Happy Birthday Ethan!!!

A few days after birth....

1st Birthday...

2nd Birthday...

Big Birthday #3!!!

We love you Ethan! We are so proud of the Big Boy you are!

Happy Birthday!

2 days and counting...

My little almost-3 year old just got his pajamas on all by himself! Of course they're backwards, but he doesn't mind, so why should we?
I am feeling kind of cruddy- 2 eyes totally pinked out now, and still the sore throat, so you'll excuse me if I don't have much to say. I did scare lots of kiddos today- kind of funny. I kept wondering why people were staring and then I'd remember that my eyes were still glowing. Hopefully by tomorrow they'll be closer to normal. Yikes!
Ethan goes to the doc tomorrow for his 3 year well-kid checkup. He's excited! Not sure if he gets any shots or not. So we'll see if he's still so positive tomorrow night. Lucas is trying so hard to crawl, but just can't get his tummy up. We did find out that he loves frozen yogurt though. He was screaming (literally) for it at Costco tonight. Yum!
I'm going to bed- yes, at 7. Hoping that some extra sleep will cure my ails!

Let's see, when last you heard from us.....
Friday was a good day, though after school I looked into a mirror and realized my eye had big red splotches in it. Luckily, it was my blind eye, so I (and the eye tech at my doc's office) weren't too concerned - couldn't get any more blind, right? So, we went off to Olive Garden for dinner (Lucas loved sitting at the table like a big boy) enjoying our breadsticks while I convinced myself something was in my eye that I couldn't get out.
We went home and got the boys to bed and it wasn't too long later that I realized what the problem was. I HAD THE DREADED PINK EYE!! Of course, all the clinics were closed before I figured it out, so I had to suffer through a horrible night.
Ethan was very sympathetic the next morning - doing all he could to help. Telling me to go to "doctor office" so I could get better before our play date. I did and it was no big deal. I got some big sunglasses to hide my horrendous eye while we're in public, and we were off to Ethan's friend's house.
He and the little girl fought and played and argued and hugged - a great afternoon! Lucas was cheerful the whole visit and I enjoyed chatting with her mom. Best of all, we came home and both boys slept for 2 straight hours! I rested and read, and just stared into silent space- it was great!
Then the McConnels came over for dinner and we all sat around playing and eating. Liam just keeps growing and growing! Today was church this morning and then we were supposed to be getting lots done this afternoon- but it is so cold! The wind just rips through my bones! So, Brian and Ethan ran to Home Depot and Lucas is sleeping while I try to gather up some energy. This week is going to be busy! My little boy turns three!!! It is just throwing me for a loop - how can time pass that quickly?!!

Better for sure...

Feeling much better today. Compounded with the fact that my kiddos did great on their math test. Then add to that - we went to one of my student's baseball games and had great fun! Then, Day 6 of the 30 day shred (workout video). So, a good day. Ethan just loved my student's sisters - Even told the little girl that he loved her as we left :) What a goof!
I'm so tired from all these meds, that I'm heading to bed oh so very early! We're praying for a good night of sleep. Lucas must be cutting that second tooth. Come on out already tooth!

Oops... I did it again..

I accidentally posted a blank post. Sheesh - but I can explain.

I have a sore throat.

So I went to the doctor.

No strep, no infection of any kind.

So no antibiotics.

Just this: Sudafed + Nose Spray + Ibuprofen + Throat Lozenges.

I can't think straight! So you see why I pushed the wrong button. But what I was going to say was that Ethan and I planted those seeds what seems forever ago and they are still without sprouts! Everyday I run over to the garden in hopes of seeing little green things poking out, but to no avail. It's breaking my heart. Soon?

Ethan worked out with me tonight. His jumping jacks are pretty impressive. He doesn't really get the whole arms plum legs thing- too confusing I guess. But he enjoys it :) And it makes the workout go fast. Afterwards, he led me in his "stretches". We did jumping jacks and then something called running jacks. It involved a lot of silliness. And then we touched our toes.

You know what? My son is really bossy. This could be a problem. But, it does make him endearing too. You have to be a little bossy to be successful, right? I hope?

And now, I better turn my brain off.

Sprout, seeds, sprout!

Party On!

Today marked birthday party #3 in two weeks. Seems 3 years, 9 months ago was a very busy time for a lot of people.:) Tonight we celebrated Ethan's (and our) good friend Peyton's birthday. Pizza, cake, and 3 little boys that had a blast.

Ethan really enjoyed this walker. I think I'm going to look for one at garage sales for Lucas for our backyard. I never thought about taking one outside, but it's brilliant. He won't be walking yet this summer and this will keep him from crawling into gross stuff while I'm working on flowers and things. Perfect! Now to find a deal....

These boys had a blast. They tore around, wrestled, threw dirt, and played with all of Peyton's fabulous toys. They did stop for cake and ice cream and a little bit of pizza. Fun times!

Ethan made quick use of the John Deere tractor. He figured out (mostly) how to drive it around, though almost took out a fence and a few bushes. He had fun bossing everyone around. We were laughing about what he'll end up being when he grows up, so I asked him.

"Ethan, what are you going to be when you get big?"

"I don't know."

"Are you going to be a policeman? A doctor?"

"No."

"Are you going to run the world?"

"Yeah, I'm going to run the world. Around and around and around."

That's my boy!

Big Mama

"Mommy, look at the big lion!"

"Yep, that's a big mama lion (not the pictured lion, another one)."

"Oh, Big Mama, like You!"

all 20 people surrounding us laugh hysterically - including myself.....

After church today, we headed out to the park for a picnic and then to the zoo to visit the new Africa exhibit. It was a hit! Ethan loved all the African animals and all the "stuff" like the music hut above.

The giraffe was a big hit. It was such a gorgeous day! Unfortunately, I learned the hard way that our sunscreen may be expired. Poor Ethan has a bit of a sunburn on the back of his neck.

We even learned some Swahili. Very cool.

Lucas liked sitting with the penguin statues, but didn't do much else. He loved people watching, but didn't really get the whole "looking at the animals" thing.

And the grand finale... the slide! The boys slept on the way home and Ethan was a terror this evening. But, it was all worth it- too fun! We decided it was a "NO STRESS" day and we really stuck to it! Here's to optimistically looking forward to a "No Stress" week! Ha. Although we are one ISAT test done and my kids did fabulously! I could not be prouder of them. Now on to math....

The Freckles have arrived!

I always know that it's truly turned to Spring when my face fills up with freckles! I love it. We had a most fabulous day. Ethan and I worked in his garden, adding lettuce to it. I sure hope something grows, though with him always digging his shovel around in there, who knows....
Then Brian was off to work and we were off to the other Savannah's party. We had a blast! Ethan played in the bouncy house almost the entire time and I chatted with a couple of moms who I think just may end up being friends :) One mom, Mindy was so incredibly helpful as I had Lucas with me too. She even offered to take Ethan any time so I can go do whatever. A really nice woman :) Ethan's best buddies were there, except for the other boy in his class. But Ethan's okay with being the only "man" in the group. He even helped Gabby out the door, putting his hand on the small of her back to guide her. Straight out of a romance novel, I tell you!
After that, we took naps - not me though, I started Jillian Michael's 30 day shred workout video (OUCH) - and then played. This evening we took a walk down at the greenbelt and got up close and personal with lots and lots and lots of ducks, sheep, goats, and cows. Ethan was digging it and DID NOT want to leave. As we passed people on the path he'd say

"Hi."

"Hello there - how are you " (complete stranger)

"I going home. I DO NOT WANT TO GO HOME!

As he said this (screamed this) he'd put his arms up in the air and his bottom lip out as far as it can possibly go. Too funny. We made a lot of people smile :)

And now, we're gearing up to watch Thursday night TV. Yes, I realize it's not Thursday, but we're a little behind this week....

And we're back...

Spring has sprung and the weather has been gorgeous! Last night we went to the McConnels for dinner. Liam was having a rough night, but Lucas really loved playing peek a boo in his play gym. Ethan loved playing baseball in the backyard until daddy hit it "way up in the sky." And then the game was over.
Today the boys had a good time- even went shopping for yet another birthday present, as I take the boys to another little girl's party tomorrow. He is totally excited, though not as excited as the last one. We'll have fun, I'm sure.
I found out I'm teaching 5th again next year- yippee! The whole staff went to a challenge course today- I haven't laughed that much in a really long time. It was great.
I am so tired I have nothing witty or exciting to write. We're all great and looking =forward to the weekend!

Rockin' the Tooth...

Lucas slept so much better last night So nice. I felt (almost) human this morning when I woke up. And I had a fabulous time with a couple of old friends. Fun!
Ethan is totally obsessed with these Midnight Monster pajamas I got on sale at Old Navy. Is it bad that he's worn them 4 nights straight? He screams every morning because he wants to wear them to school, but I can't.... He is so stinkin' cute in them though, because they are ... snug... and give him this cute little potbelly. It's too much.
Also too much, the way he says "pepperoni"... It kind of sounds like... pup-per-OH-ni... I love it. He and Lucas are just adorable, that's all I can say.
My kids start their first ISAT tomorrow. Have I mentioned I hate standardized tests? Necessary, I suppose, but I still hate them! Brian and I made me a shirt - "Go Team Sprague"... hopefully that'll make up for the fact that I refuse to bribe them with candy... Probably not, but they'll get over it. I really hope they do well- they are brilliant kids. Some are too brilliant for their (or society's) own good.
Bring it on!

Yippee Skippy!

We have tooth! After hearing that Lucas would not sleep today, after not sleeping last night, I searched around and found it! I am so hoping that this find means that we can get some sleep around here- I'm losing my mind!
Did I mention my boys are musicians? Lucas was fast to pick up the tradition- His "guitar" is half of a pizza board that Ethan forever used as a guitar. We have lots of great video of it.

Ethan has started really getting into his trucks. Here he was taking the "trash" from one side of the room to the other. I wish he'd do this with actual trash, but instead, it's just Easter eggs. And that back little corner there- that's where I caught him sneaking M&Ms a couple days ago.

"Ethan, you better not be eating back there. If you are, I'll take all your eggs away!"

"Patooh, I spit them out!"

And he did. All over the carpet. That is now orange.

And lastly- isn't he adorable? Kenya won't even let us put the ears on her. But Duke'll wear them around forever. Silly guy! He also enjoyed chasing Ethan's race car around the house.

It's just never boring over here at our zoo. Don't get me wrong. I wouldn't have it any other way.

Post Easter Sugar Low...

At least, I'm assuming that's why my kids were cranky today... And I was right there with them.
But you can't stay mad when Ethan keeps doing this :

"Squeak your nose, bad guy!"

He's very creative... And now, we have another birthday party next weekend. He is so excited, though since the girls both share the same name I think he is utterly confused- as we all are. But we'll be there, with bells on- a bouncy house this time!

Lucas must be cutting a tooth. I know we've said that before, but this time I'm really thinking it- ok, no more than last time, but it's got to come sooner or later, right? The boy wants to eat steak! But for now, he'll just gnaw on bread until it's mushy and gross- it works.

I'm going to bed so very early tonight, so I'll make more sense tomorrow :)

Easter Sunday...

We had a great time with friends at the dinner last night- and then this morning, Ethan was SO excited to get up and see if the Easter Bunny "hop hop hop" all over his house and hid his eggs- which he did. Ethan loved looking for them!

After our fun Easter morning- we headed to a fabulous service at church. Mark talked about the power of resurrection throughout history and modern time- very thought provoking. The boys were so handsome!

These boys NEVER sit still! But they do have fun...

We came home and worked in the garden, played outside. Ethan and I planted the peas and a few flowers (that could very well freeze, but hey, we tried). Ethan was so careful (not) planting the flowers. He was very adamant at where they would go though. Duke and Kenya were loving the sun!

I told you they like to play! We had a great day- relaxing in the sunshine!

busy... busy...

So the last two days have been busy... so busy...

1) Parent's Night Out at church- Brian and I actually went on a date! The boys had a great time at church, although Lucas decided it was perfect time to learn to scream "MAMA!" A milestone, yes... guilt-inflicting, yes... But they had a blast!
2)Ethan had Savannah's birthday party today. 12 -2/3 year olds + giant blowup slide= chaos. But, fun. Ethan was the only boy- he liked that role very much.
3) Big Easter dinner tonight at Todd's Aunt and Uncle's house- a dinner we've gone to for many many years now- a nice tradition! Lots of neat people and a really great Easter Egg Hunt. Ethan got to play baseball with all the big kids and he was just in heaven!

So, too tired to put the pics on- will tomorrow. I am happy to say the Easter Bunny has visited our house and hid eggs in ridiculously obvious places. We'll play in the morning, go to church, and then come back to work in the garden. I am excited!

Oh what a night...

It all started with SuperDad...

He cleaned the house, made dinner, and is just a great guy...

Then there was our visitor, the air conditioner tuneup guy, whom Ethan immediately befriended. He asked him lots (and lots) of questions.
"What you doing? What that? You coming? You eat dinner too? What that? What that for? You like rocks? You have tools too? You bob the builder? What you doing? What you doing? What you doing? What you doing?"
The guy was so nice and even brought Ethan a huge rock he found outside to add to his collection (of rocks he has stolen from daycare.)

And Lucas started 3rd foods today. He had spaghetti and meatballs too! And a breadstick that got nastified (you like that word? I made it up.) So after this nastiness, we had bathtime and books. The boys were so so very good!

And now is 2 hours of fabulous TV on NBC including 2 new Office episodes.

Bliss!!!

Another Carnival...

This week, Missy at http://itsalmostnaptime.blogspot.com/ has instructed all her readers to become "That Mom" and brag on our kids a little bit. She talked about how we so often focus on the negative- freaking out over the messes, disasters, and frustrations, that sometimes we forget to revel in all their cuteness... like this cuteness!

Lucas is 7 months old and has the most beautiful blue eyes I have ever seen. He's so giggly and happy and is so good at getting other people to smile. He just makes us all happier with that adorably gigantic head, I mean grin!

Ethan, 2 - almost 3, is so smart. Not necessarily the good grades-every teacher's dream-smart (no way to tell that yet), but the "I'm going to figure it out, even if you won't help me" kind of smart. Like today....
"I want up there. I want up like Lucas. Help me."
"No buddy, Lucas is a baby. He's little. You're too big."
"PLEASE Mommy. I want to. I not too big. I small. Small big boy."

See! He's so smart! And I need to do some more "toddler-proofing". He loves to read and he is totally compassionate. He always tries to make his brother happy and loves to help. And musical! He loves to make up silly songs and give us each instruments to play along.

We're happy :) We're blessed:)

Thanks for asking!

Mickey!

This morning, Ethan carried his Mickey Mouse around in his blanket, all wrapped up like a baby.

"Shh guys, Mickey sleeping. Mickey tired. I hold Mickey tight"

Mickey slept in Lucas' crib today. That was a compromise. Ethan wanted to take him to daycare. I promised him that Daddy would take good care of Mickey. After school he went right in and found Mickey and took out a bunch of blankets to put him to bed in the middle of the living room- what a goof!

Lucas had his 6 mont appt today- at 7 and a half months, yes. He's completely healthy- just has a huge head. Of course we already knew that- I've had to learn all sorts of new camera angles for it :) He was a champ, weighing in just under 20 lbs.

The standardized testing season has begun. Pressure, pressure. The pressure moves down from the federal government to the state government, the superintendent, the principals, and then down to us lowly teachers. I refuse to pass that pressure to my kids. I wish we had a better way to prove our kids' skills, but it's a game we have to play, I realize.

PS- I love this weather! It makes everything seem easier!

Notes from the zoo...

That's our new guy- "Duke" - whom Ethan calls "Luke". Keep in mind the boy can't say "Lucas", he says "Yuckas". Maybe it's not that he can't say the L sound? Maybe he just likes the nickname? Anyway, Duke is fitting in nicely. It seems he's taken charge and is a very good influence on Kenya. She hasn't jumped on one counter since he came! And tehy are both outside playing right now- jumping all over the place, wearing each other out! I did take them for a walk earlier and that was kind of... taxing. We're going to have to work on the whole leash-training thing.

We love being able to play outside! Of course, before we went out, Ethan announced, "Hey guys, I have to checka my email first. Okay guys?" And he did!

We played and played and we were all exhausted by bedtime! Now I have to go read. My kids and I made a deal that we would read 45,000 minutes together (well, seperately, but the minutes added together) by May 8th. I better do my part!

Howdy Y'all!

My parents just got back from Texas and sent some fabulous hats! What a crack up!

Ethan calls it his "superhero" hat. Last night when our dog, Kenya was being naughty, he threw it on, ran after her, and once she got down, announced, "I did it!", threw the hat down and kept playing. What a goof!

Speaking of our dog, we went and adopted another dog today, from the Humane Society. Duke is almost an identical breed to Kenya and a little younger. He is so good with the boys (of course we will be very careful anyway) and he and Kenya had a blast playing in the backyard. We're hoping that they will play together when they're outside and get some exercise. We knew we wanted a companion for Kenya and then yesterday I was reading about the problems the shelters are having because of the economic crisis. Many people are having to give up their pets to move into apartments, etc. When we looked at the site, we saw Duke and knew we needed to meet him. We do have 30 days for our decision to be final- just in case there are any concerns, but as for right now, it's going great!

I'm not sure I'm ready for another school week! I did get to go golfing with my friend, Kris, today and had so much fun. I got totally sunburned- guess it's time to break out the sunscreen. Here's hoping the nice weather continues!