Pics from camping trip

Best times ever... thanks for all the memories...more to come.

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Shoe search

Caleb's CARS shoes lasted 5 months. Way not long enough for my thinking, and apparently the shoe clerk's thinking, since she advised us to get 1 size bigger than he needed at the time and 5 months later we are buying the same size (Still 1 size bigger than his foot). I have had to accept that 4 year olds, given their choice, will ultimately choose the absolute most hideous footwear presented to them. Caleb's must-have list: lights, some sort of character, bright colors. I thought I could sneak one past him, and gave him a nice black and silver shoe to try on. He's stomping all over the place saying, "I like it, but where's the lights?" Sigh. After much searching and deliberation over whether or not Payless shoes are any worse/better than Shoe Dept/Penny's/Academy, we found what Caleb deemed "the perfect shoe". Black Hot Wheels, that light up, with red/orange/yellow flames...and white soles. Cause every 4 year old needs white soles so you can see just how dirty they will get them within 10 minutes of wearing them. At least he did want the Iron Man ones. Joe says, "This is what 4 year old boys want to wear." Guess I will just embrace it and know that one day, he won't be 4, and the shoes will be boring, expensive, nondescript things, and I will think about the days of light-up, hideous shoes, and how happy they made him.

Resurrection

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So, I will attempt to get back on the wagon again and resurrect my blog. Hey, at least it's only been a couple months this time. And those we very busy months. I feel the need to explain my "blogging" problem, even though it really matters little. So we upload pictures at our desktop, because it has an external hard drive. But that computer is way in the back and it's very cold... so I like to blog from here. My problem is, if you know me at all, if I'm going to do something, it has to be done "right". And a blog without a pic is...not right. So I just haven't blogged. I know, what I need to do is write a post, save it, then go add a pic to it back there and post... now, if I could only make that happen.

I guess if I "backpost", Caleb's party went great. We had a wonderful turnout and he was very pleased to have everyone. The "car" race was a huge hit and we could have just done that and not had any of the other games/decorations. In fact, Caleb wanted to "race" around the spray-painted race track in the backyard for weeks until it wore off. Racing and creating camping trips/dinosaur-hunting expeditions are what comprised the remainder of our warm days. Which were about through mid-Dec. Before we left town it was 70 degrees, I believe one day. Crazy.

Oh, Levi also loves the track. It must be born into them. How else do you explain a 5 month old cackling as he is carried, running, around in circles. Fun for all ages (if you are male), as Joe also had a huge grin and never minded to take a turn around the track.

October was the busiest month ever!! Start with The Texas State Fair, where Caleb competed in the Pee-Wee stampede he rode a buckin' bronco), but his favorite thing was the rides. He has NO FEAR. He would ride the largest roller coaster at 6 Flags if they would let him. We got passes to 6 Flags for Christmas and have already been 3 times. He rode Tony Hawke's skateboard max thrill ride, The Shockwave (upside down 2x), and La Vibora. His favorite ride is the Antique Cars, because he can steer and work the gas. Nothing like giving a 4 year old confidence that he can drive a car. The only ride he will not do is Yosimite Sam's cave ride. He doesn't like being shot at from both side, apparently. Fine by me... it's long wait for a boring ride. Then we had his party, went to Trucnk-or-Treat (and mom and dad had a leadership retreat for church, so Caleb stayed with Granna overnight!!!) For trunk-or-treat we did a Toy Story adventure. The kids had to pull a tiny wagon with Barbie in it to pick up Potato Head and drive to a hula hoop, where they "captured" evil Dr. Pork Chop (Hamm). Then they got to drive a remote control car with Woody strapped to it over to a box where they used a "claw" to rescue Buzz Lightyear. I was Jessie, Joe was Woody, Caleb was Buzz (with a shirt over his costume...sigh), and Levi was Bullseye. I spent FOREVER making my and Joe's costumes. Then we helped with a Halloween party, and Caleb had a fall festival. We visited a pumpkin patch where we did a tractor ride, played in a HUGE treehouse, rode pedal cars, completed several mazes, and played on a large bouncy thing. Caleb recently (Jan) asked me when we could go back there.

Highlight of the end of Oct's fun was, of course, the semi-annual camping trip. With a 5 month old. It was really fun though. Caleb rode his new bike (birthday present from Granna/Poppa) round the circle so many times, I can't believe he wasn't dizzy. Never had trouble finding him though... those plastic training wheels are LOUD. I have to say, I was pretty impressed on his birthday when he just hopped right on that bike like he had done it a million times before and took off; granted, with training wheels.

Thanksgiving and Christmas passed with tons of fun, a couple high fevers for the boys, Levi's first haircut (well, trim around the ears), Levi's first real vacation (traveled to AR, MS, TN), first visits with Santa, and too many presents. We won't talk about food ;)

I thoroughly enjoyed spending so much time with my boys. It was nice not to have to work around "work" every day. Some things that stand out the most: scrambling around Christmas Eve making sure everything was " in place" (CJ asked for a fire truck at the last minute, and since previously he had asked for a moon telescope - which isn't a very fun present to get Christmas morning, especially when the forecast is cloudy- well, you know what happened), searching in Grams/Gramps yard for a Pterasaur and sending it back to it's mommy, and making a Gingerbread train (notice, not "eating" it -- gross).

Levi notables: He started "kissing" us when he has been kissed (opens his mouth on your cheek, and if you are not close enough, he pulls you to him), eating all sorts of fruits/veggies from jar and REAL peas, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, mastering the walker (forwards and backwards), sitting up, grabbing for objects in on the floor in front of him/searching when they fall, feeding himself with a spoon (if it's loaded), blowing air when he is finished eating, turns pages in a book, drinks from a sippy (can drink from a real cup too, in small amounts), sleeps in his big boy crib, already turns toward the floor when holding him as if he wants "down", goes to Bible class for the entire time every class (Wed/Sun night), ticklish all over/loves funny voices... oh, and he is a bouncin' fool in his jumper, especially when he can watch Caleb play.

CJ's favorite Christmas gifts: track/buildings/trains/etc. for Thomas Wooden Railway, a Jeep Hurricane Power Wheel (which we broke after him riding it all of 5 minutes... it is STILL at the Power Wheels repair shop to get a new gearbox...yuck we bought it used), fire trucks (plural...1 was not enough...he got 3!!), monster truck, digital camera (kiddie), new model airplanes (little ones), and the latest find... an air hockey table. Seriously, spoiled.

Levi's favs: a Santa bib, wrapping paper, bows, teething toys, tissue paper, a thing with popping balls, more paper, new books, and more paper... He did get the idea of opening things, but he just wanted the paper!

Caleb, a week after we are home: "Mom, when do we go back to Aunt Connie's?"

Caleb's party

It seems these days that I am constantly having to assert my authority with Caleb. Tonight it was whether he should be allowed to climb up and over the end of his bunk bed to enter it, rather than up the very cool ladder/staircase it came with. Something tells me I should just give up on things like that.. if he falls, I guess he will learn. When I told him that if he couldn't enter it the right way, he might have to sleep on the floor and we would get rid of his bed, he said, "What you are saying is making me mad." Who has be been listening to, Dr. Phil?? After that, I just tried to avoid talking about it!

I have been working non-stop (between nursing and SLP working) on his CARS party. I really hope he appreciates it and doesn't throw a fit about the house being decorated and people coming over the day it gets here (i.e. last year). He SAYS that he will be happy to have them here. I think if I have him help me decorate, it will go better. I have already let him help me paint one of the cars for the race and some tires, but since he has already broken 2 paintbrushes and I am down to the last one I have, painting is off-limits for him now.

UPDATE: Caleb's party was a blast. We had a Racing sign-in where the kids brought their pit pass and got a driver's license and racing number (for their back -- their favorite number). Then they went "Fishing with Mater", got a tatoo at "Ramone's body art shop", and colored pictures to put on a pennant at the Cozy cone (our living rooms with orange tablecloths hung all around in a circle to simulate th inside of a parking cone). Then we headed outside for a tire roll (really, they rolled a real tire down the track... -- it was very dirty!), threw bean bags through a large inflatable tire, and had the big race, which was the hit of the party. It took some doing explaining the tag-team effect of the race to a group of pre-schoolers, but I had a lot of adult helpers. While the first kid on each team (we had 3 teams) raced, the other 3 kids had a "job" to do on the pit crew. They changed tires (swapped them with others that velcroed on), filled the car with gas (using a watering can), or washed the windshield (with a dry sponge/bucket). Each child got a "Piston Cup" trophy at the end. We also had themed snacks: stacks of chocolate donuts (monster truck tires), Oreos (whitewall tires), pretzel sticks (axles), M&Ms (paint chips), grape juice (motor oil), green Gatorade (antifreeze), apple juice (Dinoco gasoline), and water (Fillmore's Organic Fuel).

Ordinary Tuesday

Took Caleb to school this morning. He was overjoyed, of course. Then Levi and I went to my work, where I supervised my girls for 2 hours. Then I dropped him off and went to make a visit. One of them cancelled so I got to work a little on a "car" for Caleb's party. Then off to get get him from school and back to feed Levi before a couple more visits. Levi had his first veggies tonight... sweet peas! He seemed to like them just fine. Caleb actually ate his beans and fajita steak tacos tonight, so everyone was healthy! Levi got a bath with Caleb tonight, mostly sitting supported in the tub, and got his tiny toenails clipped for the first time, too. It is so funny to me how he LOVES to lie naked on his changing table and coo at me. Just smiles and giggles and coos, until I go to put clothes on him, and immediately he starts fussing. Great, we'll have a streaker. He was giggling tonight at strawberries on his tummy, and it seems to me that he is more ticklish than he has been. I got at least 3 real belly laughs out of him tonight. I had no idea and am pleasantly surprised at how quickly we fell into a real routine of life with a new baby... it is really nice and wonderful.
P.S. this pic accidentally got posted with the one for cereal... I can't get it off. So go down a little to Caleb's comments to see the peas!

Pictures, pizza and the park!

We took Levi for his 4.5 month pics today (this is my attempt at the 3 month pics I missed). We got all of 5 pictures before he started getting fussy. The lady taking them asked if he could roll over yet and I said, "not well." And Levi decided to prove me so very wrong. He would hardly lay still for 1 second before he was trying to push off and roll over!! He was flipping right, left, all over. So that was an exciting milestone, but one I wish he'd waited a couple more days to master. I even walked him around Target to get a nap so we could try again when he was happy about 20 minutes later... nope. Still couldn't get a good smile on that tummy. But I must have worn him out good, because he took a 3 hour nap this afternoon and we had to wake him up! After that we got a hot and ready pizza and took it to the park to have a picnic. Caleb had a blast. It was actually quite chilly out as the sun was setting, so he was perfectly content to head home after about 15 minutes of playing. All in all, not bad for a Monday!

Donuts with Dad and PIZZA, more chapel

Caleb had a fun day today. Joe took him to preschool this morning for Donuts with Dad. Caleb told me all about it, and that they ate them in the gym, where they had crayons and paper for the kids. He didn't tell me much about the pizza for lunch, but was really impressed with the small packets of cheese crackers for snack and the Phineas napkins they used. I saw a picture he drew of the rainbow God sent Noah, and it was pretty good. There were about 4 actual curved lines, and then a lot of colors. I think his drawing/writing skills are improving a lot. Last night at church he said he drew me a heart, and it did have a pointy end (like a circle with a point). Then he colored it pink and stayed mostly in the lines he drew. He also drew a circle and told me it was a circle. Tonight when I got home, Caleb insisted on giving us a lesson in "chapel" and he used his Bible. There were lots of stories, about how millions of years ago the disciples killed the dinosaurs, and how they robbed people, also about the baby that Moses had, whom he put in the river. We also learned about Jonah who was on the ark for 30, no 40, no 3 days and 3 nights. Oh, and about Daniel, who was in the lion's den and did not get eaten (hey, at least we got one right).
And it's official. Levi will not drink formula in the bottle, no matter how warm, cool, tepid, etc. it is. Lovely.

UPDATE: Levi will now drink pretty much anything given to him. He started drinking formula just a week or so after this, warm, lukewarm, mixed with momma's milk, etc. Now at 8 months drinks juice and water.

Playing "Chapel"

This morning Levi and went on the hunt for Caleb's party supplies. I am starting my endeavor at a "cheap" but totally fun Cars/Racing party. Then I worked for a bit, came home, fed Levi and ate, and then worked a bit more. Tonight I earned a "gold crown" from Caleb tonight since I was able to find the "old part" and the "new part" in the Bible. It all started with "chapel", of which Cale was in charge. Chapel followed a concert, where Caleb played a lively and LONG rendition of "Ain't no rock, gonna cry in my place. As long as I'm alive I'll glorify his holy name...."on his guitar, although he can't tell what all the words are, so it is pretty hilarious. What he doesn't know in words he makes up for with enthusiasm. Now, he knows we don't advocate playing guitar during chapel, and made it clear that we were going to start Chapel after the concert. So we had a prayer, where he thanked God that his his teacher was sick today (I'm pretty sure he says thank you for everything, even his requests). Oh, and Levi had a giggling session after his last feeding, just him and me. We... giggled back and forth like 5 times. SO fun...

Caleb''s comments

So today, Caleb told me that God is orange. hmmm... Then he told me he found it on the computer. Now it makes sense. He also said that when he is 4, he will be a big boy and leave his "duckie" (or "pet" as his teachers must call it) at home instead of taking him to school. He has been a lot better with Levi lately, giving him kisses and trying to talk to him, tell him what he's doing. He lets Levi sit in the bean bag in his room and watch him play. And I haven't had to tell him not to hurt him lately, so that is good.
Speaking of Levi, we just went to the Dr. for his 4 month appt (17 weeks). He was only 11 lbs, 14.5 ounces. 25 1/4 inches. So that is the 60th percentile for length, and the 5th percentile for weight. Also, his head is in the 3rd percentile! I looked up Caleb and he was 12 lbs at 18 weeks. Last night, I was making a face and talking to him and he chucked. It was a little belly laugh where his stomach actually moved. I would say "ee-ee-ee" and he just giggled. It was adorable. He now sleeps about 8:30-6am (sometimes later) and eats about 5-6x per day. Not great naps... maybe 2 or 3 30minute-1hour long naps. Tonight he sat with us at the table in his high chair. He let us eat a whole meal without complaining too much. I think we might try cereal tomorrow. He also sat in his swing all by himself and watched Caleb play ball for awhile before dinner. He is such a happy baby, a joy to us all!
Oh, and Caleb ate his first real serving of vegetables in about 2 years! I have tried putting cooked or raw spinach in SO many things, and he always turns up his nose. Tonight he refused to eat his green beans, but he really wanted some cake. He said, "I think I'll eat some cake in the morning." We said no way. He said,"Well, what are we having tomorrow night for dinner?" (He wanted to know if he would eat it all and earn his cake then!!) We said we didn't know. So I said he could have salad instead. I put ranch dressing and cheese on it, and the boy at almost all of it (about 12 leaves). I was thrilled.
And yesterday, on Granna's birthday, Caleb told her as seriously as he could, that there was dinosaur "poo" in the backyard. It was a yellow dinosaur. He must really believe everything say, because he told me there was poo in the backyard, and I said (trying to be fun) "What animal left it, do you think? Think it was a dinosaur?" "Yea, I fink so," he says. Guess he thought I was serious. Even today, he said he saw a dinosaur footprint in the sand. A T-rex. He is really getting an imagination. Granna said that he was playing "School" with the little people and they played for about 30 minutes with all the events he does in preschool.

Random funnies

So I keep thinking about our last trip to the zoo. I hesitated to post anything about this because I can't think how to do it delicately but still convey the hilariousness of the event. We got a little more than we bargained for while viewing Mr. and Mrs. Tortoise.... that's right. As we were coming up on them, I said, "Joe, is that the lion?" (roaring)... Nope. It was Mr. Tortoise ("Sea Turtle" as Caleb calls all turtles). For like a full 5 minutes (seemed like). It was not only hilarious to view the event (which I'll admit I never realized how 2 animals with hard shells would go about such a thing), but then to see the passer-by-er's expressions when they realized what was making all the racket. That was killer! One guy even came back with his camera with his wife yelling at him the whole time. But then the funniest part was when Caleb said, "Mommy, the sea turtles are talking." M-hmm, I replied. "What are they saying?" No comment. Later in the car on the way home, he kept on, "I didn't know that sea turtles could talk, did you". No, I didn't. On a side note (sweet one), last night in the car, Caleb was watching Levi, and he said, "Mommy, I think Levi is praying. Because he has his hands folded." Sure enough, he did, although Caleb wasn't sure how seriously he was taking his prayer since his eyes were open.

Zoo day

We got out early and made it to the zoo by 10:30. Amazingly enough, there was hardly anyone there. I "wore" Levi in the Moby wrap, and he did very well the entire time. The train was not in operation, but at least Caleb did not have a meltdown over it. Also, the stagecoach was soaking wet inside, so he was a little bummed. On the upside, we went into some stores we don't usually go in. He wanted desperately to buy about 5 plastic 12" lizards, a green hard had with a light on it, and 3 rocks (2 green, 1 blue -- he made me write it all down). I used the line my mom used on me pretty much anytime I asked for something after Christmas and before my birthday..."Why don't you ask for it for your birthday." I guess he thought we would forget, so he insisted we call Granna right then to tell her about the things on his wish list. We called her, but of course, all she could make out was "zoo" and "alligator" (I think he added that to the plastic lizards). Tonight we attempted another dual bath with the boys... which didn't go as well. Of course Caleb sulked that he had to share "his" tub. Levi tried to faceplant several times, and then when I got the rag soapy, he was stretching out like "stiff as a board", so I had to hold him in a cradle hold with one hand and wash him with the other. Not sure he got very clean. Oh, and Caleb has now added "possible" (or maybe "impossible", I can't tell) to his list of random words he throws into conversations about every hour. Usually something like this, "You know, Mom, it's possible that there's an insect in our GPS, and it's just not teaching the truth." How do you argue with that logic??

1st bath together

Just wanted to document the first bath that Caleb and Levi had together, just short of his 4 month birthday. I didn't get a picture of it because I was the only one here, and I had to keep a pretty good hold on Levi. He seemed to really enjoy it. Caleb, on the other hand, kept insisting that "the sign says no babies allowed in the bathtub". He was quite put out that he was having to share the tub, especially after Levi spit up in the water a couple times. I just told him that Levi probably didn't want all Caleb's dirt getting on him, but oh well. Caleb eventually warmed up to the idea of having a bath buddy, but still felt that it would be better to only get a bath with him when he's bigger (Levi). What can I say, he hates any kind of change! We watched Pinocchio tonight (the live version) and we all really enjoyed it. Early this morning I took a few more things over to the Just Between Friends sale again... let's hope I make more than $30 this time!

P.S. This pic didn't happen this day, but I just like it. If I come across one of them in the bath, I'll add it.

Hard work

So I have started back again to work, and am trying to balance work, nursing, mothering, and preschool pick-up/drop-off. It's a task, I tell you. But a blessing that I have an occupation that is so flexible I can juggle all those things... sometimes simultaneously. Today, I had to take Levi with me to supervise my assistant. I nursed him while I watched her through the window! It was a little crazy, but he did great. I think I may have to do that again next week, since I start with another assistant so I have to be there for 2 hours straight. Caleb asks me where I am going, because I often talk about work in terms of "visits". So I told him I go to other kids' houses who can't talk very well. He sees me leaving with all our games, so I'm sure he wonders why I go play games with other kids instead of playing with him... It makes me sad, and I try to tell him that I would rather stay home with him. But a girl's got to do what a girl's got to do. Today, he brought home a paper from preschool that had their activities on it. He told me they went to chapel, where they sang and heard a story and then went back to class. He made a paper that had his favorite things on it. Apparently, his favorite food is bread. Really? Cause I could save a lot of money that way!! Levi is learning to laugh and he loves when I pretend to eat his toes and blow strawberries on his belly. I looked carefully in his mouth tonight when he was screaming during his bath (water was getting chilly), and I just know I saw 2 tooth buds coming up. I'm not surprised since he has been knawing constantly on his fists and fingers lately. Joe is pretty excited because it's opening night of football and the Saints are playing.

Update: The "tooth buds" were just my imagination. We are currently at 8 months and STILL no teeth. Which actually is totally fine by me, even better if he doesn't have them until 1 yr old! And evidence of why Caleb has a hole worn in ALL of his jeans, only on the right side, which is his knee-scooting side. So now we only wear "holy" jeans to pre-school.

A "Summer shower"

turns into a "torrential downpour". Caleb woke us up at 5:45 am going to the bathroom. Pretty sure he was woken up by the driving rain. Then Caleb hollering for us to come "wipe" woke Levi up. After they were both back in bed, we heard the unmistakable plinking sound of water hitting the ceiling from the attic. So Joe had to go up and put a bucket down where the vent from the bathroom goes out to the roof. Lovely. And the drip ruined the sheetrock that we fixed when we moved in from someone else's leak. Should have known... fix the leak, not just the look. I got Joe to drive us to ladies bible class (where we were 22 minutes late). There was one parking lot we passed with cars 1/2 submerged in water. They were close to a "creek/river", so I guess it flooded. After that I ran 1 mile and went to see a couple kids for work. Levi slept from 2:30-5:40!!! He is the cutest thing. Even if he is tired and grumpy, the minute I put him on the changing table he turns into smiles and giggles. He loves it there. He can be crying at me, and after a couple seconds he just can't help but start smiling and cooing at me. So sweet. Caleb told me today that I could only work for 2 more days. Well, it is Wednesday, so I guess he is right. I told him this morning that before dinner he would need to have his room clean, because then it would be dinner, church, bed and school. He agreed. After church, it still wasn't clean. I told him he had until I got Levi in bed to get it all picked up and whatever was still on the floor was mine for 2 days. He did a good job, but he put a bunch of cars in the wrong place and left his workshop stuff all on the floor. So I took them.. that was a meltdown. But he has started "playing" too much when told to clean up, so I am hoping this way he will really get to it when he is told to clean up. He was sitting there with tears running down his face (since I tool about 20 of his 150 cars).... "but you can only have them for 2 days, okay." It was almost enough for me to give them back. Sweet boy. I didn't have a good pic for today, so this is Levi already mastering the remote control. That's right.. at 4 months old.

1st day of Pre-K

It was on this rainy, Tuesday morning, Caleb had his first day of school. He was up early enough to have breakfast, watch a show, play, and help me pack his lunch. I told he we had to get some pictures at home and at school since it was the first day. He reluctantly agreed (probably because last time I threatened to take his candy at school!) to "two pictures". IT was so humid, my camera lens was fogging up. Once he found his "turtle name" he hung his backpack up and went right in. His friend Ethan from church was already there, so they got to playing cars. Later, his friend Emmy arrived and she joined in the fun with the boys. I helped Caleb introduce himself to 2 boys in his class, but I'm pretty sure he wasn't paying attention to me, rather the new vehicles. I'm glad I don't have to worry about him being upset at my leaving, but it would be nice for him to miss me at least a little! Oh well, maybe with child #2! At the end of the day, the teacher said he did great. He gave a rundown of all the activities of the day, but said his favorite thing was "playing". A true little boy.

Labor Day Fun!

Today we had a great day. First we found Caleb his new pair of "School shoes". Of course, they were the most obnoxious pair on the shelf... Cars... and they light up. Lovely. I guess that's what I get for getting onto my mother for getting him his first pair of Cars shoes, which were only slightly better. Then we met Mark, Mia, Granna and Poppa at our house for lunch. After lunch we had a great time playing in the "construction site" (which is the big dirt patch left by the utility company when they came last). Then tonight we went with Granna and Poppa to play a game of Putt-Putt. Caleb scored a "hole in 2", tempered by the "holes in 15", but he had a great time. He also got to play Guitar Hero and ski ball... though we probably need to wait a few more years for those. At any rate, he earned 5 tickets, which was enough to get a "Sour Warhead". He was so excited, up until he put it in his mouth. He wanted to like it so much, that he asked for it again after we got home. But you can see the reaction to his little treat! Oh, and we have talked a bunch about him going to pre-k tomorrow. Today he told Granna he was going to go to preschool tomorrow, and next week, he's going to college. And I'm sure that is what it will seem like.

Lazy Sunday

We had a great day at Worship today. Caleb said all the fruits of the Spirit by memory. I am so proud of him! After lunch, we played a concert outside (Caleb on lead guitar and me on the keyboard) to accommodate Daddy's nap on the couch in the living room. We also played a little in the sand table and added some water to our moat, where we found a dead bug that had to make it's exit. Sunday night Caleb led "I'm in the Lord's Army" for Bible Hour. I asked him what he talked about in class, and he said "Jonah", but the teenager who was in class corrected him with "Noah". At least he knew there was a boat and fish involved. Apparently we have been listening to our Acapella CD a lot lately, because along with using "GPS" at least a few time a day, he also announces at least a couple times a day (usually when he is not getting his way), that "that is not teaching the truth" (from "Teaching the Truth in Love"). And we have also been talking a lot about honesty, as he is beginning to tell some things that are not true, but rather how he would want them to be. Tonight after church, Joe surprised me by telling Caleb we were going to eat with some church folks at Chapps. He knows how much I love to eat with people! On a side note, I asked him what he wants to be for Halloween this year. I keep encouraging him to be Scooby Doo, since I bought that costume last year and he switched at the last minute to Thomas the Train. No such luck. He told be emphatically that he wants to be.... (drum roll) a shopping cart. That's right. Well, his friend Ethan wants to be a pickle, so maybe Caleb can carry him in his shopping cart!

A day at the zoo

Today, when I finally got myself moving by 10am, I decided it was a great day for the zoo. Joe had already decided it was a great day for football, since it was the first day of college football. So I packed up the boys and we went by ourselves. We met Mark, Lindsay, and Mia there. I wore Levi in the sling with a backpack for our stuff... no stroller!! Levi did great. He looked out all around until he ate after about 2 hours, then he rode facing me (I mistakingly thought he would get a nap), for the next hour or so. No pics of the zoo, but here are some of my sweet boys. Oh, and Caleb randomly uses "GPS" at least 4x a day. HE babbles on about things he sees, or reasoning why he should get to have something... "and it's just a GPS", or something like that. I don't even think we talk about it or use our GPS that much!! And the word "insect" also randomly appears in conversations. Love it. The pic with Aunt Beth showcases Levi's new smile.

Mmmm, mudpies!

Caleb and I made our first mudpie on Friday. That's right. I waited until he is almost 4. Well, the kid has hated to be dirty until about now. I nearly died when he got tired of offering me bites on the spade and reached in and grabbed a handful. YES! I finally have a "dirty" boy!! We made this one for Daddy. Caleb said it was his birthday cake. So when he came out to take our pic, we sang Happy Birthday and Dad blew out the candle (the wood stick). He was really distressed when the bug he was trying to feed the "pie" would not stay put and eat! Then he tried to kill it. I have a hard time explaining why I kill bugs immediately and without reserve in the house, but I insist he leave them alone outside. I just said, "this is his house. We only kill them when they come in our house." That's valid, right?

Meet the Teacher night

Joe, Levi, and I took Caleb to meet his new teacher's tonight. I had to threaten him with eating all his chocolate candy to get this picture, so I am sure I am already making a great impression on his teachers. He is going to be in the Turtles (or Sea Turtles, as he calls it, since I made the mistake of saying how cool it was that he just bought a hat to match it, and it has a sea turtle) class, with 2 of his friends from our church. I already introduced him to my insane need to get "the best thing at the best price" while on our lunchbox search. He just wanted to get whatever the current store had, but we were on the hunt for either Cars or Toy Story, since he first said that was what he wanted. We almost settled for Shrek, but when I realized that it burped when you pushed a button on his stomach, I quickly returned it to the shelf with all the others. No sense getting in trouble for your lunchbox. We FINALLY snagged the LAST Toy Story one, after 4 different Walmarts and 2 Targets. Whew!