* The worst insult you can receive from our kids is to be called a "gussie"! No idea what it means but the manner of delivery is unmistakable!
* Austin asked "Why does all the angels always wear sandals?" :)
* Another question Austin asks..."Does God do flips on the clouds?" Visualize that for a little giggle!
* At prayer time Caitlin always makes sure to say, "And Jesus, I hope you had a nice birthday."
* Caitlin has definitely captured her brother's heart...for the past few nights I have had to move him back to his bed because he sneaks into her room and spoons her while she is sleeping. I call him the "Phantom Spooner" - it is completely adorable!
* I checked in on Caitlin the other night when she was supposed to be asleep...instead she had her jewelry box in her bed and was decked out in all her sparkly jewelry looking in the little mirror!
* Austin's favorite show is "Dinosaur Train" - this means that the kids have become quite the little paleontologists! At Dinosphere in the Children's Museum, Austin shouted out, "That's a stygymoloch!" Ryan and I were like, "A WHAT?!?!" Sure enough that's what it was...Austin pointed out that he knew because it had little horns on it's head.
Okay I should go. We are having a snuggle on the couch before we go get them a surprise for behaving so nicely...a new dvd for movie night tonight. They will be excited.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Monday, January 25, 2010
The Winter Blues...
Well, for the past 3 weeks or so someone has been sick around here. This time it started with Austin, then Caitlin, now me. Ryan has lucked out so far. Serious congestion, coughs, and crankiness from lack of sleep. We are hoping this will pass...SOON!
We haven't done much of anything. The kids have missed some school and activities which is no fun. We are getting cabin fever. One thing they have been doing is practicing addition on these little laptops my grandma gave them for Christmas. They love calling out, "What's __ plus ___?" and they both know that 1+1=2. Call me biased but I find that kind of impressive at 4 and a half. They have also been playing games on nickjr.com - they can pretty much do it all on their own after I start internet explorer and get to the website for them. Caitlin can be a little "computer hog" so we've gone to setting a timer to indicate when each turn is over. So far, so good with that method.
Also a couple weeks ago they were on a kick of wanting to make Valentines. So we did. They had free reign of all the craft supplies: construction paper, glue, scissors, glitter, sequins, markers, crayons, etc. They loved it! It was very cute to watch and very time consuming to clean up! :)
It is remarkable to me how aware of the world they are too. They know that there are sick people in Africa, the "earth rumbled" in Haiti, and that a missionary is someone who tells others about Jesus. Their minds are little sponges about everything: fun stuff, educational things, and miscellaneous off-the-wall stuff that they dream up!
Some people have asked if they are going to Kindergarten next year...so here's the answer...While they will be eligible to go, we have decided to wait until the Fall after their 6th birthday. They will still attend preschool and they've got their teacher mommy at home with them so we are very comfortable with our decision.
Not sure if I already blogged this, but a few weeks ago we had a large snowfall and they kids got to go sledding. Oh my gosh!!! After a few times down with Aunt Bubbles & Uncle John, they were asking to go down the HUGE hill with them (they did & loved it) and then they went down the small hill on their own. They had SUCH a blast and can't wait until we get more snow. At some point I'd like for us all to learn how to ski -- that always looked fun to me. The next winter activity they want to try is ice skating. We'll see...
Okay, gotta go take a nap (all of us!). More updates to come...
P.S. - Go Colts!!! :)
We haven't done much of anything. The kids have missed some school and activities which is no fun. We are getting cabin fever. One thing they have been doing is practicing addition on these little laptops my grandma gave them for Christmas. They love calling out, "What's __ plus ___?" and they both know that 1+1=2. Call me biased but I find that kind of impressive at 4 and a half. They have also been playing games on nickjr.com - they can pretty much do it all on their own after I start internet explorer and get to the website for them. Caitlin can be a little "computer hog" so we've gone to setting a timer to indicate when each turn is over. So far, so good with that method.
Also a couple weeks ago they were on a kick of wanting to make Valentines. So we did. They had free reign of all the craft supplies: construction paper, glue, scissors, glitter, sequins, markers, crayons, etc. They loved it! It was very cute to watch and very time consuming to clean up! :)
It is remarkable to me how aware of the world they are too. They know that there are sick people in Africa, the "earth rumbled" in Haiti, and that a missionary is someone who tells others about Jesus. Their minds are little sponges about everything: fun stuff, educational things, and miscellaneous off-the-wall stuff that they dream up!
Some people have asked if they are going to Kindergarten next year...so here's the answer...While they will be eligible to go, we have decided to wait until the Fall after their 6th birthday. They will still attend preschool and they've got their teacher mommy at home with them so we are very comfortable with our decision.
Not sure if I already blogged this, but a few weeks ago we had a large snowfall and they kids got to go sledding. Oh my gosh!!! After a few times down with Aunt Bubbles & Uncle John, they were asking to go down the HUGE hill with them (they did & loved it) and then they went down the small hill on their own. They had SUCH a blast and can't wait until we get more snow. At some point I'd like for us all to learn how to ski -- that always looked fun to me. The next winter activity they want to try is ice skating. We'll see...
Okay, gotta go take a nap (all of us!). More updates to come...
P.S. - Go Colts!!! :)
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
How to Outsmart Your Preschooler...
First, when asked your opinion by a 4 year old, ALWAYS choose the OPPOSITE of what you want them to choose! For example, if your little girl asks, "Mommy should I choose the shark or the bunny "knife" for my peanut butter?" Mommy should reply, "Oh, I would DEFINITELY choose the shark!" Of course, your little girl's natural response would be, "Great. I think I will choose the bunny." Mission accomplished. :)
Second, if you want your preschooler to go potty because he's doing the "pee pee dance" and insists he DOESN'T have to use the potty...just announce loudly, "WHEW! I REALLY have to go potty...RIGHT NOW!" Then, sit back and enjoy him racing to beat you into the bathroom! This is a hypothetical situation of course. My son would NEVER hold his "tinks"in until he is completely irritable and irrational. Uh uh. No way.
It's a sad day when I'm feeling proud that I've "outsmarted" our 4.5 year olds!!! ;)
Second, if you want your preschooler to go potty because he's doing the "pee pee dance" and insists he DOESN'T have to use the potty...just announce loudly, "WHEW! I REALLY have to go potty...RIGHT NOW!" Then, sit back and enjoy him racing to beat you into the bathroom! This is a hypothetical situation of course. My son would NEVER hold his "tinks"in until he is completely irritable and irrational. Uh uh. No way.
It's a sad day when I'm feeling proud that I've "outsmarted" our 4.5 year olds!!! ;)
Monday, January 18, 2010
Haiti
Well, I haven't been able to get these images out of my head. I even switched from FoxNews to CNN (not permanently!). The most horrific thing I keep replaying in my mind is a video of a DUMP TRUCK full of dead people being dumped into a huge mass grave. WOW. Those people were all loved by someone - maybe someone still searching for them. Not only were they robbed of life, but of a proper burial.
The devastation is unreal and it boggles my mind that it is almost a week later and where is the help??? Hospitals? Food? Water? It also hits me because the son of one of our friends recently went to Haiti and wrote about it on his web magazine. There were pictures of children at one of the orphanages. They were the most beautiful little kids and his story about them, ah, very poignant. In church over the weekend he reminded us of the poverty he saw BEFORE the quake & contrasted it with the current conditions there...he said they went from no clean water to NO WATER, no good food to NO FOOD, no good houses to NO HOUSES. Can you imagine living like that? My heart breaks thinking about Austin and Caitlin going through something like that...ugh.
Sorry for the downer post but I had to let it out. If you are able, please donate to a reputable organization that will provide aid to the Haitians. Something we all can do is simple pray for those effected by the earthquake; for the doctors and first responders; the governments of the world to use their resources wisely, responsibly, & expeditiously; and the church to be a beacon of help and hope to the people devastated by this disaster. To quote our pastor, "We (the church) are 'Plan A'. There is no other plan."
The devastation is unreal and it boggles my mind that it is almost a week later and where is the help??? Hospitals? Food? Water? It also hits me because the son of one of our friends recently went to Haiti and wrote about it on his web magazine. There were pictures of children at one of the orphanages. They were the most beautiful little kids and his story about them, ah, very poignant. In church over the weekend he reminded us of the poverty he saw BEFORE the quake & contrasted it with the current conditions there...he said they went from no clean water to NO WATER, no good food to NO FOOD, no good houses to NO HOUSES. Can you imagine living like that? My heart breaks thinking about Austin and Caitlin going through something like that...ugh.
Sorry for the downer post but I had to let it out. If you are able, please donate to a reputable organization that will provide aid to the Haitians. Something we all can do is simple pray for those effected by the earthquake; for the doctors and first responders; the governments of the world to use their resources wisely, responsibly, & expeditiously; and the church to be a beacon of help and hope to the people devastated by this disaster. To quote our pastor, "We (the church) are 'Plan A'. There is no other plan."
Monday, January 4, 2010
sorry
trying to figure out fonts/new template to freshen the blog up a little...bear with me. thanks!!!
Comedic Quotes
Oh my! Each day I get at least one gem of a comment from each kiddo. They definitely keep me laughing!!! Here are some classics - hope you enjoy...
* Caitlin calls Hot Wheels "Cartwheels"!
* Austin said, "I don't like Princess movies! They're gross!" when I told him we were going to see the Princess & the Frog on Saturday. Caitlin replied, "Sometimes you have to try new things, Buddy."
* Caitlin: "Deck the halls with tons of holly, falalalalalala". Austin loves to sing "jingle bells" only the chorus though!
* Austin (playing with train table): "Santa makes the best train sets EVER!!!"
* "What do you want to be when you grow up?" For weeks, Caitlin's answer? "A mermaid." Until the day she asked, "How do mermaids go potty?" Our answer? "Um, we're not sure..." Ask her what she wants to be now...she'll tell you "A artist!" :)
Wonder what they'll come up with today? :)
Friday, January 1, 2010
NOON YEAR'S EVE
That's how we do it...Preschool style!
I took the kids to Party Tree and they were so adorable choosing the hats and horns for their friends. We also picked up some leis and streamers. Austin loved his hat so much he wore it around the store! They each had their own little cart and were so well behaved! It was a fun experience that I look forward to repeating!
Several friends from Austin & Caitlin's preschool came to celebrate with us and it was a blast! We had little snacks, 2010 cupcakes and sparkling berry lemonade. And they loved their goody bags with their celebration supplies. At noon we counted it down and let me tell you...NOTHING cuter than 9 preschoolers shouting "Happy New Year!" and trying to figure out how streamers work! :)
After everyone left the kids napped, I straightened up & did some laundry and then we just chilled for the rest of the night. The kids played their Leapster 2's and then we ordered pizza. Caitlin polished off 2 slices (minus the crust). She is the best eater!
Today Ryan is back...but he leaves tomorrow. Next week should be better. We are just going to enjoy the time we have.
This year we borrowed an idea from the Children's Museum and celebrated the New Year at NOON!
I took the kids to Party Tree and they were so adorable choosing the hats and horns for their friends. We also picked up some leis and streamers. Austin loved his hat so much he wore it around the store! They each had their own little cart and were so well behaved! It was a fun experience that I look forward to repeating!
Several friends from Austin & Caitlin's preschool came to celebrate with us and it was a blast! We had little snacks, 2010 cupcakes and sparkling berry lemonade. And they loved their goody bags with their celebration supplies. At noon we counted it down and let me tell you...NOTHING cuter than 9 preschoolers shouting "Happy New Year!" and trying to figure out how streamers work! :)
After everyone left the kids napped, I straightened up & did some laundry and then we just chilled for the rest of the night. The kids played their Leapster 2's and then we ordered pizza. Caitlin polished off 2 slices (minus the crust). She is the best eater!
The kids talked in their beds until about 10:15 (YIKES) and I managed to stay up to watch the ball drop. BTW, what was J-Lo wearing!? Then I fell fast asleep and awoke this morning with 2 little snugglers! Happy New Year to me!
Today Ryan is back...but he leaves tomorrow. Next week should be better. We are just going to enjoy the time we have.
Happy 2010!
Christmas 2009
Gifts from Santa
We went to church and for the first time since they were 6 months old, attended Christmas service as a family. Usually they go to GKC (childcare/Bible study) but it was not available. They were sooooo good in "mom & dad's worship". We sat in the front row and they listened to the music and colored or played with stickers during the rest of the service. I brought along our secret weapon (just in case)...M&Ms!!! Really there is no way to describe the feeling of happiness and contentment I got when I looked to my right and saw my sweet hubby and our 2 beautiful, precious miracles. God sure knows what he is doing. After the service, "Mr. Dave" (our pastor & friend) invited Austin & Caitlin onto the stage to check out the drums. Yeah, like his coolness factor with our kids needed a boost! They LOVED it!!!
Sprinkling Magic Reindeer Food
Our tradition changed a bit this year as we tried out having our "big feast" on Christmas Eve. Aunt Bubbles (Lynn) & Uncle John joined us for dinner and the extra special sprinkling of the "Magic Reindeer Food" on the front lawn. After they left we got all of Santa's treats ready (chocolate milk, mint chocolate cookies, & snowball cookies) and left some celery for the reindeer along with a note. I've never seen Austin and Caitlin more excited to go to bed. Too bad Christmas Eve is only once a year!
Then the REAL work began...
Santa's main elf spent about 3 hours assembling a train table and some drums. His assistant elf put the stockings together and assembled a Cinderella castle in addition to bringing the remaining presents to the tree for "staging". :)
Finally about 12:30 (or was it 1:30?!), the elves got to sleep.
The kids at 3:30 in the morning!
But wait. There were creatures stirring at 3:30am and there was NO unstirring them!!!! So, yes, we stumbled downstairs to see what Santa had left. Caitlin was slightly overwhelmed and I don't think Austin paid much attention to anything other than the drums. A drum solo in the middle of the night? Check! After about an hour (and a couple Tylenol) we headed back up to bed.
On Christmas morning we opened presents and then added a new tradition...Aunt Bubs and Uncle John came over with breakfast! We enjoyed some yummy crepes, crescents, and an egg/sausage casserole. YUMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM! We opened more gifts, watched a parade, and basically just hung out while assembling new toys and trying not to go crazy from the drumming! :)
After all the festivities, Aunt Bubs & Uncle John left and we napped. All of us. I have to say I enjoyed the new traditions...having our "feast" on Christmas Eve made Christmas Day very low key and fun. It's a keeper.
On the 26th, Gramma & Great Gramma came bearing gifts. We visited with them all afternoon and evening after opening presents. The kids were very cute and appreciative of everything. Right down to how good their cousin Mason was at tying the knots in the ribbons that decorated the gifts!
We have been soaking up this 2 week breather from running around to school, speech, ballet, & basketball. It's nice to have lazy cuddle days again.
Ryan's traveling extensively right now so hoping to get pictures up on the blog when he is in town for longer than 12 hours!
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