Oh Bananas!

Bananas are a hot commodity in our house. We all eat them regularly, but Brucie has at least 2 a day, in combination with other foods of course, but definitely a favorite. On Sunday, however, 2 was not enough and after wolfing down 2 whole bananas, Bruce decided he needed one more... Here is what I found when things got a little too quiet. Are those puppy dog eyes?

Nap times are carefully planned since the boys share a room and both will still take a nap... usually. Clark goes to sleep first, because he sleeps heavier and even a crying Brucie doesn't phase him. Well, when Clark goes to bed, Bruce gets the toys all to himself. You can see all the "favorites" in this picture: the trains, the doctor kit, the "vegables", and (of course) the Grand National. This is as good as it gets for a 16-month-old younger brother, I'm sure. Paging Doctor Bruce!

I'm not an accomplished sewer by any means, but I am (in my own opinion) a creative person. I have a list of several "projects", sewing or otherwise, that I am in the middle of completing at any one time. After encounters with project that drudged on far past enjoyment, I realized that I'm not one of those people who can not start another project until they've finished the one they are on. I decided that I won't make myself finish something (that doesn't have a deadline) if I can't enjoy it. Otherwise it isn't fun, is it? And what is the point of having a hobby if you don't enjoy it anymore. On the other hand, because of limited time and money, I try to gauge how much I really want to do something and only start a project that I am sure I will finish in the relatively near future. When a project becomes overwhelming, tedious, or I simply don't have the time to devote to it because of a busy schedule, I am able to set it to the side (with only a little guilt that it is still unfinished) and pick up something else until I have the patience/interest/time to return to the other project. This philosophy, expectedly, makes for a lot of unfinished projects.

I am to the point in my project cycle where Caleb has begun eyeing my growing pile in the corner and I get the feeling that in order for domestic tranquility to continue, I need to finish some of my projects. So recently I have been working on finishing a purse that I started a while (or several months) ago, and I estimate I am in the last 4 or so hours of the project. But with sewing that may be the last 8 hours, if you know what I mean. This particular sewing venture has pushed my skill level. Zippers, handles, cording, etc... Well, here is a picture of my labors last night. A little shaky since Caleb "surprised" me with a picture while I was working on it, but you can see the pattern of the fabric. (Not my finest posture moment, but in this picture I'm putting in the zipper and I'm really focused.) I'm excited to see it finished although I don't know what I'm going to do with it since I'm not much of an accessories girl as a "want to learn new techniques" kind of girl. I'll be sure to post a picture for you of the finished project.

The Father-Son Camp out

Well, we've had a great Spring Break! Our last, since Caleb won't be in school much longer. It's nice to have a chance to get away from our place for a while and crash at Grandma and Grandpa's way bigger and cooler place. We got to party with "Uncle D" who turned the big 1-0, hang out with the family (Caleb's and mine), and even the change of scenery was exciting to the boys. We are currently down shifting from all the fun times and readjusting to having a schedule and being at home again.

So, Clark and Caleb recently had their first "Father-Son Camp out" with the ward, which was exciting for us all. Mom got some "Mom time" and Father and Son set out for some male bonding adventures. I was surprised at Caleb's enthusiasm in taking our 2-year-old out to sleep in a tent for the night. Alone. Not even returning after discovering that their pillows were still at home, sitting on our bed. Brave soul! I have to say that I was a little pleased that Caleb was able to satisfy his "hankering" for camping and I didn't really have to go. A family trip is daunting with two little boys and an inexperienced camper such as myself. I have to admit that it has been almost 5 years that we've been married and we have yet to go camping together. (Those of you who know me well won't be too surprised about that fact.) I have some fun camp out pictures to share. They are adorable if I do say so myself. I can't believe that Clark is getting so big. Caleb more than fulfilled his promise to bring back pictures.

Setting up the tent!

Dinner Time... Gotta love the campfire meals on the cooler/table.

(Good call, Caleb, bringing that chair.)

Good Morning, Sunshine!

The Last at the Breakfast Table

(Which might be why Clark was so "sunny" when he woke up!)

Gotta love the self portrait with the head cut off. There are more of these pictures actually and they cracked me up, but this blog is pretty picture-heavy as it is so I will leave the hilarity up to your imaginations.

A Story from Caleb:

We had a pretty good time. It was on a lake so Clark kept wanting to "go down to da wader."
"No Clark, you already got your clothes wet, we aren't going to the water anymore" (we changed his clothes).
"Umm...daddy you wanna go close to da wader but not in da
wader?"
"No."Few minutes later..."Daddy you wanna come put the stick in da
wader?"
"No, not anymore. We're not going back down to the water"
So then he just started running for the water and I had to catch him. He
wasn't too happy about that. But we had fun.

I have to say that I'm feeling very grateful for all our blessings and the simple joys of life. The Lord has given us so much over the years including our family and the people we love. We probably won't ever have everything that we want, but we do have everything that we need and so much more. It's hard to look at my beautiful children and supportive husband every day and not give thanks to our Heavenly Father who loves and watches over us and still blesses us on top of it all.

A Day in the Life

It's been a while for me since I've been able to sit down at the computer and form complete sentences. Just a lot of busy-ness that keeps you going, but you can't remember exactly why you were so busy all day or what you've really accomplished.

So, my boys have a favorite Hot Wheels car they like to play with. Actually, it's Clark's favorite and therefore Bruce's favorite. The "Grand National." Called by name and arguably the most disputed-over Hot Wheels car in the lower 48 states, or at least in our apartment. I'm always surprised that this is the favorite car. No bright colors, no fancy wheels, no operable doors (which were always my favorite), no cartoon character associations, not even a good flame paint job going for it. I've included a picture of the well-loved Grand National as well as a picture of Clark with the many other cars he could've picked as his favorite, but didn't...
















Clark is a big helper. He likes to set the table, he likes to help with "projects", and loves to help his little brother, but Clark generally has a hard time with transitions. Any time we are going anywhere from anywhere else, and it doesn't necessarily matter where we're going to or from; if he has to leave then it's a big problem. Even at the end of nursery class on Sunday, while most kids are wailing waiting for their parents to return Clark is also crying, but for another reason; he doesn't want to leave. So, today when it was time to leave playgroup I gave my 5 minute warning that we would be going soon. A smooth exit didn't look promising today. I was even picturing our phenomenal exit with Clark crying and screaming, limp as I dragged him towards the exit with Bruce in my arms, but when it was time to go I had an idea to try something new. I told Clark to "Go get Brucie. It's time to go." It was a bit of a risk, depending on how Clark decided to "get" Brucie, or if Brucie decided he was ready or not. But the stars aligned and there came Clark and Bruce, hand in hand, out the door, to the car. Small victories...













Bruce and Clark (respectively)
At my parent's house
Dec 2009