going to eat him so he hung to my hip and tried to climb inside my skin. We've never been so close!
We also got to pet the sharks, play on the playground and chase the birds. It was a great time.

Then, last night, I got to go to our first parent-teacher conference at Nathan's school. I was so excited. I don't really know why, it's just Kindergarten, and I knew that he was doing just fine. But hearing someone else say great things about my little man was priceless! His teacher, Ms. George, say that Nathan is a "hoot" and is so much fun to have in class. He listens really well (I'm glad he listens well for someone) and is doing great. He has mastered all of his letters, numbers, sight words (is, the, like) and letter sounds. Then she told me that he kissed one of the little girls on the cheek the other day! Wha? She said he just couldn't control his emotions any longer and just had to kiss her. She laughed the entire time she told me the story but my jaw was on the floor. I don't want him kissing little girls! So, we had a talk when I got home...no kissing girls, we save kisses for family only! Oh, why does he have to grow up? It was hard enough to let him go to school and now he is kissing girls. Next he isn't going to let me kiss him in front of his friends.
Do you hear that? That's the sound of my heart breaking!

Saturday, October 18, 2008

A Fall Day

What a crafty day it has been. Fall always makes we want to do crafts. So, Nathan and I tye-dyed some shirts orange and painted pumpkin faces on them. We played outside in the few leaves that have fallen. We brought some of those leaves inside to color. I have read the same three books to Brandon about a hundred times today. His top three choices are Baby's Alphabet, Peter Cottontail, and Dr. Seuss's ABC's. "Big A, Little a, what begins with A? Aunt Annie's Alligator, A..a...A." That will forever be stuck in my head! I fixed Nathan's "Super Nathan" cape, I had to buy new ties for around the neck. He has worn that cape for the past three years and it is starting to look like it too. We have also made pancakes, smoothies, and tonight after Brandon goes to bed we are going to bake Halloween cookies. In a few minutes, I'm going to bundle the kids up and we are going to walk around the neighborhood and look at all of the Halloween decorations. I love the fall. I love Halloween. I love having kids to share it all with.

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Today

Today has been an incomplete day. Everything that I have started, or tried to start, has either been interrupted or not finished at all. It all started this morning. Brandon woke me during a great dream that would have been awesome to finish. I was in a hot air balloon over someplace very green. I have no idea where I was, but I would love to go there again! Then I tried to talk on the phone with a friend I haven't spoken to in a month. Nathan and Brandon did not want me on the phone, and neither did her kids. So, we decided to continue our conversation next month.
I did manage to give Nathan a shower before school, but as he walked into school, I noticed that I forgot to brush his hair and he had a cowlick. Think...Alfalfa. While Brandon was napping I did manage to work out and finish that, but then remembered that I forgot to throw dinner into the crock pot. So as I hurried to get all of that ready, Brandon woke up. Then it was time to go get Nathan from school. Once we got home, I finally finished getting dinner ready. Hopefully it will be done by the time Brian gets home. I have laundry in the dryer that needs folding, I have a child who needs to brush his teeth before bed time, and the living room looks like a toy store exploded. I could go and finish all of these tasks, but I think I would rather talk to you tonight. So, how was your day?

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Spiders

Lately we have had quite a few spiders roaming our floors. Brandon is so fascinated with them, Nathan isn't. Tonight while we were picking up toys, I noticed Brandon was playing with something in the corner. I figured it was just a toy. Then he handed it to me "Mommy, Mommy, Mommy" (that's what he says when he wants to give me something). I still had no idea what it was until it was in my hand and crawling up my arm. I screamed, shook my arm, and the spider fell to the floor. Nathan runs to his bedroom screaming, I'm trying to see where the spider went and Brandon is laughing so hard he is doubled over slapping his knee. I finally find the tortured spider with only a few legs still attached, Brandon was probably ripping it's legs off while he was in the corner "playing" with it. The poor spider is no longer with us though, I suppose it is in spider heaven, with all of his legs.

Monday, October 13, 2008

All is well

After school today Nathan said that he and the boy that "hurted" his feelings the other day are friends again. The other boy apologized to Nathan and Nathan told him that it was "ok." Oh what a relief. I don't have to go there and thump some little kids head. Just joking, I wouldn't seriously do that, even if the thought did cross my mind.
On the Brandon front, he had been a total cluts today. I have kissed boo-boo's all day long. He stepped on a block, I kissed his toes. He shut his hand in the door, I kissed his fingers. He got his head stuck in a sand bucket, I kissed his cheeks. He goes through these little phases about once a week. I love that my kisses fix all of his little boo-boo's and usually stops all the tears.

Saturday, October 11, 2008

"My feelings got hurted"

Last night Nathan told me that his "feelings were hurted at school." One of the boys that he has been friends with since the beginning of school decided that he doesn't what to be my baby's friend anymore. There were no arguments, no drama between the two, the other boy told Nathan that he didn't like his shirt and didn't want to be his friend anymore. My first thought was to go to the school, find this little boy and ask him why he doesn't want to be my baby's friend anymore. Nathan is a great person and if he doesn't want to be my baby's friend than he is missing out and Nathan doesn't need him anyway! Then my second thought was, oh yeah, this is kindergarten. Kids are kids and probably by next week they will be best friends.
Brian is so much better at handling this sort of thing, I get way too emotional. I was in tears as Nathan told me the whole story and I could see the wheels turning in Brian's head as he thought of stuff to tell Nathan. Brian told him that if someone is not nice and telling him that he doesn't like him because of a shirt, then he is better off not being friends with that person. Brian reminded him that he has lots of nice friends at school and he is going to be ok. All I could do was hold him and wipe away both of our tears. After the pep talk from Brian, Nathan was just fine and hasn't talked about it since. He's a strong little man, just like his daddy.

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Silly Safari

Tonight was the big Silly Safari at home and at school. We had so much fun! Here at home the kitchen was transformed into a jungle. There were vines hanging in the doorway with leaves and flowers, the table had wild animals protecting all of the jungle fruit, around every corner was an animal staring you down. Nathan thought it was rather "slick" (a new word he picked up from papaw). After a yummy dinner with my parents we made it to the safari at school. They had real wild animals that Safari Dave showed everyone, snakes, owls, turtles and a ferocious bunny. The kids had to answer questions about animals to receive clues to a riddle, a story teller told safari themed stories while the kids munched on animal crackers and jungle juice and they got their pictures taken on a jeep with stuffed animals. Nathan showed us all of his little friends. The little girls just smiled and waved at him. He's already a lady's man! I could literally feel my heart break when each girl said "Hi Nathan!" in their sweet little voices. All that I could think of is that I should start home schooling him!
Brandon just about wore all of us out. He wanted to be held, he wanted down, he didn't want to hold our hands, he wanted to look at the fish, he wanted his water, where's bubba, up and down and up and down! Holy cow that child has some energy! But after we came home and said our good byes to Nana and Papaw, Brandon was ready for bed. So two minutes later, he was out like a light. Nathan is now soaking in the tub, roaring like a lion and singing some song I've never heard before. I don't think he'll be conscience for very much longer. Let's just hope anyway!

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Birthdays and a Safari

Yesterday was Brian's birthday. They boys and I made spaghetti for dinner and then a big chocolate fudge cake with cream cheese icing. Nathan and Brandon decorated it with a million sprinkles, a few for the cake and a handful for them. Can you say sugar rush? Even though Brian had to work on his birthday he did get to come home early. This was a huge surprise for us. Around 7pm he came walking in the door and the boys just about blew a gasket. Nathan and Brandon went running to him, screaming "daddy daddy!" and showered him in hugs and kisses. Brandon never gets to see daddy come home at night since he is in bed, so this was extra special for him. He wouldn't let Brian out of his sight. They all snuggled on the couch, ate chocolate cake and played until bedtime. A simple night but loaded with love.
Tonight Nathan and I have been getting ready for a Safari. Tomorrow night at his school they are having a Silly Safari Literacy Night. Nathan has been looking forward to this ever since they told him a few weeks ago. Since he has been so excited about this I figured we could start the fun a little early. Today we have decorated the kitchen to look like a jungle. We have vines, wild animals, palm trees, the whole nine yards! Tomorrow after school we are going to have dinner in our jungle with my parents. We are having Safari soup (veggie soup), Parana bites (popcorn shrimp), jungle juice (mango juice) and monkey pudding (banana pudding). Then it will be off to school for even more fun. They are having a story teller, scavenger hunt, a snack and some other stuff for the kids. I've been looking forward to school events for the past five years. I don't know who is more happy about all of this stuff, Nathan or me!

Monday, October 6, 2008

Volume Control

Is there a quiet button on boys? If there is, my boys must have lost theirs. We loose everything, and today my mind was the first thing to go. Brandon is always loud. From the time he wakes up in the morning until he closes his big brown eyes to go to sleep, just flat out loud. Nathan gradually gets louder as the day goes by, so by the time evening rolls around he is at his peak loudness. How does so much noise come out of such little people? Seriously! If you know, please fill me in. And if you know how to make it stop, enlighten me!
So, if you ever need to test your hearing, please stop by my house. We'll be more than happy to help. Brandon and Nathan's vocal range is pretty extensive.

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Shiny new playground

The wee one's and I went to the playground today. It's fairly new, just put in a few months ago. Everything is still nice and shiny. There were those little animals on big springs that you can rock on. Nathan and Brandon love those things! Nathan tries to see how far he can bend his and Brandon just shakes the snot out of it and giggles the whole time. Nathan climbed up and down and around every inch of all the equipment and Brandon was right on his heels. There is no fear in that one. I don't think Brandon realizes that he is smaller than Nathan. He believes with all of his heart that he should be able to do what his Bubba does. Brandon walked right past the little kid area and climbed up the biggest ladder to the biggest slide. He went down squealing and fell right on his butt. He brushed himself off and did it over and over again. I have a feeling he's going to be the first to go to the emergency room.

Saturday, October 4, 2008

Why?

Why to boys have to use their sleeves as napkins? Why do they feel it necessary to take their diapers off? Why do they like to pee in the front yard where everyone can see them? Why are they so fascinated with their poop? Why do they want to jump off of everything? Why do they like to scare me and give me premature gray hair? Why? Because they are like their daddy and uncle's and grandpa's. They are the future super hero's of the world and training starts now. Nothing is too gross (unless it's your baby brother chasing you with his boogers). Nothing is too scary (unless it's a skull night light). And nothing, I mean nothing is more important than making sure you give mommy a kiss goodnight.
All the crazy things they do during the day seems to disappear when my boys give me a kiss goodnight. I guess all that training has given them super powers after all.

Friday, October 3, 2008

Wolverine and Super Poopy Boy

Well, Halloween is just around the corner and Nathan couldn't be more excited. He picked out his Halloween costume last night after a long debate. He just couldn't decide which super hero to be. The Incredible Hulk, Superman, Captain America, Flash, The Human Torch or Wolverine, what should he be? After narrowing it down to Captain America and Wolverine he finally decided that Wolverine would be the best choice since he has claws and the Captain America costume didn't come with the shield. I was really hoping that we would make his costume this year. I tried everything under the sun to persuade him, but really, how was I going to compete with claws? At least I still have Brandon. I can make something for him. I think he should be Super Poopy Boy after today's mishap.
Brandon was sent to his crib for a small time out because he was screaming and screaming and screaming. He's a screamer! After a minute I went to get him and just about died! At first I started to laugh because all I saw was a bare butt and Brandon smiling from ear to ear. Then I saw it. Poop. Every where. Not funny! Besides what was on his body, it was also on the floor, toys, crib, sheet and the wall. Yuck! So I threw him in the tub and scrub-a-dub-dubbed him until the first layer of skin was gone, then I got the Lysol out and scrubbed his bedroom down. Now when Brian calls Brandon a "little turd" I'm not going to tell him to stop calling him that!

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Happy Boys

I asked Nathan what made him happy today. This is what he said...
1) Going to school
2) Taking a walk through the woods (nature walk at school)
3) Playing with Brandon
4) It's daddy's Friday
5) Playing with his friends at school

Since Brandon can't really say what makes him happy too well yet, this is what I think made him happy today...
1) Playing with Nathan
2) Eating
3) Picking up Nathan from school
4) Eating
5) Playing in the bath tub

It doesn't take a lot to make my little boys happy. That makes me happy!

Sunday, September 28, 2008

A great end to the weekend

The boys and I had another great day today. We went to visit my grandparents and then Nana and Papaw. At my grandparents house they played with the famous marbles that have been around forever. (I remember playing with them when I was a kid.) Then Papaw took us on a golf cart ride around the orchard. These are not just any golf cart rides, these are semi-dangerous rides. We take sharp turns that sometimes seems as if we are only on two wheels, we go down a hill that makes it feel like we are going 100 mph. The boys and I squeal and giggle as if we are on a roller coaster ride.
We get to sit and talk to my grandmom and pop-pop, they marvel over how big the kids are getting and then stuff us with apple pie and ice cream. We say our goodbyes and head on over to my parents house where Nana is waiting on us with open arms and kisses. When Papaw gets home he makes some awesome hamburgers on the grill and we all stuff ourselves senseless. We take a walk, play, and look through all the goodies that Nana found at garage sales this weekend.
On our car ride home I figured the boys would pass out, I was half right. Nathan was out like a light within a few minutes but Brandon talked, sang and tried to wake Nathan up the whole way home. "Bubba. Bubba. Bubba. BUBBA!" Since Nathan wouldn't wake up, Brandon decided to sing his little heart out. "Lalalalalalala mommymommymommymommy BUBBA!" As soon as we get home and I turn the car off, Nathan wakes up and asked why I turned his song off. Which song would that be, the one Brandon had been singing or the one on the radio?

Saturday, September 27, 2008

She came and stole my boys' hearts...

Today Ginger (my bestest friend in the whole wide world) came over and spent the afternoon with the boys and I. We had such a wonderful time. We took the kids to the park and watched them play while we sat on the bench and talked. We talked about everything and everybody. It was great, I haven't done that in ages. Then we had lunch, came back to my house and talked some more. Nathan and Brandon really took to Ging. They had to show her all of their tricks and wanted her full attention, which she gave, and they totally fell in love with her. Especially Nathan. He drew her some pictures and painted a sun catcher for her. He gave her hugs and kisses and told me after she left that she needs to come over every Saturday to play. I have to agree with that.
Ginger and I have been friends since high school. We've laughed, cried, giggled, plotted, and have done some questionable things together. I love her like a sister and feel incredibly lucky to have her in my life. Who else would sit on the phone with me and talk for hours as I polish off an entire bottle of wine and still understand what I'm saying. That's what I call a great friend! ;)

Friday, September 26, 2008

It's Friday!

Yippee! It's Friday! Do you know what that means? Nathan doesn't go to school tomorrow, or the next day! I get my boy all to myself, no sharing with teachers or little friends. He's mine, mine, mine! Tomorrow night I may be ready to send him away, but for right now, I'm happy as a lark.
We have an exciting weekend planned. Tomorrow my bestest friend in the whole wide world is coming over and we are taking the boys to the park. I can't wait. I haven't seen Ginger since December. She lives on the other side of the world in Virginia. Ok, well maybe just a few states away, but it still feels like the other side of the world. Then Sunday, I think I'm going to take a jaunt down to my parents house and spend the afternoon. That's always a blast for us.
Oh, and did you know that today someone very special was born a few years back? Yep, it's our shiny Penny's birthday. Happy Birthday Penny! Hope you are having a wonderful day!

Thursday, September 25, 2008

My heart bleeds purple kool-aid

Yesterday was Brian's last day off for the week. He started back to work this afternoon. I hate our "Mondays." The kids really have bad daddy with-drawls and I do too. I don't know what it is, but we have such a hard time getting back into a routine. When daddy's home we just go w/ the flow, do whatever tickles our fancy. This past weekend was especially fun. We got to see Harmony (Happy birthday Harmony!), Uncle Joe, Aunt Lauren and our cutest little cousin Kelila (she's such a hoot!). Then last night we had a "thank you for letting us borrow your car... again" dinner with my parents. And we finally got Brian's car working right. So now the kids and I are back to our normal "without daddy mode" for the next 6 days. Do you feel sorry for us yet? I'm having my own pity party for myself right now. Would you like to join? I'll put on a pot of some good coffee (thanks dad) and make some banana bread.
Oh by the way, the "my heart bleeds purple kool-aid" title is courtesy of my dad. He use to tell me that all the time when I would whine and moan over stuff. Can you feel the love?

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Green doesn't always mean go...

Today on the car ride home from school Nathan informed me the he got in trouble at school today. Most children wouldn't volunteer this information freely but my boy cannot keep a secret (he gets that from me). Our normal after school conversation includes questions like "how was your day?'', "did you have fun?", "what was the best part of your day?". After these questions are answered Nathan will usually fill me in on all the other stuff they did during the day. But today he got quiet. I looked in the rear view mirror and saw him looking out the window, quietly. First off, Nathan is never quiet. My little social butterfly is always talking. I ask him if he is ok. He responded with a small "yes" and then got quiet again. All of a sudden he started spilling his guts. "Mommy...I got in trouble today. " He got in trouble for, what else, talking. His teacher has a stop light system in their room. Everyone starts off on Bravo blue, if you get told once to stop doing something and you don't listen then you get put on the green light, followed by yellow and then red. Nathan got put on the green light. His little heart was broken. As we pulled into the drive way he begged me not to tell daddy. I told him I wouldn't tell daddy, but he had to. Oh, the horror! He walked into the house with his head down and proceeded to tell daddy what happened. Brian had a firm talk with him about listening and being good at school. Then the worst punishment ever was handed out...he had to call Nana to tell her what he did. Nathan and Nana are extremely close. The sun rises and sets in Nana's eyes. Nana could do no wrong, Nana is the bomb! I get my phone and tell him to call her. His eyes get big and he pleads with all of his heart "don't make me tell Nana!" Sorry Charlie. He dials her number and tells her all about his day, except the part about getting into trouble. He tells her bye and hands me the phone, I hand it back to him, he tells her with tears in his eyes. He promises her he will never do it again, tells her he loves her and then runs to his room. He was more heart broken to tell Nana than scared to tell his daddy. I don't know if that is sad or just sweet.

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Fire Trucks and Army Soldiers

Today the little Harvey's and I went to a fund raiser. Our neighbors sister is the one that organized it, her son is autistic and they are wanting to raise some money for sensory integration rooms for their school. We had a blast. They got to climb on a fire truck and talk to the fire fighters. Nathan had to make sure that they knew his Uncle Eric is a fire fighter and wanted to know if they knew him. They didn't and Nathan wanted to know "why not?" Everyone should know Uncle Eric! Then he spotted the army guys and their army trucks. We ran (literally) over to them and climbed into the Humvee. They showed Nathan where the guns usually are and they all (including the soldiers) pretended to shoot the gun. Then Nathan wanted to know if they knew his papaw...no..."why not?" Everyone should know papaw too! Next he saw the bounce houses and ran (literally, again) over to them. Nathan climbed in and jumped like there was no tomorrow. Brandon wouldn't get in and wanted Nathan to get out immediately! "Bubba out! Bubba! OUT!" We ate hot dogs and chips, danced to the band, watched the square dancers do their thing, played games, ate popsicles, blew bubbles and let balloons go. Brandon's cheeks were getting really red so we decided to head home. After a 2 hour nap, the boys were refreshed and ready to go again. Unfortunately it has started to rain so we are confined to the house for the rest of the night. We'll see what type of mess we can make. I bet my kids can make a bigger mess than you can!

Thursday, September 18, 2008

A day in the life...

I wake up to a little boy shaking the snot out of his crib, all the while yelling at the top of his lungs "mom-i...mom-i!" I slowly crawl out from under my warm blanket and grab my little chunky monkey before he wakes up the rest of the house. How is it I'm the only one who hears a screaming child? Brian doesn't budge, Nathan is curled up in a ball, and the dogs are snoring. I'm the mommy, that's why. Brandon and I make some breakfast, milk for him, coffee for me. Nathan finally rolls out of bed with wild hair and blurry eyes. His little legs look extra skinny in his Batman pj's. After breakfast we channel surf to see what cartoon's are on. Thank goodness Tom and Jerry are his top choice this morning. I sat and watched some toon's for awhile w/ them, then it was time to wake the beast...aka Daddy. Daddy doesn't like to get up. Daddy is a little cranky this morning. Brandon's new trick is crowing like a rooster, so I sent him in to "doodle doo" daddy out of bed. That worked like a charm! We all get ready for the days adventure's. Daddy gets his spiffy police uniform on, Nathan gets ready for school, and Brandon and I have our "play clothes" on. And we're off...
After dropping Nathan off for school, Brandon and I make a quick trip to Wally World then back to the house for a nap, for Brandon not me. I mow the grass, do the dishes, fold laundry and call my mom. Brandon and I walk to school to pick up Nathan. As we walk back Nathan tells us all about his day at school. They were extra busy he said, they did "tons" of work today. I would love to be a fly on the wall in his class room. We ate dinner, played outside, took a walk around the neighborhood and had a snack this evening. Brandon soaked in the tub until he turned into a raisin. After Brandon was sleeping soundly, Nathan took his bath. He colored on the walls w/ his soap crayons, spiked his hair, blew bubbles and sang like no one could hear him. I love hearing him sing. He likes to make up his own songs, he has a wild imagination!
Daddy will be home soon. He usually comes home w/ great stories to tell us. Nathan asks him every day if he arrested anyone. If he does, Daddy becomes "Super Cop" but if he doesn't Nathan tells him that he was slacking! The three of us snuggle for a minute and then Nathan will go to bed. Brian and I get to have a few minutes to ourselves, I tell him about what the kids did today and what's going on for tomorrow. Then off to bed for me.
Tomorrow brings on a whole new adventure.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Mohawks and Tattoo's

These are two of Nathan's favorite things. He loves his spiky (faux) mohawk. Today was picture day at school and Nathan made sure he went to school w/ the sharpest do in town. Plus the tattoo's (temporary)! One on each arm, thank you very much. This weeks tattoo's are a green hot rod on the left arm and a red tiger on the right. Brandon has to get in on this action too. He has a red balloon on his chubby little arm.
I would love to find a heart tattoo w/ MOM in the middle of it for them. Put them in a white t-shirt w/ the sleeves rolled up, blue jeans and slicked back hair! How cute would that be! My little rebels.

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Curly and Moe

Did you know that we own 2/3 of the Three Stooges? Yep, Curly and Moe, our dogs. They will be 13 yrs old next month. They are 1/2 poodle and 1/2 terrier. Curly is more like a poodle w/ the curly hair, hyper active yippiness and Moe looks like a terrier and very laid back, doesn't care what is going on as long as you leave him alone. The first time I met them they were around 2yrs old (Brian got them before we started dating). They loved tugging on a sock, chewing on Chewy bones and chasing each other around. Now they pretty much lay around, hide from the kids and fart. Curly is really bad about the farting. I'll spare you the details, just be thankful you are not around! Nasty dog! Their eyes are going, hearing is just about gone and it takes them a little longer to get going in the morning (unless they need to pee really bad). But they still wag their tails thankful you came home, they still give you kisses goodnight and they still nudge our hands for a good rub. I love my four legged boys w/ their stinky dog breath and nasty farts. I wouldn't want them any other way!

Sunday, September 14, 2008

rain, rain go away....

Today it has rained and rained and rained. So that means we have been inside pretty much all day long. The kids get pretty restless if they are stuck inside for too long. So we have watched movies, cartoons, colored, played w/ play dough, played w/ blocks, made pancakes and fruit salad, ordered pizza, read books, and cleaned. And we I mean cleaned, that's me cleaning Nathan's room. His room has totally gotten out of hand. He has more toys than a toy store! So I made him pick six toys that he was willing to give away. Then after he picked those six, I went in behind him and picked another 20-30! Seriously! Then I vacuumed and dusted and re-organized everything. And after I was finally finished I made Nathan look at his room and threatened him if it doesn't stay like this I'm throwing all toys out! I really wouldn't do that, but he doesn't know that.
Before Brandon had to go to bed I decided to let the boys out for a few minutes. So we made an exciting trip to Kroger's to pick up some milk and water. When we came out of the store it was pouring rain. As we ran to the car we splashed through every puddle and caught rain drops in our mouths. Splashing in puddles...what gets better than that?

Dancing, Singing and Date Night

Yesterday was such a great day. Brian found a website that was basically a radio playing through our computer. The boys and I sang and danced the morning away while Brian took us on a flashback through the 80's. We had a blast! Then my parents (aka Nana and Papaw) came up and took the kids out to eat and to Gander Mountain. Then Nathan and Papaw put up a balance beam in the back yard while Nana and Brandon took a walk around the neighborhood. My children were sweaty, dirty and totally exhausted by the time Brian and I got home! Brian and I got to go to a movie (Tropic Thunder) and to dinner (Thai Spice). It was nice to get out of the house w/ just Brian, see a grown up movie and eat in peace. Even though our conversation always turned to the kids. How can we not talk about our kids. They are so funny and usually our only source of entertainment! Anyway, everyone have a very fun night.

Friday, September 12, 2008

Sprinkles and Chocolate Cake

Today is Friday. Nathan loves Fridays. At school he gets to go to the computer lab, play on the playground (weather permitting) and have a Friday Super Snack. If he is good all week long he gets a special snack right after school. Today's snack was a small chocolate cake, that he got to make, decorated w/ star and moon sprinkles.
After the snack we all piled into the living room and watched Between the Lions (PBS cartoon), played w/ Brandon's Elmo phone and then I had to fix dinner to counter balance all that sugar we just enjoyed. On the menu tonight was fish, cottage cheese, apple sauce, cherry tomatoes and raspberry lemonade.
We all ran around the house chasing each other until none of us could breath anymore. Brandon told us "nite nite" went into his room and shut the door. So, after a quick bath, teeth brushed, pj's on and kisses gave, he was out for the count.
I have to say, for a rainy day we have had a lot of fun.

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Banana's and Pizza

This morning Brandon had to take a bath. Why? Because he decided to wear his banana instead of eating it. I gave him a banana to eat, like I do most mornings, while I fix his and Nathan's breakfast. This will usually tie him over for a few minutes until I get everything else ready. When I turned around to give him the rest of his breakfast I noticed that the banana was on his head, smooched into his hair and ears. Lovely! I scraped the banana paste off of him the best I could, fed him the rest of his breakfast (rather fast) and then dunked him in the tub. He thought it was pretty funny (so did I).
Tonight is pizza night! Nathan has been excited about this all day. Tonight after school we decided to make pizza pockets instead of just plain 'ol pizza. Crescent rolls + cheese + pepperoni= yummy!
Nathan was pretty impressed with himself. Brandon wasn't though. For some reason he didn't want pizza tonight so he fed the dogs his. That is going to tear their stomachs up in a few hours...not pretty!

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Things that made me happy today...

1. Morning kisses
2. Telling Nathan that he makes my heart sing, his response was "what song does it sing?"
3. Walks around our neighborhood, smelling every flower, picking every weed, petting every dog/cat, meeting new neighbors
4. Sharing dreams
5. Tickling the boys until they squeal
6. Picking Nathan up from school
7. Brandon yelling "mom-i" from his crib
8. Watching Brian play w/ the boys
9. Seeing Brian in his police uniform (my man is so handsome!)
10. Reading stories to the boys before bedtime


I Love my life!!!

Monday, September 8, 2008

Blueberry Muffins

This morning I woke up to a little boy whispering in my ear that he wanted blueberry muffins. So we made blueberry muffins. They are oh so yummy!! Just ask Brandon, he'll tell you.
I love the sweet smell of muffins baking. It makes me think that I own a bakery. What would it be called? Nathan's Creations...Bubba's Bakery...Chunky Monkeys...Mmmmm. Maybe one day that dream will come true. Nathan could be the chef, Brandon would be the taste tester and I could sit back, drink coffee and smile. (Brian could be security w/ his one bullet...love ya honey!)
Sweet dreams...

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Toys "R" Us and McDonald's rock!

Can a toy store and a happy meal make the world a better place? Apparently so, according to Nathan. Since he was sick and hardly ate anything for two days I thought a little McD therapy would do wonders for my little man. And boy did it work. Chicken nuggets, french fries, root beer and a silly little Star Wars bobble head must be the cure all for 5yr olds. After eating a meal fit for a king he was ready to get out of the house. So, Brian and I figured Toys R Us would be the best place for us to go. After looking at every toy in the store we walked out w/ a Scooby Doo Vsmile video game for Nathan, an Elmo phone for Brandon and a Ms pacman video game for Brian and I (heehee). We had a lot of fun looking at everything in the store and I got some birthday/x-mas gift ideas for the kids (that includes Brian). After our adventure to the toy store we stopped at YATZ to get Brian and I some yummy Cajun food. We didn't think the kids would eat it but, man oh man, they inhaled that stuff. I guess shopping for toys makes little boys hungry!
Thanks Toys "r" Us and McDonald's, you rock!

Saturday, September 6, 2008

Road to recovery

What a day yesterday was. Nathan woke up w/ a high fever. Which meant no school (which broke his heart) and a lovely doctor's visit. Come to find out, he has an ear infection in both ears. He hasn't even complained about his ears hurting him. So, yesterday he laid around watching cartoons while Brian and I hovered over him w/ wet wash clothes, the thermometer and medicine. His fever finally broke around 11pm but Brian and I were still hovering over him all night long.
This morning he finally ate something and was ready to go outside to play. Maybe later this afternoon we'll take the kids to the play ground to burn some energy off and get some fresh air. We'll just wait and see how he feels.
Brandon's cold is almost gone now too. He's been running around the house like a crazed monkey today. Yesterday all he wanted to do was get in Nathan's face. He knew his bubba wasn't feeling well so he would rub Nathan's head and legs or try to sit on him. We ended up putting Nathan in our bedroom so he could escape Brandon and get some rest. It was cute though. Brandon loves his bubba!

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Sick little man

Poor Nathan came home from school this afternoon with a temperature of 102.3! This morning he was fine. I took him to the dentist for his check up and cleaning. He was so excited that he got two stickers and a new Cars tooth brush. He seemed a little tired before heading off to school but I thought that was just because he woke up early. When I picked him up from school he looked really tired and his eyes were bloodshot. I knew right then his must have a fever. He is such a champ though. He wanted nothing more than to cuddle on the couch with his daddy and eat kimchee and rice. So I ran to Mama's House to get some yummy Korean food while he watched X-Men and snuggled on the couch w/ Brian. His fever has went up and down all evening. But we are sure by tomorrow he will be fine. If not, we'll call the doctor and see what is going on w/ our little man.
I'll update more tomorrow.

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

We should have named him George

Brandon has been so curious today. He has explored the entire house this evening. And while exploring he has gotten stuck in many things tonight. First he got his head stuck at the table. I have a Little Tykes picnic table in our kitchen that he and Nathan use. He was looking under the table and got his head stuck between the bench seat and the table. Then he put a sand bucket on his head and couldn't get it off. Next he stepped in that same bucket and got his foot stuck. The forth sticky situation was getting his head and half of his body out from in between the wall and his changing table. I don't know what sparked his curiosity tonight but it has been pretty funny. Well, for me at least. He hasn't thought any of it has been funny, but I bet he won't do it again!
My little Curious George...

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Pizza Night

Tonight Nathan made dinner for us. Once a week we have pizza night and he is the one in charge of making it. He is always so proud of his culinary creations. He makes sure that the dough has his hand print right in the middle, spreads the sauce out, puts mounds of mozzarella cheese on and then carefully places each pepperoni in the perfect spot. After it bakes and cools he inspects it and nods his head in approval. His little chest will puff out in pride as I tell him how it's the best pizza I've ever had. And he loves that his little brother devours it (even though Brandon pretty much devours anything you put in front of him but we won't tell Nathan that). Nathan really likes to cook. He will wear his little red apron and matching chef's hat. Too cute for words! Hopefully one day he'll take over my kitchen and I'll never have to cook again. Wouldn't that be wonderful!

Monday, September 1, 2008

One down, one to go

Brandon has finally laid down to go to sleep. Nathan is soaking in the tub, washing away all the grit and grime that he collected today. These boys are like little energizer bunnies. They never stop! Even when they are sick they still keep running and running and running. Thanks to Nana and Papaw we are now the proud owners of a "new-to-us" jungle gym. Nathan can climb all over it but Brandon needs help. So that means I'm lifting his solid, not so little 30lb body up and down this thing. I'm going to look like the Incredible Hulk in a few weeks! I'm exhausted but we had a lot of fun today. I can't complain.
Tonight is also movie night. Nathan picks out a movie, we pop popcorn and snuggle on the couch. I love it. Tonight he picked out Word World. It's a PBS cartoon that is really cute. All of the characters are spelled out (the dogs body is the word dog). He loves to learn and he learns a lot w/ this cartoon ( I love that!).
Other than playing outside today, we really haven't done anything else worth mentioning. Brian had to work today and we played. Poor Brian. Don't feel too bad for him. He loves his job and the guys he works with are a bunch of nuts. I think he laughs more than the average person while at work. That's a good thing though.
Well, Nathan is shrivelled up like a raisin so I better get him out of the tub and start popping our popcorn.
Have a good night.

Sunday, August 31, 2008

Sundays

Today is Sunday, I love Sundays. Why? you ask. When I'm feeling well (not like today) I love to get up before the kids do, walk to the gas station and get a newspaper. Once I get home, I put on a pot of coffee, flip through the sale ads and then clip coupons. I love clipping coupons. If you don't know already, I'm a coupon addict. As in, Hello my name is Ellie...type of addict.
I absolutely love coupons combined w/ a sale or clearance. I've been able to get so many things for free or almost free because of coupons and sales. Who can beat that? It's awesome!
The rest of the paper usually gets read by the middle of the week. I basically buy the paper just for the coupons and sale ads. Isn't that horrible! Oh well...
On to the kiddo's. They are feeling better. They've had a cold for about 2 weeks. First it was a chest cold and now it has turned into a head cold. I've been fighting it too and now Brian woke up today w/ a sore throat. If one of us gets sick, all of us get sick. We're a bunch of snot swappers! YUK!
We won't be doing too much today, since we're sick. We may go for a walk around the neighborhood or play outside for a little while. Nathan seems content right now watching a Dirty Jobs marathon on Discovery. And Brandon is destroying his bedroom right now. He loves to take every toy out and stand in the middle of all of them. It's like he's taking inventory.
I better get off of here and get some work done around here.
Happy Sunday!

Saturday, August 30, 2008

Ok...so here I go...deep breath...

My first blog post, how exciting! The only people who know about this is, well, me, myself and I. I just thought it would be fun to write about my little monkeys, crazy husband and what goes on in our lives. So, whoever ends up reading this, I hope you enjoy it.