Brothers

As Jacob nears two and half he and Ben are able to play a lot more. He can follow instruction to the games Ben dictates, makes up and organizes. He enthusiastically obliges but is also displaying an opinion of his own. They really love each other and nothing makes me happier than watching their relationship. They are best friends. I think they make great buddies! All they need is a sister to tell them what's what.

Ben and Jacob are very excited for their new sister to arrive. They seem to understand more than we realize...the final piece of the puzzle... They talk about her everyday, talk to my stomach, whisper to my stomach (they seem to think that my belly button is a direct line to her), sing to my stomach... they are going to be such great big brothers for her. They also LOVE her accessories...and because she is a baby of the pink variety she has many accessories! Ben came down the other day causally sporting her newborn baby shoes. We can't wait for her to arrive!

Bedtime Prayers For Daddy

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"...and please bless Daddy that he can pick us up and wrestle with us again..." When I relayed Ben's bedtime prayer request to Jon, he decided that at 7 weeks post operation he could indeed take on his boys the next morning for some post breakfast throw down... and he did. And they beamed.

The Season Is HERE!

Let's get this part out of the way...Garage sales are my MOST favorite thing to do...I LOVE LOVE LOVE (love) driving around early Saturday morning while the rest of my family sleeps looking for the "big one". I have a list that I make of wish list items I am looking for as well as things that I am always on the lookout for (the next season's clothes for the kids and new shoes for example...) It takes patience some weeks...I sometimes will set myself up for disappointment by going out hopefully when it is threatening rain or going out too early in the season...like last weekend when the "garage sale bug" was just too bad...I wasn't too successful but I did cross off one thing on my list; a pewter soap pump (well I had "black" on my list...but close enough!)...it cost $1.00 and I was satisfied enough with my first purchase of the season. THIS weekend however made up for last. There were two large community sales in neighborhoods that were promising (I don't venture to neighborhoods that are more than 20 years old...I find in older neighborhoods the residents have had too much time to collect junk. In new areas the homes and their belongings are relatively new and the families are younger so they are selling what I am looking for- call me a garage sale snob if you will...but it works). Here is my haul... LAST WEEK...

THIS WEEK!

• 3 pairs of infant tights  
• 2 peices of tupperware 
•  old navy dress 
•  Children's place 3 piece dress 
• Carter's romper 
•  Tommy denim dress
•  Robeez infant shoes 
• JOE toddler shoes 
•  GAP 2 piece dress 
• 2 piece dress 
•  one infant headband 
• 6 newborn sleepers sleepsac 
•  2 bags infant socks 
• children's Place 2 piece set 
•  Carter's 2 piece set 
•  OshCosh 2 piece set 
• OshCosh 2 piece set 
• OshCosh 2 Piece dress 
• JOE sunhat (with strap! I hate when they don't have straps!)
•  Baby GAP sweater 
• White boys cap 
• GAP shirt MEXX dress shirt 
•  boys belt Boys 
• Gymoboree shirt 
• Boys Gymboree shirt 
• Children's place shirt 
• Children's Place argyle sweater 
• 2 black maternity t shirts 
•  1 pair of maternity capris 
• 2 Mr. Potato head sets 
•  1 Leapfrog magnetic letter set 
• one number and letter board set 
•  1 new in box finger skateboard set for Ben (not pictured as it will be a birthday gift) 
•  Grand total?! ...$44.00 
•  Yup. That is right. For the cost of any one or two of the above outfits new...I got a front seat full and a lot crossed of the "list". Some Rules... Only buy clothes that have tags or look brand new. If they look worn at all (to an acceptable level...which is not much) do not pay over $1.00 an item. Shoes that do not have worn bottoms or scuffed toes. Do not buy something because it is a good deal. It isn't a good deal if you don't need it or love it. Go early...7:45 is ideal. Don't be afraid to barter...the worst they can say is no...but offers are expected. Map your route the night before... Always buy lemonade from the kids stands. Disinfect all toys...don't be afraid to buy things to save for Christmas and birthdays. I like to get new in packaging but certainly am not limited to that...I don't think my kids have ever noticed or cared that the box was missing...and if they did they would be awfully spoiled and it would be a good lesson anyway! Till next week! Ben washing his "new" Mr. potato head set..."earning" his new toy:)

Home School Day

There are three typical reactions when I tell people that we home school; "You're crazy". "Aren't you worried about "A, B and C?" "Oh I could never do that! What would I do with them all day!" I think all of those things have crossed my mind at one time or another but now that we almost have our first school year under our belts I would say I have a feel for what it looks and feels like. We like it! Jon just says..."if it ain't broken, don't fix it" or "If our kids are doing great and learning a lot...lets not change anything". He always simplifies things. I like that guy. Here are some snapshots of a typical day. After 8 months at it (with a lot of challenges thrown at us!) I am happy to report that I do not fear for my sanity 5 out of 7 days, which are still odds I can work with. I am not worried about "A, B and C" because they are likable, social, bright and vibrant kids and I don't feel like I have to do something out of the ordinary with them all day...they are happy to just do what we are naturally doing in a day anyway with a little added emphasis on "teaching moments". They are busy, love to help out whenever they can get a "job" and are endlessly fascinated with topics I couldn't pull out of a curriculum. Ben is determined to read before he is 5 and judging from his commitment to what he sets his mind to, I have no doubt he will. I am so excited to share books with him that he can read on his own. I think we have found a great fit for our family!

The View From Here

32 weeks... officially can no longer bend over, paint my toenails or walk without waddling.

Toddler Proofing

We made child proofing our new house a priority this week... since you-know-who has made it a full time job to get into absolutely everything he can get his busy hands on. Eye liner not excluded.