Feeling Crafty

Everyday, John or Elinor ask me to make them a tent.  I get out a large sheet and drape it across tables and the couch, tucking it in between books and cushions.  It eventually falls down.  They love it though. So, I had the bright idea of making a more permanent tent.  With the magic of Pinterest, I came up with this tutorial.  The wood supplies cost me less than $6 and I picked up a cute gingham sheet from Goodwill for about $2.50.  It took me all of 15 minutes to drill the holes and put it together.  I was so excited for them to get up from their nap to see it.

Well, the reaction was less than enthusiastic.  John yelled "I don't like it".  So before Elinor could knock it down, I packed it up and put it away.  Perhaps for another day. 

Note to self:  What I think they will love and have fun with... is not necessarily true.  

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Cute thing John said today.

John:  Mama, cracker. 

Me:  What's the magic word?

John: John

I giggled. It was close enough.

Catch Up

We have been a bit busy around here.  Since the start of the new year, I have traveled to the kids back to Olean and the whole family has traveled to Kentucky.  Both trips were successful with the kids.  This week I wrote myself a to do list that looked something like this:

1.  Transition from crib to big bed x 2

2.  potty train x 2

3.  Lose the nap & night time pacifier x1 

4.  Check out preschools 

Then I sat on the couch and cried.  I am overwhelmed by the responsibilities.  I have no idea what I am doing.  Then, I thought about the list for a day and I talked to a few people that I trust.  I finally came to peace with sitting on #1.  What's the rush of putting them in a big bed?  Does that serve as any benefit to them or me?  Nope.... especially since John has started waking 2-3 times per night.  He has been doing this since he was sick with the flu in November.  I am not overly concerned by it because he calls out to me, I go give him a hug and he goes back to sleep. It takes seconds.  But can you imagine what it would be like if he had free range of the house from a big bed.  Geez!  

As far as the potty training goes.... I think John is just about ready.  We may do boot camp potty training like Leslie and Peter did with Ben a few years ago. No pants for a weekend (no Andy, this does not include you). 

While in Kentucky we took the kids to their first Catholic mass and a baptism.  They were loud.  They didn't sit still.  So we sat in the closed off area.  However, when the organ fired up... John danced and swayed to the songs... I think the responsorial psalm was his fave.  Then after the organ stopped playing he would clap and cheer.  We left after baby Michael was baptised... way before communion.  The way I see it... catholics are pro-life... so you cannot get more pro-life than 2 year old twins in a church. Wahoo! 

When we got back from Kentucky (kids were great travelers) we picked up Lloydie from his sitter.  He was sick.  Poor guy just couldn't keep anything down.  And on the new carpet.  Oh lord!  Anyways, I said to the twins:  "Please be nice and gentle to Lloyd, he is sick." and Elinor's response: "I will get him a tissue".  Priceless!  

Today, we are staying put inside... maybe we will get bundled up and take a walk later.  We'll see.  But we are content with water colors, books, trains and marble towers.

Funny Things

Wow.  I have been a bit lazy (busy) with keeping up to date on here.  Here is a little something that made me laugh and may make you smile too.

While at the sitter's house yesterday, Elinor and her little friend Ryan were playing with play-doh.  Ryan was apparently getting frustrated with his cookie cutter and Elinor turned to him and said, "That's okay Ryan. You can do it. I promise."

Love it!