pictures say a thousand words?

Yep, Lucas loves to climb. He thinks he's really funny. And yes, I grabbed the camera before making him get down, but I didn't smile and laugh... I swear! Look at how skinny he is in the next pic. I swear he eats ALL DAY LONG and he's got this tiny little waist. This is so not fair!

The next one is like a "Where's Waldo". See if you can find the treat he's so mad that he lost....

Ope, there it is. I found it before he did...

I might be in the doghouse with daycare tomorrow- I fed him high fiber pasta two nights in a row. Today was already somewhat of a super diaper changing day, i'm a little worried for tomorrow. Sometimes this mama doesn't think! But that smile! It just lights me up!

"Mama, I need you to snuggle me. Read me books and give me kisses, okay?"

"Yep. For sure okay..."

I was so stressed going into this weekend. I feel like I'm always trying to be a great teacher, a great mom, a great wife, and so on (except for the housekeeper part, I've given up on that one for good). I just can't ever meet up to my expectations for me. I've hit a bit of a plateau at my weight loss too and I think that frustration just set me off.

But, I've come to the realization that I just need to enjoy the minutes I'm in - whatever role that is - and relax about not being perfect. Hard. But necessary. Look at those boys! They do not need a stressed out mom. So this weekend I played and we crafted and today I just relished in being mom and ignored the gigantic stacks of papers on the table. They can wait.

So this week? I'm just going to try and relax and live in the moment. It can't be that hard, can it?

I did have pictures...

But I didn't have any really good pictures, and I'm too tired or lazy to figure out where the camera is. We spent the day working on crafty projects for Christmas - tons of fun! Glitter glue and I need to take a little break from each other though...
Lucas has become amazingly demanding and LOUD. He wants to be a part of everything and somethings he just can't do (stir the pasta on the stove for example.) I hate having him screaming and crying, but I can't do anything about it! Cooking these days is pretty stressful, I must say. But, he is incredibly cute when he smiles and he's discovered dancing. I do love that.
Ethan and I have been practicing some of the songs he's singing in his Christmas program. He's pretty good - at certain parts anyway. And those parts are LOUD. Pretty much our house is always LOUD.
My favorite moment tonight? Ethan reading us a book Brian had just read him. He told the story (abbreviated of course) pretty darn well. It was fun for him to get to be in charge.
And now I'm off to scrub my hands, face, and clothes of glitter- once and for all!

Boring Weekend...

Ethan's got a nasty little cough, and I was so exhausted from last week that we just stuck close to home and didn't do much of anything this weekend. It was kind of nice, actually - and I got a lot done for school. There was definitely time for wrestling though....I guess Ethan must be feeling better.....

Indian or Lodge Member?

Lucas got to make a craft today! I love it! He was so cute today- just giggling and squealing. He was going back and forth giving hugs and laughing up a storm.
Ethan spent another evening trolling the streets on his bike. We went behind the school next door and played sharks. I'm not really sure how to play, but we end up running from sharks over and over. I figure it's good cardio.
Tomorrow is the boys' last "daddy day" as Brian's been subcontracted to a business in Boise. It won't be full-time, but we're hoping it'll be a decent amount.
I am so ready for the weekend... It's been a long, long week.

Fast as Lightning!

So proud. So very very proud. Me or Him? Both.

Only a few bumps and bruises - but none brought down his spirits! He went all the way around our little neighborhood - Lucas and I were hoofing it to keep up! He's a natural and was so proud of himself riding near all the big kids in the neighborhood with their bikes. I have a feeling we'll be spending lots of time outdoors!

Thriller!

One more thing... A dance off on Saturday night... We do a mean Michael Jackson (not).

Hilarious!

I love my dad.

Happy Halloween!

What a fabulous weekend....

It all started with a celebration of Uma's birthday. Ethan announced what all of the presents were before she opened them - so sweet......

Saturday morning was pumpkin cleaning time. Upa is the best! My mom and I roasted the seeds- yum!

Then Brian and Ethan did the carving.
The finished product was awesome! "Jackolen!"

Lucas loved playing peek a boo with Upa.

Uma and Ethan made tootsie pop ghosts to hand out. So much fun!

Then we got dressed up - Bob the Builder....

And the Lion!...

We headed to a local long-term care facility that was doing trick or treating and the boys were charming. Well, Ethan was. Lucas got freaked out by a mask and hid... But he sure did love the chocolate he got.

For dinner? Jello hands, brains, and a snakewich. Delicious!

Brian got home and off to trick or treat at the McConnels and other neighbors. The boys were great!

Lucas loved looking in his bag.

Ethan played cruise director, telling us which way to go. At the end, we were all exhausted, but loved it.

Today we headed to the zoo, where Upa and Ethan serenaded us in Africa.

Lucas made friends with some penguins...

And Ethan used his tongue to clean this penguin (gross, I know).

This tiger was the perfect size for my tiger.

Then Uma and Upa took Ethan to buy a big boy bike! We can't take it home until tomorrow and Ethan is super excited. We had lunch, took long naps and played together tonight. We're so sad to see them go, but so grateful for the fun we had!

Now it's back to a new workweek.... Not sure I'm ready for that!