Christmas Lights

We have found the joy of Christmas lights. Everywhere we go, we hear, "ohhhh...look at those lights," or "those are pretty aren't they mommy?" We took the kids to see lots of lights.

We saw that they had a petting zoo and camels to ride - mommy and daddy thought it would be great fun to check it out.

Before we even got out of the van, this is what took place. I leaned into the van to get Brooke out. She wrapped her legs around my waist and arms around my neck so tight I could hardly breathe. I asked her what was wrong. She said, "I NOT GOING, there's dinosaurs!"

Apparently we need to teach them the difference between a camel and a dinosaur. Needless to say, the petting zoo was not a hit and we were back in the van before we could be eaten alive!

Our New "Addition"

Meet Elvin...

Elvin is our Elf on the Shelf.  He is MAGICAL!!!  Elvin watches to make sure the trips are being good each day.  At night, he flies to the north pole to tell Santa how their behavior was that day.  Then...he quickly flies back to watch again the next day.  We never know where Elvin will show up.  

He has been found sitting in the strangest places, but the three make it their mission each morning to find him and to make sure they know he is watching!  Poor Elvin even hears stories.  The other night, Brooke very dramatically looked at Elvin and pointed at Luke saying, "Elvin, he pooped in his pants today."  Elvin marked it in his memory, I'm sure and flew back to let Santa know too.  This morning, Luke in a sweet voice said, "I sleep good last night Elvin!"

Thanksgiving 2010

Another digital greeting by Smilebox

What did I just hear?

The leaves in our yard have been piling up so on Saturday I decided to bundle the kids up and take them outside with me while I raked.  It was an overall nice morning outside.  The kids played while I raked. 
What I heard shocked me...They were running around playing who knows what when I hear Zach say,  "Brook-ey, nah-nana-boo-boo, you can't catch me."  Are two year olds supposed to know this already???

Back to the leaves... When it came time to load the leaves into the garbage can, my job became more lengthy than I intended.  In comes the tres amigos!!!  I would load one garbage can full of leaves and walk it bag to the burn pile.  While I was doing this, my three "helpers" were taking leaves and pushing them into another garbage can.  They would then pull that can across the yard to an empty spot - free from leaves and dump it - meaning I would have to go and pick them up AGAIN!  The first time was cute, they were just trying to help, the second time, I was floored that they thought they were going to continue doing it this way, the third time...wait there was no third time - my back was screaming at me which resulted in me pulling the can away from thier little helping hands! 

I ran inside to get my lighter to start burning the leaves.  I explained that the fire was going to be very hot and that they had to stand far away.  They did as told and watched as I started the fire.  Very quietly and very seriously I heard Luke behind me, "Happy Birthday to you, happy birthday to you..."  I guess any fire reminds him of a birthday candle! 

Conversations

Life with three is never dull! I am continually amazed at their development and still wonder why these "nosy" smart people don't have their colors down pat? They can spot a car a mile away and know that it is Nana's or Mama's, or even another parent from daycare - really! Yet when I ask what color something is, I am told "Ummmm...green." We are practicing and getting better, I guess I just need to be patient.

Speaking of patient, the question WHY is about to drive me bonkers.
Mommy: "Let's pick up our toys."
Child: "Why?"
Mommy: "We need to pick up our messes when we are done playing."
Child: "Why?"
Mommy: "Because mommy wants a house that is somewhat in order."
Child: "Why?"
Mommy: "Because I do."
Child: "Why?"
Mommy: "PICK UP THE TOYS, Because if you don't, ... (fill in choice words of I'll put you in time out, put you to bed, beat you, whatever the frustration point is at that time.)!!!"

We are also working on lights. We have repeatedly told them that when the sun is OUT, the lights in the house are OFF! They don't know their colors and are apparently deaf because this is never heard. The other day, as it is getting darker outside earlier :( Brooke says, mommy, the sun is almost OFF. I guess something is sinking in?

And, the next diddy put me in the running for mommy of the year 2010! I was clipping finger and toe nails (60 in all - no small feat) when the following happened...

Mommy to wiggling child on lap: Zachary, we're almost done, puh---lease stop wiggling.

Child on mommy's lap (said with attitude and authority): I not Zachary, I Lucas.

OOPS!