Just for Fun

Recently it was time to register Brian for kindergarten. He is very excited to go to school with Collin although he will miss preschool. Luckily several of his preschool friends will be going to the same school next year. So the evening before kindergarten registration wouldn't you know that Brian decided to draw himself a mustache. The picture is blurry, but I think you can still see his 'stache!

Allison has her very own rocking chair that a couple months ago she noticed was in her room. She has so much fun climbing up in her chair and rocking. It took her a little while to figure out how to get out of the chair, but she is so proud of herself that she can climb in on her own.

AWANA Grand Prix

A couple months ago the kids participated in the AWANA Grand Prix at church. They were very excited with their designs and Steve did a great job making them. Collin's school bus came in second and third in his races, but did not make it to the final round. Brian's Batman car was smokin' and won first place in all of his races. He won first place in the Cubbie division, unfortunately there were no trophies for the Cubbies, but it was fun anyway. Brian's car was the most popular and everytime it raced all the kids were chanting "Batman, Batman, Batman" which made it even more fun for the boys!

Last month Michelle and Natali' came to visit. It was great to finally get to see this precious new bundle of joy and get to hold her. She is such a sweetie. I had a great time visiting with Michelle and am so glad she was able to "pop" in for a couple hours. Here are some pics from our afternoon.

Milestone....?

Today Allison had her first timeout. Yep, that's right a timeout. It was all I could do not to laugh, but I just could not allow her fit to go without consequences. We had been playing outside for quite awhile when I decided it was time to go in. Afterall there is still snow on the ground. So I usher her into the house (against her will) and can only imagine what the neighbors are thinking as she is screaming. We get inside and I crouch down at her level and talk to her about how much fun we had and she shrieked. Yep, shrieked. She would not look at me either. At least not face to face but I could see her little eyes looking off to the side in my direction just waiting to see what I would do. I did not even bat an eye. Then she threw her toy down and gave me the same sideways glance and then shrieked again. So I picked up the toy and whisked her off to her room (and those of you who have taken love and logic will get a kick out of this) in a sing song voice saying "Uh oh looks like a little bit of room time coming up here. That's okay I'll see you when you're sweet." Then I closed the door and walked away.

When I went back in 2 minutes later I kneeled down and gave her a hug. She grabbed on tight, but as soon as she was done she ran to the other side of the room, gave me a dirty look (I kid you not) and then shrieked again. So I said "Uh oh" and closed the door again. This time when I came in a minute later she was much happier and ready to play.

I guess even at almost 16 months it isn't too early to start. She is really getting an attitude and although it is super cute, I really shouldn't allow her to get away with it. We don't want a spoiled little princess now do we?

I have it out for my finger

It's true. For some reason my ring finger on my right hand is not faring well. It's not that I am sabotoging my finger on purpose. Really, I'm not. But for some reason this finger this week is prone to cuts. Earlier this week I was doing the dishes. I had been working on them for all of about 10 seconds (maybe less) when I put my hand in the sink to rearrange the stack of dishes that I had piled in the sink when I felt the sharp pain of a knife slice along the side of my finger. I decided at that time the best thing would be to leave the dishes for later that day.

Now fast forward a few days to yesterday. The slice in my finger is still healing, but it is to the point where it really does not hinder me anytime I have to go anywhere near water. I am working feverishly on a sewing project that I am determined to finish before Allison wakes from her nap. Because of said feverish pace I am not really paying much attention to the pins that I have in the material. Before I realize what has happened, one of the pins sticks into the pad of my finger and rips about a half inch gash up my finger. That's right, rips it. No nice clean slice this time. Do you realize how difficult it is for a rip in your skin to close. Trust me, much harder than a nice clean slice. I do not recommend ripping your skin if at all possible. Of course it is the same finger that is still working so hard to heal.

Today it is still sore, but I'm hoping that it will heal quickly. At least Steve is now home to do the dishes for me!

Things I've Learned This Week:

That it is much harder to keep a cut that ripped the skin closed than a slice from a sharp knife. (story to follow)

That rice milk does not make for good chocolate pudding.

That the kids CAN spend and hour and a half in a store without having a meltdown if they each have a $25 gift card to spend.

That we can survive 2 weekends in a row without Daddy and still come out relatively unscathed.

That I was still thrilled he decided to come home Friday night instead of Saturday!

That Allison is super cute and has so much personality and I have thoroughly enjoyed her this week.

That I have an issue with pride when I successfully complete a sewing project (even though that had something to do with my ripped skin).

That no matter how hard on work on keeping the kitchen clean it will only stay that way until the next meal a few hours later.

That library books seem to disappear in our house.

That you can only renew library books so many times until you are forced to find the book and return it. Where on earth could Batman: The Mad Hatter have gone?

Thanks for listening to my life's lessons for this week. Hope you had some good lessons this week too.

January and February Highlights

I know it's been awhile since I posted last and a lot has happened in that time. Rather than bore you all with the details, I thought I would just share the pics. We celebrated Christmas with my family when my sister and her family flew up from Arkansas, visited with both sets of grandparents, played in the snow both at home and at Mt. Baker, played with the kids' cousin Leah, quick trip to the beach, Brian's preschool winter concert (since it was cancelled in December) and of course the few pics of Allison just cuz she's cute.

Can you say brrrrr!!

The girls in their matching jammies. Thanks Grammy.

Allison and Aunt Crisi

The cousins together for the first time in 2 years. Way too long between visits!!

Allison is going to be my little helper. She loves putting on my apron and sweeping, or wiping down her highchair or face with a wet rag. She is so cute!

The kids love to sleep in the living room any chance they get!

This picture was taken before we knew about her allergies. One of her favorite things has always been getting into the bread drawer!