Church Conversation

The scene in church today:
Jacob sitting on my lap, pinching my cheek on occasion and making some commentary fairly quietly.
Me: "Jacob, let's quiet down, mass is almost over; let's talk later."
Jacob: (I actually wasn't listening to what he was saying, but I was just asking him to quiet down so it sounded like...I blah, blah, blah, etc.")
Me: "Jacob, let's quiet down sweetie." THEN, I finally decide to listen to what he is saying - priceless & I had to chuckle.
Jacob: Pinch, "I like your style, cutie!"
Don't know where that came from for sure.

Kuenzel Genes Around Our House

Patrick told me this morning that there sure are "Kuenzel genes" running around here. Grandpa Jerry has been so helpful and was here this week to work more on the basement kitchen area. Today, the boys wanted to help Patrick prime & paint the newly drywalled areas. After lunch, the boys were pretty anxious and Jacob started saying, "Come on, what are we waiting for?" A slight pause, then, "What are we WAITING FOR?" Gave us a chuckle; it is quite Kuenzel-like.

Costco sure does provide great Examples

We went to Costco today and Leyton was really in search of good "examples." You know, grape juice, chicken, soup, apples, etc., whatever they happened to be giving out, he was ready.

Jacob's Shopping Trip

Jacob joined me tonight to go to the fabric store to look at fabric for the bridesmaid dresses with Beth. It was cute after we picked it out. Jacob asked what it was for & I told him for a dress for me to wear to the wedding. He said, "What about me?" I told him that he wouldn't be wearing a dress but that he would get to wear a nice outfit for the day also. He said, "Oh, and Bethy will see me?" I said of course; I know she'll love to see him!

A Joy of Motherhood

The kids seem to each have a little different stage of a cold. Leah has a runny nose, is a bit more grumpy than usual, but still plenty cute. In addition, her method of kissing is coming at you with an open mouth...can you tell where this is going? Well, tonight I was heading out on an errand and put my coat on. She came running to me with her open mouth for a big kiss...very sweet. It seems, though, that all I received in this exchange was a noticeable amount of "nose matter" shall I say, planted right on my lips. She's a sweetie, hope she's (and her brothers) feeling better soon.

Birthday Celebration

So, for the birthday, we again went to Chuck E. Cheese and fun was had by all. Mom & Dad even got to sneak a few tokens to play a game or two. We also had cake after that and Beth & Robert joined us. For the third year in a row, Leyton wanted me to make him a firetruck cake, and Nathaniel wanted me to make him a tractor cake...so we did. For school, they each took a different treat, so I also made brownies & cupcakes. We're doing their first "friends" birthday party next weekend at Pump It Up, so that should be a lot of fun, too.

Some of the highlights on birthday gifts were: books, Playmobil pirates and helicopter, Dino O'Dell CDs, Blokus, Froggie Checkers, Thomas Birthday trains, markers, paints, etc. I have to say I am really enjoying the Blokus, too!

It has been so exciting seeing them sit down to play games more and really be occupied with their gifts. Patrick says we need to buy more since they're playing so much together but on their own & peacefully & happily, ha, ha. I'll have to post some birthday pics soon.

Happy 5th Birthday, Leyton & Nathaniel!

Wow, hard to believe we've made it there. I was telling the boys on their birthday a little bit about how much they surprised us on that day 5 years ago. Things sure have changed since that morning, and definitely for the good! We have been so wondefully blessed.

These two boys are so much fun. It is so amazing seeing how much their thoughts are developing and how much reasoning they are capable of. Nathaniel continues to be our future engineer if we had to characterize. He is always finding solutions on how to fix things, new ways to do the same thing, EASIER ways to do something, etc. I'm sometimes amazed to hear his thoughts as they involve about a five or six step process and he skips right to the result he's arrived at. He is also very gentle hearted and kind. Interestingly, he's also very strong physically. I'm sometimes amazed (although, other times not impressed if it involves making a sibling miserable) when I see him exert his full strength. He could do some damage! He literally does open pickle jars or other jars if I need him to!

And my sweet Leyton. He is such a true big brother. He takes great care of his family, especially Leah, and always has sweet words for her especially when she wakes up. He plays very well with her and really does care for all the kids. He's a big helper and he's always thinking. He's becoming very good at adding, counting, writing, etc., and seems to really enjoy it.

I completely enjoy both of them. They are big helpers, they are curious, they are sweet, and I just couldn't imagine life without them. It's been a wonderful five years and now they're about 43 pounds...quite a change from 3lb 13oz (L) and 4lb 3 oz (N).