Monsters

PJ and Link were playing "bedtime." Lincoln tucked Porter into bed in a play tent and then warned him continually  against getting up because the Booger Monster was waiting to snatch him.

Eewww. The Booger Monster is WAY more terrifying than the Boogy Man.

Enforcer, meet your new bedtime tactic.

Almost 3

PJ will turn 3 next week. Baffling.  We are all, however, very excited.  In anticipation of our upcoming celebration, I asked him what he wanted for his birthday. He hmmm'd for a moment and then said, "If nobody sings me the birthday song, then I will NOT eat any of my food!"

I think we can manage that.

A Family Portrait



Samples from my newphew's 'Stache Bash birthday party...and maybe one of our best family photos to date.



"The Double U"

I am about to talk about my chest. I will not be graphic or inappropriate, but I offer this as a warning: If you are feeling uncomfortable, find something more productive to read because this post is about breasts.

First of all, let me just say that I have never really been overly conscious about my body around my children. There is no nudity in my home, mind you; we are meticulous in our efforts to remain modest at all times, especially when there are littles around. But I understand more every day that my children are ever observant and aware, even when I am not.

As previously established, Lincoln LOVES to draw portraits of me. Every new day brings several new renderings.  His drawings have always been a little abstract, but he is diligent, always bettering his skill through practice, and continues to improve. This last weekend during our weekly family pizza and movie night, he was drawing away when, satisfied with his end product, he presented his offering to me.

The first thing I noticed was the heart; Lincoln's first identifiable heart, I think. That's a very good heart. And then after a very brief appreciation of his improving aptitude in drawing dresses, I got distracted by another part of the picture...

The nervous laughter snuck up on me; I broke into a fit of giggles and passed the drawing to Greg who asked with a sparkle in his eye "what is this right here, bud?" Link gave me a shy glance via his peripheral gaze, and then, as discretely as can be expected from a 4-year-old, bolted over to point at my chest and then sprinted back to bury his face in Greg's shoulder. We were hysterical. There were tears in my eyes. Lincoln was confused. And proud, I think. And confused.

After the boys went to bed, Greg and Dale and Elaine and I would break out in spontaneous laughter. The newest anatomical code word in our house is "The Double U."  Admittedly, I was absolutely unprepared for this. I thought I had at least a couple more years before female anatomy discussions demanded such attention in my home. And I must say that I am much more conscious these days of my chest in relation to my boys' heights and hugs.

But let's bring it back home, folks. While it looks like I may have stopped in to visit my local witch doctor, you have to admit, those are some seriously fabulous heels.

Who Jesus Loves

From Grove Creek 5th Ward's March Newsletter:  "Overheard in the nursery:  The lesson was on how Jesus loves everyone.  One nursery child said, 'Jesus loves Buzz Lightyear, but NOT Captain Hook!'" Now, I have yet to receive verification that it was my 2-year-old son who uttered these darling words, but my confidence is high. In this house, we know who the good guys are...and who they're not.

Hands

Lincoln played in the bathtub for 45 minutes - at least.  When he finally got out and I was clipping his nails, I exclaimed, "Wow, Link! You have really raisiny fingers!"  He examined them thoughtfully for a moment and then said, "Yeah...like Grandma Great's before she died . . . [another thoughtful moment passes] . . . And we really miss Grandma-Great, don't we mom?" Yes sir, we do.


By The Way...

...yes, Greg is home. My boys are overjoyed; it took less than 2 minutes for them to readjust to having him back. And almost immediately, the wrestling matches ensued.