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Thursday, November 30, 2006

Score!



Last night, Joshua and Thomas put together a basketball goal that Thomas received for his birthday...back in August. I could go into detail as to why it took us so long to get this thing up, but let's not dwell on the negative.

Thomas and Sarah and Joshua had a splendid time pulling pieces out of the box and inspecting them. "bigger pee-cez" I could hear Thomas exclaiming as I cleaned up the dinner mess. Oh, at the excitement! All that, and a big box!

The end result was a new word for the Thomas vocabulary and a goal that he can't quite reach. "Basketball, again" is all I heard for the rest of the night. He and Sarah Grace had a blast toting around all the basketballs we could find in the house and even occasionally tossing them in the general direction of the goal.

I must say, I am glad we waited to put together the goal...it has given my kids a new energy focus today. And since it is gray and gloomy, who cares that Christmas is just four weeks away?

Wednesday, November 29, 2006

More Vocabulary Funnies

I posted once on how exciting it is to listen as Thomas and Sarah Grace grow their vocabulary skills. Well, the fun hasn't stopped. Thomas has added several songs to his repertoire, including 'Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star', 'Baa-Baa, Black Sheep', The Barney Theme Song (much to our amazement, considering he NEVER sees the show!), 'Jingle Bells', and a few others. I proudly encourage him to sing in his sweet, slightly off key, kids voice.

He also has a few funny scrambles that we enjoy not correcting. We were eating pineapple the other night, and Thomas was ever so polite as he asked for 'more pine cones, please.' Joshua and I smiled, thanked him for remembering his manners, and served him more of the yummy pine-apple-cone.

My parents recently celebrated their 31st anniversary. Thomas and I were rehearsing what to say to Memum & Pepop when we talked to him. Over and over and over, we went though this routine...

Mommy: Happy
Thomas: Happy
Mommy: Anna
Thomas: Anna
Mommy: Versary
Thomas: Grocery Store

My parents were thrilled with their being wished a Happy Anni-Grocery Store.

Our recent visit with the Fannings taught us several words we did not know yet. I think the cutest by far is how the Fanning boys respond with 'Da-da' when you tell them to say Yes Sir or Yes Ma'am. Sarah Grace has picked this up, and will 'Da-da' us very politely. After observing the spirit with which the Fanning boys used this phrase, and the serious look of obedience and sweetness on Sarah Grace's face, we accept this with joy.

Another colloquial exchange was on macaroni and cheese. The Freeman kids say 'monster cheese', while the Fanning boys say 'noo-noo'.

Sarah Grace's speaking skills are picking up at a much faster rate than Thomas did. She has phrases for bottle, blanket, diaper time, thank you, bite, and an amazing assortment of other words that just pop out occasionally. Defiant to the core, we struggle with her obedience, but I don't believe it is because of not understanding. I think she has it down pat! She just chooses to ignore us or act as if she does not understand. Prayers, training, and time will change this aspect of our little girl. In the interim, we try not to laugh as she babbles on about things and obstinately does whatever it is that she has on her mind to do.

Thanksgiving & the Fannings

It has been a fantabulous last couple of weeks. The kids and I headed out on an AIRPLANE to northern VA, much to the delight of Thomas! We arrived at Dulles at the kids bedtime, and though they were a bit cranky, they were quite intrigued by all the escalators and moving sidewalks. Thomas was especially taken with the luggage carousel. I fear had it not been for our friend Andrew, Thomas would have hopped on and taken a ride. Not that I blame him... I mean didn't you always wanna ride one of those nifty things when you were a kid?

We arrived at the Fanning household and surprised Sam & Ian (twins- age 32 months) and Adam (age 16 months). As you can well imagine, their three and our two kept us all hopping. We had a wonderful time visiting with old friends and watching as our kids made friends with each other. I could write tons on this point and tell you more about our two week life with the Fannings, but I will simply redirect you to their blog. Lora and I are notorious for writing essentially the same stuff and since she put it all so nicely, I will let her blog speak for all of us. =)

I will, however, post a couple of pictures detailing some of the highlights to our children from this trip.


Cowgirl Sarah Grace!




Thomas literally asleep on his feet.
Tired boy!



On Thanksgiving Day, we made 'Indian' outfits
for the kids to wear from grocery store bags.
Thomas and Sarah Grace loved theirs!



Ian, Sam, and Thomas reading a book together.



Our last night there, we let the big boys stay up
a little late and jam with the Daddy's. Joshua and
Andrew played guitar and sang songs as the boys
all danced their own jigs and laughed loudly!

All in all, it was a superb visit. We are so very thankful to have friends such as the Fannings with whom to share special holidays and special friendships. I hope all of you had a Thanksgiving as blessed as ours was.

Sunday, November 19, 2006

Undertakings

I have received an email or twelve asking if we are all doing okay. We are. The kids and I have been in northern VA this past week, and Joshua will be joining us Wednesday of this upcoming week and we will continue our visit through the Thanksgiving Holidays and be home soon after. We have been visiting with my best friend and her family. Want some craziness? Check out the Fannings Blog and read about some of our adventures thus far. More pictures and antics to come!

Tuesday, November 14, 2006

The New Baker in Town







Sunday, Thomas made a cake. All by himself (mostly). He managed to pour all the pre-measured ingredients into the bowl and stir them up really well. Next, he helped Mommy pour the batter into the cake pans, lick the spatula, the bowl, the mixer, and whatever else had the yummy chocolate concoction all over it. Then he very carefully carried one cake pan at a time over to the oven and put them in to bake. HOT! He did such a great job, and the cakes came out perfectly.

After we flipped them onto the cooling racks and they had time to cool off, Memum helped Thomas ice both layers of his wonderful cake. Then, of course, we had to eat some for dessert that night. Mmmmmm...good. Great job, Thomas!!!

Thursday, November 09, 2006

Fire!


Recently, Joshua and Thomas had an outside adventure! Thomas 'caught' and cooked his own meal. We are so proud of him!

Joshua came home one night and asked if he and Thomas could take care of preparing dinner. Being the generous soul that I am, I relented my kitchen responsibilities for the evening and allowed them to do the cooking. It was a sacrifice.


As my little family trooped out into our treeless back yard to rummage for fire making supplies, I had to smile to myself. These kids have such a great Daddy! Soon, they had found all the devices they needed to start a fire and they were warming themselves by the glowing flames. Sarah was a bit hesitant, and crowded close to her Daddy at all times. Thomas was entranced, completely. He pronounced it 'warm' and enjoyed poking at the fire with a stick and warming his hands and feet by the fire.


After a time, Thomas came in and 'caught' some hot dogs to take and roast over their little fire. He was very serious as he cooked his dinner and was careful not to let the weenie bounce on the stick too much for fear it would fall into the flames. In a few minutes, he came in, carefully, but proudly, bearing a dish of roasted weenies for the eating delectation of all who wanted.

Now, normally, Thomas is only so-so on hot dogs. But this night, he ate almost two whole weenies! Must have worked up an appetite with all that hunting and preparation!

Tuesday, November 07, 2006

Second Year Woes

Because I really don't want to call it the Terrible Twos. I mean, it's not terrible. It's just challenging. He challenges, I am challenged, and our tempers cross multiple times a day. I refuse to sit here and speak to you that I am a patient person throughout all of this. Besides, if you are reading this blog, you probably know me. Which means you know that patience is something that I have in fluctuating amounts. Some days we do great...other days, I pull my hair out and by the time my poor husband gets home, I am ready to crawl into a corner and cry for a bit. Whoever said that being a stay at home mom was easy, didn't do it.

Not that it is all one horrible event after another. If you think that, then you don't have kids yet. Even people who thought they would be horrible parents and were scared to death to have children, dote on and adore their children. Kids make us laugh. They make us cry. They make us frustrated. They make us think, learn and grow. They complete the family the God intended most of us to be a part of.

What I am saying is that it's not all joyfulness. Even when you grit your teeth and chant over and over and over, I will be joyful, I choose to be joyful, I am joyful. Right. Sure you are. That is why you have tension headaches that start at that clenched jaw point.

The point of this entry is not to encourage you. No, it is actually for me to vent. And if you find some encouragement in that, then praise the Lord. He does indeed work all things together for His good. I love my children. They are some of the most amazing blessings that the Lord has sent my way. He has taught me much through them, and that is just within the first 27 months. I shudder a bit, but look forward to what the rest of our lives teach me.

No, the point here is for me to say, this is a hard age. There is understanding on the part of my son, but how much of it does he really get? Forget the experts and the books. (and believe me, I read plenty of books) Let's talk nitty-gritty, real life kids. How much of what I am saying does my son get? How much does he simply not understand? How much is he pushing me and how much is he ignoring me? When do I discipline? How do I discipline? How long do I leave him in time out? Is time out really a discipline for my child, or a time for me to gather myself so that I can speak words of wisdom and not words of aggravation? Where do those words of wisdom come from, anyway? What things in his life do I really push to accomplish? Is potty training really so important that I should make the whole family miserable over it? (have you seen how large diapers come these days?) What are his boundaries for independence? How do I know when he needs firmness and when he just needs a hug? How long can I use the excuse, He is still so little? How do you teach table manners to a two year old?

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Consistency is key. I agree with that. Whole heartedly. But you have to figure that what Family A is modeling works for them, and that you can't just copy it over to your family. Family B is all messed up, and yet, you feel more like them most of the time. Make me family C. I don't need to exude perfectness to those around me. I am okay with toddlers who scream their frustration from time to time. Heck, I do. But, by the same token, I don't want to be so lax with the job the Lord has given me that my children grow up to be unstable and unsure and undisciplined. It's not okay for them to throw themselves down on the ground every time they are responded to negatively. The world just isn't that nice of a place.

One of the hardest things, I think, though most of us don't admit it or maybe don't even recognize it, is looking at other families and making comparisons. How come my child can't do that? Why is he not saying this or that? Why doesn't he know what to do with this set of circumstances? How is it that he is so much less advanced physically, socially, academically? And in some cases, of course, my child exceeds the accomplishments of others. And in some places he falls short. But not really. Just if I get careless and start making those comparisons.

Another place that gets sticky, for me anyway, is all the advice. Everyone has some. Some people give it out with a sweet spirit. Their hearts are in the right place, even if you don't want to hear the words. But it is easier to take the advice and wisdom that these people offer, because of the sincerity of it. It's people who mouth off about "How many kids are you going to have?" and How come you spank/don't spank for this or that? You should do ___________. I have to admit, I hate that kind of critical help. There is a place for it. But targeting it at an overwhelmed young mother is not that place. So there. I got that off my chest.

I am told that it gets easier. I believe this, but let's talk about how to keep up the sanity and the work of our Father in the mean time. I mean, my kids don't even speak in whole sentences yet. They can't express themselves in a way that is 100% understandable. Then, neither is language, I suppose. I mean, I know that this entry will not make sense to several folks out there.

But I look forward to the communicative years. I pray that we build strong enough foundations that we always stay communicative. And I know I am laying some of the groundwork for that now. I just need to let out some steam occasionally.

Sunday, November 05, 2006

Cuteness Exposed


Sarah after having enjoyed a fresh chocolate chip cookie.


Hollywood, here I come!


Cool Cat with a Cool Hat!


Hewwo? Fjoeialkarebouiglkgen ljemdka cool aneoijlkdm Cookie Monster alkdjfna ABCDEFG alkjdnfeoingka okay? jlakjein Wyub You! Bye Bye!

Lookie what I found, Mommy!

Wednesday, November 01, 2006

Hooray for Halloween!



Oh, my word! Let me just start with this thought for you fine folks to all bear in mind...20 pounds of candy. No kidding, we weighed in the bag of candy last night. Now what, I ask you, am I supposed to do with all that sugar? My kids are still running on leftovers from the pound they probably ate last night! I mean, they are just little bodies. How much sweet stuff can a toddler handle?

So, off the I-can't-believe-this soap box. They had a blast. We don't do the door to door trick or treating that was so much fun when I was a kid. It's that terrible fear of who is my neighbor that plagues most parents today. However, Joshua's work hosted a wonderful trick or treat for the families of their workers. And these guys brought out some serious candy, let me tell you. Our little Dragon and Lady Bug were a tad hesitant at first, not ever having been in costume or ever trick or treated, but soon learned of the loot that was to be had by simply looking cute and being sweet. Sarah took about two seconds to turn on the charm, and con multiple handfuls out of each person she went to. One guy (obviously childless) offered her a whole bucket chock full of chocolate treats! "Here, honey, you can just have the whole bucket if you can carry it." She could! Sigh. How is it that kids intuitively know what candy is, anyway? We really don't keep that much of it around here, and yet, they beelined for some of the tastiest goodies.

I think our kids were the youngest kids there for the most part, and the simple fact that they were in such identifiable costumes charmed most people. Although, several folks asked if Sarah was a strawberry, and one person said watermelon. This little costume seems to be much more versatile than I would have thought! Thomas was adorable in his Dragon suit, as well. In case you are wondering, he was a Dragon, not a Dinosaur. Trust me, it was a topic of little discussion. I said Dino, he said Dragon. The end. He had this tail that dragged the ground behind him, and with all the wonderful wet weather we got last night, the costume is now two toned around the tail area. Suggestions on how to clean that out?

Don't think this was the end of our adventure. Oh, no. We loaded up in the car and headed to Scottsboro, despite the weather. Admittedly, the rain put a damper on how many places we went, but we did manage a few. We stopped in on some friends of the family and as we all chatted, Thomas helped himself to piece after piece after piece after piece after piece (you get the picture here?) of candy and dropped it into his bag. All with the smiling approval of Randall and Gwen. I had the distinct feeling that had I tried to stop Thomas, one of them would have swatted my hand!

Next, we made our way over to Uncle Jimmy and Aunt Jane's house, where the greeting was just as warm. We stayed for a while and visited with my aunt and uncle and cousin Will as Thomas and Sarah Grace both pulled 'tanny' from their bags and sweetly handed it to Aunt Jane who obligingly would open it for them. Suffice it to say, the kids were zinging and I hadn't yet figured out to just forget obedience. It wasn't happening. Their ears were clogged with sugar! But, we had a great visit, and I think the kids entertained their hosts quite well. We said our goodbyes and loaded up again to head off to the next stop.

Mimi was all grins as she opened the door to her surprise visitors. She is THE great grandparent, and adores her position as such. She found some tootsie rolls to pop in the kids mouths and off they went, bouncing all over the place. Unfortunately, we had to do a pretty short visit, as it was already 8 p.m. So, hugs and kisses, and load up once more and off to...

PePop and MeMum's house! And they had a real jack-o-lantern! The kids went barreling in as I made for the fridge to find some 'real' food for them. A bowl of yummy Mexican food, a bath for them both in the chuggy tub, and fresh diapers and jammies later, we loaded back into the car for the trek home. The kids slept. Praise God.

It was a wonderful experience. The kids had an absolute blast, we got to visit with friends and family, and there is, of course, all that candy...