Weekend Update

The early Fall days seem to be flying by. The weather is perfect for lots of playtime outside. Something little boys definitely need. If they are not running trucks, swinging, or digging dirt, they are my cute little superheroes.

One night last week, I let the boys watch a show while snuggled up in my bed. This is their new favorite thing to do, and they look so sweet doing it.

Daddy is the "man" when it comes to bathtime and bedtime. He makes having a bath like waterride, drying off a national event, and actually getting into bed is like a crash 'em up derby. He loves making the boys laugh, giving them the hiccups. And they practically beg for more...

And lastly, Meema came for a visit this past weekend. We had a great time. The boys love when she comes; and even she and I got to spend some time together without the boys. Then she was kind enough to watch the boys while Paul and I went to see Fireproof with friends. However, Meema, never stick your tongue out at the camera. You never know where that picture might pop-up...

Boot Scootin'

If you know Ethan, you know he wears his cowboy boots with everything. Oh they are quite the eye catcher with some outfits. Sunday evening we had our friends Wade, Janna, Robert and Laurie Jane over for dinner. The kids had the best time running around. Robert managed to find Ethan's boots and instantly loved them. Lucky for him, I had just bought Ethan a "new" improved pair at JBF. Ethan graciously gave Robert his much loved old ones. (his new ones have a bigger heel and he really digs that) The first pic Robert had a new one and an old one on...cute.

It will hurt...

Since the weather is so great, we take to eating meals outside. However, that does not mean the mosquitos have quit coming around. I think they are worse than this summer. Naturally, Graham gets eaten alive by them. We slather him up, me too, and fire up the citronella candles. The boys like to call it "fire," which it is - duh! We do the "oohhh hot" "ouch" game with them, that the candle will hurt if you get burned. Apparently, this is not enough of a warning for dear Graham. After dinner Paul and I were still chatting while the boys played...yes...Graham stuck his finger in the flame. Yep, "OUCH!" Thankfully it wasn't too bad, we are just hoping for "lesson learned."

BOYS!

Number 2

Finally got tooth #2 out. It was all twisted it was so loose. Ethan has been very tight lipped about it. Today I had him looking in the mirror at how far it could lay down, then I told him it fell out. I then got a kleenex and told him I needed to get it out of his mouth. Yes, I then pulled it. He didn't even know it, it was barely hanging on. After bathtime he finally let me take a picture.

I think he got excited that he lost another tooth when he realized the tooth fairy was coming again. At dinner he asked, "Does the tooth fairy come every time I lose a tooth?" "Yes." Ethan, "Cool."

The sad realization, for me, he will soon start losing even more teeth and his little boy look will be gone forever. I'm taking as many pictures as I possibly can!

Tooth Fairy

Well they tooth fairy finally visited Ethan. Yesterday while playing he knocked his loose teeth even looser (even a word?). We have been trying to get them out because his other teeth are rapidly coming in. Anyway, after he knocked them, I looked at them and could plainly see at least one was ready to come out. I tried to get it, but no such luck. We decided to wait until Daddy got home.

After dinner, Paul laid Ethan down on the couch to get a good look at his teeth.


GOT IT! I wish I could have taken a pic of mine and Paul's faces. We were quite shocked, Ethan did not even feel it. We held it together well, and starting singing praises to him!


Euphoria before realization set in. Although, he is very happy to see his big boy teeth.


Tooth Fairy sneaks in...


A boy and his treasures, what bliss!


Paul did try for the second loose tooth, with PLIERS, it is not quite ready for extraction. Ethan did not even blink when Paul brought in the pliers, I about sucked the air out of the room. Funny.

Congratulations my Little Man.

To the RESCUE

As you know, Ethan is very fond of Batman. Thursday night at the JBF consignment sale, I scored a few more items for him to wear with his mask...and a few things for Graham. Also, I found Ethan a new pair of boots, he loves wearing his boots with everything. I will let the pictures speak for themselves with our new "gear."



Looking for people to rescue


Graham climbed into our sink

Insanity...

Our 20+ year old Maytag dryer has not been in the best of shape lately. The belt has gotten squeaky and loud; there is enough noise in my house with 2 boys and all tile floor. I will only dry if I start the dryer on my way out the door. To fix the old dryer would be about $100, I told Paul I could find a good dryer on craigslist for about that much. We called about several that we liked and they had all been sold right before we called. Today, we hit the jackpot...Maytag Neptune gas dryer for $200. I am a happy wife!!!

Bye Bye Dryer


Hello Sweetness


Yes, I am that excited about it! I've already put a load in it...and I am not particularly fond of laundry.

p.s. Thank you Susan for giving us the first dryer. It has lived a long wonderful life!

Hurricane Ike

Praying for the safety of my family in Houston; as well as friends. I so wish I could contact them, but I know they will call when they can.

***Update***
Praise the Lord. My family is ok.

Graham's First Day

Graham had his first day of school today! He was very excited to go to "cass" and wear his "ackpack." He loves doing everything like big brother. He was excited, and then we actually got to school and dropped off Ethan, and walked to his class. "No cass, no cass. No hool" He was a mess by the time I left him. I know he will end up liking it, but it is a good thing I am picking them up early today.

Why I love little boys...

They are just adorably sweet. They are dirty and yet lovable. They find pleasure in the most simple things.

Today was a cloudy but not very rainy day. After naptime we headed to the front yard for a favorite past time. Running trucks. As after every time it rains, we have a plethora of rolly pollies, so that took much of our attention. Ever since my little brother was this age, the little boy "squat and examine" is one of my most favorite things.

Then the mowers came next door and the boys were in awe. My heart melted at the two of them standing there together. I am so glad I had the brain to run get my camera.

I love you Ethan and Graham.

Rainy Days

I wish I had taken pictures today. Here it is dinnertime and we are all still in our pj's. Love that. We have had fun playing and lounging around. On another note:

Graham has become quite assertive in expressing his 2 year old "independence" and opinions. To the point of some pretty hefty tantrums. Paul and I have been dazed by this, it is not the Graham we have known the past 2 years. We are in the process of figuring out what best will work on disciplining him. In the meantime, I have been sending him to his room - if there is disrespect on top of his fits, he gets a spanking. Well, today he was asserting himself and I told him he had to leave and go to his room. He fimly told me "NO" then took off running to his room. I laughed on the inside as I took off running after him. Oh, we are going to have to watch him. Smarty Pants!

Ethan's First Day of Preschool

Today was Ethan's first day of preschool. I prepped him at our Meet the Teacher last week, a lot last night - so this morning when he woke up I knew he was excited to go. I know he was, as you can see he was being very silly in our "first day of school" pics. Graham was also very excited, except his first day is not until Thursday!

I bought Ethan a Batman mask for having a great first day! He has barely taken it off. He wore it all through dinner. I guess we are very rapidly immersing into superheros. He often addresses me as Supergirl. He does have the "super" part right!!!

Happy Anniversary

Paul and I celebrated our 8th anniversary last week. Friday night we were able to go out to a wonderful steak dinner. We had such a wonderful time being together and chowing steaks. Paul got the 20oz bone-in Kansas City strip, I got the 25oz cowboy bone-in ribeye. OMG, it was like butter. NO I did not eat that much meat, I have a nice fat steak still waiting for dinner tonight. Poor Paul, he ate all his!!!

Thank you to Alison and Richard for keeping the boys over night. It was wonderful to wake up when we wanted and no kids jumping in the bed with us. We had a nice relaxing morning, went and ate a big breakfast and then worked in the yard.

Potty Update

In case you have been wondering...
Graham is doing great w/ using the potty. Alison and Richard kept the boys Friday night, I gave them the rundown how Graham has yet to poop on the potty, the normal times he did that, and I hoped it wasn't too bad for them to clean up!

I go pick the boys up on Saturday, Graham pooped in the potty for Richard. Funny that the first time was with him and not at home, but hey I'm NOT complaining. Again, this morning, he was very happy to sit on the potty for a while, and finally pooped again. VERY exciting. He gets a little distraught, but knows he is doing the right thing. Very happy parents!

Season of Change

I have a bit to say...you are forewarned!

I'll start with Graham and potty training. It is going quite well. I am certain if I can get him to actually poop on the potty one time it will click. He's got the peeing down! Graham is starting MDO this year. I did have him signed up for 2 days, and this past week started feeling bad about it. I mean he's only 2, I'm not pregnant, not working - there really is not reason to have "my baby" in 2 days a week. So through a chain of events, it was decided tonight - one day a week. I am happy with that and glad that someone else helped make the decision.

Ethan begins preschool next week. I am so excited for him and the learning opportunities, play, and relationships. I am very happy with The Learning Center at Northwest. Which brings me to the reason for my post:

After many many weeks of interviewing, visiting, discussions, and Paul and I talking; we have made the decision to leave Northwest and pursue a job opportunity at another church. We are very happy and excited with this change. We are excited to get involved and explore what God has in store for us. That being said, we also have sadness in leaving Northwest. There are so many good people there. Bringing me to my point, the day Paul talked with his boss was quite sad for me and I cried. Again, tonight at open house for The Learning Center, Paul's boss came to talk to me about his appreciation of Paul and us. He was quite gracious and genuine...more sadness. Paul started to say something, and I stopped him - no reason for tears at open house.

This has been one of the most difficult decisions for us in our married life. We will truly miss Northwest, but know God has a wonderful new journey for us. Please share our joy and also pray for us over the next few months as we adjust to a new church home.

Look what Daddy caught!

Paul picked a locust off a plant on the back porch tonight. He was holding it for Ethan and Michael. It was all sorts of upset, and making lots of noise. It is too adorable watching boys and bugs!

When you get all four of them around a bug in a bucket...

So fun to see them all jumpin' around and squealing, because after that, then bathtime you get this...

Madeline, Michael, Ethan and Graham...forever friends.

I look forward to years of them huddled up together.

Potty...

We are visiting my parents in Kingwood. I decided to go ahead and continue Graham's potty training while down here. It has been great. Yesterday on the way home from church, on the other side of town, Graham INSISTED he had to potty. I pull over, in a horrible part of town, at a Burger King; he went potty - amazed. The best part, he had a diaper on.

Today, he woke up from naptime completely dry, told me he had to go potty and went. More amazement. He has yet to wet my mom's floor!!! Of course he has also yet to poo in the potty, but I am happy with what he is doing.

I know there will be more triumphs and more setbacks; but, it goes to show that lack of expectations for him spur him on instead of it becoming a battle! YEA Graham!