Father's Day & Father's Day Observed

*This post is for the sisters that were unable to be there (just for the record- I was the ONLY sister there) and so I can remember that we got Dad a gift that he was obviously excited about.

We went to my parents' house Friday late (we got there about 10 PM) so that Bryan could work on the car in the am while it was cool from sitting in the driveway all night. We watched Breach after getting the boys to bed. So I had a rough morning, Little A decided he was ready to get up at 6:30am!!! which got Big A up about 7am. After several failed attempts at "going back to bed," I got up with the boys. I got them toast (that is what Big A asked for) while Little A threw a fit because he likes his daddy to get up with them when he is around- which doesn't bother me at all. Then Jill came home from work and I chatted with her because when she got up from sleeping I knew I wouldn't see her- baby shower for Celeste and then party at the beach for Cynthia. Uncle Mike was already awake and offered to watch the boys so I could go back to bed, it was wonderful. A little while after I got into bed, Bryan got up, worked on the car, showered and was ready to go. Katie went to work in the afternoon, so she wasn't around. Matt brought some friends home to swim in the afternoon. But while the boys were napping, I cleaned the house and Mike and I planned dinner. Oh, I forgot to mention that Mom & Dad were on their way home from Utah, they went to Travis & Cami's wedding. So Mike went to the grocery store to get everything for dinner and we had a pretty good dinner: grilled chicken, pasta-roni, pink salad (Matt's favorite), and rolls. Dad opened his gift from his children but mostly from Mom. Then Bryan and Dad "played" with the new toy, Bryan said "like kids in a candy store," as they were getting the laser to work and starting the saw to "see if it works." This was all happening in the living room. We hung out for a while and then headed home. Oh another thing- the neighbors behind them were having a party, one was just playing music loud and the other was a full on party with DJ, so when we left after 11Pm we drove past to get the address of the DJ party that was still going on but we saw 3 cops driving on the street, so we figured it was taken care of.

Sunday:
Bryan did get up with the boys but it was wasn't as early as the day before. I made breakfast and he got 2 presents that he wanted- a BYU hat and The Office Season 2 on DVD- I thought about giving him The Office early because there has been nothing on TV lately but I waited. We got to church just in time to snag the last bench. I made dinner. We had Flan for dessert (Bryan made most of it but I was trying to get the boys back into bed after getting out many times).

ReadyBed

My boys watch NickJr and the commercials between shows. One commercial is for a Ready Bed. They both get so excited whenever the commercial comes on. I think it would really fun to have these, the Thomas the Train ones, they like trains, let me rephrase that, they LOVE trains! I imagine taking them to Ga & Papa's house, Ann's house, Kim's house and all of the other places we spend a night. I just think it would be fun to have but can I justify spending that much on something we will use occasionally?

To Clarify...

I am NOT pregnant. I will share more about my doctor visits when I know more.
Ann, you will be watching my boys on Thursday either at my place or at the beach while I am at another appointment, with Mom of course.

Big A's "potty during nap time" routine is as soon as they have been lying down and I get situated on the Internet or with my lunch, he decides that he must go to the potty. So he goes and then I get him situated in bed again. Then, at most, a minute later, "I need to go poo-poo." After that I tell him there is nothing else in him and he must go to sleep. Sometimes if he is really fighting the nap he will try a few more times but usually it is just 3 times and then to sleep.

Little A plays with toys, sticks hands under the door and thinks it is funny to get on Big A's bed and pretend to be asleep, when he is caught awake. When he pretends to be asleep he lies with eyes open, snoring. It makes me laugh, which makes it hard for him to take me seriously, but he eventually gives up and falls asleep usually in Big A's bed but with his pillow and blanket.
They have been dragging their blankets all over inside, it is a game and to try to get the other person's blanket. It just makes me nervous when they get under the blanket and then walk around because Little A gets walked into a door or wall. Oh well, boys will be rambunctious.

Today we were waiting at the lab and of course my boys needed to be everywhere. Little A was pushing the stroller and Big A was taking books out of his backpack. An older lady was coming down the hallway and Little A pushed the stroller right where she was walking. I guided the stroller so that it wouldn't run the lady over and said "sorry." She gave the best reply, "no need to apologize, they are healthy and active."

Doctor, Doctor

I went to the doctor's for myself yesterday and for both boys (by myself) today. The boys, to quote the doctor, are perfect. They have nothing wrong with them, except for Little A being a picky eater. They both got Hep A shots, which I wasn't really prepared for, so no pain medication until we got home. Little A was so exhausted (because the only appointments close together were during nap time) that he would doze off then wake up whining "hurt, hurt" touching his leg. I felt so bad. But we made it home in under 15 minutes and medication was administered. Now Little A is sleeping and Big A has started on the "potty during nap time" routine but he will be asleep shortly. What should I do with this "free" time? Laundry? No, I did some yesterday so I won't do any today. Clean bathrooms? No, might wake the boys (great justification, right?). Start dinner? No, I don't really feel like cooking anything; it is a beautiful summer day maybe we will have sandwiches at the park. Surf the web? Well, okay since I have nothing better to do.

Big A sporting the band-aid from the shot.
Little A napping on Big A's bed (his new thing to take his stuff out of his bed and nap on brother's bed)

*Oh, I might add I will be going to do lab work tomorrow morning and then another trip to the doctor's next week so I am planning on lots of sympathy for all my time being spent at the doctor's instead of spending it running around with the boys, cleaning, laundry, and cooking.

Lucky Girl

Andy & Jill (at Disneyland)

Jill & Andy came down to babysit on Wednesday night so Bryan & I could go out without the boys. They got to our place about 4:30 and got to hang out with the boys (who should have napped but didn't because Brian came over on his lunch break and after he left I forgot about naps) and me until Bryan came home from work after 6pm. They also helped me put my freshly ironed bed skirt on. According to Jill & Andy, their night was quite entertaining. Big A offered for Andy to "pee in my toilet" and then stood at the door shaking the handle asking if he was done. Little A assisted Jill in the bathroom: lifts lid, hands not even a square of paper, flushes. After getting pajamas on, they got to pick out a movie- Peter Pan- to get "calm." Big A has been acting out movies lately so he was running around and calling Andy a "dirty pirate." But the boys went to bed easily for them, even though I wanted Little A to climb out at least once to stick his hands under the door and shake it. But I think they will want to babysit again because after the boys went to bed they watched some of Season One of The Office (I know Jill has it but I think you appreciate things like that after the kids are asleep- maybe that is the mom talking in me).

Katie & Ryan (taken on Mother's Day)

Thursday, Katie & Ryan came down. They played with the boys, went to get lunch at Pei Wei's and took the boys to the park while some members of the Relief Society came to meet me. Big A continued to use the term "dirty pirate" and put Katie in "jail" (which was my bedroom). Little A was very upset when Katie was put in jail and would go to Ryan to "save" her. Being able to visit with the Relief Society ladies was very nice without having the boys needing my attention. I have to admit, I was a little worried about not having the distraction of the boys during the visit but it was actually enjoyable. I am loving all the visitors that I have been having. I just need to get some games so I have something to do if and when I get people here again- then they can stay longer (hint, hint).

*The title of the post is because Brian, Jill & Andy, Katie & Ryan, and 2 members of the RS visited in 2 days AND I got taken out to dinner and shopping with my best friend.*

My Bed

I am finally posting pictures of my "finished" bed. I still want more pillows but I am practicing patience. Under the duvet is a light-weight quilt that matches the large pillows. My boys think it is fun to flop on the fluffy bed but I think it is just relaxing. I still sleep in the middle of the bed, unless we get a visitor. My bathroom has the same colors too.

My Little A

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LITTLE A!

Little A (Big A took this picture, I thought he did a great job) last week.

My little boy is 2 years old. I remember the night before he was born, I had a hard time falling asleep. And just as I had fallen asleep, I woke up to go to the bathroom. On my way to the bathroom, my water broke but I didn't know it. I woke Bryan up and he told it hadn't. I took a shower and woke him up again. We were lucky that Bryan's mom was visiting, she stayed with Big A as we went to the hospital to have a baby that I was certain would not be coming for at least a week but probably longer. Not having any contractions until being in the lovely hospital gown, I knew this was going to be easier than my first. I asked for my epidural as soon as I felt the smallest contraction, claiming it was an '8.' A little while later, Bryan was reminding the staff I needed to be checked because after Big A was born the doctor warned us to get to the hospital next time as soon as there were consistent contractions or else we would be having a baby at home. I was finally checked and ready to go. The doctors were teasing me saying "you are going to laugh this baby out," we were having a pretty good time with the nursing student who was witnessing her first birth (except for giving birth to her daughter). Little A was born and Bryan got to cut the cord (the cord was wrapped around Big A's neck). We loved the few visitors that came to check in on us and the food that was brought. I had a relaxing 3 days in the hospital because my little baby had jaundice and my doctor wrote the order "to be released with baby." "Relaxing" because my mother-in-law was taking care of Big A and I didn't have to worry about him at all and I got to see him everyday. I was happy when we were released and Little A got to lie in a "tanning bed" in just a diaper.
He is best buddies with his brother and the most loving kid I know. He gives hugs and kisses and head-butts to everyone he loves. He loves trains, cars, wrestling, fruit snacks, pizza, Little Einsteins, Blue's Clues, and doing anything with his brother and daddy. I love my little guy and feel blessed to have him in our family.

**I type this as Bryan is putting him down for about the tenth time tonight, so he is challenging as well.**

Biker Babes

A few weeks ago we were at my parents' house and Ryan had driven his scooter over. He told me I should take a ride, it took a little convincing but I did it. After Jill, Katie, and I had taken our rides, the boys decided to play on it and I got out the camera. I realize the boys are filthy but they LOVE dirt and have fun bathing, so it works for us.





**Ryan is Katie's boyfriend for those wondering who Ryan is**

Yum: Root Beer Floats, Sonic, FREE

Here's a heads up for all you SONIC Cruisers® out there. Thursday, June 7, 2007, is Free Root Beer Float Night. At the stroke of 8 p.m. up until midnight, anyone who visits a participating SONIC® Drive-In can guzzle down a complimentary 10-oz. Root Beer Float. Just hit the red button and say, "Gimme a free float!" Make a meal out of it if you like, but the sweet treat is on us. Tell your friends. Bring the fam. Spread the word. Because when darkness falls, it's free floats for everyone on the lot.


*I thought I would let everyone (who has a Sonic near them) about the FREE Root Beer Float Night at Sonic. I love Sonic but the closest one is 35 miles (which means over an hour to get there and back) so I will not be able to participate but didn't want to deny anyone else the goodness of FREE Sonic.

Time with Cousins

We went to Ann's for 5 days so Ga and Papa could participate in Grandparents' Day with the second grade, we hung out at Ann's house during those festivities. We saw little D play baseball, saw Beebe and Tyler's new house, went to the Train Museum, went to church, had a Spring Birthday celebration (4 birthdays in a week and Little A's is 3 days later but his stuff was in So Cal), played Ticket to Ride, ate at Chipotle (my first time, pretty good), Big A "fell down the mountain" and hurt his right foot. Spending time at Ann's house is always great, she is so relaxed about everything that you have to be relaxed too and my kids go to bed easier- which is always fantastic- because they are constantly on the go with their cousins and running to see the "choo-choos" every 30 minutes. We love being able to spend time with family and are glad they are willing to have us. I hope we can get up there again soon (or she can send a kid or 2 or 3 to visit me for a few days/week).

Cute Big E holding Little A's hand to get to Little D's baseball game.

Big D is having a great time playing with Papa's Apple Photo Booth. Little A just wanted in the picture and Ann & Little E are checking out Big D's funny photos.

Little E loves the outdoors, especially the swing. Ga loved taking him out to "calm" him down.

I left my camera in the car so this is after going to the Train Museum and Old Sacramento.

Beebe with Cousin T playing with the ball-sticky-catch-thing Little D got for his birthday from Ga & Papa, which was a hit with all the kids. We are excited that Pay & Mary & kids will be joining us at Bear Lake this August, Cousin T is fun and his sister is so cute.

On our way back to So Cal we stopped by Kim's house to meet up with Bryan, switch the stuff Bryan had borrowed from Dad and our stuff, and had a BBQ. Kim is a fabulous host and provides a fantastic meal anytime. Plus, I got to show Dad some of the things in Kim's house that they should put in their new house (bathroom night light, spice drawer, shower size, guest suite for me, the trees in the backyard for their current house). I just like Kim's house, Mom says she just has an eye for decorating and I think you feel at home there.

Here are 2 pictures of Big A's foot one week after "falling down the mountain" at Ann's house. There is also a small bruise on the bottom of his foot that I have not pointed out to him, which is why there is no photo of it. He is such a trooper about it, he even let Big D put his shoes on just two days after the accident. And hey we had to try to keep up with Big C's "accidents" but there is no way that is going to happen in just 5 days, sorry Beebe.

"Finished" Kitchen

Counter-top with stove

Close-up of tile

New sink

Here are the pictures of the "finished" kitchen. Just the back splash and painting of the walls is needed, but the sink, stove and dishwasher work and really that is what is important in a kitchen right.

So I made to it Mom & Dad's to take these photos for all of you (Beebe, Ann, Ali) wondering what the counter-tops look like now. We went with Papa and Uncle Mike to see Shrek 3. The boys loved the popcorn and the movie was good, just not as good as the second. I have decided that we can "go to the movies" in our own living room. I can pop corn just as good and there aren't annoying people talking on their bright cell phones and I know how clean my floor and seats are.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEEBE!!!

This is from Yosemite and if anything were to happen to Ann & Pie and Bryan & me, then this would be a Monson family photo missing 2 boys. Well, nothing is official but that is what Beebe wants. Aren't they a cute family?

31 things about Beebe:

1. Cleanliness
2. Photography
3. Hilarious
4. Elementary School Teacher
5. Talks
6. Loves Being Con's Mom
7. My Boys Love Her
8. I love her
9. Little People
10.Cooks
11. But eats out more
12. Likes to be involved
13. Likes to be in charge
14. "little" is one of her favorite words
15. Not afraid
16. To speak her mind
17. Afraid of funny things
18. Worries about her baby
19. Loves Disneyland
20. Likes to play games
21. Settlers
22. Fondue
23. Likes to be around me
24. I like to be around her
25. ALWAYS on the go
26. Bathroom office
27. Convinced us to move into the garage
28. So she could have her OWN room
29. Cruises
30. Packs wonderfully
31. The OLDEST

I love you Beebe and I think that you should move to wherever I am living. How is C-Rad suppose to be best friends with his cousins that he doesn't see? How will Tyler coach Little A in wrestling?

Working on the Kitchen...

Bryan and Tyler during demo and reconstructing the bar/counter-top.

Bryan working on the counter-top where the stove is now.

Little A throwing a fit during the construction (I can't remember why he was throwing fit but he is so CUTE!)

The cousins watching a movie (I think it was Nemo) during construction.

These are just a few of the memories we had the first weekend of "The Construction Zone." I was planning on taking a few pictures of the "finished" kitchen but I left my camera in the car...

**The tiles are laid, stove and sink are in and working, I just need to get up there to take pictures to post. I don't know when that will be, so please be patient. I am still recovering from being gone and my hubby being home alone for a few days (laundry and grocery shopping with the boys kicked my butt and now Big A has a cold & getting in bed with us in the middle of the night and then at about 6 wants to go back to his bed.

Jill is the Favorite Aunt

Big A wearing a Durr boy's glasses (I wasn't there during this so I am not sure which one), he is too cute with them on. It almost wants me to want him to need them but I have corrective lenses so the longer he doesn't need them the better.Little A loves getting attention from basically anyone but Jill does it whenever he wants and has started giving the boys Root Beer when she asks "Who is your favorite aunt?" and they SHOUT "JILL!!!" So of course, she has moved up on the favorite aunt list. It has been fun to be able to be around non-student Jill, she is still really busy but it is more social busy, not so stressful.

**I have decided that the boys' "favorite aunt" is whoever is around. They love Ann's house because of the train, cannot ruin the floor upstairs (sorry Ann but I hope it stays that way for a while longer), and the playroom with all the Little People to line up. Beebe has Con (I could go on but really that is most important thing and I think it is the same for Con). Kim can get Adam to give her kiss every time we see her (yes, she does bribe him but my little boy who only gives kisses when he thinks you don't one, gives Kim one every time). Katie takes them to the doughnut store, up to the park and Wal-Mart. Laura has made CDs that Adam loves to sing along to and we are working on having him allow the rest of us to sing along and dance too. They LOVE when they can see pictures/video clips of their cousins/kids on the computer, so those of you that do that, just keep doing it. I know that being the "favorite aunt" is not as important to you as it is to me. I love that everybody loves my boys, do things to "be the favorite" and really it is just because you love them (just like I love your kids and like to do things with/for them). Oh, Faunties (faux aunties) have a place with the boys' favorites too.

Some of big A's Favorite Things

big A loves Wal-Mart, "hambergers" and his aunts.

Katie and Jill came down for lunch a week or so after we moved into our apartment in RSM. We went to lunch at In-N-Out. Jill was sitting next to little A at lunch and pretty much lets him do whatever he wants. She let him eat ketchup, yes just ketchup. He started with fries but stuck his hand in and had a great time. There was a video clip of it but I can't seem to find it now. There weren't any pictures of big A at In-N-Out because Katie took him to the bathroom, what a great aunt. After lunch we went to Wal-Mart to get things for Katie's trip to Nebraska and the ladies' clothing department is right when you walk in, so of course we had to look for stuff for us. We found wrap dresses and Jill found this lovely shirt, which I convinced her to try on and we snapped a photo quickly. I love when the girls (and boys) come down for lunch, it gives me an excuse to go to Pei Wei's, maybe next time I convince them to take me to Chipotle for my first time.

*Anybody else is welcome to come, visit and give me excuses to go out to lunch (I am loving the eating out again- at least occasionally).

The Happiest Place on Earth -AGAIN

My Mom (Ga) with Little A waiting in line in A Bug's Land in California Adventure.

Little A on Casey Jr train ride, they love it so much they refuse to even look in the general direction of the camera. It was pretty warm that day and Little A's nap time.

Big A refused to look at ANYONE even my mom who was sitting next to him, this is a serious ride folks.

Little A on It's A Small World, I think this was their first time on this ride (Aunt Beebe doesn't really like this ride) and they really liked it. Little A was almost asleep at the end but then the sun was shining bright and no more sleepy.

Big A on It's A Small World. He is getting really good at the fake camera smile.

We had a wonderful time (as usual) last week with my mom and brother Mike at Disneyland. The longest line we stood in was for Autopia at 45 minutes, which was good because it was HOT (like 90 degrees-crazy I know). Big A still loves the Buzz ride and just seeing the castle makes the trip worth it. We shared a soft (not the ones prepackaged in the cup), frozen raspberry lemonade, which was perfect- thanks again Mom. I think we will wait until people visit before venturing to the happiest place on earth again- or September, whichever comes first.

barely 3 & almost 2

In the parking lot of Wal-Mart, I was trying to get Big A excited about riding in the basket. Aren't they ADORABLE?

I have been thinking for a little while about the things that make my boys special to me. I love them unconditionally and ALWAYS will but there are some things that make me smile almost daily.

Big A:
Announces when he toots now (thank you Bryan for pointing it out every time he did previously)
Gives/gets HIGH FIVES whenever he uses the bathroom or when Ga goes to the bathroom
Always looks out for little A; if he gets anything he expects his little bro to get it too
Talks in such a cute voice with cute words; for example when he says "tiny" he says it in a high pitched voice and he calls his binky that is cut "my broken one"
Loves to sing in the car and to be the only one singing or dancing but we are working on the fact that EVERYONE can sing and/or dance
Eats everything we give him (he went through a non-eating stage for a LONG time)
Best friends with Little A
Very Friendly, tries to talk to everyone (and I mean everyone)

Little A:
Says the first syllable of words (even though I have heard him say full words)
Hugs and Kisses (he puckers up across the room) - especially when I NEED it
Repeats "HI" or "BYE" at check-out counter until we are out door of store
Gets so excited about things: Blue's Clues, Bryan coming home, Backyardigans, choo-choos, coos (cookies, crackers), snac (fruit snacks), B (binky), drinks, bo (books)
Concerned about others- he can tell when Adam or I are upset/sad and gives a hug
Acts like a puppy
When doing something questionable gets a look in his eye that makes you wonder what he is thinking and up to
Best friends with Big A

There are more reasons that my boys are special but I really have a limited amount of time (Backyardigans is already half over).

Mother's Day

I had a wonderful Mother's Day. Our church starts at 2PM, so Bryan got up with the boys and woke me up when my French Toast was ready (and had a cold Diet Coke next to my plate). Then I helped with putting lotion on the boys after their shower and then I just got myself ready for church: painted my toe nails, showered, straightened my hair. Church was nice because we actually sat on a bench instead of the chairs in the back (we were 15 minutes early- the week before we were 10 minutes early and were still on the chairs). The speakers were great, especially the Bishop's wife, and then the Primary children and YM/YW sang. Relief Society was nice too. I sat next to a new girl, the YW were invited to RS (so we got to say the theme which is different than when I was in there), the lesson was on influential women and a YW & 2 ladies were asked to speak a little on the most influential woman in their life. In Nursery, the boys made "finger flowers" for me, they used their fingers for the petals.
Bryan cleaned up: dishes and vacuuming. Bryan made dinner and a cake with the boys. EVERYBODY came for dinner: Mom & Dad, Mike, Matt, Jill & Andy, Katie & Ryan. Yes, there was 12 people in our apartment. It was nice, I am glad they were all able to come. We gave Mom her presents, which she liked for those of you that contributed but were not here to see. Then Dad and Mike stayed to watch the Basketball game with Bryan and everyone else went home. Bryan got me a duvet cover and something is coming, maybe on Wednesday. I will post a picture when I get the something else and when my bed is "complete." The boys got me this book, I am really excited to read it (I will let everyone know how wonderful it is). How was your Mother's Day? I am really wanting to know, please post.

Style?

Heather posted about her love of pink and what style she likes, it made me think about my style- or lack of. I thought that I did NOT like Contemporary but apparently (I learned this a little while ago but I am still in denial about it) I do. Everything I WANT is Contemporary. For example, this dining room set: CONTEMPORARY, I WANT it. I love the idea of not having a head of the table, I love the non-fabric seats (Austin would ruin fabric) and the clean lines- nothing to fancy for this girl. I just need a place to put this lovely table.

I would love a bed frame along the same look as the chairs. My night stands and dressers that are in storage are great, not too ornate but not bleak. I really like dark wood. I hope to one day have a big enough kitchen that I can have cherry cabinets and it won't make the kitchen look small. But I would love just to have my own kitchen that I could paint the walls or change the counter-tops. My parents are in the process of changing their counter-tops and they are looking great. I am really glad that Bryan gets to spend his weekends working on their home projects because by the time we have our own house, he will be a pro. I will try to post a picture of the "finished" kitchen soon. I know Beebe and Tyler are anxious to see what it looks like, they abandoned the project after the first day. So that sounds a little bad, but really I feel abandoned by Beebe, not the project. I wander around the house, go online multiple times to see that NO ONE has posted since I checked last- 5 minutes before. I hope that by me posting, others will feel inspired to post. BUT that hasn't happened yet, so maybe everybody has started other blogs and are posting there. Please just entertain me while I am bored because my kids are entertained by "helping Papa" and Bryan with the kitchen (or just playing in the water from the tile saw) and every other adult is working (either on the kitchen or at Loma Linda) or at Beau's house. If I don't get entertainment then I will be forced to spend money that I should be saving for that lovely table (and house to put it in).

American Idol & theTop 4

So I love Tuesday and Wednesday Nights of TV because of American Idol. I never watched as consistently as I am right now. Normally we just watch the auditions but this time we watch, have favorites and get upset when they are voted off. Katie (my sister) insisted on watching after auditions, we protested and now I even vote - Bryan already tells me I am a teenager for voting- but honestly I don't care. And I know that me voting 10 times out of 45million (Ryan just announced that) is really insignificant but then I can't complain when they get voted off. I am in the middle of watching it right now, Jordin and Blake are my favorites. Bryan predicted who would be going home. I had a hard time not getting teary with LaKisha, her going home was the most touching for me. I hope she has a career past AI because she really does have wonderful voice and she is a mother (yes, I am biased).

What is Mom Worth?

In honor of Mother's Day, which is quickly approaching, the discussion of the worth of a mom is very appropriate. Bryan sent a link to an article telling me he couldn't afford me. Being a stay-at-home mom is challenging but worth it (even without my huge salary). I never realized how hard it was for my mom to stay home with 8 kids - and even more with friends and day care- until I was a stay-at-home mom with 2 kids under 2 years. I still can't understand fully and never really hope to. But I appreciate everything my mom did and continues to do for me and now my family. I think Emily can attest to this now, being a new mom and having just had Mom at her home for 10 days.

I think moms talk about the hard things about being a mom because it sounds like we are bragging when we talk about a great day or when a child does something really cute or smart or loving. I find that it is easier for me to talk about the bad things with others than to celebrate. Celebrating with my boys, of course, is easy; Adam gets a high five anytime he goes potty and Austin ate chicken last night (I know I am still in shock) so we went to the Baskin-Robin 31 cent night and he actually got to have his own scoop, instead of not being able to have any because he refuses to eat the dinner we are having. I love telling Bryan about the great things of the day because then it helps me remember why I WANT to stay home- and maybe make him a little jealous.

I am glad that whenever I sit down on the couch, Austin HAS to climb on my lap and give me a big hug. I love when Adam knows that he is doing something cute, he gets a little smile and mischievous eyes. I love how both of my boys love to spend time with each other and look out for each other. I love how excited they get when Bryan comes home or calls on the phone or how they cry when we leave him at work after going to lunch with him. I love that Adam calls Austi a "puppy" and Austi gets on all fours and follows Adam around. I love how anytime there is a train or train tracks both of the boys get very excited, tell me about the train for a few miles and Adam asks "where'd da train go?" I used to tell him Ann's house because there are train tracks practically in her backyard but now I ask him where he thinks it went and he says "Ann house." I love that Austin says very few words (or syllables) and then surprises everyone (especially Papa) with "oh boy." I love that my boys LOVE to read books and have books read to them. I love that my boys like to go places and enjoy riding in the car; there are hills everywhere here and anytime we go anywhere (especially with the windows down) they put their hands in the air and yell "woo-whoo" and want us to put our hands in the air too. I love that they can be entertained with a box. I love when they ask for "cheese" they wave their fists like Wallace (from Wallace and Grommitt).

There are so many more things that I love about my boys and about being a mom. I just hope that I have inspired all of you to post on your blogs (hint, hint) and if you need a topic "Mom."

Rest Is For Slackers

Instead of napping one afternoon, Austin climbed out of bed, shoved his binky under the bedroom door and then pulled it back to himself using the Pooh clip that is attached (that doesn't clip). He did this several times, until I pulled it through and opened the door and being the mean mom that I am, put him back bed AGAIN.
On the same note of Austin refusing sleep; last Wednesday, while Bryan and I were trying to watch American Idol, Austin climbed out of bed several (probably 10) times and then woke Adam up around 11pm. So after putting them in their beds around 8:15pm, I had 2 boys up at 11pm. We tried to put them in bed with Bryan but Austin just climbed over them and kept Adam awake. So Adam wanted to sleep in "Adam Bed" (that is what Adam says) and Bryan went to bed in our room and Austin tried to wake them both . He finally fell asleep, after many attempts of getting to Bryan and Adam, with a pillow and blanket on the floor with me tickling his big belly at 1:35AM- that is not a mis-type, he really fell asleep at 1:35AM! I watched the clock as his eyes shut and didn't open. SO much for me staying up "late" to have time to myself. The good news is that he hasn't done it again, I just hope it NEVER does.