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.

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.