Friday Funnies...

Those hilarious things you hear Mom's say...or do....

"Don't hit...SMACK!"

"Don't lick your sister."

"Stop coloring on his head."

"No, no...we don't lick the toilet!"

"All I do is follow you around, picking up after you like some maid."

"Beds are NOT made for jumping on."

"Put that down! You don't know where it's been!"

"You will ALWAYS be my baby."

Please feel free to comment and add any other funnies you've heard Mom's say...
or seen them do...

Wordless Wednesdays of the Past...

Crafter in training and Mt. Dew Dude!

While I was working on crafts of my own today the kids were working around me. Emma is a little crafter in training. Look at the happy focus on the glue stick! OOOOO...she's so excited.


Caleb has all sorts of fun with some Mt. Dew and vacuum extensions. What a cute dude!

Marriage Monday...

I decided to join the bandwagon/permalink from Chrysalis' site once again. I even linked myself all up this time. (Thanks Beckie for the assistance attaching the buttons to my page!)

Chrysalis says- "Essentially, tell us what you've discovered about the importance of romance and intimacy to your marriage."

I've realized that I never fully understood the importance of romance and intimacy in marriage before our children were born. Sure, I liked the romance and intimacy--and sure we probably had more time for it all but NOW I see the importance of "toning down the tension, and tuning up the tenderness." It builds us up and makes us stronger!

We've really committed, after the birth of our second child, to go on a monthly date. I know, I have friends who go weekly--and I'm awed and amazed-- but monthly works best for us. We're both home bodies, bookworms, and self proclaimed nerds...so time alone in the evenings after the kids are in bed is also wonderful to us. I created a little seating area in our master bedroom and it has become our quiet spot...away from the TV and noise of the ever running dishwasher!

I reached a point where planning everything about the dates was grating on me so I volunteered to set the date and babysitter if he'd plan the date. WOW--was he ever up to the challenge. I now call him my date night guru! Cheap dates or expensive...it's just good to get out. We focus on each other..and for a tiny bit forget all the responsibilties on our shoulders. We love each other--"Oh yeah, I remember you!"

We've found that regular open conversations about the "tensions" in our lives helps them to not grow to unreasonable levels. Also, tuning into each other and planning to be tender helps us respond better to "stressful" news!

It freaks me out to be considered a "marriage counselor" in any way...but if someone can benefit from the things we do...I'm grateful!

Ouchie's & Garbage Man Love!?

Caleb is a climber. This issue has really taken off in the last two weeks. He climbs everything. I've caught him standing on my coffee table, the kitchen table and every couch and chair. He is most proud of the accomplishment of getting onto the couch. He likes to be big and sit next to us. This wouldn't be a problem if he SAT but he wants to walk and run the length of it! Ahhhh! I stir a pot in the kitchen and CRASH he's climbed something and fallen off! HELP!

Today, I took a picture of his proud little face after he'd climbed up on the couch for reading time before naps! He sat really well while I was reading (and holding him down)! Then, my daughter heard the garbage truck. I have to explain that she loves the garbage man, Jon. He waves to her and empties the big bucket up over the top of the truck. It's wonderful! So, when she hears the truck everyone makes a mad dash for the front door. Well, Caleb launched himself headfirst off the couch, in an effort to keep up. Poor baby! He has quite the little lump on his head. I gave him some pain reliever before nap time! I tried to put ice on it but that's sort of like wrestling a greased monkey. So, we have ouchies due to our frenzied love for the garbage man! HA!

Play Day at our house....

We had the pleasure of playing with Julia and Eddie all day yesterday! I took some pictures of our playdoh fun times! Julia made a snake, Eddie a ball, Emma made holes, and Caleb (eats playdoh) played with his magnet letters!

Hot Autumn!

We're having a humid heat wave in Indiana! Darren found the sprinkler, when he was cleaning out the garage, and thought the kids would enjoy running through the sprinkler. Nope, turns out that only we thought that was fun as kids. They both freaked out and started crying. Then they refused to go anywhere near it. As you can see, Darren tried to demonstrate proper sprinkler fun technique but they didn't buy it. In the end, he got the wading pool out and they enjoyed their time splashing about in it! Low tech fun!

The water was cold!

He was thinking about pulling his pants off. Look at that cute baby belly! Awwww!