Natural Consequences...

Monday at a pool party, Christy, Sam and I were talking about natural consequences. I thought of a good one for you Christy, even though it hasn't happened here yet - it's only a matter of time...
We have a sit and spin, Graham loves it. Ethan has taken to standing on it and spinning. I have told him if he falls it will hurt. He still does it. Each time he does, I think "This could be the time he falls." Only a matter of time...

Weekend Fun

Paul has been working on our sprinkler system this weekend. The yard is a huge mess of mud and water, perfect for 2 little boys. Their favorite is running the trucks through the puddles. Graham is so funny when he does it, he is so focused and determined. Paul and I were laughing about it, because Graham looks just like me when he is determined. I snapped a pic, but he smiled. I was trying to catch the "focused" look, it's cute none the less. Ethan, he just runs without abandon. I love watching them have fun outside with their Daddy!

Trying Toddlers

I guess we are entering into a new phase here in our household. Graham is definitely beginning to act like a 2 year old, spreading his wings, acting a little more independent. Ethan, he tries to boss Graham around, still having his whiny tantrums; although, less of them, and can't stand it if things are not done his way - by Graham. ERG!

It is not even 10am and I feel completely at the end of my rope. Ethan has been yelling orders at Graham all morning; like Graham pays him any attention. Graham has been snaking toys from Ethan all morning, which causes more yelling AND whining from Ethan. HELP ME!

I feel so ill-equipped for this part of the "Mom-job." On one hand I have to deal w/ Ethan and his attitude, and then deal w/ Graham and his need to spread his wings and think for himself. I know yelling really does not help anything, so why is it my first reaction?

Oh I am just frustrated and beat down.

Skip to My Lou

Ethan has recently learned to skip. He LOVES skipping. He asks "Mommy, don't you want to watch me skip?" Of course I do. This clip is quite cute, and quite funny. It is amazing he has the coordination to skip, no matter how rudimentary it might be!

Happy Mother's Day

For Mother's Day, we went camping. This expedition we went to Cedar Hill State Park. Amazing how just a few miles south of Dallas, it is really pretty. Our site overlooked Joe Pool Lake, and we had a wonderful breeze/strong wind, it kept the bugs away. Andie and Roo went with us. We fished, swam in the lake, played snakes, took naps, ATE, and most importantly relaxed. What a fun trip!

Camping just might be our new family activity. The boys are never bored and they come home so very very tired!!!

Paul grilled us steaks and potatoes when we got home, then we put the boys to bed early and vegged on the couch...going to bed at 9:15 ourselves. What a wonderful Mother's Day.

Thank you my precious family!

Roo & Andy = Richard and Alison

Repeat after me...

My sweet Ethan has had 2 wonderful days at MDO. It was a rough start w/ the new school and schedule, but I'll take 2 good days. All that to say, Mondays are long hard days and after school today we went to Costco. Poor guy just couldn't help but whine he's so tired.

We were at Costco much longer than planned, since Graham lost my keys - and that took forever. Anyway, I was doing the cursed no-no of empty threats, just to keep my sanity. So when we finally pull in the garage, I tell Ethan he must bring in his backpack and lunch box and put them away.

He tells me he is "too tired. "
I told him there was "no option."
He says, "Can I just have the consequence and go to my room?"

If I wasn't so tired myself, I would laugh. Thankfully, he kindly put his bags away w/o a fuss.

Farewell our dear "Lady"

Our dearly departed Lady...

For several months now, Lady has just not been content. We bought her new shells to try out and she did not like them, she would scurry around discontentedly, and a few times come out of her shell completely - which I know is a sign of distress (oh the wonderful world wide web). About 5 days ago she burrowed down as far as she could in the sand. A couple days later she was upside down and not moving. She passed on...

Paul wanted to get rid of her, but I told him we needed to let Ethan see and explain to him, instead of her just disappearing...like the fish!

About a day later, Ethan was looking at them and said, "Mommy Capt'n Jack cutted Lady!" What was a peaceful passing scene, now looks like a crime scene. Ethan informed me we had to get another one; I'm sure we will and more fish for the fish tank.

LONG LIVE CAPT'N JACK!!!