Big News

No, it's not what you think! (But I had you going for just a minute, didn't I?)

The news is...Carson used the potty tonight!! Yippee!! Spencer and I are quite elated. Carson was rewarded with three M&M's and lots of loud celebrating. He looked up at me and said, "I am getting bigger?" We assured him that he is, indeed becoming a "big boy." Then he called Grandma to say, "I made water in potty."

After his bath, he told me he is a "bath man." Spencer is also a bath man. "Daddy-O" is a "shower man." I asked, "So am I a shower lady?" He said, "No, you're kitchen lady." True enough. I spend so much time in the kitchen, my children think I never shower!

Michigan Trip Part One

Now that we've been home for two weeks, I'm finally getting these pictures posted. The boys were pretty much angels during the whole thing, which is remarkable. I was so worried they wouldn't be very flexible.

This was Carson's first airplane ride, so it was pretty exciting. Here they are at the airport, Spencer of course trying to steer Carson's head in the right direction to see the planes. He enjoyed his first flight. He was very good and when we landed, he giggled heartily all the way down. Actually, it was a good, deep belly laugh and people all around us were laughing at him laughing. It was great!

Grandpa R. met us at the airport. He and Spencer held hands on the way out to the car. It was so cute. I wish I had a picture of that, but I was too busy trying to carry all the "stuff."

Here are my two tired little teddy bears. I wasn't sure they would sleep if we put them in the same bed, but they did very well. After viewing this scene, I was glad I didn't have to sleep with Carson!

I turned him around and covered him up again, and then he snuggled right up to Spencer like this.

We went with Grandpa to the Frederick Meijer gardens. The boys enjoyed the butterfly exhibit.

There was also a kids' garden with lots of fun play equipment and stuff to see and do.

Spencer will be a frog in his next life.

We spent some time at Andy's family homestead. Here are all my cuties in the woods behind the house. Andy said he got a little teary seeing his little guys at the house--"another generation...." (He cries over "Extreme Home Makeover" too!)

We had a lovely walk in the woods. Spencer and I heard all kinds of frogs in the swampy area, but we couldn't see any. Next time we're going to bring galoshes so we can get out there and catch some! If you don't stay on the trail, you have to hash through the bushes, as you see here. Spencer leaned over and came up without his hat!

This is classic Andy, leaping toward us in the meadow.

Spencerisms

It is only 9:15 am, but I have to record my favorite quotes from Spencer so far today.

1. Carson didn't feel like brushing his teeth and tried to run out of the bathroom. I grabbed him by the arm and made him come back. Spencer imparted these words of wisdom to his younger brother: "Carson, Mommy has the biggest arms in the WORLD!"

2. Andy weighed himself this morning and immediately decided to go out for a jog. He came out in his athletic shorts, showing off his sparsely hairy, white legs. Spencer exclaimed, "Wow Dad! You are quite a show!"

When Mama Ain't Happy

Spencer has just lost his friend privileges for the entire weekend. Among a few other, smaller offenses, he just poured bubble solution all over his brother's head!

A Little Fun

Here are just a few more fun pictures I took before our trip. In the next day or two I will start on that.

Nothing like catching snowflakes on your tongue....

Cute little blue Eskimos

Carson always wants me to make him a "cave" or blanket forts. He loves to be completely covered and then yell "Hi Mommy!" and just barely peek out. So, so funny!

Here's my little Jr. firefighter. He loves his new fireman boots and wears them most of the time. I think we may make a special family field trip to the fire station on his birthday.

And last of all, a story for you. Spencer is always teasing his little brother by pretending to eat his toes. It's okay at first, but pretty soon Carson gets upset and starts crying and checking to see if he really does have toes at the end of his feet. This happens nearly daily. The other night Carson woke up making sad sounds. I went into his room and asked what was the matter. "He's putting mine toes in his mouth!" "Who?" I asked. "Montser," he said. Poor little boy--his first verbalized bad dream. He's been so worried about his toes and now he's having nightmares over it!

Ties

Okay, it's been a long time again, but now that we're back from our trip to Michigan, I should have more time. (Pics of the trip in the near future.) Anyway, here are a few things to keep you interested.

I bought a pattern to make ties for my guys and had a blast with it! Here is the first one I made. I did plenty of picking and re-sewing, but the end result isn't bad.

Andy says, "This is every daddy's dream...tying his little boy's tie!"

These guys are pretty cute. Carson's tie has little owls all over it. He loves it. He also has a pillowcase of the same material.

If nothing else, Andy makes a good horse (or is it more like "old nag?" He will be 35 soon!)

Carson enjoyed watching me make a cake one day. He peered into the mixing bowl and yelled, "Chocat!!"

I laugh when Spencer takes his own pictures. This one is great....

And this one is my current favorite!

Little Mozart

Spencer plays the piano just like his mother.