Choo Choo

Our field trip was to the North Carolina Transportation Museum. The kids got to see a Conestoga wagon. Very cool because we've read a few Little House On the Prairie early reader books that talk about Ma and Pa and Laura and their covered wagon.

This was a mini airplane.

A few of the early automobiles. I missed the tour guide's explanation of these. Luke was getting restless so we were in another part of the building.

This was a 1948 Lincoln Continental. It cost $4600 and even had power windows!

Corvette sports car from the late 60's (I think).

NC public school bus.

Steam engine.

Little red caboose.
One of the two highlights of the trip was a short trip on a real train. The conductor came around asking for tickets just like The Polar Express.

Luke and Ella on the train ride.

Fletcher and some of his kindergarten classmates on the train ride.

The other highlight of this museum is their Roundhouse built in 1924. It is one of the largest ever built housing 40 restored locomotives and rail cars. It is one of the only remaining roundhouses in the US. The turntable in the middle still works. We got to ride on it. The kids thought that was very cool. It was just like the turntable in Thomas the Train. At least I think it was. We stopped watching Thomas a long time ago. It is quite possibly the worst PBS show ever. Well, maybe that whiny kid Caillou is worse, but Thomas ranks right up there. But I digress...

Now That's Funny...I Don't Care Who You Are

Monday evening, Kevin came home from work and told Fletcher the following joke:
A scientist gets a frog, puts him on the ground and yells, "Jump, frog, jump."
The frog jumps four feet so the scientist writes down, "A frog with four legs jumps four feet."
The scientist cuts off one of the frog's legs.
The scientist puts him on the ground and yells, "Jump, frog, jump."
The frog jumps three feet so the scientist writes down, "A frog with three legs jumps three feet."
The scientist cuts off another one of the frog's legs.
The scientist puts him on the ground and yells, "Jump, frog, jump."
The frog jumps two feet so the scientist writes down, "A frog with two legs jumps two feet."
The scientist cuts off another one of the frog's legs.
The scientist puts him on the ground and yells, "Jump, frog, jump."
The frog jumps one foot so the scientist writes down, "A frog with one leg jumps one foot."
The scientist cuts off the last of the frog's legs.
The scientist puts him on the ground and yells, "Jump, frog, jump."
The frog just sits there so the scientist yells again, "Jump, frog, jump." Still nothing so the scientist yells even louder, "Jump, frog, jump." Nothing happens so the scientist writes down, "A frog with no legs is deaf."

Fletcher almost falls off the barstool from laughing so hard. He continues to laugh and then he retells the joke almost word for word (scary how he can do that).

He laughs again when he gets to the punchline.

I ask, "Fletcher, do you know what 'deaf' means?"

Fletcher says, "Um, no!"

Quite Possibly The Cutest Thing Ever!

That's called a balance bike or what some people call a run bike. Yes, Dad, I bought a bike with no pedals. I know. Sounds crazy. Supposedly they help a child learn to balance first making the transition to a "big kid" bike easier - sometimes without training wheels. I had heard about these bikes before, but when I looked into getting one, they were $100+. Cool or not, I wasn't going to pay $100 for a bike with no pedals.

However, on Saturday I happened to be in Target and walked down the tricycle aisle and here's this one for only $29.99. The video above is his first day riding it. I'd say he loves it because when he woke up Sunday morning, the first thing he said was, "I want to go outside and ride my bike."

We'll have to wait a few years and see if this does help with the transition to the big kid bike. In the meantime, I'll just watch him in all his cuteness! Sunday he started to get brave and lift his feet up going downhill and coast a little bit. Little daredevil!

The Randomness Continues

We are going on a fun field trip today with Fletcher's school so hopefully I'll have something to write about on Monday. With pictures too!

In the meantime, I took this from another blog but put in my answers instead because that would have just been weird to leave her answers in there. I'm not that lazy.

Outside my window...it is dark. However, grass is getting green, little buds are appearing on the trees and I saw a red cardinal in the backyard. Spring is here.

I am thinking...about what I need to get together for our field trip tomorrow. I need to be on the road by 8:30 with a picnic lunch. Plenty of snacks too. My boys are bottomless pits on road trips.

I am thankful for...children who go to bed and stay in bed. Our boys have always been good sleepers and it makes our nights much more peaceful.

From the kitchen...I made Balsamic Vinegar Pork Loin tonight. Kevin liked it. I should have marinated it longer because I thought the meat was a little tough. Both of the kids told me they didn't like the smell. Next time I'll marinate it overnight and see if that changes anything.

I am wearing...jean skirt and purple floral shirt. This shirt reminds me of spring and several people told me that same thing today.

I am creating...nothing right now. I need to organize my cookbook. That has been on my to do list for two years now. Yikes!

I am going... to figure out our summer vacation plans and whether Fletcher will do any summer camps or not.

I am reading...The Help by Kathyrn Stockett. I'm only a few pages into it, but I think it will be good. It has been awhile since I've just read a book for fun if you don't count kids books.

I am hoping...a new sofa falls out of the sky in perfect condition that matches my living room. Dream big, right? I'm still checking craigslist. I'm doing a little research on Sunbrella type indoor/outdoor fabric. It is supposed to be great for upholstery for pets and kids. I was a little skeptical about Sunbrella fabric until I saw some in a fabric store and it looked and felt just like regular fabric. That might be a good solution for us. I am also hoping our babysitter comes back soon. She is on a trip until mid-April and I could really use a date night. Maybe I should try to find another babysitter. Hmmm...

I am hearing...the Thursday night tv lineup - Parks and Rec right now.

Around the house...I still need to make some decisions about Luke's room. Paint color, bed, artwork, etc. I am so bad at that kind of thing. Plus, the beds I like are way too expensive.

One of my favorite things...a few more hours of daylight after dinner and a clean car. My car desperately needs a good cleaning both inside and out. That's two things.

Happy Birthday today to my niece Allie! I hope she has a great day.

Spring

Wednesday was a beautiful day. High of 75. Slight breeze. I sat in a rocking chair on a friend's back porch and wished we could have a whole bunch of days just like that day.

Fletcher has started tball for the spring. Kevin is one of his coaches. Kevin's coaching experience includes....watching ESPN and playing Little League as a kid. Should be a very interesting season.

I'm trying a few new recipes this week. Balsamic Pork Tenderloin, Turkey Scallopini, and French Toast Casserole.

How's that for a completely random post?

I have a little bit of blogger's block. I've been spending too much time watching Molly, the owl.

Happy Birthday today to my niece, Traci. I was thinking today might be her "grand" birthday - 25 years old on the 25th. But then I realized I missed that by a couple of years. I am getting way too old!

Move Over Tony Hawk

Scooter today. Skateboard tomorrow.

What A Hoot!

Someone from Kevin's work sent us this link. It is a live video of a barn owl (Molly) in California in her nest sitting on her eggs waiting for them to hatch. As of Sunday evening the first one had hatched (Max). McGee (the male owl) usually shows up at night and brings her take out. Well, sort of.

Fletcher has really enjoyed checking in on Molly to see what she is up to. He's asked alot of questions and we've been able to learn more about owls. I had the joy of explaining to him what her nest is made of. Owl pellets if you are curious. I was a little too slow on the mouse (computer mouse, that is) and didn't click away in time before Fletcher got to witness Molly eating a rat. Ew gross. Of course, to a 6 year old boy, he thought it was the coolest thing ever!

Either this link:http://www.ustream.tv/theowlbox

Or this one: http://www.sportsmansparadiseonline.com/Live_Owl_Nest_Box_Cam.html

American Idol 2025

How Bizarre

Very interesting photo essay about Six Flags New Orleans.

Makes you wonder how long it will stay that way. It's already been almost 5 years since the hurricane hit.

Everybody Out Of The Pool

I'm going to put this disclaimer up front. This post is about p00p. I really try to stay away from this topic on the blog but today I am making an exception. So if you are not into hearing about or reading about p00p, please move on to another website at this time.

Potty training is just one of those things that every parent has to address at some point. Whether they do it at age 2, 3 or sometimes even 4 depends on the parent and the child. We trained Fletcher at about 2 1/2. He was pretty easy because he is very predictable. P00ped every morning after breakfast. I could count on it. Plus he really liked to be read to so we could bring a stack of library books into the bathroom and read while he took care of business (try not to think about that the next time you check out library books).

I'm not sure what to do about Luke. On the one hand he seems young but he is actually the same age as Fletcher was when we trained him. He also goes to preschool and several of the kids in his class are either already trained or currently training so there's some positive peer pressure. But I worry it might be a little early. However, as kids gets closer to 3, they seem to develop minds of their own and can be a little more stubborn when it comes to the potty. We've been talking about Potty Day when we will say "Bye bye diapers" and "Hello big boy underpants". We've also talked about getting M&Ms for going to the potty. So he know it's coming.

Wednesday just Luke and I were home after lunch. He acted like he was about to p00p so I said, "Are you getting that feeling in your bottom? Let's go sit on the potty." He willingly went so I grabbed a stack of books and we started reading. We put his little potty in the hallway because their bathroom is somewhat small. Well, it took about 4 books, but he took care of both items of business. He either didn't realize it or wasn't sure what to do because he continued to sit. So I said, "Let's look in the potty."

Remember this post?

Yeah.

Not quite the same reaction but very close. He said, "That scaring me" while I am trying be all upbeat and positive saying, "Good job, buddy. High five. You p00ped in the potty! Now you get M&M's." We had to take the removeable bowl and bring it to the bathroom to flush it and then wash hands. He kept saying, "What that brown thing? I don't like that brown thing. That brown thing is scaring me." (I warned you not to read this.....) While I am glad he is displaying his knowlege of colors, I was surprised he was scared and not excited. So I'm trying to clean everything up, get his pants back on , explain what the brown thing was all while trying to be excited. And I couldn't help but think of the pool scene in Caddyshack.

He had his M&Ms and we called Dad at work. Of course, he kept talking about the brown thing and I think Kevin was in a meeting (oops). Let's just hope no one else could hear the conversation.

I'm thinking we are going to have to get rid of the little potty and go directly to the big toilet so the brown thing can be flushed immediately.

The verdict is still out as to whether we might do potty training over spring break (the week after Easter) or wait a few more months at the end of May after preschool is over. If I wait, then he doesn't have the benefit of seeing other kids do it and "practicing" with them. If we do it now and he catches on then we can be done and not have to worry about it this summer. He has to be trained by the time he starts preschool next fall. They don't let kids in the 3 yr old class if they aren't trained.

Decisions, decisions.

C'mon Get Happy

We are the proud new owners of this:

I use the term "we" very, very loosely.


Perhaps we could become the 21 century version of The Partridge Family with Luke on vocals, Uncle David on ukulele and well... you get the picture.

Irrational

Almost everyone I know has at least one irrational fear.

When we lived in Florida our neighborhood streets had these weird open gutters along the edge of the curb ever so often. I would not let Fletcher walk near them when we went out for family walks around the neighborhood because I was afraid he might slip and fall into them. Then we'd have our own version of baby Jessica (remember her?). I'm not even sure he could have fallen into them, but they looked HUGE to this first time mom and my 2 year old looked so small.

I also don't like to go into banks or convenience stores because I am afraid they will be held up while I am in there. I know. Remember the title of this post. I don't think I could ever work in a bank. If my banking can't be done online or in the drive thru, I'd rather skip it. Or just have Kevin do it.

Enough about me.

But we have a wee bit of a problem.

This has happened twice so far. (The first time I wasn't home so Kevin just told me about it. The second time was almost an identical incident.)

Bathtime at our house is mainly Kevin's responsibility. Always has been because I'm usually cleaning up the kitchen from dinner.

Kevin got all of Luke's clothes and socks off an put him in the tub. Luke starts freaking out. Crying. Screaming. Trying to climb out of the tub.

Is the water too hot? No.

Did he get soap in his eyes? No.

Kevin asks him what is wrong and he points to the water.

Let me insert some background info here: When we were in Louisiana I bought Luke some new socks. He normally wears plain old white athletic socks. These new ones were colorful with big machines on them. Dump trucks, cement trucks, excavators, etc. He loves them.

Some colored fuzz from his feet from the socks is floating in the water.

Yes, you read that correctly.

Fuzz.

Harmless fuzz.

But Luke says, "It scaring me."

Kevin drains the bathtub entirely. Ridiculous? Maybe. But don't judge unless you've been in a very small room with a hysterical two year old. And I don't mean hysterical in a funny way.

He just keeps crying and saying, "Fuzz, fuzz." It would be funny if it weren't so sad.

Have I mentioned that it is absolutely impossible to reason with a two year old?

There is a small black spot on the bottom of our tub in the boys' bathroom. It is just a spot where the paint has chipped off. It is most definitely not fuzz.

Luke thinks it is fuzz. Both mom and dad can't convince him it is not fuzz.

More screaming and crying.

He adamantly refuses to get into the tub.

Kevin drains the tub again. He is such a good dad. I can only imagine what our water bill will look like if this keeps up.

Instead Kevin gives him a "shower bath" with no water at all in the tub. Luke is standing slightly shivering because he won't sit down. Just an occasional cup full of water straight out of the faucet to rinse the soap off.

I dry him off and put his pjs on.

He tells me, "I not wike fuzz."

Thank goodness sandal season is almost here.

So what about you? What is your irrational fear?

Let The Games Begin

I really love Fletcher's kindergarten teacher and his little class. They have had such an incredible year. They are going "around the world" studying various countries and Fletcher has learned so much about the world God has made.

Last week they studied Scotland. Kevin was excited to explain to Fletcher that our last name is Scottish. They looked up our family (clan) crest and our family plaid.

At school the kids had The Scottish Highland games including the hammer throw. Did I mention how very brave these two kindergarten teachers are to even think of having something called a "hammer throw" with 5 and 6 year old boys?

Here are some pictures from their fun day. Fletcher said he won the ball toss.

This is Mr. D (Fletcher's teacher's husband). He is starting the games with the Caber toss. At least, I think that is what it's called. Don't the kids look so cute in their kilts?

This is the ball throw. Look at the concentration on those faces.

Posing for the camera. There are no photos of the hammer toss for obvious reasons. I think the big blue circle was for something similar to a discus toss.

Showing off their muscles. And apparently Fletcher is showing off his Billy Idol Rebel Yell. Maybe he got a little confused and thought they were studying England.

Say You, Say Me

I love a good deal. I don't like to pay full price for anything if I can help it. In the fall and in the spring several churches in our area hold these mega consignment sales. I didn't really understand all of the hype until I went to one last fall. Lots of stuff. Usually great prices. I went to one a few weeks ago and these are some of my bargains (and the stories that go with them).

This is a Pottery Barn Kids touch on lamp with lampshade. PBK no longer sells this one, but a similar model costs $69 for the touch base and $30 for the lampshade. I was nervous about buying it because it didn't have a light bulb in it for me to test it to see if it worked. But then I thought, "Who would put a broken lamp in a church consignment sale??"

I bought this one for $10. It currently resides in Fletcher's room, but will most likely end up in Luke's room since he has some PBK bedding that matches the lamp.

This backpack and lunchbox are also PBK. They looked like they had barely been used. I washed them and they look brand new. A similar backpack on their website is $29- 39 and the matching lunchbox is $19.

I bought this set for $8 for Luke to take to preschool.

At the last sale I bought Fletcher a raincoat. This time I found Luke a raincoat with all kinds of big machines that he loves. The fabric is more like a waterproof coated cotton instead of vinyl. It was $3.

This little purchase is going to need some TLC. Can you guess what it is? I've been looking for a bookshelf for the kids books that held books at an angle so they wouldn't fall out or over or off the shelf. The only one I could find was $85. I asked Kevin and my brother-in-law if they could make one but they said it would be difficult. So when I spotted this at the sale I had a feeling that most people would not realize what it was and with a little TLC and paint and wood glue, we'd have a cool new bookshelf.

Here it is with books on it so you get a better idea. It was only $8 and it is solid wood!

The last purchase just makes me smile. I don't own an ipod. Kevin has one. I think they are cool, but I just haven't been able to justify purchasing one. I occasionally download songs on itunes and make a cd for the car. So when I saw this box that said "Digital Player", I threw it into my basket. (Blogger is being difficult and I can't get these pictures to rotate correctly).

It was only $3 so I figured it might be a fun toy for the boys or a cool mp3 player for me. I got it home and opened the box. This is how small it is. Yes, that's a post it note and a quarter on each side. But it gets better. I continued to unpack the box with the headphones, USB cable, and charger. I opened the manual for the directions. And....all the directions were in Chinese (or maybe Japanese). See above picture. I laughed outloud. No wonder it was only $3 and looked like it had never been used. I was determined to figure it out anyway. The player already had a few songs loaded on to it. You guessed it. Two or three were in Chinese (or possibly Japanese) and the only English song was "Say You, Say Me" by Lionel Ritchie. That took me back to high school prom...

You will be happy to know that I did not learn Chinese (or Japanese) but I did figure it all out and even found some free mp3 downloads of kids songs so our 1 GB mp3 player now has some songs for our listening enjoyment. Now to find more free Lionel Ritchie songs.

Visualize Whirled Peas

I've mentioned the Seeds Family Worship cds on this blog before. We have several in the car and lately our music boy (Luke) has been asking me, "What dis song sing?" In other words, "What is this song singing about?" I try as best as I can to explain them to him.

There a song called "Take Heart" which is John 16:33 set to music. The verse says, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

You can probably guess where this is headed, right?

Luke: Mommy, they are singing about peas.
Mom: Well, Luke they are actually singing about peace (emphasizing the word). The peace that Jesus gives us because he is bigger than our problems.
Luke: No, it peas!!! (emphatically)
Mom: (silence - I've learned to pick my battles).
Luke: (singing from the backseat) You may have peas, you may have peas.

You can hear the entire song if you go here http://www.seedsfamilyworship.net/media_listen.php
Then click on the drop down arrow and choose Power of Encouragement then track #4 Take Heart.
It won't let me link to the song directly.

Every Family Has "That" Uncle

Meet ours.
Where to begin?

The Star Trek Shirt?

The foo man chu moustache? Or is it Foo Manchu?

The ukulele?

Or the fact that both of my children are sitting front and center waiting for the concert to begin?

Not the greatest video. That girl will just NOT stop singing, talking and generally ruining every video I take. I need to find a mute button for her!

Happy Birthday, Uncle David! We love you!

Swing And A Miss

Bible time Monday night. Character trait: Obedience.

We read a story about a boy playing baseball with his friends. Billy accidentally hit a ball on the roof of the shed. He knew his dad had told him before not to climb up on the roof to retrieve a ball, but to get help instead. Billy's friends wanted him to sneak up and get the ball so they could keep playing. In the end Billy obeyed. We talked about why Billy's dad didn't want him on the roof and the obvious dangers. (We also talked about what Billy could say to his friends and Proverbs 15:3, but that's not the point of this story).

Kevin to Fletcher: Do you know what chore Daddy likes the least of all the stuff I have to do?

(Kevin is hoping Fletcher will make the connection that Kevin has to get up on our roof to clean gutters and it is high up, on a ladder, dangerous, etc -- the same reasons Billy's dad would not want Billy on the roof).

Fletcher: Um....pay taxes?

Kevin: Well...that's actually a really good answer. However, I was really talking more about an outside chore that Daddy has to do.

Fletcher:

Kevin: Ok, I think it's time to pray.

Rube Goldberg

If you haven't already seen this, it is completely worth the time. I just wonder how long it took to get it all set up and how many times it took to get it completely right. Impressive!

Thursday Night Television

It was weird tonight. The Office made me uncomfortable. It didn't make me laugh. I miss the first several seasons when it was funny. I think they may have "jumped the shark."

Quick -- Does anyone know where that phrase "jump the shark" came from?

No fair if you google it.

Needless to say, I watched TV instead of blogging tonight.

Happy Weekend!

Photo Ops

Wednesday was a weird day. It started snowing Tuesday afternoon. I have to say that I am thankful that God gives us four seasons, but I am so done with winter. After all, it does seem a little weird that it snowed on March 2nd and 3rd. Although I shouldn't be surprised since it snowed March 1 last year. Fletcher's school started an hour late today. All that to say, I was in a nonproductive weird funk Wednesday. I did bake apple bread, but didn't feel like editing any video.

So here are a few more pictures from our trip to Louisiana.

Fletcher and his cousin Bear (21 months). I think it is safe to say that my boys probably wore Bear out. I don't think he is used to so much LOUD play for so many days in a row. They did all play really well together.

My niece Traci (due in May) and my sister Denise (Aunt D).

My other great-nephew Wesley (9 months). Definitely crawling. Pulling up. Almost walking. Cute as he can be!

The boys with PawPaw. We bought Fletcher a New Orleans Saints Superbowl Champions tshirt while we were there. I knew I wouldn't find any where we live in the Carolinas.

The boys with MawMaw.

Aunt D and the boys. (Note that Fletcher is trying to show off his lost tooth in almost every picture).

Time for a snack. Uncle D made the bench they are sitting on.

Bear and Traci. Can't believe Bear is about to be a big brother. Can't wait to meet baby Evie.

My dad - still making my mom laugh after 52 years.

My niece Lydia (on the far right) looks so excited to be at the family gathering.

Uncle D holding Wesley. I think he was ready for me to put the camera away.

Leaving on the last day. Don't we look so awake considering it was 5:45 am???

Target Practice

I wish I knew all the technical gun terms. This post would probably be much more interesting if I talked about scopes and 410s or what have you, but I don't.

So instead I'll just say, one day while we were in Louisian Fletcher shot some guns at a target made of shooting clays. It was one of the highlights of his trip. This and the fact that Uncle D let him really drive his tractor. I didn't get any video footage of the tractor driving. Maybe it was because I was running for cover as he backed up.

This is Fletcher shooting one of Uncle D's guns. It shot small bullets and didn't make alot of noise. How's that for details. Fletcher was very, very, very careful and meticulous before he took his shot (see video). I almost fell asleep filming it. I edited the video. Although it looked quick, it was a long time before he pulled the trigger.



This was the target after Fletcher shot the larger gun that made more noise and had more of a kick and longer bullets but no scope (see video). I hope my husband is not reading this because if he is, he is probably profoundly embarassed over my lack of gun lingo knowledge. Fletcher wanted to bring the bullet casings home, but we didn't have any checked bags to put them in and I definitely didn't want to get in trouble with airport security so Aunt Dee is mailing them to him.

Yes, we did have a few tears after he shot the second gun. I think the louder noise and the kick (or is it kick back?) scared Fletcher. He said he thought he knocked his nose off.

We're Back

We returned yesterday from a little mini vacation to Louisiana. I didn't mention it on the blog because I am paranoid that way. Afraid someone might realize we are out of town and break into our house and steal our $40 television we bought off craigslist.

We had a great time. Made some great memories, ate way too much yummy food and got to see almost all of my side of the family. I tried to take some pictures and video so I'll post a few of those this week as I get them edited including the ukulele concert. Because we know how to have a good time!

Luke loved all of the attention. This is one of his new favorite songs. He sings it to himself sometimes when he is falling asleep. Bear (Luke's cousin) kept asking MawMaw to sit on the floor to play so MawMaw just decided to stay there for awhile.

Excuse the annoying voice on the video. She needs to learn to be quiet.

In case you were wondering, I did correctly teach him the song so that Thumbkins and the other members of the Finger Family were to come out from behind his back. But apparently it is more convenient for them and for him if they reside in his armpits instead while waiting their turns.

Veruca Salt

Remember her? She's the spoiled little brat on Charlie and The Chocolate Factory who always said, "Daddy, I want it NOW!"
Maybe this will refresh your memory.


I think she's changed her name to Jennifer and called in to The Tech Guy! show.
(He starts to ramble around the 3:00 mark in case you don't want to watch the whole thing).