Welcome back. Has it been that long?!

Well, let's see what the family has been up to...

We took a long camping trip. We left, Tuesday, July 3rd and headed to our favorite Anacortes. We were there until Sunday, July 8th. It was a nice long trip, great weather. We saw deer everyday, including the Mother and Fawn that we saw in May. It was nice to see little bambi growing and getting along well. Caleb and I even got to creep up on bambi and got about 20 feet from him. It was special and amazing. It made a big impression on Caleb, so that everytime I spotted a deer but he didn't get a chance to see it he was a little sad.

True to form, our boys were boys and played in the rocks, dirt, sticks and tried to poke the fire. It was a challenge to keep them out of the fire or from adding extra things to the flames, but in the end, they were satisfied with Mom and Dad cooking the special jam and butter biscuit treats...as long as we kept them coming! Marshmallows have food color, so we use ready made biscuits pressed over the end of stick which is covered in tin foil. It takes a little while longer to cook that a quick to burn marshmallow, but when it is finally toasty brown it is delicious to pull off the stick and coat the inside with butter and jam. Caleb doesn't even know that he is missing out on something, probably because he's not.

We went on quite a few walks, visited the park, threw rocks at the beach. We drove to the dog park, attended the Farmer's Market. Visited a few thrift store, luck Joshy got size 6 shoes for .75 cents... because I couldn't find his shoes, he had been crammed into 5 1/2s for the first few days! Mike and I both picked up a little something to read. Mike liked the idea because it meant that he relaxed and slowed down enough to read. We watched movies to wind down each night. It was great family time and a great price... movies are free this month due to one of mommy's "jobs". The other major thing: Caleb is showing all signs of being a little shutter bug, like mommy! He is really into taking pictures and then seeing what they look like. He wants to look around and capture certain things. Of course, his interests are bowed by being a boy, so he thinks bum shots are entertaining. But he took some great shots of me and Joshy. I was actually shocked and impressed, and grateful since I don't often pictures of me with the kids. I'm always the one behind the camera, but if Caleb is going to start showing interest and skill in photography, I think that is great! I wonder if he would like to enter a picture into the contest at the fair?! I'll have to ask. I'll try to post some of the pictures Caleb took here so that you can take a look for yourself.

Caleb took these:

We arrived home safely, and just in time for a hot week. Caleb got to spend the mornings of this week at VBS at Cascade Church. Next week it will be VBS at Peace Luthern/Little Doves Preschool. He likes keeping busy and doing all the crafts etc. He needs time independent of Joshy (and me I think too) and yet he is always so great at excitedly greeting me when I pick him up. Joshy also gets to have one-on-one time with me. We read, chat, and do errands. He doesn't have to fight over toys either which is a plus. Joshy says "I'm cold" and does a little fake shiver, so cute. He also says "I'm cute", "I did it", "Hot".... and ones I'm not so proud of "poop" and "more coke", oh, and the near constant "NO". It was just two weeks ago that I was hoping he would stop saying poop non-stop, but now that he has exchanged that word for NO... What was I thinking?! This is something amazing about Joshy: He is learning the sounds of his letters and the alpahbet song. He of course is not exact and has no understanding of it's significants, but he is doing both with weekly improvement! Caleb is also skyrocketing with his alphabet. He can name 90% of the letters and their sounds, and from there we sound out words together; he is truly doing awesome!

Tomorrow is the last VBS this week. I am a mom-helper tomorrow, sigh. I like my kids, but a gaggle of strange children seems daunting. But I have to do what I have to do. We don't have plans until next week where we plunge into the next VBS week. I guess we will have to occupy ourselves with having a good time in the great weather, which is easier to do since Daddy brought home and help set up the bouncy house in the back yard. That has been a daily treat for most of the week. I am so pleased with the joy BOTH boys get out of this apparatus. Joshy has shocked me that he can get in all by himself without help... which is a miracle since I don't have the endurance to stand in the sun for an hour helping to lift him in each time. And they play so well in the bouncy house, and I am so grateful for the foresight of buying one with a slide included. That is 50% of their fun. Daddy even snuck into the bouncy house with Joshy today!

Well, it's late. I will try to attach a couple pictures of the camping trip. Good Night.

The following pictures I took, but they are only the second part of the trip.

Mike is howling, Tigger joins in, Caleb is whacking everything insight with the bottle, and Joshy is bare-bummed. I sit calming in the back.

Joshy, our little pink pirate. Head wear made from an imfamous "Shirt".

And, Our boys, of course, with sticks:

Note: Caleb's summer SHORT haircut. I'll try to get a better shot soon.

Here we are for just a little catch up...

Monday, Caleb saw his best friend Donovyn. He had been saying for weeks that he missed him. So finally we got them together for a playdate. Caleb was excited and relieved. Of course, I got a call just after noon that asked if I had changed my mind on having Caleb in the Summer camp at his preschool. Apparently, I got my dates mixed up and thought that summer came was in July, but here is was at the end of June. So he missed the first day, but attended for the rest of the week. He had a wonderful time and did so many crafts. He is the best kid to run up to me shouting Mommy I missed you, each time I pick him up.

Caleb got his most extreme haircut to date on Wednesday. I decided for the summer to cut his hair really short so that he didn't need haircuts all summer and maybe he'd stay a little cooler. Mike is really happy with it because he looks like a cool little boy. I think that it is a little too short in the bangs, but hair will always grow.

Yesterday the whole family made a very, mad scramble to the movie theater. I found the gift card from the Surface family (from Christmas) and it was just in time to see the new animated, kids film "Ratouille". VERY CUTE! and a good number of chuckles. We got there just in time for the start of the movie, but missed most of the trailers. And Joshy was great up until the last 10-15 minutes when he ran out of things to eat (also purchased with the gift card) and needed to get up and stretch his legs. I thought that was pretty good for him to sit still for an almost 2 hour show. It was a great way to spend a rainy day and only spend $1.56 for the whole family! I'd recommend the show to anyone needing a light chuckle, has kids, or doesn't like the bad language in other movies. I look forward to the day the library finally has this one in circulation so we can see it again!

The boys and I ended the day with dinner and freshly made, home made Strawberry Slurpees. We have been so blessed with our berry patch this season. I had enough berries to make 3 drinks and freeze another whole bag. Caleb was thrilled to slurp down a RED slurpee that did not have food coloring. Not to mention totally organic and sweetened to perfection.

So all of that is the upside. The down side.... Jockey is entering the Two-year old phase. "No" is his favorite answer for everything. He says it for any question we ask just to show he is making decisions, and oh boy does he not like being contradicted. Can we say STRONG WILLED! and LOUD protests! He is talking alot more in general though. Full sentences even. You kind of have to be around him for a while though, because not everything is bell clear. One thing, unfortunately, totally clearly understood... "eat poop". This is repeated numerous times a day by our little Jockey-man. I can't imagine where he picked that up.... CaAAALEEB???!!!

In the meantime, the boys are loving life, the summer means swings, slides, sand and of course berry picking! For July, Caleb is signed up for two different Vacation Bible Schools, which I'm excited for. This will mean he is still around kids all summer, will learn some cool lessons, and I will get time with just Josh. Plus, one of the VBS is held by the church that I want to start attending. It is a bigger church with more structured programs consistently offered for both the kids and adults, as well as several programs not DIRECTLY church related: MOPS and boyscouts! So this is great!

Ok. That's all for now. Have a great sunny day.

Caleb and Joshy are back from their camping trip. It was a big success. Caleb talks about riding his bike, going down a big slide, and the various things he did in the pool. Joshy has learned the new word "cold" about a week ago, and he uses that word to go into the hot tub, get cuddled in Mommy's bed or to sit with Mommy on the couch... or just about anything as long as he gets what he wants he is "cold". The cutest is when he holds his little hands together almost in a praying has pose with a touch of wistful added in, then he fake shivers and says "cold". He learned "cold" when trying to run through the sprinkler, it was not like the warm shower water he was expecting, it was "cold"... he didn't want to shower for a few days after the sprinkler because he was afraid that the shower would now be "cold" too! Anyway, he also had a good time with Grammy and Papa Dahl. Both of the boys wanted to sit on me for a long time after they returned, which way nice, except I was trying to cook dinner at the time. Caleb know can thoroughly explain how Papa Dahl checks for sugar in his blood (he is Diabetic.) Caleb gave Auntie Brittany the full run down yesterday. He really is a smart little kiddo. I wonder what else he will have picked up this weekend that I'll get to discover.

Yesterday, we went to story time at the library. Joshy was a hoot to watch. For the first 8 minutes he wanted to sit on my lap and just watch. (Caleb too.) Suddenly, he wanted to get up and dance and stomp and clap as the librarian directed... then he wanted to run around and squeal happily and then land and sommersault on their special little blanket that they put in the center. Lots of the moms were chuckling at him and commenting on how happy he was. Joshy truly did want to interact and be center of attention. Caleb wanted to blow the bubbles, but he was so shy he missed a couple turns before I could convince him that it was no big deal, just go up and ask. I don't know what makes him so shy and afraid to ask. I was that way too, and I just can't figure out how I got through it... sometimes I'm still not, so how can I expect a child to get through it.

The sun is out, the berries are now getting very plentiful... at least the strawberries. Monday night I made Strawberry (and banana) milkshakes for everyone. It was a special treat, and I still had enough strawberries left over for a morning of strawberry topped pancakes. And there are STILL MORE berries to be picked. I might have to start cutting them up and freezing them for the winter just to keep up with the maturity rate. All of this, and I still have little guys out there picking when the like and heading off some of the growth by eating green ones!

We had family movie night last night. We watched Disney's Tarzan from our bed... good thing it's a king size, room for everyone. We had water and popcorn to make it a true movie experience. Joshy got to stay up later to finish watching the movie, he just relished the cuddle time. When they started wrestling, it was near the end of the movie anyway. Then off to bed time.

Caleb his now the proud owner of a new wardrobe. Grandma Bishop, ebay save extraordinaire, found a great lot of clothes and won them and had them shipped directly here. They are all nice, and Caleb is outfitted for good, well probably for the next 15 months... Caleb shouted I love this, when he saw the Pj top of Batman with the attached cape. Then life was complete when he saw the pj tops of Spiderman and "Mr. Incredible". Caleb changed clothes 3 times in a hour... and kept them on too. Normally Caleb might go through 3 outfits in day, but that is because he keeps taking his clothes off and I keep trying to put them back on. This time he actually stayed dressed. Then he wore the Batman top (with cap) to the library story time because in his words "everyone will think my shirt is cool". Caleb called and said thank you, although his excitment didn't really come through the phone, he really is excited. And Joshy would be happy if I tossed the pile on the floor and let him roll around on them. Go figure.

No real plans yet for the weekend. Daddy doens't work. Mommy doesn't have anything lined up as of yet. So I guess we are free agents dictated to only by weather and $. We'll see where it takes us.

(On a personal note, I loved my weekend "off". It was great. I got 5 pages of scrapbooking done, in goal of getting 12 done for Joshy's birthday party. I turned off the phones and didn't get a single phone call from anyone wanting to refinance my house during any naps. I watched movies that I didn't have to cringe because of little ears in the room. Plus, I got to watch Phantom of the Opear, a gorgeous cinema set, that the boys would never understand! I admit to eating food coloring, but did so without fear of having it nabbed and scarffed by little guys. Tigger was a ball of nerves. He would sit on Caleb's bed and bark out the window at the wind or whatever. He didn't pace but it had the same effect, even with going on walks and the chew bones I gave him. Can we say Co-Dependent....On MIKE! Zuma was a delight of low maintenance, just don't ask her to move once she was in a cozy sleeping spot. Anyway, it was nice time that I do feel different, better, to take on the kids for the time being. )

And speaking of kids... back to them... talk more later.

Howdy.

Joshy has learned a few words in the last 2-3 days. He now answers "noooo" with cute little puckered lips, like he is sucking on a straw. (Of course, I know there will be a day that he says no in defiance, but for right now he is just answering my questions.) He now says "Okay", and "Coming daddy", and "Caay" which is for Caleb. He is getting so good as using words, and as always he is a wonderful babbler, he babbles in the same cadence as words would sound in a foriegn language. He must be speaking alien boy-ese.

This is Caleb's first week without preschool. He's already saying he is missing his friend Donovyn, but we can't afford to drive to Granite Falls... so I'll have to come up with something else to keep him busy with.

The boys are going camping this weekend. Mike is taking them with Papa and Grammy Dahl to Toppenish. I'm sure that they will enjoy the time at the pool, the park and riding their bikes. And I will do my best to get refreshed and recharged while they are gone.

Today was icky off and on as far as weather, but that didn't stop the boys from running outside and picking berries. Yes, our raspberries are just barely coming in, and our strawberries will be going full blown here in another week or so. Of course, that is all hinging keeping the boys, Joshy especially, from picking the green ones. I try to tell them that green ones never get the chance to turn red and yummy if you pick them. Joshy still doesn't get it. But I guess we have all summer to learn.

We also made a fort today in the living room. The boys really like it. But what is it with forts and having to be naked in them?! I just don't get it. Caleb asked me today how come God fgave me two boys instead of a boy and a girl, and today I was reminded that I would rather build a fort than have a dress up tea party any day of the week. As for Caleb's question, I just told him that God had the best plans and I'm going along with it.

Well, off to the rest of life's duties. Talk to you later.

Happy Saturday!

Well this last week was Caleb's last week at preschool. He had a regular day on Tuesday and then on Thursday we went to the park for a picnic. It was a gray, chilly, occassionally misty day, but Caleb had a lot of fun. I felt like a good mom that day, I remembered scrap towels to wipe the slides and swings down. (Often it feels like the "good mom" days are rare.) Caleb got to feed the ducks, run around with kids, and eat lunch with the little girl that he kind of likes more than any other kid in his class. He played hard and I look forward to having him back in a peer group soon.

Joshy and I baked cookies this week.

Papa Bill brought over Burger King and played with the boys on Tuesday.

Grandma Bishop sent Caleb some new clothes; Caleb especially likes and looks like a cool dude in this vibrant red hooded sweatshirt. Then we got a really big box this week. It was a basketball hoop for the boys, particularly Joshy. I didn't get it all the way set up and Joshy already had grabbed the ball and started to say THROW THROW. And he did make a few baskets all by himself. The hoop is twice the height of him at the rim. He's having a great time. Caleb has learned all the places he can throw the ball from and still makes a basket. So far his favorite is standing on the couch in the living room and tossing it the distance... sigh. The other one he likes is standing on the piano bench and tossing it in while jumping. again, sigh. Boys.

No big plans for this weekend. Daddy works today, and ALL day tomorrow. But he mowed the lawn yesterday and now the kids can actually navigate outside... and since it's overcast right now, I might be able to convince them to keep their clothes on for warmth.

Well, gotta get back to it. Talk to you later.

Joshy's new phrase: "I did it!" and he lifts his little fists in the air for a big hurray! See picture, although he didn't really use the potty, He just said "I did it!"

Joshy now "Smiles" for the camera. Actually he, himself says "Cheese" and you get the following smile:

And I love this shirt that Joshy is wearing... it fits perfectly when I caught the boys hollering out the bedroom window looking at the things they had thrown out the window onto the roof.

That's all for now. Have a good day.

Well the camping trip for Memorial day weekend when great.

We got to the camp grounds at 9:50 in the morning and got the VERY LAST site! Including the tent sites.

We saw a deer and a very small spotted fawn before we even parked the trailer and then about a 1/2 dozen after that. We saw a bunny, chipmunk, and a ferret on leash.

We ate shrimp around the fire. Uncle Brian and Aunt Brittany came up Saturday afternoon. Papa Bill and Grandma Judy came up Sunday and met us at a park and watched the kids play. On Saturday, Caleb's actual birthday, we met Barb, Don, Matthew and Tyler at Chuck E. Cheese. Caleb had a great time! Joshy lost a few pacifiers this weekend, so we had to make a stop at Wal-mart in Burlington. And then on the way home, we stopped in at Barb and Don's for more visiting. Caleb had such a great time he was very sad to leave. He wanted to stay and play.

Caleb jumped right back into preschool this week. The surprising thing is that I think Joshy is just as enthusiatic as Caleb. He marches right in with Caleb and gets in line to wash his hands. And a couple times he has tried to join circle time... It is so cute! The teachers have already labeled him a "real go getter", especially on the playground. He is also very social and waves to people and tries to get their attention. I'm wondering if I should put him in the Two's only class in the fall at this school. I'll have to look into it. I'm sure Joshy will love having an activity and he is already so use to the routine and environment. I will have to make sure that it won't affect Caleb negatively to suddenly have Joshy move in on his territory. But the strange thing is that Caleb often seems to depend on the company of Joshy for social situations, bravery, companionship and all. I remember being that way with my brother; it just seems odd that the older child needs to have help doing something on their own, when he has spent 2 years on his own before Josh ever came along. Josh on the other hand, he has never had time alone and seems like he is bursting out and flourishes when he's finally independent.

Well, time to get Caleb ready for school again. The count down has begun. His last day is a picnic on the 7th! What will I do with that kiddo all summer?! He will have to be kept busy somehow, but in the heat like we had yesterday, I am afraid to let him spend so much time in the scorching sun with his fair skin. And especially since he most often is in the sun, NAKED! Caleb says "Grammy calls me naked boy". Never a truer word spoken.

Talk to you later.

Caleb's Awana Awards night was really neat. It was Caleb's first awards program ever, Awana is the first organized program ever (other than preschool). Caleb was blessed with the presence of Grammy, Papa Dahl, Papa Bill, and Cousin Tessa, in addition to our immediate family.

He had lots of fun, he showed all the grandparents his classroom, and he stood nicely in front of the crowd. He thought he was there to learn more verses and was a little sad when I told him it was an awards night rather than a class night. Caleb won 3 awards. A small bear, a bear pin and a patch for his vest.

So here are a few pictures with the brief moments I have left.

That's all for now, I've got to go to work.

As most of you might know, we are going camping this weekend. So I won't be posting until we get back.

Joshy's favorite words: Owwwwh, and Poo.

He says owwwh for everything. A good deal of the time it is because of a bump, trip, scuff, bonk, push and fall which would mean a valid reason for an owie, often an extremely minor owie. But then there are times that he just says it over and over. I can't figure out if he actually has something wrong that I can't see or whether he just can't think of anything else to say. He knows exactly what it is that he is saying too, and I don't think he's figured out how to cry wolf for attention yet. So I feel like I'm even more on call than usual.

The other word... well, I think that he just plain old learned from big brother. He's bound to have heard it so much that it just came natural. Now he says it all the time; in the morning from his crib he says that and MOM (and he is often correct), but then he says it out the window to the neighbors and the backyard. At home, I just roll my eyes, but out around other people, what do you do? I came up with a solution just this morning. I'm going to start making him carry around a Winnie the pooh bear (or anything). If they were crazy enough to name a children's character that, then I'm desperate enough to use it as a cover for the embarrassing vulgarity of my one and half year old. If I have to invest in shirts with that silly old bear or tie a bear to his hand I think I just might!

Joshy has also gotten VERY good at signing "More". It is his favorite word. More juice, more strawberries, more anything. He also discovered how to open the refrigerator this week. He then knew exactly what he wanted; he climbed up to the top shelf and harvested his own strawberries....again and again. I thought that big brother had been helping him all this time until I found the little stinker with his entire upper body buried in the frig as he dug.

I was going to go and get Caleb's 4 year old pictures today. I sat him down and gave him a haircut and everything. It wasn't until I was done and finally looking at his hair and how it looked on his face that I noticed a big bruise. It happened on Sunday at his party when he ran into a cabinet... I just can't believe I didn't notice it before I endeavored to cut his hair. But now I just don't think I want to immortalize a bruise in portraits. I have to wait until next week to get the pictures taken. I guess there is nothing to do but wait because (especially after the haircut) his hair just won't cover it.

So we don't have plans for today anymore. But that just means we will have to do something else...getting ready for camping this weekend perhaps. The plan is to beat a hasty path to Anacortes on Friday morning. Then of course, come back onto HWY 20 for some shrimp to eat around the campfire! Yummm. I hope there isn't rain forcasted for this weekend. I'm looking forward to poking around town a bit and just taking it easy.

Tonight is Caleb's award night for Awana. I know we have to be very prompt, but I really don't think that we will be there more than 20 minutes. I just want a good picture and a happy proud of himself Caleb!

So that's all for now. Have a great day!

Pictures of Caleb's modified to Spiderman themed room:(Note Buzz Lightyear and ball theme STILL carry on.)

Caleb said thank you again today to me for putting up the Spiderman things in his room. Also, we read close to a dozen books today, and when I looked at the bookshelf to select books, I discovered a Look and Find Spiderman book that we purchased close to a year ago (perhaps even longer). Caleb was delighted. Caleb liked looking for things, but I was surprised that even Joshy found some items too. This is a slightly more difficult book than the Winnie the Pooh versions. I bet that my little book lover, Joshy, will really enjoy the simpler book of Pooh, Piglet and Tigger... and perhaps it will hold hit attention longer.

I took Caleb out on his birthday rollerblades today. He will get the hang of it. He is fine if he just tries to shuffle, not that we get very far, very fast. But he likes to hang on to me and have me pull him, but then he is relying on me and loses his balance. I discovered while we were out that it was set at the largest shoe size (I thought I had seen it on the smallest before we left the house.) So I bet our second time out will be even better. I'm trying to show him how to keep his balance forward and his shoulders over his knees. He'll understand soon.

I weeded the strawberry/blueberry beds this afternoon. I started to have compassion for the choked out berry plants/bushes. I got help weeding, and well, Caleb is not a botanist and a few of the strawberry plants got the worst of it. He then started asking if he can have a strawberry, but they just aren't done yet, although I have berries that are tight and green about the size of a dime or nickle. I can't imagine what this summer is going to be like. I think I'll have to be up at the crack of dawn to get a strawberry, otherwise my 2 little berry munchers are going to beat me to it every day!

Also this evening, we had a silly string war, or rather spraying contest. It didn't last long, but it was a great novelty that Caleb had fun doing. (Mommy and Daddy too.) Joshy then tried to get in on the action; only he dug out the used up can and tried to spray out the last little dribbles. I was surprised that he knew what he was doing without having been shown.

Ok, time to eat.

Well, it's a good thing that Caleb's party was yesterday, because I don't know if it could be pulled off today.

It's become apparent the symptoms that Joshy and I have had that I thought were allergies are a cold/flu. Joshy had a runny nose all week, and one day I was confused as whether he spit or threw up, he has had a decreased appetite, and the started a cough. I started coming down with a runny nose yesterday, by the evening I was beat. Today is even worse. No fever or nausea, luckily. But I can't imagine Joshy has felt good for a few days. I'm hoping that Caleb doesn't get sick. I can't handle two sick kids, especially when I am sick myself. Sick kids don't stay in bed and rest like adults do. I wish they would because two sick kids rough housing with each other is a difficult whiny circumstance.

On the bright side, Caleb and Joshy are keeping busy with all of Caleb's new toys. They might fight a bit over them, but they are keeping busy. Joshy really likes his little spiderman. He was telling me all about it this morning. Caleb his in love with all his toys, he rotates which he plays with every 15 minutes or Jockey grabs it and then he moves on to the next.

Last night Caleb was still excited about the Spiderman theme. He had me hang up the banner, poster and a table cloth in his room. The table cloth from Grammy's present was so large it is tacked onto the ceiling like a canopy. He is really enjoying it... and it was alot cheaper to put those things up than to convert all the decorating/bedding to a new theme. Just another example of how kids are made happy with the simplest things, and how blessed we are to have our easily made happy Caleb. And Caleb was truly appreciative. Last night he came home and said thank you for all his gifts again.

Joshy had a great time yesterday too. He really liked being around everyone. He liked playing and having the freedom to run around and explore. He sat with many people and just talked or enjoyed the whole environment. He truly is a social little kiddo. He is getting very talkative too.
I'm sure he'll have a fantastic time when his birthday comes around. And we hope to see all the family gathered around having such a friendly, relaxed time again too. Perhaps birthdays come around just to provide good excuses at set times to get together and see family. (That's better than the other reason, just markers to prove you're getting old.)

Well, that's all I have strength for as I write on Mike's lap top from bed. I'll put a picture up of Caleb's spiderman room additions later.

We have celebrated Caleb's Birthday PARTY DAY!

We had a great time and he really is VERY happy. I'll drastically paraphase the events because to be quite honest, I'm exhausted! FIRST, THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO CAME, WHO HAD FUN, WHO BROUGHT FOOD, and WHO LOVE MY SON. And and HUGE THANK YOU for your generousity to Caleb, or as he calls himself "P. A . S. Big Boy", not that any of us know what the PAS stands for!

Caleb decided he wanted a Spiderman birthday party. I had 19 hours (8 of which were sleeping hours, though I wasn't asleep anywhere near that much) to shop, plan, and decorate a newly themed Spiderman birthday. Today I feel like a successful parent because I think I pulled it off to my little Caleb's delight. He had a custom made Happy Birthday web, a plastic tablecloth cut into 3 banners, balloons (one of which was cleverly, if I do say so myself, transformed from a red basketball into a web with a spider on each side), a spiderman poster/game and spiderman toys as gifts (thanks in large part to the lucky finds at the $ store.) He was so very excited to see Donovyn his Best Friend and the first thing he exclaimed was Look at my Spiderman party! That excitement made it all worth it! They spend half the party running around playing tag or playing with the toys in Daycare... which is really wonderful that we have the day care to play in rather than penting up everyone in a tiny living room at our house. P.S. It rained today., so having this facility available was priceless.


Caleb really was smothered in Spiderman gifts, which a completely ironic blessing considering we hadn't really gotten the word out that he was into Spiderman. Some people just know little boys.... Thanks Uncle Mel and Aunt Rene and Donovyn. And Caleb is thrilled with everything else that he got and is in a dizzy whirl trying to play with them all at once!

Caleb finished up his party activities with a swim in the pool with Cousin Tessa, Aunt Kristina, Uncle Ryan, Daddy and Jockey while Mommy cleaned up. He had such a wonderful time, and I think it is safe to say that he will sleep tonight!

I can't think of all the details right now, so I'll just post pictures...

Caleb in his new Spiderman shirt.
Lastly, for those interested... The AWANA awards night is this Wednesday, 23rd VERY PROMPTLY (even come 5-10 minutes early) at 6:30pm. Caleb's CUBBIES class goes first so you don't want to be even a minute late. I am told that he will be getting about 2 awards. I don't promise individual recognition of Caleb, it could just be done as a group. I have to be there, and I wanted to give those interested at least the option to come if they wished.
GOOD NIGHT!

Hello,

Tomorrow we are celebrating Caleb' birthday. We are hoping for good weather and are planning on putting up the jumpy house. I can't wait to see Caleb and Joshy on it. It's been 9 months since they have used it and obviously they have developed skills in that time that will make them use it better, especially Joshy. Caleb decided at the 11th hour that he wants a spiderman themed party! At 7:30 the night before! None of the stores have that theme in party accessories, so a couple small gifts will have to suffice. And some "Silly string" webs. (By the way, Grandma Bishop, your gift got switched to a Spiderman game for that V. Smile rather than the Toy Story.... I think you understand. And Thanks!) I'm fine with spiderman, but I am not ok with the inherent violence that comes with a "good guy" needing and "adversary" to fight. It's a fine line.

Joshy used the potty! That's right. And he didn't just use it, he told Daddy that he needed to and then they went upstairs and were successful. For a tyke that is great holding it until you're in the correct location! I'm so surprised. Although he has been facinated with putting on Caleb's big boy underwear. I have had to resort to putting them on over his diaper; it only takes a mommy once to forget that's all he is wearing for her to learn.

Joshy is talking even more. And he is even signing things too because we don't always understand fast enough for him. He's picked up "juice" in both word and signing this week.

The report on Caleb's Parent-Teacher conference: He is a pleasure to have in class, they really enjoy having him there. (Boy, did that sound cliche.) They have a check list that they sit down and run through with the child a few times a year. Caleb didn't have a previous checklist to compare for improvement, so I just had a basic report. Results: They hadn't seen any "self-help" activities, like zipping his own coat. So I will have to work on him on that. (At home we are working at other do-it-yourself things, mostly involving TP because I would much rather zip a coat up than that other thing until he's 6!) He knew most his colors, but not brown, black and purple. I know he gets black and white mixed up, but if you ask any artist, technically those are pigments/colors. I guess the Uno game he is in love with doesn't have purple cards. He knew some letters, bear in mind he came into the class mid-year and he missed all the previous lessons on those letters. Numbers, he can count 1-5, and they would like to see him go a little higher. Which is funny because this Tuesday he said 7-10 all by himself. So it could be just this one day the items he had the focus to display, which is like having just one snapshot out of an entire montage of pictures. The other thing that they wanted him to work on is cutting with scissors. They said that he held the scissors great, and moved them well, but when they drew a line on the page and told him to follow it, he was off. (mind you only by 1/2" at the most, but it is something they noted that he could brush up on.) We discussed that he is enrolled for a 3-day a week program for the fall which is classified as a Pre-K rather than just Preschool. I asked if he was ready for that and they said yes with full confidence. I was glad to hear that because I never want him in a situation that he is in over his head. They said that he likes a little girl Madeline. (Aka Maddy, is a little, red headed girl that Caleb asked me to help him get introduced to at school one day. She was sitting in the group and he wanted to sit with her. Suddenly some other little boy came up and sat next to her. That didn't stop Caleb, he laid down on his side in between them and wedged himself a place next to her and forced the other boy over. You go kiddo, don't let anyone stand in your way, go after what you want. And I looked at the teacher and she laughed and said that it was starting already.) So everything was great in their report. I did pry out of her, so it really isn't a huge thing if I had to pry it out, that Caleb gets very angry very quickly when he gets frustrated. Most of his frustration is when he can't put something into words, he doesn't know the words or just can't get the structure together to make the statement that he wants. He doesn't do anything bad when he is frustrated, but they have to say calm down lets take it slow and we will help you. I know what they are talking about because I've seen it here at home too. I'm not sure if it is a telling personality feature (like in the future he won't want to push through an activity that is frustrating him) or whether it is just something he is experiencing now since he doesn't have a full grasp of words and sentence structure.

Today the boys played outside. They loved it, and so did I because they took a break from aggravating each other and me. They went down the slides and on the swings and actually shared and played nice WITH each other. I captured this rare event on video so that I can remind myself that it actually did happen and that there is hope for it again in the future. The thing I thought was funny was that the neighbor's maple trees are dropping their seeds. Caleb shouted "Look at all these planes, look at the helicopters"; helicopters are what I called them when I was little.

Caleb is into pretending to be a pirate lately. (Thanks to seeing Peter Pan.) The problem is that he doesn't PRETEND to be mean/bad, he still hits and pushes his brother. I asked him why he was hitting and pushing and he said it was he was a pirate and pirates are mean. I told him that he could pretend to be a pirate but he still had to be nice in real life to his brother.

Joshy might be getting a touch of whatever is going around. He has a runny nose, which could be allergies. He has a few other things which could be allergies all by themselves, but in combination with each other and then a fever too... something might be up with him. But he is handling it well. It hasn't stopped him from getting up at 6:00 in the morning, and unfortunate by-product of our trip to California... or daylight savings and it's just brighter. I guess it would be cruel to make him wear a night mask, but I think about it every time I stumble into his room blurry eyed in the morning.

Speaking of mornings, it comes up faster than I know, which means I have to say Good Night now. TTFN.

Well, since you haven't been notified of any tragedy, then you've probably assumed correctly that we have arrived back safely from California. I don't have time right now to recap the entire trip, so I'll just paraphrase.

We had good flights there and back. We visited Chuck E. Cheese and the Chuck E. Cheese competition (John's Incredible Pizza). We got out for walks/bike rides to the park. We went to Funderland to ride the rides. We hot tubbed and watched cartoons. We were all tired lots, but we got some good time in and the Grandparents Bishop are now well versed in the the kiddo's crazy chaos filled and endearing personalities. Caleb came home saying he missed Sasha, mommy's aunt Sunny's little Chihuahau. Odd, but that is what he said.

Speaking of saying things. Joshy said "want your shirt", "Chuck E. Cheeessse", and "you have bum. Here. (and pat patted it.) Me bum here. (and pat patted his own." I'm shocked that he is saying these long sentences at 21 months! Caleb wasn't saying this much until long after 2. Joshy is also using a strong combination of signing and words to communicate. It is remarkable. He babbles alot, and then out comes sentences. He actually thinks he is talking all the time! Strangely enough, I really do know what he wants or is talking about most of the time.

Upon arriving back into town, I had to begin sewing on Caleb's Awana patches that he had earned so that he could attend that very same Wednesday that we flew back. He's very proud of his patches and he wanted them on his vest so that he could go to his meeting. He had has worked very hard to learn 5 or 6 additional verses to tell his teacher. She was very impressed with him, and guess what, he had finished the book! Before others even! He will have an awards night on the 23rd, I am told he has qualified for something; I'll find out more this Wednesday and let you know. Perhaps the Grandparents are interested in stopping by for this event. (6:30 on the 23rd in Monroe.)

The very first day back I had to take Caleb to Preschool, go to work and then go back to a "Mother's Day Tea" held by the Preschool. Caleb and his class sang songs altered to suit the event. They had prepared cards and special projects to say why they loved their mommys. Per his project, Caleb loves his mommy because she makes him French Toast, Pizza and picks up his toys. Is that a guy or what, food and being cleaned up after. He also made a necklace for me... If I was a clown, it would be the perfect accessory to my wardrobe. As it is, I will cherish it in a file with the card he made.

Caleb has his birthday party coming up, Sunday the 20th at 3:00pm (if you haven't gotten your invitation, sorry it is in the mail or I have emailed it to you, I'm running behind), but feel free to come. But as a result, I'm desperately busy trying to get ready, which is one of the reasons why it's taken me so long to post here. I'm trying to work diligently, so that I'm prepared.

Caleb's school has Parent-Teacher conferences this coming Thursday and I'm more than a little excited and curious to get a real chance to sit down and hear from his teachers how he is doing. I used to think that I would hate having to be drug into the school and participate in things, but I am beginning to see that that is not the case. Caleb is attending school so that he can be in a peer group, and I do hope that I get the report that he is managing well. I guess I'll know more on Thursday.

Well, that's all I have time for. I'll try to get more details from the past week up here soon.

This week:

Caleb visited the Fire station with his preschool class. His teacher said that he was very good and paid attention. It was great to get such a positive report. He said he had fun; he then went on and on about what he saw.

Caleb is most proud of himself, as of last night. He went to Awana last night. He and I have been working on learning verses and repeating them back. He went last night with several prepared. He did so great that all the teachers were amazed! He had at least a dozen memorized. He did so well and so much that the teacher said that she was going to have to find a special prize for him for doing so well. He knew so many verses that it took 20 minutes to recite them all, sign off on the pages and get the stickers. He earned a whopping FOUR patches!!!! in one night! He was soaking up the praise from his teacher. He was proud of himself and did a little shoulder strut. He liked hearing from the teacher that she was proud of him. Now he can't wait for me to sew them all on. I'm so glad that this is going so well for him. I'm sad that we will miss the next two Wednesdays, but we will be back in time for the next "book night" and the final awards night. I don't know if Caleb gets any awards yet... but I'm hoping he will because I know he will feel sad if he doesn't get anything, knowing my little sensitive bug-a-boo as I do.

Joshy said Belly Button today. And he loves sitting down and ready books. He is most captured by books with flip-flaps. He doesn't even mind rereading the same book over and over again, in fact it's his idea. Also he can point to his eyes, nose, ears, mouth, and feet. He is learning toes, ankle, knees, and elbow.

Caleb is learning his basics (Colors, numbers, letters) quickly. The greatest thing for him right now is the game UNO. He knows all four colors, plus the rules of skip, drawing cards, and reverse. He wins often which keeps him interested. Yesterday he counted to 9 or 10 (skipping six for some reason). I was shocked at that. I tell him the numbers, but not all that much in the numeric order... but he got it. He loves watching the "Talking Word Factory" too. He learns about vowels ("Sticky letters") and "Blends" like ST in Best. He is doing great. I'm sounding out lots of words with him during our nightly verse learning too. I think he might start recognizing words on their own soon, at least I hope.

Caleb is forlorn and missing his friend Donovyn. Donovyn moved. We went out there one time and came home with a large goose egg with an impact wound on Joshy's head and a big bump on Caleb's head. That night he told daddy he didn't want to see Donovyn again, but by the next morning he had changed his tune. Now he has been asking for close to two weeks to see his friend. In Caleb's words: Donovyn loves him and likes to play with him and so *sniff* I miss him and want to play with him. I'm working on a play date, but it will be difficult to pull off with packing, laundry and our trip coming up.

We are going to California to see Grandma and Papa Bishop on May 2nd through the 9th. Caleb is excited, but he is containing it well. He talks about Chuck E. Cheese as much as the Grandparents Bishop.

Lastly, before I stop the kids from clobbering themselves or Zuma with toys: I'm thinking about having a Caleb birthday get together the afternoon of May 20th. If you're interested, save the date... and maybe even let me know if you are thinking/planning to come. Most likely it will be the Gold Creek again, and probably 4ish (although not set in stone yet). I'm taking comments and input at this time...

Ok, Talk to you later.

A few pictures to let you know about our last week:

Tigger went to preschool for pet show and tell day. They liked him because he could jump and because he was cool! They asked a lot of questions about him, more than any other pet we saw there. I'm glad Caleb had a hit. He was very excited, and a little power-tripping about Tigger on leash.

The boys and I took a walk. Joshy walked 90% of a 2 miles walk! I'm hoping for a long afternoon nap.

We made cookies last week, and their favorite part is licking the beaters!

Followed up wisely by a full bath!

And yes, Joshy is finally getting a little hair on top. Even if we have to use gimmicks to see it, like mohawks.

Lastly, just a happy, pleasant picture for you all to enjoy. When on walks, the boys pick weeds and throw rocks, I photograph flowers.Have a great day. Caleb will be going to preschool tomorrow and they have a field trip planned. I'm sure I'll hear all about it and be able to pass the story along.

Just a couple quick pics:

Joshy has figured out (on his own) how to prevent more head injuries. He is now into putting buckets on his head. One tin coffee can did get stuck this morning and it mommy and daddy teamwork to get it off... But after being tagged badly with a hard toy by Caleb's friend Donovyn this last Monday, I can understand why he is in pursuit of protective gear!
You know the commercial for American Express... "This is my life, for my life I carry Am. Exp."..... Well, I walked into the downstairs today and found this. Is this MY life?!!! What card can I carry for it?!

Please also note, in the background is green crayon on the wall... another casualty of the kid zone. Did I mention it has been our fervent work for the last few weeks to paint the house?

Well, that's all for now. Have a great day.

Easter Morning Pictures:

The paraphrased verse of this morning: Woke up, dressed the kids and then let them follow their candy trails to their baskets. Then we explored the contents of their baskets and then set them on the Egg/sticker/chocolate kisses hunt. Joshy was very quick. He was crazy silly the way he has gotten the hang of the "Hunt"; at one point he was beating Caleb! Then we opened their eggs and read the verses and promises from the Bible which explained the meaning of Easter and about Jesus' love for us and his sacrifice for our sins and the celebration of His resurrection, then we played the Easter meaning matching game that came in their eggs, played with the other items from their baskets. We listened to praise music and now the boys and Mike are out on a bike ride. I'm paraphrasing because I'm going to enjoy some quiet time now since I was up until 1:15am, and then didn't sleep well once the light was turned off...

HAPPY EASTER!!!!! Have a great time in the sun. Happy Birthday Danene!

I'll post again soon!

(P.s. Tigger is officially 1 year old... He turned one on GOOD FRIDAY!)

Pictures from the Eggs Hunts:

Caleb's Preschool Hunt

Face painting at the Preschool. He said he wanted a Cross, until another boy got a bat, then he had to have both.

Fryelands Egg Hunt. Joshy got lots. The competition for Caleb's age group was stiffer both in Quantity of Kids and quickness. Also, I got one of the top 3 panics, maybe the top most panic, about my kids since I became a mom: Most of the parents broke the recommended rules and went on the field with their kids, which got between Caleb and I. I didn't go on the field because I was trying to adhere to the rules and watch Joshy and our stroller at the same time, we got separated and the horde of people enveloped Caleb (who had run out to get eggs to the center of the field). When the crowd dispersed he was gone! Absolutely gone. "Do I stand right here, will he know to come back, is he behind the sign, will he know who or where to go for help, did someone take him? " "I'll look like an idiot if I have lost my kid and am screaming for him", I screwed that I idea and started shouting. I was seconds from finding an officer when I heard a squealy MOMMY, of course lots of mommy's turn, but especially those looking for kids. He was more than 50 feet away from the field that he had hunted in, and it was in the opposite direction of the horde who had moved to the next age grouped field (that might have been a blessing that he didn't get swepted away with the crowd!) He was upset when he returned. He had little over 1/2 dozen eggs, (see competition is stiff, ESPECIALLY with all the parents breaking ranks and helping.) I tried to remember this is about him and told him he did great (swallowing my fear of losing him) and just hugged him. I told him that I had been scared, and then he admitted he was scared too... probably the real reason for him being tearful about his egg hunt. I tell you, IF there is a next time, I will NOT follow the rules! I will be on that field breaking ranks and ribs if anyone tries to get between me and my son again... so I probably won't go alone to a crowd with age grouped activities again. I'm not big on crowds anyway... but other than this panic, we did have a good time with the crafts and toys and other misc handouts they gave the boys.
So that was today, April 7th.

That's all for today other than a Happy Birthday shout out to Auntie Danene, aka Aun Dee.

Have a great birthday. I hope the day holds happy weather and activities for you.

HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE! And as Caleb says "JESUS IS RISEN!"

Things that you don't think you'll ever say:

Don't poke the dog with your fork.
Don't touch your brother's [boy parts].

And with the hot, outside weather:

"Why are you naked again? and outside?!"
"Don't feed your brother sand!"
and in response to "mommy, I see poop (in the backyard)"... Well, don't step in it!
"Don't hit your brother with a golf club"

Caleb had another day of preschool, which he enjoyed and came home with more artwork.

At Awana this Wednesday, Caleb earned 2 more patches! YEAH CALEB! He is really doing great and catching up quickly. I'm proud of him, but more importantly, HE is proud of Himself.

Joshy had learned to make some unusual mouth noises, a gurgleing, roll his tongue, trill is the cutest. It's funny because I always wondered if I would have kids tha can do that because I could. I always wonder what traits the kids will pick up.

Joshy spent this last Tuesday with Grammy and Papa Dahl. Caleb said Joshy should go this time. It was great, Caleb got some mommy-time without the competition. He and I had a couple good talks. He blossoms with curiousity, good behaviour and conversation when he is by himself. Joshy had a great time with his grandparents. He went swimming, played, napped, and of course ate. He was very communicative, not necessarily talking, but he is expressive! Caleb wanted to stay with Grammy and Papa the minute we drove away without Joshy, but maybe next week since it is Spring break and thus no preschool. I know that Caleb has had great times with Grammy and Papa Dahl for 4 years, but he is getting older and when this September comes he is going to have to go to school. Joshy will get lots more time with Grammy and Papa soon, which is great because he is an ever changing boy with such a unique personality... and STRONG personality. A joy and a test of wills sometimes.

Well, Easter is this weekend. I have a bit of preparation to do so that the kids will have a good time. One of my best childhood memories about Easter, (other than the greatness of Jesus, His sacrifice for our sin and Resurrection), is on Easter morning is the trail of jelly beans leading down the hall and to our own baskets of neat treats. So I have a few things for the boys, but I have to source some food coloring-free jelly beans. It's hard to have a great trail of yumminess without jelly beans. I'm looking forward to filling eggs with verses and other neat things, and then of course hiding them. Until then, tonight I will be dying eggs with Caleb. Finally, the nakedness will make sense with all the dye in little cups that of course are easily spilled... what better to wear than nothing to prevent stained?!

I think tomorrow I am going to drag the kiddos to the Monroe Fryelands park and participate in the city's egg hunt and other activities. It should be fun, although it might be difficult because Mike is working and I will then have two kids to help have fun all by myself. But I think that the fun will be worth it. Maybe we will walk to the park to prevent a parking crisis.

So this weather is kind of shocking huh? Over 80 today, yet snow on Monday! (It was think monday right?) Well, spring is here, let's enjoy.

"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.