Today was pretty eventful. Some of the things I probably shouldn't laugh about, but I have to because I don't know what else to do! I took both of my kids to the doctor today, for their yearly checkups. Note: Neither one of my kidlets got a nap today.
Claire is a little jumping bean-- she feels the need to jump wherever we go. If she doesn't get a nap, this energy is doubled because she is afraid she will fall asleep (Ben, too). She also feels the need to be just like her big brother. So, when Ben pushed the button in the elevator, she not only felt the need to push another button (which just happened to be the alarm button), but she jumped all the way to the top floor of the building.
We got in quickly, which was a relief. The problem is I have two cyclones. I get one settled doing what they should, turn around and the other is wreaking some form of havoc on everything they touch. I held Claire while Ben got measured and weighed. Then, while Claire got weighed, Ben unrolled an entire roll of stickers that the doctor's office has. I got Claire measured, while Ben stole the candy from the nurses station, and pounded the keys on their keyboard (quite possibly messing up someone's health records).
Claire ran around the doctor's office in her diaper, while I attempted to help Ben with his vision test. We have to go back and try again in a month, because my attempt failed-- Ben kept peeking, and getting distracted by other things. He looked anywhere but where he was supposed to. Then, I tried to hold Claire's hand and help him focus, and she pulled the stunt where she goes totally limp.
Claire jumped all around the room (pushing the swinging door that covers the garbage each time she passed-- GROSS!!!), while Ben attempted to get a hearing test. The hearing test also very nearly failed, because Ben couldn't remember what the nurse had told him to do when he heard the tone. So the first time he heard the tone, he raised his hand like she told him, but then he forgot to put it down after. The next time he heard the tone, he says, "Um, um, um" and wiggled all around. The next time he heard the tone, he screamed for lack of anything better to do. Switch ears-- I gave him a little paddle (made from one of the tongue depressors and two stickers), and we repeated the instructions again (the third or fourth time, I can't remember exactly). About the same result, except he didn't scream this time.
Ben terrorized the doctor while he examined Claire, and Claire made a ruckus around the room while Ben got examined. Then came the fun part.
Both of the kids had to get vaccines. Ben went first, at the urging of the nurses. He was crying even before we put him up on the table, the poor kid! The first poke came, and he let out a piercing scream. Then, for the second, third, fourth, and fifth pokes Ben screamed, "BANDAID!!! BANDAID!!!! BANDAID!!!!" each time, at the top of his lungs.
Claire put up a fair fight (she's pretty successful, actually-- she's the strongest 2-year-old I've ever met, except maybe her cousin Ethan. . .), but she ended up crying too. Ben got a book to distract him from the pain, but Claire just kept on crying. So, we exited the doctor's office with Ben wiping the tears from his eyes, and Claire still sobbing.
Ben's legs (and bandaids, apparently) hurt the rest of the night-- one comment after another. . . "Mom, I don't think my legs can walk anymore." "Mom, can I ride in the cart? My legs won't work." "Mom, I want to keep my bandaids on forever and ever and EVER." "My bandaids feel like they're a little sleepy." "Mom, my bandaids feel like they need to eat dinner." "My bandaids feel like they need to read a story." "Mom, don't take my bandaids off in the bath, okay? They will come off when they're ready." "My bandaids feel like my legs hurt." Keep in mind-- 90% of these comments came after I'd given him medicine for the pain. . .
And that's how bandaids come to life.
Dec 21, 2009
Dec 8, 2009
Baptism
Ben has had quite a few cousins be baptized this year, which we've really enjoyed. Tonight, Ben came upstairs after having been tucked into bed. He was very concerned about something, so I went to ask him about it. Here is the ensuing conversation:
"Mom, I can't get Baptized," said Ben, very expressively.
"Why not?" I asked.
"Because I can't hold my breath. I'm afraid I will drink some of the water. I can't hold my breath because I tried and I can't."
At this point, I reassured Ben of two things: first, that I would get him into swimming lessons next year, and they will teach him how to hold his breath; second, that four years is plenty of time to learn how to hold his breath.
"Will you get me into hold your breath lessons too?"
"Of course."
"Oh. Okay! Thanks, Mom."
"Mom, I can't get Baptized," said Ben, very expressively.
"Why not?" I asked.
"Because I can't hold my breath. I'm afraid I will drink some of the water. I can't hold my breath because I tried and I can't."
At this point, I reassured Ben of two things: first, that I would get him into swimming lessons next year, and they will teach him how to hold his breath; second, that four years is plenty of time to learn how to hold his breath.
"Will you get me into hold your breath lessons too?"
"Of course."
"Oh. Okay! Thanks, Mom."
Dec 6, 2009
Pics
I always have a hard time figuring out how these picture posts will look until after they're posted, so I'll try my best to narrate before you look at the pics.
Claire likes to play with my piano (so does Ben, but we can never catch him at it long enough to get a picture! Hee hee). She is also very focused when she colors, which I think is cute.
Ben loves to stuff himself in small boxes (just like his mom!) And he's always so silly! He loves to make funny faces.
Last but not least, Josh's Graduation Ceremony, which was really fun! He looks good in a cap and gown. :)
Claire likes to play with my piano (so does Ben, but we can never catch him at it long enough to get a picture! Hee hee). She is also very focused when she colors, which I think is cute.
Ben loves to stuff himself in small boxes (just like his mom!) And he's always so silly! He loves to make funny faces.
Last but not least, Josh's Graduation Ceremony, which was really fun! He looks good in a cap and gown. :)
Dec 2, 2009
Extra, Extra!!
I don't have much to say today, but in the spirit of keeping up my blogging skills (which are getting rusty!) I thought today was a good day for a post.
Here's a quick family update:
Josh is done with school!!! HOORAY!! He did fabulously, too. He's very smart, and has a quick wit (much quicker than mine, actually). He's taken up golfing a bit here and there, and of course he's good at that too. :) Mostly he's working and spending time with the kidlets.
Claire is our resident Drama Queen. I can tell already that she's going to be a HANDFUL all while she's growing up. However, she's so cute and funny at the same time! She's one smart girl, too- she can sing her ABC's and count to 14. She's pretty good at sharing, which is awesome! Her hair is finally long enough to put pigtails in (hooray!!). She's VERY strong, and VERY flexible- I'm thinking of putting her in dance lessons soon, to give her a good outlet for all of that!
Ben is our resident tornado. He's very smart, too, and picks up on many things that I wouldn't expect a soon-to-be-4-year-old to pick up on. He likes to tell jokes, and every joke is funnier than the last to him, so he has to tell it 15 times in a row! He likes to read the scriptures with me, which I love. He can read "a", "and", and "it", and then I fill in the rest. He reminds me every day that we need to get Scripture Power. We're looking into pre-schools for Ben now.
As for me, I'm still here! Just working away, trying to teach my kidlets as best I can. Working full time can really take everything out of me some days, but I love coming home to my family. The sweetest things in my life happen at home, and I wouldn't trade that for the world!
Here's a quick family update:
Josh is done with school!!! HOORAY!! He did fabulously, too. He's very smart, and has a quick wit (much quicker than mine, actually). He's taken up golfing a bit here and there, and of course he's good at that too. :) Mostly he's working and spending time with the kidlets.
Claire is our resident Drama Queen. I can tell already that she's going to be a HANDFUL all while she's growing up. However, she's so cute and funny at the same time! She's one smart girl, too- she can sing her ABC's and count to 14. She's pretty good at sharing, which is awesome! Her hair is finally long enough to put pigtails in (hooray!!). She's VERY strong, and VERY flexible- I'm thinking of putting her in dance lessons soon, to give her a good outlet for all of that!
Ben is our resident tornado. He's very smart, too, and picks up on many things that I wouldn't expect a soon-to-be-4-year-old to pick up on. He likes to tell jokes, and every joke is funnier than the last to him, so he has to tell it 15 times in a row! He likes to read the scriptures with me, which I love. He can read "a", "and", and "it", and then I fill in the rest. He reminds me every day that we need to get Scripture Power. We're looking into pre-schools for Ben now.
As for me, I'm still here! Just working away, trying to teach my kidlets as best I can. Working full time can really take everything out of me some days, but I love coming home to my family. The sweetest things in my life happen at home, and I wouldn't trade that for the world!
Oct 28, 2009
Patience
Hello all.
It's been a rather pathetic amount of time since I've actually written something here, but really wanted to tonight! After reading all my friends' blogs, it's sparked again the flame within-- I do love to write. :)
I've been learning a lot about patience lately. Martha (from the PBS show "Martha Speaks") explains to Skits (the other dog at their house) that patience is not being seen by a doctor, but waiting without complaining.
My patience can be quickly tested by two young children, but I'm learning that if I remind myself that they are so little I can lengthen my patience; learning that using it can improve relationships, build trust, and relieve stress. I get caught up in the "now" sometimes- so much so that I have little or no patience at all. I get impatient wanting to know what's coming next in my life. What obstacles will I need to overcome today? When will certain things happen? Why can't I have certain things that I want right now? Why can't I always do what I want, when I want to do it? It can be overwhelming.
So, I've come to a decision: It is time to laugh at all the things that would typically try my patience. Here's the list this week:
* Ben asking for the tenth time in one conversation if he can have a pet
* Ben and Claire laughing hysterically (maybe maniacally is a better word) at each other, for no apparent reason at the dinner table (Theory: the kitchen has a pretty good echo, maybe they just want to test that)
* Ben turning on the piano, and then pushing the "demo" button and blasting it through the house. "I just wanted some music, mom!"
* Claire pulling all of my Ziploc bags out of the drawer
* Trying to share popcorn with the kids, while they run their hands all around the bowl
* When my primary kids pipe up about the latest SpongeBob episode, or the new game on poptrpica.com in the middle of the lesson (I think I'll laugh inside about this one :) )
* Claire pulling out various shoes from my closet, to wear them around the house
* Ben at the store, in his most persuasive voice "Mom, I WEALLY want a new colowing book. I would be so good, I PWOMISE."
Sorry so serious- more to come at a later date.
It's been a rather pathetic amount of time since I've actually written something here, but really wanted to tonight! After reading all my friends' blogs, it's sparked again the flame within-- I do love to write. :)
I've been learning a lot about patience lately. Martha (from the PBS show "Martha Speaks") explains to Skits (the other dog at their house) that patience is not being seen by a doctor, but waiting without complaining.
My patience can be quickly tested by two young children, but I'm learning that if I remind myself that they are so little I can lengthen my patience; learning that using it can improve relationships, build trust, and relieve stress. I get caught up in the "now" sometimes- so much so that I have little or no patience at all. I get impatient wanting to know what's coming next in my life. What obstacles will I need to overcome today? When will certain things happen? Why can't I have certain things that I want right now? Why can't I always do what I want, when I want to do it? It can be overwhelming.
So, I've come to a decision: It is time to laugh at all the things that would typically try my patience. Here's the list this week:
* Ben asking for the tenth time in one conversation if he can have a pet
* Ben and Claire laughing hysterically (maybe maniacally is a better word) at each other, for no apparent reason at the dinner table (Theory: the kitchen has a pretty good echo, maybe they just want to test that)
* Ben turning on the piano, and then pushing the "demo" button and blasting it through the house. "I just wanted some music, mom!"
* Claire pulling all of my Ziploc bags out of the drawer
* Trying to share popcorn with the kids, while they run their hands all around the bowl
* When my primary kids pipe up about the latest SpongeBob episode, or the new game on poptrpica.com in the middle of the lesson (I think I'll laugh inside about this one :) )
* Claire pulling out various shoes from my closet, to wear them around the house
* Ben at the store, in his most persuasive voice "Mom, I WEALLY want a new colowing book. I would be so good, I PWOMISE."
Sorry so serious- more to come at a later date.
Aug 24, 2009
Mmmmm. . . Delicious!
Today, I had the best lunch I've ever had. It wasn't anything from a restaurant. I had a Hot Pocket, Macaroni and Cheese crackers, a string cheese, chocolate pudding, and a plum. Why did it taste so good? It was packed by my little boy!!
I was getting ready this morning, and felt really sad that I couldn't stop to watch Elmo's World with Ben. I was running late! Ben said, "What do you need to do, Mom?"
"Well, I need to finish my hair and makeup, and pack a lunch, and then go."
"I can do that!" Ben said, and left the bathroom.
I assumed he went back to watch Curious George, which had just started.
When I finished my hair and makeup, I walked into the kitchen to see Ben on the floor, with his favorite kind of cheesy crackers. He was packing up his own favorite crackers for my lunch! When he finished, I had put in a hot pocket and a plum, and Ben asked, "What else do you want in your lunch, Mom?"
"Well, a string cheese would be good."
"I can get that!" and in went the string cheese. "What else do you want in your lunch?"
"How about a pudding?"
"I can get that!" and in went the pudding.
And so, thanks to the help of my little boy, I couldn't help but smile as I ate my lunch!
I was getting ready this morning, and felt really sad that I couldn't stop to watch Elmo's World with Ben. I was running late! Ben said, "What do you need to do, Mom?"
"Well, I need to finish my hair and makeup, and pack a lunch, and then go."
"I can do that!" Ben said, and left the bathroom.
I assumed he went back to watch Curious George, which had just started.
When I finished my hair and makeup, I walked into the kitchen to see Ben on the floor, with his favorite kind of cheesy crackers. He was packing up his own favorite crackers for my lunch! When he finished, I had put in a hot pocket and a plum, and Ben asked, "What else do you want in your lunch, Mom?"
"Well, a string cheese would be good."
"I can get that!" and in went the string cheese. "What else do you want in your lunch?"
"How about a pudding?"
"I can get that!" and in went the pudding.
And so, thanks to the help of my little boy, I couldn't help but smile as I ate my lunch!
Aug 17, 2009
Quotes of the month!
Ben:
When getting tucked into bed for the 15th time tonight: "Mom, it's getting really hard to get my blankets on my bummy. Can you help me?"
When asking me to fix a broken toy: "Mom, I know you can fix it. I know you have mad skills."
When at the doctor's office (don't even ask which time): "I have a little bit of cough. Will you make it go away?"
When Mommy or Daddy is eating something that we don't want Ben to have: "What do I smell Mommy? I think I smell Chocolate."
After our sweet Daddy's been working hard outside for a long time, in the hot sun: "Daddy, let me smell you. *sniff* Daddy, don't touch my silky, I don't want it to be stinky."
After Mommy's asked if he had a bath today yet: "Yep, smell me."
When telling Mommy a story: "This is about a princess and a bad match. The match took the princess to a tower, and LOCKED her. And then, someone had to SAVE her. And then they had to GET that BAD MATCH."
Mommy: "A bad Match? What's a bad match?"
Ben: "You know, with the pointy hat, and a big nose."
Mommy: "Oh, you mean a bad WITCH?"
Ben: "Yeah. That's what I said. A bad witch."
Just before bed, almost every night: "Mommy, I'm going to have a dream tonight. I'm going to dream about going to a park. And then about going to the zoo. And then about going swimming."
Whenever we're at someone else's house late in the evening: "Mom, can I just sleep here tonight?"
My personal favorite: "Mom, I really love you. Mom, I really missed you."
Claire:
"I SICK a dis." (I'm sick of this)
"BENDAMAN!!!! TOP! WAIT!!!" (Benjamin! Stop! Wait!)
"Ahnt some Beffas, mom." (Want some breakfast, mom)
"Tokolit miwk?" (Chocolate milk)
"Fut nack?" (Fruit Snack)
Ben and Claire will go back and forth with this one:
Claire: "Why?"
Ben: "Because Claire."
Claire: "Why?
Ben: "Be- CAUSE."
Claire: "Why?"
Ben: "JUST BE-CAUSE!!!!"
He's getting a little taste of his own medicine, right there.
"One Two Fee TINEOUT!" (do you really need this translated?)
"Dus a MINIT!" (Just a minute)
"I COMEEN!!!!" (I'm coming)
"WHAT mom?" (definitely no need to translate)
"No, NOT a nigh-night." (it's not bedtime yet, but she's sucking her thumb anyway)
She's started singing the ABC's (sort of), and it cracks me up!
Most of what Claire says is with her face, though-- when she grabs my legs, and just looks up at me with those eyes.
When getting tucked into bed for the 15th time tonight: "Mom, it's getting really hard to get my blankets on my bummy. Can you help me?"
When asking me to fix a broken toy: "Mom, I know you can fix it. I know you have mad skills."
When at the doctor's office (don't even ask which time): "I have a little bit of cough. Will you make it go away?"
When Mommy or Daddy is eating something that we don't want Ben to have: "What do I smell Mommy? I think I smell Chocolate."
After our sweet Daddy's been working hard outside for a long time, in the hot sun: "Daddy, let me smell you. *sniff* Daddy, don't touch my silky, I don't want it to be stinky."
After Mommy's asked if he had a bath today yet: "Yep, smell me."
When telling Mommy a story: "This is about a princess and a bad match. The match took the princess to a tower, and LOCKED her. And then, someone had to SAVE her. And then they had to GET that BAD MATCH."
Mommy: "A bad Match? What's a bad match?"
Ben: "You know, with the pointy hat, and a big nose."
Mommy: "Oh, you mean a bad WITCH?"
Ben: "Yeah. That's what I said. A bad witch."
Just before bed, almost every night: "Mommy, I'm going to have a dream tonight. I'm going to dream about going to a park. And then about going to the zoo. And then about going swimming."
Whenever we're at someone else's house late in the evening: "Mom, can I just sleep here tonight?"
My personal favorite: "Mom, I really love you. Mom, I really missed you."
Claire:
"I SICK a dis." (I'm sick of this)
"BENDAMAN!!!! TOP! WAIT!!!" (Benjamin! Stop! Wait!)
"Ahnt some Beffas, mom." (Want some breakfast, mom)
"Tokolit miwk?" (Chocolate milk)
"Fut nack?" (Fruit Snack)
Ben and Claire will go back and forth with this one:
Claire: "Why?"
Ben: "Because Claire."
Claire: "Why?
Ben: "Be- CAUSE."
Claire: "Why?"
Ben: "JUST BE-CAUSE!!!!"
He's getting a little taste of his own medicine, right there.
"One Two Fee TINEOUT!" (do you really need this translated?)
"Dus a MINIT!" (Just a minute)
"I COMEEN!!!!" (I'm coming)
"WHAT mom?" (definitely no need to translate)
"No, NOT a nigh-night." (it's not bedtime yet, but she's sucking her thumb anyway)
She's started singing the ABC's (sort of), and it cracks me up!
Most of what Claire says is with her face, though-- when she grabs my legs, and just looks up at me with those eyes.
Jul 29, 2009
LOOOOOOoooooooooooong week. . .
It has been a very long week, and a big emotional roller coaster that I'm ready to get off of!
We went to Fairview over the weekend to enjoy Fairview days! Ben and Claire loved the parade, we all enjoyed the Derby and the fireworks! They are spectacular every year. We got to spend some time with our family, including Jared and Amanda and family up from Arizona! This was the first year that we had the gathering without Grandma Great, who passed away earlier this year. We did a lot of reminiscing while we were there.
Grandpa Soelberg passed away this past week, and his funeral was yesterday. We're going to miss him. His funeral was very nice. While we will miss him, it is also a blessing that he has passed. Grandpa had Alzheimer's disease, and it was difficult for Grandma to care for him. He is now past the pain, and in a much better place.
I also found out that a friend of mine at work passed away over the weekend. I don't know how- she was very young, but Karen will definitely be missed. She was so nice to everyone, and always went above and beyond with everything she did.
On a lighter note, I had a birthday this week! Josh planned a barbeque for our family. We managed to catch Jared and Amanda and their kids while they were still in town from Arizona, much to Ben and Claire's delight! I was so glad that so many people could come on such short notice. I love all of my family! What a joy and a blessing it is to have so many people to get together and laugh and share stories, and have great food.
Ben has had some trouble this week-- on the same day as Grandpa's funeral and my birthday bbq, we had to take Ben to the doctor. He's been having trouble breathing, eating, sleeping, playing. . . So the doctor said that he needed a chest x-ray to rule out pneumonia. So, after the funeral but before the bbq Ben and I took a trip to Alta View Hospital. Good news: Not pneumonia. Bad news: Ben's bronchial tubes are inflamed from a virus. So, we're just waiting it out now. . .
Anyway, despite all I've been feeling very grateful for all of the blessings that Heavenly Father has given me and my family. Love you all.
We went to Fairview over the weekend to enjoy Fairview days! Ben and Claire loved the parade, we all enjoyed the Derby and the fireworks! They are spectacular every year. We got to spend some time with our family, including Jared and Amanda and family up from Arizona! This was the first year that we had the gathering without Grandma Great, who passed away earlier this year. We did a lot of reminiscing while we were there.
Grandpa Soelberg passed away this past week, and his funeral was yesterday. We're going to miss him. His funeral was very nice. While we will miss him, it is also a blessing that he has passed. Grandpa had Alzheimer's disease, and it was difficult for Grandma to care for him. He is now past the pain, and in a much better place.
I also found out that a friend of mine at work passed away over the weekend. I don't know how- she was very young, but Karen will definitely be missed. She was so nice to everyone, and always went above and beyond with everything she did.
On a lighter note, I had a birthday this week! Josh planned a barbeque for our family. We managed to catch Jared and Amanda and their kids while they were still in town from Arizona, much to Ben and Claire's delight! I was so glad that so many people could come on such short notice. I love all of my family! What a joy and a blessing it is to have so many people to get together and laugh and share stories, and have great food.
Ben has had some trouble this week-- on the same day as Grandpa's funeral and my birthday bbq, we had to take Ben to the doctor. He's been having trouble breathing, eating, sleeping, playing. . . So the doctor said that he needed a chest x-ray to rule out pneumonia. So, after the funeral but before the bbq Ben and I took a trip to Alta View Hospital. Good news: Not pneumonia. Bad news: Ben's bronchial tubes are inflamed from a virus. So, we're just waiting it out now. . .
Anyway, despite all I've been feeling very grateful for all of the blessings that Heavenly Father has given me and my family. Love you all.
Jul 19, 2009
Picture post. . . no cards. . .
Pictures from July 4th:
Look how long Claire's hair is getting!!
Ben almost got thrown off of this ride-- he figured out how to get out from the buckle, and they had to stop the ride to make him sit down again. Rascal.
Claire did not want to get off of ANY of the rides on at Riverton Town Days!
Fearless Ben-- When I was his age, I never would have crossed these stairs for fear of falling.
We found a slide that was just right for Claire! Bonus-- Mommy can go down too!
Ben's first playhouse out of a box. Both of the kids loved it!
We love to make Ben's hair crazy in the bath tub!
Here's another Hair event. . .
And Another. . .
Look how long Claire's hair is getting!!
Ben almost got thrown off of this ride-- he figured out how to get out from the buckle, and they had to stop the ride to make him sit down again. Rascal.
Claire did not want to get off of ANY of the rides on at Riverton Town Days!
Fearless Ben-- When I was his age, I never would have crossed these stairs for fear of falling.
We found a slide that was just right for Claire! Bonus-- Mommy can go down too!
Ben's first playhouse out of a box. Both of the kids loved it!
We love to make Ben's hair crazy in the bath tub!
Here's another Hair event. . .
And Another. . .
Our Family Trip to Yellowstone-- we stayed in Island Park, Idaho.
Claire's first foray into the swimming pool-- I was nervous she wouldn't like it, but discovered she's a water baby just like Ben!
Yellowstone Park had some amazing waterfalls!
Much time was spent waiting for Bison to get off of the road, or make up their minds if they would get off the road or not.
Boy, were we glad we brought Ben's tractor and shovel!
Okay-- the cone on the left used to be one of those 3-4 feet tall ones you see on the road. This is the parking lot at the Mud Volcano-- apparently the hot, sulfurous, nasty water is not staying where they want it to!
Boy, those hot pots make some colorful places to see! Ben wasn't a big fan though-- they're too stinky, apparently.
Ben and Claire sitting together by the fire pit, with no fire. It was pretty wet that day.
Ben is getting to be a pretty good eater. The thing he likes more than eating his own food is. . . .
Feeding Claire his own food!
Claire trying to use her new bouncy ball that Yiayia and Papou gave her for Greek Easter as a seat-- looks kind of like an exercise ball!
One of Ben's favorite pastimes-- make a bed in a laundry basket! Just like his Mommy, Ben likes little spaces that he fits into.
Ben, my little gardener! He loves to be out and about, no matter what the temperature. . .
Claire's first foray into the swimming pool-- I was nervous she wouldn't like it, but discovered she's a water baby just like Ben!
Yellowstone Park had some amazing waterfalls!
Much time was spent waiting for Bison to get off of the road, or make up their minds if they would get off the road or not.
Boy, were we glad we brought Ben's tractor and shovel!
Okay-- the cone on the left used to be one of those 3-4 feet tall ones you see on the road. This is the parking lot at the Mud Volcano-- apparently the hot, sulfurous, nasty water is not staying where they want it to!
Boy, those hot pots make some colorful places to see! Ben wasn't a big fan though-- they're too stinky, apparently.
Ben and Claire sitting together by the fire pit, with no fire. It was pretty wet that day.
At Home with Ben and Claire:
Ben is getting to be a pretty good eater. The thing he likes more than eating his own food is. . . .
Feeding Claire his own food!
Claire trying to use her new bouncy ball that Yiayia and Papou gave her for Greek Easter as a seat-- looks kind of like an exercise ball!
One of Ben's favorite pastimes-- make a bed in a laundry basket! Just like his Mommy, Ben likes little spaces that he fits into.
Ben, my little gardener! He loves to be out and about, no matter what the temperature. . .
Jun 26, 2009
Mild Insanity
Long time, no post. . . Here's a quick-fix!
Nothing really new to report. Had our family's first ER visit a couple weeks ago, and hoping there's not a repeat performance! Claire (we thought) swallowed a couple of batteries about the same size as a watch battery. 4 hours and 2 x-rays later, there was nothing on the inside-- found the batteries the next morning on the kitchen floor. That was more a relief than anything, and I don't regret the ER trip.
We took a family trip to Yellowstone, where Josh and I decided that camping with young kids is H-A-R-D. We did come up with a sort of system to bypass the madness (which worked most of the time), and will definitely use that in future trips. I am SOOOOOOOO glad that we have our camping trailer!! It was my first trip to Yellowstone, and I really enjoyed it. Ben says, "It was really stinky," to everyone who asks how it was. Pictures will be in the very near future, but tonight it's kind of late and I have 3 cords that look like they could be a match that are not. . . Grrr.
Josh is doing extremely well at work, and we are so proud of him!! We are also experiencing the relief that comes from his not having to go to school at nights. *sigh of relief* We're getting excited for his official graduation ceremony in September or October. The kids absolutely LOVE seeing more of their dad!
Ben is one smart cookie. His new favorite song is "Happy Family":
I love Daddy, Daddy loves me. I love Mommy, Mommy loves me. I love Claire, Claire loves me. Daddy loves Mommy, Mommy loves Daddy. (And so on, until everyone in the family loves each other, and then. . . ) We are a happy FAMILY!!!!!! (sometimes he yells the last note, which cracks me up)
Claire is catching on to things quicker than ever. Often if we're counting something (doesn't matter what), we'll say, "One. . . Two. . ." Claire will then pipe up "Fee- TINEOUT!" (she can't seem to get the M in there).
Both of the kids love to sing. Claire will just sort of sing a tune with no words, but Ben has now decided that there are words required. His word of choice: Blah. In the bathroom at Old Faithful in Yellowstone (which for some reason Ben calls "the goofy geyser") he was blah-ing the tune to Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, much to the entertainment of all around us-- both in line, and in the stalls beside us.
More next time I have 15 minutes. . . No guarantees as to when that will be! Love you all.
Nothing really new to report. Had our family's first ER visit a couple weeks ago, and hoping there's not a repeat performance! Claire (we thought) swallowed a couple of batteries about the same size as a watch battery. 4 hours and 2 x-rays later, there was nothing on the inside-- found the batteries the next morning on the kitchen floor. That was more a relief than anything, and I don't regret the ER trip.
We took a family trip to Yellowstone, where Josh and I decided that camping with young kids is H-A-R-D. We did come up with a sort of system to bypass the madness (which worked most of the time), and will definitely use that in future trips. I am SOOOOOOOO glad that we have our camping trailer!! It was my first trip to Yellowstone, and I really enjoyed it. Ben says, "It was really stinky," to everyone who asks how it was. Pictures will be in the very near future, but tonight it's kind of late and I have 3 cords that look like they could be a match that are not. . . Grrr.
Josh is doing extremely well at work, and we are so proud of him!! We are also experiencing the relief that comes from his not having to go to school at nights. *sigh of relief* We're getting excited for his official graduation ceremony in September or October. The kids absolutely LOVE seeing more of their dad!
Ben is one smart cookie. His new favorite song is "Happy Family":
I love Daddy, Daddy loves me. I love Mommy, Mommy loves me. I love Claire, Claire loves me. Daddy loves Mommy, Mommy loves Daddy. (And so on, until everyone in the family loves each other, and then. . . ) We are a happy FAMILY!!!!!! (sometimes he yells the last note, which cracks me up)
Claire is catching on to things quicker than ever. Often if we're counting something (doesn't matter what), we'll say, "One. . . Two. . ." Claire will then pipe up "Fee- TINEOUT!" (she can't seem to get the M in there).
Both of the kids love to sing. Claire will just sort of sing a tune with no words, but Ben has now decided that there are words required. His word of choice: Blah. In the bathroom at Old Faithful in Yellowstone (which for some reason Ben calls "the goofy geyser") he was blah-ing the tune to Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, much to the entertainment of all around us-- both in line, and in the stalls beside us.
More next time I have 15 minutes. . . No guarantees as to when that will be! Love you all.
May 28, 2009
Quotes of the Week
Claire was really excited when daddy came home one night this week! (Okay, she gets excited every night) When Daddy gave her a kiss on her head, Claire said, "Ew, Gwoss."
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Ben created a new song. Here's the original, Sarah McLaughlin from Toy Story 2:
When somebody loved me
Everything was beautiful
Every hour spent together
Lives winthin my heart
Here's Ben's version, created earlier this week when he was coming up the stairs from his bedroom and stepped in some dirt that he had tracked into my house the day before. This song is still being sung by Ben at random:
When somebody stepped in dirt
Somebody has to get them out
When somebody stepped in dirt
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Claire: "Watch me!" except it comes out, "Wat ME!!!!"
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At dinner time, Mommy told Ben to tell Daddy that "You have no room to boast, Dad."
Ben said, "You don't got no room to ghost, Dad."
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Claire: "Look addat!!" Translation: "Look at that!"
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Ben has become very paranoid of things outdoors (which makes no sense, because he spends so much time out there. . . ). We took a walk on Monday, and he was wearing his flip-flops. He started to freak out when we passed three snails on the sidewalk, but it was a mild reaction-- he tip-toed, and held on to my arm as we passed them. Next, he was afraid of the pine cones, because he thought they would get him. Suddenly, Ben lifted up his heel and screamed like he'd stepped on a nail!! I stopped to see what it was, and it was a crunchy leaf in his shoe. We had to take a quick trip back home (we'd only made it half a block away), to change his shoes.
We started our walk again after that, but a half a block away from coming home again there were some seeds that come off of the trees at this time of year-- the sidewalk was littered all over with piles of them, and Ben stopped dead in his tracks. He just could not force himself to walk through this veritable sea of unidentifiable objects that look like they may be bugs of some sort, because he was sure they would get him. It took 10 minutes to conduce him to walk through a patch of sidewalk that was maybe 30 feet long!
It will be interesting what fears he comes up with next. . .
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Ben created a new song. Here's the original, Sarah McLaughlin from Toy Story 2:
When somebody loved me
Everything was beautiful
Every hour spent together
Lives winthin my heart
Here's Ben's version, created earlier this week when he was coming up the stairs from his bedroom and stepped in some dirt that he had tracked into my house the day before. This song is still being sung by Ben at random:
When somebody stepped in dirt
Somebody has to get them out
When somebody stepped in dirt
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Claire: "Watch me!" except it comes out, "Wat ME!!!!"
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At dinner time, Mommy told Ben to tell Daddy that "You have no room to boast, Dad."
Ben said, "You don't got no room to ghost, Dad."
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Claire: "Look addat!!" Translation: "Look at that!"
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Ben has become very paranoid of things outdoors (which makes no sense, because he spends so much time out there. . . ). We took a walk on Monday, and he was wearing his flip-flops. He started to freak out when we passed three snails on the sidewalk, but it was a mild reaction-- he tip-toed, and held on to my arm as we passed them. Next, he was afraid of the pine cones, because he thought they would get him. Suddenly, Ben lifted up his heel and screamed like he'd stepped on a nail!! I stopped to see what it was, and it was a crunchy leaf in his shoe. We had to take a quick trip back home (we'd only made it half a block away), to change his shoes.
We started our walk again after that, but a half a block away from coming home again there were some seeds that come off of the trees at this time of year-- the sidewalk was littered all over with piles of them, and Ben stopped dead in his tracks. He just could not force himself to walk through this veritable sea of unidentifiable objects that look like they may be bugs of some sort, because he was sure they would get him. It took 10 minutes to conduce him to walk through a patch of sidewalk that was maybe 30 feet long!
It will be interesting what fears he comes up with next. . .
May 17, 2009
Achievements
Hi-- Sorry for the double-post, but I forgot to mention a couple of achievements that Josh and I had this week!
Josh took his final on Wednesday for his last class-- he's got his Bachelor's degree!!! WAHOO!! Way to go, Josh!!
Emily ran in the Race for the Cure last week- and jogged the entire 3.2 miles in 34 minutes!!
Josh took his final on Wednesday for his last class-- he's got his Bachelor's degree!!! WAHOO!! Way to go, Josh!!
Emily ran in the Race for the Cure last week- and jogged the entire 3.2 miles in 34 minutes!!
Getting Old. . .
A couple weeks ago, as we were walking out of the church building, Ben was walking really slow. I asked him if he was okay, and he said, "Mom, I'm getting old."
I feel like I'm getting old this week! Claire has been pretty sick-- a staph infection coupled with a double ear infection. Antibiotics for staph+antibiotics for ear infection= yeast infection. The worst I've ever seen. My body hurts from the two to three times daily cleaning the bathtub!! Thankfully, Claire is on the mend. One more checkup with the doctor on Monday, and hopefully we'll be home free!!
Both of my kids have been absolutely a joy this month, despite all! Ben was having a hard time going to bed one night this week. Here's the conversation:
Ben exiting his room the first time:
Ben: "Mom! My strawberry milk is gone!! It's really, really GONE!!"
Mom: "Okay, buddy. You know the rule-- it's water from here on tonight."
Ben: "But Mom, my strawberry is just GONE!!"
Mom: "I know. Bring me your cup and I'll get you some water."
Ben: "But the cup is GONE!!"
Mom: "Oh, it's gone like it's missing?"
Ben: "Yes."
Mom walks down the stairs, "I will help you find it."
Ben: "How can you find it? It's DARK."
Mom turns on the light. "That's why we have lights."
Ben: "There it is!!! Thanks, mom."
Ben gets tucked in again.
The second time:
Ben: "Mom, my strawberry is all gone."
Mom gets some water, and tucks Ben in again.
The third time:
Ben: "Mom, I already slept for a long, LONG time."
Mom: "No, Ben, it's only been 10 minutes. Now go back to bed, or go to time out."
Ben tucks himself into bed.
The fourth time:
Ben: "Mom, I'm sick."
Mom: "Oh? What part of you is sick?"
Ben: "Um. . . Um, my legs."
Mom, trying very hard not to laugh: "Your legs are sick? How are they sick?"
Ben: "Um, they are just sick and if I go to bed they will make my bed sick."
Mom, trying even harder not to laugh: "How will they make your bed sick?"
Ben: "Um. . . Um, if I get in my bed they will just get my bed sick, and so I can't sleep in my bed. My bed doesn't like me."
Mom, not trying to stop laughing anymore: "Okay, Ben, just come up here."
Ben watched a few minutes of mommy's TV show, followed Mommy through her bedtime routine, and went to sleep in mommy's bed until daddy came home.
Claire has some new word aquisitions this month that make me laugh:
1. Awesome! 2. Coming!! (anytime the doorbell rings, or the door is knocked on) 3. Benjamin. (the full word) 4. Numbers 3, 4, 5, and 6 5. Letters W, Y, Z 6. Poop! (which was used during dinner at Grandma Soelberg's house, which made everyone laugh) 7. You're welcome (which she says anytime anyone says thank you, even if it's not directed at her)
I feel like I'm getting old this week! Claire has been pretty sick-- a staph infection coupled with a double ear infection. Antibiotics for staph+antibiotics for ear infection= yeast infection. The worst I've ever seen. My body hurts from the two to three times daily cleaning the bathtub!! Thankfully, Claire is on the mend. One more checkup with the doctor on Monday, and hopefully we'll be home free!!
Both of my kids have been absolutely a joy this month, despite all! Ben was having a hard time going to bed one night this week. Here's the conversation:
Ben exiting his room the first time:
Ben: "Mom! My strawberry milk is gone!! It's really, really GONE!!"
Mom: "Okay, buddy. You know the rule-- it's water from here on tonight."
Ben: "But Mom, my strawberry is just GONE!!"
Mom: "I know. Bring me your cup and I'll get you some water."
Ben: "But the cup is GONE!!"
Mom: "Oh, it's gone like it's missing?"
Ben: "Yes."
Mom walks down the stairs, "I will help you find it."
Ben: "How can you find it? It's DARK."
Mom turns on the light. "That's why we have lights."
Ben: "There it is!!! Thanks, mom."
Ben gets tucked in again.
The second time:
Ben: "Mom, my strawberry is all gone."
Mom gets some water, and tucks Ben in again.
The third time:
Ben: "Mom, I already slept for a long, LONG time."
Mom: "No, Ben, it's only been 10 minutes. Now go back to bed, or go to time out."
Ben tucks himself into bed.
The fourth time:
Ben: "Mom, I'm sick."
Mom: "Oh? What part of you is sick?"
Ben: "Um. . . Um, my legs."
Mom, trying very hard not to laugh: "Your legs are sick? How are they sick?"
Ben: "Um, they are just sick and if I go to bed they will make my bed sick."
Mom, trying even harder not to laugh: "How will they make your bed sick?"
Ben: "Um. . . Um, if I get in my bed they will just get my bed sick, and so I can't sleep in my bed. My bed doesn't like me."
Mom, not trying to stop laughing anymore: "Okay, Ben, just come up here."
Ben watched a few minutes of mommy's TV show, followed Mommy through her bedtime routine, and went to sleep in mommy's bed until daddy came home.
Claire has some new word aquisitions this month that make me laugh:
1. Awesome! 2. Coming!! (anytime the doorbell rings, or the door is knocked on) 3. Benjamin. (the full word) 4. Numbers 3, 4, 5, and 6 5. Letters W, Y, Z 6. Poop! (which was used during dinner at Grandma Soelberg's house, which made everyone laugh) 7. You're welcome (which she says anytime anyone says thank you, even if it's not directed at her)
Apr 23, 2009
The Learning Curves
Here is a sample Ben prayer (he says them all by himself, now!):
"Heavenly Father, Thank thee for our house, thank thee for Mommy, thank thee for Jesus, thank thee for Daddy, thank thee for Claire, thank thee for Ben, thank thee for all the dogs that scare me, thank thee for all these couches, thank thee for scary monsters, thank thee for my new room, thank thee for my tractor blanket, thank thee for both my silkies, thank thee for my blocks, thank thee for Mommy's hair, thank thee for Daddy's hair, (and, when prompted by Mom and Dad) bless me to sleep good, bless me to listen to Mommy and Daddy, bless my bed, (again when prompted) In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen."
Also, his favorite song (or his version of it):
"I love Mommy, Mommy loves me. I love Daddy, Daddy loves me. I love Claire, Claire loves me. We are a happy family!"
Copy Cat Claire-- here are some of my favorites!
Mom: "Hey, Ben, how are you buddy?"
Claire's echo, "Hey, Bu-ddy!"
Mom: "All done!"
Claire: "Ah muuh!"
Mom: "Be-e-e-en, no no."
Claire: "BEN! BEEEEN!!!! NO NO!! BEN!! BEEEEEEEEEEN!!" (always at the top of her lungs)
Some of my not-so-favorites that she says on her own:
"Lee mee LO-NE!!!!"
"NO-WEH!!!" (instead of just plain no)
"Heavenly Father, Thank thee for our house, thank thee for Mommy, thank thee for Jesus, thank thee for Daddy, thank thee for Claire, thank thee for Ben, thank thee for all the dogs that scare me, thank thee for all these couches, thank thee for scary monsters, thank thee for my new room, thank thee for my tractor blanket, thank thee for both my silkies, thank thee for my blocks, thank thee for Mommy's hair, thank thee for Daddy's hair, (and, when prompted by Mom and Dad) bless me to sleep good, bless me to listen to Mommy and Daddy, bless my bed, (again when prompted) In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen."
Also, his favorite song (or his version of it):
"I love Mommy, Mommy loves me. I love Daddy, Daddy loves me. I love Claire, Claire loves me. We are a happy family!"
Copy Cat Claire-- here are some of my favorites!
Mom: "Hey, Ben, how are you buddy?"
Claire's echo, "Hey, Bu-ddy!"
Mom: "All done!"
Claire: "Ah muuh!"
Mom: "Be-e-e-en, no no."
Claire: "BEN! BEEEEN!!!! NO NO!! BEN!! BEEEEEEEEEEN!!" (always at the top of her lungs)
Some of my not-so-favorites that she says on her own:
"Lee mee LO-NE!!!!"
"NO-WEH!!!" (instead of just plain no)
Mar 29, 2009
Sunnyday laughs (or not-so-sunny)
I titled the post that because that is what Ben calls Sunday. He says that Sunnyday is church day.
Today, Ben was pretty ornery. He didn't get a nap, because we have 11:00 church, then went to my parents (the Evanses) for dinner, then went to Yiayia and Papou's house for Aunt Amanda's birthday party. We were just leaving the party, and had put the kids in the car, when Ben asks, "Mom, why are we going home?"
I responded, "Because you're being ornery, Ben."
"NO, I'm NOT!" (in his angriest mean voice)
I replied "Yes you are, you just got mad at me."
Ben: "I AM NOT ORNERY MOM!"
Josh piped up, "I think she's got you painted into a corner, Ben."
Ben says, "This is NOT a CORNER, DAD."
I busted up laughing!!
Claire's latest achievement in understanding is time out.
As most of you are aware, Ben spends a significant amount of time with his nose in the corner, in time out. Many times (of late) he also throws a fit while he's there. Claire has picked up on this behavior.
Thursday, she was playing with the screen we have around our fireplace (it's there to keep the ashes and coals in), which I've told her many times not to touch. I told her once not to touch it, but she kept on going, so I swatted her bummy a little bit, and told her no again. She looked at me, and then marched over to the time out corner, and proceeded to throw a miniature, fake fit. Turning and smiling at me she proceded to throw another fake fit, imitating her brother. It is, bar none, the funniest thing that I have EVER seen.
Today, Ben was pretty ornery. He didn't get a nap, because we have 11:00 church, then went to my parents (the Evanses) for dinner, then went to Yiayia and Papou's house for Aunt Amanda's birthday party. We were just leaving the party, and had put the kids in the car, when Ben asks, "Mom, why are we going home?"
I responded, "Because you're being ornery, Ben."
"NO, I'm NOT!" (in his angriest mean voice)
I replied "Yes you are, you just got mad at me."
Ben: "I AM NOT ORNERY MOM!"
Josh piped up, "I think she's got you painted into a corner, Ben."
Ben says, "This is NOT a CORNER, DAD."
I busted up laughing!!
Claire's latest achievement in understanding is time out.
As most of you are aware, Ben spends a significant amount of time with his nose in the corner, in time out. Many times (of late) he also throws a fit while he's there. Claire has picked up on this behavior.
Thursday, she was playing with the screen we have around our fireplace (it's there to keep the ashes and coals in), which I've told her many times not to touch. I told her once not to touch it, but she kept on going, so I swatted her bummy a little bit, and told her no again. She looked at me, and then marched over to the time out corner, and proceeded to throw a miniature, fake fit. Turning and smiling at me she proceded to throw another fake fit, imitating her brother. It is, bar none, the funniest thing that I have EVER seen.
Mar 22, 2009
Hi, Everyone-- just wanted to give you a few more laughs! This is "little Ben." Ben often refers to little Ben as "Me." "Mom, where is Me?"
"Huh?"
"Where's little Ben?"
Then we have to find him.
Little Ben often ends up in time out, for being bad.
Ben also loves his Shrek toy.
Today he put Shrek on a stage.
Claire LOVES to eat!! She's also a ham herself.
This is Ben's Christmas present. Claire really likes it too. We were really happy the day that they were finally able to go out and use it!! Now, if we could only teach Ben how to steer. He'll be able to do it by summer, I'm sure.
Ben loves Tractors. Period.
Claire, my wonderfully over-expressive girl!! (Yes, the overacting goes for both happy and sad, and angry too.)
Ben found a good stage for his dancing (although he eventually found it limits his movement, because he could fall).
ADHHHHHHHD (self-diagnosed)
Along with having a hyperactive child, there are a few perks, apparently-- very active brains. What a smarty pants!!
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Ben the Church-Goer:
A couple weeks ago, Claire and I stayed home from church because Claire was sick. Ben and Josh went to church. Ours is the last stake in the Salt Lake Valley (I think) that has Sacrament meeting last. After Young Mens and Sunday School (Primary for Ben), Josh wasn't feeling well either, and decided just to come home. So, he picked Ben up from Primary, and said, "Let's get your coat on buddy."
Ben replied, "I can't, Dad. I have a meeting."
"Oh, and what meeting is that, Ben?" Asked Josh.
"Well Dad, it's YOUR meeting."
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Claire the Cheese Fiend:
Claire, anytime the fridge gets opened, yells, "CHEESE!!!!! CHEESE!!!!"
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Ben the Negotiator:
Ben was playing with his Playdoh, but was bored and didn't want to play alone anymore. So, he said, "Mom, will you come play with me? I'll give you a treeee-eeeat."
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Claire the go-getter:
Anytime anybody says the word "Go," or gets a jacket on, Claire says "Bye-bye" and starts waving.
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Sorry it's been so long since I last posted. . . Facebook has its many attractions, however I find that I like blogging better. Hope all is well with you-- I really enjoy reading everyone else's blogs! Keep them up, all of you!!
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Ben the Church-Goer:
A couple weeks ago, Claire and I stayed home from church because Claire was sick. Ben and Josh went to church. Ours is the last stake in the Salt Lake Valley (I think) that has Sacrament meeting last. After Young Mens and Sunday School (Primary for Ben), Josh wasn't feeling well either, and decided just to come home. So, he picked Ben up from Primary, and said, "Let's get your coat on buddy."
Ben replied, "I can't, Dad. I have a meeting."
"Oh, and what meeting is that, Ben?" Asked Josh.
"Well Dad, it's YOUR meeting."
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Claire the Cheese Fiend:
Claire, anytime the fridge gets opened, yells, "CHEESE!!!!! CHEESE!!!!"
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Ben the Negotiator:
Ben was playing with his Playdoh, but was bored and didn't want to play alone anymore. So, he said, "Mom, will you come play with me? I'll give you a treeee-eeeat."
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Claire the go-getter:
Anytime anybody says the word "Go," or gets a jacket on, Claire says "Bye-bye" and starts waving.
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Sorry it's been so long since I last posted. . . Facebook has its many attractions, however I find that I like blogging better. Hope all is well with you-- I really enjoy reading everyone else's blogs! Keep them up, all of you!!
Feb 25, 2009
Heart it Huge
Hi, Everyone! This week, we decided to write down some of the things that our family loves. (In no particular order)
Josh loves:
Ben loves:
Josh loves:
- Subwoofers
- Ben and Claire
- Me, of course
- Caramel, Mtn Dew, Chips and Salsa
- Cheese
- Camp Fires
- Movies, Books, Music
- To play with the kids
- To cook breakfast (only because he loves to eat breakfast)
- Working with his hands
- Proper Asset Allocation
- Gadgets (electrical, and anything that will allow him to fidget)
Emily Loves:
- Books, Movies, Music
- Food
- Clothes
- To Blog
- To tell lame jokes
- To quote movies
- Dr Pepper, Chocolate, Popcorn, Toast, Bacon
- To Snuggle my Kids
- My Glider Rocker
- Warm Jackets or Sweaters
- British Comedy (Shaun the Sheep, Wallace & Gromit, Monty Python)
- Penguins
- Wii in general, particularly Rock Band
Ben loves:
- His Silky
- Sound Effects
- Trailers and Tractors
- Bridges
- Ramen Noodles, Chicken Nuggets, Cinnamon Toast, Chocolate Milk
- To Wreck anything and everything that appears organized or neatly stacked
- To tell on Claire, or to tell Claire not to do things
- Movies, Books, Music (and dancing), Puzzles
- To quote movies (just like Mom!)
- To play the piano and sing
- To Love things (or not love things) for example: "Mom, I love chocolate!" or "Mom, I don't love diapers."
- To give Claire good night hugs and kisses
Claire:
- Bead Necklaces
- To hold on to Mom or Dad's pants
- To yell at Ben
- To copy Ben
- Her Silky
- Our red throw pillows
- Food in general (put it in front of her, she'll eat it!)
- Cheese particularly
- Remote Controls
- Dancing
- To pat Ben's head
- To Talk (chatter)
- Hats (particularly Daddy's baseball hats)
Feb 11, 2009
Do You Hear What I Hear? Choco-LOT!!!
This is the J in the J and E Mason family. I am making my blogging debut tonight to tell a story that happened this evening. It caused a good laugh here at the Mason abode. Loyal readers will be familiar with our routine of getting Ben to bed each night. Tonight we put Ben to bed in the usual manner, only in his new room, downstairs. Ben was having a hard time staying in his room. Emily and I were upstairs winding down for the day and snacking on a Symphony bar (a favorite in the Mason home). For the third time of the night, we heard Ben's door open as he made his plea to come out of his room. This time, instead of threatening him with death if he did not go back to bed, I decided to go down and tuck him in again, and try to settle him down.
When I got down there and picked him up I could see him smelling my breath. He got a curious look on his face and asked, "What do you have in your tummy, Daddy?" With a slight grin and an attempt to shrug off his question I replied, "I have dinner in my tummy Ben." Ben's quick reply was "What do I hear in your tummy Daddy? Is it Chocolate?". With an attempt to look confused, but knowing exactly what he meant, I tried again to shrug off his question, but he persisted and asked again "What do I hear in your tummy daddy?" At this point I was fighting back the laughter and I could hear Emily upstairs laughing as well. The gig was up, he was on to us and there was no going back. He got to come up for a few minutes and eat a piece of chocolate.
He is such a smart little boy, that will be a good thing some day, but for now it makes it hard to sneak anything by him.
When I got down there and picked him up I could see him smelling my breath. He got a curious look on his face and asked, "What do you have in your tummy, Daddy?" With a slight grin and an attempt to shrug off his question I replied, "I have dinner in my tummy Ben." Ben's quick reply was "What do I hear in your tummy Daddy? Is it Chocolate?". With an attempt to look confused, but knowing exactly what he meant, I tried again to shrug off his question, but he persisted and asked again "What do I hear in your tummy daddy?" At this point I was fighting back the laughter and I could hear Emily upstairs laughing as well. The gig was up, he was on to us and there was no going back. He got to come up for a few minutes and eat a piece of chocolate.
He is such a smart little boy, that will be a good thing some day, but for now it makes it hard to sneak anything by him.
Feb 6, 2009
Virtual Hilarity
In the course of the last month I have found my true love. . . RockBand!! I heart it huge. Josh's Mom got it for the Christmas, and we have all become true RockBanders. Josh likes the drums, and Ben loves to have me help him play the drums. He gets so excited that sometimes he's hard to control, but we can do pretty well together! I have only been hit in the head with his drumsticks twice.
Tonight, Ben came out with both of his small toy guitars (one of them does counting, farm animal sounds, colors, etc.; the other is a guitar that if you push certain buttons it plays a variety of songs, from S.O.S. to The Love Shack. . .), and gave one to me, and said, "Mom, play Guitar Band with me." I laughed so hard!!
Another good laugh Ben gave me this month when (through various ways and means, I'm cutting this story way short) he ended up without any underwear at Church for the last 15 minutes-- and then he proceeded to pants himself in front of my 7-turning-8-year-old primary class.
Two nights ago, when we were pitching our nightly battle (yes, the battle of wills/foods/whatever continues), I had a very hard time not laughing when he told me, "Mom, I LOVE Ramen Noodles!" Then, 15 minutes later, when he'd only taken 2 bites, and I was wrestling with his will to get him to eat more he said, "Mom, I DON'T love Ramen Noodles."
The last short I'll give you is Ben's new favorite subject-- the Scaries. I don't know what has given him the idea that there are Scaries, but apparently they are EVERYWHERE. We recently moved Ben into his own room (yay!!), and he asked me the first night, "Mom, are the Scaries down in my room?" He asks quite often in the car, "Mom, if I lock my door, will it keep the scaries out?" I have repeatedly told Ben that I don't like the Scaries, and I don't ever let them be where we are. To that, Ben responded, "I like the Scaries. Sometimes they BITE me, and I like it." Wild imaginations can't be broken, I suppose.
Claire is WALKING!!! And I don't just mean taking a step here, or a step there, she's walking whenever she gets the chance, and doing a good job of it, too! She has amazing balance. What makes me laugh about her is the difference between her and Ben. Claire's moves are all very calculated, and smooth. This is the reason why she did not walk sooner. Ben, however, was attempting to walk as soon as he realized that he had legs strong enough to hold him up. This caused many falls, trips, head-bumps, etc. When Claire falls, she always manages to land on her bummy, regardless of how much she wobbles before she falls down. Every fall is carefully controlled. So, I have both ends of the spectrum: Reckless and Cautious.
This is what I really love about my kids. Not only are they freakin' cute, but every day is an adventure, and I truly never know what will come next. Like the news I just got two minutes ago from my sweet husband-- Ben just polished off his SECOND piece of pizza tonight. I'm going to keel over! My child is eating!!!
I also, in case I don't get to post again, just want to wish everyone a HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!! Chances are if you're reading this you're one of my closest friends and/or family members. We love you all, and want you to know that!!
Tonight, Ben came out with both of his small toy guitars (one of them does counting, farm animal sounds, colors, etc.; the other is a guitar that if you push certain buttons it plays a variety of songs, from S.O.S. to The Love Shack. . .), and gave one to me, and said, "Mom, play Guitar Band with me." I laughed so hard!!
Another good laugh Ben gave me this month when (through various ways and means, I'm cutting this story way short) he ended up without any underwear at Church for the last 15 minutes-- and then he proceeded to pants himself in front of my 7-turning-8-year-old primary class.
Two nights ago, when we were pitching our nightly battle (yes, the battle of wills/foods/whatever continues), I had a very hard time not laughing when he told me, "Mom, I LOVE Ramen Noodles!" Then, 15 minutes later, when he'd only taken 2 bites, and I was wrestling with his will to get him to eat more he said, "Mom, I DON'T love Ramen Noodles."
The last short I'll give you is Ben's new favorite subject-- the Scaries. I don't know what has given him the idea that there are Scaries, but apparently they are EVERYWHERE. We recently moved Ben into his own room (yay!!), and he asked me the first night, "Mom, are the Scaries down in my room?" He asks quite often in the car, "Mom, if I lock my door, will it keep the scaries out?" I have repeatedly told Ben that I don't like the Scaries, and I don't ever let them be where we are. To that, Ben responded, "I like the Scaries. Sometimes they BITE me, and I like it." Wild imaginations can't be broken, I suppose.
Claire is WALKING!!! And I don't just mean taking a step here, or a step there, she's walking whenever she gets the chance, and doing a good job of it, too! She has amazing balance. What makes me laugh about her is the difference between her and Ben. Claire's moves are all very calculated, and smooth. This is the reason why she did not walk sooner. Ben, however, was attempting to walk as soon as he realized that he had legs strong enough to hold him up. This caused many falls, trips, head-bumps, etc. When Claire falls, she always manages to land on her bummy, regardless of how much she wobbles before she falls down. Every fall is carefully controlled. So, I have both ends of the spectrum: Reckless and Cautious.
This is what I really love about my kids. Not only are they freakin' cute, but every day is an adventure, and I truly never know what will come next. Like the news I just got two minutes ago from my sweet husband-- Ben just polished off his SECOND piece of pizza tonight. I'm going to keel over! My child is eating!!!
I also, in case I don't get to post again, just want to wish everyone a HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!! Chances are if you're reading this you're one of my closest friends and/or family members. We love you all, and want you to know that!!
Jan 25, 2009
FunStuf
We decided to let Claire try to feed herself. This is before. . . .
This is after. . .
Ben is "Checking for Scaries" under the table-- He says he found one!!
Claire, playing with her cousin Makayla-- Such cute girls!!
And Ben, Playing with the Boys-- His cousins Ethan (Right) and Hunter (left).
Ben doing his favorite thing-- Playing Playdough with Uncle James, and Ben's new best friend Janell!
Claire's Hair is growing (Finally)!! After-bath pics are always fun. . .
Ben also (apparently) likes tight spaces-- he had fun with this box for hours!! I'm okay with that. It promotes creativity, right?
Claire makes some pretty funny faces, this is one of the many!
Ben loves doing laundry!! I hope it lasts. . . .
Claire-- Warming up to Grandma Soelberg. Sometimes it just takes a little time. . .
Jan 10, 2009
New Year. . . Whew!!
Well, we survived the holidays-- made it to all the Doctor visits, and all of the family parties, and now it's the new year.
We had a lot of fun! Ben and Claire are both growing well. Claire eats like you would not believe, and Ben eats because we make him (or because we bribe him). Ben had his first Dentist appointment a couple days before Christmas, and he even let them clean his teeth!! What can I say? My dentist is freakin' awesome, as are his staff.
Christmas day we spent a total of 1 hour at home, the rest of the time was spent at all the family parties that you could possibly imagine-- Grandmas, Grandpas, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, In-Laws, Out-Laws. . . Wait a minute. . . It was really great to see everyone, though-- Particularly our family from out-of-state (New York, California, and Arizona)!! Ben was so excited to see his cousins that he hasn't seen for so long. Emily's side of the family also had family portraits taken (a whopping 44 people in one little studio at Fotogenix-- it was INCREDIBLE). We're excited to see how things turned out!
Claire is getting braver with her walking-- I keep hoping that she'll realize that she knows how to walk now, and just take off!
Ben got a power-wheels tractor for Christmas. We've been working hard with him to help him figure out how to turn and steer. The first time Josh really worked with him on it, he kept driving into the snow-banks. After about the 15th time driving in the snow-bank, Ben climbed off of the tractor and said, "Dad, I'm just gonna walk." We're confident that he'll get it by this summertime. :o)
The only other thing that happened with the new year is that Emily got another new position at work-- in the Sales department! She is really liking her new position, and it means an earlier schedule which translates into more time with the kids (HOORAY!!!!!)
Thanks for tuning in, and you stay classy San Diego.
We had a lot of fun! Ben and Claire are both growing well. Claire eats like you would not believe, and Ben eats because we make him (or because we bribe him). Ben had his first Dentist appointment a couple days before Christmas, and he even let them clean his teeth!! What can I say? My dentist is freakin' awesome, as are his staff.
Christmas day we spent a total of 1 hour at home, the rest of the time was spent at all the family parties that you could possibly imagine-- Grandmas, Grandpas, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, In-Laws, Out-Laws. . . Wait a minute. . . It was really great to see everyone, though-- Particularly our family from out-of-state (New York, California, and Arizona)!! Ben was so excited to see his cousins that he hasn't seen for so long. Emily's side of the family also had family portraits taken (a whopping 44 people in one little studio at Fotogenix-- it was INCREDIBLE). We're excited to see how things turned out!
Claire is getting braver with her walking-- I keep hoping that she'll realize that she knows how to walk now, and just take off!
Ben got a power-wheels tractor for Christmas. We've been working hard with him to help him figure out how to turn and steer. The first time Josh really worked with him on it, he kept driving into the snow-banks. After about the 15th time driving in the snow-bank, Ben climbed off of the tractor and said, "Dad, I'm just gonna walk." We're confident that he'll get it by this summertime. :o)
The only other thing that happened with the new year is that Emily got another new position at work-- in the Sales department! She is really liking her new position, and it means an earlier schedule which translates into more time with the kids (HOORAY!!!!!)
Thanks for tuning in, and you stay classy San Diego.
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