"Mommy, I farted/tooted, you like it".

I hear this multiple times a day, so I thought I'd share. No, in fact I don't like it, but he thinks we all do. Tigger too.

So we went to our first official school function as the parents of our eldest child. And the grandparents representing Caleb were Grandma Judyand Grandpa Bill. It was a silent auction, dessert tasting, face painting, and Egg Hunt time of chaos. We were lucky enough to have nice weather. Caleb and Joshy both participated in the Egg Hunt. Caleb was quite excited, and much to my relief and happiness, he was feeling very independent and said that he could do it himself. (I was not so independent as a child, too shy to share my competitive drive or a fear of failing to gather enough eggs). I am soooo happy that he is confident enough to work independently. And that he did, and he did great! He had sizable collection at the end of plastic eggs, mostly filled with chocolate; gratefully, we opened them and didn't have to confiscate it all with food color. Grandpa Bill helped with the food coloring items. Caleb even got a few coupon/prize tickets which he turned in for trinkets. Joshy also did great, once he figured out that he was to pick them up and not throw them or run off with them, but rather put them in the bag to be collected. They were both cute, confident and competitive in the egg collection. To call it a Hunt would not be accurate... they were in the age group of "up to and including 3." So mostly the eggs were just laying around in the grass. Perfect.
Caleb then got his face painted. At first he wanted a green cross, but then another little boy got a bat, so Caleb ended up with both. Interesting enough, Caleb often complains about being afraid of bats. But then the event ended for us with a period of time playing on the play equipment and then dinner at McD's. All I have to say is, I hadn't been to a sit down restaraunt with the boys in coming close to two months, and I clearly see why and know that I won't be doing a restaraunt any time soon.

So Caleb was looking forward to going to preschool again today, he thought that they would have another egg hunt. Well,... I had to explain it. But we did find out that there is an upcoming Show and Tell Pet day. AND a field trip to the firehouse to see the station, trucks and firemen. Caleb is excited about that. As I dropped Caleb off today, they started the music and began circle and singing time. I was reading the calendar and on came the children's song "God is love" and I had just a happy, peace that I knew now deep down that I had made a good choice in preschools for Caleb. I was just inwardly happy about where he is for this time in his life. When I picked him up, the teacher also mentioned that the lesson (other than learning the letter R) was about Jesus and the empty tomb and being alive and risen. Evidently, Caleb knew the story and helped her tell it and understood very well. I was so proud of him. I guess being in Awana and memorizing scripture has really helped. I am so grateful to have Caleb in this environment.

Joshy is starting to pick up more and more words everyday. He is great at his non-verbal, but he is getting more verbal all the time. Yesterday he said Cheese and Buzz (as in Lightyear, toy story). It is just amazing what he is doing, able to do, and growing into as a toddler. When we picked up Caleb as school, Joshy ran onto the playground and took the soccer ball. He was kicking it, running, picking it up and throwing it, it was as if he was having his own Keep Away game from the other boys, and he was doing impressivly well. The teacher asked again how old he was.... He'll be in their school in Sept '08 I'm sure!

Joshy is getting great at things, however, any mistakes or learning curve is evident on his head. The series of dents and bruises either tell everyone that he is an active boy, or his parents beat on him. He had 4 accross the forehead all at one time. Fortunately, he is getting a very small amount of additional hair, which serves the purpose of covering the bruises that are not on his forehead. He's happy though.

Joshy is even fighting back and then some. I warned Caleb that whatever he did to Joshy, then Joshy will give back. And he has begun to within the last week or so. And Caleb doesn't like it!

Well, that's all I have time for. Gotta make and eat dinner.
Later.

Good Morning All.

Well, Caleb is adjusting well to preschool. They gave him the best thing possible, in his mind, a little handheld sized plastic toy. He's always been into the small hand sized toys that he can glean onto and form an attachment to... and carry everywhere. It's like he wants to carry around his conversation pieces. Well, this time it was a little "baby" dinosaur that came in a little egg. They learned about dinosaurs this week, and now he is suppose to take care of it, feed it and put it back in the egg for sleeping.
He is having a good time at preschool and every day he rewards me is a run into my arms and a "Mommy, I missed you!" That's reason enough to go to school, forget the other reasons of learning and being around other kids!

He is also doing great at his Awana. He has already earned 2 patches! He was very excited and could hardly wait for me to get them sewn on. Yes, I had a true "mom" moment as I sat down in the evening and sewed his patches on his vest. He's very proud of himself, and I'm glad that he earned them so soon because he was starting to get sad that he hadn't gotten any yet. But he is working hard for them. This last week he learned 3 verses! This week we are going to try for the same number. His Awana book has become our devotion book right before bed. He wants a book read to him to postpone bedtime, and I want him to focus on something... it works.

Caleb, being a true boy is hyper focused on the most funny thing in the world... poop. Since I dont' want to be a mom that that is all they can talk.... I'll just apologize now if at any point I'm speaking to one of you and he grabs the phone and discusses it, in any form... his favorite is "pickled pig ___". I think you would have to ask him or his daddy where he got that from.

Caleb has also come up with some pretty crazy things to say lately. Like Tigger telling him that when Tigger barks he is talking and that the last time Tigger talked Tigger said Caleb was stinky and had to take a shower (and thus I was intruded upon while I was showering.) The other thing Caleb had to say as he bounced on the couch "Stop smelling my bum Tigger, it's not food".

Caleb was one lucky boy yesterday. He got to meet Grammy Dahl and ride a pony... and see Tessa. Caleb, I'm sorry to say, was more interested in the Pony than seeing his cousin. I guess that would make sense in boy world, perhaps it would make sense in a horse-crazy little girl's mind too.

We are all just about recovered from being sick. I started it last Thursday and finally am feeling nearly over it all. Joshy is the last hold out, still having a runny nose. We were going to drive up and visit Great Grandpa Severson, but I decided that we shouldn't risk giving my 93 year old grandpa the flu.

Well, the day that I told Caleb was going to come, has arrived. Joshy has learned to fight back. He has learned how to push and kick and take toys away and give back what he is dealt. He is not quick strong or agile enough to keep his balance all the time, but he tries. Caleb got whacked with a toy in the nose because he tried to take it from Joshy. And then Caleb pushed Joshy very hard and he went down with his mouth open and bit his lip and caused a gusher. He's ok, but they are getting really rough with each other. The best solution I've come up with is Divide and Conquer. I don't like this in principle, we should all learn social skills and getting along... but as a frustrated mommy of two boys who don't stop when asked... it works. The irony is that I just finished a scrapbook page of them holding hands as they were walking in the neighborhood...

Spring is here and I can hardly wait for all the activities that will now be possible to keep the boys busy! We've already done a couple bike rides/walks/strollering this week. It's great. Joshy LOVES the outside, I need the exercise and Caleb burns off some energy while biking. The best of all worlds! Bring on the spring and summer.

Well, spring has brought a bunch of home projects too. So I'm off to do those. See you soon.

Joshy....

has learned to do sommersaults all by himself! We've been working with him for a little while, but now he had decided that he can do them by himself. It's great to see another step in the growth and learning process.

Caleb is on his fifth day of preschool. He is really starting to enjoy it and talk about what he is going to show and tell them. He talks about what he does. And I like coming to pick him up and seeing him so involved with his activity and playing that he doesn't even notice me. That means that he is happy with where he is and not hung up on where his parents are; a sign of independence. He's got lots of papers coming home and I'm not sure whether I should be keeping them all or not. I guess that I'll just have to decided whether he'd like to see it when he is my age or not. His one complaint about preschool is that some little boy is always on the computer and is hogging it. But, like a truly interferring mother with good intentions, I spoke to the teacher. Regardless, he's a very blessed little boy. We had to get a new home computer, and we have given him our old one. We cleared off a bunch of the programs and despite it's kicking up a bunch of errors, it still plays all of his Cd-rom games. So he can play and learn all he wants, and he can't mess up our main computer. It's great, and it's a stand alone, no internet drone, set up in the living room. I had to take the jumpy house out of the living room to make room, at least there was room with some changes.

He's also doing Great at Awana Cubbies. It is his Wednesday night class. He went and remembered who his teachers were, he ran right up and took Miss Kay's hand and went off to play games with the class. A way smoother drop off than the very first time he went. And when I arrived to pick him up, he was playing duck-duck-goose and sitting in the middle of the circle with another boy working on a puzzle. He didn't even know that I was there. THEN, the teacher surprised me with the face that Caleb had learned his verses. Of course we had been working on it for a while with him, but I didn't think that it had sunk in enough for him to say it to his teacher. But sure enough, he did. This earned him a vest to begin earning patches and jewels upon. Caleb strutted around like a proud little guy with his new vest on. He gets a book tomorrow night to begin working out of and learning even more. He's doing great. I have found that turning the verses into a song or jive sinks it into his mind alot faster. He starts dancing and doing a jig. I think he might be ready for tomorrow night already.

Caleb is starting to say things like "some boys" or "some babies". He uses it in the context of his actions being normal or he his behaving normal. "Some boys" pee like a man. "Some boys" use diapers. etc. He is hilarious. How am I suppose to say, Yes some boys do, but you are tooo big for pull-ups. Or yes, some boys do pee like a man, but we shouldn't be making fun any other boy who doesn't. It's just funny to see that he already wants to know that he inherently fits into the "normal" world; like he is seeking validation. I think that now he is around a bunch of new boys, he wants to know that he is just like them or that he are just like him. Ahh, the peer pressure and peer comparison begins...

Well, that's all I have time for right now. I have to get ready to pick Caleb up from preschool.
More when I have a chance.

Hello Again. It's been way way too long since my last post.

Although there are never the perfect excuses for why I haven't gotten around to updating this site, I do have a few reasons. The biggest has been that the my computer crashed and wouldn't let me access this site. It was only last week that I got a new computer.

So let's catch up a bit. We went and then returned from California. It was a nice trip. Joshy remembered where the toilet bowl brush, the back reaching shower brush and the swiffer was kept. We had to hide them from the first hour we arrived in the house. We all kept very busy. We visited a place called Scandia, where we played miniature golf and rode the miniature race cars. Caleb really enjoyed this, except he was a little sad that he didn't get to do the driving. But he liked being along for th ride. We also visited a place called Funderland. It is a small version of an amusement park. Small scale rollercoasters, spinning tea cups, a carousel and others. Caleb was very lucky to have a mommy that goes on all these rides with him. He had a great time. The ride he had the most fun on and rode the most was the carousel. It could have been that he got to ride the carousel himself that he liked it so much. Following Funderland, Caleb got to ride a real pony. Of course there were the visits to the McDonald's play areas. Caleb and Josh really had a great time in the hot tub each night. Josh screamed for 15 minutes between the time he saw the hot tub and the time we were all changed and getting into the hot tub. He is a real water enthusiaist. Caleb had to show off to Grandma Bishop about how he can go underwater and hold his breath.

It was a great visit. The one draw back was the 4 HOUR delay in the flight out of Sacramento. It was 4 hours right during nap time, and it was a very long stressful time with tired children. Caleb did make a friend with another little boy and they passed the time in as much laughing mischief as possible.

So what else has been happening...

Well, We have signed Caleb up for preschool. His first day of school was cancelled because of snow, so his actual first day was this week. He was excited about it right up until the time he had to join the kids and I had to leave. He is shy when it comes to the kids and making friends, but this is the reason that we decided to put him in preschool in the first place. I was told that about 20 minutes after I left, he perked up and started to participate. He played mostly with the other boys in his group, which I am told is normal. It suprises me a little because in other circumstances, like at the park, Caleb normally attachs himself to girls. But I am relieved that he is associating with boys, he needs to be around peers. By the second day of school, Caleb was telling me that he could go and do this himself and that I should stay with Jockey. He was excited with the idea of having show and tell; Caleb took silly putty to show off. He was excited, but he came home telling me it wasn't "cool". Ahh, the peer opinion influence begins. I tried to explain to Caleb that he can like something and it doesn't matter what others think. Caleb did tell me he helped some girl out of the loft. Sometimes Caleb remembers all of his activities, and other times he says he doesn't remember anything. It depends on his mood.

So on the other note. Tuesday was Caleb's first day at preschool, and therefore it was Joshy's first time to go to Library Toddler time. I think that he had a good time. He was on the young side of the group. He was very wiggly and only occassionally did he pay attention. He was most interested in sucking and chewing on his name tag. But I observed one very important point. Joshy had NO sense of personal space. He would touch other girls, boys, and lean on other moms. He didn't really care. I think it's because he has learned physical contact from Caleb is a constant... And now he pets the pretty curly red hair of some girl, and the pretty pink tights of another girl. It's funny. I think that Joshy will do better, he just have to be in that environment more and more. I look forward to the opportunities.

We have kept up with Playgroup, although there is only one other family that comes anymore. I guess that it is a good thing that Caleb is starting up preschool.

We have not yet been back to Awana. But I have hope for the next weeks. I forgot one week, snow cancelled it another, the school district winter break cancelled another day, and then we visited Papa Bill this Wednesday. So next Wednesday it is an absolute must in my mind. Caleb cried the night I admitted that I forgot. So I know that it means something to him.

Joshy has started to sign several words in the last 4-5 weeks. He started in California and just gotten better and better. He signs more and please all the time. His generally communication has stepped up too. Of course his little fits and squeals of protest have also gotten infused with a whole lot of attitude. He'll toss his pacifier in a huge huff of protest and wait to see what I do. He's testing.

Caleb's also testing with his attitudes, arguments, complaining and disobedience. I was talking with Mike about having to crack down in the discipline area. Caleb over heard this and started yelling: "I don't want crack, no me want crack". It was hilarious. It was quite true though, he needs to have the discipline snugged up because I think it's out of control to have him pee on daddy or rub his bum on mom, or the constant antagonizing of Joshy. Or any number of the other things that I could mention. We're working on it, that's all I can say.

Until he's better, I have been extremely reluctant to take the boys anywhere. They like to tag team me and put on a circus. I tried to hold Joshy, as he screamed to get put down in the library, and all the time Caleb was literally climbing the shelves and putting the book ends into his mouth. Circus, crazy, misguided, circus. Makes me go crazy on the stress-o-meter.

Mike and the boys went to Grammy and Papa Dah's house a couple weekend ago. Per Papa, there were times that they still felt short handed in managing the boys. They had a good time going to the Zoo. Joshy saw some of he animals before everyone else. Caleb was excited to see the hippos out of the water playing.

So I have been keeping busy with the boys but also with work. I've been also working. Side jobs, varied projects. But that is another reason that things have been crazy. I'll try to get some pictures posted here soon. I am still getting familarized with the new computer and where all the files are to be accessed. And I'll be making a more concerted effort to keep posting every few days. Hope to see you again here soon.

I just had to share this:

Thank you to all male members of this household for leaving the toilet seat up, Joshy really enjoys the fun you allowed him.

Well, the boys and I are off to California tomorrow (January 31st).

We will return on February 7th.

We will fill our time with silly, whirlwind Caleb adventures, the sky(and our own energy reserves) is the limit. Caleb is looking forward to swimming in the hot tub and seeing the "power rangers" that Grandma and Papa Bishop have gotten him.

In the mean time, here at home in the last week:

Mommy got the stomach flu... yuck! It made packing hard, but I did it.

Caleb saw Donovyn at playgroup last week. Donovyn and Caleb were running around the gym and suddenly Donovyn got all teary and cried. We asked him what is wrong, he said "Caleb's always running in circles...", we moms are thinking that it would follow with ..away from me, I can't keep up, he never chases me.. Instead, it finished with "how come he never runs in TRIANGLES!" We couldn't help but laugh; that's a complaint we haven't heard before.

I'd love to write more, but I have things to do, and my hand is not feeling the greatest I'll just have to post more later.

Thanks for checking in. Please pray for delay-free travel flights!!!! That would be wonderful, because last time going down was a 3 HOUR!!! delay, right in the middle of nap time!
Talk to you soon.

Just a little update:

Monday was Martin Luther King Jr day, so there wasn't a playgroup scheduled, but instead we were fortunate enough to set up a playdate with Caleb's best friend Donovyn. That was great for Caleb since he hasn't seen Donovyn since 2 weeks before Christmas. They had a lot to catch up on. It was interesting to see Joshy try to interact with them. Sometimes he was invited into the fort and other times he was the hapless victim to a sword fight. All in all a good day.

Tuesday was pretty mellow. Not much to report. Just the usual... naps, meals, keeping Josh out of the toilet.

Wednesday: No one showed up for playgroup, so we made other uses with the time. We visited Costco for diapers and Daddy for... well, Caleb wanted to see him. Specifically, Caleb wanted to go inside Daddy's work and give GG a hug and get Chocolate. GG wasn't there, but the Chocolate was, Caleb was happy. We were able to see Daddy and Grammy and Papa Dahl for lunch. Then it was home for naps.

Thursday: Daddy was home in the day time so the kids got to see and play with him. Our microwave broke, so we had to replace it, and that was the entirety of Thursday. Not exciting.

Friday: Mommy worked for about an hour. Then Daddy had to work for a couple hours. And since it is still Friday, we'll see if things turn up.

I have to tell you a couple things, one liners or a bit longer:

Caleb calls Joshy "The Eating Machine" lately. Which is true, he can eat us all under the table when it comes to Oranges, Yogurt or Oatmeal. At least the oranges have Vitamin C in them during the flu season.

This morning we were singing Old McDonald.... Did you know that there was a baby, Mommy and Daddy on the farm? The Baby says Wahhh, the Mommy says Go to your Room, and the Daddy... Spanks. Per Caleb.

Caleb is really into his learning CD-roms' from the library. He is learning a bunch, but now we are in competition for the computer. I'm trying to do work and he's trying to find "brill lights" for the Leo Lion and Reader Rabbit.


Well, that's all for now, I think Josh just woke up. The only other thing that I have to say is that I am considering preschool for Caleb. I am never going to be a social person, and I will not hold him back if I can help it. So I'm looking into the cost and days of preschool. Hopefully, I will get him enrolled quickly, but with a vacation coming up, I think it will be at least mid-February. Cross my fingers. I'm also thinking of Awana at the local Baptist church. He might enjoy that too.

So talk again soon, and have a great day.

Here we are together again.

We've been sick for the last week. Yes, Caleb got it first. Then Joshy, then Daddy and last Mommy.

Caleb now asks for medicine, and between the two boys I've gone through 2 bottles of the stuff. Joshy really scared me with a 103.3 temperature on Sunday night. I really had to fight to get that down fast. He did not like being stripped down to a diaper, washed with a cold wet cloth, skin cooled with a breeze (I blew on his damp skin). The Vick's he didn't mind, and the medicine he didn't mind. In fact, he thought that other than the wet wash cloth and his congestion, that it was play time. He would have loved to stay up and play in the middle of the night, and that is unfortunately the pattern he is now in... sigh. He has been such a good night sleeper since October, I just don't think I can go back to 3AM night incidents.

Good new, for the most part we are on the mend and finishing side of the flu. And PTL, it was NOT a Stomach flu. Spontaneous Yak on the carpet is not my idea of a good time!

In other news, WE HAVE SNOW! Caleb got to use his new snow shoes for the first time. I thought that he would have to be in the mountains for them to be used, but nope, he got to use the for the first time in his own backyard and in the neighborhood. We saw some kids playing in the snow at the park across the street, and he wanted to go and play with them. By the time we got him fully dressed for the outdoors, snowshoes unpackaged and on this feet, and daddy dressed, the kids were gone. Caleb was a little disappointed, and I was for him too. He was really looking forward to making a friend at the park, as he put it. I said ok, be nice and have fun... and he said, "Yeah, no hitting." Yup, new people won't be a new friend if you hit them... wise words. Funny, that that is how boys do often make friends, they run into each other and if they both stand up they are friends afterwards. I don't know why, but there you go.

Joshy is talking more and more. It is great. He always says phrases, with the exception of Mine! He gets frustrated easily, especially when he can't say what he wants. For being a bigger talker, he is less commnicative of his basic needs. He relys on his speaking and we don't always understand it. Caleb was extremely NON-verbal, but I always knew what he wanted with the sign language and pointing. Well, different kiddos makes life interesting.

Well, that's all for now. I hope all of you that have snow too are warm and enjoy the clean white beauty while it lasts.
Good night.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What's new this year you ask? Well, this season in HAIR, Jockey will be sporting a shorter more toddler cut featuring a shorter length in the hopes of being accessorized less with food. That's right JOCKEY's FIRST HAIRCUT!!!! It's still a "little" long, baby long, but a little shorter than I planned, but what do you expect from a moving boy! I did all I could to distract him with water from the faucet and his toothbrush and comb. But he's little and forgiving a less that model perfect hair cut. He's always cute to me, and still has both ears! Snip, snip....


And then this is Caleb playing his favorite Clifford video game, he asked for me to take a picture, and he is of the age that when he asks I do, because he isn't always accommodating when I ask for him to smile for a picture that I want.

OK, it's late, and that's all I have time for folks. TTFN

Caleb has a few favorite toys (of the ones that he got, he is also in love with the video game Jockey got). Here are some pictures of Caleb and his favorite toys. I have to say that I have enjoyed Caleb's new toys. I have needed something new to play with him and teach him. I can only pretend so many things with the same toys. So now I get to teach Caleb Hi-Ho Cherry oh and his counting. Bob the Builder and all the power tools his a great his.

Caleb was annoyed that I asked him to stop playing his Leap Pad so that I could take a picture he was "too busy, mom". But he gives that thing more concentration that I ever expect Caleb to give anything. That is until I borrowed a couple children's CD-Roms from the Library. I think that these electronic learning aids are just the thing to capture my little whirlwind's attention long enough to drill some learning into him!

The other very neat Christmas gift was a devotions book from the Small family. It takes an animal and tells a story/bio about it and then we learn either a good trait to mimmick or a bad trait to steer clear of and then gives the scripture to back it up. Caleb and I have been going through this and he is really LEARN!!! He spent all yesterday telling me he is a good boy not a Cookcoo bird (a very selfish bird.) It's funny. And I can tell him he is acting like a Wildcat and needs to control his anger and calm down. It's turned out to be a wonderful tool that he remembers and relates to. THANKS BARB et al. !!!!

P.s. I forgot to mention about Jockey and the funny thing about him on Christmas. He was opening his big gift from Grammy and Papa Dahl. He has seen this opening stuff happen a few times already this morning, so when it was his turn he knew what to do. He ripped some paper and trotted off to the garbage bag to put it in, and then he came back and ripped off some more and trotted off again. He was funny and yet so perfectly innocent in his imitation of what he'd witnessed all morning. I will tell you that when I got that jumpy house set up, he didn't even wait for me to get air into it before he wanted to roll and walk on it. And after than he was in love with having the air in it! .

Note in picture: Josh is STILL chewing on his toothbrush from his stocking! I should have stopped at buying just the .50 cent toothbrush. Or better yet, bought just a dozen toothbrushes for Christmas!

OUR CHRISTMAS!!!!

We had our family Christmas Eve party. The boys were absolute troopers and quite shockingly well behaved for having only had 40 minutes worth of naps that day. They played well, and loved to see the family. Caleb sat and said, "look all my friends came" and I had to tell him that they weren't just friends but WOW they were Family too! He thought it was neat. He liked to play with Matthew, Tyler and Nick too.
It was especially fun with all the extended family there as well. We had 4 generations on both mine and Mike's side of the family. From Great Grandpa Severson and Great Grandma Dahl all the way down to Caleb and Josh, and every one in between. New people (cousin Brady due in mid-January) and of course old people which was of course G. Grandpa Severson again at 92 (93 on new years, if I understand correctly.)

Auntie (actually Cousin) Barb got some Joshy time in, gotta love the baby reminiscing without the diaper changing.

There were grandparents' precious moments when surrounded by little grandchildren opening gifts, or just quietly sitting on their laps. (Caleb wanted a picture taken and I told him I would take one if he sat on Grandpa Dahl's lap). Then he wanted more pictures of him eating pumpkin pie, I'll mercifully not make you see him dramatically show how he eats pumpkin pie. I'll save that for the embarrassing scrapbook moments.

We had Christmas morning at our house. The boys had their stockings and that would have been enough for Joshy! He got a lightsaber (i.e. something to hit everything with) and a toothbrush (something to put in his mouth). He's set. And Caleb is crazy. He was really happy that Santa got him a robot. And he wanted to see if Jesus got anything because it was His birthday. I missed on that one. Next year I'll be smarter, but what does God need that can be wrapped and put under the tree? Good thing I have 365 days to come up with a good idea.

This is getting long. So I'll continue about Caleb in the next posting.

"Why do you think God wants us to rest and sleep?" A question from the new Devotions book/bedtime stories from the Small Family.

Caleb's answer "It's a good plan". It can't get more simple than that.

Jockey is in a new phase (please Lord, let it be temporary) of waking up at YIKES 6:30AM. I know for some people that doesn't sound early, but it is for us non-morning people who often don't get into bed and sleeping until 11 or Midnight! And have I mentioned that naps are rare these days too. Either the boys are timing them right (especially if Josh is up at 6:30 and wants his first nap when Caleb wakes up) or I have to get other things done during their naptimes.

At this stage, I'm also wondering why we gave Jockey the perfect hitting toy... a pretend lightsaber/ hit-your-brother-wand.... Sometime I have great foresight, other times my desire to not have them share makes me shortsighted.

Caleb has gotten exceptionally more clingy lately. I'm not sure if it is a natural phase or whether it is a by-product of me having to go to "work" more and leave him with Daddy or Grammy more. I am thinking even both are options. He was clingy and not wanting to participant in gymnastics class, but that was before I began to "work". And now, he wants to cuddle and fights for his time with me, and often I wake up to him having climbed into bed and is trying to cuddle next to me. Even the warmer Pjs didn't solve that problem so I don't think he is just cold at night. Well, I hope this works itself out.

Jockey is a rebel. When I say "Josh no no, don't ----" this is quickly translated into "full speed ahead, run away and do it anyway Josh....and don't forget to giggle so it looks cute!" He's a mischief maker alright, and I think he has figured out that he is younger and he gets away with a lot more... well, time to crack down. Like I told the boys, there is a reason that God made me bigger and older than them, because hopefully that means I'm smarter, or at least big enough to sit on them until they giggle and behave.

Well, off for devotions time. Caleb tries to tell me he is really big and strong and he can fight off the bats or ants or whatever it is... He's really getting an ego. Is that possible, already? Ok, good night, and I hope to return with other gems of conversation with the kiddos soon.

Happy Holidays!!!

First, THANK YOU to all of the friends and family who made this Christmas so cheery and love-surrounded. For the Christmas Eve party there were 37 people, all of which were related in some way to everyone else. It was nice to see those I hadn't seen in a while, and let them see my little show-offs in action.

Also, a BIG THANK YOU to everyone for the kind, thoughtful and generous gifts. They weren't needed, just you and your love is needed, but certainly everything will be enjoyed. I will be honest and say that every toy has been given it's due, but Jockey is almost constantly chewing on the toothbrush that came in his stocking. Go figure!! He has come to enjoy the indoor jumpy house he received, he was rolling on it even before it had air. And to be even further honest, Caleb really likes all his toys, but a few have hit the stellar list. He likes the Bob the Builder Tool kit (wants to take them everywhere), he plays with just the action figures of Buzz and Woody off of the remote control car, and really enjoys the Leap Frog learning pad and the Leap Frog Talking Words Factory DVD. He also liked the $ store robots that he received. There were other things that I was touched by my kiddos getting: a learning Pre-school and Toddlers Magazine from Grandma/pa Bishop (I've even told the playgroup moms about this one), and some real Steiff bears from Grandma/pa Bill.

Well, pictures are to come soon. I just have to find a little more time to download them, life gets really busy as you all know. TTFN.

I forgot....

For those of you who haven't seen our "Baby/Puppy" dog, here are some pictures. Keep in mind, that as of today he is now 8 (EIGHT) months old....

And then these are the gratuitous, Christmas posed, cute kid shots.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

We have been busy here, as always. Playgroup this week for the last time until after the new year. Christmas gift making and wrapping. Caleb is now an experienced wrapper (note: I did not say expert wrapper). We put the Christmas songs on, made up some hot cocoa and I got him started on the wrapping. He really had a good time. I've also been playing the piano a good deal for the kids. Josh LOVES music, and Caleb likes it and likes to listen. I wanted to share a song that I stumbled upon this season. It is a little off the beaten path from the typical Jingle Bells, but it Caleb asks for it frequently and it really hit home this season with the kids and trying to teach them about Christmas.

"Little One" by Shirley Watson

He sat by the fireside
'til his eyes became too heavy.
And he wandered off in dreams with elves at play.
Daddy found him sleeping
and took him up to bed.
Where he would spend the night in Santa's flying sleigh.
Christmas was a whisper in his ear.
Sounds that only children's hearts can hear.

Little one, in the morning when you waken
you'll find your ev'ry dream has taken form
There'll be joys
Christmas Day will come to life
because of you
And you are loved, Little one.

Mary lay and pondered
"til her eyes became too heavy.
And she fin'lly found the rest she struggled for.
Joseph sat in silence
and watched the baby sleeping.
And wondered what the future held in store.
Angel voiced whispered in his ear
Reaching down he drew the baby near

Little one, in the morning when You waken
the world will find that God has taken form
There'll be joy
and the earth will have new life
because of You,
For You are love, Little one.



Caleb is really excited for Christmas. We went shopping and he wanted to buy Santa a present. I thought that was cute. If you ask him, Caleb says that Christmas is Jesus' birthday AND Santa is coming. OK. Not sure where he got that, but that's his perception. We have had fun wrapping gifts and for the most part he is holding in his enthusiam about the presents, although he is like me and eager to give them away. I am not sure he has the understanding that there are presents under the tree for him and thus it isn't about the presents and commercial greed this year. I am praying that this will hold out. It's about Jesus' birthday and Caleb has asked to get Jesus a birthday cake....
This last Sunday night, we went to a walk through, outdoor living nativity and salvation story called the "Path of lights". It was night time and we were guided through by a "Roman soldier". He took us along the way to various stops, where the lights would come on and the scene would tell their part of the story. It was very neat, and Caleb finally got to see "baby Jesus" as he has been asking for. It was a doll, but I don't think he noticed. Then we went inside and had cocoa and listened to an informal choir sing carols. Flanking the carolers were two artificial christmas trees with nothing on them but white lights. Caleb said that they were pretty but where were the stars? And I was in awe to realized from a child's perspective that a tree, something of nature, is beautiful all by itself, and the only thing that it was missing was the STAR, that which has pointed the way to Jesus for the last 2000 years. I was near tears and speechless with his pure perspective. And then he wanted to see baby Jesus outside again, so much for ending the curiousity.

Other Caleb news: every thing is his "FAVORITE" . If he likes it and wants it or wants to play with it or wants to watch it then it is "FAVORITE". That kid has so many favorites it is hard to keep track of them all.

He is still strong in the "I have a plan" language. He says that everyday. I have a plan, gonna eat and orange. I have a plan gonna find my juice cup. My tummy hurts, I have a plan, gonna use the potty.

He also is saying "Hmmm, I'm thinking no" which is so funny it is hard not to laugh when he says that about dinner. "Caleb eat your dinner"....."Hmmm, I'm thinking no." And he doesn't say it mean, just matter of fact. Hilarious.


Things I didn't think I'd say:

"Yes, I'll help you find/get your Woody (THE DOLL, from Toy Story)"
I knew I'd say "Don't bite your brother" but not "don't bite your brother's bum".
I knew I'd say "Don't play in the toilet" (leaning into the water with toys splashing), but I didn't think "Get OUT of the toilet Joshy!"

I know Mike didn't think he'd say "Did you poo on me Caleb?!"

About Joshy: This last Sunday I was praying about Josh. We all know that Caleb is sensitive and has a special gift and softness and several other gifts. And I was praying because I wanted to know if Josh was special in any way (other than the usual cute, happy and healthy which I'm already grateful for); because it would be hard to be the younger brother living in the shadow of a great big brother. Well, the answer from the Lord came almost instantly. Joshy's speaking/communication/understanding is his special gift. I had been surprised before at it, but now I was told that that was his special talent. And then I was reminded about Moses and Aaron (BROTHERS) of the Bible. Moses might have lead, but it was Aaron who was the speaker for all communications, it was Aaron that enabled Moses to address Pharoh, etc. Aaron played a vital role because of his speaking... and Joshy will too. I thought I'd share that special news about our little Jockey! Praise the Lord for quick answers to prayers.

Ok, good night.
And for most of the family, see you on Christmas EVE!

Christmas Pictures:

See Caleb's "Camera Smile" brings to mind "grin and bear it".

Hi all,

We finally went out and got our Christmas Tree. We drove all the way up to Skykomish and chopped a tree down in the National Forest... don't worry, we got a permit to do so.

I'll have to post a picture or two later of that day. It was really fun, although a little scary at times. Why is it that the passenger side always seems closest to the cliff when we are stuck in the snow?!

Caleb asked me "Mommy, where polar bears? I want to see them." It took some convincing that they didn't live in Washington. And then he spent the rest of the time pointing out the trees/Christmas trees.... in a forest, can you imagine how many times we heard "there's a tree."
The dogs loved getting out and running in the snow. Caleb threw snowballs and Josh thought that that was the most wonderful thing. Snowballs are just like balls that he has at home you know... only cold. I had to change him into a snow outfit that allowed him to actually touch the snow. He was getting frustrated that he couldn't touch it when we was wearing the parka that covers his hands. And when it was time to go, Josh screamed in frustration as Mike put in him the truck. Josh was NOT ready to go!

We got a sufficient tree. I like it, though Mike thinks it could be fuller. On a Nobel "Full" is a relative term. We might try a different type of tree next year.

Caleb and Josh helped decorate it. They are in awe when it is all turned on and lit up. The lower half of our tree is significantly les decorated than the top. Josh thinks that the things at the bottom are just so interesting. He likes to pull them off and squeal and run off and play keep away! So we are going to have to get some PLASTIC red bulbs for the bottom of the tree or Josh might re-live one of the not so fun times of Mike's infanthood... biting into a red shiny bulb thinking it's an apple... But as we decorated the tree, Josh would come over and give kisses and then run away and then come back again. I think he was excited with all the activity going on.
Caleb insist he help, which was sweet. And when I put up the nativity, he sat and I told him the Christmas story as each piece came out of the box. He and I do that every year, next year Josh will listen too! Caleb and Josh are both in love with the Nutcrackers we have. I had one, and then Grandpa Bill gave the kids one. So now they are standing post on the mantel. Josh keeps running over and pointing at them, or the nativity, or ANY of the decorations. He is just interested and mesmerized with the lights and everything new in the house.

Caleb has gotten to see a lot of the Christmas movies. He keeps asking for "that movie the boy drumming". That was one that I particularly wanted to show him this year, and it feels special each time that he asks and wants to share that with me. He and I watched Polar Express too. When ever there was a touching moment in the movie, Caleb would look over at me with a little grin and then give me a hug... it happened several times. It was a nice, Jockey-free, time that he and I shared. He really is getting excited, but mostly curious. Caleb loves the lights that are in the neighborhood. The most difficult thing for me is that he keeps asking to meet/see Jesus. I remember this stage when I was little too, and I'm trying hard to remember how I finally understood so that I can pass it along to him. He loves Jesus so much, it's hard to explain not seeing Him.

Zuma was particularly grumpy tonight, so Caleb laid hands are her and prayed for her. I thought that was so cute.

Well, it's late and the day will come sooner than I expect. Good night.

Hello all.

This last weekend we spent a nice evening in the brisk cool weather seeing an amazing Christmas light display at Warm Beach Christian Camp and Convention Center. It was beautiful, a millon lights. I read that if they strung all the lights end to end, it would make it from the camp all the way to the Space Needle. 11 MILES of extension cords. I really liked showing Caleb the Nativity. It is life size and it made an impact on him. In all the beauty, this year we also got to DO a couple things. We heard a story read out loud, Caleb made a toy in the Joyland Toy workshop, he even got the courage up enough to ride a pony. Caleb and Josh both saw a person dressed like Santa. Caleb was too shy to do much talking or sit with Santa... although if asked about it he would tell it like he had a long conversation with his old pal Santa. Caleb talks like he is going to see him soon. Makes me wish that there was someone dressed up to look like Jesus, because that is who Caleb's really been asking to see. It feels unjust to have a Santa figure but not a Jesus figure... maybe I'll suggest it somewhere! Josh, on the other hand, was not so thrilled about being anywhere near, let alone held, by a oddly dressed stranger! He burst into tears the moment that Santa picked him up. Josh LOVED everything else. He is really and outdoorsy type kid, and he just took off when he was finally set down on the ground. He ran from lights to lights touching them and (glup) banging on them to make them dance and dazzle.
It was a nice evening of family and festivities. Rene, Mel, Matthew, Nick, Tyler, Grandpa Bill and Grandma Judy, Grammy Dahl, and Grandpa Dahl and then of course my own family were all in attendance.

Monday, Jockey was picked up by Grammy Dahl. When asked, Caleb elected Joshy to go with Grammy. He stood at the door and waved and said good by over and over and "take care Jockey grammy!" and then shut the door. He realy wanted time with just me. And we did. We played with the toy he made at the toy workshop. We finger painted followed IMMEDIATELY by a bath, we watched a show together, made dinner and muffins together... He really liked it. At one time he did ask where Jockey was, was Joshy in his room sleeping. And then this morning he looked for Josh and asked where he was again... but he is still enjoying being the only one that I have to hold.


For those who know who Garfield is, you'll find it funny that Caleb calls him "Catfield." Caleb came into my room one night and told me he was scared that it was a bad show. He said that there was a bad black cat in the show "Catfield". It took me a while to figure out who "Catfield" was.

The other funny thing is that Caleb calls Littlefoot, from the movie Land Before Time, "Babyfoot". All during the movie he said and I corrected him "what Baby foot doing? where Babyfoot mommy?" No Caleb, it's littlefoot. Regardless, it was cute.

Caleb is also hilarious when I tell him that I have to use the restroom. He says, "I know, I show you where" and then has to walk me to the bathroom and say "here, here it is" and point. In my own home, I need a tour of where the bathroom is...

Ok, Caleb says it is time to play...thanks for reading.

Happy Thanksgiving! We're back from Cannon Beach.

We arrived in the late afternoon on Thursday, and visited the beach quickly before dark and before the rain started. Then it was a turkey and ham dinner in Grammy and Papa Dahl's motorcoach. They went all out with decorative, Thanksgiving themed paper plates and napkins that gave the whole place a festive look.

Friday, it was raining when we woke up, but then quickly stopped. We ate, what is fast becoming traditional group family breakfast, sausage gravy over biscuits with scrambled mushroom eggs prepared by Grandma Judy and Papa Bill. We chatted in the motorcoach until the second rain shower was complete and then walked down to the beach. Caleb and the dogs had a lot of fun. After the beach was time to go hot tubbing. It is a good way to get warm. (or in my case, to have some quiet time...)

Saturday was a beautiful sunny day. After breakfast we drove to Ecola State park and mini-hiked down to the beach. We then drove to the viewpoint and watched the parasailers have fun over the cliffs and trees. It was truly a lovely day. We did visit the hetic KB Toy's outlet, but with sales and no sales tax... for Christmas it was a necessary evil. Then it was back to camp for hot tubbing. The RV Resort hosted a turkey, mashed potatoes and stuffing dinner with the campers bringing the rest. It was a nice time. Caleb was surrounded by a TV, arcades, and all sorts of bread type foods and desserts, so it was a peaceful meal for the rest of us too. Then back into the hot tub for the evening calm down.

Sunday. By this time we have heard the snow reports and decided after a hot shower (because our water heater was broken at home and this might be the last for a while) we packed up and headed home. We drove straight through other than a gas stop and two Caleb potty breaks. We got home at 2:30 as the rain began to mix with snow. By 3:00 it was all snow and had dropped 3-4 degrees and was starting to stick. (Mike fixed the hot water heater while I unpacked the trailer. Then he decided to get the trailer to the club before too much of the snow was on the ground it was parked in front of our house indefinitely.

So we are home safe, and had a good time. Here are a couple pictures.

With the snow on the ground and additional snow forcasted, I think we will probably stay close to home for warmth if nothing else. That's all for now.

See, it didn't take that long to get another post here.

Today, I only had Josh to look after. Caleb went to spend time with Grammy, Daddy, and Papa. He tried gymnastics and the Daycare...success??? Well, we'll reserve judgement. He says that he misses us (mommy and daddy) and Joshy gets all the time and attention. So, we've got to make up some time with him to reassure him of his loved place in this world.

The flip side, Joshy and I got to spend time together. I thought I should update everyone on the person Joshy is becoming. He really likes to play catch (rather he throws, we catch and then roll it back to him). He really likes to listen to music. His new thing that causes giggles: sommersaults, he needs help, but loves it when we cause him to do them. He runs back for more. He's also enjoying the Baby Einstein movies. When Caleb's away we get a chance to pull out the shows that don't have words just visual stimulation, and he likes them! (Thank you Grammy and Papa Dahl for INVESTING in these when Caleb and Tessa were little, they are getting their use with the next grandchild.)

I should mention that we are going to be away this Thursday through Sunday. Thanksgiving will be sent in Cannon Beach (OR) this year with GG Dahl, Grammy and Papa Dahl and Papa and Grandma Judy. Pray for good weather because we are CAMPING not hotelling it!

Short and sweet, that's it for now.

Hello to all.

Life is still busy. But here are the things that we are up to and the funny things taking place.

Yesterday, I actually had to say "Josh don't pick your brother's nose". Followed shortly by, "Caleb if you turned around he wouldn't be able to reach your nose." All of this was while we were at a craft bazaar in Monroe, and other than this incident and a couple other minor things, the kids were really well behaved. A few other people even commented about that.

This last week, we went to playgroup and Monday and Wednesday. Caleb was very excited about seeing his friend Donovyn. It's been a while since Donovyn got his adenoids removed. The boys played long, hard and nicely. It's fun to see Joshy trying to be a big boy. He follows them back and forth from one end of the gym to the other as best as he can.

Caleb is either very kind, gentle, and considerate to his brother or the rough, aggressive bully. I've seen both daily for quite some time. Although, the cutest thing happened. Caleb told me he was "scared" and I asked him about what. Suddenly he said he wasn't scared anymore. I mentioned that that was fast. He said that he had a button to turn it off, to which I said "wow, Jesus must have given you that button". He said "Yeah, He gives me lots of buttons. I share Jockey, 1 button... not now later. I take care Jockey." I thought that that was sweet. Caleb didn't believe me that one day they would both be big enough that Jockey would try to take care of him. He insisted that he was bigger than Jockey.

We took Caleb and Josh to Gymnastics classes. For Caleb, Grammy and I were shocked that Caleb's participation was bust. He pulled some kind of shy, "i need you to hold my hand/come with me mommy" behaviour... so we gave up on trying to make him go with his class.
JOSH, however, was a joy to take to class. He really enjoyed it. He had just woken up, so it took a couple of minutes for him to get orientated, and to find something to catch his interest. The minute he found something he liked, he started smiling and giggling. He liked to be bounced on the trampoline, although he didn't want the trampoline to bounce under him. He didn't know what to do with the foam block pit or the climbing wall. He did love the inclined mats which mommy helped him somersault down once he climbed up them. Joshy is a HUGE climber. He will climb anything, especially if it will get him closer to an object he wants to hold/put in his mouth. (Yes, Josh is still a really mouthy kid.) Josh climbed up a wooden play structure and the instructor came over and said that the way he manuevered the top was something some 5 year olds have problems with! He was doing fine, but then the MUSIC came on and the absolute JOY came out in Jockey. He started swinging his arms, raising his hands, and nodding his head to the beat and skip/walking. He is so funny to watch as he enjoys music. All kids have an interest and respond to music, but I'm having a great time being entertained by my little guy!

Thursday and Friday were days where they got to spend a bit more time with Daddy. They went to the dog park on one of those days and a neighborhood walk on the other. (Mommy tried and experimental, one time only job on Thursday, and a Dr. appointment on Friday.)

Caleb is in love with "Blue's Clues" Aka "Jockey's show". I thought it would dissuade him from wanting to watch it if I told him it was a show for Jockey's age. NOPE... with a big N! He will watch that ALL the time if we let him. So instead I've tried to focus and get him to watch "Leap Frog's LETTER FACTORY". And it has worked, I'm still having to watch Blue's Clues, but Caleb is now recognizing letters in the alphabet! Practice practice and more practice and we will get it down. We are thinking that the next phase is soon, the "Leap Frog WORDS FACTORY". He already likes the word CAT, because it is on his Cat in the Hat book. He is really excited when we exclaim how proud we are that he is reading, a real source of pride for him. But I've seen this week that he likes kudos and recognition, but he doesn't like to be in the spotlight for it. It's funny because that would seem like opposites, kudos without spotlight, and especially since every time we try to get Josh to do something Caleb has to cut in and try to steal the show. But I think that the latter is a sibling rivalry and the former is the actual personality trait. And of course, he is different with Mom and Dad than he is with others.

Well, winter is here and the plastic "play cube" is now in my living room. I figured that Joshy is going to climb whether it is a good thing to climb or not, so I'd better get a good thing inside to climb. The weather is so icky lately that it is unpleasant to send the kids out in the cold and rain to play on wet toys. So I brought a toy inside. I didn't get it even fully set down on the floor in the living room before Joshy had begun to climb up onto it. So I think that is proof that I did a good thing.

Joshy continues to talk... if you listen closely. He isn't always bell clear. But he says I did it, where mom, and other advanced things. I wish he would say please and understand what I say when I say wait. He whines because he has no patience and is easily frustrated. But he tries hard and is determined.
Today, he whined that I wouldn't let him play with Tigger's boy parts. I know, I'm awful, I don't let him do anything fun.

If I haven't mentioned it before, I'm so glad that Caleb is potty trained. I do have to remember that fact when I have to stop every 45 minutes to go to the restroom (and not for my own purposes!) I have determined that I will have Jockey trained earlier, I will NOT have 2 1/2 more years of diapers.!!! In the meantime, Joshy thinks toilet paper is the most fun toy and he would play with the plunger if I'd not put it out of reach. If I only listed the items that my kids have liked and fixated on (without explanation), you would think that we never bought our kids real toys. Caleb: broken fleecy dog toy/bone, swiffer, tape measure. Josh: new toilet bowl brush, swiffer.

Caleb's new phrases (that I'm sure he picked up from the adults in his life.)
"I mean it!" He also asks "Mommy, mean it, do you mean it mommy?" (I'm betting his one came from me)
"hmm, let me think, no" (thanks daddy)
"I'm thinking no." (thanks daddy) Especially funny (although also mildly cross eyed frustrating) when he says this to "Bedtime?" or "Brush your teeth?" "Get dressed?" I know, either stop asking, or ask "open" questions that don't require yes or no answers, I've read the books. I wonder if the authors actually have had children for some of things that they suggest.

Last story for now. Caleb and I drove to the store for our admittedly guilty pleasure, Slurpees. I drove up and got out and peeked in the window to see if the machine was "working" (not re frosting or out). I came back to the car and got in and was getting out the money and Joshy. Caleb asked if it was working and I said yes, he responds with "well, what are we waiting for!?" in an excited happy tone and starts struggling with his buckles in an uncontrollable anticitpation. I had to laugh. "What are we waiting for?!" indeed.

Good night. (at 6 it sure feels like 9!)

Some pictures, because they tell it better than words.

Mostly from Toppenish...


GG dutifully followed Joshy around to ensure his safety; note his choice toy, not the ball or other toys we packed, but the fly swatter.

We did bring Caleb's bike, but for Josh we brought the trike which also folds into a rocker. He liked it, and as you can see is a stunt devil in the making...

Dinner my motorhome and flash light...

Lake Easton State Park the morning we left....

And for those who haven't seen Tigger in a while, I'll get a better picture, but you might be able to assess a little bit of his size from this picture... Yup, this is our beloved (most of the time) 6 MONTH old puppy!

Ok, that's all for now. Good night.

Well, here we are together again. Well, not actually together, but it feels like it when you're reading and while I'm writing.

It's been too long again between posts, I apologize.

So here is what's been going on in the meantime.

Joshy is a climbing wonder. He has learned the tricks from Caleb and is attempting to climb up onto everything, and often with success... or whining when unsuccessful. I'm not sure which I like better, quiet success and high elevations, or noisy failure at the safe ground level. He is talking up a storm, although you have to listen carefully because it isn't all bell clear. But he asks questions like "wha doon?" (what are you doing?) and he answers most questions with a shake or nod of the head. He says "gahh iii" (got it). Puh is please. Several others. He is remarkable in his talking and every shocking in his understanding. Joshy is interested in everything, he is a watcher and a thinker; he is successful with most of the things that he tries, which makes me think that he has watched and waited until he can do things... which means he has understood for a long time. Amazing. The downside is that he is a big whiner for just about everything: Caleb wants privacy, Joshy whines because he wants to be in the bathroom too. He wants juice and I have to refill the cup first, he whines. He can't make a truck stay on the table when he pushes it, he whines.... The littlest things rock his world. I'm weary of it. But I should realize that it means he is smart and knows/understands what he wants and is eventually going to be able to communicate it clearly.
Joshy is mercifully gone back to sleeping through the night, I pray sincerely that this will continue. I might be able to glimpse what a life of normal sleep patterns looks like for the first time in a little over 3 years. Thank you Joshy for going back to sleeping through the night. However, he might be trying to give up his morning nap... We'll see.

Caleb is getting a little cooped up in the bad weather. This week instead of him staying with Grammy and Papa Dahl... Joshy did. That means that Caleb and Mommy got to go to Chuck E. Cheese and play. He really liked it, and for the first time he showed that he remembered from one visit to the next. Unfortunately, the last thing he remembered was a spider squashing game in California's Chuck E. Cheese and they don't have that in Bellevue. But he adjusted fast to the other games. He had a good time. Then it was off to the pool for a swim with Mommy and Daddy. He likes to play in the water, as long as he is on the stairs or in the hot tub. Beyond that we really need to work on his fear of the water. I think it might take consistent visits to the pool with just Caleb where we can work on new things, or the same old things over and over to build confidence. I look forward to the day that he will have fun and joy in the pool without reservation.
Caleb is in a "WHY" phase, heaven help me. It is why about everything. Why are we turning left (to go to the bank), why are we going to the bank (to put a check in), why do we need to put money in the acct (to pay bills), why do we have to do that.... etc. It's endless. Why does he need to put his socks on, why does he need to put his shoes on, why are we leaving, why are we going there, why does Grammy and Papa Dahl want to see him, WHY WHY WHY. I've tried to explain things, he asks why again... to the same question! I've tried saying because I'm in charge... why. I've tried to say I don't know... WHY! This is the phase that I knew the most about prior to having kids, and the phase I was least looking forward to... and now I know WHY.

So, what have we been keeping busy with...

Two weekends ago, we camped in Toppenish with Grammy, Papa and GG Dahl, and Papa Bill and Grandma Judy. It was a nice trip, good visiting, and there were bike rides and times in the pool. The most eventful item was, however, on the Sunday when we tried to get home. That's right, TRIED. Thanks to the road updates from Papa Bill (and the 1610AM) it was decided that the snowy and treacherous road conditions weren't worth the risk and we pulled off to camp in Lake Easton State Park for the night... about 10 minutes after unhooking the truck, the 1610Am was updated that the pass was completely closed due to dangerous road conditions, multiple accidents and deicing equipment to work. It's actually an interesting story. We got several calls from Papa Bill and listened to the radio a bunch, but home was sounding pretty good. So good that it was hard to make a decision. So I prayed and said, "Lord, I just don't know what to do. I know what I want to do, but I'm not sure what to do. So I'm going to ask Caleb and whatever he says that is what we are going to do, so please give him the right answer". So I turned and asked Caleb "Do you want to go home (I held up one hand) or camp one more night (and held up the other hand)?" He looked at me, paused, I repeated the question, and then with absolute certainity, he said Camp One more Night. So we did. The second miracle of the night was after dinner in Cle Elum, we were stuck on the shoulder of the road between semi's and the guard rail with two, luckily, sleeping kids, in a HUGE back up with the road closed and everyone with their engine and lights off. (I thought the next ramp off was just a mile up and no one would care if we just drove up and ducked off... some person was parked too far to the right to allow us passage.) So with no sign of movement, I told the Lord that we needed a miracle; with no word of lie, not 10-15 minutes later we heard the updated report that the pass was open and then we saw movement. In a back up and pass closed for 4.5 hours, we were only sitting for 40 mintues! Blessing, I think so!

Well, I'd like to go on. But my hands are tired, and the rest of me isn't that much farther behind. For those who pray and know Jesus, please pray for my Grandma Severson (Norma). She's not doing so good, and it's nearing her time. Of course, I want that to be with Jesus, and I want a pain-free, peaceful, not overly drawn out experience... and of course, remember all of those who know and love her in your prayers too. It effects everyone who knows and loves her. THANKS.

So here on some more of the random disconnected stories... but again, I don't think that I'll get them all told.

Grandpa Bishop took Caleb to Starbucks a few times. Caleb now knows Starbuck's logo as well as 7-11 the land of Slurpees and shouts out every time he sees one from the back seat. He met Grandpa Bishop's friend Bob, and had to meet Bob's dog Brandy, and show off his bike to the guys at Starbucks.

Josh really is an outdoorsy kid. He wants to see everything and touch and even try to taste everything. While Caleb was on his first bike ride with Papa, Josh was outside with Mommy and Grandma looking at trees, lights, mailboxes, clouds (yes 2 in the sky), grass, rocks, flowers, bushes. He wanted everything named and labeled for him, and I think he would have walked a mile if we would have kept on explaining things to him. I can see the information sponge happening right before my eyes. This trip was a huge experience for Josh. And his interest and attempt at words was astounding. He said Balloon, Ball, Bird, ME (****a big favorite), and several more. He ran after a person with cotton candy saying "ME ME ME", he really wanted some and he knew it. He did the same about the case of toys at Chuck E. Cheese. It is just amazing that the knows and has desires and is trying to get what he wants now verbally! He even nods his head or shakes it in response to questions! I can not believe that, and he is actually responding not just randomly answering!

Those who know Caleb, know that he is sensitive. And those that have kids, most likely know the story "Monsters, Inc." Well, the last 10-15 mintues were on and this was a better selection that the adult shows that were on the other channels. Well, all of a sudden Caleb started crying, he was terribly sad and want the channel changed. He was very upset that the big blue "monster", Sully, had to say goodbye to the little girl "boo". He was so so so upset, and he said this was a bad show. He was so compassionate to the sad feeling that Sully was having that he just was so upset on the "monster's" behalf. I love my sensitive guy, but I worry about him too. So as cute as that show is, it is a no go in our home.

Saturday, while in California. Caleb came to the conclusion that "Jesus likes funny jokes". This comes on the heels of a coversation about not crying wolf (a bad joke) because it is actually lying and Jesus doesn't like lying... so Caleb decided the flip side was that if Jesus didn't like bad jokes, he must like funny jokes. Caleb has also decided that Jesus is the biggest Rescue Hero, cute if you remember his obsession with Rescue Heroes. And we often have to include in our nightly prayers for Jesus to protect Caleb from Bats... I don't know why Bats, but we had to have a 45 minutes conversation with Caleb about how Jesus is stronger than bats. Caleb has decided that bats are bad and will get him, and he started a thing about owls and spiders but to a significantly lesser degree.

Cute Brief: Caleb grabbed Joshy's hand in the back seat and was making Joshy's hand wave and saying "Hi-lo Grammy" and "Hi Papa". Joshy loved it and giggled and then pulled on Caleb's sweatshirt and Caleb let him and thought it was great.

Cute Brief: We were all walking through the parking lot and Caleb was out ahead (the lot was closed to traffic). He hopped and leaped over a speed bump and thought it was a big one. So he ran back and said "here grammy" and took her hand and carefully helped her over the speed bump to make sure she made it. How kind and caring is that?!

Cute Brief: Caleb was sleeping in our bed one morning. Joshy woke up and I got him and brought him into the bed hoping that he would lay down and sleep again. No such luck. He rolled over and started talking, poking, rolling onto Caleb and trying to get Caleb to wake up and play with him. Caleb finally did sit up and gave his brother a little push and said "I'm not a toy Jockey! I'm a boy."

Well, that's all I have time for, and I'm still not done with the stories from all of California.
More soon, and always accummulating more. Good Night, God Bless.

Well, nice to have you visit again.

Today, I will share some very random cute things that the boys have done. I apologize in advance for the disconnectedness. I thought it was better to share the cute things rather than agonize over the sentence and paragraph structure or even the chronology. These things have happened with in the last 2-3 weeks, some before and some in California.

About three weeks ago, Caleb saw Papa Bill. Papa Bill had spent some time cleaning and tuning up the old "rocking" Wonder Pony that Mommy and Uncle Jeff had played on when we were little. It is a hard plastic/fiber glass horse suspended at the 4 corners with big springs and held about 2-3 feet off the ground. So you can rock back and forward (squeak) and jump up and down (squeak squeak and clang). Caleb was introduced to this Wonder Pony (really a wonder that it survived 30 years, or that they sold them as toys for children with exposed springs just waiting for little fingers... but I survived and so did it.) Caleb was a bit shy about it the first time he saw it. His curiosity sometimes comes out as shyness. Well, he must have gotten the story of Mommy on the Wonder pony because he came home that night and wanted Mommy to tell him stories about when she was a little BOY! (yeah, Caleb, Mommy never was a little boy.) The next time that we were at Papa Bill and Judy's, Caleb jumped right up on it and began to rock and jump and make that horse squeak and clang to his hearts content. Joshy was put up on it too and he thought it was wonderful and got a big toothy grin on his face.

For those of you who are counting, Josh has 12 teeth now, and just today I noticed more inflamed gums... more could be on the way. Which is good because he has the front four (top and bottom) and then big gaps then his molars top and bottom.

Joshy learned what soap was. (Don't think of the details, just the face value of the story please.) Josh and I were taking a shower and I was holding him up. The ledge with the soap was there and he pointed at it. I suds up my fingers and rubbed it on his arm and then rinsed it off. Well, he tried to pick it up but dropped it, so I put him down on the shower floor. He then picked it up and got a little on his fingers and then rubbed my leg. So Josh now knows what so if for. He's very smart.

Caleb's Toy Story obsession has strengthened with Grammy Dahl's purchase of ZURG. Zurg is supposedly Buzz's arch rival in the galactic empire, however, in the second movie (star wars fans will like this) Zurg turns out to be Buzz's long lost father. I'm actually quite glad that that ironic and near cheesy twist happenend since I wasn't so keen on the bad guy aspect, but since Caleb only sees Zurg as Buzz's father, I'm ok. And Zurg had to go with us to the airport, he had to be carried through the airport not ride in the toy backpack, he showed Zurg to all who looked in his direction, Zurg got to ride and see the inside of the security xray screening machines... So Caleb's happy.

Caleb has become obsessed with the weather. His favorite is to annouce "It's a SUUUNNNnnny DAYYYY!" If you haven't heard it, let me assure you that the retyping of it can't mimic the cute emphasis and voice he uses. But he has to ask if it is a sunny day. "No is a sunny day mommy? It's a gray dark day?" He really likes the sunny days! I agree. And there were alot in California.

The special thing about sunny days in California is that every morning Caleb got to search the house for rainbows on the walls, floor, ceiling and whereever else they appeared. He liked the search and discovery every day. He likes rainbows, they are quickly becoming something special to him. I am going to have to make a point to sit and tell him the Noah's Ark story when he has the focus to listen.

Well, Caleb is still Potty Trained... !!!! And Caleb likes to ask "You proud me mommy?" Again, is sounds so cute, and yes, I'm proud of him. (I'm also trying to reinforce that he should be proud of himself too...self-esteem starts with ones self.)

So the plane was delayed 3 hours going down to Sacramento. I mentioned that before. But what I didn't mention were the nearly 10 people that came up to me in that 3 hours, on the plane, while deplaning, and waiting for the baggage who said to me that they boys were wonderful, that they were so well behaved and good. I was very proud of them, and each of those people were amazed even more when I told them that this was the boys' nap time too. (They also mentioned that I was handling them good, and there were times I thoguht I'd loose it, so hearing that meant a little to me as well.)

So Grandma and Grandpa Bishop had dutifully sought out a couple toys for the boys to have when they arrived... But you'll never guess what Joshy's favorite was.... the brand new (thank the Lord) toilet bowl brush. HE TOOK THAT EVERYWHERE. He played with it everyday, right up until we left. He took it into the hot tub even! Hey, whatever makes him happy, as long as it was brand new. And he would scream if we took it away.
Ok, he did like one other thing pretty well. LONG long ago, Grandma was going to make a bathrobe... but her little girl (that would be mommy) played with the baby pink with white polka dot material so much it never reached the sewing stage. Well, Joshy was in love with the fleecey stuff when Grandma laid it out on the floor. He would flop himself onto it and lay his head down and rub and kick his legs, or he would turn over and do the same on his back. Caleb got into the action too and Grandma ended up rolling him up like a little burrito and then shaking him out a few times. Why is 4 yards of pink fleece so fun??!!

Oh, when we got off the plane, we were greeted by Grandma and Grandpa Bishop. And Caleb said hello, and then we were off the the potty. In the restroom Caleb had to say that Grandma was happy to see him and he was happy to see her and Grandpa was happy to see him and he was happy to see grandpa... and then he had to tell me that Grandma has girl parts. Little for than a how do you do and out comes that.... Normally you have to get to know someone a little better before you start to talk about parts. But the two of them did spend good time together, so I guess Caleb knew where things were headed.

Grandpa Bishop also let Caleb sit with him and ride in their electric wheel chair in the garage. There wasn't a lot of space, but enough to do donuts and make Caleb happy.

This wheel chair came in handy another couple of times. Grandpa and Grandma each took it to the park as Caleb rode his bike to the park. Joshy even got to be a passenger on one trip with Grandma. He liked it... it was different than the stroller and Mommy liked it because then she could help Caleb get accross the street and back up on the sidewalks as we went several blocks.

Well, I have lots more of these small disconnected stories to tell, but I'm just getting a little tired for tonight, so they'll have to keep until another time. Thanks for reading and visit again soon.

We're back!!!!
It was a great trip once we got there. To summarize: 3+ HOUR DELAY *DURING* the kids' supposed naptime! So instead of a 2:15 arrival, we didn't get in until almost 6pm!

This post is the brief, day to day activities run down with a few pictures. I will give more special stories later. This is just meant to high the activites high notes. The precious moments highlights are still to come.

*****CALEB WENT ALL THE TRIP POTTY TRAINED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!******* (and still going strong since we've come home) I'm proud of him, he's proud of himself!

Our first day was quite an adventure. Caleb took his first trip to Starbucks this morning. Then after early morning recovery-from-traveling naps, we were off to Chuck E. Cheese. A Caleb favorite! And for the first time, Josh was actually able to participate, not just sit in the high chair and eat. Although, he was happy enough to eat, he didn't want to participant until he had watched for quite a long time to get a feel for the place.
But before Josh could really start playing, we were off to pick up a bike that was advertised on craigslist. What a blessing that there was an affordable 12" bike (and helmet) in the local area for sale... and on our first day in town. So we purchased it and brought it home. Caleb rode it nearly every day! We rode to the park and even had to seek out special new parks to ride in.

Saturday was amazing. Robert had seen an ad for a church putting on a harvest festival. ALL FREE. So Caleb got to run out and select a pumpkin or two. He got to jump in the jumpy houses. Free food to eat, music/band, balloons, wands with streamers. He could have played games, but the lines were so long that we had to choose. And he choose to get his face painted, something he has never done before. He told us that he wanted an X. I was kind of confused on that. First I was surprised that he even knew the letter X, but then I wondered why he wanted it.... until he pointed as someone else and I saw that it was reall a cross that he wanted. So that's what he got, a green cross on his cheek. Which lasted almost 2 days!


As if one pumpkin patch/festival wasn't enough, we went to another on Sunday. And although it sounded like more of the first, it was amazing and very different. It was called the Bishop Pumpkin Farm, and it was huge with LOTS to do; it had a wonderful atmosphere too with the BBQ, baked goods that made you hungry, fresh apple cider slushies, etc! We saw pig races put on by Mother Goose. Caleb climbed in an old "settlers fort" and had the chance to "go to jail" (but he didn't go for it.) He went up on a "Coyote Mountian", which featured a couple great slides. Caleb panned and mined for marbles; he loved this because he got to keep the marbles and we all know how he loves small things to treasure and either hold in his hands or put in his pockets. Caleb liked to climb in the barn maze and slide down the slide there and wade in the dried corn silo. We all rode the miniature train, which Caleb especially loved because it went through a tunnel and he happened to get to turn on his flashlight that he'd been carrying in his pocket. The kids, both, got to climb on his all wood, miniature play train. This was Joshy's highlight. He must have spent 30 minutes climbing and laughing from the inside of the train. We were going to ride the ponies, but that line would have been an hour long wait and Joshy's time was ending before his afternoon nap, so Caleb instead jumped, climbed and ran on the old tire maze until his bum was VERY dirty and his shoes had fallen right off of his feet! The evening ended with a nice hot tub time.





Monday was very fun. It was something very new and special for Caleb, and it appealed to Mommy's creative side. Although, I had to remember that it was Grandma's idea and Caleb's project. We went to a paint your own pottery studio. Caleb made a special plate of all the things he had seen or done on his trip so far. Well, with the active trip we'd had there was no way we were going to fit it all on the plate, but the things that did make the list: a blue bike, a pumpkin, a black horse, a GREEN pig, and a dog (which I don't know when he saw other than on our rides to the park, but it came out looking alot like Tigger.) Caleb had fun, and if he will eat all of his dinner off of it like he promises, then the 2 hours spent making it would have have been worth every minute and a priceless idea of Grandma's! The day rounded out with a bike ride, slurpees, time in the hot tub and Rescue Heroes shows right up to bed time.

Tuesday was an attempt at many fun things that ended up being closed during the mid morning and early afternoon (the local communities' attempt at preventing truancy). So it was just a Farmer's Market, antique shopping, Old Navy shopping kind of day with a bike ride and the new "Over the Hedge" movie to round off the day. We did see my Aunt Sunny, cousin Meghan and the boy's cousin Alexandra too. And Caleb got a special play tent from Grandma for being a big boy (potty trained) all trip. He really liked that, and so did Joshy for that matter.

Wednesday, Great Grandma Dyer came over to see the boys in the morning. And despite all plans to do something next, every one fell asleep for early naps. So once we were all up mid-day, it was time for more Chuck E Cheese. This time, Josh really liked it... as long as we let him go and explore at his own pace. He really didn't want to be cocerced into any specific activities. And it is a good thing that this is a noisy, kid's place because Josh was just squealing and screaming and clapping his hands with happiness! We picked up Caleb's plate from the pottery studio, and he really liked his plate. It was surprising how much the rest of us were looking forward to seeing it too. Caleb then stayed with Grandpa, while Mommy, Joshy and Grandma went to explore and antique store before dinner. Dinner was special because a good friend Phinas came over. He's like part of the family, although in a photograph he wouldn't exactly look related. He brought the boys small gifts which Caleb insisted get opened right away. Dinner was good; Josh surprised us. I kept giving him the food that I thought that he could eat... but he still kept fussing. Finally, I gave him a rib... and he loved it and was quiet for 10-15 mintues. He chewed and sucked that thing clean and then wanted another! Sure, whatever kiddo. As long as you eat, don't choke, and let us all eat in peace too! Grandma, the boys and I were off to the hot tub again. At the first part of the trip, Josh would just sit mellow in my lap in the hot tub, but by the end of this night he was standing in the shallow area slapping the sides of the hot tub, laughing and popping up out of the water and kicking his legs! He really had a good time and was experiencing water with joy! Caleb made a huge leap in developement too! He now was pushing off one side of the hot tub, diving underwater towards me where I would lift him out of the water. He would only be under for 1-3 seconds, but that was a great leap from not wanting to get his face wet to actually diving under! I'm very proud of him!

Thursday was the last minute packing, get to the airport, final good byes, struggle through security and flying times and actually getting home day. Fortunately, it went fairly smoothly and all on time. We arrived safe, and all the luggage too. We are home with unforgettable memories and good times. I'll go into greater detail of the special moments when I have more time because they are priceless times/actions on the boy's parts. However, now you've at least got the day-by-day play of what we did.

Look for more stories SOON.!!!!

I actually walked into the room to find Caleb this way!

Joshy eating ribs, good food, good size mess, very happy kiddo.

Packing Day, Josh gives a patented toothy grin.

Pictures, pictures!

Before we are off to California. I should share in pictures that which I don't have time to detail in words.

Joshy having fun at playgroup. He is really branching out in the activities he wants to try.

Caleb, the grocery cart superhero.

Our little boys having fun TOGETHER. They are playing with Rescue Heroes, and yes that aircraft carrier is really that big.

Well, that is all I have time for. I will be gone to California from 10/12 through 10/19. I hope to have lots of great stories to tell when I return. Pray for our safe trip.

Hey another week has been lived!

We have had some wonderfully sunny days in which a few walks have been squeezed in. Caleb even tries to bike ride the distance. He is maxed at the 2 miles it takes to get to and back from the park... of course he runs around and plays at the park and that could be why the return trek includes many (MANY) helpful pushes from Mom or Dad.

We, of course, went to play group this week. Caleb really does look forward to those days o the chance that he will see his friend. He plays well with all the kids, but he has his favorite. Josh does well at playgroup. He is getting more and more curious about the other kids, but the individual toys and balls have a greater interest still.

Josh is over his flu, has been for this week. Thank goodness for that. However, he is getting two more teeth. Painful, but they will help him keep up with his eating habits... ALOT! He can out eat Caleb most days. Although, we are battling an awful rash from our new experience with peanut butter this week. Josh is so demanding and somehow lets us know tht he is HUNGRY! And lately, he is thirsty. He has discovered all things liquid. Caleb spent the the last year and a half liking Apple Juice (and the occassional Slurpee), but Josh wants no such limitations. If we have it and are drinking it, then he insists quite vocally and loudly, that he is entitled to some.

Caleb is getting remarkably better at eating with the family at the table, and eating what the family is eating. Fish is his favorite so far, with yams, squash and fruit as his favorite side dishes. He eats it up, although sometimes Daddy has to bribe him. But if all else fails, he has discovered which drawer in the fridge has the apples in it. If I hadn't have stopped him, he would have eaten 4 (FOUR) full apples yesterday. And he is ever so helpful, because when he gets an apple, Josh wails to get one too, so Caleb doles them out to Josh too! I think I will have to take up stock in an Apple or Nectarine orchard!

Caleb is getting smarter in how to reach things that have previously been out of reach. He discovered how to get a chair pushed to the kicthen counter, get up ON the counter and then reach the top shelf IN the cabinets! I found him eating straight brown sugar... the stuff I use for cooking. What possesses him somedays! But he is always so generous to share with Joshy. Yeah, thanks Caleb. What I actually thankful for is the kindness and sincere appreciation that Caleb is showing lately. He is constantly saying thank you anything: for cooking him dinner, for cooking Joshy and Daddys dinner, for putting in his Rescue Hero movie, for helping do anything, for cleaning "his" house/toys, for taking him bike riding. He says thank you without prompting and sometimes even a day late, but I am very proud of him for his polite and kind behaviors. Somethings you try to teach and they never take, and other things you can teach and the kid surprises us by going one step further. Caleb is the later; he has surprised me, and I feel very blessed by him. He is also beginning to grasp the concept of "you proud me, Mommy?" He is very interested and excited to do things that make mommy or daddy proud of him. And is sounds so cute when he asks. I hope that this is something that in the future will motivate him to do good and correct behaviors and push him towards challenges and seek success. I'm also trying to instill the idea of being proud of himself. He needs to get self-esteem from inside as well as from outside influences.

Josh is getting a little taller and the heights that he is able to reach are higher now. I have had to move things up to a safer level to avoid his grabby hands too. And he is an earlier climber too. I think he had watched and learned from big brother. That has been this week's motto... "Caleb, Josh saw you doing that and now he wants to do it, but neither of you should be doing it!" Josh is a really smart guy. He understands no, but thinks about it and decides that he wants the object more than he wants to give it up. He said Moon and Banana this week. And Caleb says he heard Please and Thank you out of Josh. Amazing. Josh refuses to sign language anything, but he is talking. Caleb was the opposite, for the longest time he knew the words and chose to sign!

Well, we have begun to get all the laundry in the house completed so that we have as many options for packing as possible. We leave next Thursday for a week long trip to California. Caleb has been talking about this for a month. He is excited to see the Grandparents Bishop, and he knows that he has to ride a plane to get there. And Grandpa Bishop has planned all sorts of fun activities. I'm sure that we will keep Caleb busy! And a busy kiddo takes naps and sleeps through the nights!

Well, I have quite a few pictures to post here, the next time that I get a few moments to take. But for now, this is all I have time for. Hope to post again soon. TTFN.