Roller Boys

Jen and I took the boys rollerskating today.

It was a 1st for the boys, and it's been about 25 yrs for Jen and me.

They caught on pretty quick. Lots of falling, but they have these contraption things

that they can balance on...

We were the ONLY ones at the rink the entire time, so we had our own private session.

It was fun. I am so going to be sore tomorrow.

Adios, Jen

My sister has come and gone. She had a quick trip here, so as usual we crammed tons of things into a small time period. So per request our of Mom, I'll be posting some pictures...
Every time Jen comes, we go to a new local winery. We hope to check them all off our list, this is our 3rd one here. Located on Main Street in Grapevine, it's called D'Vine. We got to do a tasting of 3 wines they made right there at their location.

Spy Kids

I think I mentioned this b4, but one of the boys favorite things to play together lately is "Spy". They go and spy on imaginary bad people, and they even spy on me! So, here is a picture of them playing spy this am, they didn't even wake me up: they were just playing together in their rooms... They thought they also had to be dressed alike to be spy's together... They both have great imaginations.

Another favorite for them lately is playing "pirates". Such a boy thing!!

Another popular hit is doing "homework". I have these workbooks and things printed from online, and they will sit at the table with me "teaching" them for hours at a time, sometimes doing 20 or so worksheets a piece at one time. I can totally see myself homeschooling them (I'm not), I love to teach them and watch them learn, and they love for me to teach them and they love to learn. Brag alert: I'm certain that I have 2 "very" smart little ones, they are going to do well!

Mist

So, I got one of those mist-on tans, Veraspa at LA Sunset Tan. It lasts 5-7 days. Looks like I just got back from vacation. I just had to stand in this thing for about 2 minutes while I was sprayed. So much healthier I guess than the beds. But, in just a few weeks I'll be on the beaches in Florida where I will get the real deal!!!

MP

Did you hear that Melrose Place is coming back????

woo hoo

Preschool Playdate #2

Preschool Playdate #2:
Mr. Willy performance. Wonderful!
(www.misterwilly.com)
then Lunch at McD's
Fun!!!

Peter Piper Pizza

A few weeks back, I planned a fun playdate for Lincoln's preschool class. It was a private tour of Peter Piper Pizza. The kids got to go back in the kitchen and watch how pizza's and dough, sauce, etc... was made, go in the freezer, etc... They loved it... They even got to each make their own personal pizza to cook and then eat. They had so much fun playing together outside of class. And the most fun part, I thought, is that we did this when the restaurant was still closed, so the kids had the entire place to themselves to play....

Here they are watching them make the dough...

This picture is funny b/c that is Lincoln in the back checking out Abby

(who he says he is going to marry...) busted!

The boys especially liked the dough process... they were chanting.

Lincoln riding the rides...

In the kitchen freezer...

It was fun! I like planning things like this, in fact

we have our 2nd preschool playdate tomorrow...

PS: Abby's mom took these pictures and put them on shutterfly for all of us..

Mommy Questions

Lincoln is 5 and Lawson is 3

1. What is something mom always says to you?
Linc: Clean up your room and do your chores.
Laws: No more crackers

2. What makes mom happy?
Linc: Hugs, Kisses, and Valentines.
Laws: When I make a funny face, like this.

3. What makes mom sad?
Linc: When she gets punched (???), or if I hurt a friend (???). And when Daddy is in another town.
Laws: When I be bad

4. How does your mom make you laugh?
Linc: Tickling me or doing something funny
Laws: When she makes a funny face. And tickling me.

5. What was your mom like as a child?
Linc: She went lots of places, played with her sisters and brother.
Laws: She ate chicken nuggets.

6. How old is your mom?
Linc: 22 or maybe 23 (mommy wishes)
Laws: 9

7. How tall is your mom?
Lincoln: 42 inches
Lawson: Thiiiiiis tall

8. What is her favorite thing to do?
Lincoln: Play with us, cook, not be bothered or annoyed.
Laws: Do her chores (nope)

9. What does your mom do when you're not around?
Lincoln: chores
Lawson: chores (I'm seeing a theme here.. my boys think I'm always doing chores, and liking it!)

10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
Lincoln: she will be the president
Lawson: Bowling

11. What is your mom really good at?
Lincoln: Sleeping, and finding things
Lawson: Working on the computer, cleaning

12. What is your mom not very good at?
Linc: Being bad
Lawson: Taking the boys to their room

13. What does your mom do for her job?
Lincoln: Mommy, you don't have a job do you? Is it cleaning? Before you were a mom your job was helping kids.
Lawson: Play computer, helping daddy

14. What is your mom's favorite food?
Linc: apples
Lawson: banana's

15. What makes you proud of your mom?
Linc: Being the best mom, everything she does, she is better than the rest.
Laws: all the things

16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
Linc: a flower
Lawson: a princess, or Blue from Blue's Clue's

17. What do you and your mom do together?
Linc: watch movies, talk, read books, go on walks, piano
Laws: Play and read books, park, winkids, play catch

18. How are you and your mom the same?
Linc: We both like to watch movies
Laws: We like to play and run

19. How are you and your mom different?
Linc: Mommy likes scary movies like Lost, and I don't
Laws: we have different names and mommy is a girl.

20. How do you know your mom loves you?
Linc: She takes care of me, and she is nice to me
Laws: She plays with me and kisses me

21. Where is your mom's favorite place to go?
Lincoln: To her meetings
Lawson: To get chicken nuggets

Audrey

Today, we had a visitor. Lincoln has been asking all year long to have his friend, Audrey over to play, and we finally arranged it. Audrey is Lincoln's preschool teachers daughter. She is 5 too, and is in the preschool class next door to him. But she is in AWANA with the boys at another church, and Audrey and Lincoln are in Moppets and Bible study together.
Anyway, today was 75 and sunny, so we took Audrey to the park for playtime and a picnic lunch. Then they came home and played, mostly outside. It was a great day.

Bye Bye Matthew

Bye Matthew, we enjoyed your quick visit with us.

Guess we will be seeing you again next month.

(Matthew toured Texas Tech this weekend, has been accepted, and is considering going there)

He did lot's of driving this weekend, so he got a dose of how the drive home would be. He drove 5 hrs from Houston to Dallas, then 5 hr from Dallas to Tech (Lubbock), then 5 hrs from Tech back to Dallas, then 5 more hrs from Dallas back home to Houston (area).

Funny thing is yesterday, when he was doing all that driving, Ron drove to Dallas to Houston then Houston to Dallas as well for work. They were both on the road for hrs and hrs yesterday, traveling across Tx in different directions.

Esther Study

I am on week 5 of 10 in my Bible Study. I am doing Beth Moore's study on Esther.
I'm pretty sure that this is my all time favorite bible study...
Here is a quick clip of Beth Moore talking about the Esther study, if you are interested...

Beth Moore: Esther, It's Tough Being a Women

PS: This bible study has a ton of homework, but it's good homework! I'm learning so much about myself.

Is this Talent, or just an abundance of energy?

Lawson, our 3 yr old, "dancing??" to the Wiggles.

Ron and I, before kids....

Book Share

try it, and post in my comments, or on your blog....

Rules:* Grab the book nearest you.
* Turn to page 56.
* Find the fifth full sentence.
* Post that sentence
* Don't dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.

"Had he just slipped me a key?" The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

Party Today

My sister Jen told me it seems like we are always going to bday parties. Well, we go to one pretty much every weekend, it seems. But for a 3 and 5 yr old, birthday parties are like the most funnest thing to do....

Today was our next door neighbor, Patrick's 4th bday at a bounce house in Southlake. It's cute to see how Lincoln and Lawson stay together and play together the whole time... I'm glad they are best buds and have so much fun... opposites attract I guess b/c they couldn't be more different. I'm pretty sure I've talked about this before!

Here is Lawson and Patrick, the bday boy!!! He doesn't look very happy in this picture, but he really was!!! Lawson is still napping, he was so worn out.

Visitor

Matthew, our 17 yr old nephew (oh yeah, he is 18 now I'm in denial...), and cousin to the boys is here for the weekend!!! He is going to go check out Texas Tech on Monday, he got accepted there and is deciding on what college to go to since he is graduating this yr... If he goes to Texas Tech in Lubbock he will be TEN hrs from home and his parents. 5 hrs from us in Dallas... Sue if he goes to Tech, you guys can always meet HERE which would be half way, 5 hrs for each of you!!!

The Pool

The boys had the last swim lesson tonight. They did great, I am so amazed. They will be having a great summer packed with lot's of swimming, and Lincoln may be swim team material.

We made a commitment to continue going up to the community center now that lessons are over, twice a week. Ron and I will rotate working out and watching the boys swim....
I also put on a video of Lawson swimming... he is fearless, of course. This is his 1st ever swim lesson, he pretty much is a natural at all sports....

(Nanny and Grammy, I know you want to read this bigger... just click on the image and it should enlarge it)

phone update

Friends and Family who call us.... We no longer have a home phone, so call us on our cell phones!!!

Win Kids Coupons, For Local Friends

I have plenty of $50.00 off coupons for new members at WinKids... A GREAT place to sign your kids up for something COOL and INDOORS for the summer... Or sign them up for swim lessons right now.
Let me know if you or anyone you know needs a $50.00 off coupon (I get a referral credit too!!!)

Supply List

In just 3 short weeks, it is Kindergarten Round-up for next year. This is when you get your child registered in the school to start kindergarten for next year. Can't believe this time has come!!! But Lincoln is super pumped about starting... it's like a dream come true for him that kinder is right around the corner, he's such a "school boy".

I don't know about anyone else, but I have always wondered what kind of "school supply" list the kids have these days. So if you are like me and are wondering... here is the kindergarten supply list. Knowing me, I'll probably have all these supplies ready by next week: which is 6 months early. I'm just like that. I'm the opposite of procrastinator, whatever that is.

KINDERGARTEN
3 – 4oz. Elmer’s Glue
1 – 12x18 Manila paper 50 ct.
2 – 160 ct. Kleenex tissue
1 – Sharp 5” Fiskar scissors
2 – 8 ct. Crayola crayons-small
6 - #2 Pencils
1 – Prang 8ct. Watercolor set
2 – 1.27 oz. Avery Glue Stick
1 – Crayola Washable Thick Classic Markers 8ct
.1 – 12x18 asst. Construction paper 50ct.
2 – 24 ct. Crayola crayons
1 – Crayola Washable Thin Classic Markers 8ct.
2 – Green pocket & Brad folder1 – Antibacterial Wetones wipes
2 - 16 ct. Crayola Crayons1- 12 x 18 Assorted Sulphite Construction Paper
2 - .77 oz (22 gram) Elmers's Glue Stick

Two Dads???

Lincoln: Soooo, Jesus has a stepfather, huh?

Mommy: No, what makes you think that?

(Lincoln has a couple of friends who already have "step parents", and is very inquisitive about having different parents)

Lincoln: Well, Jesus' Father is God. And also Joseph is his father. So, I guess Joseph is his step father b/c he can't have 2 dads.


Mommy: hmmmmm.... Let's call Nanny....

another weekend

Having yet another fun and eventful weekend.

February has been great, but I'm really looking forward to March coming.

My sister Jen will coming in town for her spring break, and at the end of March me and the boys will make a trip to San Antonio.

Reader

Lincoln read me THREE books this morning.

All. By. Himself!!!

He just stumbled out of bed, and the 1st thing he says is "Mom I'm going to read you books today". And he did. Smart Boy....

google game

this is a Facebook thing, but it's funny reading everyone's. If you have a blog or facebook, try it. Or you can post yours in my comments....

INSTRUCTIONS
1. Go to Google.com
2. Including the quotation marks, type "[YOUR NAME] needs"
3. Take the top 10 results and post them.
4. Laugh.

Results:

Cynthia needs....
1. to learn to wear clothes that don't drown her (I've actually been told that)
2. lots of love (I can handle that!)
3. to tighten her security (???)
4. a pillow police (could help around here. someone keeps stealing my pillow...)
5. 23 row of tile in her kitchen (I'll tell Ron about that)
6. a cheap car (don't need one, love my suburban)
7. to lighten up (hmmmmm)
8. to be allowed to get on with the rest of her life (hmmm??)
9. a clean kitchen and clean refrigerator when she arrives home (I like this one)
10. to stop being a brat (I think they have the wrong cynthia)

J is for Jen

Lincoln brought a picture of Aunt Jen yesterday for his "show and tell" with something that started with the letter J.

Just a small clip of Lawson at swim lessons...

Lawson, the Fish

Ididn't get a video of Lawson swimming during his lessons, but here is a video of him swimming/playing with his vest on. They swam for 3 hrs straight last night, they had a blast. Ron came along too, and got to workout and watch thier lessons.

Here is Lawson with his teacher doing the back stroke. He's very comfortable on his back now, which is great. Being on your back in the water as a child is not a very natural feeling.....

More of Lincoln Swimming

Proud Mommy Alert: Don't watch this video unless you want to see Lincoln swim across the pool. Again. I'm just so proud of him being able to swim so well. Here is a video from last night.

MoHawk

Do all boys want to see how they would look in a mohawk???

Our boys would seriously wear a mohawk if we let them, they think it's totally cool...

Chloe

Chloe the 10 month old Golden Retriever had a nice weekend visit to our house. Lucky and her got along just fine. They just played and played and played and played. She had so much fun over here, she might even come back next weekend.

LAST Valentines Day 2008

It's strange how this year has just flown by so fast, yet we have had so many wonderful memories. Do think the boys have changed much in a years time??

Weekend Ramblings

Last night I volunteered to have a "Babysitting Night" at our house for some neighbors. I thought it would fun for the neighbor kids to all come over to play while the parents got to go on an early Valentine's date. It was all boys that came, which made it especially fun (wild??).

What's in it for me???

Well, now I have several "saved" date nights to use while they watch our boys in return!!

This is Bryce, 22 months. He had a blast just watching and laughing at the older boys!! I've never watched him before, but I told his mommy he is welcome anytime, he was a piece of cake!!! (except for the poopy diaper...)

It was easy, we just locked them in Lucky's kennel: !!!!

Just kidding, of course. Ron thought it would be funny if I put this "babysitting" picture on... But really they played in Lucky's kennel for an hour. Pretending to be dogs, and giving each other snacks, etc... Easily entertained!

I am glad that 85% of my readers have a Valentine's date tonight! We do... The boys will go to Win Kids for a camp out 6:30-10 and Ron and I will have a sushi date (our favorite childless thing to do).

And of course we are excited anticipating our puppy friend, Chloe to come over in just a bit for the weekend. Lucky and Chloe (another female golden retriever) are going to have so much fun... So are Lincoln and Lawson (and me and Ron). We get so excited about these kind of things... We are going to take them on walks, etc.... Can't wait...

Ron and I are reading Dobson's book, Strong Willed Child. We are learning all sorts of neat things about Lawson and some great idea's. We also liked his book, Bringing up Boys.

Howdy Valetine's!!!

Friday the 13th

Here is a little psychology for you today.

Fear of Friday the 13th: One of the most popular myths in science is called paraskavedekatriaphobia as well as friggatriskaidekaphobia.
Triskaidekaphobia is the fear of the number 13.

Tay Tay

On Wednesday I was able to "borrow" Taylor for the day.... Love the girl time... We picked her up from her school, went to Peter Piper Pizza for lunch and play, then came home and the boys and her played all day long. It was great. We love having Taylor over!! Last Wednesday, Lincoln got to spend the day at her house, and he had a blast. They are so much alike, it's funny!

Tomorrow (Friday) I will be watching 2 different neighbors kids so they can go out on an early Valentine's date. We have our own date on Saturday while the boys will be at Parents Night Out at WinKids... And... we also get to watch a friends 7 mo old Golden Retriever for the weekend. Lucky gets to have a friend over too!!! It's going to be a fun weekend.

Another Holiday Preschool Party

Today was Lincoln's Valentine's Party for preschool. Remember how fun it was back then to make the box and get Valentines from all your friends, not to mention all the sweets.

Being the little brother, Lawson gets all the party perks, too...

Lincoln and his BFF Abby, who he still says he is marrying one day.

Lincoln and his box he made at home all by himself...

Swim Lessons

The boys are in swim lessons currently, and are doing great. Every Tues and Thurs for the month of Feb. The only problem is Lawson's class is at 5 and Lincoln's at 7, so every tues and thurs of this month we have to spend a whole 3 hrs up at the community center! Haven't heard any complaints from the boys though, they just love to swim.... Here is a video of Lincoln during class tonight. He is in Level 2, meaning the kids already know how to swim and the coaches help them improve the technique and form. They have to swim all the way across the pool and back. Pretty good for a five yr old, I think... And wait until next week when I post a video of Lawson... He is swimming too!!!

the big flop

I heard all about this today, so I just had to watch this clip... It's Joaquin Phoenix's interview with David Letterman. Apparently he is high on drugs... it's pretty sad, and David Letterman is getting really upset at him...

Interested in watching, if you haven't already...
Click Here

xoxoxo box

Thank You Aunt Jen for the great Valentine's Day Goodie Box we got today. It really made the boys day... Lincoln couldn't stop kissing his new musical toothbrush, and well let's say the cookies you made didn't last long.... and the candy......

winkle winkle wittle staw

Lawson really does know how to say his abc's, but he always gets a bit nervous when asked and tends to skip big chunks of the alpabet. Here is a little "singing" video for his grandparents out there.

Printable Coupon For You

Friday's Fan?? Here is a printable coupon.

Not valid on Valentine's Day and expires March 1st.

Print and Enjoy.

Valentine's cookies and message, just for you!!!

Today was Decorate Valentine's Cookie Day at our house....

And a little Valentine's video message for you....

Saving the World, One by One

We had a speaker at MOPS about Green cleaning, and safe cleaning. Since hearing her and doing my own research, I have decided to go green with my cleaning (as much as I can). I'm taking this in smaaalll steps so I don't get overwhelmed. But I have to say, once you change a couple of things it gets kind of addicting and more and more things seem to change.
Yes I made my decision, so that we can do our part to "Save the World" so it will be a better place for our children. However, my main reason to implement this was for the safety of the boys and myself. OMG I did not realize how very harmful all the cleaning supplies were that I was using. Cancer causing.... The amount of cleaning I do every day, I am sure to do some damage to myself if I don't make a change... And more importantly, my boys do a tremendous amount of cleaning and I want them to be using the safest cleaning agents as possible. So, to make a very long story short, this is what I have started doing...
1. Bon ami (www.bonami.com). I'm in love with this stuff... It's cheap, and works great.... with no harmful unnecessary chemicals. You find it in the grocery store right next to those cans of ajax. This is a great thing for me to sprinkle in the toilet and let the boys scrub... I use it on everything....
2. Cleaning bathroom and kitchen with vinegar mixture and hydrogen peroxide.
3. Borax (find it in the laundry detergent section). Directions on box, but can be used as a multi purpose cleaner on everything....
4. MicroFiber

I know a lot of you out there have already gone green so share your suggestions!!

Cheers

Last night, we had Cara (college friend/roomate), Mike, Ryan, Maddie, and Tori over for dinner and playtime. Enjoyed our time together... The kids had so much fun together.

Reading Buddie's

Warning, this video isn't an exciting one, just a sweet one. You will witness why I like to have 2 boys so close in age, they are best buds now (99% of the time). This morning as I am rushing around like a mad women to get out of the house on time, I go into my room and they are sitting on the lazy boy and Lincoln is reading to Lawson. They do this all the time. Lincoln loves to "read" books to Lawson and Lawson loves having Lincoln "read" to him. They didn't know I was watching, at 1st, you will see when they notice. Anyway, thought I'd video this for them to watch later...

Cheap Night Out

Can't afford to go out for Valentine's dinner???

Here is a coupon for you to take out your sweetheart!

In need of a laugh today???

Please, Please, Please watch this if you want to laugh today.
It is titled "I love Jesus but I drink a little". (the Ellen show)

Click on Here!!!

Lost Perspective

Only if you are a LOST fan, click HERE

Regis

This is the photo I entered in the Regis and Kelly Beautiful baby contest.

I think he might win.

How can they not pick him???