To find a wife is to find a good thing . . . right?

The other night, as we were watching a bit of Star Wars--the boys' favorite--Ethan asked:

"Why is it that Anakin can't get married? Why can't he have a wife, I don't understand."

Even though we've explained this a few times, I drew a breath and began to start the explanation of how Jedis must use all of their concentration to fight evil, blah blah blah....but Cameron interrupted me before I could even say a word.

"He can't have a wife because they're just too much WORK, Ethan!"

Oh dear.....

 

The doll house

Lola's dollhouse.

A peaceful place, where she can play, and her brothers do not disturb her or "mess up" her things.

She has it all straightened the way she likes it, and, as you can see, currently it is nap time.

Mom and Dad, lovingly placed in their spots.

Brother (his name is Ethan, coincidentally) is asleep in his bassinet,

and sister is upstairs in her bed; she is not pictured so I thought I had 

better share that info. We wouldn't want to leave her out. *giggle*

And then....we check the bathroom (to the left, top floor)....

and we find....

that a certain Star Wars loving brother actually has invaded this land of all things girlie.
In the exact spot I would have expected him to make his presence known.

  Never a dull moment.

Cameron has always been the funniest kid. I just get the biggest kick out of the things he says and does.

His survey of "101 days of school" being no exception. 

I would like to eat: 101 fish
I would not like to eat: 101 pease {peas}
(This coincidentally was the morning after a meal of delicious fish and apparently not so delicious peas)
My parents tell me 101 times to: "Stop it." {I rolled. Just rolled.}
I tell my parents 101 times: "I want a penut buter and jelly." {True. He'd pick them over candy. Over ice cream}.
When I am 101 years old....."I will die."  Hahaaaaa! This child!!

Oh Cameron. You are the reason for my deepening laugh lines and I wouldn't trade them for the world....

How to do the backstroke. Or not.

Since we have gotten our new pool (which I will blog all about later--can't wait to do that because it has been such an AWESOME transformation and an amazing addition to our lives!!) I have spent quite a bit of time with the boys during the day teaching them how to actually swim.

In the last few weeks, both Ethan and Cameron have been able to ditch their 'floaties' and can now swim independently for long lengths of time, both over and under the water.  Colin has been a pro for a while, thanks to a SPLASH program at his school where he gets to go to the local YMCA for a week and learn all about water safety.

In the last few days, both Colin and Cameron--who happened to catch some Olympic swimming trials the other day on TV--have become interested in the different strokes, and so I've been showing them that there is more than one way to swim!

It has been incredibly fun for me--I was lucky enough to be on a swim team for a few summers when I was younger (thanks Amy and Dad!!!)--and a lifeguard in high school, so I love everything about swimming and water safety. I am so thankful that I get to teach my kids about it too, right in my own back yard.

So, yeah.  Teaching....about that. It appears as though I need to work with them a bit more when it comes to the backstroke.  If you need a little pick me up today, enjoy the first 30 seconds of this video; I've watched it 10 times now and can't help giggling at Cameron's version of the backstroke.



Happy swimming everyone!!

Calling his bluff

This morning at breakfast, I was emptying my water jug from yesterday. It had slices of lemon and orange in it, and I decided to eat the oranges. Cameron immediately began oogling over the lemons.

"Oh I love those. Those are so good Mommy. Those are sooooooo good."

I knew--just knew--he wouldn't eat them if I gave them to him. I gave him the quizzical eye.

"You love these, huh Cam? You love them?"

"Yep. I love them Mommy. I would eat them all."

So, without hesitation, I handed one over to him.

He looked at me, wide-eyed. I think he must have thought I was going to tell him that he couldn't have one....he just stared at the lemon, then back at me, then back at the lemon.

"Go ahead, Cameron. You love them, right?"

"Well," he said, scoffing and rolling his eyes, "not in the morning."

This week, I want to remember: (2/20-2/24)

Monday, February 20

The first "real" day back after our trip. We had a good mix of fun, both outdoor (it was almost 50 degrees!) and indoor, while I got unpacked and started on laundry.

Ethan discovered a cool new thing: he can "watch 3D shows" at home.

With sunglasses.

Cameron, while washing his hands after playing outside:

"Mommy, I can read that sign. It says, 'welcome'."

Me: "Great job, Cam. You are right."

Cameron: "And, I can read it backwards. It says, 'el...come....wuh'."

Tuesday, February 21

This stretch of warm weather has been so good for my littles.  Truthfully, it would figure that we would get a winter with average temps of 50 degrees--considering I bought snowsuits for everyone last year (on clearance, of course--but still!)  But, I can't say I'm sad about it! Other than missing out of some good pics of Lola in her first snow storm....

The wonderful warmth has definitely been a blessing. 

Today, the kids went on a find and discover mission, with a mason jar and a couple of pairs of binoculars!

Lola has learned the word "Nutella" and asks for it regularly.  

I have a hard time telling her no....because when Lolee gets Nutella for lunch, so does Mommy.

It's worth the cleanup.

Last time Grandma 'Nette came down, she brought some handmade goodies for Lola and her babies. She made Lola a flannel pillow and matching blanket--and matching (smaller) ones for her babies. Lola took to them instantly and has slept with everything every nap and night since.

{You can't see the flannel blanket in this picture--it is actually under the crocheted white blanket, which was also a gift from Grandma 'Nette. It has colored blocks on each side--and on each block it has the name of one of the children. She added each name as the kids were all born.}

Wednesday, February 22

We have a shoe tie-er! Officially!

Ah...so, so proud of himself!

{He is not posing weird...this is mid-celebratory dance}

Thursday, February 23

Ethan: "Mommy, were you born a long time ago?"
Me: "Yes, it was many years ago, honey.  Thirty three years ago."
E: "Did you get to see Jesus back then?"
{Yikes, it wasn't that long ago....}

Pete the Policeman (a friend that I grew up with who is now a county sheriff) came over to the house, to let the boys check out his squad car! The loved every minute of it, and got to press all the buttons, light up the lights, and even talk through the loud speaker.

I'm sure the whole town heard them calling, "Momma....Moooomm-maaaaa" for several minutes! 

(I'm fairly certain people thought we were in big trouble....)

The kids insisted on a bath together. They wanted to play with their new snakes that they got as a prize the night before at church for saying a verse.

It's a tight squeeze, but they make it work.

Friday, February 24

Lola: "I no wanna pay legos!"
Ethan: "Okay, baby."
Lo: "I no want to!"
E: "Okay, baby."
Lo: "No!! I no WANT to!"
E: "Lola, you don't have to play legos!"
10 seconds later....
Lola: "I wanna pay legos! I want to!"
E, not looking up from building and not missing a beat, to me: "She's difficult."

After serving the kids lunch, and before I started my ironing, I said to Ethan:
"Ethan, can I get you anything?"
I was trying to avoid being interrupted while ironing, of course.
He responded: "Can I have a drink Mommy?"
Me: "Of course, buddy. Milk, water....juice?"
E: "Well, I'd like some juice. But not the kind that looks like pee."
I nearly spit my mouthful of water out.
I opened the door, and sure enough--that white grape juice sure did resemble a jug half full of....well....you know.  And, apparently, that was enough to make E not want to drink it.Normally, I buy a fruity or grape-y kind. But white grape happened to be on sale, so that was what I got this time.

Never again.

After eating, Lola told me she was all done. I said,
"Did you clean your plate?"
She looked down and slowly responded: "Yeeeeees!"

Then I saw her moving a bit....I came over, saw this:

Then, this.

Smart cookie.

Funny things I've neglected to blog

Facebook is storming the globe, of course--and many times, nowadays, when my children say something funny, I just pop over there and posted it as my status for friends and family to see.

Today, however, I wanted to record them all here. So, if you're reading these as duplicates--my apologies! (Although I'm not that sorry for you, I guess--who doesn't need more laughter in their day!?)

This Momma has to record for prosperity purposes!


Ethan, playing basketball on the Wii:
"Mom, guess who I have on my team?"
Me: "Who, buddy?"
E: "It's me, you, and Grandma 'Nette."
Me, drumming up some excitement: "Are ya gonna win!?"
E: "Probably not with that team."

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Lola: "Happy birthday, poopy head!" (She mumbles a lot, but of course THAT was clear as a bell)
My head drops into both of my hands....I look up to see each brother laughing and pointing at another brother! They knew the next question out of my mouth was going to be:
"WHO taught her that!?"
and then Ethan added to the laughter by blaming Buddy--our Elf on the Shelf!!

*********************************************************************************************

This little girl climbed up onto the table and helped herself to a couple of apples....
and my inner junior higher instantly came out.

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Around Christmas time, we read quite a few books about the nativity, which was great! It wasn't as great, however, the day Ethan saw a lady in a burqa and shrieked (in a quiter-than-Mommy-would-have-liked-restaurant): 

"Mom! It's MARY! From baby Jesus and Joseph and Mary in the manger!

(Though, to be fair, middle Eastern garb does look quite a bit like biblical attire....)

*********************************************************************************************

Speaking of stories of Christmas:

Me: "Ethan, do you remember our story from last night? What was the name of the angel who told Mary that she was going to be baby Jesus' mother?"

(Looking for the answer Gabriel)

Ethan: "Uh.....ummmmm....."

Me: "It started with a "G". Guh....guh....gaaaaaa....."

Ethan: "Gabraham!"

*********************************************************************************************

And, Christmas songs.....

"Tha paddles are glowing....the baby awakes.....

(Ethan, singing Away in a Manger)

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Cameron, the day after his birthday: "Mom? I still feel like I'm five."

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We actually got a bit of snow a couple of weeks ago--more like a dusting. Ethan was so excited. It didn't last long, though, and when he looked out the sliding glass door after his rest, he proclaimed:

"Aw, Mom! All the snow died!"

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For the last couple of years, we have had a lot of fun with our Elf on the Shelf. His name is Buddy, and although we don't use him as a behavior modification technique (think, "You better be good because Buddy is watching you and will tell Santa!") the boys love to get up every morning and find where Buddy has "hidden".

One night, I hid Buddy in the stockings, and had the bright idea to put some torn paper underneath.

 (Buddy has a tendency to be naughty once in a while.) 

Ethan woke up, and, after he had found him, looked him square in the eyes and said:
"BUDDY! You're not supposed to be opening presents before Christmas! Shame on you!"

*********************************************************************************************

My boys love to create "Miis" on the Wii.  They have created many characters resembling real life people, including a few of the Bears players--Forte, Urlacher, and Hester, to name a few.

One night, while playing frisbee golf as the "Hester" mii, I overheard Cameron, trying to justify his poor score to Ethan, who was beating him rather solidly:

"Well.....this is golf. Not football. It's not Hester's game. What do you expect?

*********************************************************************************************

Lola: "Tammy!"

Cameron: "What?"

Lola: "Tam-mmy!"
Cameron: "What?!"

Lola: "TAM---MMMMY!"

Cameron, loudly: "Lola, what? You're supposed to say SOMETHING!"

Lola, shouting: ".......SOME! ......TING!!"

*********************************************************************************************

Oh, my children...I am so thankful God gave each and every one of you a great sense of humor! You each brighten my day--every day--more than you will ever know!!

This week, I want to remember (1/30-2/3)

Monday, January 30

The kids spent the day playing with Ethan's new birthday toys!

 Lola was quiet and I found her like this. This girl loves her some things she shouldn't touch!

And, it was such a beautiful day....

....that we were able to get some outdoor time in, too!

We've sure been blessed with such a mild winter.

The kids have been outside more times than I can count.

Lola used her new dishes from Grandma Nette at dinner! She loved them.

Shane built Ethan his new train track so he would wake up to a nice surprise on his birthday!

Tuesday, January 31


It's Ethan's birthday! And Mommy's, too!

The boys woke up and decided to add to Ethan's track.

Banana nut muffins for breakfast! 

Special request of the birthday boy (and why we baked so many of them last week!)

Ethan was a little confused opening Gram's card (which contained a check)....

....until I told him what it was!

We played Candy Land, read lots of books, and did some learning time.

Then, in the middle of the day--I got flowers!

First, a bouquet of roses (Thank you Dad and Amy, they are absolutely lovely!) and then

a very colorful assortment containing one of my faves--Gerbera Daisies--from Shane.

Later that night, we went to dinner for our birthday and had a great time with our family.

The boys sat at the end of the table and had their own conversation.

Adults are boring.

My cousin Haley and Lolee girl. Haley is having a baby girl herself in just a few weeks!

Yummy cake!

Told you it was yummy.

Haley and I

Lola took her turns around the table sitting on laps.

First, it was Grandma Jane's turn....

Then it was Daddy's.

What a great birthday!

Wednesday, February 1

(How are we in the second month of the year already? Wha?)

It was Errand Day. I did a lot, lot, lot of things--but no pictures! :) Just one of those busy-keeping-the-house-running days.

Thursday, February 2

We woke up...and I was able to give the boys a lesson on fog.

Lola has been showing lots and lots of signs...and today was the day.  Underpants! 

We ditched the diapers and she did really well. Only one accident, which I thought was great. 

I kept her in undies and a robe only, for ease of dressing/undressing.  I had put her on the 

potty several times when I saw this:

then this....

....and then this!

She had ditched her clothes and climbed up there all by herself.

This girl never ceases to surprise me!

On the toilet note, when you turn five in our home, it means you start doing the deed all by yourself. And by doing the deed, I do mean the 'wiping' deed. So, between Ethan learning to wipe himself (and me checking him) and Lola going potty every 7.4 minutes (and wiping her), I think I washed hands (including Lola's, Ethan's, and my own) about 438 times. (All numbers approximate. Whew.)

Ethan played on his train again for what seemed like hours.....even Lola loved it!

Then the weather cleared up--it turned into a gorgeous day....

....so they kids were able to play outside again!

And, when the big boys got home from school, Ethan informed them:

"Guys. That bird saw his shadow." 

Friday February 3

My poor babies stayed home from school today. I wouldn't say they are "super" sick, but Col and Cam each have a cough that I didn't want to expose the other children to. 

We ran our poor nebulizer silly....but it seemed to really help.

Colin and I had this conversation:

Colin: "Mommy, I'm most like a monkey."

Now, to be fair, this absolutely came out of nowhere. I try really hard to respond to my children at all times, rather than reacting to them (I fail a lot, but I try!) but in this situation, I was at a loss.

Me: "Uh.....huh?"

Colin: "Well. Monkeys are wild. Monkeys are independent. Monkeys are loud. Monkeys are fast in trees. And monkeys are goofy."

Me, failing again: "Uh....o....kay."

(He later went on to explain that, in school, they are doing an art project where they have to choose an animal that they are most like, and do a project on it. Which helped, knowing that that conversation did not, in fact, come out of nowhere! It was a pretty funny few minutes of conversation.)

Sometimes...on days like today, it appears....a girl just has to get her Tinkerbell on.

We had another lovely "Family Night" at home.  We ate some Tombstone pizzas, picnic-style (a.k.a. in front of the TV--rare for us--and yes, I was feeling gourmet, thankyouverymuch) and watched Mr. Popper's Penguins! Cameron was so excited when he heard which movie I had chosen. His exact words were: "Mommy, Hayden and Waylon (schoolmates) both said that movie is so funny, and that the penguins in it pooter all the time!" 

Apparently, it takes nothing more than bodily functions to get laughs out of little boys! And, considering Shane was giggling quite a bit, it seems that some things never change!

We all really enjoyed it.