Snow Fun

Not only was last Sunday Owen's 6th birthday, it was also a beautiful day to go sledding. We located all the boots, hats, mittens, snow pants, scarves, and coats, then loaded the boys up and headed to Grandma and Grandpa Stine's house. They have a nice hill in their backyard that is perfect for little boys on their sleds to go whooshing down. The giggles and laughter from the boys was unmistakable as they had many near misses with the tree at the bottom of the hill and as they took spill after spill into the snow. David's knee was the only casualty of the day; he sacrificed it so that the three of them wouldn't plow head first into said tree. He made the sled swerve, and in the process, clipped his knee. What's a little fun if no one gets hurt? Thankfully, there was plenty of the fluffy white stuff on hand if he needed to ice it.

You might want to call an ENT

Last Wednesday, one day after the puking incident, Gav had yet another doctor's appointment. His appointment was planned ahead of time to make sure the antibiotic for his sinus and ear infections was working; Owen's appointment was not. He woke up that morning what the icky green snot we thought the antibiotic he'd been on had taken care of. Wrong. Thankfully, the doctor could see them both at the same time. She thinks that the boys like to do a little bit too much together... both needed to be stepped up to yet another antibiotic and decongestant because their sinus infections looked worse than they did in the beginning of December! As she handed me their four (!?!) prescriptions, she said she'd recommend we consult an ENT and discuss our options as far as their adenoids and tonsils. We have an appointment for January 12, and it cannot come soon enough. I'm so tired of having to pour horrible tasting medicine after medicine down their throats and try to convince them it is helping.

This isn't what I had planned.

Gavin is on his second round of antibiotics for his sinus and ear infection. He detests the taste of it, so I had it flavored with the bubblegum flavoring thinking that would help. It did - for about a day. Since then, I've tried putting it in his OJ, mixing strawberry or chocolate syrup in it, and letting him drink it with a straw. I've even tried telling him that if he doesn't take his medicine, he could get everyone else sick. His response: I'll let you take my medicine then. Grrrrr. So not the response I was looking for! Arguing with him over taking his medicine is torture, especially when you add in the Owen factor.

Owen was strangely cooperative yesterday and actually asked to take a nap. Are you seeing a red flag? I did. He woke up afterwards with a headache and sniffles. Then during the middle of the night, he woke up with a stomachache and promptly puked on the floor. Lovely. There is nothing like cleaning up puke in the middle of the night to really wake you up! He puked again this morning, but is eating and drinking. He still has a runny nose and a little temp, but nothing serious at this point. I'm hoping just a little rest is all he needs.

I'd just like to point out playing nurse isn't what I had planned for break. I wish I could just snap my fingers and make both boys instantly better so we can get back to having fun!

The Princess & the Frog

Today, Gavin went to his first ever movie at Movies 14. Originally, we were all going to go as a family, but the plan hit a little snag when Owen decided today should also be National Grumpy Boy Day. Nothing was making him happy, so he stayed home with David. After asking me at least 20 times if we were there yet, Gav and I got to the theatre, bought our tickets, and spent a small fortune on small popcorn and a medium Sprite. We found our seats and Gav promptly set about devouring the popcorn. He loved the Toy Story trailer and doesn't quite understand he can't see it now! He was quiet and sat still for the entire movie. I'd say he enjoyed the whole experience as he walked out like he owned the place or at least had been to 20 movies before now. And yes, he ate the whole bag of popcorn by himself.

What is THAT?

When we went to bed last night, the ground was green. Six hours later, it was white. Winter has officially arrived and, along with it, my good mood has vanished. You see, I despise the white fluffy stuff unless it is in a picture of a place far, far away. However, the boys and their father do not share my sentiments (they may be slightly mentally ill, if you ask me) and were excited to go out and play this afternoon. They had a snowball fight, played with the neighbor girl, and forced David to drag them all around the yard on the sleds. Now, they are collapsed, watching television, and almost ready to zonk out and it is only 7:00! Hum, maybe snow isn't so bad after all...

I go on the good list!

I'm in charge of dropping Gavin off at daycare every morning. We really enjoy our daily commute, where we talk about all kinds of important things like whether or not snowmen like hot chocolate. (We decided that was a negative, because of the melting factor, but they do enjoy marshmallows.) He loves daycare and preschool, but loves hanging out with me more. He's the self-elected president of my fan club and has recently decided he should just go to school with me instead of daycare. When we get to his school, there are usually few tears and clingy moments, before Grandma Gwen peels him off of me, and I dash for the door. Obviously, I feel less than happy afterwards and have been racking my brain for a way to get him to not be upset, because face it, there is no such thing as waterproof mascara! (I didn't say the tears were just from him.)

Enter the man in red, the one, the only: Santa Claus! Yep, yesterday afternoon I resorted to telling Gav that when he cries when I leave, it makes me and Grandma Gwen sad, and when we are sad, Santa is sad. When Santa is sad, the elves have to cheer him up and can't work in the toy shop. The look of confusion on his poor little face was like he was thinking "Shoot, if I make Santa sad, there go my toys for Christmas!" He was strangely silent the rest of the way home.

This morning, I dropped Gav off as usual. However, as we got out of the van, he saw a flashing red light and some white lights in the sky. He automatically thought it was Santa and Rudolph coming to check on him. He started jumping up and down, yelling, "I'm a good boy. I go on the good list, not the rock list." I didn't have the heart to tell him it was a helicopter. He walked into daycare, helped put his things away, gave me a hug and kiss, and practically ran to Grandma Gwen - leaving me in the dust. This time it wasn't him crying at the door with me; it was just me, because I was so proud of my little man and thankful for the helicopter that chose today for a flyover. I think the man in red had a little something to do with the timing.

Oh, Facebook, how I love thee.

I kept meaning to post something new, but time seems to have slipped away from me- that and my new technological addiction took over. I love Facebook. It is the quick and easy way to update the masses on what is going on in the Stine house.

My most recent FB posts all seem to relate to Gavin, who has become quite the one liner kiddo lately. Take for example what he told me last Friday when I caught him trying to comb both dogs' hair with his brother's comb. He looked up at me with the biggest, widest brown eyes and said "because I don't want to use mine on the dogs!" This was quickly followed by the My Mom is the Dumbest Woman Ever look. Today, he told Owen, his sharing impaired brother, that he "Really should share, because Santa is watching. Do you want rocks for Christmas?" Pretty good logic, if you ask me!

So, yes, I fully intend to get back to this blogging business, and I have made it is my New Year's resolution. It seems much more plausible than exercising!

Pirates!

The boys' Pawpaw made them the happiest little guys ever last night. He made them their very own pirate swords! They have been more than slightly obsessed with pirates since Disney and this just added to the obsession. Both boys had to sleep with their swords last night and popped out of bed with them in hand this morning, ready to defend the house against would-be attackers. The poor Lowe's delivery guys even played along and pretended to be scared.

Drive faster, Batman.

While cleaning up the kitchen this morning, I was wondering how the kitchen turns into a disaster so quickly. That's when I heard the following: Go faster, Batman! I went to the window and discovered Owen riding on the roof of Gav's car. Gav was going as fast as he could, all the while screeching, "Hold on, Robin! We're on a bumping road and the engine is overheating!" Meanwhile, Owen/Robin was telling Gav/Batman what way to go and how fast to go. Where they come up with some of these things I do not know! They sure do have some pretty active imaginations that is for sure.

Where is summer going?

Having a car wash

Toad hunting

We've been back from Disney for a few weeks and I finished grad school. You'd think that with all that extra time on my hands, I'd have updated our blog before now, right? HA! Chasing the two boys around is a lot like herding cats. Both are impossible because once I catch one and get him on the right path, the other is off and running often in the opposite direction. The boys' favorite things to do this summer include hunting for toads, having car washes, playing in the pool and sprinklers, and riding bikes. They also like to pretend that they are pirates and Jedi knights. Did I mention they are all boy?!

Gav's birthday

Today we celebrated Gavin's 3rd birthday. It really isn't until the 16th, but we will be at Disney then. We could have waited to celebrate, but then his Uncle Steve would be in the D.R. for a mission trip, so we decided to have it early. We were thinking it might rain, but it didn't and the kids all got to swim. The water is COLD as the ignitor on the heater went out and they can't install the new one until late next week. Uncle Steve earned his Uncle of the Day award by volunteering to go in the water with Gav, who has no fear, but needs to have someone there still to keep him upright. Kids really don't care how cold the water is! Gav was well spoiled and enjoyed his Batman birthday and I'm ready for a nap.

Puppy!

We brought the new addition to the family home today. He's an eight week old Yorkie and as cute as cute can be. We still haven't settled on a name. Although Purple Flower Cheeto Head does have a unique ring to it, I'm not quite sure it should be his name. He's a very good little guy so far. He suffered through a bath, Riley pushing him around with his nose, and the boys following his every step. Now he is passed out and snoring that ever so cute way puppies do.

I'd also like to point out that David secretly likes the little critter. I sat him down in the grass for a whole minute. He instantly picked him up saying it was too cold outside for him and was snuggling him. He's such a sucker!

A good hiding place

Warning: What you are about to see is very startling and should not be viewed by those who are prone to fainting.

We recently discovered there was an alligator in our house, hiding in the most perplexing location. Apparently, it was tired of the cold weather and only Ugg boots could provide the much needed warmth and protection he needed from the frigid wind and never ending winter. Thank goodness Batman/Gavin was on hand to extract the wild beast from my boots.

Shedd Aquarium

Yesterday, we took the boys to Chicago to Shedd Aquarium. First, let me say we were not the only people to say, "Let's go to Shedd's since we both have Good Friday off." Obviously the people who got there before us, who didn't have to stand shivering as the wind whipped off the lake for 30 minutes, had that thought too. Ah, how we looked at them with envy as they pushed their strollers away from the aquarium while we froze.

After thawing out once we got inside, we saw everything and the boys had a good time. They especially liked the 4D movie complete with shaking chairs, real bubbles, and squirting water. When we left, we felt triumphant that we'd gotten there before the mass of people who were waiting to get in. They were telling the people at the end it would be at least 90 minutes before they got inside. Crazy! And we did catch the jealous stares of a few desperate parents who wished they could be in our shoes and leaving instead of waiting in line. To leave would be to admit defeat, and they were some brave people to wait that long.

Are you kidding me?

When I looked outside this morning, I was hoping I was hallucinating or at the very least was having some major vision issues since I am half blind. But alas, negative on both. It snowed last night. I wish I could say it looks lovely, peaceful, and calm, but I really think it looks downright disgusting. There is nothing pretty about our poor hanging Easter eggs being weighed down by snow. I was so looking forward to playing outside today in a jacket and working with Owen on riding his bike. I think this will be a good "Stay in PJs Day."

The good news is that Gavin is feeling much better. He plowed through his breakfast in no time at all and then ate half of mine. I had to stop him from stealing food off of Owen's plate. You'd think Gav had gone weeks without food the way he was inhaling everything in sight except Riley's dog food. Just give him time....

Sick kiddo

Gavin has never met a food he doesn't like. He will eat anything from asparagus to mac and cheese with fruit loops on top. This is how he insisted he eat it last week. He claimed it was delicious, but I just don't have the stomach to try it.

This being said, it is always a sign when our good little eater stops eating much and that's exactly what he did yesterday afternoon. Poor little Gav has a touch of the stomach flu. He spent most of last night puking and most of today sleeping or in the bathroom. The only time he's truly been happy today was when we were snuggling and when he took a bath. I took the picture after his bath and he informed me he was "too sick to smile." I hope this isn't an indication of what the rest of break will be like.

Spring Break Eve

As soon as we got home and had dinner started, we went out to play. It was a surprise they even wanted to go outside, because the boys seriously haven't left their new Lego collection for more than a few minutes since they got them the other evening. They were feeling very creative this evening. Owen spent close to an hour drawing his version of Notre Dame, while Gav discovered the dump truck is a perfect vehicle. He directed Owen on which way to go, between giggles. I really hope the weather stays nice so that next week we can play outside a lot since we aren't leaving Etown for some exotic sunny and warm location with lots of sand.

Getting old

I just realized I haven't posted a picture of David sporting his new Coke bottle glasses. OK, they really aren't that horrible when you figure my eyes are 14 times as bad. However, to hear him talk, he needs a seeing eye dog and someone to chauffeur him around. I think he looks handsome in they and very Clark Kent-ish. He says he looks like a nerd. Same diff, right? (By the way, I have no idea what Owen is doing in the picture. He takes after David something fierce.)

Legos!

Christmas came early this year for the boys. I mentioned that we are in the market for Legos to my coteacher, Lynda. She said she might have some to unload and imagine my surprise when she brought over two huge totes of them tonight! Prying them out of the boys' hands before bed was quite the feat, let me tell you, but it was well worth seeing their happy little faces and hearing them chatter about what they want to build. Now we just need a Lego table to hold all their creations.

Bonnie Doon's

The boys had a field trip to Boonie Doon's ice cream factory in Elkhart today. I was lucky enough to sneak out from an all day meeting to go with them. Making ice cream is actually a pretty cool process and very simple. The boys were in awe of the huge walk in refrigerator and the pallets of ice cream. They speculated that it wouldn't take their Dad long to eat all the ice cream in the fridge. One of Owen's many girlfriends rode with us as well and she is in the pictures with us. He informed me when they get married, they will have cake AND ice cream at their wedding with Super Heroes on both.

Spelling

Owen just might be a future spelling bee champion. Today, on the way home, he asked me to ask him how to spell cookie. Playing along, I asked. His little voice chirped C-O-O-K-I-E. At this point, I became highly suspicious and asked him if he had a package of cookies or something he was reading off of. Imagine my surprise when he said he learned the word at school earlier. He can also spell cat, dog, mom, Gavin, on, no, off, and finally, dad. He informed me he wants to get a little notebook to "record all the words I can spell." Did I mention my kid is S-M-A-R-T?

It's here.

SPRING HAS ARRIVED!

My baby is getting big

Over the weekend Owen asked for some paper to make some pictures. He worked and worked for a while and kept telling us we couldn't look. Then he announced he'd made us some pictures for Easter and we "absolutely, positively should not look for them under the chair in the front room." We swore we wouldn't, because we already know he has our genes and cannot keep a surprise a secret for long. Monday, after we got home, the anticipation got to him and he gave us our pictures. My favorite is of our flower garden (bottom pic). He also practiced writing Mom and his version of Dad (we can't convince him it is not Dadad) on some of them all by himself. David looked at me like I was insane when I was reaching for a tissue to wipe my eyes. I'm a sap and I know it.

Things I'm going to do when my classes end.

I've spent a lot of time wishing I had more free time over the past year with my Masters classes. During this time, I've come up with a list of things I'm going to do as soon as June 28 rolls around. Topping that list are two things that will make my Mom happy: I'm going to learn to use my sewing machine and learn to either knit or crochet. The latter part will be a surprise for her because she has only been trying to teach me to crochet since I was six. I can make one heck of a single stitch chain (at least I think that is what it is called), let me tell you. As for the sewing, I think she bought me my sewing machine in 2000 and I don't even know how to thread it. Sad, I know. I also plan to get caught up on my scrapbooking. I haven't touched anything since Christmas and should feel overwhelmed by the looming pile of pictures I have right now. I'm not because I realize if I forced myself to sit down and do something with them, I wouldn't be as happy with the results. I want to take my time and do it right. Next, there is my never ending pile of Books I Must Read. It grows more gargantuan every day. And then there is the book I want to start writing, but that's a whole other story. ;-)

The sunshine today was so deceiving after the one and only day of spring last week. I was so sure it was warmer than it was today when I left school. Imagine my surprise when I almost blew across the parking lot! Even with the wind, the sunshine just added to my desire to get out in the yard and dig in the dirt. Owen and I spent forever yesterday pouring over a gardening catalog - dreaming about the trees, flowers, and plants we want. I'm pretty sure we'd need 20 acres to accomplish it all. Even Gav got into it picking out things he thought we needed because "we live on a farm" now. My personal favorite suggestion was his insistence that we "need a rooster for our farm." I am fairly certain the neighbors might object to rising to its crowing every morning. I know I would! I tried explaining this to Mr. I Rise At 6 A.M. Because I Can and he didn't get it at all. He also wants to "park his horse in the garage." Who am I to argue with a toddler - especially one who informed me it had to park in the garage because we don't have a barn?

A taste of spring

Spring stopped by this afternoon and, as soon as we got home, we went out to play in the backyard until David got home. The boys loved racing around and playing with all of their forgotten toys. Gav discovered he can climb the climbing walls on the swing set and Owen was thrilled to play with his beloved sandbox. He also practiced T ball in preparation for practice starting next month. I hope spring comes back soon.

Big Boy and the Polka Dot Kid

When I picked up the boys from daycare today, Gavin was sporting a crown that proclaimed he's a big boy now and Owen had polka dots all over his face in various colors. I'll start with the crown first. Gav went two weeks without having any accidents at school, so today Miss Shelli gave him his official big boy crown and let him pick a surprise from the treasure chest. He thinks he is really cool stuff and has yet to take his crown off. His new Matchbox car is also an item causing much envy from Owen.

On to Owen's polka dots, which were not caused by envy of said car as one who knows him well might assume. Dr. Seuss's birthday is this month and his class read Put Me In the Zoo with Gavin's. The animal in the book wants to live at the zoo, but he has a unique talent of changing his spots to different colors. He ends up joining the circus. To go along with the book, the teachers put red, yellow, green, and purple spots on the faces of all the kids who wanted them. Owen, of course, did. Gav, of course, did not. It was interesting explaining to the soccer coaches tonight why Owen had multicolored chicken pox.

Big kid

It seems like all of the sudden, Gav grew out of his car seat within the past two weeks. Buckling him in with his coat on was becoming near impossible and his movement was very constrained. (Think the kid in A Christmas Story who is so bundled up he can't get off the ground to get the idea.)

Friday night I took him to pick out his new booster seat and we really lucked out. The one we wanted was on clearance so we were able to buy two for the price of one. We swapped Owen's old one for the car seat in David's car and put the two new ones in the van so as to eliminate any sibling bickering over why they are different.

Gav tried out his new seat today and loved it just in case the big smile doesn't give it away. He's certainly becoming a big kid lately. I don't even know the last time he had an accident in his big boy pants. Yesterday was his buddy Kamari's birthday party and it took Gav only a few minutes to warm up to all of the strangers, then he was off to chase balloons and jump in the Spiderman bounce house. While I love his new independence, it makes me a little sappy to know he's getting so big.

It's 25.

Owen had his first major timeout at preschool today. Apparently, he was hopped up on something and had extra energy to burn. In class, he wasn't being as quiet as he should have been, was being bossy, and a bit of a know-it-all. After a few warnings, which he ignored, he got sent to the hall for a timeout. No problem there, right? Mrs. Williams went back to working with the kids in the room counting and was asking them what number came next. When they got to 24, no one was replying so she asked again, "What number comes after 24?" At this point, Mr. Owen Know-it-all chimes in from the hall, "The next number is 25, Mrs. Williams. Don't you people know anything?" I guess she struggled not to laugh and had to remind him that when students are in a timeout, they don't get to participate in class activities. This crushed him and she said he sobbed buckets of tears. I asked him why he was so upset and he said because he thought that meant he'd never get to go to school again. I hope he continues to understand that getting in trouble is not a good thing.

Bath time

Bath time is always pretty entertaining at our house. Most nights, Owen doesn't want to take a bath and we have to practically tie Gav up to get him out of the tub. I think he'd sleep there if we let him. Tonight, the boys decided to do things in reverse from what we normally do when we get home. They took a bath, put on pjs, had dinner with dessert first, then played afterwards. They were cracking each other up in the tub and talking in their own little language. In my opinion, these two pictures capture them at their very, very rotten best.

New vocabulary

Gav has a new name for Owen and it is a bit hard to tell him he can't use it with a straight face. When O is really, really annoying him, Gav puffs out his chest and says, "You are a smelly creature, Owen Christopher Stine." This statement comes complete with his famous scowl and hands on his hips. If you ask Gavin if he is a creature too, he'll say he is... but he smells good.

Owen's word of the week was symmetry at preschool. I quizzed him about what the word meant and he said, "Well, you know how you have an ear on both sides of your head? That's symmetry. They are in the same places on opposite sides." For homework, he had to practice decorating hearts in a symmetrical pattern and I have to say I was quite impressed with how well he did. He even folded his hearts in half and put a mirror on the part that was horizontal on the counter to look at the reflection from the part that was vertical to make sure he was right about where to put shapes. Then he practiced on a separate piece of paper, before touching his markers to his official worksheet. I tell you what, the money we have spent on Angel Central has been well spent. My kid is super smart.

P.S. Just in case you can't read the purple note, the picture at the bottom of the worksheet is one of Spiderman in his underwear. Some days I really wonder about Owen.

What to do with all that art work?

I have been pondering the question of what exactly to do with all of the boys' art work for forever now. I was just stacking it all up with the intent of deciding later what to keep and pitch. The pile fell over to this past week and I took that as a sign I needed to do something. I've had a wooden screen to hold pictures since we moved (Thanks, Tracy!) but hadn't decided what to put in it. Then shazam! The pile fell over colliding with the screen and I thought, "Hum, what if I put some of the art work on display in it?" I already have some of the boys' masterpieces framed in the kitchen and they love seeing it.

Tonight, I weeded out all the potential pieces with the idea of only using those pictures they painted. Then I went to work. The result was a very eclectic piece of art. The boys spent the whole time asking which one was theirs before posing for a picture in front of it. I think it took longer to get them in front of it than it did to assemble everything. Gav kept trying to hide behind it, then giggling, "You can't see me." Owen's actually holding on to him in the picture to keep him from escaping. And you thought they were just being affectionate!

The countdown is on

David proved very handy with a roll of tape today. I printed out a countdown chain for Disney while back and I did the cutting awhile he did the assembling. We hung the chain on the wall after the boys played with it for a few minutes. Who knew a paper chain could be so much fun? The deal is that the first little boy to be ready to go in the mornings gets to tear off the loop for the day. Maybe this new incentive will prompt Owen to crawl out of bed with less of a fight for a day or two.

Read to us, Daddy

Reading is pretty important at our house and both boys have been read to since the day they were brought home from the hospital. Lately, only David is allowed to read to Owen because he wants to read his super hero books only. Sadly, I don't know enough about super heroes to be considered as knowledgeable as David, so I have been discarded for the time being. Gav also likes to hear David read so it isn't uncommon for David to have both boys hanging all over him when he reads. I like to hide out in the hallway listening because some of the conversations they have about the books are quite entertaining. After they finish their books, Gav requests I read to him using the "funny mommy voices." How can I refuse since he says I'm his bestest friend ever? His current faves are Llama Llama Mad at Momma, Click Clack Moo: Cows That Type, Blue Hat, Green Hat, and anything Diego.

So sweet

It seems only fitting that I post a picture of Gavin sleeping since I added one of Owen. I took this picture the other evening because it reminded me of a picture I took on Gav's first 4th of July, three weeks after he was born. (That's the second picture; if it looks familiar, we have a copy hanging on the wall leading upstairs.) Gav was on our bed and rolled over for the first time that afternoon. The exertion tired him out because he promptly curled up on his tummy in a ball and fell asleep. Owen thought Gav looked "adorable" and climbed on our bed for some snuggle time. They were pretty sweet that day. It seems crazy to think O was about the same age Gav is right now. Where does time go?

Blog name

If you noticed, our blog has the first initial of each of our names in the order of our births. I was born before David and, apparently, he feels slighted coming after me. He says as the man of the house, he should come first. I just don't think daogstine has the same flow or is nearly as memorable as adogstine. I mean, I totally could have named it agodstine, but that seems a little over the top if you ask me. David, on the other hand, thought that was an awesome name, yet I'd like to point out that puts me and the boys before him - totally discrediting his "I should come first" hang up. Silly man.

Owen was sick today. He's got the bug that is going around again and David stayed home with both boys. He was quite domestic. He swept, cleaned up the toy disaster room, and folded some laundry. He even threw some burgers on the grill for dinner. I tell you what, if I could get him to do the grocery shopping solo, I'd totally change the blog name to agod in heartbeat.

PJs & Pancakes Day

Today was Pajamas and Pancakes Day at school for the boys. Owen was beyond excited because most nights he wears his clothes for the next day to bed. You see, he takes after his momma and isn't the most pleasant person in the morning. We have discovered letting him sleep in his clothes, and letting him sleep a few extra minutes, makes the mornings much smoother. He's slightly (6% to be exact) less grouchy. This morning, he bounced out of bed wearing his Batman pjs full of sunshine.

Gav also selected his Batman pjs for bed last night and was even sporting his Batman slippers until it came time to leave at 6:45. Then he informed us that he "does NOT wear pajamas to school" and he "wears clothes." Next thing we know, he's gone from having his coat and hat on to being buck naked. He then went shrieking through the house to his room, where he was digging though his closet in search of clothes. We finally struck a compromise and he agreed to wear his pj shirt with sweatpants and his tennis shoes.

Tonight, I asked Gav if other kids wore their pjs like Owen did and he informed me that they did and are "weirdo kids." I asked him what that meant and he said, "Kids don't wear jammies to school. Everybody know that." And then he rolled, yes, ROLLED, his eyes at me. I'm fairly certain that was his way of calling me a fool. I guess he is two going on thirteen.

Culture change

David got a new boss this week at work. Say a little prayer for him (David, not the boss) that this is a good thing. They are working on changing the culture at work. I thought this meant something other than what it means, so let me elaborate so you don't feel like a dunce like I did if David tries to explain it to you.

First off, culture in this sense is not the behavior or beliefs of a group of people. What the culture change at Conn represents is shaking off the old ways and adopting new. For example: put your car keys in your right pocket if you usually use your left or putting your watch on the other wrist.

Last night, David spent all night trying to come up with things he could do to help change Conn's culture. Being the kind person I am, I tried to assist him on this endeavor. David called me a smartalec when I made all kinds of helpful suggestions like he wear his clothes backwards or inside out. He also ruled out driving to work and home in reverse and reading or talking sdrawkcab (that's backwards if you were a little slow on the draw).

I guess becoming a smartalec is what happens when you spend all day with teenagers who do wear their clothes backwards and inside out. Now that I think about it, maybe those teenagers are trying to change culture too. I guess they have never heard of Kris Kross. They also don't know that wearing clothes backwards makes you look like you got dressed in the dark and is not a trend that will last like brushing your teeth or bathing. Maybe these same kids will be working for David in a few years. Heaven help David.

Sleeping

The boys both have a strong affection for all things super hero. The other night when I went to check on Owen, I discovered that he'd managed to attach some of his Spidermen and Batmen to the top bunk. I asked him about them when he woke up and he informed me that they were watching over him while he slept. Whatever it takes....

Spring, where are you?

If the snow doesn't melt and go away soon, there is a good possibility Owen will be living in an igloo. He's going through a very stubborn period and having a hard time dealing with all the extra energy. To put it mildly, he's a grouch and has too much time on his hands. He isn't happy with much and wants to argue about everything. Poor Gavin is the victim of most of Owen's outbursts. The poor kid can't do anything to make his brother happy. If Gav plays with his trains, he is in Owen's way. If Gav leaves the basement and goes to his room to play, Owen is mad he left. There's just no winning. What they both need is a good chance to run around outside and tire themselves out. All this together time inside is starting to wear on us all. Spring, please come early on behalf of all parents of preschoolers.

I'm not sharing.

Last week, the teachers at my school conned me into doing the Super Bowl pool. I will be the first to admit I know nothing about stats and pools, but it seemed easy enough. All I had to do was pick two squares on the chart and pay my $4. Honestly, I had no clue how to figure out the winners and I didn't even have the pool sheet with me when we watched the game. David kept telling me how I'd wasted $4 that I could have spent at Starbucks for days. Imagine my surprise this morning when I found out I won $50! I promptly texted David and told him I'm not sharing my dough. You can bet I now know how to figure out the winners!

Fighting Crime

Owen and Gavin love all things super hero. Today they spent the morning playing Batman and Robin. That means someone has to be the bad guy and they decided David would make a great Joker. Every time they say "Not so fast, Joker," it is so hard for David to not smile at their cuteness. He's a good sport though and plays a great villain. He even lets them capture him every now and then.

Hi Blogosphere

Some friends of ours also have blogs for their families to update the masses on what is happening with their families. This is our second try. The Verizon one we had a few years ago was really difficult to work with and we abandoned it. Hopefully, this one will fit into our daily routine much easier!

Owen had his second soccer game yesterday. He tells me he loved it, but still doesn't like being goalie. He's starting to read a few sight words and I have a feeling will be doing very well when he enters school in the fall. He can also name pretty much all of the presidents. He's such a sponge with anything learning related. I hope he stays that way.

Gavin is still going strong on the potty training although he has had some funny incidents in the past two weeks. #1. He went potty at school then figured out he needed to do some additional business but couldn't get into the stall for whatever reason. Being the resourceful kid he is, he just squatted and went on the floor. His little friend Kamari came along and discovered the mess and began jumping up and down in it yelling poop. #2. While home this week, Gav informed me he could potty by himself. I stood outside the bathroom door until I heard him say, "I have to wash my butt." That falls in line with the "nothing" response kids give when they are totally in trouble, so I went to investigate. He'd turned himself sideways and had his tush in the toilet. I asked him what he was doing and he replied, "Washing my butt," complete with the "DUH, my Mom is so dumb" look. I informed him he was going to be washing his tush and plopped him in the tub for a bath and a stern lecture on how we never ever stick our bottoms in the toilet.

David and I have booked our vacation to Disney for June. Ok, I was being generous saying David booked it. I made all of the arrangements and David just nodded yes when I gave the details. We'll be there from the 12th-19th. YIPPEE!!!