By the Numbers

5- The number of Fruit trees in our back yard

4- The number of times Nick and I have fought about how to juggle our "One Car" issue.

3- The number of times I have smelled pot in the bathroom in my building at work.
2.5- The number of Years Nick has been Scout Master

2- The number of boys that are starting to eat the food they are given. :)

1- The number of times I have broken up a parking lot fight at work (Thursday)

Cooper hates olives!

Like really, they make him gag, but tonight he ate a piece (a really little piece) of one.

My Boys are picky eaters, 

like only meat cheese and bread picky.  

We hate it!!

So we figured Cooper is old enough to try new things.  

So every night for dinner he HAS TO try something 

fruit/vegetable/NEW.  

Only once have we had to "make him eat it for his next meal"  

It was a mandarin orange, 

and when we pulled it out the next morning before he could eat his breakfast, 

he decided we were serious.

And it is working.  

He even tried pickled beet at the babysitters just because it was on his plate. 

The battles are shorter 

and sometimes he even says he likes it, 

although he has never continued eating after the required "try".  

But here's to hopin'.

Things tried so far:

Peas

Grapes

Pickled Beets

Broccoli (raw)

Blueberry

Mandarin Oranges

Olive

Apple

Corn

He likes to dip these in Balsamic Vinagrette

Lettuce (Romaine,Leaf, Spring Mix.)

Cucumber

Spinach (Fresh)

Tomato

Bell Pepper

Sweet Peppers

What a Stud RIGHT?

Jacks hates Carwashes!

So sad.
His eyes were so big and he kept whimpering.  
I had to hold his hand the whole time.

us

We are loving the weather lately!

My boys are Growing and Changing everyday.

Jack has managed to condense 95% of the English language down to one syllable words.  But at least he "communicates"!

Jack was sick again, which meant another day off for me. I have never used this much sick leave.  

Cooper is at the TOP of his pre-school class.  I cannot believe my 4 year-old can read.

As a family we are praying about some pretty big choices right now.  We have been looking around at some plots of land, we have been looking at maybe getting a second car, we have been figuring out how to get Cooper to and from Kindergarten next year, and we are once again trying to figure out our Daycare situation. 

This week is Spring Break.  We have lots of fun things planned!!  I love the extra time I get with my sweet boys.

Then and Now

More than nine years ago I was getting ready to start my 3rd Year at College.  I watched as all the apartments in the  complex fill as students returned or newly arrived.
I looked across the street to see 2 young men walking to Apartment #2.  One was very dark and hairy, the other looked young and, I thought "Basically Clear".(translation: really white)
Love came softly, I liked his roommate and was quite busy with deciding what I wanted for my future.
We started hanging out.  I was enamored with his Intelligence and Quiet Strength.  A future without him seemed dark and dull.

Today I sit and listen to his soothing voice talking to His Boys.  I watch him love them, and am strengthened daily because of his love for me.  My Life is fuller because he is here with us.

Happy Valentines Day:  I love you Bah!

For Valentines Day this year I sent the Madrigals (The high schools Show Choir) to sing to Nick at work and the boys at daycare.  I sent special Valentine Surprises for them to enjoy along with their own personal Concert.

Instead of going out for Valentines, we invited over some friends and stayed up way to late playing board games and eating Yummy Food!

Currently

I am reading 3 books

Book Club Book,

 a book  I started Tuesday, 

and an amazingly written book I got at the Bookstore on Friday.

and I am "helping" Nick with the latest "Home Improvement" Project in the Backyard.

We are planting Dwarf fruit trees in planter beds by the hot-tub.

When Jacks grows up.......

...He has decided to be a Stripper.

 This is our new battle....

Coop comes in several times a night,

"Jacks took off his shirt/socks/pants"

It is actually pretty entertaining

We have, however, starting dressing him in jammies with Really Tight Necks :)

Today They Played

There was Tickling

 Tackling...

 Rolling....

 Chasing....

And a Friendly Game of Chess....

Just Like Brothers Should...

and I hope someday they are the very Best of Friends

Down and Out

The Doctor thinks Jacks has Strep,

I am off for the rest of the week

Until HE is not just 100% Cute,

But 100% Healthy

 Night-Night with "Dog"

Thank Goodness for Sick Leave

 Today Coop Exclaimed "Cheese and Sprinkles"

Which I can only assume means

"Goodness Gracious"

In 4 Year Old,

Although I like His way of saying it better!

Post edit:

Apparently Cheese and Sprinkles is from RIO.

Coop watched it at the babysitters.  I had no idea!!

Thanks Nikki