Why they love me

On rare occasions I ask my beloved (that would be Kelly) to give me a reason why he loves me. Although this doesn't occur frequently, I've asked enough times throughout our marriage that I feel like he should have an answer ready. Alas, he does not...and he pauses...and hesitates...and then, because I'm giving him the evil eye he says something lame like, "Cause you make good food!?!?" Really folks, that's all he comes up with and even then I know he's lying cause, frankly, I'm not that great of a cook and he doesn't seem to like it when we're having frozen pizza or pancakes for the third night in a row. Anyway, I digress...

So today I gave Abe some M&M's. He looked at them greedily but before he could attack, I put my hand over the chocolate goodies and said, "First, you have to tell me you love me." He complied. "Why do you love me?" I asked. "Because you give me M&M's," he said plainly.

Like father like son.

Playing dress up

By the time Lilly got home from school today I had just sat down and was in need of some alone time, but since the boys were both asleep Lilly asked if she and I could do something together and suggested looking at my jewelry. I really just wanted to do nothing, but thank goodness for motherly guilt because it got me up and moving. We went into my room and I dug out all of my jewelry and rediscovered many beloved pieces from my mother, grandmother and great grandmother. So many things that hold memories like the antique cherry amber necklace that Kelly surprised me with one Christmas and which broke the day Abe was blessed (fortunately I recovered all the pieces). I put on the jewelry that I wore when I got married. Lilly wore my pearls my mom gave me for high school graduation and a beautiful sparkly stoned necklace and clip-on earring set from my great grandmother. I showed her the white gold and diamond earrings that Granny was given by a boyfriend way back when. She loves to play in my abundant collection of vintage bangels from antique stores and garage sales. But more than that it was just spending time with her that was so rewarding. She's such a wonderful little girl who loves to DO what little girls DO. I keep thinking that she and I need to build a strong foundation before she reaches those years that every child dreams of reaching and yet are a parents worst nightmare. Are these moments for her so she can remember that I love her above all else when I ground her because I'm freaked out that she likes a boy or are they for me so that I remember I love her when she rolls her eyes at me and tells me I'm so mean and that so and so's mom let's her do something or other. Either way, I've been really enjoying my children lately. What a blessing because I was close to checking myself into rehab just to get a break and a chance to talk about my feelings several times a day.

I really do love looking at the little faces of my children.

{p.s. I told Lilly to beat it so I could write this post.}

Our 4th of July

Last Sunday our family celebrated the 4th by going to a nearby park and picnicing and watching fireworks with some friends. We had a really nice time and decided to make this a tradition. Although Oliver isn't in any of the pictures I took, he was there and was so sweet and good and quiet and I should take more pictures of him since I sometimes like him the most. =)

Abraham Sandwich

Abe gave his first talk in Primary today. We were excited cause who knew how this kid was going to get up in front of other kids, use a microphone and talk about following the example of Jesus Christ. He did not disappoint. Abe got up there, grabbed the microphone and as Kelly put it made out with the mic. You couldn't understand a thing he was saying and all the kids were giggling, which he loved. I don't think the adults were as amused, but it made me laugh. He then started to fluctuate the tone of his voice in a sing song kind of way. It was thoroughly entertaining.

I want to write down a few things that Abe has been doing that I'd like to remember. One of the funniest things he's been doing for several months now is that he makes noises when he eats. We first noticed this when he was eating a snow cone and it hasn't stopped since. He eats cookies and we hear yummmmhummmnummmm. He eats carrots and we hear yummmhummmmmnummmmmmmmmmmmmm. He eats chips and we hear yuummmhummmnmmm. And so on. It's so funny!

Abe has worn this shirt (picture below) EVERY day for the last two months. Literally. He will change for church but as soon as he comes home he puts it back on. Today he wanted to take his clothes in a bag to church and leave them in the car so he could get back into his "mister shirt" as soon as we got back into the car. It has really cut down on the laundry, but it would be nice to see him in something else.
Abe is just a quirky kid. He's a bit OCD and up until recently whenever he'd go to bed we'd have to make sure the blanket was so spread out that it would go over the sides in every direction. No part of it could be wrinkled or showing a side/edge of the bed. That lasted for months. Now, it's the exact opposite. He now likes the blanket covering him but it cannot touch the sides of the bed which have to be completely exposed.

Two more things that just happened today that were so funny. Abe's primary teacher was sitting right next to him when a little girl was standing up to do the spotlight that they have every week. The little girl was showing everyone some of her favorite things when Abe said, "BO-ring!" quite loudly. And then, when she said she wanted to be a doctor when she grew up, Abe said, "Pshh, doctor? I'm going to be Iron Man."

We love him. He's exhausting and frustrating and infuriating and difficult, but we really adore him and think he's just the funniest, most charming and imaginative little stinker.

The birthday (Part Two)

Sunday morning was Lilly's actual birthday and she came downstairs to a decorated family room. (She told me to do this, too.)

I made her a new little dress to wear to church on her birthday.
Some favorite gifts included goggles, which must be worn upside down, I suppose.

The pink high heels were a hit and continue to be worn everywhere and with everything. I have to remind her that these are for DRESS UP. She loves them.

And we got her the cutest bike I've ever seen (besides my pink cruiser). Now the two of us can ride around town in style.

We love this little girl who's not quite so little anymore (at least in age). She is kind and thoughtful and I've enjoyed having her as my daughter more than I can say. It's exciting to watch her grow and continue to develop into her own person, complete with eye rolls and know-it-all attitude. She's wonderful and we love her.

A birthday in two parts (Part One)

The day started with doughnuts. Always a fave. Princess had her tiara and earrings on for the entire day.
We opted not to have a big party this year and instead took some friends to see Toy Story 3. Who could have possibly made that darling dress Lilly is wearing? Such a mystery.

And afterwards, we completed the sugar high with some fro yo and presents. The kids were darling and it's so fun to hear them giggle and talk and tell the lamest knock knock jokes you ever heard.

It was a fun day and this is only the first part of the birthday extravaganza!

Twas Lilly's birthday not too long ago and since it happened to fall on a Sunday, we celebrated it over a couple of days so we could get in all the activities that she requested. For weeks leading up to her birthday, Lilly would inform me of what I was to do for her and how she was to be treated. Such as:

You can bring me breakfast in bed

I want a pinata

You have to be nice to me on my birthday (which, like, when am I NOT nice?)

You have to do whatever I say on my birthday.

I tried to humor her, but her royal highness went too far with the last one.

Anyway, there are some pictures from Saturday. Her Grandy came up to visit Lilly for her special day although she is not seen in any pictures. Come to think of it, neither am I.

Quote of the Day

{Background: I have a bread starter for Amish Friendship Bread which I made late Friday night. The kids didn't have any til Saturday morning. Lilly shared her pearl of wisdom whilst snacking on the bread.

P.s. I have an extra starter to hand out to someone if they're interested. First come first serve. If you don't know what I'm talking about then...to bad.}

L: Do you know what's better than bread? (Pause for dramatic effect)

Q: What?

L: Friendship

I don't know if anyone reading this can really capture how it was said, but it should be made into a bumper sticker. She sounded so serious like she was teaching us a lesson. Anyway, makes us laugh everytime we think of it.