At the dinnertable --
Mom: Fletcher, what did you play on the playground today?
Fletcher: A little bit of everything. Some soccer. Some dodgeball and some "Chase the Girls"
Mom: Oh? How does that "Chase the Girls" thing work?
Fletcher: Well, you find a girl that you really like and then you run as fast as you can and before you know it, you are right beside her.
I think this could be his future dating strategy.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Penguins
Preschool Crafts. Who knew there could be so many?
I especially love this one that Luke brought home yesterday.
The parts in black are his feet. THe orange beak might be his fingerprint.
The back talked about how the mom and dad penguin cared for the egg until it hatched.
Speaking of preschool, we've gotten a few papers recently that were not completed. The teacher had written something like "Luke wanted to do this paper at home" which we all know really means "Luke was in a non-cooperative mood and would not pick up his crayon and do this sheet." Oh how I would love to be a fly on the wall in his classroom. His teachers both adore him and I am sure he flashes that smile and he gets away with anything. I'm not really worried about worksheet stuff. He is only three. And he happily did the worksheet at home with me. Fletcher never liked doing worksheets in preschool either (more than one of his teachers told me that). Now he doesn't mind them at all because he doesn't have to do too many.
I especially love this one that Luke brought home yesterday.
Speaking of preschool, we've gotten a few papers recently that were not completed. The teacher had written something like "Luke wanted to do this paper at home" which we all know really means "Luke was in a non-cooperative mood and would not pick up his crayon and do this sheet." Oh how I would love to be a fly on the wall in his classroom. His teachers both adore him and I am sure he flashes that smile and he gets away with anything. I'm not really worried about worksheet stuff. He is only three. And he happily did the worksheet at home with me. Fletcher never liked doing worksheets in preschool either (more than one of his teachers told me that). Now he doesn't mind them at all because he doesn't have to do too many.
Monday, January 24, 2011
There She Is...
Miss America!
I loved watching the Miss America pageant when I was a kid. It was fun to try to pick the winner especially when they started showing the scores that the judges were giving. I loved watching the talent competitions. Twirling fire batons, tap dancing, opera singing, piano playing. It was a great way to spend two hours of my life. Oh and don't forget the hair!
Apparently the 2011 Miss America pageant was just on a few weeks ago and I missed it. (Kevin is so thankful). Another blog (BooMama) reminded me of the good ol' pageant days.
This, my friends, was quality television. And it is even better because she is from my home state (sadly, she did not win even with all of this raw talent and big hair).
I loved watching the Miss America pageant when I was a kid. It was fun to try to pick the winner especially when they started showing the scores that the judges were giving. I loved watching the talent competitions. Twirling fire batons, tap dancing, opera singing, piano playing. It was a great way to spend two hours of my life. Oh and don't forget the hair!
Apparently the 2011 Miss America pageant was just on a few weeks ago and I missed it. (Kevin is so thankful). Another blog (BooMama) reminded me of the good ol' pageant days.
This, my friends, was quality television. And it is even better because she is from my home state (sadly, she did not win even with all of this raw talent and big hair).
Friday, January 21, 2011
Ours!
Happy Birthday to my wonderful husband!
And to the best daddy two little boys could ever have.
We are so glad you are ours!
We love you!
And to the best daddy two little boys could ever have.
We are so glad you are ours!
We love you!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
A Good Time Was Had By All
In yesterday's post and my distress regarding the lack of circulation in my fingertips and nose, I realized I forgot to post the rest of the pictures from our fun day.
Indiana Jones told us all about the snake he was holding. Fletcher touched it. Luke didn't.
In this area the kids could build a shelter similar to what one would build in the woods with tree branches and leaves.
The little kids were watching the big kids and waiting their turns to sit in the chairs and use the pulleys. I didn't take a picture of that.
This was by far Luke's favorite room. It had a large area just his height filled with water and all sorts of containers and pitchers. The apron was supposed to keep him dry, but by the time he was done, his jeans were wet, his shoes were wet, his shirt sleeves were wet, ....you get the picture. He did not want to leave this area to go do anything else which is why we saved it for last.
This was a giant Lite Brite.
This was a huge fan. They had fun holding ribbons up to it and making them blow in the wind.
Similar to the stomp rocket we have at home.
More wind.
Luke's tshirt says "Rock Star". Based on this video, I think he is on his way!
Indiana Jones told us all about the snake he was holding. Fletcher touched it. Luke didn't.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Now I Know
I've said on this blog before that I am a wimp when it comes to cold weather. If it is below about 70 degrees, I just get so cold and have a hard time warming back up. My Maryland friend laughs at my wimpiness (if that's a word).
Well, Friday was a Field Trip day for the kids and we went to a really cool kids museum. They had a thermography camera there. Think about what you would see if you looked through night vision goggles using infared technology. This camera was similar. The warmest parts are colored the lighest (bright white, yellow, orange), the intermediate temps are red and the cold temps are anywhere from blue to dark purple to black.
I took pictures as proof. I didn't believe it at first. And I made about 10 other people come stand next to me for comparison purposes. Now keep in mind it was a cold day, but we had been in the museum for over an hour so it's not like I just walked in from the cold.
My friend is on the left holding the camera in one hand and holding her hand out for comparison purposes. I am on the right. Note that her hands are bright yellow (as were everyone elses who came to the camera) indicating warmth. Notice my hands are purple and black on the fingertips!!!! Not yellow, not red. But purple and black which means NO HEAT, NO WARMTH. Doesn't even register. Disturbing? Yes. Very.
She then pointed out (ever so kindly) that my nose was black too. Yes, it is always cold. If we weren't in a public place with lots of people, I would have taken my shoes off to see if my feet were like my hands. I have a sad feeling they might be worse.
Now I am a little freaked out. I don't think anyone has ever died from cold hands and feet, but I suppose I need to mention it to the doctor the next time I see him to make sure there isn't anything wrong with me. It is always a little disturbing to find out that something about yourself is not normal. But now when people tease me, I have photographic evidence that I really am a wimp.
Well, Friday was a Field Trip day for the kids and we went to a really cool kids museum. They had a thermography camera there. Think about what you would see if you looked through night vision goggles using infared technology. This camera was similar. The warmest parts are colored the lighest (bright white, yellow, orange), the intermediate temps are red and the cold temps are anywhere from blue to dark purple to black.
I took pictures as proof. I didn't believe it at first. And I made about 10 other people come stand next to me for comparison purposes. Now keep in mind it was a cold day, but we had been in the museum for over an hour so it's not like I just walked in from the cold.
Now I am a little freaked out. I don't think anyone has ever died from cold hands and feet, but I suppose I need to mention it to the doctor the next time I see him to make sure there isn't anything wrong with me. It is always a little disturbing to find out that something about yourself is not normal. But now when people tease me, I have photographic evidence that I really am a wimp.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Money Well Spent
A few days ago I ran into Target to pick up a few things. As I was walking in, two women were walking out with carts filled with toys. Nothing else but toys. At first I thought it was strange, but then I remembered that someone told me Target does a twice a year toy clearance (once after Christmas and once at the end of the summer) where toys are marked down as much as 75% off. Since I was by myself I decided to just go look. Since we just had Christmas it's not like my kids need any new toys. But I thought I might find a few things to add to my gift stash for upcoming birthday parties.
Then I saw it. On one of the bottom shelves. The box looked worn and beat up. There was a shipping label and address on it like someone had bought it online but returned it to the store. My friend had one of these and the boys loved it. I had looked into getting one, but they were in the $80-120 range and I didn't think they were worth that much. But this one was on clearance for $40. Score!
Putting it together was a challenge and a test of our marital fortitude if there is such a thing. But once we got it put together, it looks sturdy and it will help two little boys get out some of their boundless energy this winter when it is too cold to go outside. I'm kinda bummed that the weight limit is 80 lbs otherwise I might join them.
Oh, and by the way, I've given up on the dining room. It has slowly turned into a playroom. We took the leaf out of the dining table to make it smaller. Fletcher uses it to build his legos. Luke's truck has a parking place there too. I figure I have the rest of my life to have a fancy dining room that never gets used. These days will be gone before I know it so I might as well embrace the chaos!
Friday, January 14, 2011
You Decide
The Conversation
Me (while hugging Fletcher): Will you still hug and kiss me when you are a teenager?
Fletcher: Yes, if you are not dead yet.
The Analysis
Either he thinks becoming a teenager is a really, really looooooooong time from now.
Or since he already knows my age and reminds me of it frequently, he thinks I am so old already that I have one foot in the grave and I'm not looking so good.
Either way, I'm going to be a "glass is half full" kind of gal and be thankful that I have written proof that he will still hug and kiss me when he is a teenager.
As long as I am still alive and kicking. And can remember that I wrote this blog post.
Me (while hugging Fletcher): Will you still hug and kiss me when you are a teenager?
Fletcher: Yes, if you are not dead yet.
The Analysis
Either he thinks becoming a teenager is a really, really looooooooong time from now.
Or since he already knows my age and reminds me of it frequently, he thinks I am so old already that I have one foot in the grave and I'm not looking so good.
Either way, I'm going to be a "glass is half full" kind of gal and be thankful that I have written proof that he will still hug and kiss me when he is a teenager.
As long as I am still alive and kicking. And can remember that I wrote this blog post.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Day 4
Yes. this is Day 4 of no school. Not because it is still snowing. Not because 99% of the roads are clear. But because 1 % of the rural roads are shady and still have ice on them and a bus could crash.
Fletcher goes to a private school, but they follow the local county school schedule. Luke goes to preschool but they too follow the local county school schedule.
Mama may go stir crazy. Because it isn't snow anymore it is ice. Ice isn't fun to play in. Or throw in a snowball. Unless you are trying to give someone else a concussion.
On a positve note, we loaded up Beverly Hillbillies style and our friend Grant came to get us in his 4WD Tahoe. They live just right down the road from us. We went to spend the night at their house and play in the snow with them.
For three days. The kids were loving life. I told them that they would be telling their kids about this Snow Stay-cation 2011 where they got to play nonstop with their friends for 3 days.
There were golf cart rides and 4 wheeler rides and sledding down an enormous hill. And there may have been some sleds tied to the back of golf carts but I am not asking about that because I wasn't out there and I don't really want to know. Sometimes dads and sons need some playtime without moms around. Thankfully, no emergency room visits.
There were Wii games and entirely too much television. PBS of course. And no less than 6 movies. I think. I lost track.
And plenty of food. You would have thought we were going to stay for a month.
And our dog Sadie. Their two cats. And their two dogs. More than one showdown. Nothing short of a zoo.
And some funny stories.
Not many pictures.
But some great memories.
Quite possibly the largest snow angel in the tri-state area.
For some reason Luke wanted to crawl military style in the snow. He kept saying he was a ladybug.
Down by the creek. Yes, I was scared Luke was going to fall in.
Family photo. Seriously considering cropping this and making it our Christmas card. No one will know.
Our hosts for Snow Stay-cation 2011
Fletcher goes to a private school, but they follow the local county school schedule. Luke goes to preschool but they too follow the local county school schedule.
Mama may go stir crazy. Because it isn't snow anymore it is ice. Ice isn't fun to play in. Or throw in a snowball. Unless you are trying to give someone else a concussion.
On a positve note, we loaded up Beverly Hillbillies style and our friend Grant came to get us in his 4WD Tahoe. They live just right down the road from us. We went to spend the night at their house and play in the snow with them.
For three days. The kids were loving life. I told them that they would be telling their kids about this Snow Stay-cation 2011 where they got to play nonstop with their friends for 3 days.
There were golf cart rides and 4 wheeler rides and sledding down an enormous hill. And there may have been some sleds tied to the back of golf carts but I am not asking about that because I wasn't out there and I don't really want to know. Sometimes dads and sons need some playtime without moms around. Thankfully, no emergency room visits.
There were Wii games and entirely too much television. PBS of course. And no less than 6 movies. I think. I lost track.
And plenty of food. You would have thought we were going to stay for a month.
And our dog Sadie. Their two cats. And their two dogs. More than one showdown. Nothing short of a zoo.
And some funny stories.
Not many pictures.
But some great memories.
Quite possibly the largest snow angel in the tri-state area.
This is Fletcher and his friend Emmaline on the sled. They almost made it to the creek!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Christmas Vacation
When my family got together in Louisiana, we thought it might be fun to play some of the Minute To Win It games like we played at Fletcher's party. We laughed and then we laughed even more. But that was after our ukulele concert courtesy of my brother David (yes his shirt says "Real Men Rock the Ukulele" - a gift from his kids).
Just so you don't think we've completely lost our minds and just so you know what you are looking at, here a few explanations of the games:
The Face The Cookie game has contestants place an Oreo on their forehead then get it from their foreheads to their mouths without using their hands.
My niece brought her boyfriend to meet the family for the first time. He may not be back. However, he was a good sport especially since he was selected to play Junk in the Trunk where a tissue box is filled with 8 ping pong balls and strapped to the contestant's waist with a belt. The contestant then must move in such a way to get all of the ping pong balls out of the box. Jason was sucessful. Amanda was not. Not sure what that means.
One of the harder games that we didn't play at Fletcher's party was Caddystack where the contestant had to stack three golf balls in a tower and they had to stay standing for 3 seconds. No one got it in the alloted time frame, but my niece Traci finally did it. We realized that in order for it to work the golf balls had to be different brands. Originally we were trying to use all the same kind and the dimples (?) weren't lining up.
Enjoy!
Just so you don't think we've completely lost our minds and just so you know what you are looking at, here a few explanations of the games:
The Face The Cookie game has contestants place an Oreo on their forehead then get it from their foreheads to their mouths without using their hands.
My niece brought her boyfriend to meet the family for the first time. He may not be back. However, he was a good sport especially since he was selected to play Junk in the Trunk where a tissue box is filled with 8 ping pong balls and strapped to the contestant's waist with a belt. The contestant then must move in such a way to get all of the ping pong balls out of the box. Jason was sucessful. Amanda was not. Not sure what that means.
One of the harder games that we didn't play at Fletcher's party was Caddystack where the contestant had to stack three golf balls in a tower and they had to stay standing for 3 seconds. No one got it in the alloted time frame, but my niece Traci finally did it. We realized that in order for it to work the golf balls had to be different brands. Originally we were trying to use all the same kind and the dimples (?) weren't lining up.
Enjoy!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
SNOW 2011
Whoa....I think this is the most snow I have ever seen and it is still coming down. This could be an interesting week because the temps are supposed to stay low (so the snow won't melt) and we are supposed to get some wet stuff too (snow + ice) which makes the roads very dangerous.
Glad Kevin went to the grocery store yesterday. Sadie is less than impressed. If dogs could talk, she would be saying, "Seriously??? You expect me to do my business under these conditions? You have got to be joking."
Here are a few pics and some video. This year Luke seemed to have more fun. He didn't want to sled at first, but after one quick trip, he was hooked.
This is what we woke up to on Monday morning. No school!
Ready to go. On days like this I am so thankful I broke down and bought snowsuits at a local kids consignment store. Fletcher's is a few sizes too big but it it will serve him well the next few years. Luke's fits just right so I'll be on the lookout for a new suit for him for next year.
Catching snowflakes on his tongue. (Luke kept running away from the camera).
Glad Kevin went to the grocery store yesterday. Sadie is less than impressed. If dogs could talk, she would be saying, "Seriously??? You expect me to do my business under these conditions? You have got to be joking."
Here are a few pics and some video. This year Luke seemed to have more fun. He didn't want to sled at first, but after one quick trip, he was hooked.
This is what we woke up to on Monday morning. No school!
Monday, January 10, 2011
Thing 1 and Thing 2
There's a new show on PBS Kids called "The Cat In The Hat Knows Alot About That!" (you'd think they could have come up with a shorter title. Just sayin')
Fletcher and Luke both like watching the show and have learned alot about various animals from the show. Just like the original book, Thing 1 and Thing 2 are in the show. They are the Cat in the Hat's helpers. Fletcher and Luke pretend to be Thing 1 and Thing 2 which cracks me up since Thing 1 and Thing 2 are twins and Fletcher and Luke are nowhere near twins.
Well, Christmas rolled around and my sister was asking for ideas for gifts for the boys. I told her about the show and how they like it.
My niece Traci and Aunt D made these for them. I think they are probably one of my favorite things they received this Christmas.
Thing 1 and Thing 2 shirts and matching pajama pants. Traci's son Bear saw them at his house when she was working on them and asked if they were his. So they made him a pair too and let him be The Cat in the Hat.
They all wore these almost the entire day. Bear even wore his to bed. They get lots of use at our house because of course if Thing 1 wears his to bed then Thing 2 has to put his on too or vice versa.
What a fun idea! Thanks Aunt D and Traci!
For those of you who may be wondering why the blog was quiet at the end of last week, Luke ended up with a double ear infection and I ended up with a sinus infection and an ear infection. We've been wiped out! I haven't felt like getting on the computer. We are on antibiotics now and will hopefully be feeling better very soon. It is supposed to snow alot today (Monday) so hopefully we will have some fun snow pictures to show tomorrow.
Fletcher and Luke both like watching the show and have learned alot about various animals from the show. Just like the original book, Thing 1 and Thing 2 are in the show. They are the Cat in the Hat's helpers. Fletcher and Luke pretend to be Thing 1 and Thing 2 which cracks me up since Thing 1 and Thing 2 are twins and Fletcher and Luke are nowhere near twins.
Well, Christmas rolled around and my sister was asking for ideas for gifts for the boys. I told her about the show and how they like it.
My niece Traci and Aunt D made these for them. I think they are probably one of my favorite things they received this Christmas.
What a fun idea! Thanks Aunt D and Traci!
For those of you who may be wondering why the blog was quiet at the end of last week, Luke ended up with a double ear infection and I ended up with a sinus infection and an ear infection. We've been wiped out! I haven't felt like getting on the computer. We are on antibiotics now and will hopefully be feeling better very soon. It is supposed to snow alot today (Monday) so hopefully we will have some fun snow pictures to show tomorrow.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Little Surprise
One of the things I was most excited about on our trip was getting to meet baby Evie for the very first time. She is my great niece. She was born in April and even though we've seen lots of pictuers of her, this is the first time we've gotten to see her in person. She did not disappoint. She is as cute as she can be. Toothless grin. Sweet brown eyed girl. Crawling on her belly military style. And interested in everything she is not supposed to be getting into. Both Fletcher and Luke loved holding her although she didn't sit still for long.
This is Evie with her brother Bear. I was ready to take her home with me on the plane. I tried to tell my niece (her mom) that babies fly free, but she wasn't buying it. Evie almost had me convinced that we might need a little girl around here, but then I had to sit in the Dallas airport with Fletcher and Luke for almost an hour layover and I realized two kids are about all I can handle ThankYouVeryMuch.
Well, my nephew and his wife (does that make her my niece-in-law or what? So confusing.) were expecting a baby and due on January 23. I was glad we would get to see Katie and her pregnant belly over Christmas, but I was bummed that we probably wouldn't get to meet the baby until she was older like Evie since we won't be back to Louisiana for awhile. Well, through a series of kinda scary events (preeclampsia and an emergency c-section), baby Alice Elizabeth was born 3 weeks early on December 28, 2010 at 8:08 pm weighing 6 lbs 11 ounces and 20 inches long. She was perfectly healthy with no time in the PICU. At that weight, I can only imagine how big she would have been if she would have gone full term. We got to go to the hospital and see her. There's nothing like holding a newborn baby. She is just beautiful. I know Thom and Katie were shocked and surprised by her early arrival (Thom had just finished the crib the day before she was born). But this Aunt Rachel is really glad I got to meet her before we came home. She seemed so tiny especially since Fletcher weighed 9 lbs 3 oz when he was born and Luke was 8 lbs 13 oz. The were like linebackers compared to her little almost 7 lb self!
Now on to the pictures:
Baby Alice Elizabeth (love her name)
Proud new dad (Thom) and my dad (Alice's great-grandfather).
My mom (Alice's great-grandmother)
Introducing Alice to her (second) cousins Fletcher and Luke.
Alice with her Gran Dee (my sister).
At the hospital (I was starting to not feel well - can you tell?)
Alice in her going home outfit.
Family photo (Katie, Alice and Thom). They are going to be such great parents.
P.S. Happy Birthday, Grandma!
This is Evie with her brother Bear. I was ready to take her home with me on the plane. I tried to tell my niece (her mom) that babies fly free, but she wasn't buying it. Evie almost had me convinced that we might need a little girl around here, but then I had to sit in the Dallas airport with Fletcher and Luke for almost an hour layover and I realized two kids are about all I can handle ThankYouVeryMuch.
Well, my nephew and his wife (does that make her my niece-in-law or what? So confusing.) were expecting a baby and due on January 23. I was glad we would get to see Katie and her pregnant belly over Christmas, but I was bummed that we probably wouldn't get to meet the baby until she was older like Evie since we won't be back to Louisiana for awhile. Well, through a series of kinda scary events (preeclampsia and an emergency c-section), baby Alice Elizabeth was born 3 weeks early on December 28, 2010 at 8:08 pm weighing 6 lbs 11 ounces and 20 inches long. She was perfectly healthy with no time in the PICU. At that weight, I can only imagine how big she would have been if she would have gone full term. We got to go to the hospital and see her. There's nothing like holding a newborn baby. She is just beautiful. I know Thom and Katie were shocked and surprised by her early arrival (Thom had just finished the crib the day before she was born). But this Aunt Rachel is really glad I got to meet her before we came home. She seemed so tiny especially since Fletcher weighed 9 lbs 3 oz when he was born and Luke was 8 lbs 13 oz. The were like linebackers compared to her little almost 7 lb self!
Now on to the pictures:
Baby Alice Elizabeth (love her name)
Great Aunt Rachel and Alice
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Monday, January 3, 2011
Happy 2011!
We had a great trip and a great time visiting with our family in Louisiana.
Unfortunately, I returned with a nasty cold that is wearing me out. I have some pictures and videos to post from Christmas Day and our trip. Stay tuned this week for those.
In the meantime, here's our little traveler looking over the emergency flight procedures. He was fascinated by that brochure every time we got on a different plane. When we were getting on the plane, he got to say hello to the pilots and look inside the cockpit. One of the pilots pressed a button and the plane "talked" to Luke. Very cool.
We actually flew out on Christmas Day afternoon. We weren't sure how that would work, but it wasn't bad at all. The kids had plenty of time to play with all of their toys. We ate a non-traditional Christmas meal of grilled burgers and fries. The only bad part was finding a parking place at the airport. All of the long term lots were full and most of the garages were full too. We finally found a spot. No weather delays either way.
It snowed the day after Christmas here. Our neighbors took a picture of our house and sent it to us in Louisiana. We were bummed that we didn't get to play in the snow, but we were glad that the snow held off and didn't mess up our travel plans.
Unfortunately, I returned with a nasty cold that is wearing me out. I have some pictures and videos to post from Christmas Day and our trip. Stay tuned this week for those.
We actually flew out on Christmas Day afternoon. We weren't sure how that would work, but it wasn't bad at all. The kids had plenty of time to play with all of their toys. We ate a non-traditional Christmas meal of grilled burgers and fries. The only bad part was finding a parking place at the airport. All of the long term lots were full and most of the garages were full too. We finally found a spot. No weather delays either way.
It snowed the day after Christmas here. Our neighbors took a picture of our house and sent it to us in Louisiana. We were bummed that we didn't get to play in the snow, but we were glad that the snow held off and didn't mess up our travel plans.
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