Mothers Day gift idea

  Wall Art

Turn family photos into photo Christmas cards.

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thoughts on turning 40..

Today Ethan asked me, "Is tomorrow your real birthday?" "Are you going to be a bigger number tomorrow?" Indeed, a bigger number I will be, although now that I'm 40 it doesn't seem to be as big of a number as when my parents were 40. Is it possible that I am a younger 40 than my parents were? More youthful in spirit? More adventurous? More in touch with cultural trends? Maybe everyone feels that way compared to their parents. If anything though, I feel that having young kids keeps me young in spirit. When I'm not at work my thoughts are focused on seeing the world through the eyes of my children. What's fun for them is fun for me as only a parent can really understand. Is it different turning 40 and having kids in pre-school and first grade than it is being my age and having kids in high school? Of course it is. Having kids later in life than my parents did has certain advantages and disadvantages. My husband insists that we would not always be this tired if we had had our kids in our 20's. Perhaps he's right. I feel that we have more insight on raising children that we would have had if we had started in our 20's. Perhaps I'm right. I wish I could say I am more patient or more wise than my parents were when I was the age my daughter is now, but I do not know if this is true or not. I can only say with certainty that even at 40, my youth feels like it was only yesterday, and my thoughts and feelings about growing up are very much apart of my consciousness as I watch my children grow and experience new things. Age may be a number but apparently youth really is a state of mind.

Carly's 1st time no training wheels!

Yesterday Carly rode her bike for the first time without the training wheels. After a little push from Dwayne, off she went! In no time at all she was racing around the neighboorhood like a biking pro. Dwayne chased after her to catch her in case she fell, but it didn't happen. Another milestone reached!

Ethan's Pumpkin Song

Ethan learned a new song at school today. I love hearing him sing and love that he is having fun at school. Here is a snippet of my little performer and his hyperactive sister (you'll see).

Ethan's Third Birthday Party

Here are a few pics from Ethan's Birthday Party. It was at the police station and Dwayne gave everyone a tour of the station and then walked us over the the fire station. The fire men were on a call but they let the kids play on the truck and everyone had fun. We ended the party with a visit from MaGruff, the crime fighting dog (Dwayne in costume). The kids were divided on this; some loved him and ran up to give him hugs, and some were scared and burst into tears, including Carly who ran out of the room screaming. One little girl (Amanda) asked her mom, "Mommy, did that dog come here to scare us?" We later told Carly that Magruff was really Daddy in a costume, and she laughed but still did not want to go near him! Just goes to show that even with your best intentions, you can't please all kids all the time!

Ethan's New Bed

Well, Ethan made it through his first night in his new bed. He only got up once after we put him in the bed and tucked him in. He said he wanted to look out the window and see if it was light ouside and time to wake up. Then he went back to bed and slept the whole night. Let's see how tonight goes! It helps that he has new Car sheets and a matching blanket. He told me they are very cozy! Thanks G&G and Grandmama & Grandpap!! Here is a picture and a video to show you.

Progress?

Yesterday when Dwayne picked up Ethan from pre-school, his teacher told Dwayne that Ethan was making some progress with potty training. When Dwayne asked if Ethan had used the potty at school (which he has never done before), the teacher said no. Confused, Dwayne asked what then had Ethan done? The teacher explained that they have a timer that they set to go off every 1/2 hour. When the timer goes off, all the kids are instructed to go to the bathroom and try to use the potty. Ethan hears the timer go off, runs to the bathroom and stands there and watches the other kids go! That's my boy!