Pajama Day

Pajama Day was last Friday and Austin had a great time! Thought I would share a photo of him in his Dash pajamas (with muscles) and light up slippers! Fun times in preschool (when he's there!).

Richard, what are you?

Today I was exercising to Richard Simmons' Sweating to the Oldies 2 (hey, don't laugh...it's not that bad) when Austin asked me if I was in the front row in blue. The lady next to Richard was in blue, but quite a bit larger than I am (at least I would like to think). I asked him if I looked like her and he said yes. Of course I'm thinking, "oh great...I am going to have to do this video morning, noon and night if my son thinks that is what I look like". I asked Austin one more time about who he was talking about and he got up to the TV and pointed at Richard Simmons. "Oh", I said..."that is a boy". Austin strongly disagreed and said that he was a girl for sure...and could have been me. Not sure what to think of that, but it's all good coming from a 4 year old. :)

Germy balls

Still very cute in the germy balls!

I have nobody but myself to blame that we let the kids play at a very germy pizza parlor over the weekend. Yes, we all had a great time visiting with friends, but I should have known when I could smell the germs in the "playroom", it couldn't be good. By doing the math, when Austin started to cough after soccer on Monday, it was about 48 hours since he had been in the smelly, germy playroom. I shouldn't complain as the boys have been very healthy this season. Austin is trying to persuade me that he is just fine and should return to school tomorrow. We'll see.

So it's Tuesday

Last week I wrote about the changing weather from one Tuesday until another. So, today is the next Tuesday and I wondered what today would bring. Unfortunately, it brought a nasty cough to Austin and the first time I've had to make the decision to keep him home from school this morning...as well as a play date at Rion's house (that was going to last until 4pm today!!). I had plans too for Caden and I. We were going to meet friends for lunch at Red Robin and enjoy the day together, while Austin had a great time being a "big boy". Oh well. Austin seems to be feeling great and really wanted to go to his activities, but agreed that we wouldn't want to get his friends sick too. Hopefully this is nothing much more than a cough. I guess time will only tell!

BTW...it's sunny again this Tuesday. That's nice.

Sir Austin, playdate

Sir Austin, playdate, originally uploaded by mama.milton.

My sister wrote a post on her blog (www.mamamilton.com) the other day about Austin, and his newly found love again with her (after she was his daycare provider for years). Looks like Austin had a great time at the park with his Aunt Sissy and Zack!

Tall genes...and jeans

Caden Andrew just turned 18 months on the 14th of January (date this pictures was taken). He has gotten so big and mature looking over the last couple months - his face and thighs thinning out (why don't my thighs thin out with age??).

He had his check up appointment with the doctor yesterday and they were surprised how tall he was in the 100 percentile - measuring in at 35.5 inches tall...just a 1/2 inch shy of 3 feet. No wonder people often make comments about how long he is.

I guess I'm used to height comments, since I've always been tall (especially for a girl) my whole life. Luckily, they make most pants in different lengths now so I don't have to wear high waters (or capris) all year long. It's funny that sometime the "long" pants are almost 6 inches too long for me...I often wonder how many women are that tall and if an "average" fits me, what do average height women wear? "Short", I guess.

So maybe our tall genes are getting passed down to the boys. That's can't be a bad thing.

Oh...forgot to mention. Caden received two shots at the doctors yesterday and didn't cry, fuss or anything. I'm so impressed...or amazed...or scared that pain didn't hurt him! Good job, C!

What shape sandwich??

Thought this was cute and funny...

While it was snowy last week, the boys had lots of time to decide out of my 100+ cookie cutters what shaped peanut butter and jelly sandwich they wanted.

Two Tuesdays

Last Tuesday, all the boys (and Dave) sledding!

This Tuesday, enjoying the sunshine having a picnic!

A week ago we were covered in snow, not knowing how Dave was going to make it home safely from downtown in the Honda. Luckily, our neighbor works downtown too and was able to get a ride home. It was a fun night with two neighbor families/friends while we played in the snow, sledded and had Papa Murphy's pizza together (along with some tasty hot drinks too).

Today Austin is finally back to school after two weeks and had his friend Rion over for a play date. It was a beautiful day today - one that I felt I should be wearing capris and sandals. The boys ate outside and had a great time running around in short sleeves. It was a nice feeling that spring might be around the corner...eventually.

Wonder what next Tuesday will bring? Sunshine, I hope.

Do you miss it?

It's almost been a year that I've been at home with the boys full time - actually I've only worked three months out of the last nineteen. It seems like I'm asked by friends if I miss work and if I'm happy to be at home. Truthfully, I can say that the only thing that I really miss is the money...which wasn't that great (especially if you know where I worked). Other than that, I'm happy being at home with these two crazies, which make me a little crazy at times. The friends that I had at work I still keep in contact with and can't believe that they are still hanging out there.

Luckily, Dave is very supportive and with the help of him and family members I am able to get out for an occasional girl's lunch/dinner or shopping. Those little times out make me feel a little better and rejuvenated to get through another day with a 4 year old and 18 month old.

So back to money...I love to shop and so money is always good. However, I counted in both Austin and Caden's closet over 40 shirts and dozen bottoms/pants. I guess I can give up a little shopping too, huh?

No, I don't miss it...and I do love being at home. :)

3 in 35

Yes, 3 in 35...that is that Austin has had 3 days of school (a day is only 3 hours too) in the last 35 days. Between the holiday break, which was long and great...the last 4 days of school have been canceled due to the weather. By yesterday afternoon I had canceled Austin's play date for this afternoon due to his behavior and he got in trouble at karate lessons too. Not sure who was in a worse mood - him or me...or Dave when he got home.

I was certain that he would be back to school today, which was pajama day, but while we were getting ready at 7:45 the phone rang with the news. Apparently the driveway at school was still too icy, therefore pajama day and school were called off. I had plans...Caden had a doctor's appointment. What to do? Well I canceled the doctor's appointment (just a check up) and asked Zack (their cousin) to come along with us to the Community Center to play for a couple of hours. Best money spent in the long time and everyone seems to be a in happier, better mood today.

Now we're meeting Dave at his work this afternoon so he can take the boys, while I venture across town to meet up with my best friend of 20 years and her friend for some shopping and dinner. Can't wait and I feel I've earned it!

So clever...

The other day, Austin had me tie my measuring tape to the stairway...as I guess he was pretending he was going to scale the wall (pretend might not be the best word, as I am sure he would do it if he tried...hence I am looking into a rock climbing class for him!). So, after playing this game for a little bit, we untied the measuring tape and came into the kitchen to make lunch. A few minutes later I heard a noise in the living room. Low in behold, Caden had retrieved the measuring tape out of the junk drawer and had moved my vase across the room...and upside down. I guess he was figuring out how he was going to scale the wall too like his big brother. I had to take the picture of him getting "caught". I tell ya...I can't turn my back on these boys!!

P...A...P...A

I found a recent picture! So cute!

Caden's favorite word this week has been "PAPA", saying it loud and clear on the phone to him the other day. All the grand kids (especially the boys) have a special place in their heart for Papa. He is fun to snuggle with, watch TV with...and fun things like fishing too! So, Papa, thanks for being a great PAPA...the boys adore you (we do too!). :)

Fun for all ages!

Austin having a great time playing!

Caden's favorite pose!
Yes, he is a poser too!
Wee...this is fun!

After a week of going to Austin's events (soccer, karate, school...), we found something today that both boys really enjoyed. The Community Center near us has a play group a couple mornings a week for kids ages 1-6. I have thought about going in the past, but since Austin didn't have school yesterday due to the snow and ice, and he didn't today either...we needed to find a little fun outlet for both boys. So, we went to play and had a great time, with Aunt Sissy and Zack joining us too. I think Caden had the best time (other than a bloody lip...which happens a couple times a week, so we're used to it) as he was able to get out and rock and roll! No stroller for him...he was a big boy too. I think Caden and I will have to make this a weekly date while Austin is at school! It was a good day for all, even with a little trip to the mall for lunch and a little shopping (yeah for me!)!!

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

Austin giving his brother a squeeze!

Cheese...

Yahoo...our first snow since we've lived in this house and the boys are old enough to enjoy it a little bit. Tonight the boys and I got bundled up and headed out after dinner (Dave had night school tonight) to play in the snow. Austin had visions of big snowmen and such, but as soon as his buddies, Simon, Issac, Jack and Drew were outside, it was time to make snowballs and throw them at each other! It was a bit cold for everyone, but we don't get snow often enough to complain.

We all hope that it will still be around tomorrow with no school to enjoy it some more!

Kick it, baby!

Austin with his friend Jenna (from preschool) at their first soccer practice.

Caden having some bubbly water, wishing he could play soccer too!

Austin started on an indoor soccer league this week! He has been wanting to play soccer for quite some time and he was finally four to make the cut. Today was his first practice and they were very cute running around the court...after the ball...but not really knowing what to do. He was excited to have a new soccer ball, and I was excited to purchase our first Nike item in over 6 years! Starting at 9am this morning, we had to count down until it was time to go to soccer and he put his soccer shirt on first thing this morning - so proud.

If anyone is interested in watching a game, let me know and I can give you the details! Should be pretty entertaining and make you smile.

Go Austin!!

Growing up...

Caden and Drew having lunch together!

Caden is growing up right before our eyes. It seems like recently he has really started to act so much older and not so baby like (although he doesn't talk our language too, too much...and still chokes on a lot of foods!). He had his first play date yesterday with our neighbor friend, Drew, who is almost two. Drew is such a sweet little girl and the two of them (without their big brothers!!) were having a ball, talking their own language and getting every toy out they could. They had lunch together and really showed me how mature little guys can be.

Tonight at Karate there was a little girl (Sophie) just a couple months older there that was playing with Caden, but he was in his stroller. I've kept him in there when we go to Karate, as I was unsure of what Caden might do and how we would get through the 1/2 hour without interupting the class. With 15 minutes left of Austin's lesson tonight, I let him loose to play with Sophie. He did great - pushed the stroller around a little bit and just looked around in "ahh" that he was out. Maybe I'll try it again later this week.

We'll let you grow up CC, but you'll always be our baby!

Lee in a gee...

Watch out world!

In his "focus stance" chanting their pledge.

Two months ago today, Austin broke a board into three pieces and earned his white belt in Karate. He was so excited and proud of himself (not as excited and proud as Dave and I were). Going twice a week for a half an hour has been a good experience and for the most part, Austin listens well to Mr. Jordan (although he is the youngest there that wiggles the most). Hopefully these next five months that we've committed to will continue to bring good lessons to Austin...and burn off some of that abundant amount of energy he has!

Keep up the good work, Austin!

It was a great game!

Dave and I during the game! Yes, I look like I'm going skiing!

The Cowboys coming onto the field - see the other Cowboy jersey to the left?
Yes, the Cowboys were winning at half-time...and throughout most the game!

Dave said that it was a once and a lifetime opportunity, so we asked Ammy & Papa to care for the boys, bought the tickets and headed north for the Dallas Cowboys vs. Seattle Seahawk playoff game yesterday. Dave hadn't seen the Cowboys live before and has been a fan his whole life. I went to a couple of Cowboys games in the 90's when I lived in Phoenix and consider myself a loyal fan of almost 14 years. Dave and I had a great time, getting there early enough to have "Linner" at Red Robin and to the Qwest Field in time to meet up with some other Cowboy friends before the game (they brought their 11 month old!).

The game was filled with lots of excitement, as you probably saw on TV. But, it was much better in person and was a lot of fun to people watch too. Dave and I weren't decked out in Cowboy attire, but it was probably for the best...although those around us soon knew who we were rooting for. We had enough Cowboy company around us to keep it safe.

I left wondering what the Seattle Seahawk's colors really are. I've never seen so much "Grinch" green before and didn't even know that was part of the color scheme. So, are they navy, grayish blue, white, green, light blue?? Saw it all. Even their "Sea Gals" didn't have the same colored navy skirt (maybe some were newer than others??)...

I also think grown men are crazy in many ways. This game brings out the best and worse in them. I told Dave last night that I had never seen so many grown men hug each other before. Our neighbor even came over today to give Dave a hug (not a Cowboy's fan) and it proved me right.

Austin wanted to go to the game, but we agreed that it was best he didn't this time around for many reasons. When we were walking to our car last night, we agreed the top reason would be for the new vocabulary that he would have learned...which would get him expelled from Preschool.

Well, we're Dallas Cowboy fans forever and can't wait to see them play again...maybe next time on their turf. Yeah, that's what we'll do.

Can't put down what picks up...

Getting it out of the closet

Look at me push - I'm so strong!

Here's the Roomba, Momma!

I can turn it on!

Our downstairs is getting vacuumed a couple times a day. You would think that was because of me, but it's not. Caden is obsessed or possessed by the vacuum. He loves his toy vacuum, but when he can get his hands on the purple heavy Sears vacuum (which he is proud to push), or the push vacuum (which he knows to move the chairs out of the way to pick up crumbs) or the Roomba "robot" vacuum that he picks up completely and brings out to middle of the room...Caden is in heaven. It is kind of cute, but actually getting a little annoying to have to put these vacuums back into the closet all day. Dave said, "this is your fault, you know and he learned this from you"...but I figure that I'll just be annoyed as there could be much worse things the boys could learn from me (I think).

So, I'm thinking about getting a light weight rechargeable vacuum his size that he can vacuum with all day - why not? I'm a little obsessed or possessed with having a clean house.

Another week!

As everyone is getting ready to go back to school and work tomorrow, Dave and I are enjoying another week of vacation. Dave started his vacation back on the 23rd of December to have a whole 16 days at home with me and the boys. I thought he might get bored and anxious to go back to work earlier, but we've been having the best time as a family and doing anything and everything we want to (including sleeping in until after 8am, which is unheard of!).

Dave does start his night school this week and Austin goes back to school on Thursday, but we still have another six days until we're back into the swing of things with our schedules. That would include many activities for Austin - two afternoons of soccer and two evenings of karate every week, along with his school and play dates. Yep, vacation will be over soon...

Happy New Year!

Can't believe that we are in 2007 already! Time does really go a lot faster, as we get older. Austin is always asking how many days, hours and minutes until something he is looking forward to - either school, going somewhere, when the neighbors will be home - you name it. He always says regardless of how long, "that's not too long", which I find to be cute as he doesn't have a firm grasp on time. Someday, in 2034 when he is my age, he'll get it.

Happy 2007 - have a wonderful year!