Cool shoes

Andrew got some cool light up shoes from my parents for Christmas.



As you can see, he loves them.

Train Throwing Man

This morning after making our Train-O-Love we were in full train loving mode and the little man thought it was cool to start launching his trains off the kitchen table and throwing them onto floor, at the windows, etc. (not sure where he came up with that way to "love" his trains). Since I didn't want my windows broken or floor dented, but also didn't want to be the "no! mom" that squelched his creativity (I do that too often), we moved the throwing to a safer place and channeled his energy a little differently. If I had a padded room, that's where we would've gone, bus alas, we don't... yet.


I set up a pillow target zone and we just launched trains off the couch at the target. It worked great because little man completely forgot about how cool it was to listen to the trains hit the wood floor and windows and I didn't feel like I had to say "no" too many times. I love it when an easy replacement behavior is successful.

Ommm!- yoga man

Sometimes throwing trains is even better when I get to run around without my clothes...

Telling mom all about how the trains CRASHED!

Sneaky boy is starting his little stripper routine... time to go get dressed again.


We had such a fun morning. This little guy really makes me smile.

A Ray of Sunlight

This weekend was one that was marked with sadness. Cat's mom Tony passed away early Saturday morning after being diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer just before Christmas. When I think about Tony, I think about a beautiful ray of sunlight. Cat's family, and especially Tony, have taught me some incredible things about the power of love. She was a remarkable mom and friend to everyone. She was also a lot of fun and loved to laugh.


She will be missed.

Dinner in the Ball Room

Tonight we had our first official dinner in our dining room (aka the ball room). We have our old kitchen table still lying around, so we dressed it up a bit for dinner.


The best thing about being a twin is that you get double the friends. Elise & Dan's friends, Chris and Sarah, just moved up here from Santa Monica. They came over tonight and we had a lot of fun. The ball room was the perfect dining room because the little guys mostly kept themselves interested with all the toys and stairs and we got to lounge around at the table and chat.


The first course for the toddlers was strawberries and cheese. These little ones were both bottomless pits and enjoyed stealing each others cheese and berries and then coming and begging for more. While they ate, the adults made homemade pizza. The little guys attempted to eat their own pizza, but discovered that running around after each other was more fun.


Then we ate, while they colored, dumped out toys, and jumped around on our new comfy living room carpet.


Our first ball room dinner was a success!

My Cutie Pie

I couldn't get him to smile at me... but I loved his cute smile at his dad (with a mouth covered in Hershey's kisses).


I feel so blessed to have such a darling little boy!


I am so grateful I get to be his mom!

The Dinner Challenge

Those of you that know me well know that I mostly subsist on chocolate and potatoes. Obviously that isn't a healthy option for a growing almost 2 year-old... and his 30 year-old (gasp! almost 31 year-old) dad.

Although I love good meals, when 5 or 6pm rolls around, there's usually nothing very special on the table... especially since it's usually just me and Andrew eating.

Now that Kevin is actually home for dinner most nights, I am challenging myself to make good meals for a full week. I hope I survive. ;) They won't even be hard or too creative of meals... but they will be ready when Kevin gets home, they'll taste good, and we'll eat together.

This first week will consist of...
- Chili (we'll do a meaty version and a vegetarian version for me) and cornbread
- Mexican Manicotti
- Baked Ziti and corn
- Homemade pizza and salad
- Stuffed shells
and a night full of leftovers.

Don't laugh too hard. For many of you, this sort of thing is simple... for me... I'd rather spend the time playing, running, and crafting and then make a little pasta-roni and chicken nuggets when it is dinner time.

Wish me luck! If you have simple favorite things you make (emphasizing the word simple), pass them along... I need more ideas.

Why little boys need parents

My dad sent me a few of these today... I thought they were pretty funny... so here are a few pictures to brighten your day :)