Cutie Pie

So I can never get any bows in Leah's hair. She immediately takes them out even though I think they look pretty cute. I got one picture from last week or so when she actually left one in for like an hour! It's a cute picture.

Leah is actually reminding me of Mazy from the movie Uncle Buck. Humor me here. There's a part in the movie, toward the beginning, where the older sister is trying to brush Mazy's hair in the morning and she complains and says it hurts and she wants her mom to do it. She continues to brush as she tells her that her parents have left and gone to be with their ill grandfather. Mazy doesn't believe it and they have a back and forth of, "Did not," "Did too," "Did not," etc. Then Mazy starts to believe her sister and says, "They did?" Tia, the older sister says, "Yes they did." Mazy says, "but you can't drive." And after that comment she takes her hands and messily rubs her hair back into tangles and a big matted mess. You see, that's Leah a lot of days, without all the talk. Just a big emphatic, "No" and then messes it all back up. She's a character.

3-year old Logic

"Dad, can I have dessert?" said Jacob.
"No you may not," said Dad.
"Can I play with a pocket knife instead?" said Jacob.

Hands Full of Love and Blessings

Today we went to watch Natalie's soccer game. We were all walking across the parking lot, and a lady said to us (who of course, as usual, we don't know at all), "Well you guys sure have your hands full." I say all the time that if I had a dollar (or even a penny) for every time I heard that (I also almost started keeping track - for a while, it was literally at least once a day), that I'd be rich. You know, I could use that money for groceries, etc., ha! Anyway, today was no different in hearing it, although, I haven't heard it as much when Patrick was with us, too. And, sometimes I hear it when I don't even have all the kids with me. My replies don't vary much. Typically I either say how I feel my hands are full in such a good way, or full of blessings, etc., but other times, if I don't have all the kids, then I'll tell them, "I didn't even bring everyone with me!" I really just tire, sometimes, of all the unsolicited feedback, but that's ok. I love my family and wouldn't change a thing. In any event, today Patrick's reply was, "Oh, well I've never heard that before." Nathaniel then said, "Dad, Mom hears that a lot."

He was right, although I had mixed emotions about him realizing how often we hear that. I had a bit of concern as to whether he knew what people meant and/or if there was a positive or negative connotation to it. I sure hope it doesn't give him any feelings of negativity at all. I made sure to tell him how my hands are full of love and blessings and how much we love all of them. I would really prefer that people not comment so often, but I can't control that. I would never make such comments to a person I didn't even know. Oh well. As I said, I think we're very blessed and I love my family!

Anne's Baptism (9/13/09)

Last Sunday we had a great celebration for Anne's baptism. It was a wonderful day with many family members present to witness her special time. We really appreciate everyone making the effort to be there for it. She was baptized at Nativity church and we had a lunch celebration at home afterwards. The gown was once again beautifully made by Grandma Donna - thanks, Grandma! Each of the kids had their gown made by Grandma. Those who were able to join us included: Aunt Beth & Uncle Robert Lee, Grandma Donna, Grandpa Jerry, Grandma Sally, Grandpa Dan, Uncle Greg, Aunt Stacy, Aunt Barbara, Uncle Jeff & Aunt Charlene, and Uncle Scott & Aunt Tracy & family. Thanks to everyone! Here are a few pictures from the day.

Mr. Mischief Strikes Again

Have I ever mentioned that Jacob is quite mischievous; always up to something? Well today, no different. We were outside swinging and Jacob decided to come inside for a bit. I kept pushing Leah on the swing. Then, it had been a little while & I wondered what he might be doing, so I went to check on him. Interestingly, the back door was now locked - definitely hadn't been locked earlier. I knew the front door was locked since Anne was sleeping in her carseat in our office. And, since it hasn't made it to the top of our list yet, we don't have a garage door opener remote or an outside mounted code entry keypad. So, low and behold, the rest of us were officially locked out since the garage backdoor and the laundry room door were also locked (Beth - surprised?). ANYWAY, it then dawns on me what Jacob is likely up to. You see, we did bake cookies yesterday - the chocolate chip variety - Jacob's weakness. And furthermore, he has been known to be a cookie thief, a swiper, a sneak, if you will, of the homemade morsels. In any event, I looked in the kitchen window and could then see the bowl of cookies still on the counter but with the lid off. Ah ha! Busted...well, kind of, as I'm still locked out. I knock and knock and I hear, "Nobody's hoo-oome!" and I could tell there was a grin involved. Trying to be serious (even though laughing inside of myself), I ask him to open the door with no success. Talk about one of those moments you shouldn't laugh but can't help it. Then a part of me wonders what wll happen if he really won't open up? Then we have a problem. Anyway, after a few more minutes of hidden grins, I decide to call out that we are leaving to go get a treat and we'd see him later. We hid on the side of the house and within 10 seconds, he was out the front door (with the door open behind him, luckily) wanting to join us. What a character. I realized he needed to know that his decision was not an acceptable one, yet I couldn't help but laugh at the situation.

Roof Leaking?

Tonight Jacob & Leah were taking a bath in our master bathroom. They are notorious for getting water all over the floor when they take baths in our big bathtub. It's like they think they are swimming. Well, tonight was no different in that regard, but was in the discussion with Patrick. I believe Leah was out by this time. He walked in the bathroom and said, "OK, who is getting water on the floor? Jacob, is that you?" Jacob replied, "No, Dad, I didn't get water on the floor." Patrick then said, "Oh, I guess the roof is leaking then?" Jacob nodded and looked up at the ceiling as if he was thinking, "Well, I guess so, because I'm SURE I didn't get any water on the floor." Hee, hee.

Jacob's 1st Day of Preschool (9.08.09)

Jacob started preschool today. I was sure he was ready and would handle it like a champ and that, therefore, I would too. Well, he held up his part of the bargain. He was very excited and ready to start with Ms. Verna. I, on the other hand, looked at him in a new way, as I'm sure is very normal. He all of a sudden seemed more grown up...here he goes, starting his new thing. So then my emotions kicked in and my eyes watered a bit. I sure love that little guy. I think he had a great day and seems excited to go back on Thursday. How can time go so quickly?