Tyranosaur Bananosaur

Could all y'all please stop blogging for a few days? Or weeks? I am hopelessly behind. But instead of trying to catch up today, I'm going to post a little from my awesome sister's awesome visit.

We started her visit off right by picking her up at Stew Leonard's in Danbury. That's just the way we do things when you come to visit us out here. It saves us having to provide one lunch for you. Because, as usual, there were samples aplenty. And adelicious.

The first couple days weren't all that thrilling for her really.

Except that Bryce taught her the "Firetruck Frosting 'Do"

But then we decided to really amp things up and we headed down to the Peabody Museum at Yale. That was fun.

That is a classic excited face for Bryce

A giant sea turtle ancestor. I wouldn't want to be snorkeling in those waters.

Blake and the dinos. And some famous mural in the background. It went through all the rooms of the first floor.

I'm a huge stegosaurus fan

That thar be the grandaddy of all mooses

I just think this is a cool shot Blake took

Kayli is telling us all about the Stenopterygius quadriscissus--she's really smart

But perhaps the coolest part was this exhibit for Leafcutter Ants. Apparently our camera was plumb tuckered about by then because we kind of stopped taking pictures after the first floor. But you'll have to read all about them because I'm kind of in a hurry here. Suffice it to say, they were fascinating but I had the creepy crawlies for a while after.

Then we took Amy on the Indiana Jones/Yale tour.

I love my sister

Sorry about the messed up format. Does anyone else have issues with Blogger trying to take over as far as spacing and centering go? Frustrating! But I don't have time to deal with it today. I'll try to post more about our good times with Amy soon.

Kids Are Not Always Good for Self-Confidence

Yesterday the kids were assigning everyone an animal to be. I think Kayli was a kitty and Blake was a frog. And I'm pretty sure Bryce just kept saying he was a "puhsun" (person). Then a big argument erupted over what I should be.

Kayli: And Mommy, you are a cow.

Bryce: No, Mommy a pig!

Kayli: No, Mommy's a cow!

Bryce: Mommy pig!

And so on and so on.

Kayli finally settled it with, "Mommy is a dog."

Apparently, this was acceptable to both.

They're lucky they're so cute

Spring Giveaway

So, I'm not really a cute artsy person. I totally appreciate that kind of stuff and I'm a little jealous of those who are, but me myself, am not. Did you follow that sentence? It's okay if you didn't. But, if you like cute and pretty things, you should check out my friend's website at www.lauramarne.com to see how talented she is and to enter her First Day of Spring Giveaway.


Yeah, I couldn't come close to making any of these. But Laura has always been good with things like this. Some day maybe I'll tell you about the time she managed to make my hair cute for Prom even after a I got a disastrous haircut. But I don't have the time for the re-telling of such a riveting story today. Sorry to disappoint.

Is There Such a Thing As Too Much Birthday?

Yes.

I think my kids are partied out. But they've enjoyed it all. They tell everyone everywhere we go about Bryce's birthday and firetruck cake. Bryce started singing "Happy Birthday" at breakfast this morning. We kind of eat, sleep, and breathe birthday talk right now. The other day Kayli told me it was my birthday and she was making me a "carrot cake".

I love carrot cake

It really wasn't my birthday, but Blake got me flowers "just because".

A couple friends and I threw a combined birthday party for our boys yesterday morning because their birthdays are close together. Wanna know what really makes a party?

Balloons!

24 balloons to be exact. We had 22 kids RSVP, so we had to be prepared. (Fortunately), not all of them were able to make it. We missed those who couldn't come, but 22 kids is kind of overwhelming.

I was in charge of games and goody bags.

It was a "Things That Go Vroom" party, so they spent a lot of time just playing with cars, trucks, trains, and balloons, of course. Then we sang "The Wheels on the Bus" to help us get in the mood to pin the wheels on the bus.

I am not artistic, so I am really quite proud of the bus I made.

I made rice krispy treats and gave one to each of the kids along with four of those s'mores sandwich crackers. When you pull them apart, the chocolate makes a good glue to stick 'em on like wheels on a car. This is Bryce's car sideways. It was a challenge just to get a photo with a smile on his face, so I wasn't getting too picky with the car. And I'm pretty sure Kayli already ate hers.

This is the face he was pulling most of the day

I didn't know it at the time, but apparently, he hurt is foot somehow sometime during the party. He kept asking to be held all during the party, but I just thought it was because he was tired and overwhelmed. He didn't tell me until after he woke up from his nap. He told me to pull off his sock and then pointed to the base of his big toe and said "huwt". And he's been limping ever since. He refused to put any weight on it for a couple hours yesterday afternoon, but now does fine. Just so you don't think we're negligent parents, the pediatrician said to just watch it and see and we're taking him in for his 2-year check up on Monday anyway.

Back to the party...

The three birthday boys and the cute bus cake made by my friend

Candle-blowing is serious business!

The party was fun, but the planning was stressful. I'm so glad it's over with! Our next party destination is for my mom (I think she's turning 29). Thankfully, this one I get to plan with my sister because she's coming to visit!!! So, I'm super excited for next week!!!

Fetch the Engines, Fire Fire!

If you don't know that song, you should come visit us. We listen to it about 30 times every day. Thanks again for the CD, Mom. It makes for great dance parties.

Celebrating fire trucks and leprechauns on the same day was a little bit of a challenge, but we managed it. Actually, I forgot it was St. Patrick's Day for the first half of the day. And really Bryce's day was more important than honoring the little green men.

We had dino-nuggets for lunch. Bryce's dream come true.

Scratch that. I think this may have been a little more on the mark.

But then I had to stop him from doing this all day. I actually had to replace a few of the "accessories" because he kept eating them.

Just had to show it's humble origins.

I got the idea here, but made some changes. The recipe called for pound cake, but I'm not really a pound cake person. So, I decided to bake devil's food cake in loaf pans. The only problem was, I should have lowered the oven temp, but I forgot. So, they cooked on top too fast and then ended up really mounding up as the center broke through and rose up. So, I had to sort of cut and paste pieces of cake. It was very interesting and I was actually quite pleased with myself.

Then I was supposed to frost it with Cool Whip. I tried that one time and hated it. I didn't like the taste and it kind of melted off the cake. So, I made Bakerella's buttercream frosting and added half a container of food coloring. Not the kind you drip in, but the super concentrated kind. Very fun.

Frosting it was a pain and very messy. I had to fill in all the gaps that I hadn't been able to fill in with cake, so it took FOREVER. But I finally finished shortly before the kids woke up from their naps. Kayli woke up in time to try to "help" me decorate it. Fortunately, I was done by the time Bryce woke up so he got the full effect and was ecstatic.

Of course, it then became the source for a number of tantrums because he wanted to eat it right away. Birthdays are hard when you're too little to really understand what they're all about. But if you read my birthday post, then you know I was able to relate quite well.

We got more into the green swing of things for dinner.

Green waffles, green whipped cream, and some fruit. Although, it doesn't look super green here.

It doesn't really look green at all--except the edamame. But it really was. We had strawberry limeades for dinner, but you can't really tell in my cool pink cup.

And then it was time for presents!

Can you tell how tired my little fire chief was?

Fortunately, he perked up once he was surrounded by presents!

He got some really fun stuff, but his two favorites are his "dump" truck (it's really a back loader, I believe) and a Little People airplane. He's definitely a boy. Those pretty much end up wherever he is in the house.

And then, finally, it was time to eat the cake!

Huh?

Let me explain. Since the loaf cake was rounded in the middle, it was kind of flat on the ends. So, my fire truck was not as boxy as it should have been. It kept reminding me of Mater, so I decided to add eyes. He just looked empty and weird without them.

Earlier, I had this great idea to make fire using cherry Laffy Taffy. That stuff is not as red as something cherry-flavored should be. And it's too soft. But I decided to roll with it anyway. That is the weird pink stuff on the cupcakes.

And, of course, we had to have little fire fighters putting out the soft pink flames!

It's not safe here! Please, go around, Ma'am.

That guy in the back left is checking to see if it's The Blob reincarnate.

Hey, guys? The truck has sprouted eyes and I think Larry is trying to hack off one of our sweet white-walls!

Maybe you had to be there. I thought it was funny.

And at the last moment, I decided to add some "water" to their hose. It just needed it.

Finally, it was ready for my little man to do the birthday candle honors

I won't tell you how many tries this took

It was a really good (albeit looooong) day. But as usual, the party ain't over yet. He's getting a combo party with a couple friends tomorrow and we saved a few presents to open when we celebrate with my parents and sister next week. Yay for eternal birthday celebrations!

Where's My Luck O' The Irish?

Don't worry, I took plenty of pics of the cake and the celebrations yesterday. But first we have some catch up to do.



And I have to whine a bit. 2009 has been a rough year. My car has practically lived at the mechanic. We've put in at least half of the amount that we originally paid for it. But every time we bring it home, it has a new problem. It may be time for a new mechanic... (or car?).




You all know we lost our camera a couple weeks ago. We were planning on replacing it, but probably would've waited at least a little while. And then when we did replace it, we wouldn't have had to buy a new memory card and camera case as well. But since it was all lost/stolen, we did.



Our microwave just up and stopped working Friday. Well, let me explain. It still turned on, there just wasn't any heat. So, we got to go purchase a new microwave. Betcha didn't know how much fun a microwave box could be? Or how delightful popcorn looks when magnified a billion times.

(Yes, she's still in there)

We spent Saturday morning in the ER (thanks to my awesome friend Liz for watching the kids!). Everyone is fine, we just had a minor scare.

Honestly, can we stop spending money? Hello, Appliances? We're in a major recession right now. You know the adage "Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without"? Does everything have to wear out at the same time?! Frustrating.

Interesting side story though, while at the ER, Blake made a comment about what a good wife I am. Honestly, I wasn't doing anything major. But the nurse quickly agreed and said that we had such a good relationship compared to most people that came in. It's true, we have a great relationship, but based on what that guy had witnessed, basically we just spoke kindly to each other. Do all other couples yell at each other when they're in the ER? It was weird. But later on the nurse asked if I had a sister. Pretty flattering since I was in my gym clothes, sans shower and make up. Jennifer, there's a short, yet attractive nurse out here that would love to marry into our family!

Sorry, I just had to venet. I'll try to post the more exciting post soon. But if you don't hear from me soon, you can just assume that my laptop has decided to jump on the band wagon...

Can The Next 2 years Go Much Slower... Please?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BRYCEE BOO!!!

Isn't he a Handsome Pants?

The last two years have just been a blink, seriously. I can't believe my baby is two! If he weren't so happy to declare he's still my baby and always in the mood to cuddle, I'd probably be the most baby hungry woman on the planet right now. But he does love being my baby, so I'm not.

Two years ago, we were in the midst of March Madness. I got caught up in the Ohio State vs. Xavier game (it was almost a HUGE upset!) And didn't pay too much attention to my contractions that were coming every 3-5 minutes. Long story short--the game went into overtime and Bryce was born 45 minutes after we arrived at the hospital.

He got this special hat in honor of St. Patty's Day

Bryce was a very challenging baby--even colicky for a little while. But he's always worshipped the ground I walk on. That kind of adoration goes really far in evoking my forgiveness.

I didn't know when I bought these how applicable they'd be. He's even screaming into the blanket here.

But he's shaping into a very sweet little boy. Still all boy, make no mistake. Which is why I have to cut this short to go make him a fire truck cake. He is so excited!

Thanks, Brandon

So, the music has actually been annoying me for a while now. Thanks to my B-I-L for giving me that last little boost of motivation needed to switch it. And the fact that you don't correct my errors really warms my heart, Brandon. Seriously. Thanks. For what it's worth, I do try to remember to at least spell-check it before hitting publish. And thanks for being willing to put a roof over our heads should we lose our current roof. Thanks.

What is this?!

A new photo?

That's right, friends, I opened my camera. And took pictures. And downloaded the software. All for you. Well, maybe a little bit for me. I am still sad about the photos I missed out on. Anyway, this is actually Bryce telling me, "Hoyt!" and I'm such a good mom that I kept snapping photos before realizing that he was telling me he hurt his eye.

So, here's all the excitement you missed out on since I opened the camera this afternoon:

So much fun, we don't have time to catch our drool. These two become better and better friends every day. They are so good at playing together and I can't imagine anything sweeter than the sound of their giggles. Although, the day I overheard this coming from the play room was pretty sweet too:

Bryce: "Thank you, Kayyee." (pronounce both 'y's individually when you read that)

Kayli: "You're welcome, Bryce!"

We also adopted some pets.

This is my kitty Anastasia (sound familiar, Belky?) and her "brudder puppy".

Thanks for all your encouragement in helping me to take this new step toward a better-photographed future! Now we just need to do something fun and exciting! Or get Blake to write his portion of our story. Maybe you should leave comments encouraging him in the same way.

If you're not up-to-date on our story, or just going through withdrawl, you can now easily access it through the links I set up on the sidebar. Aren't you glad I'm so blog-savvy? You are welcome.

Potty Training a Young' Un Is Hard!

I'm going to open my camera. I promise. Any day now... But he hasn't really changed that much in the last year, has he? Except he still had that sweet baby-fine hair. Oh, I miss that. I love baby hair.

So, Bryce wants to be potty trained. At least, mostly. But we have a few challenges. For one, he still struggles with getting dressed. He can't pull anything up over that cute little bottom of his--not even pull-ups. And he can't undo the belt on his jeans either.

But I think our biggest problem is communication. This morning he came to me and said what sounded like "Baby" a few times while tugging on his pants. I interrupted the story I was reading Kayli to ask him, "What?" But we never did figure each other out and a couple minutes later, he got that focused look that only means one thing. Too late.

The funniest though, was last night during dinner. He got a funny look on his face so I asked if he needed to go potty. He nodded emphatically and said, "Yeah." So, I told him to hop down and let's go to the bathroom. He just replied, "No. Eating." Very matter-of-factly. We repeated the conversation once more exactly the same and then he let me know that it was too late anyway.

So, maybe consistent motivation is the real problem. Which is okay. I'm not trying to rush him into this. I'm fine to take it at his pace. I just don't want me to be the problem as far as the communication goes.

What an exciting post. I'm breaking that camera out right now.

Look At Me From the Side...

Isn't she sweet?

This is what she told me in the car today:

"Mommy, you look like a boy in the mirror."

"What?" Surely, she didn't mean that at all.

"You look like a boy when your face is all in the mirror."

Um...Thanks?

It just goes to show, you should never let your kids eat goat food. Never ever.

Are you tired of old photos yet? You can't be. I have some of the cutest photos of this darling heart breaker in the archives. But even so, we did purchase a new camera on Saturday. It's a pretty nice one. For a point-and-shoot anyway.

But I'm scared to take it out of its box. There's a sticker on it that says I'll have to pay a %15 re-stocking fee if I open it and decide I don't want the camera any more. That does wonders for my commitment issues.

Plus, if I open it, then I'm saying that I have completely given up hope on finding our old camera. Which I have. I'm just not ready to say it yet.

But I've already missed some fantastic photo-ops the last few days. Kayli dressed as a fairy princess with Fancy Nancy hair for a darling princess party, Bryce dressed as a cape-wearing prince for the same party, Kayli's hair rolled up in sock "curlers" (Bryce kept fluffing them and saying, "Boo-ful, boo-ful (beautiful)!" It was so cute!), Kayli with the prettiest curls (that all fell out by the time we sat down in church Sunday morning), Bryce in Kayli's pink cherry pj's (he insists--not me!), and the list goes on. All these precious priceless moments lost.

It may be time to commit to that new camera. But it came with a very thick book and I'm not sure I'm ready to read it.

Did I mention I have issues with commitment?

Pixie Hoods

Ever heard of a "pixie hood"?

Disregard my weird looking gloved hand and my make-up free face and here we have a pixie hood.

Isn't it beautiful? I LOVE it. Of course, mine is extra special because my dad gave it to me for Christmas. He picked it out. If you don't know my dad, that's a really big deal. I love this more than, well, a whole heck of a lot of things. He also picked some out for other women in his life.

Aren't they gorgeous?

And they're warm too.

Want one?

You can contact the amazing woman who made these at:

emalacottage@optonline.net

She makes these too

She also makes beautiful scarves and mittens. She breeds show winning English Angor and Jersey Wooly rabbits that she makes these from. She uses other stuff too. I just can't remember what it's all called. But whatever it is, it's very soft. And pretty.