Life

I have not visited my blog for quite some time.  Honestly, life has been crazy - on multiple accounts!  Work has been busy, which is fun. Home is always hopping with activity, thanks to two active boys!  Family adventures also seem to be never ending.  Plus, in a little over a month, we will be adding one more little person to the mix!

Mr. Fixit has been busy in the landscape department.  He sure loves playing with that tractor of his!  I wonder if the tractor sometimes groans with anticipation when he slides that shed door open?  Either way, some day, we will have a nice looking yard.  It just may take 2 or 3 more years to get there!

It seems like most of my home time has been spent cooking, cleaning, laundry and sorting clothes.  Both boys have grown, and it is time to switch out the seasons.  Plus, I have been blessed with lots of second hand girl clothes.  So, I have been washing and organizing this clothing as well.  I do about 6 loads of laundry a week for myself and the boys.  I can't imagine how many more will be added to that total soon!  Mr. Fixit does his own laundry, so that is a huge help.

Sister AR has returned from her mobilization, and is currently stationed in the area.  So, she is our week night guest.  Things definitely are not dull!

Mr. Fixit's Mom has been doing great!  She is feeling better, and it is a blessing to have her out and about again.  We have enjoyed some visits, but work has kept us away this month.  Hopefully, we can sneak in a visit before the baby arrives in October.

My Dad is having a difficult time, and is fighting hard.  Chemo, dialysis, blood clots and cancer treatment side effects constantly take their toll.  We are praying for healing and guidance on how to best help him.  This certainly keeps us all occupied.

Well, that is the update!  Enjoy this photo of the boys enjoying some dirt fun!

"Big" Pepper!

"L" loves to haul produce everywhere.  Instead of placing the harvest in the bucket, he likes to carry them around until we take them inside.  Recently, he thought the cows should check out the "big" tomato that he plucked.  So, he stood beside the gate, held the tomato up and told the cows all about it.

The cows were quite impressed, as you might imagine.  They stared back, chomping on their grass, with a very quizzical look.  So, "L" continued to explain the finer attributes of his veggie harvest!

Garden Gifts

One of "K's" favorite evening activities is garden produce picking.  This has been a fantastic year for a garden!  We have been blessed with timely rains and fantastic weather.  The weeds have also really enjoyed the environment as well, but produce is ready for harvest!

"K" has enjoyed picking "matoes," peppers and onions of late.  Mr. Fixit will dig the onions, and "K" hauls them to the bucket.  A few days ago, our three nice green bell peppers did not make it into the house.  "K" chomped them down like an apple!  Good thing that we have more growing ;)

Little Cowboy

We have been tremendously blessed with new-to-us toys!  The boys have a blast, and it has been fun to watch them play with toys that another child (or few) enjoyed once upon a time too.  This horse is one example of a new-to-us toy.  We received it late spring from one of my friends.

The horse hangs out in the basement, and "L" is has mastered climbing upon the horse and riding it himself.  The getting down part is still a work in progress, but getting up is easy.  So, thanks to all who have given us toys, we truly enjoy each and every one!

Summer Time School

The concept of school stays and "stay at home days" are definitely becoming very clear to "K."  He loves, and looks forward -- most days -- to going to school.  I drop "L" off first at his classroom, and "K" requested recently, that he was ready to go to his room.  What an awesome improvement :)!

One of "K's" favorite activities is to "treasure hunt" on his playground.  Well, one other little boy - pictured here - is very much into this adventure as well.  So, the two boys have become fast friends, and the look for "treasure" each day.  "K" brings home rocks, beads, snail shells, acorn hats, sticks and a variety of other trinkets.

The treasure collection is about out of control, so I gave "K" a box for him to keep them all in.  It is beside his bed.  When the box becomes full, we will be prioritizing which "treasures" we should keep!

Life in Perspective

One month ago, or nearly one month ago, I posted to my blog.  Honestly, I can't believe a month has passed this quickly.  Our world has been turned upside down.  It is so hard to believe that the other life before existed.  Both Mr. Fixit and I have each witnessed a serious illness for one of our parents. 

Both parents have been fighters, but it is truly difficult to imagine how this situation became possible.  One of the most difficult things I have experienced, up to this point, is caring for a sick child.  That is tough.  They don't understand why or what is happening to them, but they feel miserable.  Plus, you lose much sleep in the process.  However, I would concur that a sick parent is almost as trying. 

Our little guys are too little to understand what is happening, and hospitals are really not a good environment for toddlers and preschoolers.  So, Mr. Fixit and I have not been able to help and see our parents as much as we would like.  We simply pray.

On a recent visit to see my Dad, for the first time since his diagnosis, we snapped this shot of all 10 grandchildren.  This was one of Mom's request during our visit.  Thanks Sis JK for making this happen!

Grandpa Time!

Grandpa came to visit recently, and the boys love their Grandpa!  Grandpa makes beef jerky, of which, boys are big fans.  Grandpa also loves to snack.  Again, the boys love snacks, so they enjoy snacks together.  Grandpa takes the boys to the store, and both boys love going shopping.  I usually try not to take them with me to the store, because shopping does not happen quickly when I do that!  The visit went well, and Grandpa and Grandma arrived safely to an from our house.

"L" and Grandmas

On our recent grandparent visit, I snapped some photos of the boys with grandmas and grandpa.  I decided that I need to remember to pull the camera out more when they are together.  Usually, we are so busy doing things, that the picture-taking part gets lost.  So, in honor of summer, here are some pics of "L" with his grandmas! 

Grandma & K

May was a great month for visits with family!  We were able to enjoy two Grandma's and one Grandpa!  The boys had a blast, and it is neat to see them develop the connections with our parents. They are older, and can remember what Grandmas and Grandpa look like, and like to do.  They also know where to find all the hidden "treasures" at each house.  We look forward to many future visits full of memories!

Life on the Ranch

Where does the time go?  So, it has been 10 days since I posted, and many probably are wondering where I am at?  Well, I am still here, but summer has hit!!  I am busy with new student enrollment at work, and then we are busy with lots of outside projects at home.

Mr. Fixit is working on a new fence.  In the process, he is cleaning up some brush.  A much needed project, but very time consuming.  In the meantime, rain has been happening -- yeah!!  The garden is growing, and well, the heavy rains have caused some additional fencework for Mr. Fixit.  However, we love being outdoors.

The boys seem to wake up earlier now -- since it is lighter earlier.  So, we are enjoying our favorite breakfasts: "K" loves granola bars and "L" loves "o-meal!" We have been busy attending outdoor summer events, and just enjoying great weather.  Yeah for summer!

News to Share

Well, we have been quite busy with boys, and they are starting to become quite curious about Mommy's belly.  So, we are excited to share that a new addition will be added to our family at the end of October or beginning of November.  Things have been busy, and honestly, I can't believe that we are already at 20 weeks!  Where does the time go?  Apparently -- very quickly when you are expecting baby #3!  Special thanks to a co-worker who snapped this first photo of my pregnancy :)

Oatmeal Man

"L" loves oatmeal, and by love it -- we are talking two-bowls-a-morning-type-love!  Needless to say, I need to remember to tell his teachers that he enjoyed oatmeal that morning because there are usually more diapers than normal!

I try to limit "L" in his oatmeal intake, but fits usually ensue.  This picture was snapped after the second bowl was consumed.  As you can see, oatmeal eating is a very messy endeavor.  Immediately following this snap, his placed the empty bowl on top of his head.  I have heard that oatmeal is good for your hair ;).  So, the way to "L's" heart appears to be oatmeal!

Party Time

"K" has really been a busy party goer recently.  Lots of birthdays to celebrate, and each party has had its own unique personality!  This party featured gymnastics fun and cake, ice cream and juice.  Let's just say "K" was a bit on sugar overload.

The juice and the ice cream were sure a hit, and well, the cake was virtually untouched.  The party favors included stickers, a small plastic slinky and a hot pink elastic bracelet.  "K" has been sleeping with his bracelet each night, and insists on taking it to and from school each day.  Wow, would have thought that the bracelet would become the most memorable favor?

Potty Time

"K" is not really sold on the whole potty experience right now.  Actually, he told us that he was not planning to use the potty any more.  He was, "done with that."  My first thought was, what!?!  However, I decided that eventually, he would come around.

"L" on the other hand, really wants to sit on the potty, but does not know what should actually happen while there.  He is into throwing paper in, and flushing.  Yes, the flushing part is quite attractive.  So, I figured, well, we must capitalize on the "wanting to sit."  Will my New Year's resolution of having "K" potty trained come true? 

Gardening Gurus

"K" has really gotten into the garden experience this year.  He is so excited to help plant the seeds and the seedlings.  Actually, if Mr. Fixit tells him we will be planting watermelon tonight, he remembers.  As we are driving home from childcare, he asks me, "Mommy, when are we planting watermelon?"

"L," on the other hand, is the unplanter.  He believes it is his duty to pull the plants out, or step on them.  I am not sure where he acquired this notion, but it sure is hard on the plants!  So, usually, "K" helps Mr. Fixit and "L" and I head to the sandbox.  I look forward to watching our garden grow, and "K's" excitement too!

Reading with Dad

Both boys truly love books!  We read each night, while on the potty (if I can get them to sit that long) and at church.  "L" received a new book for Easter, and he absolutely loves this book.  It has been selected as a "read at church" book for the past month.  So, it definitely is a favorite.

Recently after "L" had his snack, he wanted to read his new book with Mr. Fixit.  That is the photo that is captured here.  I look forward to capturing many reading memories for years to come!

Party Time

The last few months have truly been a birthday bliss for "K."  Lots of friends have been celebrating birthdays, and well, Mr. Fixit and I must be the only parents not doing birthday parties for our kids.  So, "K" has really had fun playing at the parties!

This party pic features a bounce house.  He was not sure about the whole experience at first, and I had to bounce with him.  However, once he got comfortable, he had a great time!  The day at the park was gorgeous, so the kids certainly had a blast!

Easter Truck

Easter is definitely a fun holiday for kids in Mr. Fixit's family!  The family "egg" (aka "stuff") hunt definitely will be a memory that will be fun for the boys to gain each year.  The only disadvantage to this family fun -- is what should we, as the "Easter Bunny," do for the boys? 

We don't want to become "stuff" focused on this important day.  So, this year, each boy received a wood truck and new crayons.  It was low-key, but still marked the joy of the day.  As they get older, my plan is to do some type of art supply item for that day.  I think it will be a fantastic way to recognize the "Creator" who made our lives possible!

Miss Mommy Tree

We recently celebrated our 4th wedding anniversary.  Wow, who would have thought that 4 years could go by so quickly?  I just remember high school seeming like an eternity, and these past 4 years have certainly moved very fast!  Mr. Fixit decided to mark our day - and Mother's Day - with a new addition -- a Redbud tree!

I mentioned a few weeks ago that I really loved Redbuds, and thought that some day, it would be nice to get one.  Mr. Fixit purchased one, and enlisted the help of his two boys to help.  The "help" part may have been a little laid back, but they had fun just the same.

"K" has been calling me "Miss Mommy" for some time now.  I think the whole school thing has been rubbing off!  So, Mr. Fixit decided to call the tree the "Miss Mommy Tree."  It sits right outside our dining room window.  So excited to watch this tree grow as our family grows!

Mom & Boys

Mr. Fixit insisted on snapping a photo of the boys and I, after I snapped one of them.  I am really bad about getting a picture with all of us in it, and Mr. Fixit said that some day -- the boys will wonder where I was when they look back at pictures!  So, one of my goals is a family picture some time this year!

As you can see, "L" was ready to dash off (after snagging Mr. Fixit's hat) and "K" was ready to go check out his bucket contents.  So, not a super stellar pic, but a fun one just the same.  Hope your Easter celebrations were truly awesome too!

Chalk it Up

Even though this was "L's" second year involved with the Easter hunt, this really was his first experience as a true "hunter." Last year's hunt was spent napping with Aunt "B" in the car ;).  So, I carried his bucket and worked to guide him in finding his loot.

"L" was really interested in gathering rocks, so we had a couple of meltdowns over this, but survived and did successfully gather all his items.  "L" loves sidewalk chalk.  I guess he likes to taste it at the childcare center.  So, I will need to keep an eye out for chalk licking!  I thought this picture was too fun of "L" trying to get inside his bag of chalk.

Egg Insides

"K" absolutely loves the plastic Easter eggs!  He now has the dexterity to open and close the eggs.  Some of them are still tricky, but for the most part, he can do it himself.  I think his favorite thing about this year's hunt were the eggs that contained quarters.

Each child found 4 mini eggs with quarters inside.  When he found his first egg (all eggs are labeled with the child's name), he shook it and said, "Jingle bells Mommy!"  Well, after the hunt concluded, he combined all the quarters inside a larger egg.  He carried the egg all night, slept with it, and carried it in the car to childcare the next day.  I am hoping that some day, we can get those quarters inside his piggy bank for safe keeping!

Easter Family

Our family has the best tradition for Easter.  All the "10 and unders" get to "hunt" for "stuff."  We go to the local park, and roam around gathering goodies.  This year's haul was sidewalk chalk, toy cars, bubbles, glue sticks, water bottle, ball, and books.  So much fun!

"K" really started to understand how this process worked this year, so that was fun.  "L" was not quite sure why we kept walking all over this park, when he could not get into that first bag of sidewalk chalk.  He really was not concerned about the other items left to gather!

So, I snapped an after hunt photo of Mr. Fixit and the boys.  They were tired (no naps for either) and it was a long night.  I told Mr. Fixit that I do enjoy seeing everyone, and the kids have fun too, but wow, do I hate that evening and the next day.  Let's just say the cranky-meter was reading on the high end of things!

Yard Work

Daddy do -- then little boys must also do!  Mr. Fixit was doing a bit of raking to clean up a bit of pasture area, and, well, the boys wanted to pitch in also.  So, each boy had a rake, and I am not really certain that any more work got accomplished, but they certainly did have fun!

I would say that we need to work on the follow through a bit.  Also, it is important to not be around anyone else when a small child rakes.  It is hard telling where the debris or the rake will end up!  Thankfully, we seem to have plenty of raking space to keep everyone occupied ;)

Firetruck

One cannot imagine the excitement of a small boy and big trucks and equipment.  Wow, I honestly never thought I would get excited to see a cement mixer, rock truck, wheel loader, trash truck or any other type of large equipment truck-type-thing driving!

Imagine the excitement when "L" saw there was a firetruck at the spring picnic!  I think he climbed on and inside that truck at least half a dozen times before the day was done.  "K," on the other hand, wanted nothing to do with it.  He wanted to look at it from a distance, and not go on board.  I think this truck was the highlight of the picnic for "L!"

Spring Picnic

The annual spring picnic was held for the boys' childcare center.  The weather was absolutely amazing.  Honestly, it was a bit on the hot side: 87 degrees, but fun was definitely had by all.  There was the playground, sidewalk chalk, parachute and an art station.  Plenty of fun, for 300 kids and parents!

"K" recently moved up to the pre-school room, but he still remembers his two-year-old friends.  Here one friend and "K" are having fun with the new sidewalk chalk.  Later we enjoyed hamburgers, beans, fruit, cookies and chips for lunch.  We had some tired, but very happy boys after the lunch picnic was completed!

Mr. Silly

I think we have a little "ham" in the house!  I love it when "L" is feeling great, because he has quite the sense of humor for a 20 month old!  I snapped a silly pic of his ornery grin, just to prove, that he is up to something. 

He is pictured with his favorite blanket, and of course, the "pa-pa" aka pacifier.  Someday we will need to say good-bye to this little friends!  This photo was snapped when Grandma and Grandpa came for a visit, and "L" was having a great time being silly.  Here's to many more days of wellness and silliness!  There simply is nothing better!

Jammies

I am slightly behind in posting photos and blog posts, and well, just plain behind!  Work has been busy, as students are deciding that it is time to change their major -- and it is time to enroll for fall and summer classes.  So, I like having things to do, and hope to be back to blogging soon.

Grandma and Grandpa came for a little visit in March.  Since "K" had his birthday, they brought some gifts as well.  "K" received some new race car jammies, as well as some shirts and pants.  Hooray, we really needed some of the "next size" of clothes!  In addition, "K's" favorite item was Grandpa's homemade beef jerky.  Have you ever seen a three-year-old get excited - and ask - for beef jerky?  I honestly, don't understand it, but Mr. Fixit, Grandpa and "K" sure had a great time snacking on that!

Spaghetti

Mr. Fixit gathered us some tickets for a recent spaghetti dinner fundraiser at his place of work.  Ironically, "K" believes this building is a "restaurant," because he often accompanies us to varies non-profit dinners held there!  Usually we dine on breakfast fare (pancakes etc.), but this time featured an evening dining adventure!

"L" loves spaghetti!  I honestly can't express his excitement enough for this long-noodle creation.  "L" also gets into every aspect of eating.  He is not concerned with getting messy, but gets totally into the food experience.  I admit, I often choose a less-mess pasta shape when I make this meal at home, to avoid elaborate clean up!

So, I thought all might enjoy watching a toddler enthusiastically dine on noodles and sauce.  I did remove his shirt for this experience, packed several wash clothes and wipes and cleaned the floor, table and child thoroughly after dining was completed!

Donut Cake

Ok, last post on donuts -- I promise!  You see, we just don't really go many places, so this was definitely the highlight of our March!!  So, this post is dedicated to the donut cake.  Check it out!  A three-tiered tray designed to stack the donuts into a cake-like structure.

The top of the cake features the coveted (at least in the three-year-old's eyes) Cookie Monster donuts.  Wow!  Let's just say the small people were quite impressed.  All Cookie Monster donuts had a home in some boy's tummy at the party.  They even had eyes!

We selected one donut, and placed three lit candles in it.  Wishes were made, and donuts were devoured, along with glasses of apple juice.  It was definitely a sugar-filled day!  Note: the donuts without frosting were the ones that the kids decorated.

Wall of Chalk

I have heard that there is a special paint that you can put on your wall which allows kids/people to chalk on it.  Well, that is true!  The donut place we visited for a birthday party had an entire wall painted "black" just for that purpose.  Three buckets of assorted colors of sidewalk chalk lined the wall.

The shop cleaned the wall just for the party.  So, it was entirely clean, and ready for lots of writing and drawing!  "K" loved this activity, and came back for a second turn after decorating and eating his donuts.  Such a brilliant idea, by the way!  I almost wonder if I shouldn't try pitching this idea to Mr. Fixit as a basement activity?  It really is fun!

Donut Party

"K" was invited to his first ever birthday party!  The party was for a friend turning 3.  Both boys happen to have March birthdays, so explaining that the birthday party was for his friend was a bit confusing!  However, both boys received donuts with candles in them, so I think the day was a success!

Each party participant was able to decorate a donut or two, write on the wall with sidewalk chalk and eat a donut or two.  The perfect party for the three-year-old crowd!  "K" was particularly enthusiastic about the Cookie Monster donut!

I thought this snap of him eying all the donuts was fun, so I hope you enjoy it as well!  It was amazing to me, the number of people that came to buy and eat donuts in the middle of the afternoon!  I guess anything goes in a college town. :)

Buddies

The boys' childcare facility was closed for three days during spring break.  As a result, this meant we needed to devise alternate childcare plans for the latter part of that week.  Thankfully, Mr. Fixit's sister "L" came for one day.  Mr. Fixit took the second day, and I took the third day.  So, this photo is from my day.

"K's" friend "W," moved to the preschool room at the same time.  They have both been together since they began at childcare.  We had a grand day!  They enjoyed play-doh, outside time, driving trucks, blocks, books and just running after each other.  Not to worry - "L" was sure to get in the action as well! ;)  This was the first friend that "K" has had for a visit.  I think they both had a great day!

Presents

It is amazing how much things have changed in one year of "K's" life.  In my mind, one year seems short, but for "K" it has been 1/3 or his whole life.  Wow.  That is pretty amazing!  This means that lots of changes occur, and continue to occur.

One change was the whole present thing.  "K" really understand the "opening" concept this year, and had a great time opening his birthday gifts.  He even did a great job sharing with "L" too!  It has been fun to see the growth.  My goal is to continue taking lots of pictures, so that we can capture as many moments as possible!

Purple Jazz Hands

One could say that "L" gets into his food -- literally!  I never realized how "neat" of an eater "K" was, until "L" began eating at the table too.  Oh my, there is no comparison.  I think "L" may need to don a bib until he reaches kindergarten.  So, here are some facts about dining with "L":

*Silverware really are only accessories.  Hands are the best method of getting food to your mouth.
*One should always toss a piece on the floor to see what happens to the food.  Does it stick?  Does it bounce?  Will it roll?
*Once your hands are fully covered, you should rub them all over your head, to evenly cover.
*When you are finished, dump your plate on the table or floor, and throw the silverware across the table.

So, I spend most of the meals trying to anticipate when some of these things might happen, to sort of, cut them off at the pass.  Sometimes I succeed, but mostly -- I go through many washcloths!

My Favorite Ranch

When you have grown up on a farm, things just can't get much better than going back.  Now, I don't live on a farm now, but thankfully, one of my good friends does.  My favorite thing to do is to help with their bull sale in the spring.  After a three year absence - I made it back!

As I rounded that last bend of the gravel road, I took in all the beauty and remembered the reason why I loved this place so much.  I love the miles of hilly pasture as far as the eye could see, bovines everywhere and reconnecting with people I have come to know well.  I truly missed the past years of absence from this sale.

I did not help sort bulls this year, water or feed, but I did get to help prepare and serve the buyer lunch.  I loved every minute of it, and hope to be able to return each year.  Here's to the foundation of everything: agriculture!  Thank God for the farmer!!

Haircut

Believe it or not, "L" actually has grown a bit of hair.  Mr. Fixit was ready to give him a little trim, and honestly, the experience was much more pleasant with boy #2 then it ever is with boy #1!  "L" giggled, and held perfectly still as Mr. Fixit clipped away.  The ear part is always tricky.  So a scissor trim is needed.

"L" had so much fun with his haircut, that he asked for Mr. Fixit to do it again the next night!  We told him, that haircuts only happen every once in a while.  Now, if we only get "K" to like them as much as "L" -- then we would be in business!

Biker Boy

Sweet "J," our original childcare provider, closed shop -- but, the toys definitely are not "resting" at our house!  This three-wheeler bike is "K's" favorite.  He still does not have the hang of pedaling, but can really move by pushing his feet off the ground.  He rides it each day, and steers pretty good too!

Since the weather, for most of January and February, was rather yucky, we had to resort to indoor play.  So, the trusty trike definitely had some miles put on it.  Of course, now "L" is trying to get in on the fun, so there is a squabble over this bike on occasion.  Here's to more future riding fun!

Shades

You could say that we all feel winter has simply lasted long enough!  "L" loves riding around in the new-to-us-firetruck, and on this particular date -- decided he needed to don some sunglasses as well.  The pacifier definitely is always an accessory as well!

Thankfully, we have an unfinished basement.  So, the boys can drive trucks from one end to the other and ride bikes.  In this case, Mr. Fixit does all the driving work, so "L" really does have a nice ride.  There are times that he is perfectly content to ride for 30 minutes or so while Mr. Fixit pushes the truck along.

Needless to say, on my list is to find some bikes this spring/summer so he can ride under his own leg power!!

Visit to Grandma's

After three failed attempts to visit Grandma, we finally were able to make that happen recently.  Although, on the way there, "L" vomited -- so, perhaps, we should have stayed home?  "K" was so excited.  Our last visit was at Christmas, and well, that was already three months ago.

Grandma fixed "K's" favorite thing: green bean casserole.  He absolutely loves the onions.  So, he ate some chicken and LOTS of onions and green beans!  "L" ate mashed potatoes.  Then, there were some cupcakes, including candles, to mark "K's" big "3" day.  I think he had a fun time!

I had intended on showing a photo with "K" and Grandma enjoying snack, but apparently I cannot seem to get it from the iPad to the blog post, right side up.  I even tried rotating and resaving on the computer, but it is not working.  I also tried pulling it from a url, and nope, that won't work either.  So, I hope to figure this out soon!  Until then, here is a "K" photo.

No Bull

One of my good friends has a family cattle operation.  Each year around this time, they host a bull and female sale.  I absolutely love this day!  I have missed the past 3 years due to, well, having a baby a couple of days prior the first miss, a stomach virus the second year and a crazy amount of snow last year.

In years prior to kids and hubby, I would travel out on Thursday and stay the entire weekend.  Oh how I miss those days!  This year, I left at 6:15 a.m. on Sunday morning -- sale day, and made it by 8:00 a.m.  My job was: lunch prep, service and clean-up.  It was awesome!

I manned cheesy scalloped potatoes, green beans, steaks and burgers.  Now, I did not grill the meat, but I handled the seasoning and serving part.  I think we served about 170 people, from 12:00-1:00.  The sale started at 1:30 p.m., with may satisfied buyers!

A Piece of Cake

Both boys have inherited their love of sweets from their Dad -- hands down!  I find that I have to keep the goodies out of sight, otherwise, our whole meal time, Mr. Fixit and I hear: "I want a cookie!"  So, the birthday cake has definitely been a total hit with both boys. :)

There is an art to eating cake.  Why use a spoon or fork?  One should become totally engaged in the entire cake process.  As you can see, "K" recommends that you use both hands and take a big bite.  Frosting is certainly the first priority.  If you run out of frosting, simply ask if there might be some left over that can be added to your remaining cake ;)

Happy #3 to K!

We did a bit of birthday pre-celebration, to mark the entrance into "K's" third year of life!  We celebrated on Sunday, and what a wonderful weather day it was!  Dinner featured chicken and rice and mixed veggies and rolls.  Then, of course, the highlight was the cake ;)

So, what's new in the 3rd year of life?

• Moving on up -- to preschool!  We are going on week three in the new digs, and drop-off is still a bit rough, but getting better.
• Letters - The teachers determined that "K" can recognize 21 out of 26 letters.  
• Pretend Play - "K" likes to "shop" and "cook" and build many structures.  He also tells stories to accompany each play activity.
• Self-Dress - We are working on putting on shirts, pants, "underwear" and shoes.  Not totally there yet, so someday!
• Zebra - Yes, zebra is still a part of the action, but zebra hangs out in the cubby more at "school," and we are often on a zebra hunt around bedtime to locate him.
• Table Clean-up - "K" takes his plate to the counter, after he is finished eating, and dumps his glass of milk into the sink.  

We are excited to see the many other things that "K" will learn this year.  He is learning fast, and asks many questions to try and figure out how things really work!

Sickness Woes

Ughhh!  When, I ask, will winter end???  This weather has been ridiculous, and has really started to get me a little cranky.  Honestly, it really is ongoing sickness causing my crankiness.  Every week, it seems, we embark on another new illness journey.  I would rather stay in "Well Land" personally.

Last week, I experienced my first ever round of conjunctivitis.  Yuck!  After five days of drops and no contacts, my eye has healed.  In the meantime, I got a call to pick "L" up from child care.  It appears that he was running a 100 degree temp.  Really?!  Not again!

So, "L" has been sick since last week Wednesday.  After several more days home, and a fever still, I decided to take him to the Dr. this past Tuesday.  By that point in time, there was gunk draining out of his left ear.  Ooops.  Way to go Mom.  Obviously, I should have taken him in sooner.

So, a sinus infection plus ear infection yielded a ruptured ear drum.  Wow.  No wonder he was miserable.  Antibiotics have been ordered, and I am still giving ibuprofen for pain.  Hopefully, in 10 days, he will be good as new.

Looking forward to the next round of illness roulette.  I honestly can't contain my excitement.

An Almost Family Photo

Mr. Fixit has expressed great concern: there are not many photos with myself in them.  He told  that if I am the only one taking pictures, the boys may wonder where exactly there mother was at during their kids years of life!  Now, I think this is a bit extreme, but I let Mr. Fixit in on the photo taking too.

I try to do an art activity with the boys each day we are home.  Right now, we are a little limited, because "L" still tries to "taste" many things.  I do not like using food items for art, because that can be confusing.  Today we eat a potato, but tomorrow we use it in art?

So, lately, we try Play Doh, dauber painting, coloring, glueing little squares to a large paper piece, finger painting and stamps.  If we ever get anything in the mail with the cornstarch packing peanuts -- those are so going to become an art project too!  I am still waiting for this one yet :)

Dough Boys

I have decided that I have two little dough boys!  They both request to play with Play Doh each day, and Mr. Fixit and I try to join in the fun too.  Although, "K" tells us that we are "too big!"  So, here is a snap of "L" hard at the Play Doh play.

He had a great time with the animal shapes lids, and of course, pulling his dough into many tiny pieces ;)  We look forward to many more dough memories!  Thank you Miss EM for your tool and dough contributions!

Dough Fun

The high on Sunday was 32 degrees.  Ick!  A very cold and windy, 32 degrees.  We attempted some outside play, and lasted about 20 minutes with "L" and 30 minutes with  "K," so it was time for some indoor fun!  After all, we had all those new play doh toys to enjoy!!

The boys rolled, stamped, sculpted and shaped their dough creations for about an hour.  It was so blessed!  The only thing Mr. Fixit and I had to do, was pick up items that fell onto the floor.  We are still learning about the fact that things can roll off of the table ;)

"K" really like the "blue wheel" the best.  So, he tried that tool many times.  "L" seems to really like the stamps the best.  Oh, and "L" still loves putting small objects into bigger ones, so he is a really good cleaner-upper!!