Mickey D's

I went to McDonald's this morning after I took Caleb to school. I have to admit, I bribed Joah with a trip to McDonald's if he would behave and listen to me while we were still in Caleb's classroom. So...since he was good and did what he was told...I had to follow it up with an actual trip to McDonald's. The lady at the register was so nice and friendly as we talked for a minute. She asked me if she could give Joah a bag of sugar cookies as a treat. I said yes, so Joah got a bag of cookies. As he was eating them we were looking at the different shapes and one was of a head of a person. I said, "Oh, look, Joah, it is Ronald McDonald!" He studied the cookie with a look of confusion on his face and then proclaimed, "No, Mom, that's Grandma!" I did not ask which Grandma it was, though.

Sam's Cross Country Meet

What a perfect day for Sam's cross country meet at UT Scott Park. It was so exciting to see Sam run with all the other kids. He had a lot of fun even though he sure did not look like he was having much fun running! He says he really likes the meets because of all the people cheering. It is pretty cool. Go St. Jerome Jets!!!!!

Stephen's Baptism

We went to Jeff and Lisa's on Sunday for their son's baptism. The baptism was at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Avon. Stephen did great and was a good little guy. There was a party following the ceremony at their home. John and I are the Godparents.

Sam's Seventh Birthday

It is amazing to me that my first born is seven years old already. Sammy had a birthday yesterday and it was a day full of memories for me. I thought about how much he changed my life by just being born. I look at Sam now and see glimpses of that pudgy little baby face, his bright gleaming eyes and gummy smile. I can hardly believe how much he has grown over the last seven years. He is turning into a big kid now. I am so proud of him. What a blessing you are, Sam.

My Little "Helpers"

Ah, getting the mail...what an endeavor it is at our house each day. Usually Joah and Caleb fight with each other about who will open the mail box and bring in the mail. Usually Caleb wins, well, because he is taller and can actually reach the mail. But, now that Caleb is at school three days a week, Joah is getting his fair shot at it. However, I am starting to wonder just how many pieces of mail I have never gotten because of these two. The other day Caleb carried the mail in and he may have dropped it a few times. I always wondered why the mail was such a wreck and all messed up when they brought it in. Now I know why...

Creepy Bug

I seriously started having heart palpitations when I noticed this bug. I don't even want to work in my flower beds now. I have noticed a lot of grasshoppers lately, but nothing like this thing. In case you don't know, I am not a bug fan. They freak me out.

Bird Doo-Doo

The other day I am walking around Maumee Bay State Park with Joah and Caleb because I had to take Sam there for his cross country practice. Caleb and Joah are loving it and playing in the sand and chasing the sea gulls. They ran all over the beach and acted out a scene from Indiana Jones, so I am told. I have no idea which one, but apparently the one with lots of sand.

After a few minutes I realize that my two sons are rolling around in a giant "litter box" of sand and bird droppings. Caleb is covered in it and flinging handfuls around in joyful glee. I try to remain untraumatized by the fact that my germ-o-phobe tendencies are on red alert. I am unsuccessful and cannot keep it together anymore and start yelling at them to get up and quit flinging the poo!!!! They both look at me like, "What is she freaking out about now?" They saw nothing wrong with this situation. Then Caleb wants to hold my hand and I just CAN'T do it! "Uhmm...Caleb, honey, I would love to hold your hand, but you were just holding a pile of bird doo" and...well, if you know me you don't need further explanation. Where is the Purell?

I just KNOW if I had a daughter she would be braiding flower necklaces with me while we lay in the authorized and sanitary lounging area and find princess shaped clouds in the sky. I can only dream...

I Can't Tell Time...

Today is a two hour delay for Sam's school because of a teacher in-service. At nine o'clock I am rushing Sam to get his teeth brushed and out the door to the bus stop. All of a sudden I have a shocking realization that it is ONLY nine and not ten, when Sam should actually go to the bus stop. Then I am starting to doubt myself if that is even right, because I am in a sleep deprived fog and not sure what time Sam goes to school. Of course, I have to ask Sam what time do you go to the bus stop and he is not sure, either.

I finally figure out that Sam still has a whole hour before he has to go to the bus stop and I woke the poor guy up an hour earlier than what I should have. I guess we won't be rushing at the last minute today to get to the bus stop on time! Sam wasn't complaining because I let him rest on the couch and watch TV. Not a big deal to him, Mr. Easy-Going. Of course, Joah was ready and set to go to the bus stop and the fact we were not going was quite perplexing to him. He wandered around for an hour with his shoes, coat and backpack on asking over and over to go to the bus stop.

Outside Fun

According to Caleb, this is our God statue

That is great you plucked that flower...

My beautiful mum is blooming.

Oh, Grasshopper!!!!! Wax on, wax off...

Does This Make Me A Bad Mom???

I put mini Reese's peanut butter cups in my kids' oatmeal to get them to eat it without whining or complaining. By the way, they ate it without a peep from them...amazing!!!

Sam's First Cross Country Meet

The starting line up

Sam running the race

Sam had his first experience competing in cross country last weekend. It was at Carter Park in Bowling Green on Saturday. Sam said the race was a little hard, but he thought it was fun, too. He ran a half mile in the kindergarten and first grade group. He did a great job!

Dan and Jo Playing Together

Pretty cute, huh?

Daniel's (& Joah's) New Toy

I picked up this Baby Einstein bouncy activity center toy for Daniel yesterday. He is having a blast in it so far. Thank goodness because holding him all the time is wearing me out! Now he will sit and play for about 30 minutes and he seems to enjoy it immensely. Unfortunately, Joah is all too eager to climb in it and jump around as well. Joah will not leave it alone; he is quite infatuated with it. I think he exceeds the weight limit, so I am hoping it won't break before the end of the day!