Our Last Ski Day

I had to give up skiing last month, as my belly grew. But I wanted the kids to get in one more ski day, and it actually was Myann's only ski day this season.

No photos of Myann, because we could not find them on the slopes, but the instructor said she did great. He said she is not ready for the lift, but she is learning to turn and stop on her own. Shane is doing great and continues to rock the slopes. I can not wait to ski with him next year.

Anders' Houston trip

Brilliant Grandma Jo suggested last year that when Brian went to Houston for work trips, he should bring a kid with him. Since Shane is in school, that leaves Myann and Anders. Myann went last fall, so now it was Anders' turn. I had a bit of a hard time parting with him since he is still such my baby, but I knew he would love and deserved some one on one time. Anders does not know a world without two older siblings always around, so I am curious to hear how he handled it. So far I know they have kept him busy with some fun activities. We skyped for a while last night and he seemed to be enjoying himself. In fairness to me, Brian said he does miss his mommy. The first night there he kept asking to talk to me.
For some add reason he keeps telling everyone, "Mommy told me no candy. She won't give me candy." Later he said, "I need to call mommy." Brian asked why and Anders said, "Because I need to tell her something!"

I took these off Aunt Sunny's facebook page:
We took Anders (2 1/2 yrs. old) to the Oil Ranch in Houston. While there, I pointed out a Peacock. Later, I asked Anders: What did we see yesterday? Anders response: We saw cows and baby goats and a "cock pee". ME: We saw WHAT? Anders: We saw a cock pee! ....What have I taught my nephew?!!!! I am slightly concerned that if he repeats this at school, CPS may show up at my door. :)

My nephew asks me, "Aunt Sunny, you love me?" I answer, "Of course, Anders, I love you more than I could love anything." Anders: "Why, Aunt Sunny?" Me: "I love you, Braxton, Shane, and Myann because you are my nephews and niece and you make me so incredibly happy!" Anders: "Ohhhh? Because we are so cute?" :)....If I loved them any more, my heart could possibly explode.

My sweet Anders

I promise pictures are coming, but lately I have been too busy, too tired, or too sick to go downstairs and upload photos. So for now you are just stuck with my writing.

Anders' phrase of the week, "Mommy, please play with me." I think he knows he is about to leave me for a week and my heart can not handle it, so every time he asks, I have to oblige.

Also, I went to bed last night thinking how lucky we are to have Anders. He is my sweetie and my compassionate one. He frequently walks up to me and says, "Mom, you need a hug?" and then opens his arms and comes in for a hug. It is about the greatest feeling in the world to get an Anders hug. His hugs are filled with a world of love. He also needs hugs a lot when he gets in trouble, that is so me. If I scold Anders, his immediate response is, "Mom, can I have a hug?" with the most pathetic face you have ever seen. I did that as a child, as my mom and dad will confirm. He has a smile on his face 95% of the, and the other 5% is usually his pretend frown of which is immediately followed with a smile.

Roller skating

We had our first rollerskating birthday party for the kids' friend Claire. I was pretty excited since I have not roller skated in maybe 20 years. The kids were excited until we actually put on the roller skates. Shane and Myann have never roller skated. Shane gave it a weak attempt, but the video games were too much of a distraction. Myann was more optimistic, but after one go around the rink, she was done and off to the bounce house.

Last day of stitches

Myann's stitches could not come out soon enough. So on day 10, we were knocking on the door of urgent care. Here is Myann before the bandage removal.


The actual process of removing the stitches proved to be almost as traumatic as having them put in. She screamed and had to be restrained. The doctor and nurse were not impressed. But they were out and after a day of limping, Myann seems to be back to normal.

6 month dental check up

Last time Anders was not cooperative, but this time he did really well. Such a relief. But since nothing can go perfect, Myann chose not to cooperate. The poor hygienist had to try four different flavors of fluoride and Myann was still not happy. So then we did the paint-on kind and I ended up wearing most of it as Myann wiped it off her teeth and still on to my clothes. The dentist decided to be my cheerleader and repeatedly tell me how great a mom I was because none of my kids had cavities and their teeth looked great. Don't get me wrong, I love hearing my kids' teeth are healthy, but I hardly think that wins me mother of the year.




And of course my kids love this bear, so here is our regular dentist photo op.

Tuesday funnies

My kids never cease to crack me up.

This morning as we were driving down the street Myann said, "Wow, look at all the tree limbs and dead trees. Oh I know why, kids around here are using too many paper towels." It took me a second to understand, but the I realized what she meant. The night before there was a wind storm and rain so a bunch of limbs had been knocked out of trees to the ground. My kids are notorious for washing their hands and drying them with paper towels. I always say, don't use paper towels you are killing trees. Use the kitchen towel to dry clean hands. Myann took my statement literally. This poor child envisioned that every time she used a paper towel, some tree was dying in our neighborhood, rather than a tree had to die in order to make her paper towels. A good morning laugh.

At dinner, I was washing dishes as Shane finished eating. I heard him choking and he said, "Mom, aren't you proud of me? I did not throw up. I was gagging, but then I took three deep breaths and stopped gagging." My response, "Well why were you gagging?" Shane, "Mom, sometimes your cooking makes me gag." Brian and I exchanged glances and we both started cracking up. I should be offended, but sometimes I try new things and they do not turn out so well. I refuse to waste food, so the whole family has to eat it anyway. Last night was one of his favorites, so not sure why he was gagging.