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.