Steve the Elf

I had heard about Santa sending elves to houses when the children could possibly be on the naughty list. So Steve the elf paid us a little visit! Kylie and Blake enjoyed waking up each morning to figure out where Steve was for the day. The kids could not touch him or his magic would go away. Blake made sure to introduce Steve to all of our visitors and remind them not to touch him. They were sad to see Steve go on Christmas Eve, but I'm sure he'll be back next year.

Do all the princesses have those?

At this point, with two young ones we are not quite a modest family. The kids take showers with me or are often under my feet when I am getting out of the shower and getting ready. So nudity is not generally a big deal. Kylie always asks a lot of questions, but she has been focused on her body lately! When I was getting undressed the other day, she pointed to my breasts and asked what those were. I knew exactly what she was talking about, but stalled for time and pointed to my bra, "this?" She responded no and pointed again. I believe in using the correct terminalogy for things and not sugarcoating it with silly names so I said, "breasts." Then of course she wanted to know if hers were going to look like that one day. I said yes which led to how will it happen, is it magic? Hoping that would appease her, I said yes kind of. This seem to satisfy her and then she asked, do all the princesses have those because they should! Kylie you are so funny!

Weird week

What a weird week this has been! Last week I got strep again and still wasn't feeling better and went back to the doctor. I had the dreaded H1N1 flu virus that's been circulating and the big buzz around the world. It can be deadly for a select few. Thankfully I don't think I have anything serious to worry about. Both of you got the vaccine a few weeks ago but they weren't giving out vaccines to people over 25. I can't believe I'm now in that older category!



Anyway the virus came at the worst time possible. Right before Kylie's debut in the annual Nutcracker performance. You had been practicing for weeks and were so excited about wearing your cute mouse costume. It broke my heart when you woke up and the first thing that you asked about was it time to be in the Nutcracker. Tears welled up in your eyes for a moment and then you said, "that's okay mommy, there will more Nutcrackers" If we all could learn to view life like you do at times!



We are now in day four of being shut in and we are all getting a little stir crazy. Dad and I took you guys to see the Southern Lights show in Versailles.

Blake and his tomatoes

You are my vegetable eater! I love tomatoes and now I can't eat one alone. I always have this cute little blonde boy coming over and saying "tomow." You love to eat them with just salt. We go down to our humble tomato plants and you pick one out for us to eat. I'm so happy to share with you! Scott hates vegetables and Kylie barely eats anything so I was all alone in my veggie love! Another joy from seeing you eat tomatoes with me, is it reminds me of my granddad Lillpop. He's the one who taught me to eat tomatoes with just salt. I remember it always being a part of my most meals at my grandma's house. I wish you could have met him. I think you guys would have been great buds!

Why isn't anything ever easy

This is the question that I often ask with you, Kylie. I love, love, love your spirit, but it can be so strong sometimes! You rarely go with the flow and things often have to be done your way. We have started soccer practice and like everything else, we are in for a battle. Probably part of the problem is that I can be too serious and I expect a lot. Plus we are probably very similar in our stubborness which causes us to bump heads! It started with introductions. Everyone was going around telling their name and you wanted me to tell them. You are not shy but I complied. Then you threw yourself on the ground a few times when they were practicing different moves. If I looked around though, I'd realize it was better than the kid running off or the other one crying the entire time! I need to learn to count my blessings more. The rest of practice looked more like a negotiation with me trying to entice you into the practicing of moves and the game they were playing. You wanted no part of anyone trying to take your ball and whined we they did. However, you made no attempt to even try to defend your ball. When the coach picked you to go around and take balls from other kids you jumped to your feet! I was amazed to watch you in action as you suddenly used all the moves that the other kids had been practicing when you were laying on the ground! You must learn when no one thinks you are listening, which is a good reminder for me to stay on my toes, because you are always learning. I love you and we will make it through soccer practice together! I will learn to count my blessings and maybe you will learn to listen to your coach more.

My little swimmer

I am so grateful that I can still have the presence of mind at times to step back and realize that this is a special moment. I have so many things on my plate and I am constantly trying to multi-task, but it's like I can hear God stopping me at times to pay attention to what is actually going on. Bam Maw and I took you guys to my Aunt Pat's pool last Saturday while your daddy had to work the speedway. Kylie asked me so many questions on the way there. Who is Aunt Pat? Why haven't I met her? Are all the boats hers? ...........etc. It can drive me crazy at times, but I love your inquistive personality and the million questions you have. I put this crazy inflatable bathing suit on you and then some floaties to add to the mix. You have always been one to hang out by the steps at the pool or cling to mommy or daddy to venture out. Once you realized that you could truly float, you were all over the pool. It brought tears to my eyes for several reasons. One you were so stinkin proud of yourself that you were "swimming." It was so satisfying to watch you just brimming with triumph. Two another sign that you are growing up. You "swam" all over the pool and even pulled Blake along in his raft. Blake only had swimmies on and he was not about to float anywhere! Blake, you spent your time at the steps and getting out to of course eat or run down to the other end on your tippy toes the whole way. I love those little flexed calves! I really think that you are the cutest boy ever and you have so much mischeif behind those eyes. You did decide to let me throw you in the pool to Bam Maw's waiting arms. It just didn't feel right throwing you, but I did repeatedly after you discovered how much fun it was. As long as she didn't let you go under! What a great time at the pool! There was no crying, not once for those two hours!

Your prayers

I heard the sweetest prayer tonight by Kylie! "Dear God, thank foo for my daddy, I love my mommy, and my room. Thank you for my room and my blankie and my bed, amen." I love listening your prayers each night and often have to cover my laughs. Tonight when Blake came to tell you "Nigh, nigh" you didn't want to kiss him. He leaned down and opened his mouth with his tongue. You said gross and grabbed his head to pull it down to kiss his forehead. It was so precious! I love watching the two of you interact. I know that you guys will fight at times, but I hope that through it all you will be friends and love each other.

She's got a mouth on her

Oh Kylie, what are we going to do with you?! We are working on back talking right now. Kylie is aware too since I caught her putting Cinderella in time out for back talking! I was proud and a little surprised. Is that really what I sound like when I'm talking to you? I know I say it all the time, but being a parent is one of the hardest things. I'm trying to find that balance. You are only three and what do I let go and what do I not let go? You talk non-stop so when you are presented with something you don't like it's almost natural for you to begin making your case and argue. I want so much to teach you right from wrong and give you the skills to make the right decision. So sometimes I may be a little too hard on you, but please remember I love you!

Jesus in my heart

The other day I was driving Kylie home from Vacation Bible School and she asked me where God was. Kids have such a knack for asking difficult questions! I just tried to think of the easiest explaination that would make sense. "God is everywhere." That seemed to pacify her for about 3 seconds. Kylie said, "I want Jesus in my heart, how do I get him there?" Another easy question! "You just let him in and tell him." Kylie said, "I want to give Jesus a big hug!" My heart just melted. Being a parent is the scariest thing I've ever done. To know that you are responsible for helping to shape their little minds and I wonder daily if I'm impacting my children positively. These are moments that make me happy!

The leech

I affectionately refer to Blake as my little leech. He is such a mommy's boy! The moment I walk through the door from work, he is attached to my leg until I give in and pick him up. I try to pacify him by holding him for a moment but he always wants more. I would be happy to hold him all night if I didn't have any other duties such as making dinner, cleaning, and more cleaning. I have to stop though and remember to treasure these moments. Some things are just more important than dishes. Thank you Blake for reminding to take time to stop and hold you. You are pretty persistent!

No more rocking

I decided to create this blog tonight when Blake decided that he no longer needs to be rocked. I get teared up even thinking about it! Since he's my second child, I already know how quickly time flies and that some things are never the same once they make certain choices. He's not even two yet, but he now climbs into his toddler bed with his horsie and tigger, throws the cover over himself and lays still. Most mothers would be like finally! No more long rocking and I can get something done. That is in the back of mind especially when he's clinging to my leg wanting to be held while I make dinner, but it's supposed to be on my terms!

I can remember when the doctor told me that I was having a boy and my first thought was what am I going to do with a boy?! Now, two years later and I love that little boy so much that I literally hurt inside. I can't see a little blond head of hair on a boy in public and not automatically think about Blake when he's not with me.
And have you ever heard a little 22 month old talk? So sweet! "futbowl" (football) "dink" (drink) "towl" (Coral) "ty" (Tyler) "soose me" (excuse me)

I will just have to keep all my musings here so that I don't forget all these wonderful memories.