First Day of Preschool

She started a couple of weeks ago, but that's kind of the schedule we're running on lately.

Parents of 'Tweens

Drew and I are the proud parents of two 'tweens. "What?" -you may ask. "Did I miss something?" Laney? Lucas? Nope. Our '97 Accord and our '99 Neon. It is a difficult task taking care of 'tweens.

I've heard it's a very tumultuous age. Not a child anymore, not quite a teenager. You need to be careful as to handling them just right because they can give you attitude over the slightest irritation. We just want to make them happy and keep them healthy so they can make it through their teen years. We do whatever we can to take care of them and in return we just ask for a little love in return. Is that too much to ask? At least until Drew finishes his residency, Please!

Remember

9.11.01

The last piece of the puzzle

I asked what you guys wanted for your birthdays, but I forgot to post what I got for mine. DREW! He decided to take a day off from work to spend at home. It was the perfect gift after a couple stress filled weeks. He was very sneaky about the whole thing, too! He even got up at his usual time (4 am), got dressed for work (scrubs) and went downstairs to study. It was when he came back to bed for a nap around the time he was supposed to be at work that I figured things out. The kids even slept past 7!

The other present I got:

My stove was delivered (by surprise). Now the final big piece of the kitchen puzzle is installed and working well. I'm so glad. We still need a few small things (like hardware and a window covering) but other than that "we're cooking with gas" (one of my dad's favorite expressions -and he has plenty).

The end is near!

It still feels like summer and even though the kids are back in school, I am only starting to admit that the end of summer is nearing. We have had a great summer. Due to technical difficulties (a broken camera), I am a bit short on summer pictures. I am waiting to get some from my dad, but for now you'll have to settle for these.

Drew brought this skull home after a plating course. It was Elena's mealtime buddy for a couple weeks. She even named her "Aurora."

Popsicles on the porch. What better way to enjoy summer. They're stripped down in redneck fashion due to my frustration with not being able to get the stains out of their clothes. Plus, it made spraying them off with the garden hose a lot easier. =)

Goodbye summer, see you next year!

What do you want?

I alsways would get so frustrated when my dad would respond -"Good Kids" whenver asked what he would like for any holiday gift. Now, I understand and completely agree. He never got what he wanted, so I probably won't either. =)

The question has been circulating around the house the past couple of weeks, and I'm looking for answers. (Plus, I'm just curious to see what you all have to say - so please comment.)

What do you want for your birthday?

What I love

I am in love with:

The fact Lucas smells his blankie tag as if taking a hit of a euphoric drug.

The fact that Elena asks for her food "sweaty." She likes sweaty spahetti and sweaty macaroni and cheese most. Mmmm.

The fact that Drew eats chips everynight before dinner.

The fact that when Elena throws a tantrum she starts crying for Duke (my parents dog that passed away in JANUARY!)

The fact that Lucas refuses to sleep in his bed, but insists on making a nest behind the chair in his room and sleeps on top of pillows, toys and stuffed animals.

The fact that my doctor actually told me that if I'm having trouble losing weight, I should at least be glad I live in West Virginia because I look great relative the the state's population.

The fact that I found Lucas, having escaped from the house, and playing in the middle of the real road with his pretend cars.

The fact that Drew put the kids to bed two times last week so I could take a break.

The fact that a friend dug up fresh basil plants from her yard and gave them to me when I was commenting on how Drew let all of mine die while we were gone this summer.

The fact that Lucas tells me he's poopy by hunching over and humbly saying, "Mommy, stinky gross." He repeats this phrase throughout the diaper change. Yes, Lucas. It is stinky gross!


So grateful for all the things that make me smile.