Workin' in the Dirt

Eli has a new-found passion (obsession, really) with working (not playing) in the dirt. He'll tell me, "Mommy, I need to go work in the dirt to make money." Where did that come from?? At least we see a good work ethic in him early on. Lately, both Eli and Madeline have to go straight into the shower when they come inside at night because they are absolutely filthy. Guess that's what washing machines (and occasionally Clorox2) are for.

Eli, what's that tool for??

30 Years Young

Happy Birthday, Brandon! We love you. Thank you for being such a wonderful father and husband and for always putting your family first. Here's to many more happy birthdays!

Back to School, Back to School

This is M&E's third week back to school. Once again, they happily headed to their classroom without so much as a "Bye, Mommy". This year they are no longer in Mother's Day Out. That's right, my big kiddos are in Preschool now. Preschool or "Big School," as M&E refer to it, means the addition of carpool line, Spanish, music and chapel. I wondered how they would take to carpool since I don't need to walk them in anymore... Eli just giggled and said, "This is funny, Mommy," as we worked our way up the line. The first few days have been a hit and I anticipate that they will all turn out that way.

To say that I'm ready for the summer to end is an understatement. While we normally love the lazy days of summer, the past couple of months have been anything but lazy. Unfortunate events this summer included but were not limited to a 4+ week-long horrible allergic reaction to a wasp sting for me and the death of my Granddaddy. Nevertheless we continue to praise God through the good times and the bad and find comfort in the fact that He is in control - no doubt about it! We're looking forward to Fall and all that comes with it.

Fun in the Sprinkler

First of all, I realize that I skipped the whole month of June on this blog. Here is why: my children spent the entire month (with the exception of eating and sleeping) in the pool. Therefore, I also spent the entire month in the pool. My camera, however, did not. I plan to try to capture my little swimmers with my lens at some point in time but I am usually in the pool with them. I have to say though that I am extremely impressed with their progress this summer... they can swim! Jumping in, retrieving dive sticks off the bottom, doing flips in the water - very impressive.

The many sunny days spent at the pool have also meant very little rain. As a result, we decided to set up the sprinkler after dinner a few nights ago. Watering the grass included an added bonus for M&E - play time.

Madeline made sure to inform me that, "Mommy, it's okay to get my panties wet in the 'pinkler."

Madeline and Eli Turn THREE!

Madeline and Eli are now three years old or "fee" as they say and we celebrated their birthday yesterday at home. I can't believe how they've grown up so quickly. They are such a joy and it is so much fun to watch them learn and grow.

Eli requested a spiderman cake and Madeline wanted a princess one. I didn't really want two separate cakes, so I ordered one and Olexa's did not disappoint.

We sang Happy Birthday to Madeline first (because she was born first).

And then we sang to Eli (because he was born a minute later).

After cake it was present time.

M&E even got a special gift from all of Daddy's time spent in Oklahoma.

Happy third birthday sweet Madeline and sweet Eli! We love you to the moon and back!

Potty Training Update

Three weeks ago while I was getting this little lady ready for bed, she declared, "I not a baby anymore, I no wear pull-ups." I went with it, put a pair of panties on her, put her to bed and sure enough, Miss Madeline is fully potty trained. No more diapers in this household! Hallelujah!

Overheard

While M&E were in the tub tonight, Madeline examined a boo-boo on Eli's hand:
"It's okay, E-I. I'm a doctor."

Eli to Madeline and me throughout the day:
"Guys, where you going?"
"Guys, what you doing?"

Eli's name for Madeline, "Wuvy", is starting to fade away. Lately it has been replaced with "Maleline".

Both M&E when they want to take something in the car (a sweatshirt or hat or something):
"Mommy, I bring this jus' in case I need it."

Eli has been in the "Why? Why? Why?" phase for a while now. I answer as well as I can but sometimes I just don't have an answer so I'll say, "Eli, why do you think?" His standard answer for that lately:
"For alligators." (Don't ask me. I have no clue where that came from.)