Soccer on Saturdays

Our Saturday mornings are once again filled with the sounds of cheering parents and the sight of wayward toddlers. Soccer games are back. Jason has returned for Season 2. If you'll remember from Season 1, there wasn't much action on Jason's part. He used to hang out in the vicinity of the game, but didn't really take part. But, this year will be different. We can already tell! He's running after the ball, not kicking it, yet...But there are two months of games to get through! His t-shirt is too big for him, but he was determined to wear the #10, as in Ben 10, a character on Nickelodeon. He's 4!!!! and so stubborn already. Wonder where he gets that from.

Michael is 2!!!

Can you believe the "baby" is 2???
We were able to spend part of his birthday week with Amah, Akong, and Uncle Tim.




We celebrated one night with the boys' cousin Danica. I know this is a surprise, but the boys ate practically nothing that night, except cake!

"Jason Did It"

Michael has been using his words more frequently these days, and along with "NO!" "I don't want to," and "What's happening?" his new phrase of choice is, "Jason did it."

We'll ask, "Who left the bowl on the couch?"
Michael will say, "Jason did it."
We'll ask, "Who spilled the milk?"
Michael will again say, "Jason did it."
Of course, Jason never has a problem pointing the finger at little brother. "No, I didn't, Mommy. Michael did it." Who to believe?




These days, the boys are getting much, much closer. It's so nice to see. Maybe, though, we shouldn't have allowed the "close" proximity a couple of weeks ago. In the picture above, Jason had strep throat, and we didn't realize it at the time. So, of course, we probably shouldn't have left them in a tent in the living room for hours. At least it kept them quiet.

Quality Time

Over the weekend, we had the chance to celebrate a friend's birthday. Happy 3rd, Peyton! The boys got to enjoy an afternoon in one of their favorite places on earth! Chuck E Cheese's. This, of course, reinforces Jason's desire to have HIS next bash there. I'm working now to expand his horizons. Still, my trio managed to get enough tickets to take home some mini-dominoes and a magic trick. They are items so treasured, they now have a spot in bed with Jason.



Against Jason's wishes, Michael pushed himself onto Jason's bed.
Every night, we read many books to the boys.
Tonight, Jason allowed Michael to join in the read-a-thon. And, he was the reader. Too cute.



I cannot remember at what point Jason learned his abc's or 123's or anything like that. It could have been earlier than this. Michael is turning two in two weeks. But, tonight, Michael counted to ten, picked out some colors (correctly, too!), and pointed out some key letters: h, o, and f. The amazing thing is, we aren't really teaching him this stuff. No time. He's absorbing it through osmosis. Hopefully, potty training works the same way!!!

Good Hair Day

Thank you, Miss Kim! We've missed you. Literally, I kept getting our schedules mixed up, and she wasn't working the days we stopped by recently. I think it showed.



Though the boys are feeling a little under the weather, their new 'do's manage to put a smile on MY face. As you have read over and over and over here, the boys are well-used to sitting in the hair chair. But, for some reason, it was an emotional day at the salon. Some tears, but after a couple of lollipops, both walked out, well-shorn and full of sugar! Say cheese!

Out of the Mouths of Babes

"Stupid starts with the letter 's,' Mommy."

There's no point really is asking him where he picks this stuff up. My only consolation is that he is correct.

Of course, then Michael has to chime in.

"oo-ped."

Yes, they are in desperate need of a haircut. I'm just a little gun-shy. Jason is, too. I told him a trim was part of our weekend plans. He looked at me in terror. "No!" he said. "I don't want to look like Michael!"




Don't worry about Jason, though. My pint-sized Picasso is flourishing. Thanks so much for the watercolors, Grandma! As you can see, Jason is very proud of his work.

"Look, Ma, Here's How I Use My Hands!"

We're glad Michael has some initiative, but this is the problem with self-feeding. Notice the pieces of rice up and down his shirt, all in his hair. I think we found some in his diaper later on. Ugh!

Poor kid. I think it was after this meal of fishsticks and rice that Michael turned to me and said, "Good cook, Mommy."

"I really love french fries, Mommy."

As if a phrase like that doesn't stop a parent cold.

How many french fries does a boy need to taste to know they are his favorite food? Well, I suppose he's had quite a few opportunities. Every kid's meal comes with them. And, today, at lunch, Jason ordered like this: "Um, french fries, applesauce, french fries, popcorn shrimp, and don't forget the french fries." We got it.

His little brother, also known as "Jason's Echo" apparently feels the same way.
"French fries. umm umm."

We're hoping this is a fixable eating phase. But, it sure is a strange one.
The kids will drink bath water, but won't eat a burger.




I don't know why I haven't posted these, yet. At least I don't think I have. We visited Michelle last month before she left for Dallas. These are the last pictures of the kids together for a while. We miss them already!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Valentine's Day was a success for our boys. Cards, candy, and other gifts. Thank you, Grandma and Grandpa, for the box of goodies. Jason and Michael spent many, many minutes playing with the Curious George stamp set. That was a gift for me! We received the Pizza Hut gift cards from Uncle Bud and Aunt Joyce tonight. Thank you so much. Jason was pleased as well. He told me he wanted to pay the next time we go there. No problem!

Tonight, they just wanted to wish you a "Happy Valentine's Day" in return.



Just pretend all the other stuff isn't in the picture. I can't seem to get them to sit still next to each other without props.

"No, Mommy."

At least he's still saying it with a smile. We're hearing the phrase, "No, Mommy" much more often and with amazing clarity these days.
Michael is also a joy to carry on short conversations with.

Today, we discussed the locations of our family members.

For example:

"Where's Mommy?"
Michael correctly points to me.
"Where's Jason?"
He points to Jason.
"Where's Daddy?"
"At work."
"How about Grandma?"
"She home."
"Where's Grandpa?"
"Home."
"Where's Amah?"
"She home."
"Where's Akong?"
"Home."
"Where's Uncle Tim?"
"Home."

Michael never gets tired of this trip down memory lane.




Jason, meanwhile, is just growing so big. He's looking forward to spring and a chance to play outside!

"Don't mess with the bull, because you'll get the horns"

Thanks, Daddy.

Staring into a cold glass of milk tonight, during dinner, Jason shared that one thought.

No emotion. Just matter-of-fact.

Later, I asked him where he had heard that phrase.

"Daddy," he said.

Of course. He's 4. How many people can he know?





Nevertheless, we were thrilled that Daddy could join us for a party for Amah. Uncle Frank and Aunt Cora were wonderful hosts! It was so nice to see Cousin Andrew, Jeannie, and Jonathan, as well as Cousin Abigail, Alaric, Uncle Jose, and Aunt Elisa. Baby Danica, Debbie, and Godfrey came out for the family reunion. We appreciate everyone driving to see us!



On our visit, Michael and I took a special trip by ourselves, to meet our friends, Lisa and Austin, at the mall.
As you can see, Michael is extending an olive branch to his new friend. Too cute! They pretty ignored each other, until food got involved.



I was caught unprepared by the cold weather that came into the area during our mini-vacation. Scrounging around, we found a couple of Tim's old hats. At one time, like in the 1970's, I'm sure they were the height of cool. In 2007, not so much. But, the boys didn't seem to find. The outerwear meant Amah would let them leave the house. Cheese!

The Good Life

Bubbles are still big fun at our house. During bath time, they are a nice diversion. In the beginning, they scared Michael, who desperately tried to escape when the bubbles started forming. No more. As you can see, he splashes around just like his big brother when they're in the tub.



Michael continues to sort through the tough time that is the "terrible two's." We're all working through it. Some days, he just screams, trying to get some understanding from us. Other times, it's us doing the screaming. But, more often than not, Michael finds comfort in his big brother. They play together, fight each other, and can carry on some entertaining conversation.

Most of the time, it consists of Michael echoing some key phrases, like "Do it!" "Did it!" or "Look!"

Jason makes us laugh constantly.
The other day, he was playing with a race car set he got for Christmas.
He wanted to capture the moment, if you will.
He pulled out a camera that uses FILM. We gave it to him a while a back.

He clicked and and clicked for a few minutes. Then, frustrated, he threw it down.

"Mommy, what's going on? It's not cheesing!"

Tumbling Tots

A room full of parents and wiggly kids, and I was the ONLY one with a camera. As you can see, I snapped quite a few pictures of my athletic little ones. Jason just started a two-month set of tumbling classes. He loves it.

He gets to climb to his heart's content. I'm so glad he has this outlet, especially now that it's getting cold, to get all that energy out. Today, he went straight for the climbing wall, which I've never seen him even notice before. He did so well!




He's learning some stunts with the rings. Not bad!!!



He's actually in a class with kids half a year older than he is. The class he was originally scheduled for didn't have enough children enrolled. I have to say, he is holding his own pretty well.



Except in one area. The warm-up. The beginning of each class starts with circle time, and the kids gather to listen to the instructor, who will do some sort of "simon says" routine. Jumping jacks, hopping, wriggling around, stuff like that. Everyone participates, except Jason. Stone-faced and not moving, Jason watches the group. So tonight, I asked him why he doesn't take part in the adrenaline-pumping activity. He told me, "I just don't like the things they ask me to do." I guess you just have to be happy he won't do what he won't do! I would have had pictures of his non-movement, except I was running after Jason's brother!



Michael doesn't believe there is an area he is allowed to be excluded from. All through Jason's class, Michael kept himself in the middle of the action. While his brother may not have moved much in the beginning, Michael did no such thing. The audience of moms and siblings watched Michael go through the entire room, climbing and pointing to "bruh" (brother).

Word Play

Over the last few weeks, Jason's interests have definitely expanded. These days, he talks about even/odd numbers, fractions. His new game is to throw many letters at you, with only a few vowels, and to ask you to quickly produce a pronunciation.

So, for example:

rktvjsjasontop

Quick, how do you say it?

A lot of times the letters in the word, "jason," play an important role. At least those letters form a word!

He loves to rhyme these days, too.

We had salmon for dinner the other night, which, thankfully, the boys really enjoy. He said to me, "Mommy, don't you think it should be tammon, instead?" "Tammon rhymes with salmon, right?"

Of course it does.



You may be wondering how many pictures one can take of children in the park. Apparently, many. And the boys have enjoyed getting outdoors lately. The weather has been incredible!



It has been a busy few weeks for us, but, there's no contest. Our friends are EXTREMELY busy. We are having to say goodbye to Craig, Michelle, and Kaylie, and Sheila and Abree. We loved the chance to get together with everyone one last time. We had the pleasure of getting together with Ramona and Jimale, and Simon and Amy, as well.




To a prosperous and happy 2007!!!

Happy New Year!!

What a wonderful, whirlwind couple of weeks. Everything is slowly moving back to normal, after having visitors all last week. Amah, Akong, Uncle Tim, Grandma and Grandpa stopped by to celebrate Christmas and the end of the year with us. It was a blast! The kids were smiling the whole time.

Of course, you have to wonder if there were other reasons to grin.



And that was just half of it.

The boys are so very lucky to have such generous friends and relatives. Michael and Jason are swimming underneath new remote-controlled toys, games, cars, and clothes (hey, those were great presents for me!)

One of the really BIG hits, and who knew? is a board game. It's called Mousetrap, and Jason first got hooked when we visited Grandma and Grandpa last year.

We play this game almost every day.

The smiles are the same each and every time.





It wasn't all indoor fun and games. Jason got his first experience with ice skates!




Scared at first, Jason quickly got into the swing of things and started to really enjoy himself.
I think Doug did, too.



Well, they made it all home safely, no scratches. They say they want to return.

Christmas Planning

Playdates and parties have made up a big part of the last few weeks. Pictures to come, of course. Today, though, we got the chance to take a breath and relax.

Jason and Michael immediately jumped into the box.



They stayed there for 20 minutes, at least. It was so nice.

Jason and I were talking the other day about presents for Daddy. I don't think sharing this conversation will reveal too many secrets. I asked Jason what he thought we should buy Daddy.

He thought for a moment, and told me, "Robots." I pressed on. "Anything else?" I asked.

More thinking. Then he said, "Nightlights. Lots of nightlights."

It gets better.

You can tell we do a lot of reasoning (some people might call it bribing), because today, I asked/told him to finish dinner, to which he replied:

"If you make me eat this fishstick, I won't let you come to any of my birthday parties, EVER!"

More Growing Pains

Almost 21 months old, and Michael THINKS he's 4. Just like his big brother. Here, Michael is climbing up the steep rungs leading up to the big slide at the park. I don't think Jason did THAT until he was at least 3.



Michael had no competition this day. Jason was nowhere near the steep rungs.
He was way too busy with Abree, who is moving in a couple of weeks.
I'm sure he doesn't understand what that means, yet. But Sheila and I are happy they're spending plenty of quality time together before they have to separate.





Of course, I don't want you to think it's all fun and games. Michael's motor skills are growing by leaps and bounds. He certainly wants to do EVERYTHING he sees Jason do. But, Michael has started to get pretty clingy and cranky, and worse yet, crybaby-like. So unlike Michael. I hope he grows out of it soon. Otherwise, you'll see more and more pictures like the one below. I asked Jason what he thought of Michael's recent behavior. He said, "I don't like it much, either."



By the way, thank goodness hair grows back. A mishap at the salon leaves Michael with no hair. Growing pains, and now this. Poor baby.

A Michael Milestone

The holiday madness is here, but, we are ahead of the game in at least one respect. Our tree is up, thanks in part to the boys' help. And they make sure it is lit every time we walk into the house.



We're celebrating another Michael milestone, as well.
I know Michael and I had a real-life conversation tonight.
Really.

We were eating peanuts, and I reached over to take one from the can in front of him.
He stopped me, grabbed the peanut out of my hand, and said, "No. Mine."
I said, "What?"
He said, "Look."
He proceeded to pop the peanut in his mouth, said, "MMMM," and smiled.
He is a little man of few words, but he managed to get his point across.

We Call This "The Face"

Thankfully, the boys can't hold those scowls for long.

This is what we're used to.



We hope you don't ever have to come face to face with "the face."