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!

Christmas 2011

Christmas morning.  Kids woke to find that Santa had brought them a trampoline and a Rody horse. Big hits.  They were a little frightened at first - but soon settled in to all of the presents. 

John ripped right into a Snuggle Buddy from Auntie Kell. 

Elinor chose the Button Art from the Smiths

Then it was time for kids to strip down to their underwear which they so frequently do.  I think they get that from their Uncle Peter. 

 John was intent on showing me what his remote control Thomas could do up at the counter while I fixed cinnamon rolls for breakfast. 

The magnetic dress up dolls kept Elinor busy. 

Playing with Daddy 

My favorite picture of the day.  It just says it all! 

Andy's family arrived the day after Christmas and stayed for a few days. We had the whole crew here.  Although in years past we have always traveled for Christmas to be with family, I have to admit that I liked having just the four of us here for the actual holiday.  A new tradition has been born.  

Happy New Year everyone!

What's not to love?

Seriously... what's not to love about this cold weather????

Just chillin'

I bundled up the twins this morning and we all went out for a walk with Lloyd today at the nearby baseball fields.  Lloydie ran and we chased after him.  Our cheeks were red by the time we got home.  I cooked up a batch of homemade hot chocolate and put some in their sippy cups.  Elinor loved it... John... not so much.   I fed them lunch at around 11:45 and by noon they were both begging for their "jammies on".  That cold air must have tired them out.  I put them down for their nap and they were asleep by 12:30 and did not wake until 3:30.  I started to get a bit bored by the third hour.  Then when they were up from the nap they wanted to strip down.  Whatever!   We weren't going anywhere else.  We enjoyed our day!

Holiday Stress

I write about this every year.  There is always too much to do in such a short amount of time.  I looked back on the last two holidays to see how late we put the tree up, here and here.  Yup, we are even later this year. Still no tree.  However, we were smart and hung the outside lights before Thanksgiving.  So any drive byers or onlookers will think we are ready for Christmas from the outside.  Christmas gifts have been bought.. a few but nothing wrapped or shipped to other little girls and boys.  I figure this year or next year may be the last that I can go unorganized....
However, the good news is.... we have new carpet going in probably by next week.  I cannot tell you how happy that makes me.  This carpet we have now is original to the house I am sure.  It shows.
Snapped a couple of pics of the kids this morning on our way out the door. It may be impossible to get a picture for Christmas cards this year.  They are so difficult to photograph.  Although it would be a dream to get them with neat hair and faces and pretty outfits... that's just not our reality.  Ha!