Winter/Sister Version

Remember this? We have wittled away countless afternoons doing just this. A few years ago, Simon discovered his "horsey" rolled nicely down the sidewalk. The cozy coupe worked well, too, we discovered when he was big enough not to fall through the driver's seat. (It was during the spring of the cicadas, hence the noisy bugs!)

Here is the sister version in the winter. Some things are worth teaching child #2, no matter the season!

Jazzed up Chickens?!?!

"This is going to be so exciting " was Simon's mantra on Monday morning on our way to Norah's toddler story-time at the library. He did not have preschool so he was our guest of honor. He l.o.v.e.d it! It was quite amazing to have a little insight to what he is like during a structured activity.

Norah actually sat, listened, and looked towards the books.
After storytime we enjoyed the library's puzzles and looking for books.
Norah enjoyed taking each puzzle off the shelf and dumping the pieces on the floor.
She actually sat and flipped through a fact book on elephants. The book was called "Elephant".
This bought be some time to nab oh, a baker's dozen or so of books off the shelves to bring home. While Simon listened to stories on the computer.

Simon walked up and without pausing loudly asked the librarian "Do you have a book on hummingbirds?" Sort of not the best social skills. We watched PBS's show called "Nature", it is now scheduled for DVR all the time. We've seen Whales and Hummingbirds. Hence, the need to check out "A Hummingbird's Life". I wonder what she thought of my little boy asking for a book on hummingbirds? And he has mentioned that the librarian helped him find the book - every day since. At least he kindly said a thank you as we were leaving.

So, in that nabbed baker's dozen of reading material I always hope there is something good, fun, memorable, etc. You never know. Between puzzle saving, puppet sharing, computer curiosity, unshelving of books, and stack wandering I don't peruse the books pre-check out. I love when Eric says "that was not that good of a book"! That's why I checkout more than the bag can hold!

BUT - holy cow are these worth checking out. Serious hilarity on the book, and fun decent children's music presented in adult style! Go to your library and check'em out!!! They come highly recommended and kid tested.

Jazz for Kids by amazing artists and musicians!


Now if only the Chickens listed to "Jazz for Kids"? Oh, that poor farmer!

Shamrockin'

I know, I know. We are not even to Valentine's day yet. However, most of my Valentines are made, just need to write little messages, ready them for mailing, and drop 'em in the mail. Can't share this year's annual card as most of my readers receive one! I even have my little V-Day treats for Simon's and Norah's little mailboxes that appear every year by their spot at the table. Thanks to the fab dollar spot at Target this past Christmas-time!!

So, that being said. On to St. Patrick's Day with a fondness as our Little Shamrock turns 2!
This will soon arrive in the mail, thanks and love to Etsy:

And thanks to idea browsing on Etsy, I will convert a white long-sleeved t-shirt into something like this. Just sew on some shamrock ribbon and add a bow (no name).

And remmember this hat? Just imagine it with a crocheted shamrock pinned on the hat and either the ribbon or crocheted green bow-tie instead of the blue. Such a versatile hat!

I've even searched on-line for green shoes, but will probably take a pass on that. Due to lack of availability and practicality for the expense. I may search for an orange sweater, but only for a bargain. Because of a St. Patty's Day B-Day, her spring/early summer wardrobe does sport more kelly green than would be anticipated for a little girl. Frankly, I like the break from pinks and purples!

Cousins

Here is Simon with his cousin. At Grandma's for Eric's family's Christmas. Simon and Nathan resemeble each other down to the same swirl of hair on the back of their head. Here they are in their new Christmas pajamas from us and same computer/toy gift from Grandma. Too cute.

While waiting for everyone to arrive, Simon asked "Where are my cousins?" I said, right here. Here is Bailey, Page, and Devin. They are high school and college aged. Simon responded with "No, my little cousins"! There are three from almost 6 to almost 2!

Nathan and his family left and Simon said "I miss my little cousins!"

Where oh where . . . .

. . . did my baby girl go?
Where oh where could she be?
She napped yesterday at 2:30.
Did not awake 'til 5:00 a.m. all happy!

So happy and sweet, calm and playful.
She was when she woke up today!
So much sleep was needed after tummy awful.
so glad she is back and ready to play!

Tummy trouble stay far far away
you got both Mommy and lil' girl.
The guys have skated with no aches and pains
they do not need a pukey whirl!!!

2 1/2 Hour Nap

*Had by me.
*Starting at 8:00 p.m.
*Waking up at 10:37 p.m.
*To shower and go to bed.
*All because we played "Sleeping" where we cozy up on the couch with the cushions pushed to the edges for "walls".
*Lights in the entire housed turned off by Simon.
*Flashlights in hand.
*With emphatic "light on" comments by Norah
*Then Norah in bed, by 7:15.
*Flashlights still in hand
*To play Flashlight Tag on the ceiling.
*And Flashlight I Spy.
*And read new library books by flashlight.
*With a warm, wool snowman blanket to keep us warm.
*Simon and I just couldn't keep our eyes open.
*Eric at a meeting, still.
*So much for working tonight!
*Off to shower and continue my sleepy time!

Nope

A new, favorite word at our house! Any of Norah's numerous nouns can be used in the following conversation, as this conversation occurs throughout the day!!

N: milk
Mommy: You want milk?
N: nope
M: Okay
N: milk gone (very emphatically)
M: Would you like some more?
N: Nope
N: Milk

Obviously, she ENJOYS the word "nope". And really, who wouldn't with that fun little pop of a "p" sound at the end to make emphasizing importance quite easy!

Here's another conversation:
N: poop
M: Do you have to poop?
N: Nope
M: Did you already poop?
N: Nope
M: Do you need a new diaper?
N: Nope
N: Poopy
N: Diaper

And either she is way stinky and poopy or poops in 5 minutes! Still fun to say "nope".

She has now been successful on the toilet twice! She LOVES to sit on the toilet/potty. We have to hold or look at 2 specific board books each time, look in the toilet, curiously reach for toilet paper, and flush if successful! We are curious to being diaper free over here! She frequently says "nope" when putting on a new diaper.

To Resoulte, or Not? Part II

For a refresher of Part I, review here.

So my last year's resolution was to put things away. Reflecting back, overall I have accomplished this task by leaps and bounds. But don't look in my basement right now!! Ha ha, the Christmas season happened and somehow time ran out and everything landed down by the office/craft area. On a whole, I have mastered putting things away in a timely manner. Now, mail and daily items gathering on the divider DRIVES ME CRAZY!!! I put the kids' clothes away or in the basket quickly after disrobing them. My clothes do not pile up quite so high nor for quite so long before entering the laundry chute, closet, or dresser. I prefer to go to bed with clean kitchen counters and an empty dishwasher, or at least a running dishwasher. So, yes, I accomplished self-improvement once again.

So I resolve again to resolute!!!! I have even decided what my family will resolute! Hah, now that's funny!!!

Simon resolutes to put away toys after he is done playing with them.
Norah resoultes to playing with a toy for at least a few minutes post dumping.
Eric resolutes to reduce his procrastination.

I resolute to find a dentist and visit him twice and to record each days events in my awesome calendar journal (mine is the 3rd one down with the colored flowers with stick stems) with my new coordinating LePens so I don't forget the little moments that melt my heart or anger my core!!! I also resolute to pray more often. I have been hearing about praying for your spouse and your children on radio shows quite often lately. Our small group is in a Bible Study called "The Power of a Praying Parent". I do pray, I am just resoluting to be more conscious of it and experience a bit of growth in that area.

So, do you resolute, or not? If so, care to share????

(And yes, sometime soon I will try to post some pics of the holiday season.)