Since When....

Since when do I take orders from anyone- much less a blue-eyed, blond-haired 2 year old? When did he get so bossy? I do realize I had this coming to me, but sheesh! That little boy is wanting me to cry on demand, to sit here, do that, be quiet, get me this.... The only command that I really loved following - Snuggle Me Mommy! I'll follow that one any day!
Brian and I saw Four Christmases today- what a funny movie! It was really weird to be out without the boys. We had a fabulous time playing hooky while the boys were at daycare. Too bad days like that don't happen too often- we need a babysitter!
Brian's at work and the boys are asleep. I figure I'll try to make it up till 10 and celebrate with the East Coast folks. If not, I guess it really doesn't matter, does it? They'll replay it all tomorrow anyway. So anyway - Happy New Year's Eve!

Happy Birthday Daddy!

We love you! Thanks for being such a great Dad and taking care of us!

Hope you enjoyed your cake and all your gifts!

Whew, What a Week!

We had such a great time with Brian's family. It was so nice to get to play and have fun. Now, it's back to reality. Tag-team parenting and chaos. Brian has had 2 great interviews at a local business, so we've got our fingers crossed there. It really seems like it would be a great fit. Here's hoping! I'll leave you with a few great pictures, and if I think of more to say later, I will. Right now, I'm just enjoying dinking around without anyone else around... A rare treat!

Christmas!

We had so much fun! The last shot is Auntie Angie over webcam - a great way to get to see her and Uncle Nick (though certainly not as good as the real thing!). Today, we went and got the boys' pictures done- lots of fun. The bribe of McD's (which Ethan calls the farm) worked and they turned out great! Then we had fun just relaxing and playing with all our new toys.

Santa Came!!!!

There were a lot more cookies.... Santa was very hungry....

The loot... and yes, Santa did find a Bounce Back Racer!

We had a great day- a lot of baking and playing, a beautiful church service, and a fabulous evening. At church, Ethan was a pill, but made up for it during the last song where he helped me hold the candle and sang Silent Night at the top of his lungs. Of course, he just repeated what we said, so it was a little off, but that's what they get for having the 2 year olds in the service! It was so cute! We came home and had a great "smorgasbord" dinner (crackers, meat, cheese, etc.) and the boys opened their Christmas jammies.

We also opened up Candy Land and played a round. Ethan quickly figured out he wanted the cards with two blocks and so would dig through the stack to find them. Surprisingly enough, he won. Then, it was off to bed so Santa could come! Isn't Christmas so much fun with little guys!!! I'll sign off tonight with a video of Ethan baking for Christmas - Easy 2 ingredient fudge - just a can of frosting and a bag of chocolate chips - melt in the microwave, mix in whatever you want. Ethan loved the mixing!

Merry Christmas!!!

Facebook, the Obsession...

I love it. I have gotten in contact with so many of my friends from elementary school on up. So cool! And, the family I babysat for forever and ever and miss so very much! I just love it! Of course, it's hard to get things done when it's sitting there... But, I'm sure it'll get a little calmer once I've made contact with all... I just can't believe how every one has grown up... I mean, I know I grew up, but I didn't realize everyone else did too... Silly, huh?

Talking to Mickey...

Here's a video of Lucas as he's watching (well, Ethan's watching) Mickey Mouse Christmas.... I think he was trying to talk to Donald.... They kind of sound the same....

Shoot, no pictures...

I meant to take some today, but got lost in all the hub-bub. Brian and I had a fabulous time shopping today. It was so much fun to just spend some time together- and so much fun to pick out presents for our family. I'm afraid we're kind of becoming the "hey, get that for me and put it in my stocking" kind of people. I always swore I'd never do that, but there are some things I really want!
I got a little ambitious and selected a few art projects for Ethan to make for Brian's side of the family. Let's just say, they have character! We had so much fun- definitely better than just taking Ethan out to buy things. But why do all the stupid foamie shapes have round edges that the glue doesn't work with.... I'll post pictures after the giving has been done... I gotta go fix the snowman... he fell over and looks a little, well, drunk.....

First Giggles!

They happened! We went to Jess and Todd's yesterday for some hanging-out time and some dinner. When Brian went to go get ready for work I started swinging Lucas in the air and he was a giggling maniac! It was funny because the first time Ethan giggled was also at their house- just a happy place! And by the way, Jess and Todd, Ethan loved the Mickey movie you got them- he was cracking up at Donald being stuck in the snowman!
On other news- Lucas has pinkeye, so we are forced to give the dreaded drops. They must sting because he screams like a banshee. His ears were clear though and that's the really good news because Ethan's were NEVER clear until he had the tubes put in.
Last night, Brian and I learned that we are not young anymore. We stayed up way too late with a couple of my college buds, Jessica (Schnookie) and Jennie. It was great fun, but they inadvertently got me hooked on facebook. Not sure that will be a healthy obsession for me....
Brian and I are finishing up shopping today while the boys are at daycare. Well, shopping and cleaning... blech...
Brian's parents come tomorrow! There should be a break in this crazy snowfall- we're counting on it! We are so excited! We wish that Brian's sister and hubbie could be here too, but we'll just have to webcam it over to them in Florida.

Pictures of a Silly Saturday

"I love tummy time!"

"Look Ma, No Hair!"

"Look at the camera, Lucas!"

"Slurp, slurp, slurp..."

Don't forget to pause the music at the bottom!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Merry Christmas!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

What a Difference a Day Makes...

Bronchitis... Antibiotics... Beautiful!... Lucas got to spend a little time with me at school so Brian could take Ethan to the doc. That was really fun! I do love to show off my little munchkin. Today my kids put on a little Christmas program. It was fun. Brian brought the boys and Ethan stayed to "help" in my classroom. We had a good time.
I'm too tired to write anything. But, Hallelujah! It's Christmas Break!

How cute!

Boys, Boys, Boys

It's amazing what five jerk boys standing in front of the classroom singing "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" in all seriousness will do to turn your mood around. They finally dropped their "too cool for school" attitude and bought in to what we were doing. And they were adorable! Just what I needed.

Exhaustion has kicked in. Hopefully tonight will go better. Ethan's still running a fever and somewhat lethargic, but my hopes are still high. And Lucas is just hilarious. He's finally figured out how to play and he's swatting away at those toys. Ethan's watching Wall-E for the third time today. He even knows most of the lines (of course, there aren't many...)

So all is well - kind of. At least I don't feel so down in the dumps as last night. Hopefully tomorrow can be truly cheery.... If only I can get a good night of sleep!

Sad...

I currently am holding a sick 2 year old who is coming up with every excuse in the book not to be in bed. I don't know what to do. Do I let him sleep with me until Brian gets home, only to have him develop the bad, bad habit of that? Or do I make him go to bed and cry more? He's already cried for an hour- I know, I'm mean. His fever is gone for the moment and I think he's feeling a lot better, but he will not go to sleep. I need sleep- last night he slept with me the first half and there was no sleep to be had. He kept rolling closer and closer and hacking on me. I don't want to be mean- I just want us all to get some sleep! I'd try sneaking away once he's asleep, but that doesn't work with this kid- we've tried...
I'm watching the Biggest Loser. It was a lot more fun to watch when I was pregnant and not allowed to lose weight. Now it's kind of depressing. I realize it should be inspirational, but right now, not so much.
I wish I had the kind of class that I could leave with a sub and feel good about it, but I don't. I just have to tough it out. 3 more days... 3 more days...

Snowy, Blustery Day

Here's a picture of Ethan at the same age Lucas is- I don't think they really look so much alike... It could be the hair. Isn't it funny how Ethan's hair has always been crazy like that! The boy (Ethan) is sick. I went in to pick him up from daycare and he was flat on his belly getting his temp taken in the armpit. It was really high, which freaked me out. After his febrile seizure last year, fevers just terrify me. So I had them give him tylenol and took him home and plunked him into a lukewarm bath- which he hated. It worked anyway and went down to 101. It was down to 100 at bedtime, so I think he's on the mend, I hope anyway. Daycare said he was great all day then went in to the potty and started crying. Poor guy. I'll be curious to see what our night is like.
Luca has decided he needs to eat at night again. Ugh. And I've quit nursing (ow) so that means getting up and getting the bottle ready. And of course, Lucas only likes his bottles a certain temperature. Ethan could have cared less what temp his bottle was. We've done nothing different with Lucas in that regard, but the boy won't take it unless it's perfectly warmed. Silly!
I don't want to go grade papers. I hate grading papers. I'd rather troll on blogs, but no one I read has updated. I guess that means I better stop procrastinating on those stinkin' science tests. Did I mention how rotten my kids were today? They should have known it was not the day to tick me off. They were rotten in the lunchroom. So, I had them write apology letters (complete with future expectations) to four adults that work in the lunch room. I had the 10 worst clean the lunchroom during their computer time. And, to top it off, we went to the lunchroom to practice lunch procedures with our administrator during their recess. I may have overdone it a bit, but it was that kind of day. The snow started blowing and so did my temper. I'll bet they aren't nutso tomorrow though.... we'll see.... Here's hoping for a snow day!

Followers....

I finally added the followers gagdet to the sidebar. Feel free to add yourself! I'd love to know who actually reads this thing.....

A Little Christmas Spirit!

Yesterday really was fairly calm. We even got the bathrooms cleaned and the kitchen straightened- only to mess it up again making cookies with Auntie Jess! We made gingerbread people and Million Dollar Bars (thank you Cousin Debby). Yum... It really made it feel like Christmas time. Later we were joined by Brian getting off work and Todd who came to play with Ethan. It was really fun just to relax and have fun with our friends. I can't wait for their little man to join the clan. Less than 2 months to go!

The first picture is of a Christmas present from my parents - their very own shire! They painted and planted and have had lots of fun watching the growth. Ethan keeps checking to make sure it gets "sunbite"- very important!

This picture is of Lucas' new toy (Thank you Baboo!). Say hi to our little alien! I thought the jumperoo would be smaller than an exersaucer. I was wrong. But it is very cool! He can only play in it for about 10 minutes at a time right now, but it will be very useful soon! Even if it takes up a ton of room.

Boys the boys are totally congested. Gross.... It wouldn't be winter without a nasty cold, right?

A Lazy Saturday Morning.... Maybe....

A girl, they think.... Yeah for K, K &M - theirs will be a house of estrogen! Poor Kev! I'm excited to get to buy more girl stuff- I do like pink!

We're doing an experiment today. I think Lucas might be sensitive to something in my diet- so we're just giving him formula for the day and seeing if the evening is better- (he has been rotten in the evening lately and refusing to eat). I was going to wean after Christmas anyway, so I'm fine with it either way. I made it over twice as long as with Ethan - so if we look at improvement- I'm doing great! Of course, if we're going to measure like No Child Left Behind, then I'm a flunkie! Oh well.... Just want a happy boy!

We're getting used to the tag-team parenting and getting kind of good at it. Of course, the boys haven't had baths in almost a week and the house is kind of a mess, but there are no disasters! You've got to love this picture of Ethan- I feel like it's a sneak peek of what he'll look like when he's older. My pizza boy!

We've just been thinking about how lucky we are. Just when things are getting tough, God puts something in our way to help us. We have family and friends who care and want to help us through the tough times. We are so grateful! Well, we're off to get ready for the day- not that we're doing anything special... Brian goes to work and Ethan, Lucas, and I will be staying calm and quiet (I hope.... yeah, right....) Here's hoping for a relaxing day! Hey, maybe the boys will even get bathed....

A Boy? A Girl?

My brother and his family find out tomorrow what they are having. I can't decide whether I think it's a boy or a girl. I think part of me thinks it's a girl just because we have two boys. I guess we'll have to wait and see. The baby better be cooperative. Can you imagine not being able to find out. Of course, lots of people don't - that would drive me nuts! I know, I know - it used to be that you couldn't find out....
So, Lucas has been really kind of a fussy eater the last week or so, which we attributed to the ear infection and amoxicillin. I got totally fed up with all the spit-up on Tuesday and checked out his pepcid- a week expired!! So then I felt horribly guilty. Poor guy! I piled the boys into the car (already in their pajamas) and headed off to Walgreens. I do love the drive-thru pharmacy, though it took them an hour to fill the stinkin' prescription. So now, he seems much better. His appetite is still low- probably from the trauma of drinking expired meds the last week.
We figured out what we wanted Santa to get Ethan for Christmas. Turns out it's "the" toy this year. We can't get it anywhere except for twice the price on E-bay. So, if you have any ideas for us, help us out. Sounds like the Bounce-Back Racer is not to be!
My kids are insane. This time of year is always a little crazy, but for whatever reason- this time they are insane. I'll give them credit though- I didn't want to go find worms for our science project so I put it out there as extra credit and a couple of kids dug them up and brought them in. We thought they were all dead, but turns out they just have stage fright. They only move when we're out of the room. Let's just hope no one lets them free- I wouldn't put it past them!

Choo Choo Santa!

So exciting! Of course, the picture on the website made it look like we were going to an actual town (turned out to be a bunch of wooden store fronts) and that we'd be entertained the whole time by musicians and story tellers (they did come through, just for a little bit) and that we'd be served milk and cookies while we took in the scenery (they were given to us straight from the plastic Albertson's carton as we got off the train in the "North Pole"), but we had a great time anyway. Ethan was entranced by actually riding on a choo-choo and meeting Santa himself. That picture is priceless, but I'll have to have Brian scan it to get it on here. Santa asked Ethan what he wanted for Christmas. Ethan said, "Presents." At least he's not picky!

Ethan ate a whole, huge, sugar cookie covered with thick frosting. This led to him dancing and jumping around the whole way back. We're exhausted! But all in all, it's a memory we won't soon forget!

Oh Christmas Tree....

We put up the tree today. Haven't gotten to the ornaments, besides the new ones, but the lights are already on it, so it's pretty already! Ethan took all the cereal boxes and put them underneath- like presents. It was so cute, until he started asking for cereal every 30 minutes!

Brian had his first two days home with the boys. It went really well. For some reason, they're great for him when he's alone and rotten for me! Well, not all the time, but today may go down in the history books. It all culminated in Ethan shoving a medicine syringe down Lucas' throat- leading to screaming, screaming, and more screaming. He's fine, but I'm a bit traumatized and of course feeling guilty that I didn't catch him before he did it. He was trying to comfort Lucas- first tried the pacifier and when that wouldn't work, went for the medicine. Sheesh...

We worked through our budget this week and are starting to figure it all out. We have to give up all the little luxuries that we probably once thought were necessities. TV leaves us on the 10th... ugh... And this was the 2nd week our house wasn't cleaned for us- double ugh... It's all exhausting, but I'm just enjoying the boys, even in the craziness. Ethan's at that point where we can carry on real conversations and he is obsessed with all things Christmas. Lucas is changing every day and growing so fast. It gets to me! I feel like I have to really take in every day because whatever he's doing (like shoving his fists in his mouth) will be over before I know it.

School's going well. It's all very high pressure though. I didn't realize how relaxed I had it before. I think it was great that I was surrounded by people that were able to ignore that stress. I have to keep reminding myself of my philosophy- I don't get paid enough to stress! My kids have gotten so much better. I don't think we'll ever have an easy day- they're too high-needs, but we have good days. They're learning a lot and I'm enjoying my job again- all good signs!

Tomorrow we go see Santa at the North Pole. Not only that, we go on a train where they'll be reading Christmas stories and eating cookies! Could it get any better? I can't wait!

Oh What a Night!

Lucas slept 11 hours straight last night! I'm sure it has to do with the antibiotics he's on, but we'll take it! I woke up several times, of course, but yahoo!
My kids took the big state writing test today. I was reminded of how stressful testing can be for teachers. I've made the decision that I won't stress. All I can do is teach them the best way I know how and get them enthusiastic about their work. I was somewhat dreading this test because I just did not feel they were prepared. But, they wrote better today than they ever have, so I can't complain. It was like things clicked for them- very exciting. Who knows if the scores were any good, but I was excited to see their work. Those poor kids are tested, tested, and tested some more. And teachers, the ones worth anything anyhow, feel as if they are tested through each and every one of those. We're expected to do more with less resources and get better results. So I've decided just to take it as it comes and not stress. I'm not paid enough.
Ethan was cute tonight. My parents got him a book with a bunch of short stories from the Pixar movies. He normally loses interest within a couple pages of a book, but he really loves this one. He and Brian have read from it each night since we've been home. It reminds me of reading Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing with my mom and my brother, curled up on my parents' bed. So fun!

Merry Thanksmas!

In our family, we rotate which family we spend Christmas with every year. So, on the year that we won't be together for Christmas, we do Thanksmas- a somewhat (though not that much) smaller version of Christmas on Thanksgiving weekend. This weekend, we spent having Thanksmas with my parents, my Baboo (grandpa), Nana (grandma), and my brother and his family. It was so much fun! Exhausting, yes, but so many good memories were created!

We got to spend a lot of time with my niece Morgan. She and Ethan were quick friends. Of course, they competed over everything, but all in all they got along really well. No pulling of the hair, like last year. They baked cookies together, played games, and watched movies. It was just one adventure after another. Morgan is great fun. She never stops moving... literally! I know it's awful to say, but I'm thankful that Ethan is such a TV lover. I know, I know, TV is evil!

In our family tradition, we ended up at Urgent Care- Lucas has ear infections. He really wasn't that fussy though, so it didn't put too much of a damper on the weekend.

The non-highlight of our trip was in the airport when Ethan dumped over my coffee.... on my seat... So I had to walk around the rest of the day with a soaking, brown behind... classy, I know! I survived though, and despite minimal delays, we made it home easily.

I had a whole lot of coffee today, so it went pretty well. I'm sure at some point I'll crash, but I'm not there yet. Soon, I can feel it coming! This week, we're working on getting Lucas to go all night without eating. Last night he went from 8ish to 6 this morning! I'd call that success! He didn't sleep real well though- kept getting out of his swaddle! Oh, and by the way- Ethan is pretty much fully potty trained! What a guy!

A Gift From God...

You know, just when you feel you're going to lose your mind, and you get a little reprieve? That was us tonight. The boys were great. We had so much fun. Lucas was all smiles and Ethan was the perfect big brother. No accidents, no screaming matches- nothing! Just good fun~ exactly what i needed before our big trip! Now, I should be grading papers, but nah... I'm going to watch my TV shows and eat brownies while sipping hot cocoa... This is the life! Of course, I should be packing, but the boys are sleeping, and I don't want to wake them up! At least that's the excuse I'm going with!

Good Night....

A fun weekend... A fussy baby... A wild child... A good visit with my friend, Jess... Papers to grade... Laundry done... Procrastinating greatly...This is a picture of our boys watching a movie together. I remember before I had kids when I was so against little ones watching tv... Boy does that change... All in moderation, of course, but what a sanity-saver at times! As you can see, Ethan loves to cuddle. Lucas doesn't seem to mind - good thing, because Ethan is determined!

Here's another great picture- but the quality is weird. The battery was dying when I took it, but it's worth a look just for that smile - drop dead gorgeous that boy is!

hickeys....

So we took Lucas to the doc, because he was so fussy. He weighs 13, 11 now - right on track. Of course, no infection yet, but the potential for one.... We got the ethical doctor, so he wouldn't give us any antibiotics pre-emptively. Darn. But then, of course, after spending the money to go - he slept for longer than he has, maybe ever. He slept 8 and a half hours, ate, went right to sleep and then is still asleep now after 4 hours. Brian and I have made a deal that I can spend the second half of the night in the nursery- because his sleep is usually restless. So I am actually feeling somewhat rested!
I get the idiot of the year award. I was playing with Lucas' pacifier while he was sleeping- suctioning it to my face. When Ethan woke up he said, "Mommy, owie!" My lower lip is covered in hickeys. I couldn't figure out why the nurses were staring at me last night. Then I remembered and tried to explain and then they just thought I was an idiot. I could tell. They were right. I am really praying that concealer will work a miracle here!
Pictures today- I promise. The camera was dead last night.

zzzzzzzzzz......

So Ethan is a potty master! He's only had two accidents so far- both at daycare. We're very proud of him for that. Not so proud that he was in time out several times today for biting. It's so embarrassing to pick him up and hear that he was naughty! Then I'm the one walking out with my head down, tail between my legs. Gives me a new appreciation for my kids' parents!
We're all exhausted here. Lucas has an awful cold and is quite the screamer. If he stops eating, I'll take him to the doctor, but as for now, he seems okay. Just miserable. We all are!
I'm sore from playing in the staff vs. student basketball game yesterday. It was a lot of fun. I have one boy from my class now on the team and one boy that I had last year, plus a lot of the boys I have in different groups. I want to go to their games tomorrow, but not with potty training and sicko- even I'm not that crazy!
Hopefully tomorrow, I'll put up some pictures of our big boys!

Yeah, sure!

Ethan has apparently become Canadian. He used to say Yep, then Yes, then Yeah, and now it's, "Yeah, sure!" Such a goof. Tomorrow he goes sans diaper to daycare. Wish us all luck! The only thing I'm worried about is the car seat... and his shoes... But, we decided it's time to take the plunge- here's hoping!
Lucas seems to be gigantic all of a sudden. It feels like he's growing up faster than possible. We think he might be working on a tooth- Ethan was this early, so it's all together possible.
My class earned the spirit stick this week - for their improvement in behavior. Of course, then they were absolute pills yesterday - but today was great. I have two boys who are always awful on Wednesdays. They say that it's just the way it is - they hate Wednesdays. We'll see about that. I'll figure out some way to manipulate the situation. I do love the problem-solving of teaching.
It's nice to have Brian home tonight. I think I'm learning through all of this to be appreciative of what I've got - especially him. It would be so hard to do it on my own. I know many people out there do- I admire their strength! I'm lucky to be married to someone so giving and helpful. He's a good guy.

Weekend's over already?

Time flies... It literally feels like this weekend was over in a snap. We survived. Brian worked all day Saturday and went to work a while ago tonight. Yesterday we had great fun- Lucas has learned how to "play". He's grabbing at his toys and smiling and gurgling. That may not seem like much, but to us it's amazing! We played and played and played some more. Here's a picture of Ethan "sharing" his toys with sleeping Lucas.... cute...

Ethan has not had one single accident this weekend. He hasn't even gone in his pull-up - even at night. Impressive, I must say! I'd say we are well on the way to being without diapers! Well, for that one.... The other one made good use of his diapers again and again.
This week we work at transitioning into Brian's work schedule, but the boys are still in daycare full time for two more weeks. We were hoping Brian would find something before then, but it's not looking too hopeful. It's just a stinky time to be looking. Mark's sermon this morning was about giving up all worry and relying on God to calm us. I kept thinking about that verse, I think it's in Philippians, about not being anxious about anything, but giving it all to God. There's a lot I want to be anxious about, but really, what's the use? God'll get us through. And, he has given us caffeine and that is a big help! Good thing Lucas doesn't seem to mind when I drink a lot of it!
I'm off to finish lesson plans - I've got to get ready for the week. I've got to figure out how to talk about reproduction without the kids getting squirrelly. And I was hoping for a calm week!

Picture Day!

Today was picture day at daycare. We won't see the finished product for awhile, but here's a preview....

Tonight was Brian's first night back. It was a disaster here at home, but I just keep thinking, there's no way but up! Lucas went on a nursing strike- I think it was the fiber bar I ate for lunch. Ethan was throwing a tantrum when I picked him up and didn't stop until after dinner. There was constant crying tonight and it wasn't just me! Actually, though, it really wasn't that bad, considering. I'm sure we'll figure it out.

School is really starting to turn around. We've hit a stride and I'm excited. I had a great meeting with my principal today and am feeling good about what we're doing. It's an uphill battle, but at least we're moving.
This weekend should be a little crazy. Brian works a lot - getting his training hours in, and that leaves me with the monkeys. I realize many, many women do this every day - I'll get the hang of it! Now, I'm off to grade papers! Blech...