Digging in the Dirt

Why buy lots of gifts for the munchkins when they dig contentedly in the dirt for 45 minutes? After the gift opening fun was over and we had enjoyed a pancake breakfast, Jonathan and Jamie headed outside for a little fun. I joined them after Caleb went down for a nap.

"being outside is worth all of the clothes it requires!"

Unwrapping

Saturday morning was our family Christmas celebration and we started with the Christmas story and then we opened gifts...

Jamie did not get the kitchen done. Just a little bit too much time spent working, and then we decided to have fun together on Wednesday in lieu of working on it. So, it will likely be a late January gift. The boys got the food and the shopping cart that was going to go with the kitchen and were very content to "make dinner" with that stuff.

Trains and more trains

Our Wednesday started with a trip to an area train display that was spectacular. There were live plants throughout the display and both boys were delighted with the moving trains and intricate displays.

On the move

Jonathan didn't think that this photo was such a great idea.

Jamie got ahold of the camera... "cheese!"

Our day continued with Vietnamese food, naps for both boys and then dinner at a wood-fired pizza parlor. What a wonderful day!

The Excitement Builds

Aside from the highly unfortunate fact that Jamie has now worked six out of seven Friday nights (the night off since early November was the Friday after Thanksgiving), we have had a rather enjoyable week. Photos from Wednesday are coming, but we had a wonderful family day as Jamie took a spontaneous (and much needed) vacation day just to hang out with us.

Tomorrow we celebrate Christmas with our little family. Can't wait! I'm stealing an idea and putting food coloring in the pancake batter for breakfast. We'll read the Christmas story, open our gifts, relax, eat some take-out for dinner and then gourmet cupcakes for dessert (for Jesus' b'day). The promise of a wonderful day...

Playing Swords

If you had brothers, the title of this blog may be telling enough. I did not. Have brothers, that is. One sister. A truly lovely sister and I wouldn't have had it any other way.

However, I am just not prepared for the boy antics that often occur around here. Last week at preschool I had to volunteer in the classroom (yes, I did say, "had to". I do not relish this time unlike many far superior mothers.). There were some entertaining moments. One such moment: took Jonathan and another lad to the restroom. I carefully watched as the door to the classroom closed since the previous volunteer "opportunity" resulted in me letting the door close on a little boy's finger. As I followed, a couple of seconds behind, I heard Jonathan say, "look, Mommy! Our pee is hitting each other!" There were two little bottoms, at the same miniature urinal, peeing so as to hit one another's pee. After relaying this story to my husband I was informed that this was called, "playing swords." Lovely. (BTW: Jonathan was not taught this by his father. I checked. I guess it just comes as part of the male gene.)

Today we arrived home and Jonathan took off to use one bathroom, and I took off for the other. Caleb plopped in the living room near the toys as I did my business as speedily as possible. Not speedy enough. I hear Jonathan yell, "Mom, Caleb's in the bathroom with me." I fly in there to see Jonathan using the toilet and Caleb sticking his hands in the water/pee. Oh joy!

Boys may present some new learning experiences for me, but at least I don't have to figure out what to do with anyones else's hair. That is a true blessing!

Caleb's Stats

Caleb is perfectly healthy according to the doctor at his one year check-up. He is about 30 inches tall (65%) and 20.5 pounds (20%). Growing and changing into a toddler more everyday.

My Man

is currently outside in the freezing cold temps (we are too far south for the current snowstorm) sanding this beast. Why? Because I read about this idea on a blog.

I happened to mention the blog to my husband... and the rest is history. We're repurposing this thing into a play kitchen for the boys.

We're behind on the kitchen project. I happened to throw out a challenge to my husband that I didn't think he would get the thing done by Christmas (I'll help with the painting... he's in charge of structural elements). That was all it took. He is now OUTSIDE in frigid weather with 40-50mph winds, sanding. It's dark (9:00pm), but I can imagine that the sawdust is like a cloud around his head.
Oh, my James, you are one of a kind.