A circular conversation

Out of the clear blue sky, Braden said to me, with a very matter-of-fact tone, "Mommy, I hate crabs."

"Really," I say, "why?"

"Because I don't like them," was the reply, with a very "duh" tone.

"Why don't you like them?"

"Because I hate them."

"But why do you hate them?"

"I just told you why. Because I don't like them."

sheesh, kid!

Family Fun Night

This was a very long week: The boys were back in daycare full time. Both are in new rooms with new teachers and new kids. I was back at work full time for our New Teacher Induction program and planning staff development stuff for Friday and next week. Kyle was...well, I'm not sure. He had an all-day department meeting one day (and I thought our three hour staff meeting on Friday was long!), and one day I think he palpated cows. He's been in Huntsville alot, anyhow. We're all tired and grouchy in the evenings during the week, and it seems like we just haven't spent much time together--we needed a fun evening out!

Braden said he wanted to eat "somewhere new." (That's a little strange considering the kid only eats about three food products: quesadillas, french fries, and PB&Js). Ninfa's opened in a new location a few months ago, so that's where we went. Amazingly, the kids behaved! They didn't try to run around or climb under the table; they ate their food without fighting over it; they didn't spill their drinks (which were delivered in large to-go cups because they were out of kid's lids). They were all-around very pleasant to be with! Of course, the two Ninfaritas I had could have made all the difference!

Afterwards, everyone was in such a good mood that it seemed a shame to go back to the house. I planted an idea in Braden's head to go to the "fire and fountain" so when he asked daddy to go to the "ice cream fountain" daddy couldn't say no! Daddy also didn't know what Braden was talking about...

We went to the Ben & Jerry's by the fountain and fire torch things on University Drive. Garrett ordered chocolate; Braden ordered yellow. Yellow? Ice cream? Ahh, mango sherbert is what he wanted. Garrett ate about a quarter of his, smeared about a quarter around his face, and gave me the rest. Braden gave me a taste (yuck!) and then ate every last drop.

The boys (including Kyle) chased each other around for awhile until Braden found some large water puddles. We left for home shortly afterwards.

All it all, it was a great evening. We need family fun nights more often!

5 weeks since an update?!

Can it be? What in the world has happened?

Well, a couple of things:

First, our satellite internet went out in a big storm (no, I don't know how those things work--ask Kyle).

Second, I learned that there is life without the internet (gasp!).

Third, it took awhile for us to switch satellite internet companies.

Fourth, I was enjoying my life without the internet so much that I just haven't updated!

So, what's been going on, you ask?
The boys have been having MAJOR sibling rivalry. Garrett wants to play with "Broder" all the time. Maybe I should be more specific: Garrett wants to play with whatever toy Braden is playing with all the time. Braden doesn't want to have anything to do with Garrett.

In fact, Braden has made his opinion known about his younger brother quite a bit lately. Several weeks ago, it was, "Mommy, why do we have Garrett anyway?" And then last week, "Mommy, if Garrett was still in your tummy then he wouldn't bug me so much." Remember that Garrett has been OUT of my tummy for over two years and three months!

I think going back to daycare will be good for them. Give them a little separation. Make 'em miss each other a little bit.

Alright--I hear fussing in the living room where they are both watching Thomas. That reminds me of another reason I haven't posted in five weeks: I can't leave the two of them alone, and I can't sit at my computer and type for more than a few minutes...gotta run...