Less Than One Week Until C Day......

Citizenship testing and interview day that is. I am scheduled for next Monday. I have a book of 96 U.S. government and history questions to study. I will also have and English test (this makes me really nervous) and interview. The form I received said to plan on it taking at least 2 hours for these three things. I am not sure if I find out that day how I do or if I have to wait. Hopefully this Camerican can make the cut!

Actually what makes me most nervous is driving up and making it there on time. The last trip I made, I got half way and ended up with my car out of commission. I lost my water pump and belt. I know I shouldn't have to worry about that again, but it still makes me nervous. This is not something I can be late for.

Happy Birthday Elton!

We had Elton's birthday party last night. Family and a couple friends joined us and enjoyed Elmo cake. The kid's had a blast and I think all of the adults ears are still intact (these are very noisy get togethers). You can see that Bingo was right by Elton's side to help open presents after he hung out under the highchair for pieces of cake too.

This Is Why He Is Turning Two!!

It has been a fun year!! As you can see, Elton has spent the year mastering many developmental tasks. Since he has previously mastered climbing and testing dog doors, he got his birthday week off to a grand start on Monday by getting himself locked in the bathroom. The door was not locked as that would have been too simple for mommy to figure out. He was smart enough to pull the vanity drawer out to block the door from opening so he could master the skill of conquering those pesky cuboard latches. He was then able to thoroughly disinfect his pajamas with Lysol spray. He really didn't see what the big fuss was about when mommy almost had to call 911 to get him out of there.

When you tell him that you have your eyes are on him he and the finger to eyes motion, he responds by saying "ticka ticka ticka" for you to come tickle him. This is why his latest nickname is "Tickle Me Elton". When you get down to his level to tell him no, he takes his nose and rubs it to yours while saying "diddle diddle diddle". He also cutely responds "OK" and is a very agreeable little guy. We have not yet heard him say no even though we have repeated it to him frequently.

As I was just typing this, he came and wanted up to tell me "ticka ticka ticka" again for some more tickles. What more can I say at this point!!

Happy 2nd Birthday Elton!!

Happy Valentine's Day!!

I remember a time that I wasn't even sure if I liked Valentine's day and wondered if I would ever have one person in my life to share it with. Guess what? Now I have 3 sweethearts!! How could I have ever known I would have 3 such wonderful guys in my life that fill my heart every day. I am so blessed! Thank you Dan, Caleb and Elton!!

Sponged!

When we moved into our house, the brick on our fireplace was white as it had obviously been painted over at some point. We have no idea what the original color of the brick was. When we painted last year we left it white with the wall while the rest of the room is a "sparkling sage". Dan kept thinking we should do something to it, but we couldn't decide what we thought would look best. A couple of weeks ago he decided to sponge paint it (with the promise that if I didn't like it he would paint it white again). He sponge painted it the sparkling sage and a darker shade and this is how it came out. The first day I was not sure at all if I liked it, but decided I needed to give it time to see. So now, I think I like it and it kind of gives it a textured look. What do you think?

A Compliment To The Highest Degree

Caleb and I decided our project this weekend would be to make homemade sugar cookies to decorate and surprise daddy with for Valentine's day as sugar cookies are daddy's favorite (shh! don't tell daddy!).

As I was carefully measuring the ingredients with Caleb supervising, he declared "You are a How It's Made mommy and you are doing a very good job!" As mentioned in a previous post, that is Caleb's favorite show on the Discovery channel and his dream to be a "How It's Made Man" when he grows up. Therefore, I would say this is the greatest compliment I could receive. Now we will let our dough sit until tommorrow when we will carefully cut and decorate cookies together!

First Time Out!!

I guess it is only appropriate that when you are getting ready to turn 2 to get a first time out. Elton got his first time out at the child development center. He climbed onto a table (oh and that's a shocker..... Elton climbing? hahahaha!) after another little boy that he likes to copy. I had a little chat with him and I'm sure he understands the enormity of the situation. We wouldn't want "the terrible 2's" to go to his head!!

First Haircut!

Even though Elton's hair was not out of control by any means, it has been getting pretty wispy and with a big 2 year birthday coming, we decided it was time for his first haircut on Friday!! He watched Caleb get his cut (Caleb was quite proud to show his little brother how it is done), and then it was turn. He wasn't too sure about getting water sqirted onto him, but he never moved on the board and did awsome!! We didn't even have to hold him. I was so proud of him and he looked so cute. His reward at the end was a sucker while he watched daddy take his turn.

A Saturday In Our House

This morning I taught the sibling preparation class at the hospital in which I bring home the leftover snacks. The boys always look forward to the fresh fruit and veggies. I am very glad that even with their love for junk food that they like these things too. As you can see, Caleb decided he was having a "jammy" day. Everyone had to participate in daddy's new Wii (including Bingo). Caleb loves to box with daddy and calls it "Knocking the bot" and laughs his head off when he knock Dan's block off as he so endearingly puts it.

Who Takes Care Of Mommy When She Is Sick?

I have been sick all week with an awful cold and with teaching classes have lost my voice. I have one more class to teach on Saturday morning and am hoping I can pull through. At dinner tonight I asked who takes care of mommies when they are sick and Caleb said "daddy". Tomorrow daddy is off and we are having a Super Bowl Party on Sunday so hopefully daddy can cure me!!