Two is such a fun age!

JG: "I'm going to tickle you up!"


me: "JG, please put your cars away."
JG: "No, I too grumpy."
me: "Well, I'll have to s**** that grumpy out of you if you don't get ungrumpy and put your cars away."
JG: no response
(after the s****) JG: "I WANT MY GRUMPY BACK!"



JG: "Mommy, can I put some salt and pepper on my grits?"
me: "sure."
JG: "I jus gonna make em feel better."


JG: "Mommy! Wook! That truck pulling that boat! Is that siLLY?"

Wake Up Boy

me: "JG, are you a sleepy boy?"

JG: "Nooooo.... I not. I a wake up boy."

Hello!

Today on the trail, while exchanging the usual 'Hellos' with my fellow trail mates, I had to suppress the urge to then say, "Do you like my hat?" I am so entrenched.

April Picnic Today

If it looks cold, that is because it was. Freezing.

Hubby at work again. . .

Todd took this picture when he and his coworkers were out 'training' again this week.

Mullet, Bare Back and Ruffle Bum

More of my climbing boy

Climbing

We went out to the Park twice this week (well, hubby went twice, I made it once) with the kids to the climbing area at Red Rocks. If you haven't been there, you should go, they have some really nice trails and great mountain biking!

Birthday Girl!!

Here it comes!

Who needs blowing? I'll just snuff out the candle with this finger. She didn't even cry about it.

The most seasoned birthday boy at the party

Proud daddy

Oblivious to the cake

These two feed off each other--Can you tell they are having fun?!

Good buddy, Liam. Two days younger than EG

Hiking at Red Rocks Canyon

Just to prove I do more than just sit around at home and read. :) We hiked with some friends (ok, ok, it was a few months ago) and they took this picture of us. Thankfully. Because we never take pictures and because the EG had a major meltdown following this photo op. Poor baby. I think I always over dress my children. Notice her snow pants? Oh well. After this hike I realized that I really can't go anywhere without the beloved elephant of hers. If I desire to remain sane through this parenting adventure.

In case you were wondering, this is the pre-photo conference.

Accept No Compromises

If you read my blog (which I'm not sure why you would since it is dreadfully boring and practically pictureless), you are going to be further disappointed. The people and time period of the mid to late 1800's in America is fascinating. Probably, for me, because I never learned this stuff the first time in school. When J. Davis was presenting a bill he supported in the Senate (prior to the Civil War, obviously), a fellow Senator, with his own pet project, asked if he would vote for 'Lake appropriations'. You know, the usual political compromise that takes place. And here was Davis' response:

"Sir, I make no terms. I accept no compromises. If when I ask for an appropriation, the object shall be shown to be proper and the expenditure constitutional, I defy the gentleman, for his conscience' sake to vote against it. If it shall appear to him otherwise, than I expect his opposition, and only ask that it shall be directly, fairly, and openly exerted. The case shall be presented on its single merit; on that I wish to stand or fall. I feel, sir, that I am incapable of sectional distinction upon such subjects. I abhor and reject all interested combinations."

Well, that quote about T was actually written originally for Jefferson Davis by his wife to be, Varina.

My Husband

I came across this quote today in a book I'm reading. I thought this young woman's description of this particular gentlemen reflected my first impressions of my husband and it so true of his personality! Tell me if you think so too, and if you can identify who this quote is actually about. I'll post the answer in a few days.

He impresses me as a remarkable kind of man...and has a way of taking for granted that everybody agrees with him when he expresses an opinion... yet he is most agreeable and has a peculiarly sweet voice and a winning manner of asserting himself. The fact is, he is the kind of person I should expect to rescue one from a mad dog at any risk, but to insist upon a stoical indifference to the fright afterward.

"In the name of God, stop a

moment, cease your work, look around you."

Leo Tolstoy

9 months sure can make a difference!

more cousin fest 2009

Sister Week... a.k.a. Cousin Camp

Glorious morning photos from our time at the park! Look at a few more at the Counts, Gibbs, & Fisher's sites.

Home Again

Well, we just got back last week from a 5 day trip to Missouri to visit T's family. It was so refreshing to spend time with them and see the whole family. They will probably be relocating again in the next several months, so I don't know when we'll get to see dear Aunt Parker and company again. :( Anyway, it was a hard trip with the kids. Here are a few snapshots of the trip with an almost 2 1/2 year old supposedly in potty training and an almost one year old girl who does not ever like to stop moving, crammed in their car seats for, oh, 14 or 15 hours in the car.

1. I am always so hopeful and optimistic as we leave our driveway. It feels so good to finally be packed up and on our way!
2. This hope begins to ebb away about 20 minutes into the trip with the first road side stop with a half naked boy screaming about not wanting to pee. (Even though he asked to stop in the first place).
3. After the first two hours have passed and I have been in the back seat at least 8 times, the car sickness begins, for me. Possibly for the kids. . .
4. I begin to make up things (like, 'maybe they're carsick') that could be causing the restless natives in the back seat.
5. If you turn the fan on your car as high as it will go, keep the sleepy music playing, pray and cross all your fingers and toes, then your little one who has been screaming for the last hour and fell asleep about two minutes ago, MIGHT not wake up at this toll booth that is so ill-placed. The next toll booth is about 45 minutes down the line, so rest assured if they don't wake up with this one. . .
6. Why do we need gas about 15 minutes after a child has fallen asleep? We employ the toll booth tactic. Success rate is about 25%.
   
7. I have the strangest ability to take the driving shift during the only brief nap time. It is frowned upon to fall asleep to the lullaby CD while you are driving.
   
8. At the final leg when all hope of ever arriving is lost, and the children have been crying alternating with fits of rage for the last two hours, I recommend finding that CD you usually save for your 'I hope no one is watching me' dancing. Turn it on. Crank it UP. And make those little babies play air drums with you.
   

soccer and slippers

This morning JG and I are playing a rousing game of soccer/throw in the hallway. After I'd been kicking the balls for a while with him throwing them back, he stops, puts down his balls and runs over to me to take off my slippers. He needed them to kick.

big boy underwear. . .to pull ups. . .to diapers

Well, not the normal direction you are supposed to go when potty training. We are taking a break. A long, extended break from the potty. I'll touch back with you after we resume or have success or something positive on it. Until then, I'm trying not to use the 'p' word.

What is that thing?

My kids look like they've never seen a camera in these pictures! But, as always, Emily is so talented!

Potty Training Tips

Tip# 134: Don't make beet puree on the day you are potty training.
Tip # 135: Beet juice stains. Everything.

Day #2

Well, Day 2 is over and at least he slept during nap time and his diaper was actually ALMOST DRY when he woke up! I am incredibly fortunate so far. JG seems to understand already all the appropriate sensations and has been very very easy to train. He has always had a sweet, teachable spirit, so that helps. Don't worry, I'm still planning on set backs. Oh, and I did run out last evening to stock up on the 'big boy pants' (one day of commando was enough) and tonight I'll be running out for the requested fire truck stickers. Gotta keep the big boy excited about the whole thing.

NEW decorator ME

I am such a liar. I am NOT a decorator. So, I commissioned my sister to find fabric for my dining room seat covers, drapes, table cloth. And THIS is what she came up with and is currently in the care of the USPS coming to my house! Any bets on how long it takes me to get them made, put up, etc?

Potty Training

Well, if you must potty train your child. It may help to have underpants before beginning. But, if you fly by the seat of your potties like me, it is POSSIBLE to start the process without any training 'gear' other than the potty seat. I did plan for that one. Day 1 Successes: Pooped on the potty, peed on the potty! Hurray hurray! Day 1 Drawbacks: Pooped in his pants. Peed in his pants. Won't nap because he keeps wanting to go on the potty. (?!) Hmmmm. Your thoughts and advice are welcome.

On the Header

I'm surprised no one commented yet on how my header picture is a little too perfect. We are just the happy, got it all together family of four! The only thing missing is the golden retriever (who we have, but leave home for obvious reasons.)

Ice Cream

I was changing JG's diaper today and he says, "Mommy, I wan some ice cream". I think to myself, 'how could he possibly be thinking about ice cream first thing in the morning?', I say, "no". and brace for the onslaught of whining. But, he says, "mommy, I wan dat ice cream, there". And points to the diaper cream. which is white and creamy, incidentally. me: "Oh. In that case, sure."

Oh!

Driving down our street yesterday on the way to dinner, JG from the back seat,
"OH!!! Mom, the moon waked up!"

Chocolate Eyes

I was washing JG's face off at the sink today and when I finished, before I could quite get to the towel, he spouts off, "Mommy, my chocolate eyes are wet!" Yes, sweet boy, your chocolate eyes.

Happenings

Well, we've had quite a busy week. My sweet in-laws have come to town! They are leaving in the morning, but we really pack in a lot during their visit because they are so willing to watch our little children for us and we are, of course, so grateful!! So they got to town Friday last and we went out after the kids were in bed to run errands together. Then, Saturday morning I had a baby shower and Saturday afternoon Todd and I went up to Denver for a long afternoon and dinner and then back to the Springs to spend time with friends for a couple hours. Monday I left for my business trip to Boston which was great and I got home late Wednesday evening. Todd worked Thursday and then today (Friday) Todd and I got to take the whole day and go skiing together! I haven't been skiing since early 2005, so this was quite a treat! And it was a "Blue Bird" day, which in skiing terms refers to a brilliant blue sky and warm weather (it was around 40)! We had the most wonderful time talking and enjoying each others company for the drive up, the whole day on the mountain and the drive home. We didn't even turn on the radio or any music once during our whole four hours in the car. I really like my husband. I mean I really, really like him. Incidentally, on our way home from skiing, we stopped in Salida to say a quick hello to Steve and LaSal Miller and their two baby girls and they wanted to pass on a greeting to ya'll! They are doing well and their babies are adorable little elves, with baby T looking so much like her older sister M. (They really look elfish, in the cutest way.)
So, THANK YOU!! to Mimi and Grandad. We are refreshed in the way you feel when you've been holding your breath under water for a long time and come up to suck in a huge gulp of fresh air. You will be missed. I'm anticipating some major withdrawals from a certain little boy now that his personal play mates and chef have left!

Watch to see Todd at Work Today:

Quote of the evening

Hubby to JG: "I'm glad you cleaned out all your toys before you pooped in the tub, little man."

Happy New Year!

Wrapping Up

While the title of this post really should refer to wrapping up Christmas preparations, it actually just refers to the fact that I think we are wrapping up sicknesses around here. We are finishing with a nice bang, though, with Todd in urgent care Saturday night with Strep throat and another call to my sweet, patient pediatrician Sunday as JG's throat was full of yellow goop and he was certainly not better. So, three out of four in my family are on antibiotics now and JG is on his second round since his strep is clearly resistant to penicillin. I should know by tomorrow or Wednesday if EG or I come down with strep since it 'incubates' for three days. Lovely. I feel like I'm living in a giant petri dish. BUT, on a happier note, I do have a tree up and decorated in my petri dish!

Attention All Viruses

This is what a friend of mine sent me when I told her JG's recent verdict on viruses. I was explaining to the sweet two year old that we all have a virus so we can't go places, see people or generally enjoy life, etc. He proceeded to tell me that he was going to shoot the virus to the moon. On a back-hoe. Please click on the link:
http://www.careerbuilder.com/monk-e-mail/Default.aspx?mid=29053319&cbRecursionCnt=1&cbsid=0e58a7ed8ae6446aaf5dcb33c23c260a-282956373-J9-5

Still Sick

For anyone out there wondering why I haven't called you or did something happen? Yes. A Quarantine is in effect over here. Let me chronicle the sicknesses that have permeated our December: First, I think I started with a cold that turned to bronchitis and, remarkably, resolved on its own. Immediately followed by fussy/grumpy JG diagnosed with rosieolla---no, wait---three days later, it is actually scarlet fever. Both kids on Penicillin. Then, EG not acting any better and with neither child sleeping, I desperately went to the doctor again on Tuesday with E to be diagnosed with Oh, that's a Nasty Virus. (Tell me about it, I have it too and feel that my insides must be composed entirely of snot to be able to produce this much, plus the bronchitis is back and this virus infects the eyes, so Conjunctivitis for me AND E). Oh, and EG has an ear infection. Change her to Amoxicillin. That night, EG starts barking and having some difficulty breathing. Sounds like Croup. Back to the doctor Wednesday for a Prednisone script. Then, JG Wednesday night started with the conjunctivitis. So, he has the full on virus now too. And hubby came home sick from work Wed. too. So, he is in bed all day with fevers and snotitis. And the sleep thing? Forget about it. JG was up every hour last night between 8 and 1:30, then a little stretch which EG interrupted at 2:00 to 3:00, then JG back up at 4:30. . . Why am I ranting? Cause I think I'm on the verge of insanity.

Oh, and at EG's physical therapy appointment this morning, the sweet therapist asks if I'm ready for Christmas and I almost burst into tears. My fall wreath is still on the house. And Christmas is in ONE WEEK!! So, am I ready for Christmas? Besides the whole commercializing Christmas thing, yes. I'm ready. I'm going to worship God who is constant through sickness, sorrow, good times and bad. And I am SO thankful that one day, we'll see "that healthful shore, where sickness, sorrow, pain and death are felt and feared no more"!

Stairs and Scarlet

Well, EG climbed my stairs two nights ago. Don't worry I was behind her the whole way up, but still, I didn't think that was supposed to happen at eight months. She also fell down Boone's stairs last weekend. (fortunately, only six steps there, so she was fine). And JG has Scarlet Fever. EG is sick too, just no rash. They are both on Penicillin and I'm sick now too (no surprise there).

Nesting?

My friend

goes through terrible nesting when pregnant. I always wished this would happen to me during my pregnancies. But, I prefer to do NOTHING with the household. No cleaning, no cooking, no laundry. . . you get the picture. However, the last week or so I've been doing pretty good. And I'm NOT, not, not, not, not pregnant. I cleaned out the fridge, I've purged the kids' toys and I'm hitting my closet and finishing my office next. Ta-Wanda!

The next FIVE posts are new. Blogger was fast at uploading my pictures tonight (for once), so I thought I'd try to get caught up on a few more happenings. I'm still not up to date with my pictures. Just think, if I'm this far behind on my blogs, you can imagine how belated my actual photo albums are!

R. J.

Our dear friends, the Cochrans, have this adorable little girl, RJ. I wish I could tell you her full name 'cause it is really stinkin' cute. They came down to visit us while we were visiting T's family in Missouri and we got to spend time together for the first time in YEARS! She has this great big smile that engages her whole face and I couldn't resist taking a few pictures of her!

We love ya'll and hope we can hang out SOON, before another five years passes!