Mannerisms

An attitude of gratitude is a wonderful thing to have. We learn a lot about this from Ethan, he sincerely thanks us for the smallest things. Like tonight, I actually made a meal he liked of pasta and smoothies, he thanked me at least 5 times for the din din.

Now that he can say "thank you," instead of "dookie," which is how he used to say it, other people are noticing his polite habit.

On Monday as we were boarding the plane I had my hands full with winter coats, carry on bags, and Caden. I needed Ethan to help so I had him wear his coat, his Thomas bagpack, and carry Brown Dog. About half way down the aisle before we got to our seats he decided he was done. He put his bagpack, Brown Dog and his coat on the floor and continued walking to the back of the plane. My hands were too full to reach down and pick his stuff up so I was pleading with him to come pick up his things and he was yelling back "no." Everyone in that area of the plane was quite entertained by the situation and smirking at me. Finally, a nice man picked up Ethan's things and handed them to him. Ethan thanked the man profusely and everyone "ahhhhed." He knows how to redeem himself. Throughout the flight he thanked the flight attendant several times for things. As we got off the plane he told her "thank you," and she said, "you are such a polite young man." Then as I walked by she said, "really, your boy does have very nice mannerisms." And I have to agree, he does have nice mannerisms (I'm sure he gets them from me), but I'm thinking she was probably referring to his nice manners. It made me laugh!

Today he got the flu vaccine through the nasal mist. After the nurse gave it to him, he thanked her. I'm pretty sure that is the first time ever a 2 year old thanked the nurse for a flu vaccine.

I'm amazed at what I learn from this little guy!

Living History Farms Race

For the past 3 years the Saturday before Thanksgiving you can find us at the Living History Farms 7 mile cross country race.

It is a crazy race through the mud, over the streams, up the hills, and across the grass. People wear crazy costumes, including the iconic man who runs barefoot in just a loin cloth. I feel crazy bundling up my boys and offroading with my gigantic double stroller so we can cheer Clark on along the way. This year we were in a spot at mile 5 where Ethan could see Clark really well and yell, "go Daddy go!" He was so excited when Clark came over and gave him a little hug.

It was a cold 29 degrees this year, but we were happy there was no snow. Clark did a great job. His time was almost 45 mins. faster this year than it was the first year he did it. He has improved a lot! Last night we were looking at my blog posts from the past 3 races and Clark was commenting on how his jowls have shrunk significantly along with his race times...I was laughing at him, but it is true...you can check out my old posts if you want to see this transformation! Muah ha ha! I'm proud of him!

The only race you can enjoy homemade BEEF stew after the race.

The guy in the trench coat has a sign on his back that says Sherlock Gnolmes.

Kiss made an appearance.

There was also a horse running in snow pants.

If you want to see more pictures of the crazy costumes and crazy terrain of the race click this link to see photos from the Des Moines Register: Pictures

After the race they had a race for the kids. Ethan ran in the 2 year old race, he took after his mother in this race and took last place. Apparently his mittens and coat were bothering him along the way so he kept stopping and making Clark adjust them along the course. It was hilarious! He was expecting a popsicle when he finished because that is what he got after a race in July. He was quite disappointed, but Clark distracted him by sharing his chocolate doughnut with him.

Ethan's ribbon.


Trying to warm up on the way home.

Fun times had by all!

Little Rebel

So last night I wrote a post pleading with Caden not to grow up so fast...

Tonight his first 2 bottom teeth cut through.

Little Rebel. Cute one though.

Slow Down Please

Caden,


You are not even 6 months old yet...but you are getting big way too fast! Can you please slow down just a little.

I just need more time to enjoy your baby sweetness. I love snuggling with you to take a nap, I love how you cuddle in close to me. I love how you smile and giggle in your sleep about 5 mins. after you fall asleep, I want to know what you are dreaming about! I love how you always have a grin ready for me, and for anyone else who smiles at you. I love how loudly you talk when you have an important story to tell. I love how you have been called a flirt on multiple occasions by the women you smile at when we are at the grocery store. I love how you hold on tight when I give you a hug.

So let's slow down a little please, because I know I'll just keep loving you more and more, but I'm going to miss some of these little things that I know will soon be changing.

So here are a few things you can slow down on:

You don't need to be so big in such a hurry. You are fitting in your clothes that say 12 months! Your little thunder thighs are getting out of control!

You don't really need to be sitting yet.

You definitely don't need to be crawling yet. This week Ethan has been slightly traumatized realizing that none of his toys are safe anymore. You army crawl, creep, push, pull, and sometimes really crawl to move across the floor. You are quite determined and end up getting what you want.

You don't need to be grabbing for everything, tonight you lunged for Daddy's computer and got stuck in the hole between our couch cushions.

And most importantly, let's slow down a bit on the baby Rogaine. If you're anything like your brother, your mullet will be coming soon enough.

Who's the Boss

Today we went to Sam's Club at about 11:30 for our free sample lunch (I needed diapers too...). It was our lucky day a celebrity was making an appearance at Sam's Club at noon! By the time we got there the line to see this celebrity was huge! Hundreds of people were gathering to see THE CAKE BOSS and get his new book signed!

Me and Buddy (he's a little pale today).

To be perfectly honest I had never heard of the Cake Boss, the TLC star, until last month when I was in Boise (we don't have cable). I did watch a few episodes and was impressed with his cakes, but I didn't realize what a celebrity he was.

Since we were there I convinced Clark that we should join in on the pandemonium! 10 mins. before he made his grand entrance someone said over the loudspeaker, "the cake boss is in the building!" Everyone cheered!

There he is coming down the stairs just like Cinderella at the ball!

I admit I joined with the screaming by chanting "fondant, fondant, fondant," when he first made his grand entrance. That is when Clark looked at me and said, "are you serious?" "These people are all screaming over an overweight Italian baker?!"

Unfortunately we didn't budget Buddy's book into our month of November, so I didn't stand in the huge line to meet him...but I did sneak up and get a picture of him.

You just never know the adventure you'll find at Sam's Club! It was hilarious!

Krispy Kreme Morning

Last Saturday I had a primary activity. Clark was volunteering at the Senior Health Fair at his school so I had to take Ethan and Caden with me. Ethan loved being around all of the older kids. He sat with them at the table and made the craft, he listened so intently to everyone and followed all the directions. I was impressed, I had not expected my 2 year old to be so into the activity. After making crafts we went to a Retirement Center to deliver our crafts and sing to the patrons. On our way out of the parking lot (everyone was following me), Clark called and said he was almost to the church so I jumped out of the car and switched cars with him so I wouldn't have to worry about my boys at the center. I didn't think Ethan would care at all, but my abrupt jumping out of the car and not taking him to the activity broke his heart! To console our little Mr. Sensitive Clark took him to Krispy Kreme on their way home from the church. They loved it.

All last week Ethan kept asking for Kwispy Kweme! On Weds. Clark surprised Ethan by being home when he woke up from his nap. The first thing Ethan said was, "I need a doughnut, can we go to Kwispy Kweme." Clark promised him if he was good we could all go on Saturday morning. Well, Ethan didn't forget, and Clark was good on his promise!

You want to see these two happy...just give them a doughnut!

Murder on the Grill

I'd like you to meet my friends, Chubby Cheddar and Tiara Diamond (Miss Kansas City 1957).

Barby Q and Ivan Spudnik (Russian rocket scientist)

Bobby Sox (hula hoop champion) and Johnny Angel

They all gathered at our groovy 50's diner to help solve the murder mystery of Tom Dooley. It was a fun night with lots of drama!

I wonder what our neighbors think about us now?!

Sunbeam

Tonight we had such a fun Family Home Evening. We learned about what it means to be a disciple of Jesus by playing follow the leader. The best part though was when we were singing and bouncing along to "Jesus Wants Me For a Sunbeam," Caden thought it was hilarious! We sang it several times and he cracked up every time.

I love this little family of mine.

The Many Faces of E.E.

We love this cute little face and all of the expressions that come with it! With a 2 year old I feel like we get to experience all of these faces a lot! We can go from crying to laughing all within a minute.

The way Ethan talks right now cracks us up! It seems like his vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammatical errors are changing daily. I wanted to have a little record of his newest poem that he loves, he learned it in nursery and taught it to us.

I had a little turtle, his name is tiny Tim.

I put him in the bathtub to see if he could swim,

He drank up all the water, he ate up all the soap.

He went to bed with a bubble in his throat!

Bubble, bubble, bubble, bubble, bubble, bubble, bubble, bubble, bubble, POP!

Cabin Fever

Wow, I have cabin fever today. It all started with Caden getting a little cold that turned into a double ear infection that turned into no sleep for him or momma that turned into momma getting sick that turned into Daddy having to take over the house Monday as momma burned up with fever which turned into Ethan getting a little cold which in short turned into us not leaving the house since Sunday.

1 grouchy sick 2 year old + 1 tired sick momma + 2 aching ears on a sweet little Caden = a hard day at our house

To make it through the last hour before Clark got home the only thing I could think of to do was turn on Christmas music. Ethan loved it (especially the Chipmunks). After dinner we had a full dance party. Christmas music made the world seem right again...here's to the Chipmunks!

Caden loved being danced with and tossed around. I was happy to hear his little laugh again! (And yes this video is the wrong way, and may make you dizzy).

P.S. I did leave the house in all of my patriotic glory for a moment last night to go vote!

"29"

Last week I turned "29."

When Clark was in preschool he found out how old his teacher was and told her "that's old, my mom's only 29." (His mom was just a bit over 29 at the time). I have always thought that story was funny.

My mom told me that this year when people ask how old I am I'll actually be "29," I'll probably tell people this for years...but this year it will be true.

So as an official 29 year old I'm planning to live it up!

I started my 29th year with a delicious chocolate fudge cake made by Clark

We couldn't afford 29 candles, so 2 and 9 had to do.

I snapped pictures of Ethan and Caden as Clark got the cake ready...do they look excited or what?

Then Clark and I modeled our new his and hers Snuggies that James and Erica gave us for our birthdays.

Then I pretty much celebrated all weekend, because I'll only be "29" once you know! Thanks to all my friends and family for the phone calls, texts, cards and gifts that made my day(s) so special!

Trick or Treat

In Des Moines the kids go trick-or-treating on October 30th, it is called Beggar's Night. This was the first year we took Ethan, the weather was perfect and we had so much fun!

The little cowboy with Shannon, the little candy corn witch, were so cute going to every door with their orange buckets!

It was impossible to get them to both stop long enough for a picture! No stopping when candy is involved.

Ethan literally ran the whole night. As soon as he got his treat he would run down the driveway hand his bucket to me to hold and his hat to Clark to hold as we walked the 20 feet to the next house. Then he would put his hat back on, grab his bucket and go up to the next door. Watching him run in his little homemade chaps, and the little jean jacket that Clark used to wear was pretty much my favorite part of the whole night.

When we got in the car to leave I asked Ethan if he had fun, he said "no, that was hard." Such hard work running from door to door begging for his parent's candy supply, but boy am I loving the Almond Joys.