Zoo Animal

Thanks Gigi and Grandpa Freddie for sending Aiden these vivid picture-puzzles.  They are the perfect size for him ... just difficult enough, but easy enough for Daddy to talk him through.  A wonderful surprise for a sick boy on a rainy evening!

Mr. Mischief

With Ashton, even the simple things can turn into cause-and-effect games.  He keeps Andy and I on our toes every minute he's awake.  And when he's asleep, we're usually piecing the house back together!

Water Boots

A week ago, it was still wet out, yet much warmer.  So I set Aiden up with some clearance galoshes and play clothes. 

Mother's Day

In a nutshell, it kinda stunk.  Andy worked a long day, so it was just a normal Sunday of rushing to get all three of us beautiful and out the door to church on time.  Although I did thoroughly enjoy the sermon while having the pleasure of sitting next to one of my good friends, Amy, Aiden threw a huge screaming tantrum in the sanctuary (thankfully AFTER the service!).  I had to have a random person hold Ashton so I could drag Aiden out to the car, kicking and screaming.  So the boys were finally fed and down for naps at 2, but Ash was up ever 30 mins, screaming because of teething discomfort.  In the meantime, I fixed dinner and cleaned the house until Andy came home from work, exhausted and hungry.  We all ate at different times (just based on hungriness) and I finally went to bed after dishes were cleaned, laundry done and plants covered to avoid frost.  But I DID receive some nice gifts from my boys and had a lovely conversation with my grandma.  If only I could have her energy!  She is amazing!  And hopefully I can have some quiet time today to call my mom.  Hopefully.

Lovely gifts of a new watering can (the old one somehow became a worm farm - guess who's to blame?!), gardening gloves, hose watering attachment, bird feeder and seed, plus a personalized card.

South Paw took the liberty of being frisky while the boys were napping - she grabbed a balloon, ever so gently.

 "Hm?  I wasn't doin' anything!"

Hungry man

My indulgence of the day!

(I enjoyed it while watching HGTV)

A sprig of lilac flowers from my friend Jessie

Mr. Cause and Effect

Ashton's handiwork: he threw all sorts of items out onto the deck thru a crack in the screen door while I was making dinner (including cars, a plane, a dog bone, half an Easter egg, and a green bean!).  Then while I was trying to enjoy my BLT on Mother's Day, Ashton took the liberty of finding the baby wipes in the rag drawer and proceeded in taking them out, one by one.  My BLT was too good to stop him.  He was very into it! (You can also see that he raided the over drawer - he is non-stop action!)

Not Me Monday

I did NOT ...

Tell my son I could not "watch dis" or "look at me" any more that day or I might go crazy.  I always have a bottomless pit of patience for my precious children.

Wean my baby based solely on the reason that I wanted to move the nursing chair out of his room and down into the living room (it's brown leather and matches lovely!).  I am a firm believer in long-term nursing.

Encourage Aiden to watch a certain Thomas the Tank Engine dvd because the narrator is Alec Baldwin.  I am most certainly NOT obsessed with Mr. Baldwin's voice!

Ran out of time to call my mom on Mother's Day - who does that?! (So sorry, Mom!)

Finally brought out the ironing board and basket of half mine and Andy's wardrobe.  It has NOT been 6 months since the ironing board was last used and that time was certainly NOT when my mother in law came to visit and nicely ironed the entire pile.  I'm always on top of everything!  I'm a stay-at-home mom, what better things do I have to do with my time?!

Still in my pajamas.  I always get up before my boys and shower and do my makeup and hair before they stir.  ... Yeah right!

My Favorite Recent Close-Ups

These pics capture such unique sides of my boys (& South Paw!): not the normal sides, but the in-a-glance-goofiness.  I just couldn't help myself in sharing them!

And this one was just too good not to blow up!  

Snack Shack Nite!

There is a wonderful snack shack in the village that satisfies the American-food-craving on every level.  And to top it off, they have an on-site playground!  So the boys and I just jumped in the car (mismatches clothes and all!) tonight and headed into town.  1st: hot dogs, curly fries & Sierra Mist in the trunk of the Mommy Car (allowing Ashton to bug us, err, I mean, roam, freely).  2nd: play at playground (I know for a fact that to Aiden, that should have been first, but mommies always seem to overrule all outside demands).  3rd: ice cream!  (duh!) 

Ash-Babash (newest nickname!) is also Mr. Cause-and-Effect (Daddy's nickname for him): every toy I gave him ended up being chucked.  Nothing new to me.

No!  Not my cell phone!

Ok, so I TOTALLY realize this is a ridiculous pic of me and my cherry-dipped soft serve, but it was the best I could do one handed!  That is my yummy-face, fyi!

And this is Mr. Aiden.  Mr. Predictable.  Mr. Stable.  Mr. Everything-Had-Better-Be-Normal with his vanilla and sprinkles.  Happy Boy!

Now they are tucked in bed, out for the count.  After 6 months of being stuck in-doors, this was quite an adventure for my boys!  I am looking forward to many more impromptu visits to the Snack Shack!

Will It Be a Rough Day?

Ok, so these pics were from a week or so ago, and all the messes and clean clothes have actually been picked up and put away, but just one day of me slacking, and it could all come back again!  And I am hoping today will be a good day, despite what is already present.  First, today is the designated day that my family back in Arizona is remembering my Granny and Papa, by going out into the desert and spreading Granny's ashes.  Closure, but still sadness.  My heart is with them today.
Andy came home early from work last nite, and was up all night sick.  The flu bug bit him.  And Aiden has had a few close calls this morn, so he's on the couch with a metal bowl, just in case.  And South has a vet appointment this afternoon (during nap time, of course!), due to a hernia (or so I think).  So it will be me and my 3 year old, 1 year old, and 8 month old boxer mix pup at the vet, during nap time.  I think I am a glutton for punishment!  Is there really even a reason to shower?!
Well, I would love to keep pouring out my thoughts, but I might pass out if I don't go change that poopy diaper.  So .... so long for now!