Puzzle-time!

Being the Geeks that we are, we find it interesting to observe the difference in developmental abilities in our little puzzlers.  Emma has begun to "see" jigsaw puzzles spatially.  She also understands doing the edges first.  Lubby...yeah...not so much!  He enjoys putting two pieces together outside of the puzzle frame.  This drives his sister crazy.  I think that's why he does it!  HAHA!  Oh, siblings...funtimes!  Nobody pushes your buttons better. 

I heart flow charts!!

So, I was struggling very frustrated to the point of losing my hair and sanctification at bedtime with Caleb!  He was treating it like a game...So, I finally decided to pray about it.  Seemed stupid but...

That morning I was praying about it...the old flow chart came to my mind...It was Providential ya'll!  Really!

So, now he checks off all the things he needs to do before bedtime.  He's so proud.  If he can check his things off and go to bed and NOT call for MomE when the door is shut...He get a sticker on his chart in the morning. 

Four (we started with his favorite number) stickers equals a sucker of his choice!  He even requested using this system for naptime.  What a GREAT idea!  I love those GOD answers to my problems!

He got his sucker today....green apple!  He is now starting his new chart...to bedtime success!

What MomE CAN'T do! Won't do??

Our Sweet DadE returned...just in time for his birthday! I told him that Jesus died when he was 33...He didn't think that was funny! He said, "Not of natural causes!"  HAHAHA!  Well, do you want to be like Jesus or not??

Anyhew, he's back doing those important things that MomE doesn't like to do..or won't...or can't.  Video games with the little dude are one such thing.  So is garbage duty and bathtime!  Woohoo!

Thank God for his blessings.  Please don't stop praying for us now...There is still lots of adjusting when he comes home from a long trip.  In ways, it's harder.  It's so easy just to be selfish and not care about each other FIRST!

Update...with pictures!

Sorry for the lack of blogs...I keep forgetting my camera and then not wanting to post about things that I don't have pictures to illustrate.  Here are a few I shot off to give ya'll an update...

Scruffy had an infection and was feeling ill.  We took her to the vet and got her $$meds...and now she is feeling frisky and her ole puppy self.  She is also hungry ALL.THE.TIME.  See?  This is her adorable cocked head sayin'..."Feed me."

Emmer-bean writes and writes...and colors some more.  When she's not doing that, she's playing ponies in her new castle upstairs!

Lubby...I cannot get a picture of him with his eyes open today.  Yup, we are definitely related!  He has a new race track...that I'm making him keep in his room...cuz he's shooting cars under all the furniture.

His new and cool cars (and not enough car carrier space) means that I live a treacherous life!

These four are in the top running, right now.  The ice cream truck was accidentally left at Grandma's house...and oh, the reunion was adorable.  His long lost friend hardly ever leaves his fingers...except to be set on the coffee table.  Grrr...WHY?  Why does it have to be the focal point of the room is where they want to set their junk and toys??

Well, at least it's cute junk...that says that I'm a MomE and loving it...right??

Comfort & Crafting...

Despite the recent lull in blogging activity...we are all quite well.  Lubby found a Star Wars robe...so we are all cozy, cute and comfortable now!!

Emma has shown great interest in crafting...so, after seeing this idea on Toddler Approved, I thought we'd give it a try.  She had a great time coming up with a list of things she loves/is thankful for re: her teacher Ms. Rausch!  Hehehe..."She's beautiful, like a sunset!" "She gives hugs during center time" "Her voice is kind"...I LOVE IT!!

I think Ms. Rausch will too!

The Letter I...for...

INSPIRATION...my new friend made this awesome castle in her living room!

...It's amazing...even has a mirror, clock and curtains on rods!  Too cool!!

The girls enjoyed time in this little cottage...Vividly using their IMAGINATIONS!

The boys used their imaginations too...but more along the man eating dinosaurs line of thought.  The girls didn't appreciate their contributions!  HAHAHA!

Read to me!

Read to me

by Jane Yolen 

Read to me riddles and read to me rhymes 

Read to me stories of magical times 

Read to me tales about castles and kings 

Read to me stories of fabulous things

Read to me pirates and read to me knights

Read to me dragons and dragon-book fights

Read to me spaceships and cowboys and then

When you are finished- please read them again.