Our House: Where Past and Present Collide

When I was growing up, we lived for a short time in a house close to where my brother lives now. It was a great house because it had a nice screened- in 2nd story porch overlooking a backyard with trees and a tall privacy fence with a gate on each side of the house. We had a camp out in our tent there once. I ran an unbelievably long extension cord from the house to the tent so I could listen to my boombox/cassette player. A girl's gotta have tunes, even while fake camping.

But that has nothing to do with where this story is going.

So this privacy fence was awesome. It had some holes here and there out of which to spy on neighbors or people passing by. And my brother, sister, and occasionally some of our neighborhood friends would do just that. See back then, we didn't have facebook. If we wanted to be creepy and weird, we had to do it in person.

One day (well, there were probably a few times we did this, but this one day in particular) my brother had a bright idea:

'Let's hide behind these trees and I will throw my rubber snake into the road so the cars will run over it! Come on guys it'll be fun!"he said.

See, we had a row of trees lining the sidewalk between our house and the road. The trees were a good hiding spot and we could easily run into the backyard and lock the gate behind us if trouble ensued. It seemed the perfect plan at the time...

So we threw the snake in the road a couple of times. It got ran over a couple of times. Then somehow it got thrown into the back of a passing truck.We hid. The driver hit the brakes. I think my brother wet his pants. It was the thrill of a lifetime.

We ran into the relative safety of the backyard. I think the driver returned the snake to my dad at the door, who in one way or another returned it to my brother. I'm sure the phrase, "No more snake throwing!"was never uttered so menacing as that day.

I was reminded of that fateful day this morning while Ethan made a game of staring intently out the living room window in search of moving cars. When one would pass, he would duck and cover, with pretend fright and very real glee.

He made me play too, but I rather enjoyed it.

A Good Day...

Today has been a good day. I got up early (ok, earlier...) and actually made breakfast. Myself. Without pouring anything into a bowl.Which, for me, is kind of on the same level with Jesus feeding the 5,ooo. Miracle-ly speaking of course.

Jeremiah worked on the excavation with Ethan, although I'm pretty sure real paleontologists don't use screwdrivers. They are making some good headway though.

I think we are all suffering from cabin fever. This cold weather is driving us crazy. I think we are going to order some things for the garden this week and maybe start some flowers indoors for the kids. I think that will help.

Hey- why are most earthworms fat?

...

...

Because the live a sedimentary lifestyle! hahaha.

Oh boy see what I mean?

If you are wondering about the living room, the wallpaper is off and the holes are being filled this weekend and then we will start painting, so whenever that happens, everyone is welcome to come over and help.

Until then, or tomorrow, have a great day!

"I'm an Archeologist" (take 1)

I always wanted to be an archeologist, more than I wanted to be a photographer or anything else that I was interested in. And even though that didn't pan out, a little spark of that quest for adventure and mystery still must reside somewhere deep inside because I got really excited when I saw this kit at the store, and so being the great mom I am, I gave it to Ethan at his birthday party.

Inside this plaster rock is a stegasaurus just waiting to be dug out and put together. Ethan took this picture- he wanted you all to know that.

We've been at it for 3 days.Look at that determination!

And consternation!

Ahh! A dimple!!

Ethan contemplated just karate-chopping the thing in half. But patience is a virtue, and since I don't seem to have any, it is his cross to bear.

Poor kid. At the rate we're going, it may very well be May before we get it done.

This thing is actually for ages 8 and above, but he's having a good time anyway. I think I will definitely have to get some more when we start school, and build a lesson around it. But right now, we are both just having fun being archeologists.

***(Wednesday)***

I realized this morning at 4:15 while trying to will Caden to sleep that 'Paleontologist' is probably the better word,as digging up dinosaurs is what Paleontologists do. Funny how my brain is somewhat clearer in the wee hours of the morning than in the afternoon.

Just because

I usually don't post on Sunday night, but I like this picture.

So there.

Learning How to Crawl by Caden Bricker

Start out by looking adorable. It's a key factor in getting a grown up's attention.

Hey mom!

"

Don't forget to stretch!

Feel free to rest if it's too much at once.

Really just relax, catch your breath, do your taxes. Cool down for a few minutes.

Look a ladybug!

Ok there we go! Now hold it...

Now move back and forth really fast. Lightning speed! If you're feeling adventurous, go on and throw that right knee out there just to get a feel for it.

Great job everyone- You'll be chasing down the big kids in no time!

*

Here's some more of me (almost) struttin' my stuff...

I almost had some distance on this one. If only I could figure out the whole balance while moving thing.

And here I was just chillin, thinking about going over there for my rattle.

ACCCKKK! How did that...MOM! There could be girls on here!

Anyhoo...

Here's me practicing looking suave and debonair.

So that's all for today-there's a big bowl of oatmeal in the kitchen with my name written all over it. Come back tomorrow when my big brother Ethan shows us how to strip wallpaper!

What do Monster Trucks, Gladiators, and Getting My Ears Pierced Have in Common?

Well, besides both inflicting pain and looking cool...

It's how we spent our weekend.

Ethan is four!

I can't believe it. Becky and Dave sent him a Gladiator costume, which he spent nearly the entire weekend in. He is not Ethan when he has it on. He is Octavius and must be called so or he gets quite upset. .

On Sunday Jeremiah took him to see the Monster Truck Show with Papa, Uncle Danny, Uncle Tim and the cousins. I got my ears pierced and Caden got his picure taken. Then Jeremiah took me out for a romantic evening of dinner and grocery shopping. What a Stud Muffin my man is.

And today Papa bought Ethan cowboy boots and a cowboy hat, which he will get at his party next week- which all are invited to by the way. Unless of course we don't know you because you came across this blog looking for something else entirely. In which case, maybe you could call first.

Hope everyone had a good Valentine's Day and a good Monday!

I Just Have One Question For Ya,Punk...

Conversations with Ethan

Ethan: "Mom, Mom! I have bad news!"

Me: "Oh yeah? What is it?"

Ethan:(Serious whisper)"Charlotte's sitting in the purple (bumbo) seat...So...Let's go give her a reason to cry"

I could give you a long list of excuses of where we were and what we were doing over the last week and a half.

But you don't want that.

You want funny...

cute...

and interesting.

It's why you come here, after all.

Ask and you shall recieve, my friends.

Ask and you shall recieve.

Or don't ask. I will still assault you with adorableness.

Adorability?

Adorab...

Your wish is my command.