The Jungle Boys

This afternoon after taking a shower I was greeted with this...

Andrew - "Hey Mom! Look! We are Jungle Boys!"

I have heard of other children enjoying running around in their underwear but Andrew has never done this before. At least not until today. He said he watched a show one time at Grandma S.'s with Jungle Boys. I'm thinking maybe Jungle Book.

Carson is still quite flexible! His feet tend to peel a lot in the winter, I think that is what he is checking on.

The younger "Jungle Boy" had an awesome afternoon of potty training!! This morning we had our usual Wednesday morning plans....a great friend's husband works at Kenyon College and they have a pass to their athletic center. They are permitted to bring guests. So every Wed. we have a workout rotation. One of us works out while the other is with the two kids and then we switch. It is so nice! Anyways back to the little Jungle Boy.... so I put him in a diaper not wanting our friend to have to deal with that or me while her little girl was here. When we got home from picking Andrew up from preschool around noon, we put underwear back on Carson.

He went 5 for 5! No accidents! So proud of him. No #2's today, not sure how he will handle that. If he is anything like big bro, (let's hope not in this case!) he won't master that for months! He has this odd thing about some of his underwear. Some of the pairs have characters in the back (Lightning McQueen, Mater) and a plain front. He thinks this needs to go in the front. Makes his underwear fit a little strange! You pick your battles and this was one I wasn't going to fight....well I did a little but then gave up when he was doing his deep throaty laugh.

How do you potty train if you aren't home?

Yesterday we didn't have any plans. Andrew does not have preschool on Mondays. We don't have any regular activities on Mondays. So after a slow start to the day, getting out of pjs at 10, I decided it was a good day for Carson to wear underwear.

A friend told me she had recently trained her daughter by setting the timer for 45 min. And then it was potty time, and then set the timer again. So I started this. I realized that Carson would not go on the toilet when it was time, but then he would go in his underwear a little bit later. So if he wouldn't go in the toilet when it was time, I then set the timer for 15 minutes and we would try again.

He wet 3 different pairs of underwear/pants and managed to go on the toilet twice - with lots of celebration, high fives, an M&M, and a sticker for his chart.


But then Tuesday came.....

We got ready for the day, took Andrew to preschool, went to the Amish bulk food store, went to MOPS, picked Andrew up from preschool, went home for lunch, went to the library for story time, went home for 2 hours, took Andrew to TaVaci, back home.....

How do you potty train a little boy if you aren't home?! I knew I didn't want to put him in underwear and have to deal with wet pants (or have the MOPS helpers deal with them) when we were out. So I put him in a pull up and he went in them all day long (not the same pair!). But this is not being very consistent.

So do I just have to commit to staying home til he gets this? Guess I should have tried training him over Christmas break when Andrew wasn't in preschool, our activities were on hold due to the holidays and we only had one car - which means the boys and I were home most days anyways! Opportunity missed!

Let the deception begin!

I recently purchased (found a really great deal on Amazon for a used copy) the cook book Deceptively Delicious by Jessica Seinfeld (Jerry Seinfeld's wife). I first learned of this book on Oprah back in 2007 (I believe) when Jessica Seinfeld was on her show. Then in the beginning of January, we were at one of our niece's birthday parties and Tisha served a home made macaroni and cheese dish. The recipe was from this cookbook and contained butternut squash. It was really good.

I was excited to try some of the recipes. Our boys eat pretty well actually but could expand what vegetables they will eat. Each of her recipes contains at least one fruit or vegetable puree in it. Below we have sweet potato, yellow squash, broccoli, carrot, spinach and cauliflower puree. (The butternut squash was still in the oven.) Aren't they pretty?

So I tried one recipe last week for a chicken salad sandwich. It had cauliflower puree in it. (Chicken - I used left over turkey from our extremely large bird at Thanksgiving - mayo, yogurt, chopped celery, chopped grapes, hard boiled eggs...) We all really enjoyed this - once Chad picked the chopped celery out of Andrew's sandwich; it a texture thing "I don't like the crunchy!"....so then of course we had to pick them out of Carson's too, even though he was eating it fine prior to Andrew complaining.

I also tried Blueberry Cheesecake Cupcakes. This contained blueberry, yellow squash and spinach puree. They looked a little bizarre, a green blue thing - that deflated when removed from the oven. We ate them, and though not exactly delicious, they were alright. And Andrew actually did say they were delicious. And for knowing that they contained yellow squash and spinach - which seems a little wrong in a baked good - they were alright. But were not real great the next day. Probably won't be making them again.

So we are 1 for 2 in Deceptively Delicious....we shall see what the other recipes bring!

Our weekend away

Chad and I were blessed with an extended weekend away. We had done this in January of 2008 when we went to Chicago for the weekend. We had a great time then, though quite cold and snowy! So this year we thought we would try heading a bit south. We wanted to go somewhere within driving distance and somewhere neither of us had been before.

We decided on Nashville, TN. My parents came here Friday evening to stay with the boys til Sunday. They then met Chad's parents and handed the boys over. The boys had so much fun with both sets of grandparents. In fact, they had so much fun that Andrew was in tears when we came to pick him up because he didn't want to go home! Anyways, I'm getting a little a head of myself.

Chad and I left Friday evening after eating supper with the boys and my parents. We headed to Cincinnati for the night. Saturday morning we were able to sleep in some and then get back on the road. We arrived in Nashville just before 2:00 Saturday afternoon, with the time change - which we didn't expect....we thought the clock in our hotel room was wrong at first. We went to a great little restaurant Sat. evening, Germantown Cafe. The food was excellent, very eloquently presented and such a nice atmosphere! That evening we had tickets at the Ryman Auditorium (a really neat old theatre) for a Grand O'le Opry concert. We went to this to experience a little of Nashville, not necessarily for the artists that were performing. There were probably 12 different artists that each sang two songs. A few of the artists were Lorrie Morgan, Marty Stuart, Ronnie Milsap, Chuck Wicks.

Sunday morning we slept in again and went to the hotels gym for a little exercise. After getting ready we then went to another local Nashville restaurant for brunch, The Garden Brunch Cafe. Another great restaurant; awesome food, nice atmosphere and even some live music. We then headed to a great mall so I could get ( I mean start) my shopping fix. We got through the top level of the mall and then headed back to the hotel for a rest...Chad watched the Colts football game while I read. That evening we went out to eat at Macaroni Grill and watched the movie Blind Side. We both really enjoyed this movie.

Monday was spent much the same as Sunday; sleeping in, out for brunch, shopping, eating and then seeing the movie Avatar. (Can you guess who chose which movie?) Chad's funny comment the week before leaving for TN, when trying to convince me that we should see Avatar was, "If we don't go see Avatar it will be like not going to go see Star Wars back in the day." Well, neither of us saw Star Wars back in the day! Did I like the movie? Umh, I don't really know. I am not a sci-fi kind of person. We saw it in an IMAX theatre and I think the movie was amazing - how did they do all the graphics!? It was really intense. Did I like it? I really don't know.

Perhaps we should have done things to experience more of Nashville. Go to the Country Music Hall of Fame. I'm not sure what else but we had a great time. We loved being just the two of us. Getting a chance to sleep in, enjoying all the great food at the restaurants that I didn't have to cook, having the opportunity to leisurely shop.

We loved getting back to see the boys as well. Carson was very excited to see us with plenty of hugs and kisses... Andrew on the other hand was very tearful, upset...afraid he wouldn't be able to finish the memory game he was just starting with Grandma, Carson and cousin Lucca. He did get to finish the game and he was ok but I think secretly could have stayed at Grandma and Grandpa's much longer!

Thank you very much for watching the boys for us! They loved spending time with the four of you and we appreciated the time were able to spend just the two of us! We feel refreshed.

New Year's Weekend

On New Year's Eve the four of us traveled to Chad's parents' house for our Christmas gathering with them. We had a great time! (I should have blogged this sooner because I am forgetting the chronological order of all our activities!)

Friday morning following a delicious brunch, Grandma decorated Christmas cookies with all the grandkids.

That afternoon we had the family gift exchange.

Carson opening a gift

Anna & Grandpa watching Carson

Andrew excited about his glow in the dark tiger puzzle

Bradley giving Carson a mini violin lesson with Lucca's violin

Andrew had to have a chance to play it too

Lucca played a couple of songs on her violin for us and Leah & Anna both played a song on the piano.

We shared an early evening meal together and watched The Ohio State football bowl game. Saturday we had more time at Grandma and Grandpa's. We sang Christmas songs together in the morning. The children enjoyed some sledding. Then in the afternoon we went to a local Y to do some swimming. I think all the grandchildren really enjoyed this! The sledding was a highlight too. I think they did this each day, well maybe not on Sunday. Sunday we all went to church together. It was a great weekend of fun times, great fellowship and wonderful food.

Here is a collage of the grandkids, Chad, Grandpa & Allen taking in some sledding.

Snow Days!

We have been having fun in all the white stuff recently. These pictures were taken a few weeks ago, I think between Christmas and New Years. We have gotten more snow since then. I got the boys these shovels and now they can really help me clear off the drive. Andrew does a really good job actually! Carson is more about playing, and rightfully so! We have had a winter thaw the last few days and the snow is melting. It's really quite messy!

Christmas Weekend

On Christmas morning the four of us packed up and headed to my parents' for the weekend. We got there about noon, just in time for a great meal. My parents and my younger brother Tim were all there. We had a great afternoon and evening just hanging out at my parents' and playing with the boys.

Uncle Tim & Grandpa took in a game of Battleship with the boys.

Saturday morning we headed over to the church I grew up attending. My mom's side of the family was meeting there for brunch and several hours of fellowship. If I counted correctly, there were 80 people there! One of my mom's sisters, her husband and their family were in AZ celebrating their 50th wedding Anniversary and the marriage of their youngest daughter. Two people didn't come due to being sick, but I think everyone else was able to come. So good to see family, see how the children have grown and changed and try to catch up with what is happening in their lives.

After that we all headed back to my parents'. We opened gifts and shared another wonderful meal together. Andrew thought it was pretty neat, but yet maybe a little odd that Grandpa received a toy for Christmas. We all got him a remote control boat that he will be able to drive around in their pool this summer. (I apologize Tricia, for some reason I do not have any pictures of you.)

That night Carson was so tired. He had been sick earlier in the week with croup and was just really worn out that evening. I was trying to get him ready for bed but he insisted on Grandpa putting his pajamas (cozy jammies) on. (He often insists on Grandma doing it.) So Grandpa did. He also read him one of his new books while snuggling under the "blanken".

Sunday morning we went to church with my parents. It is always enjoyable to go to church at my parents at Christmas. So good to see family and friends that I grew up with and mentors in the church.

After church we headed to Ben & Kristy's house for my neice Abby's second birthday party. She had a very cute Max & Ruby party. We left for home from their house. The drive was a bit stressful because it was snowing a lot. We came to a stand still on I-75 after seeing many cars off the road. We decided to get off of I-75 by taking one of the on ramps. We found a different way home that had less traffic but still plenty of cars in ditches! It took us over 4 hours to get home instead of the 2 1/4-2 1/2 hours that it should have! Not fun but so thankful to have made it home safely.

Christmas Eve

We spent Christmas Eve at home just the four of us. Chad had to work in the morning but was home around 1:00. We opened gifts with the boys....

Chad opening (with a little help) his new Lehr propane trimmer.
Not exactly the right time of year for this tool but he is looking forward to using it this summer. Perhaps a snow blower would have been more appropriate!

Carson with his new Bengals t-shirt. I think this picture looks like it was taken from a comic strip. Doesn't his head look so big and his body so small! :)

The boys with their new Klean Kanteen water bottles. Carson thought it was a pretty exciting gift!

Later that afternoon we decided to take the boys to see their first movie in a movie theatre. Andrew had gone with his preschool class on a field trip to the movie theatre. They saw the behind the scenes of showing a movie, how to make popcorn and were able to watch a few movie trailers and the beginning of the new Disney movie The Princess and the Frog. Apparently Andrew was a bit upset (imagine this) when the movie was turned off. So that is what we took them to see. It is the first Disney movie with an African American as the main character. I thought it was cute but could have done with out the Shadow Man - a voodoo guy, and all the scary shadows. Guess there always has to be some sort of villain. I also liked how strong the female character was and helped out the guy this time.

The boys liked it. Carson said several times "No me like this show." but his eyes rarely left the screen, except to stuff his little mouth with some popcorn. :) And the Shadow Man and shadows didn't seem to bother either one of them.

More Christmas Photos of the boys

Complete boredom! Are we done yet?

sweet, tender moment
(few and far between - not really)

case of the giggles

Merry Christmas!

I failed to get Christmas cards around again this year. Must start earlier next year! So here is your virtual Christmas card. May you experience peace & joy this Christmas season. Enjoy your time with family & friends. Merry Christmas!!

Great day, not so great end to the day

Last Saturday was a great day. We woke up to about 3 inches or so of bright white snow. Andrew really wanted to go sledding but we don't really have a place for that. Last year there was a very large mound of dirt on a near by lot from when they dug our basement and our neighbor's. But now the dirt is gone and a house is in it's place. So I suggested we go out and have some time outdoors...me clearing the driveway and the boys "helping" & playing in the snow.

After that we got ready for the rest of our day. We had plans to go into Columbus for the day. There were a few more Christmas gifts we needed to get. We also told the boys we could go to Recreations Outlet for some play time, if they were good while shopping. The boys and I had been there one other time with our friends Renee & Emmett. Well we should have called first. Imagine two little boys who have done some shopping (who don't like shopping), who have been promised they could play, and then we are told that on Saturday & Sunday play time is for members only. What to do! The boys both had their shoes and coats off ready to run. So we became week and now have a membership at the Recreations Outlet! The time we were there with Renee & Emmett, it was "pay to play" time - we payed $4 a child to play as long as they wanted. They also have a free play time too. The boys had a great time! And now every time we go to Columbus we will be stopping at Recreations Outlet to make up for paying for this membership!

For supper we met Chad's parents at North Star Cafe. We had eaten at one of the two restaurants they have this past summer. This time we ate at the one north of campus. It is a great place to eat. I enjoy the atmosphere and love knowing that our food is good quality food. Be sure to read their philosophy. Here is the menu.

We had also thought about going to the zoo lights but decided it would be too cold and perhaps then not too much fun. On the way home we debated about driving through some Holiday Fantasy Lights at Alum Creek. But Carson fell asleep and since it cost $15 per car load, we decided we wanted to do that when both Andrew & Carson could enjoy it. We have driven through the Festival of Lights in the town I grew up in and they both loved it! Carson was amazed and said some great phrases like "Gracious!" and my Dad's quote "Hokey Dina!". But instead we headed home.

We were about 20 minutes from home when a large deer decided to cross the road. We didn't see it until it was right in front of us. There was a car coming from the opposite direction and not much for us to do, except hit the deer. We had to have the car towed, Chad thought the steering wasn't quite right and could smell coolant (I think that is what he said but maybe not). Thankfully we got a hold of a friend from church who was able to come get us and take us home. We found out yesterday the estimate on the car and that we won't get it back until Jan. 8th or the 11th. Chad had been hinting at hitting a deer but not with this car (our 2004 Volkswagen Passot wagon) - with his car (1997 Honda Accord) - which would give him a reason to get a different car. And thankfully we are all fine! We had a very kind police officer stumble upon us and help us out. He even drove me back to a gas station, after I swallowed my pride and asked him to, so that I could use the bathroom. I think Andrew was a bit jealous that I got to ride in a police car!

So this week, we have only had one car. It has been fine. Andrew didn't have preschool this week due to Christmas break. And the other activities the boys and I are in are on hold due to Christmas as well. I have run some errands in the evenings once Chad is home - which is actually really nice to do without the boys! And I'm OK with being home - it takes a lot for me to get stir crazy - but I might by Jan. 8th! Plus I've had enough to keep me busy!

Play equipment

Our basement is great. Especially with the cold weather we have been having. It is a great place for the boys to run around and play rough. Chad often throws football with Andrew down there. Just a great space.

For a while, I have been thinking how nice it would be to have a slide or some play equipment in the basement for the boys to climb on. I was searching on the Internet when I found this company, Cedar Works. Here is a photo of some of their indoor play sets.

I really love everything about it. I love the look. I love that you can choose from some of their pre-designed play sets or custom design your own. I love that it is made of wood, and a maintenance free wood - no staining or splintering of the wood. I did request a catalog and I'm thinking that the only thing I might not love about it is the price. There aren't any quotes on their website, and there might not be in the catalog either, we shall see.

So for now, the boys and I built our own little play set yesterday. It is made of cardboard and lots of tape. The main part, where Andrew is standing with the door, has been around for a few months. It needed some repair and then we added the other spaces. They are enjoying crawling around in it. We have told them to be a little more gentle with it or it may not be around for long! If it does make it, we can even add on to it!

TaVaci

Andrew is in a local singing & performing group called TaVaci. This is the first year he is in it and he is really enjoying it. They had their Christmas concert this past Saturday evening. Children ages 4-13 are in TaVaci. Their practices are at different times, based on ages. The concert was for all the children. I was really surprised how many kids are in this. Some of the songs were sung by all the children and then they did separate songs with each class. It was really cute. They do choreography too. I did order a DVD of the performance - thought Andrew might enjoy watching it.

Here he is all decked out before their morning dress rehearsal.

Believe it or not, I suggested this pose. He is too much!

After his dress rehearsal, we ran into Kroger for a few things. Andrew got warm and took off his coat. So many people gave him compliments regarding his outfit. Too cute.

Cozy

Last Friday morning we woke up to a fresh blanket of snow on the ground. It was still falling and quite windy. I plugged in the Christmas tree and lights....

Andrew asked to watch a show. As I was getting it ready, Carson got up and came out to the living room. Carson asked for a blanket and snuggled up in his chair. During this time Andrew went to the bathroom. I had the show playing and went back to our room to do a few things. When I came back out, this is what I saw....

I love moments like this. It was around 7am and still a little dark. The only light in the room was the soft glow from the Christmas tree (and the TV). Outside the snow was gently falling. And these precious little boys were sitting in the same chair, cuddling under the blanket. So sweet. So Cozy.

Side note. Carson loves "cozy jammies" aka fleece pjs. Andrew does not - he is a hot body; so therefore we only had one pair of fleece pjs. This pair is size 24 months. Thankfully they are two piece pjs and Carson can still wear them but the sleeve and pant length are getting a little short. Carson would get upset at night when this pair was not clean. We would pull out the numerous thin cotton pjs we had for him and he would say "NO these cozy jammies!" My parents searched all over for fleece pjs for Carson's birthday. They would find pjs - the sleepers with feet attached but weren't sure Carson would like them. Or the pjs with a collar and button down tops and again weren't sure he would like that. They did manage to find a pair that is 2 piece with the top more like a t-shirt. Carson is thrilled to have two pairs of cozy jammies now. He will cuddle up to you and say "so cozy!"

Pictures

A couple of weeks ago we took the boys to get their pictures taken. I like to have their pictures taken around their birthdays. I had thought that we would have family pictures taken outside this year in the beautiful fall leaves, but it never happened. Maybe next fall. We like going to J.C. Penney for pictures. I think they do a good job and you can't beat the price!

The only thing I don't like about it is that you order your pictures right after they are taken. One of their employees is standing at a computer screen with you, looking through your pictures. Your children are there in the waiting area with you. You are trying to view the photos, decide what you want and make sure your children are behaving. It's a little stressful. I would like more time to decide what I want to order. I think one time they gave us 24 hours to make changes to our order, or maybe that was Target. There are things I would have changed about what we ordered but over all, we were pretty happy with how they turned out. We think they are pretty stinkin' cute. :)

Carson saying "cheese"

Classic Carson smile - I think I actually can see some teeth!

Sooo sweet!

Love this one!

Our little buckeyes

GO BUCKS!!

Andrew's senior picture pose #1

Senior picture pose #2

Love his grin