Blast from the past

I was surfing through some photos and found one of Jim and I nine years ago. I'm pairing it with one from last weekend. Awe..

Getting big

Well, in the past month, the boys have outgrown most of their clothes and shoes, not to mention their mom/monny. Nathan is the poster child for two-year-old independence-seeking, while Nickolas is just really, really smart. I'm partial, I do realize that, but what three-year-old appropriately uses the word "actually" in a sentence. Example:

Me: Nick, what is in your shoe?
Nick: Actually, mom, it's a frog.
Me: Really? A toad or a frog?
Nick: It's actually a frog, mom. It came from the pond.

Creepy. Weird. Whoa.

Nathan is really working on his sentences and words. He is much easier to understand, but that isn't always fun. Example:

Me: Nathan, please put your head on your pillow. It's time for bed, buddy.
Nathan: I no wanna take a nap.
Me: Well that's good, 'cause it's bedtime, not naptime.
Nathan: Get out of here, Monny!

It's been a fun summer.

Oh, I almost forgot to tell you about Nick's new habit. "I'm sorry." Wonder where that comes from...

Crazy busy

We've been crazy busy. I can't even find pictures to upload. I swear that I'll get back here soon.

Power of prayer

As many of you heard, two weeks ago we learned that Coleen’s (Jim’s mom) breast cancer has returned again. This is the third time around for her . She had an “all clear” mammogram on March 10, but when we all noticed strange behavior a few weeks ago, she went in to her doctor for his advice.

He swiftly ordered an MRI which showed trouble. A roughly 2-3 cm tumor was found in the left temporal lobe. She was put on steroids to reduce the swelling to relieve some of the pressure on the brain tissue. On Wednesday morning, Coleen had surgery to remove the tumor, which the doctor feels certain he removed completely.

I have to say that I am speechless about her recovery. This picture is on Friday afternoon; just two days after surgery. On Saturday, we all went out to breakfast. On Sunday, they took a stoll through Ann Arbor, and today Nana is resting with all three grandsons. We are sure that it was through the grace of God that she is doing so well. Thank you all for your prayers.

Please come, Spring

I know you can't tell by the pictures, but there is five inches of snow on the ground. It is getting old. We've been playing pirates for hours every day. And that picture of Nathan on the inchworm? Let's just say that it has been spending quality time in the garage - by itself - because it is so. flipping. obnoxious. Please, please, pray for Spring.

Don't let it fool you

Awwwwwe! Aren't they so sweet? [See title of post now].

Okay, it is pretty cute. For the past week, Nathan has been jumping into Nick's bed at naptime. He covers himself up so quickly; it's like he thinks I won't notice. Today, I let them try it out.

The fellas shared a bed for almost 20 minutes. I went in at that point because Nick was coughing a lot. When I walked in, I saw that Nathan was almost asleep. OMG! I took him into his own bed (he is in a big boy bed now...see picture below) and he sobbed. He wouldn't calm down until Nick came in and gave him a good night kiss. That is pretty sweet.

Economic Stimulus Package may mean more FABRIC!

Oooh. Here's a link to the amount of cash you could be lucky enough to receive from Big Brother. 

While I know I should use it to pay some creditors or save it for the fellas to go to college, I really want to buy a few things. I'd like a sewing machine that does embroidery, LOTS of fabric to play with, and a babysitter so I can crop and stitch. 

Here's a lousy picture (taken from my cell) of a dress I made. I used a pattern but didn't exactly know how to follow it. It fits, but it isn't as cute and trendy as I was hoping it would be. It's definitely something I will wear to work or church. 

And of course you want to know how the fellas are doing. They're great! Nathan is learning to count (eight, nine, ten) and say his ABCs (i, b, i, b, i, b...). Nickolas can write his name and is practicing other names, too (for Nathan, he impressed us by sounding it out and spelling "NTAOAN"). 

I heart contests

A Valentine Giveaway 

Birthday boy

Nathan's second birthday is tomorrow. Wait a second...I'm wiping away a tear...

We celebrated last night by having a delicious ice cream cake from Cold Stone Creamery. Yum! We had lots of fun watching Nathan dive into his presents, tossing clothes to the side and screaming "Mine!" when Nickolas tried to touch his new toys. This morning, all we've heard from Nathan is "No! Mine!" While it is getting old, it's

 kind of nice to hear him playing and running around again after a week of being sick and clingy. 

Here are a few photos from the party. 

Princess Bride deleted scene

This is hilarious!