We love the loveys

Keith and I cracked up when we saw this. David love, love, loves his Blue Hank. And, apparently, Blue Hank loves him and needed to be close enough to feel David's heart beat.

When David makes his bed, he gives Hank a special spot.

Copycat Drew has gotten in on the action and befriended Monkey.

Both boys are still attached to "blue bumpy blanket" and "green blankey" as well. And as you can tell, Drew has not given up the pacifier. I'm not telling them that these things are babyish (oh cool your heels, we'll get rid of the paci by around three.) Stay little boys. Stay little.

The Long Winter

I read all of the Little House on the Prairie Books when I was about eight or nine. Then I read them again. Except for one, which I found too depressing. "The Long Winter." If I remember correctly (and this was twenty one years ago so I may not) there were several blizzards and the entire Ingalls family was cold for months on end and they got so low on firewood that Pa was about to start burning chairs but then Almanzo Wilder rode in and saved the day.
Well, I am about to start burning chairs. I am at the end of my creative rope. I can't think of one more fun and exciting indoor activity to do. We have played with every toy, done every puzzle, made every craft.
I am hoping that since my mom got back from Italy yesterday, she will recharge her battery and be our Almanzo. Save the day Gram. We may start throwing furniture in the fireplace. No matter that you have been taking care of my new niece and other niece and nephew. We need you. This winter has just been too long.

Because I haven't posted pictures in a while...

Before you say anything, yes, these boys have pants. They just choose not to wear them.
The kids love playing with M&M's. I make them sort them, do patterns, estimate how many, and then David and I do math. Only after they have worked hard can they eat them.

It's one of our favorite games. Big shock, huh?

Speaking of candy, David and Drew got lots of Valentine's goodies from their Gram and Mimi. Thanks guys!

This cracked me up that they were playing like this for a solid fifteen minutes.

I have been getting a book and CD set with every Scholastic book order. This is one of David's quiet activities when he doesn't nap and Drew does. However, I just discovered that Drew loves listening to these books as well.

Trains continue to delight.

Promises

I have to write this conversation down so I won't forget it. It took place a few nights ago when I was telling David good night.

Me: David, I love you so much. I don't think you will understand how much I love you until you have a little boy all your own.
David: I get a little boy? When I'm a daddy? Maybe (counting on his fingers) four boys and two girls.
Me: Sure David, you would be a good dad. Just promise me that you will come and visit me.
David: (very seriously) I will Mom. Don't worry. I will say, "KIDS, I am going to see my Mama. Okay? Okay." Then I will come to your house and hug you.
Me: Good. And I will bake you goodies.
David: Can I bring some home to my kids?
Me: Sure David, and bring the kids to visit me too sometimes.

Oh that boy tugs at my heartstrings! The fact that I am trying to extract a promise that he comes and visits me in twenty something years tells me two things. One, I have to cherish the hugs and kisses I get now, because it is going by so fast. And two, I don't believe in karma, but I should plan a trip to Broken Arrow soon. I have a mother-in-law who I know loved her little boys just as much. Bet she'd be happy if Keith brought "the kids" as well.

A new niece and cousin!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/heyitsdebv/sets/72157623419367750/

The whole world may be watching the games in Canada right now. But my thoughts are focused on another part of the globe. On Friday my niece was born. Since my sister and her family live in Italy, I can only look at pictures on the computer. Lucky for me my mom takes great pictures! I have attached the link for those of you who know Emilia and want to take a peek.
They have given each of their other children both an Italian name and an American name. This newest edition is Maddalena Rose. It makes me smile that little Maddy was born on Lincoln's birthday. I think this means that she is destined to live in America someday.

It's A Fam-ily Tradition

Tomorrow night, you'll find us eating Canadian bacon pizza, sipping Canada Dry Ginger Ale, and, if I can get to Wal-mart to buy them, eating maple leaf cookies. We'll be consuming all of these calories in front of the opening ceremonies.
The Winter Olympics taking place in Vancouver has really stumped me. I wish I knew more about what they eat up north. Since Keith and I have been together we have had a tradition of eating the cuisine of the country that is hosting the games. It all started with the '04 Olympics in Greece. Gyros, hummus, baklava- you get the picture. Then there was Torino. Pasta from Olive Garden. We reserved a big table at PF Chang's and ate with friends before Beijing 2008.
Gosh the Olympics are yummy.
I figure that when the boys get a little bigger the possibilities are endless on games we can play and activities we can do pertaining to the host country.
My life is just one big thematic unit.

Thank goodness for...

I am really, really glad we bought a science museum pass this year. Thanks to a tip from my dear cousin Shannon, otherwise known as Coupon Princess, we got a pass for half price in October. It's been a lifesaver on these cold, windy, icy, snowy days. I love all of the hands-on activities there.

That being said, I am even more thankful that the boys' adventurous Mimi and Grandaddy took them there on Saturday. Five hours all to myself was just what I needed.

Oh, and it really tuckered them out.

Speaking of the Adventure District in OKC, in about thirty days the new children's/petting zoo part of the zoo will open. I know because I looked it up on the computer and the boys and I studied each picture of the twelve goats that will reside there. David and Drew can't wait to go on the opening date-March 12. Coincidentally, this falls on the same day as my 30th birthday. Drew has already decided I get a Dora cake. Livestock and cartoon characters- should be a good time.

I just may buy it.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Peter-Potty-Flushing-Toddler-Urinal/5301812?sourceid=1500000000000003260330&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=5301812

Drew has been fully potty trained for about six weeks. In fact, he is so confident in his ability that he waits until the last possible second. And then panics, doesn't aim, and pees all over the wall if he is standing, or the rug and toilet if he has chosen to sit. He immediately starts saying, "Just an accident Mom. Sorry Mom. I clean Mom." (Imagine Rainman apologizing. With his low voice, that's what my two year old sounds like.) Then Drew proceeds to get little wads of toilet paper and start wiping down the toilet with more pee. Sometimes he even stops, pats my face (with urine soaked hand) and apologizes again. Yesterday he peed all over my shirt as I was sitting in front of him attempting to help him aim, and this morning, first thing, he peed on the lapel of my robe. Just missed my eye by mere inches.
Watching it happen is like seeing a garden hose go crazy. There's not much you can do until it runs out of steam. Drew will attempt to pinch/squeeze/point but it only makes things much worse. What we are saving in diapers and pull ups we are making up in Clorox wipes and laundry detergent.
I am dumping this little problem in Keith's lap. I know that Drew or David or both crawl in our bed sometime in the dark of the night and sleep in the middle of us. But still, Keith has to recognize that I don't have a water weasel. I'm giving it a week and then I am making an executive decision and purchasing Peter Potty Urinal.

Funny conversation & 7th birthday

The other day, I was trying to get chores done. I let the boys mix up pudding, put it in bowls, and went to put laundry away. I came back one minute later to find Drew with pudding dripping from his face. They both just froze when I came in the room.
Drew: I am covered in pudding Mama (as though he can't understand how it happened.)
David: (with a squinched up face and half shrug) It's been a really weird day Mom.
Me: I'll say. Start cleaning.

Keith and I were talking with the kids. One of their favorite subjects is birthdays and what kind of party they will have. We were going over the months in the year as well, and we realized that yesterday was Scout's seventh birthday. The older she gets the more I appreciate her. Lately, the boys have been playing a game with her- Dog Tag. They say, "I'm gonna get you!" and she starts bounding and then freezing while they chase her. This is especially fun in the snow. Scout truly does have a sixth sense. She lets Drew catch her right before he has a bout of two-year old frustration. And she knows it's just what I need her to do to help get some of David's energy out. Here's to many more doggy years with you girl.