Hey There!

Let me try and catch you up a bit.

Hmmm...I can't say that much has really been going on around here. Maybe that's why I haven't blogged. Good thing I took a couple of pictures so that I have something to write about.

Our boys have only had cars and superheroes to play with all of their lives. Until now!! They are very intrigued by all of Olivia's things. And since Jay had been at school and away from home, I let them go for it. haha

Oh me, oh my. I love the football shirt with the tiara.

He has the hairbrush tucked into the tutu in case he needs to freshen up.

Jay wasn't too thrilled when he came in to see them.

Olivia had her first ear infection since getting tubes. First she had pink eye and I had a feeling that maybe an ear infection had caused it. Sure enough, it was a horrible ear infection. Poor baby. But she is on the mend now and hopefully no more of these!!

We are awaiting a visit from Gee! She comes on Monday and I don't know who is more excited -- the kids or me (or Jay)!

Olivia finally figured out the light switch thing. It's now her new toy.

Needless to say, we are very proud of her. :)

We took the kids to the circus last night.

They were excited to find out where they were going. Jay and I were a little apprehensive. I mean, it's the circus. When we first arrived, PETA was there to hand out fliers about the elephant slave trade. It ruined our night. I couldn't think of how cute it was when the elephants stood on top of each other. All I could think of was how they had been abused in order to learn that trick. Plus, we were at the VERY TOP of the arena. It was all I could do to keep from crying and wanting to go home because I kept thinking I was going to fall down the stadium seats or drop one of my kids.

But the kids liked it. :)

I had to throw this photo in so that you can see the painting I just purchased. Our pastor's wife is an artist and I saw this in her home when we were there recently. She painted it in October and it won't be dry until April. So, it will be hanging unframed for awhile, but I really, really like it. It looks bigger in person. ha

Well, I know this is just all so exciting. Up next - photos from my phone that I just learned how to get onto the computer! Hold on to your seats!! (But you might have to wait a few days.)

My Helper

Before I tell you about my helper, I thought that this was pretty cute. Josiah sees his daddy sing like this every Sunday and found a creative way to prop up his microphone. He had a very serious song going on.

I'm usually not very good about letting the kids help out in the kitchen because I always seem to be in a hurry. But I had time today, and it worked out because it was pizza night! I told Jay that I should let Josiah help me out more often because he is such a picky eater and might actually eat whatever he makes. He was so proud of his pizzas!

Here he is helping me sprinkle cheese on top. I wish you cold have seen him tossing the mozzarella slices and tomatoes on. He looked like a pro.

We had so much fun.

One of our finished pizzas. It was very good. Way to go, Josiah!

FYI: I got this recipe from The Pioneer Woman cookbook. The pizza dough that I usually make is a lot more involved. This was simple and good...not as good, but good enough that I'll use it again because it took less time.

Guitars Once Again

Growing up, I had 3 brothers and a father who all played guitar in our house. Sometimes they would all play at once, but usually there was at least one guitar being strummed on any given day. While I love guitar and was so proud of each of them, after awhile the noise just became too much for me. So I declared that I would NEVER marry someone who played the guitar. I did marry someone who plays guitar, but he never brings it home. So I felt that I had somewhat kept my vow.

But what I had never even considered was the fact that I might one day have boys who think so highly of their uncles that they too might need a guitar. Our house is loud with the sound of music, but when it comes from my own son, it's a little more tolerable. :) Plus, he sang me a sweet little diddy tonight.

"I love my...momma. I love her. I love her.

She looks so beautiful in the morning.

I love my...momma. I love her. I love her

She always cooks and cleans.

I love my...momma. I love her. I love her.

She tells us that God has big plans for us

And I say...yes.

I...love...my...momma."

Yeah, I think I can tolerate that.

The Goings On

As I was cooking this evening, Olivia noticed my apron matched the one that my mom bought for her on her birthday. She was so, so excited and made me go get hers and put it on her. She kept saying, "Mommy, Olivia, Mommy, Olivia!" I never thought I would enjoy dressing in matching clothes with my daughter. :)

Speaking of matching -- Jay bought a scooter to match Isaac's and Josiah's.

Oops! She escaped from the house. Wait, what's that she's is wearing, you might ask? Yes! She is potty training herself. What? Oh no, I have nothing to do with it. Olivia is little miss independent. Should that be in all caps? Little Miss Independent.

I took Olivia to Target tonight after the boys went to bed so that she could pick out her first set of panties. Does she look happy to you? Her legs are red because she tried on all 10 pairs about 10 times each. And guess what? Yep, you guessed it! She tried them each on ALL BY HERSELF. "Olivia, Self!"

Now I Know What Happened At The White House

Olivia and I were enjoying a nice, quiet tea party with Dog and Sheep. Two boys, named Isaac and Josiah, invited themselves in and did NOT know tea party etiquette. We kicked them out of the room and said, "No boys allowed, only girls can come in this room!"

A few minutes later, we heard giggling out in the hallway and then a loud, "Hello, ladies! We are just some girls who have come to join your tea party. May we have some tea?"

Unlike those at the White House, we were not fooled.

And Did I Mention....

that I got this really adorable apron for Christmas? It was sewn by Mindy and given by my mom. I love it! It saved me from some splatters just before this photo was taken. Thanks, ladies!

Christmas Toys

He was so excited to get this for Christmas.

Hey, Isaac! Can I try out your scooter?

Sure, Dad.

Don't worry, he just bought his own daddy-sized one today. Now he'll be the envy of all the kids in the neighborhood.

Our little Josiah has really got the hang of his scooter. (He was also envious of Isaac's scooter and used his Christmas money to buy his own.)

Walkie-talkies

Another big hit. The boys even took these in the car when we went to the grocery store tonight. Isaac called Josiah, and Josiah said, "Isaac, I'm right by you. I can hear you." Duh! :)

Isaac called Josiah from across the cul-de-sac.

They decided to meet at the end of the driveway.

I told Isaac to pose for me and act like he was talking into his walkie-talkie.

Yo-yo-yo! 'Sup Homies?

Yeah, just me and the bro. (the kid with two different shoes on) hangin' out at the crib.

Come join the scooter party.

Okay. You don't hafta if you don't wanna.

(I think he gets his acting skills from his daddy.)

In other news --

Olivia used the potty for the first time today! She was so proud. :)