Santa

We started a new tradition this year.  Mr. Fixit and I decided to have Christmas at our house, on Christmas Eve -- just us and the boys.  It was special!  We attended Mass at 4:00 p.m., followed by a candlelit supper (well, for 5 minutes anyway).  "K" demanded that we "turn the lights on, because we can't see!!"  So, I obliged.

Then after the dishes were done, and diapers changed -- I hung out with the boys in "K's" room to sing some songs.  The intention was Christmas songs, but a request was made for the "ABC" song.  Again, I obliged.  Mr. Fixit tidied up the living room a bit, and set out the Santa gifts.  Then he joined us for a few songs.

Soon, Mr. Fixit exclaimed that he thought he heard Santa.  We ran to the living room, and - sure enough - he had visited.  The boys opened their gifts - two each - and had fun playing the rest of the evening.  It was so much fun to watch their expressions!  "K" especially was trying to figure out how those presents got there!

Grandma's Gifts

It is so much fun to celebrate Christmas with Mr. Fixit's family!  We enjoy soup by candlelight, and each child opens his/her gift from Grandma (or Great Grandma) -- in age order, from youngest to oldest.  Wow, it is hard to imagine the fun that Grandma's little house can hold!  There are 23 grandchildren, and I think 18 "greats."


Both "K" and "L" were very excited with their gifts.  It was quite funny though -- because each boy seemed to "trade" gifts and play with each other's present.  "K" received a lock puzzle board and "L" received an xylophone.  "K" played the xylophone, in the dark, most of the trip home ;).



Thank you Grandma!  We had a fun night, and made many wonderful memories!

Cookies with the Prez

Get excited: I had cookies and toured the house of the President . . . of Kansas State University!  It was quite fun!  The President's house is super close to where I work, so it was an easy walk.  We were able to tour the house, and of course, have some holiday treats.  I gathered two cookies and carried them back to work.  The boys enjoyed them later that night!  One of my favorite holiday fun things to do is decorate cookies.  I love seeing other cookies, because every decorator has his/her own creative spin.  Decadent!  Hope you enjoyed a cookie or two this holiday season!

Merry Christmas!

We were blessed with two little art projects this year!  "K" made a handprint and painted it silver.  Mr. Fixit helped "K" hang it on our tree.  "L" made a white handprint, and the teachers turned each finger into a snowman!  We set his board at the base of the tree.  I snapped a photo to show the art decor.  It will be so much fun to see the things they create each year.  I have a plastic tote box for each boy, and am saving "some" of their art.  I think I need to reanalyze what has already been saved, because the boxes are filling fast!  I love art though, so it is hard for me not to save it all.  Well, hope your Christmas is truly blessed!!

Over the River and Through a Snowstorm

Merry Christmas to all, and hopefully, all of you have made it safely to your holiday destinations.  We celebrated Christmas a bit early this year with Mr. Fixit's family.  Unfortunately, Mother Nature had other plans.  We had dinner (58 of us) and then proceeded with gifts.  At this point, I was becoming a little persistent with Mr. Fixit to depart for home.

We knew Mr. Fixit would be called in to work, so it was necessary that we travel home.  At this point (about 7:15 p.m.) about 4 inches of snow had already fallen.  The snow began around 5:00. This storm packed a punch.

We journeyed 60 miles or so home, in 2 hours and 15 minutes.  The roads were terrible, the snow was so heavy we could barely see, and the wipers simply could not keep up.  The windshield now has a nice crack clear across it, and the boys actually were pretty good troopers through it all.  I was thankful to see family, but quite thankful to be safely home that night too!

It's a Doughnut!

I ran upstairs to retrieve a file, and well, was instructed to eat a doughnut.  For those of you who know me, probably are wondering if I really ate this doughnut.  Well, I did.  I am not doughnut person.  I mean this in the most sincerest of ways.  I do not crave or dream about doughnuts; so I really do not miss them.

So, I thought, if I must choose a doughnut -- I am going to choose red velvet.  Why?  Just look at how decadent it is.  So beautiful, and that pretty deep red color?  Yup, this doughnut was calling for me.

It was a cake doughnut - which I think cake doughnuts are way better than the other kinds of doughnuts - cake is awesome!  So, in honor of finals week, I ate a doughnut.  I really would recommend this type of donate again :)

Night Details

I typically leave my office around 4:55 p.m. to head over to collect the boys from child care aka "school."  I have been biking on most days, but the snow and ice has created a bit of a hiccup recently with my bike adventures!  I generally arrive to child care around 5:05.  I park the bike, and drop my backpack at my car.  Then I grab my tote bag for child and stuff collection.

I stop by "L's" room first.  I read about his day and sign him out.  I get his coat on, and then we head to "K's" room.  I read about his day and sign him out.  We gather "Zebra" get  "K's" coat on, and head to the parking lot.  I load "L" first, and then "K."  It is about 5:20 p.m. at this point.

Then we head home.  Generally we arrive home at 5:40 p.m.  Mr. Fixit has supper ready, or we heat some left-overs for out dinner.  We generally eat at 5:45 p.m.  Trust me, the boys are pretty much ready to eat as soon as we hit the door!

Then Mr. Fixit clears the table and takes the scraps outside.  I wash dishes, wipe down the table, counters and booster chairs.  I typically finish around 6:45 p.m.  Then it is time for the after dinner diaper changes on both boys.  Usually, Mr. Fixit and I tag team this activity - one boy per person!

Then, it is about 7:00 p.m. and we spend the remainder of the night playing.  Toy pick up occurs around 8:15 p.m.  A bedtime snack follows at 8:30 p.m.  Jammies and/or bath occurs after snack.  Books and bedtime occur at 9:00 p.m.  Mr. Fixit puts "K" to bed, and I take care of "L."

After both are down, I set the table for supper the next night and get all necessary ingredients and equipment ready for the next night's meal.  I try to keep in simple - a prepped casserole or other item that easily pops into the oven.

Mr. Fixit prepares hot tea for both of us.  I take my shower.  I gather items for the next day of work and childcare, and place them by the door.  Then we have about 45 minutes to just sit.  Yes!  I then head to bed around 10:15 p.m.  Usually, I don't get to stay there all night! :/

Elmo ABC's

My current work position came with an iPad, which has come in quite handy for corresponding with students and working with my institution's enrollment database.  I love the flexibility and versatility offered by my iPad!  Well, someone else in my house has also fallen in love with the iPad.

I loaded several toddler friendly and preschool learning apps on my iPad.  "K" loves playing "Elmo ABC's," "Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood" and some "Tally Tots" stuff.  "K" requests "Elmo ABC's" each night, and honestly, he can pretty much do it all by himself now.  Rather amazing, and scary -- isn't?

So, after dishes are done, and I can sit with "K" we play "Elmo ABC's."  I have had to start setting a timer, because I was getting a fuss when it was time to put it away.  I set the timer for 35 minutes.  When the timer sounds, "K" knows it is time to finish up his letter and turn the iPad off.  I am super excited to attend an iPad workshop in January to learn more about the educational possibilities related to iPads!

Blocks, Books & Balls

Today's post is brought to you by the letter "B!"  "L" received some Duplo blocks and a Duplo truck for his birthday.  It is one of his favorite toys to play with.  He loves taking the single blocks and stacking them all together.  The truck also works well to "haul" the blocks to various building sites.

Construction generally proceeds well, until an uninvited assistant shows up at the job site.  The assistant is a little demanding and bossy at times about how the construction project should progress.  Naturally, the assistant's thoughts are not well taken by the site's lead director.  Bottom line: "L" would rather not have a construction assistant! ;)

Morning Details

As Mr. Fixit says, the days of sipping coffee and catching a little morning news before departing for work are over!  Life has a bit more activity now  as we try to get two toddlers and ourselves ready for "school" and work.  If you could watch, here is what you might see:

*Mr. Fixit and I get up about 5:45 or 6:00 a.m.  Mr. Fixit makes his coffee and eats his breakfast in, hopefully, a little peace and quiet.
*I make the bed, get dressed and get ready for work.  Next, I lay out the bath supplies for either "K's" or "L's" night bath.  We alternate nights between the boys.  This seems to work best right now!
*Mr. Fixit gets dressed and ready for work.
*I get my lunch supplies ready and load the car with work supplies and childcare supplies and car keys go in the ignition.
*I eat my favorite breakfast - a bowl of cereal, with almonds and raisins - and read some mail.
*At 6:40 a.m. -- if both boys are still peacefully sleeping -- Mr. Fixit wakes "K" and he enjoys a toaster pastry.
*I pull out clothes for the next day and bath/bedtime supplies for that night.  Then I brush my teeth.
*Then it is time to get both boys dressed, shoes on and coats on.  It is time to depart for town at 7:10 a.m.
*I take the boys to "school" and then I bike over to work.
*Mr. Fixit heads to work.

The day is off and away!  I will tell you about the end of the day in a future post.  In the meantime, stay warm and have a wonderful day!

Play House

Unfortunately, we had to bid our washer farewell.  After 14 years, the poor dear leaked oil upon the floor one Saturday, and simply refused to wash one more load.  *Sigh* It was a dramatic end to such a good life!  While the expense was not planned in our budget, we did acquire a play house in the process!  Check it out!

Mr. Fixit and I transformed the washer box into a super fun play house!  I painted each side of the house its own color: red, yellow, green and blue.  The roof was painted brown, as well as the door and windows.  The house is just perfect for two small boys!  Mr. Fixit thinks that the house may not survive the impending roughhousing, but I told him -- it is a box, after all.  So, what are we out, right?

I already had the paint and brushes.  Mr. Fixit already had the utility knife.  We are thinking about adding a draw pull to the door for a door knob.  Won't that be just perfect?  I also thought that I might raid Mom's fabric stash on the next visit.  I think the house could use some curtains. ;)

Cookie Time

One of my absolute favorite things to do -- is this -- decorate cookies!  I LOVE this recipe so much, and thank my fabulous friend BH for helping me fall in love with them.  Yummy!  This is my first holiday themed double batch.  I think I will be making maybe two more before the month is finished.

It usually takes about 3 days from mix, bake and decorate.  Why so many days?  Well, it is complete chaos to do this activity when the toddlers are awake.  So, I have to fit a bit in during nap and bedtimes for those dates.  Although, the frosting making part is one both boys really enjoy -- so I do that when they are awake!

These cookies are headed to cookie carousel, coming up soon at church.  I think they will easily make friends, don't you think?

Dinosaurs

"K" has taken quite a liking to dinosaurs.  A good family friend of ours constructed some dinosaurs cut outs from scrap plywood.  They are pictured here!  He created a large dino and two small ones.  They are all green, and have a forever friend in "K."

You know when a toy has made to the favorite spot, when "K" requests to take the toy to bed!  These guys have been hanging out near "K's" bed ever since.  Plus, "K" has reported that "L" is "too little" to play with them.  So, we are talking a bit more about sharing ;)  Roar!!

Red Handed

It appears that the toy containers have now been transformed into climbing objects -- and no light switch is safe!  "L" delights in turning on and off the lights, multiple times, and honestly -- why is this game fun?  So, Mr. Fixit and I have had to establish some limits, because we do not want the light switches to wear out ;)

As you can see, progress in fine motor skills is definitely occurring.  "L" can now turn knobs -- which makes the washing machine an interesting target -- and has discovered how to open the refrigerator.  Watch out, condiments are then pulled out one by one!

So, if you are wondering how exactly we stay in shape?  The secret is a curious toddler!  He has also learned how to open drawers, and enjoys pulling all of "K's" clothes out.  Then, for good measure, he hauls them around the house!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Well, this was not quite the Thanksgiving experience that I would have predicted for 2013!  We ended up staying put at home, not traveling, not dining on turkey and fixings and well, I think the only Thanksgiving-type thing we did was watch the Macy's parade.  The boys loved that, by the way!

Nearly a week ago (Sunday), little "L" was not quite himself.  We soon discovered that he had a tummy bug.  So, that day was spent home with a little TLC.  "L" also hung out at home with Mom on Monday too.

I started packing the loads of stuff that we would need for a trip west.  I thought, well, might as well use the time that I have for something productive!  We planned to depart on Wednesday.  "K" got the tummy bug on Wednesday.  So, we decided to stay here.  Mr. Fixit was then the next victim on Thursday, and then I lost the battle on Friday.

Today will be a day of cleaning, and laundry and cleaning -- oh and did I mention cleaning?  We are thankful that everyone is on the mend -- and hope that all of your Thanksgivings were marvelous!

Best Bros

The boys are starting to play together more now -- which is so much fun to witness!  However, they also fight quite a bit too.  I really was not prepared for all the "tousling" that boys seem to do.  One minute, they are best friends, and the next -- they are scrambling to grab the same toy!  Of course, tears usually follow.

So, I thought I would capture a photo of a more calmer moment between the two.  They love being reunited at the end of each day of childcare.  Then, before bed, they love chasing each other around the house.  It is fun to see that sibling bond forming.  Let's just hope that sharing skill continues to develop!

"K" Pumpkin Paints

One of my absolute favorite things to do as a kid, and well, as an adult too -- it to paint!  What better fun could one have?!?  The boys selected pumpkins, and could then choose a paint color for his pumpkin.  "K" selected a brown color -- which seems to be his favorite right now.  This brown reminded me of chocolate milk!

"K" painted his pumpkin and then headed off to explore the garden.  He actually found some cherry tomatoes that were still green.  This year's late freeze was a nice treat for the garden produce!

"L" Pumpkin Paints

It was definitely a brisk, fall day at the pumpkin patch childcare day!  "L" picked out his pumpkin and he selected red paint for the decorating.  Each child selected one color to paint his or her pumpkin.  The paint was Tempura -- a wonderful, washable paint!  "L," donning a paint smock, is having fun painting away.

After pumpkin painting, there were straw bales to explore, pumpkin guts and garden remnants.  We had fun gathering leaves, riding in the wagon and sliding down the slide.  Then it was off to lunch and a nap.  It is a full day at the pumpkin patch!

Halloween Dudes

This was the first Halloween of trick-or-treating for these little guys.  We attempted to trick-or-treat last year, but "K" was not really sure about going up to people to ask for treats.  Plus, "L" really could not eat any treats, so we visited one house last year, and called it good.  But, it was a whole new year!  The boys were excited to give it a try!

We carpooled with some neighbor friends to a nearby small town.  We visited a nursing home, did trunk-or-treat and walked a couple of blocks for the "real" trick-or-treat experience.  It was just perfect for these little guys.  Each received about 10 pieces of candy, which was perfect.  The boys have been enjoying a piece of candy for dessert each night.  "K" wanted to do it by himself, once he got the hang of it, and "L" did not let go of his bucket the entire night.  I think it was a success!  "K" was Thomas and "L" was "being good" ;)!

Inside a Pumpkin

During the month of October, the boys' childcare center had a fall pumpkin day.  The kids entered their playground to discover hay bales and pumpkins!  Each child selected a pumpkin and were able to paint his or her pumpkin.  Parents were invited for the fun too.  The weather was a bit brisk, but fun times were still had by all!

One of the "centers" was a giant pumpkin -- in pieces.  You can see the table with the pumpkin pieces here.  Kids could explore the pieces, the pumpkin insides and touch all the items on the table.  It was fun to see the kids' expressions, and hear their comments.  "K" actually snuck a piece off and tried to taste it!  He did not eat much.  When asked what it tasted like, he said, "pumpkin!"

Meet Jack!

We were quite successful in our first pumpkin carving!  I decided it was best to keep this experience simple, because two-year-olds really do not have much patience for intricate details. =)  So, here is "Jack" the jack-o-lantern.  How about that?  We carved him on Sunday, and he really did quite well until Halloween.

We still had enough left over candles from the wedding reception, that we should be good to light pumpkins for years to come!  So, here is our "big" pumpkin with the "baby" pumpkins.  I really can't say that I have seen a happier pumpkin family!

First Pumpkin Carving

About a month ago, I took the boys to select some pumpkins.  I told "K" that he could pick out one big pumpkin, and the rest would be little pumpkins.  Well, the day had arrived to carve the big pumpkin!  As you can see, "K" is eagerly watching Mr. Fixit carve the lid to the pumpkin.  What would we find inside?

After the lid was carefully cut, I asked "K" what shape we should make the eyes.  He responded with "triangles."  "K" also requested a circle nose, and some teeth in the mouth.  "K" helped me draw the shapes, and I did the carving part.  I did not snap any pictures of this process because my hands were too messy!

Grandma & Grandpa Visit

We have had a beautiful fall, which makes it all the more fun to host guests!  Grandma and Grandpa came for a recent visit to lend a hand, while Daddy's "owie" healed.  Mr. Fixit had surgery, and I needed a few more hands to cover all the bases during the recovery time.  =)  Mr. Fixit was not to lift or carry anything over 20 pounds.

I have desperately been trying to capture a "good" picture of the boys and Grandma and Grandpa.  Usually one kid (or both) are crying, and well, "L" just never wants to sit still long enough for any time of photo opp.  So, this is what a got.  Not too bad, right?  We will simply keep trying!!

Finished Walk

A day later, Mr. Fixit removed the wood forms and added a bit of dirt around the edges to bring the walk flush with the ground.  I swept the excess dirt off, and the boys gave them a test run!  We love our new walks, and are excited to welcome guests to try them out too.  Best of all, we will not and (you will not) get muddy shoes walking to our doors!  This photo is of the walk leading to our front door.  Eventually, there will be hand railings to help with the step up.  However, I think this already is looking more inviting to guests.

Smoothing

After the concrete was poured into the forms, the sculpting and smoothing part was next.  This is a long process!  As the concrete hardens, it requires different tools to smooth the walks and add a little bit of texture.  Finally, when it has set up enough to hold some shape, lines are added.  The lines help guide the concrete breaks.

The final step before the concrete totally set, was a little bit of broom brushing.  This adds just a hint of texture and keeps the concrete from becoming to slippery when it is wet.  I told Mr. Fixit that the troweling and smoothing part would have totally been my favorite thing to do!  It reminds me of art!

Pour

We have sidewalks!!!  I know, who would possibly get so excited over sidewalks??  Well, it is exciting I tell you!  We finally have walks to our doors, and it has been a big project that Mr. Fixit spent many nights prepping for the big day!  The boys, of course, "helped" along the way, so it took a bit longer than without the extra hands ;)

Mr. Fixit dug, leveled, added gravel, built forms, wired rebar and checked to be sure each area was level.  I am sure I missed a few details here and there, but that is the basics of what happened.  So, here is a photo of the concrete pouring from the truck.  Wow!  Right?  It was pretty cool to have a front row seat!

Lots O' Laundry

My Saturday time is spent doing lots of laundry!  This happens to be one weeks worth of little boy laundry.  It usually translates into three loads.  I often spend Saturday mornings doing the entire week's worth of laundry.  It seems like the week nights are too hectic to really get anything accomplished, except dinner, dishes and baths.

So, here is the finished product.  I am patiently waiting to put all the clothes away - after the boys wake from their afternoon naps.  In the meantime, I think I better start on some house cleaning!!

Little "L" & Lots of Rocks

I think if I remember correctly, Mr. Fixit indicated that we had 13 tons of gravel dumped in this large pile.  Oh wow!!  Talk about the best - play - place - ever!!!!  The little boys loved this rock pile!  Mr. Fixit leveled it a bit, to enable the guys to climb to the top and slide down.  Thankfully, diapers add extra padding ;)

The pile is a bit smaller now, as some has been used for the sidewalk project, and some has filled in some driveway low spots.  However, there is still plenty left for some awesome fun!!

Painted Pumpkins

I love crafts!  I really have not had the time to do any crafts for the last, oh, almost three years, but I see the light at the end of the no-time-for-crafts tunnel.  "K" and I recently painted some small pumpkins and gourds, as a fall craft project.  We had a fun time!  After they dried, I placed them on the window sills and next to some of my plants.

We used acrylic paint (not washable) and sponges to paint our pumpkins.  We wore old t-shirts, and I covered our work space with paper.  It worked very well!  Check out our pumpkin art!  I recommend giving it a try yourself!

Pumpkin Painting

In honor of the fall season, and Mr. Fixit having to work, I trekked to Eastside Westside Market with the boys.  We were in search of a "great, big pumpkin," according to "K!"  We did, indeed, select a big pumpkin -- but I thought some little ones would be really fun for "K" to paint. So, he picked out some little pumpkins too.

Since "L" took a longer than normal nap this day - we took advantage of the time, and painted our pumpkins!  "K's" favorite color choice was blue.  So, pumpkins are in the process of getting a little costume themselves!

Bucket of Balls

'Tis the season for hedge balls.  And, if you are a small boy, they are fun to gather!  These hedge balls happen to be from last season though.  They made it through the winter and summer.  They are quite small and black now - yuck - but, obviously desirable to toddlers!  "K" gathered them, and "L" enjoys transferring them from bucket to bucket.

Meanwhile, "K" was entertained with an assortment of tools: shovels, rakes, hammer, screwdrivers and more, as Mr. Fixit was constructing the front deck step.  Free entertainment offered daily here!

Deck Dude

We (Mr. Fixit) has been meaning to finish the entrance to the kitchen part of our house, which, people have naturally chosen as our "main" entrance.  So, it needed a bit of work to make it a bit easier to access.  Mr. Fixit began constructing a large deck step.  This happens to be the "in process" step. As you can see, it is quite level!

The day we came home, "K" would not even come in for supper.  He was busily "working" the entire time the rest of us ate.  Thankfully, Mr. Fixit unplugged the saw removed all of the dangerous equipment.  "K" practiced lining up screws, measuring with the measuring tape and checking to see how level the project was.  We give it two thumbs up!!

Zoo Vizit

Recently, the boys' "school," scheduled a time for the local zoo to drop by - with some animal guests, of course.  My work schedule allowed me to be present for the special visit.  It was quite the site to see a room filled with infants, toddlers and two-year-olds and the teen zoo educator.  She indicated she normally works with adult groups =)

Well, the room was bustling with activity, and the kids loved seeing and touching a snake, tortoise, ferret, snow leopard pelt, and scorpion.  It was quite the sight!  The zoo docent did a marvelous job, considering the chaos that pretty much always abounds with small children.  Hopefully, she will come again soon!

Duet

It is really amazing how much "L" copies off his big bro.  If "K" tries it, well, "L" will not miss a beat.  He wants to try it too!  This is proving to be an adventure in the toy department.  We simply do not have two of very many things!!  However, I thought the piano bench was big enough for two boys to play.

The playing "together" aspect lasted all of 30 seconds.  Well, maybe 40 seconds, but seriously, we did not even make it to one minute!!  So, we (basically me) made the executive decision to take turns at the piano.  I do not think we are ready to offer a concert just yet, but "L" did master not falling off the bench.  A great first step, right?

Piano Man

One of the most fun things to do, while visiting Grandma, is to play the piano!  "K" and "L" love sitting on the bench and exploring this large, musical instrument.  They both are not good at sharing the keyboard, and the music that is played, well, it could use a bit of work!  However, it is still fun to watch them explore.

All of Mr. Fixit's sisters learned to play the piano, while Mr. Fixit and his brothers all learned to play guitar.  I think that is a truly remarkable thing, and hope that these little guys will enjoy playing an instrument some day too.  That is one thing that I wish I could have done as a child.  So, play us a tune, Mr. Piano Man!!

Combine Ride

On a recent visit to Uncle "F's" farm, it was soybean harvest time, so Uncle "F" was prepping this machine for the field.  "K" was mesmerized by the massiveness of this machine.  Uncle "F" took a little time to give the little guys rides.  "K" is still talking about this event!  Check out that John Deere!!

I snapped a photo as they approached me.  "K" was in the jump seat, and "L" got to sit on Uncle "F's" lap.  I am sure he was a great steerer!!

We really wanted to make it back for corn harvest, but the scheduling just did not work this year.  So, corn harvest is on our plan for next year.  Just think a combine and a "big truck" ride, all in one day.   I am sure "K" will talk a mile a minute about that experience!!

Grandma Time

"K" has figured out who Grandma is, and that, well, she will give him candy!  He even expressed this enroute on a recent Sunday visit.  So, we decided to snap a photo of the wiggly boys and Grandma "F!"  "L" was not really interested in sitting still, but after a few shots, this one turned out to be the best.

We try to have a Sunday lunch with Grandma once a month.  The little boys are not happy travelers, most of the time, so the event does help them become a bit more patient while riding in the car.  On second thought, maybe it is a lesson in patience for Mr. Fixit and I!

We enjoyed a delicious lunch and a nice visit.  Thank you Grandma for all the goodies!

Pepper Pose

The child care center has a garden, however, I am not entirely certain that much reached maturity!  Many little hands had fun "picking" the produce as soon as it was discovered.  "K" loved picking tomatoes at home, so I can only imagine the fun he had picking them at "school!"

"K" is holding a pepper in this photo.  It is a tiny banana pepper, and likely would have enjoyed growing just a bit longer before harvest.  However, "K" is proudly sharing his pepper with Miss "E" during some outdoor play.  I love fresh produce!  I always miss the summer treats in the middle of winter.  So, I am trying to savor the tastes now!

Mom & Boys

Mr. Fixit decided that I should be in a picture on the rock pile, with the boys.  I told him that it would really be a better backdrop for Dad and boys, but he insisted.  So, here is our picture!  I think Mr. Fixit did quite well!  The boys really enjoyed climbing the rock pile and moving the rocks.  Shovels ready?

Birthday Shirt

"L" received some very cute shirts for his birthday, and since he is doing a fabulous job of growing - he is wearing most of that wardrobe right now!  Check out this cute, one-piece shirt.  I love one-piece shirts!  They stay tucked in, and work well when you really do not want to put a pair of shorts on.  Yeah!

I also love the color orange!  Orange is bright, cheery and looks fantastic next to the boys' skin.  My favorite color is green, but I honestly, and truly think that orange is one of the best fashion colors for these little guys.  Fall is the perfect time to wear orange!

Lid & Container Memory

Several other experienced Mom friends of mine, recommended that it is best to have a drawer or cabinet where toddlers can have free reign.  Why, you might ask?  Well, it gives them a place that they can play that is safe, and keeps them out of the places where you would rather not have them! 

"L" loves this drawer!  For awhile, he was content in hauling the contents out, and then tossing them back in.  However, now he insists upon sitting inside the drawer to "work."  It really is quite entertaining!  He is mesmerized by trying to match lids and bottoms.  Generally, he does not do too bad.  This will keep him busy for about 20 minutes, which allows me to get dishes washed after dinner!

Milk Label

We now are a house of two milks - again - for the next year!  "L" is on whole milk, and will be due to the extra fat within this milk.  It is great for baby brain development ;)  There is also milk that "K" and I drink.  Having two milks is perplexing to Mr. Fixit.  How does one keep track?!?

So, I have labeled the milks.  I will forever have to do this -- did I mention for a year -- until we are once again a one milk house.  It is a good thing that it is school supply season.  I think that I might just need to purchase a new package of fun colored permanent markers for this occasion, don't you think? ;)

Hay Season

This was the perfect summer for hay.  We were blessed with lots of rain during the typical hot times of the summer, so the hay was quite happy!  Earlier in September, the pasture bordering our property was mowed, raked and baled.  The boys loved observing this process!

This is the first step of hay cutting: actually mowing it.  It works similar to a regular lawnmower, but on a much larger scale.  One difference, is that the hay is cut into long pieces.  This makes it much easier to bale.

After the hay has been cut, usually the next day, the hay is raked.  A large rake-like implement is attached to the tractor to achieve this.  The rake piles the hay nicely, and makes it much easier to pick up when baling occurs.  Which, you have probably guessed is the next step!

To bale the hale, a baler implement is attached to the tractor.  The hay is scooped into the baler, and wound tightly into a cylinder.  Once the bale is completed, a mesh wrap is applied, by the baler, and the bale is pushed out onto the ground.  Later, they will be collected and moved to a storage area for winter feeding.

One point to note: it has to be dry to cut, and especially bale hay.  Baling wet hay will cause it to mold, and then, it will not be edible for the livestock.  So, here is lunch, for those winter months.  Yum!

Rock Pile

A giant pile of gravel rock - for the driveway - was delivered while we were at work and "school" for the day.  Well, "K" did not miss this pile!  He excitedly proclaimed the appearance upon our driveway entrance!  So, what is a little boy to do with a massive (13 Ton) pile of rock??  Climb and dig, of course!

"K" grabbed his shovel, a nice, long-handled garden shovel, and moved a bit of rock around.  Mr. Fixit thinks that if he works on it nightly, he might have it moved by spring!  "L" thinks it is equally fun to plan in the rock.  He will grab a rock and toss it into the grass.

So, if you are looking for hours of entertainment for little boys, I recommend having a large pile of rock delivered.  Endless playtime will follow!

Boys & Blocks

One of the nifty, red, recycled toy tubs works well for the foam blocks.  The blocks must feel fun, because both boys climbed into a tub -- on separate dates -- to enjoy them.  I snapped a photo of each, because I honestly could not believe that each kid can fit into the tub.  I know  they will soon be too big for this!

Thumbody's Sleeping

Even when "K" is sleeping, the left thumb does not get a break!!  His thumb is swollen and has a callus on it.  Recently, it was sore from all his sucking action.  He came home from "school" with a band-aid on it.  I am wondering if this was an attempt to stop sucking action??  I must ask!

Anyway, snoozing "K" is enjoying his thumb, and hopefully, some sweet dreams too.  This will be a hard habit to break -- ughh -- I can hardly wait for that day.  "L," thankfully, does not suck his thumb, but there are at least 12 pacifiers scattered throughout the house.  THAT will also be a hard habit to break!!

Marker Man

"K" now makes daily requests to "color."  So, we have a little station set up at the island for his creativity to unfold.  The island is a great spot for art, because "K" can't get there by himself and "L" can't either.  Double bonus!!  Plus, I can cook, and keep an eye on him.  Yeah!

"K" loves markers and crayons, but really seems to request markers the most.  Markers are messy, so I have decided that dry erase is the way to go.  They clean up super easy!  "K" even drew all over his arms and legs -- they wiped clean in a snap.  So, he can make some art, and I can worry less about the mess!

Sweet Snooze

Our family has been plagued by an annoying cold.  Yuck!  We all caught it at the same time, so we all decided that we must have been exposed at the same place, or by the same person.  Both boys have not been sleeping well, which, of course, means we are not sleeping well either!

I snapped this photo of "L" napping so peacefully.  He took about 4 hours -- total -- of naps this day.  Yikes!  I had to wake him from both naps.  So, that is a good indication of how tired he is.  I am praying for more nighttime sweet dreams!!

Ready for a Shave?

The fascination with Mr. Fixit's electronic razor still continues.  "K" really does like this piece of equipment.  "L" was also quite willing to let "K" play barber with him.  Let's hope they are this excited to shave when their faces actually require real razor action!