Bag Boy

I can't leave a random, empty bag or box laying around the house without Hunter confiscating it and putting his special treasures inside.  I had this bag on the counter Friday night.  The next morning when I got out of bed, he had already taken over the bag and was using it to carry his belongings around the house. 

Everywhere I turn, I find random containers filled with miscellaneous things.

It sounds silly to say I am SO sick of finding money laying around the house, but I am!!  They love to play with the change in their piggy banks and I am constantly finding coins all over the place!

This was just funny.  Apparently his snake needed water.

Sam I Am

Jacob celebrated Dr. Seuss's birthday all week at school.  On Friday, they got to go dressed up as their favorite Dr. Seuss character.  He chose Sam I Am from I Do Not Like Green Eggs and Ham.  While we were figuring out what he should wear, he instructed me that I needed to go to the store and buy him some yellow pants or make some for him.  I told him we were going to be creative and use what we already had around the house.  I talked him into wearing these light colored pants.  His yellow shirt is his preschool shirt with a big blue star on it.  He told me he couldn't wear it because of the star.  I came up with the idea to have him wear a sign to cover the star.  Luckily he was very easy to please as I waited until the night before to throw this together.  That is how I roll.  If I have time to waste, I'll waste it.  My creative juices flow much better at the last hour for any project.

Here is his plate of green eggs and ham.  He told me this was perfect!  I am so grateful he is young and easy to please!!  Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!  Thanks for all of your fun stories and creativity!

Old Man

I walked by the bathroom while Jacob was bathing and heard,

"MOMMY!  There's an old man in my bath!!!"

I almost ignored it, but due to the creepinesss factor, I was compelled to investigate.

Here's the old man I found!

Good vs. Evil

I was surprised when Hunter wanted to dress up as Spiderman.  Jacob was the ringleader (of course) in this game of pretend, but Hunter doesn't usually like to wear costumes. 

This guy has no problem donning a costume.  The costumes have been behind a locked toy closet door for quite some time.  The basement has always been out of control and a struggle to keep clean.  We finally got it cleaned up and put a lock on the door before the baby came.  New Rule: they are allowed to take one toy/bucket of toys out at a time.  Then the door is locked again until they clean up the current mess.  We put this system in place just before Adam was born.  They immediately messed up as much as they could with what was at their disposal and it has been like that ever since. We just barely cleaned it up this week for our 2nd attempt at our new system.  So far they have done great and they have been playing downstairs a lot more lately.  I think they really missed all of their toys!! 

Hunter's mask makes me laugh.  They eye holes are on the side of his head!

These guys make me smile!

Mamma's Boy

Adam is just starting to recognize people he knows.  Trevor's sister & mom came over for lunch and he sure noticed that I wasn't the one holding him.

When he saw me sitting in front of him rather than beside him, he got a little upset.  Please disregard his unsightly blemish on his chin.  It has taken every ounce of will power for me to not squeeze!

He is starting to follow me with his eyes when I get away from him.  He does not like to be detached from me!  He probably feels so lost & vulnerable since I'm the one holding him 90% of the time!

Matt's Day

7 years & still missing him!  7 years seems like too small a number for how long it feels.  It feels like it has been forever since he left us.  I had Jacob that same year and it seems like an eternity since I was kid less! 

I love taking the boys to the cemetery.  They ask lots of questions about Matt and I enjoy telling them about him.  I was a little stumped this year when Jacob asked how he died.  I wasn't sure I wanted to share that with a 6 year old.  I told him I'd tell him when he got older.  Jacob remembers where his grave is each time.  He always finds it right away. 

We met my family at Matt's Dairy Queen after the cemetery.  The boys love this annual tradition.  Unfortunately, it got a little crazy when everyone & their kids arrived.  The restaurant was transformed into complete mayhem.  We didn't last very long!  I don't do well with lots of kids running around screaming, especially if some of them are mine!!  Luckily we got there before everyone else did so they at least sat at the table and ate their ice cream before the craziness came.

Adam was happy to get out of his car seat and be held by Uncle Bryce.  Next year he will be one of the kids running around screaming!  My mom suggested we change the annual tradition to Dilly Bars at the park.  I think I have to agree with that one!!

We miss you Matthew!  I wish my kids could have known their Uncle Matt!

Caleb & Adam

These guys are 6 days apart.  My eyes nearly popped out when I saw Caleb.  He is huge.  He weighs a pound more than Adam and is 3/4 inches taller.  He is already in 6 month clothes when is still in 0-3 months (even though they are getting a bit snug).  Adam looks so petite next to him.  I usually have the biggest baby in the room so this is a new experience!