Naughty

Whew! I am glad today is done. It was not one of our better ones. Actually, it was all good until this afternoon. Spencer was home from school and found a little block of styrofoam and decided to shred it all down the hall. I was not amused and told him to clean it up. He thought he'd just be silly and put it on the walls instead, so I turned on the timer for ten minutes. Of course, he didn't make it and lost his privileges for a show, bedtime stories, and treats for the evening. When I explained the consequences, he fell apart and cried to his father that I was unjust and cruel. They had a talk, but Spencer was mad at me all night.

Carson's turn came later, when I told them both to go to the bathroom. Carson was afraid that Spencer would get there first, and, not to be outdone, bit him on the hand to slow him down. It worked! He also lost his bedtime stories and treats and thought I was a cruel and horrible woman. I sent them both off to bed ASAP and I hope things go better tomorrow. I had actually planned on blogging some cute stories tonight, but I am no longer in the mood.

New Year's Eve

I've never been crazy about New Year's. What's the big deal about getting a new calendar? Every month we turn the page and we don't have a party about it. As far as resolutions, if people need to make changes in their lives, they should do it now, not wait for a "new year." It's just an excuse for procrastination. Yes, I am a New Year Scrooge.

Nevertheless, I made a couple of treats for Andy and I to enjoy while we watched "Marley and Me" last night. (He ate a lot of bean dip--wish me luck!) I thought the movie wouldn't be as emotional as the book, but it was. We both bawled at the end--such a great story, and so true to life. Hopefully Andy is beginning to understand the benefits of a family dog. People started shooting firecrackers toward the end of the show, and Dakota got nervous. She was pacing quickly around the room and making worried little "woofs." Finally she came and sat right between our two chairs and watched the show with us. She is a sweet dog. Yesterday the boys and I took her down to the field to play. She has such a blast in the snow. She tears through it at full speed and bends down to scoop up a mouthful of snow midstride. Pretty impressive! Carson slipped on some ice and started to cry, and Dakota immediately ran to see what was the matter. The boys adore her. They drive their little cars on her and include her in their games of basketball, Follow the Leader, and pirate ship.

Christmas

Christmas was nice this year (I don't really remember one that wasn't). On Christmas Day we all stayed home, took naps, and played with our new stuff.

The day before, we had a family Christmas party with Andy's side. Look at these cute wise men and shepherd! They were all so solemn and sweet.

We gave Spencer a volcano kit, so we tried it out that night. It was a little boring, so Andy jazzed it up by pouring large amounts of vinegar and baking soda in. The kids thought it was great.

Look at that cute face!

Practicing the water flutes Grandma gave them....

This is one to show the girlfriends in a few years. Carson HATES sweaters!! He was quite unhappy about wearing one to church the day after Christmas, but I told him he had to.

A quick story: Spencer occasionally says he doesn't want to go back to school, he'd rather stay home all the time. So I tease him by saying he would turn into a "dumb kid" and not know how to read or add. So on the Sunday mentioned above, Carson came out of the bathroom with his pants around his ankles. Andy told him to pull up his pants. He said, "I can't--I'm a dumb kid!" Someone's been eavesdropping! He has all kinds of excuses for not doing things. Also in his repertoire are "I don't know how," "It will take forever!" and a good standby "I don't want to." People get sudden tummyaches when they don't want to finish their dinner, too. Too bad kids have been using the same excuses for generations and parents know better!

Santa brought Andy a snowblower! There was no snow on Christmas, but we got plenty the next day. He plowed four driveways and the sidewalks. The neighbors all think he is so thoughtful and kind, but he is just having a good time with his new toy!

Birthdays

I have a bit of catching up to do! Last week I had a lovely birthday, even though I was sick with a cold (it's not the first time, and probably not the last). I told the boys I wasn't going to do any chores, I didn't even do my hair. We just played and relaxed all day. Andy brought home dinner, so it was a pleasant, quiet day. He gave me a hardback copy of my whole blog! It has been so fun to have it in book form and browse through memory lane. There are so many things I thought I'd never forget, but I'm surprised at how much I did!

Thanks, dear, for a great birthday gift!

The boys all made my favorite strawberry cake. I think this is a first! Andy is showing off his baking skills (he made several Jello pies this year and thinks he is quite the chef)!

The next day was Dakota's birthday! She is now two years old. People keep assuring me she will "settle down" sometime in the next year. I sure hope they're right. She is lots of fun though. The boys are SOOOO in love with her! We gave her a couple of toys and treats for her birthday. We would have taken her out for a romp in the park, but it was wet all day.

"Look at my new trick!" The little boys think she is hilarious.

The grooming place was booked all that week, so we had to wait until after Christmas to get her spa treatment. She had a nice bath and even got her nails painted! Isn't she a pretty princess?? She sure smells better!

Sad Story

I just had Spencer do his daily reading. I found a story at the library about a family and their cat, who gets old and dies. I've been trying to prepare him for a similar situation in our family. Slippers is now 14 1/2 years old, over 100 in people years! He got a little teary as he read, but would never admit to it. He tries to be so stoic.

On a happier note, the boys are very excited about Christmas. One night I was peppered with questions from both sides. "How old is Santa Claus?" "What happens if he dies?" "Where does he get all his magic?" "Why does Santa have to be fat?" I did my best, but to their discouragement, I mostly had to say "I don't know."

Christmas Elves

Have you heard of "The Elf on the Shelf?" We have two of them! They are watching to make sure Andy is behaving nicely so he gets a present from Santa. So far so good....

My silly guys falling onto the couch together. I can't begin to imagine how it will be with three of them!

One day Spencer was feeling disappointed that he couldn't do something (I don't remember what). So he took this picture of himself to show me how sad he was. Though I had to chuckle and admire his (dramatic) creativity, it didn't change the outcome!

Carson is really warming up to Dakota! Since the weather turned cold, she is mostly inside. (She may be big, but she is not brave!) As a result, they have spent some good bonding time when she is calmly lying around.

She is a great dog for little kids. She doesn't mind them leaning on her, pretending to give her haircuts with their fingers, or lining up rose petals along her back.

Chillaxin'

Boys, Boys, Boys

We found out today that we are having ANOTHER boy in our family! Spencer is excited for another little brother, Andy is relieved that we won't be buying a lot of new clothes, and Carson is downright mad because he has been counting on a "baby sitser" for months now. As for me, I'm a little disappointed I won't get to buy pink. I was hoping for lace and ribbons, but I know they will all have a blast together. Boys are funny in ways that girls would never dream of. I just hope they marry nice girls who will like me. Who is going to take care of me in my old age??