Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Drive-Train

You know, all this talk about cars has got me eating, breathing, sleeping, night-maring, ogling cars! I am so darn sick of this whole thing that I would give up in a minute. Except for the slight problem of not having a car big enough for three little Thomases...

I wish I came with a warranty. Wouldn't it be nice to be certified? Anything goes wrong in the next 12 months, bumper to bumper (and believe me, this poor body has had some problems bumper to bumper!) and bam, it's fixed for free (so they say anyway..)! Change that 7 year/100,000 drive-train warranty into a 7 illness (per year)/100 years old (whichever comes first) warranty instead and I'll sign up!

Cars, smars. I'm sick of 'em! We had a better experience today at a dealer but the deal was a no-go. For some "strange" reason, they wouldn't let us take the van to a mechanic to check it out. Hmmm... Trying to hide something?

In possibly hopeful news though, B had a talk with Mr. Big-Shot (The owner of the dealer that treated us so horribly this weekend) and told him what happened. He's going to be "checking into" the situation and calling Ben back soon. Who knows? Maybe we can still get our van but for a better deal! Trying not to get my hopes up..... Just doing lots of praying and trusting that God will provide a car.

In the next month or so.....

These little guys have been champs! They've been dragged to 5 places now and forced to sit for hours sometimes and have been SO well-behaved! They keep earning stars for their jars:) I bet they could tell you a thing or two about cars now...

They were having a picnic breakfast in the pic above:) I let them watch a little cartoon on the weekend and eat some fresh peaches, banana bread and milk. Mmm! Like I always say, doesn't take much to keep a kiddo happy!

Monday, August 30, 2010

My Guy(s)

I Love My Guys! All 3 of them:)



Working hard building a Lego masterpiece!

I love these 3 that fill my life with noise, love, and laughter. They also each drive me crazy at times but it's a good kind of crazy! Everyone needs a little crazy in their life:) My boys are growing up so quickly, before my eyes this summer. Zakkai told me that he is supposed to grow up (but I told him to slow down!) and Samuel told me he wants to stay 5 forever and got very upset and teary at the idea of growing up.

I had a glimpse of what I was like as a child when I told my mom that I was going to be a missionary and live at home for the rest of my life! Samuel says even when (if he has to) grow up, he will still cuddle with me and sit on my lap, give me hugs and play.

I will remind him of this someday! In about 10 years, I'm thinking...

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Hiding

I have been so completely drained these past few days that I haven't even had the energy to write or talk to anyone.  Not to mention, I really dislike writing downer posts because who wants to go read that?! But then again, I have to be real and honest. Because life isn't a bed of roses all the time. God didn't promise that and I'm just really thankful I have Him to help me get through stressful times!

Please pray for us this coming week. We have SO much going on and it's hard to work up the energy for it all after such a stressful past few days. I was so stressed (and hurting b/c baby girl decided to bruise one of my ribs!) on Friday night that I thought I was going to end up in L&D for monitoring since I was having so many contractions. Thankfully I was able to relax enough to fall asleep for a little while.

We spent all of yesterday at a car dealership and just when we were about to sign the papers, this crazy manager went berserk on Ben for asking him to fix something on the car, starting yelling at us and refused to sell us the car. That is the extremely edited version and suffice it to say, it was a really tough and discouraging evening for us yesterday and morning today. It was really tough and hurtful what happened and it's hard to work up the nerve to do it all again! But we have to and the sooner the better. Lots of prayer going on here these days:)

Anyways, hopefully after hibernating and regrouping today, we can crawl out of our little shell  into the big bad world again tomorrow.

After all, new mercies every single day, right?!

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Today I Had..

A Day like this.
And I felt like this.




Or perhaps this?


Or mostly like this. Without the baby. Yet.

And I'm completely drained. And thankful for a new day tomorrow. And a goodnight's sleep tonight. The End.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Shoes and Thankfulness

It was (mostly) a nice day with my boys! The cooler weather is really helping me feel better about my days since I have more energy to go out with them! We did a little shoe shopping for daddy today since he often gets the shaft in the shoe dept. Not until he comes to me showing me that this tennis shoes are ripped, torn and practically falling off his feet do I realize that he needs a new pair!

So then, of course, Samuel chimed in saying he needed a new pair, too. I was quick to assure him that he did indeed NOT need a new pair. To which he argued. To which I looked at his shoes and realized that he wasn't being dramatic, his shoes really are ripping and coming apart. And I just bought them in the spring! He must be hard on shoes.

Thankfully, Z doesn't need any. And didn't really care anyways:)

So, after we found shoes, we got stuck in the baby department just browsing:) Samuel was so cute, pulling out outfit after outfit begging to buy it for little sis. And then resorted to tears when I wouldn't buy him a new stuffed animal, even though he has 4,398 at home. Actually, make that 3,537 because I did secretly get rid of many of them before moving. At least that was one less thing we moved!

And then I treated the boys to a special and very rare lunch out at Wendy's. It was the worst Wendy's experience I have ever had! They seriously got almost every single thing wrong with our order! But we finally got most of it settled and then Samuel got to whining about not getting new things at the store. So we had a talk. (I like to have talks with them.) And I talked on and on about being thankful for all of the things that he has (and beyond material to good health, loving family, etc!). And most of it went over his head.

And then I said, "Tell me something you're thankful for. We're not leaving until you do."

And that got his attention. And he hemmed and hawed and finally told me he was thankful for his lunch. And then whined and complained about something else (sensing a theme for him today?) when we got in the car and had to tell me another thing he was thankful for.

And then we went home. And I told daddy what had happened. And...you guessed it! Ben made Samuel tell him something else he was thankful for. And we told him that everytime he whines and complains, especially over not getting something, he will have to tell us what he is thankful for in his life.

He didn't complain the rest of the day.

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

P'sketti N' Parks

I love how it doesn't take much to make my boys happy! Any special "treat" or outing or something unordinary about the day makes their whole face light up! Take this picture, for instance. Probably a month ago or so, we had good friends over for dinner and we all enjoyed a delicious treat of s'mores for dessert! These were a BIG hit with our munchkins! They could hardly figure out how to eat the gooey, chocolatey yumminess. But they did a good job:) I love their messy faces!
Speaking of messy faces, Zakkai had a fantastic p'sketti face tonight! At one point I looked over while he was eating to find him with his head in his spaghetti, I mean p'sketti bowl eating his noodles. I asked why he wasn't using his fork and he said it couldn't reach the last 3 noodles:) What a little character!

He was a crab today after a bad night's sleep but woke up in a much better mood after a long early nap. He even chose to take a nap instead of eating lunch! Then I took the boys to meet a friend at a waterplayground park. Except we got lost. And an hour later, we gave up.

But the boys were so disappointed so I found a waterpark near our house and they had a BLAST! It's the neatest idea for young kids. They put a playground basically in a pool. The water starts at 0 depth and goes up to about 1ft 10 in. There are steering wheels where they can turn on and off sprinklers. A slide and stairs to climb. A tire swing. And the best part?

It wears them out so they can eat p'sketti and go to sleep:) I love days like this! Except for the getting lost part....

Monday, August 23, 2010

The best of Monday randomness

* Well, we are still checking out cool minivans:) We went out Saturday and saw 3 Odysseys. One smelled like a farm on the inside (seriously, what in the world did those people do in there?!), one was speckled with brown all over the inside roof (but the salesman pretended he didn't see it), and the other was pretty nice; just a strange color (sometimes blue, green or gray)! The salesman obviously had no idea about vans and had no personality either. He wasn't happy when we told him we weren't buying that day and might be back. We tried another place but they were all out of Siennas so that didn't work! And then we were exhausted and came home and ate cereal for dinner:) We'll try again soon..

*Oh, and thought and breathed car stuff so much this past weekend (so many little details to figure out) that I dreamt about it two nights in a row and woke up exhausted. So ready for this to be done!

*Zakkai has reversed pooping on the potty and either holds it in and then claims he had diarrhea in his pull-up and couldn't control it (right..)or poops while he's sleeping! Go figure. Haven't figured out what to do about that one. The past few nights he's spent some time on the potty reading books claiming he has to go. And then when he's done with the books, he says he didn't have to go after all. I think he just really wants to stay up a little longer:) I'm smart like that, catching onto his ploys...

*Samuel was very worried tonight that he hasn't figured out what he wants to be when he grows up! Maybe he felt pressure because Z already "knows" what he wants to do. I told S that he had plenty of time to decide and that God would show him just what he is supposed to be when the time is right! He says he just might want to be a tow-truck driver but he's not sure yet...

*It was so cool last night that I actually slept with covers on for the first time in about 2 months! It was glorious! (And I slept 10 hours and got up to go to the bathroom 4 times. Fun!) And it was cool enough this morning/evening that I even felt like cooking! I cannot wait for the fall! Hot soups, fresh bread, apple-licious treats from the apple picking.....mmmm..

*Ben did all the dishes tonight and took out the trash without me even asking! What a fine husband I married:)

*We had grilled steak (not the expensive kind!) and roasted veggies (potatoes, red and orange peppers, zucchini and carrots) tonight. It was so good that the boys even requested more of the roasted veggies, including zucchini. I should've taken a picture...

*Zakkai has actually decided he likes bread for the first time in his life! He ate 2 small pieces tonight. Who is this child?

*I am starting to get into organization/nesting mode! And I am organizing very random strange things (like tearing out pages from magazines to file in my folder and getting rid of the magazines...). Important? No. But it makes me feel happy. Now if we can just find a dresser to put all the clothes and things in that Baby E is acquiring before she takes over our bedroom!

*1 week until Ben starts teaching; 11 days until my sister and her hubby make their annual Labor Day visit!; 2 weeks until school starts for the boys; 4 1/2 weeks until apple picking; 10 (maximum~do you hear that baby?!) until Baby is due!

*I finally emptied our trunk of random things we have been carrying around for 2 months! Things to give to various people or dontate, etc. Do you ever do that? And then it feels so good to get that little stuff that hangs over you done!

Well, now that you so delightfully caught up on the randomness of me, I'll say goodnight!

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Swagger Wagon?

I always swore up and down and all around that I would never ever, not until pigs fly and cows start making chocolate milk, buy one of these:

Well, guess what?


Yeah, that's right. We're cool like that. I think I always thought I'd have to buy one of these:

Or worse yet, the ones with the sloping fronts from 1982. I know, I'm a minivan snob. Who knew?

We are pretty sure, after a whole lot of prayer and racking of brainage and tears (me, not Ben) that we have found a way to get a used van (no new 2011s for me!). It involves trading in our Camry, which we really didn't want to do but who can afford 2 cars in Chicago?!

We are beginning the looking process today and are praying for lots of wisdom and savvyness over the next couple of weeks!

But until I can introduce you to our "new" car, hopefully soon, I leave you with this:

Think of Ben and I as you watch:)

Thursday, August 19, 2010

In which I watch my little boy grow up before my eyes...

Usually when we travel to Ohio after several months, our families (esp the grandmas) cannot believe how much the boys have grown. It happens so gradually when you are with them day in and day out, that it's easier to notice when other people point it out.

But lately. Lately, we have been watching our Z-man grow up literally right in front of us. It seems like he is changing each day! I knew he had grown physically, as he has mostly lost his buddha belly (I loved that belly!) and is developing that skinnier "boy" look. But his mind is maturing so much and he is really becoming such an independent little, er, big thing!

He is still feisty and full of life and quite frankly, a little dickens. He unrolls the toilet paper, flushes the toilet non-stop, colors on his hands and pours water from his cup into toys to drink out of. He has shown this lively spirit since he was 2 weeks old!


But now he doesn't want to hold my hand so much anymore:( I could always count on him being the first to jump at the chance of holding my hand. He wants to climb down the stairs himself and unlock the doors when we come home and buckle himself in his carseat. He has quit fighting us on getting himself dressed and does it all by himself (mostly..). The other day he put his shoes on the wrong feet and when I pointed it out he said, "No, I di.....I want them this way!"

He still says the silliest things like telling me about the "posquitos" that are biting him and asking for more "pasketti" (spaghetti) and how the "ghostes" are scary. But he also is really developing his own interests and opinions. "No fanks, mommy," he'll say often. He asks me every single day (at least for the past week or more) when and if  he can be an astronaut and LOVES with a capital L, getting books from the library about spaceships and firetrucks.

His newest thing is really wanting someone to play with him, usually Ben or I. He will make his little car, train or motorcycle talk to us and say (every single time), "Hel-lloo-oo. Do you want to go to the museum?" He was happy playing by himself or with Samuel before but really wants this interaction so much more with us. He is really showing signs of being ready for preschool and learning to do more things himself and making friends. Although he says he doesn't want any friends, but "fanks" anyways, mommy!

He has come a long way from this adorable 5 day old baby to a spunky, vibrant, independent, stubborn, charming, adorable 3 1/2 year old. Happy 3 1/2 year old bday tomorrow, Zakkai! Please try not to grow up so fast, okay?

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Choosing to be Thankful

We are having kind of a rough week over here and feeling a bit emotionally exhausted tonight. But I really really want to try to be thankful in the midst of a difficult situation. So here are a few things I am struggling with, minus many details, some big and some silly but on my mind at the moment:)

1. We received some bad news about being able to get a car to fit our upcoming family of 5. We are trying really hard to figure out what to do with not many options and trusting and HOPING for a miracle!
*I am thankful we have a car right now that fits the 4 of us and that it's been a great car with very very few problems!

2. Hearing discouraging stories about babies and struggling with worrying about our little one. I have fought hard to have a peaceful pregnancy, one free of worry but I've struggled with worrying this week.
 *I am thankful that everything has gone really great so far and that this little one is loved so very much 
 already, by us and by our friends and family.

3. Being lonely now that my closest friends have moved away and there don't seem to be many people around me to meet, even at the parks. It's been hard the past month.
 *I am so thankful for the friends I do have, even if far away. I am thankful for the technology of phone
   calls, texts and emails that makes it so easy to stay in touch with loved ones.

4. Am FED UP with AT&T and my local library! (I told you there were some silly ones:) I have called AT&T probably every 2 weeks since moving here to deal with problems. They are so  inept. And as for the library that keeps losing my books that I return and trying to fine me........well, poo on you!
 *Okay, fine. I am thankful that we have the internet. (can you hear me clenching my teeth?!) and that we can
   read books for free.

5. Worrying about school and how the boys, Samuel mostly, will adjust. Samuel is already getting really anxious about kindergarten and it makes it so incredibly difficult as a parent to have to be tough and compassionate all at the same time when all you want to do is shelter your child from any pain or sadness! Not to mention, I was just like him when it came to school when I was a little girl. My grandpa always has talked about "God's Law of Retribution" and how you have a child just like you. Wasn't it enough for me to go through it, God?
*I am thankful the boys can go to a good school that we like and that Samuel already has some friends who
  will be in his class. And I am really thankful that we are only 4 minutes away now!

**Alright, that's enough of this sob business! I am feeling discouraged and worrying about a few things but really trying to trust and set a good example for the boys. We have been asking them every night before we pray what they are thankful for, whether it's big or small. And Ben and I each say something, too. It's such a good practice to get into, especially on the days when you don't feel very thankful! There is always something to be thankful for!! I would really appreciate your prayers though, especially about #1 and #5!!

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

V and W weeks!

 We have been V, W"ing" the past 2 weeks and having a good time, as you can see! I'm not so sure what's going to happen this week for X week. Seriously, X? Who made that letter??!! But it being X week means there are only 3 weeks until school! Where did the summer go?

V is for:
Coloring with "Vibrant" colors! (the crayons really are called Vibrant:)

 V's and W's! V's in Vibrant and W's with some White on them (of course, Z refused to color with white:)
 Z chose V is for Violin and S chose V is for Van! Samuel added a road and a sign that says "Bump" on it:)                                                         




 These were our V words for the week. We talked a lot about Vegetables and Voice, which was fun!

W is for Coloring on the windows with Window Markers! Zakkai had to make it more fun by stacking the markers to color. Needless to say, marker ended up on the window sills, the walls....He's a dangerous one, that one!


We were ecstatic when we wrote the W words with writing utensils on Wednesday while wondering what in the world we were going to do the rest of the week! ( like it?!)

 
W is for Water; Samuel added himself on the left holding the cup, with 5 hairs on his head because he is 5:) And added me on the right pouring the water from the pitcher. Zakkai chose watermelon, one of his favorite fruits!

Monday, August 16, 2010

Our Baby Shower

We have a very dear group of friends from our housegroup that we were a part of for the past few years. Most Thursday nights, we met with this group and talked about as many aspects of marriage as you can talk about, life, shared hurts and joys with one another, ate lots of yummy snacks (mostly desserts:) and more!

Last night, this group of friends who has been like our family here in Chicago, threw us a couple's baby shower. It was seriously, the most amazing baby shower I have ever had or been to! Neither Ben and I know how to express to these wonderful, kind, selfless friends how very much it meant to us and how honored and blessed we felt to celebrate our baby's coming with them.
There were fresh flowers everywhere, which, as you can see, they shared for everyone to take home! There were fresh garlands of baby's breath strung from the doorways and the fireplace, made by the hostess Erin. A lot of time and love was put into making them.
And they so very generously gave gifts to our little Gift! Our friend, D, handmade these items above with such love and perfection, that we were so overwhelmed! I have never seen such beautiful baby gifts in my life! These are things I will treasure forever and pass down to her children....maybe:)
We also recieved things we really needed, as the first two rapscallions wore out or stained a lot of stuff! We got onsies, pants, dresses, socks, a knitted blanket and lots of little items used in a game.
Speaking of games: the most fun baby shower games I've ever seen! Joy, who hosted the game playing, did a price is right game where she had baby items up for bid and we had to guess the right prices. Ben and another friend ended up in the showcase showdown at the end! Ben lost because he underbid by $4 or so and the other, a new mom, won by being only 12 cents away from the right price!;) There was also a boys/girls relay where we did things like diapering a melon blindfolded, feeding the next person baby food pears (blindfolded!), matching up baby socks (You guess it...blindfolded), drinking water from a baby's bottle, searching for outlet covers in a bucket of beans and passing a pacifier from skewer stick to skewer stick.

The guys won. But only because they cheated. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!!
And the food, most of which was prepared by Ben and Emily, was SOOO good! There was pasta salad (which Z said he wasn't going to eat and then devoured:), bean salad, panini sandwhiches, frozen fruit cups, brownies and these other devlish cookie things. And a beautiful cake served at the end, by crafty D!

The time and the love put into this shower made it one of the most memorable parties ever and is something that we will treasure. We can't wait to share with Baby Girl how very much she is loved and blessed already!

Saturday, August 14, 2010

The Blue Angels

I am totally a nerd. Or something like that anyways! The Chicago Air and Water Show is here this weekend and I can't tell you how crazy I have been to see these fighter jets! I feel so guilty because my poor boys are terrifed of them because they are SO loud.

The last few days they have been frequently flying overhead or nearby as they have been practicing but everytime I have run out to the porch to see (as fast as I can run anyways) they are long gone. Sigh.

Today we saw them at a distance soaring over Lake Michigan while we were out running errands (another story for another day) but this afternoon I finally got my chance!

After several minutes of hearing thundering jets roaring overhead, I went out to the porch, with the boys screaming at me to stay inside and to my utter delight, 2 blue angels roared overhead and I saw them SO close! It was insanely loud but so amazing! We saw several other jets circling around downtown and a few more scream over our apartment. Samuel was hiding inside and Zakkai, who got brave enough to step out for a few minutes, started screaming in terror as 3 more fighter jets flew in formation over us.

So, my children might be traumatized but I am totally thrilled, like a teenage boy, to have seen some jets up close and personal.

Really, how often do you get to see Blue Angels flying over your front porch?

Friday, August 13, 2010

Charming Charlies


I'd like to take a minute to introduce you to my newest favorite store!! Charming Charlie's. (http://www.charmingcharlie.com/)


My oldest sisters got my other sister and I some jewelry (I am wearing the necklace/earring I received above) for our bdays and, our curiosity peaked, we made a trek to Charming Charlie's with our mom and gma.

Oh my goodness.

The colors! The rainbow of colors that explodes in your eyes until your brain can barely compute what it is seeing! They have all of their jewelry divided into colors so you can go straight to the blue section, the green section, the pink, etc! AND not only do they have jewelry but they also have shoes, purses, clothes, and other accessories!

The four of us all decided that we were in love (as in love with a store as you can be) and that we would most definitely be making future treks to Charlie's! Their prices are really really good and we all walked away with a little something to beautify ourselves, including some fun earring from the clearance section for $2!!  If you go to their website you can see if there are stores near you. If you are in Columbus, it's at Polaris.

I haven't cared too much about jewelry in the past but now find myself eagerly choosing the day's accessories. That could just be me trying to make my growing pregnant self look a little more attractive but still. It feels good to wear a little extra something each day!

*Unfortunately I am not being reimbursed for endorsing Charming Charlies:) *

Thursday, August 12, 2010

I'll Love You Forever

The title of my "new" blog is Love You Forever, named after one of my very favorite children's books. The repeated phrase throughout the book from the mother to the child goes like this:
"I'll love you forever,
I'll like you for always,
As long as I'm living
My baby you'll be."

So when I thought to myself, "What should my new blog title be now that we will not just be a family of boys?" I immediately thought of the phrase Love You Forever and how true that is for a mommy to say of her children. This blog is mainly about my children, with a few stories thrown in about me and what I do to stay currently "girly in a boys' world" but also sane!

I worked for hours tonight to redo the blog and had a completely different template/layout, only to have it all fall to pieces. I had to change to this one! Whether I'll keep it or not...we'll see. You know I like to change things up:) But for now, welcome to Love You Forever.

I'm thankful you're here.

Changes

Don't be surprised if the blog acts funky tonight! I am working on changing it and updating a new look! Don't fear; change is good!!

sometimes:)

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

It doesn't take much..

To make me happy!

*A smile from a loved one or even a stranger, meant just for me

*Hugs

*Random phone calls from friends to say hello!

*Spontaneous hugs from my boys

*A tray from Ikea to carry our food back and forth between the kitchen and dining room (I LOVE it!)

*The baby moving positions and not kicking my bladder anymore! Yea!

*A sweet treat (a new favorite: Blood Orange Gelato! mmmmm...)

*A good parking spot

*A 75 degree sunny day

*Target

*A good book

*Dresses (SO comfortable on a hot day)

*A clean house (that I don't have to clean? ha!)

*Magazines in the mail

*A good night's sleep (what's that?!)

*Sweet boys helping me down the stairs so they can "take good care of mommy"

*Hugs from Ben

*Pillows (it's just a pregnant thing, I think)

*Comments on my blog:)

It's the little things!!

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

7 Months!

Today I am 28 weeks along/7 months! Growing like a weed:) For my records (and later Baby's), I like to update what is happening each month!

I wasn't really feelin' the picture tonight, as I haven't felt the best today. Just a bit headachey and worn out. Hopefully I'll be back to myself tomorrow!

I am:

*Just starting to feel a wee bit of 3rd trimester (you heard me right; 3rd tri already!) let down in energy. Just a few more minor discomforts but nothing too bad!

*Am growing, growing, growing which means Baby Girl is growing, too! She is supposedly around 2 1/2 lbs now but obviously still has a lot more weight to put on!

*Groan a bit getting up from the floor after playing with the boys now. Haha! I think they are starting to wonder what in the world has happened to mommy!

*Feeling this little one move like crazy! She breakdances inside all day but especially at night when I finally relax:) She gets the hiccups at least twice a day and I can practically time my bedtime by the 2nd set of them!

*Praying that she will change positions! She moved sometime between last night and this morning and must now be legs down because she is kicking every organ down low in my body possible, especially my bladder!

*Cannot believe there are only 12 weeks left. I know it will go by quickly especially after the boys start school (in 4 weeks!) I was amazed that they let me schedule all the rest of my dr's appts today! Only one more 4 week visit before I start going every 2 weeks. wow!

*Am really looking forward to our baby shower this weekend, being thrown by our housegroup! I can't wait to see all of them again and feel so honored that they are celebrating with us! I really wish my family could be there though.

*Can't wait to meet this little person!

Monday, August 9, 2010

Not Me Monday!!

Mckmama- Not Me Monday
I haven't done one of these posts in a VERY long time but tonight I thought I'd give it a shot! So enjoy reading about all of the things I have not done lately:) At least not that I'm going to admit...
Today I did not take the boys to Ikea just to get out of the house; oh and to feed them for free! Nope, I did not jump off the fence in making the trip just because I heard that kids eat free there right now and I wanted to avoid making at least one meal at home today. Not me!!
And I, after swearing I was only going to let the boys pick out a toy for Baby Sister and get some bowls, did not walk away with a few more things than I intended...Me, do that?!
Nor did I read a book and then throw it in the trash when I was done because I had bad dreams last night. I don't feel guilty about it either. Really.
I know I am most definitely not counting down the days until fall! It's not like I have a lot to look forward to....boys in school, apple picking, baby.... No, I wouldn't waste away my hot summer days wishing for time to pass quickly! And this heat is definitely not getting to me and making me a little extra cranky. Because I am never cranky! Samuel didn't say to me the other day that we stay inside everyday (which really isn't true! No, I mean it!).
Well, that's it for today! All my other "not" thoughts flew out the window which means it's beddy-pie time for me and l'il jumping bean, who has her nightly hiccups:)

Saturday, August 7, 2010

Fun with Grandma!!

The boys (and us, too!) have been having a blast with Grandma here visiting! She loves to spoil them rotten and they love to be spoiled, as most children do! I had to find ways to occupy them Thurs and Fri during the days while they counted down the hours til she got back from her conference. On Friday morning we spent a lot of time at the park since it was so much cooler out (blessed relief!) and in the afternoon I took them to a local toy store where they have crafts on Fridays.

This is an adorable toy store filled to the brim with an insane amount of toys (all way overpriced) but the best part is the many tables of toys they have out for kids to stop and play with! We spent a lot of time in there after the craft and even came back later with Gma and Daddy:) And of course, Grandma bought them a toy...

Z working hard on his airplane craft:) He concentrates so hard!

Samuel and his red airplane! He was very choosy and deliberate about which stickers could touch his airplane and where they were placed. It looked very nice! It was so hot in there, I felt like I was going to passout but thankfully when we stopped back later they had turned on the A.C. Have I mentioned how thankful I am for the A.C.??!! After our 2nd visit to the toystore, we ate dinner at one of the many cute restaurants lining the street. Yum!

Today we made a trip to Naperville! It was a really nice day and so fun. The boys weren't mad at each other in this picture; Daddy had just moved:)

Little baby ducklings! So cute
Grandma and one happy Samuel (with another new toy). We were letting our yummy Mexican food rest in our bellies!
The boys (all 3!) and Grandma


Me and the Hubster:) I love this guy!

We were getting ready for another shot when Zakkai came running behind us and threw himself in between us. Little monster!

Our family!

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Boy Funnies

Kids are funny. Naturally, un-coached, spontaneously, hilariously, embarassingly, loudly funny. I wish I remembered to write down everything my two monkeys say! Here are a few Boy Funnies from this week: (as they model their new Toy Story t-shirts from Gma)



We were walking home from the park today for lunch and Samuel said, "Mommy, I think you should clean that sticky stuff out of my ears before kindergarten so I can listen to my teacher sometimes."
Um, Zakkai? Focus! Picture taking in progress! Talking to Zakkai is like talking to a bee sometimes. I will get done lecturing him about something he's done to warrant a time-out and will ask him if he heard what I just said. Zakkai will say something like (and I quote) "Mmmhmm. But if the door was green, then I would have to close it and lock it up!!" Right...let's start again...

Zakkai: "Why did the train cross the road?"
Us: "Why?"
Z: "Because it wanted to get to the otherside to home. Hahahahahah! EVERYONE QUIET SO WE CAN TELL IT AGAIN!"



"Why did the train cross the road?" (repeat 3xs)

"Zakkai, what are you doing?!!"
"Mommy! Grandma's toothbrush fell in the toilet!"
"It just fell in the toilet? Why were you playing with Grandma's toothbrush while you were going potty?"
"Um, it just fell. Mmmhmm."



Samuel: "Mommy! Listen to this! Why did the door close itself and turn on the light?" "Why, Samuel?"
"Because it was dark!!" hahahahaha.
Zakkai: "EVERYONE QUIET SO WE CAN TELL IT AGAIN!!"

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Then, the other day, they were playing out on the front porch while I was getting their lunch ready. Suddenly they came bursting into the house, leaving the screen door open, yelling, "Mommy!! There's a man staring at us! Yeah, he's staring at us and we don't like it!" I tried explaining to them that the man could hear them and he was allowed to be out on his porch, too and they were safe, etc.

And then I wondered why I wasted my breath when they opened the door back up, peeked outside and yelled, "He's still out there! He's going to stare at us again and we don't like it!"

Ah, working on manners never ends!

Followers