7 Quick Takes

1) Miriam's latest words are "Help, me," but it sounds more like "Hap, me" and to say her name, "Meeeum!!" which she does quite forcefully if she thinks she is going to get left out of something her big brothers and sister are doing/getting.

2) So on two separate occasions I have now managed to put Zipporah's clothes on backwards.  And to make matters worse, the first time was with a cute little jumper that my mother-in-law had purchased.  I put Zipporah in it when Grandma came to visit, only for Grandma to arrive and say, "you have that on backwards. . . "  Yep, I totally failed at sucking up that day.  The second time a dear friend knitted a beautiful dress for her and I even took a picture of her in said dress (with it on backwards) only to realize as I put her in the dress for the second time last night, that I had put it on her backwards the last time.  I am definitely a failure when it comes to style apparently!

3) I stumbled upon a recipe for Banana Breakfast Cookies (that a good friend had posted the link to on facebook - I'm not sure if she reads my blog, but if so, thanks Alison!!) and it has definitely been a game changer around here.  I should add that I do change them up just a little - to our family's liking, but generally this is the recipe.  Normally we do cereal and "something more filling" (like peanut butter and jelly toast or breakfast bars) for breakfast.  These Banana Breakfast Cookies are like a bowl of oatmeal in cookie form. Brilliant!!  Less mess when eating and I can make up a quadruple batch (which I split between fridge and freezer) to last for a couple weeks.  They are insanely more handy than putting peanut butter and jelly on five pieces of toast!!

4) We are going to try something new for our schedule this year.  Instead of individual date nights with each of the kids (we tried to do one for each kid - other than Miriam and Zipporah - once a month) we are going to have "family night" every Thursday where we will do something together as a family.  I am pointing out ahead of time that this can be as simple as going out to dinner or watching a movie or just having a special dessert.  But I'm thinking more like a family hike or game night would be ideal.

5) Another schedule change is for Gordie and I to have a standing "date night" on Fridays.  As with "family night" I am saying from the beginning that this can be simple - maybe just watching some tv or making a special meal or treat or something.  But I really want to see this as a chance to focus on the two of us.  We just celebrated 10 years of marriage and the importance of this sacrament finally dawned on me.  (Yes, I can be a little slow sometimes.)  This is the foundation for our life together and if we are not building it up, then we are tearing it down.  

I think I am especially guilty of just glossing over our relationship to each other as I live and breathe my "job" as homemaker.  And doing Gordie's laundry and making his coffee are really only the "nuts and bolts" of what keep us going.  I want something to look forward to - a time I will try to step out of my regular routine (which is a struggle as I think part of my problem is that I am always in the same place - there is no "going" to work and coming "home."  I am always at work and at home, so "turning off the job" (which I love) is especially hard for me) and really see and hear and focus on just my husband and the joy we share as a couple.

6) I like to use soap foamers at our sinks for hand washing as my children like soap and I don't want to be wasteful.  So using the foamers allows me to use about a third the amount of soap per fill that we would use if I did straight soap.  Anyhow, the kids occasionally break the foamers (as they are kids and occasionally break almost EVERYTHING - they are DEFINITELY why I cannot have nice things).  So I recently got a new one for the bathroom upstairs and it is like a soap foamer with super powers.  It is way cool and really pumps out the foam like crazy with just one push.  So the new game for the kids is to duck down while they push it so it will foam over their hands and into their hair.  Why they find this so entertaining is beyond me, but hey, maybe I can skip a bath night because of it, right?  :)

7) I recently replaced my ring sling.  I had one from "Over the Shoulder Baby Holder" and it was AWESOME.  I had it for nine years and used it like crazy.  It is not my only carrier - I am also a big fan of the Ergo carrier and the moby wrap - but I find the sling handiest for breastfeeding and the quickest/easiest to put on for taking baby in and out of the car (as we do convertible carseats, rather than the "baby bucket").  So anyhow, since "Over the Shoulder Baby Holder" is now out of business (so sad), I found a sling from rockinbaby.com on a deals site (deals.com) for exactly what I was prepared to pay to replace my old sling (less than half of what they go for on the main website).  Thanks God!!

My buddy today (here in the Ergo carrier).   Apparently there is nothing better than being carried around by Mom.

Journal #15

Out my window: 

It is raining and cool, but not too cold.  Hello, Fall!! :)

Clothing myself:

Black stretch capris and a Larks baseball t-shirt (a local team? I got this shirt from my brother, I have no idea.)  In my defense, it is a "home" day today and laundry day to boot, so you get what you get.

Around the house:

I purchased a dresser off the local want-ads to replace Rebekah's (one of the drawers had totally hit the bust and the top was warped and it was not very big, etc).  Anyhow, I was less than impressed with my purchase but due to the nature of the exchange (they left it on our porch while I was gone - agreed upon by myself, of course) I was unable to haggle any or say no (as if I would, after they took all the time to haul it over).  Anyhow, the dresser smelled and looked "yucky" so rather than dwell on that I took the opportunity to dash off to the hardware store with Rebekah and pick out a color so we could paint her new dresser.  Stay tuned as we hope to put the final coat on today or tomorrow and then there will surely be a post about her new (spoiler alert) PINK (as if you could not guess) dresser!!

A "before" picture of Rebekah's dresser.  Note: It was complete when I received it.  I had already removed one of the handles before I remembered I might want to take a "before" picture.

The Baby:

She is just the cutest little thing, ever.  For real.  I do not think I could come up with a cuter baby if I tried.  

Notice the shorts over her clothes?  Those would be Paul's pj shorts.  She found them this morning and insisted I help her put them on.  She is such a shorts fiend.

Finally she is fairly solidly sleeping through the night. (Many thanks to the hubby answering her cries to return her lost blanket - which really happens quite rarely these days. If I go in, I have to nurse her, but most times he can get her to resettle with just a quick tuck in and a kiss.)  Lately she has been nursing during the day LIKE CRAZY though.  She must be getting more teeth or maybe she just feels a little under the weather.  Whatever the case, I do not mind her nursing so much, but I definitely notice!

The Kids:

Rebekah and Samuel are getting into the school groove pretty well.  They are so smart, seriously, and even people who are not biased like me would tell you so!  I really love having them home all day and helping them with their school work.  But lately, what has been just tickling my heart is coming into a room to find them playing - together or alone - I just enjoy that they enjoy themselves and are able to just be kids.  I worry we rush our children to grow up so fast.  I want to give them a chance to be kids!

Jacob and Paul are also into the playing.  They often ask for "schoolwork" now and again, which I try to supply, but Paul looses interest quickly and any project I have in mind, is often not what he has in mind.  So I've given up trying to prep stuff for him.  When he asks, I offer a few choices (this or that workbook, a puzzle, a game you do not always have access to, etc) and we go from there.  I tried a little "formal" schooling with Jacob and while he was interested in some things (namely cutting and pasting and Math) he did not have the patience to answer my questions about the letters (although I really think he knows them all and their sounds).  So I humor him, as well, offering educational toys and a few workbooks now and again.  

(Tangent: I really like Kumon workbooks.  They are not very intimidating to the kids and do a very thorough job of covering the topics.)

In the Kitchen:

Gordie has unfortunately confirmed some bad news about his cholesterol, so we are considering reworking some of our meal choices (although I already do include quite a bit of fiber and such).  We are looking at using less beef, maybe heading to some vegetarian dishes or maybe just trying for more chicken.  I'm not sure how all this is going to look, but that is our "new adventure" for now.

Also, I should note that our dishwasher broke last night.  I toyed with the idea of trying to go without. . . for all of thirty minutes (hehe, first world right here) and am thinking we will gamble some and get it fixed rather than trying to replace right now.  But the final decision is still up in the air.

Crafting:

I'm working on my Mom's scarf again.  Yep, the one I wanted to have done for LAST Christmas.  I'm hoping to finish it up soon and get it to her so she can wear it when it turns cold.

Reading:

I'm really enjoying Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt right now.  I have read it before, but it is such an enjoyable read and it really gets my brain thinking about Jesus as a real person (if that makes any sense).

Bringing Me Joy:

*New work-out clothes!!!  Seriously, I have NEVER purchased clothes to work-out in before (unless you count a uniform for an organized sport.)  I have always just used old gym shorts and t-shirts.  Well, as a splurge (and because all my current old clothes are rather baggy and falling off while I work-out) I picked up a cheap pair of shorts and a sporty shirt (on sale for $5).  Just putting the new clothes on is like a burst of energy and makes me want to move!  

Aren't these new duds AWESOME?!?!  (And please pardon the sweat stains on the mirrors!  This was a post-work-out picture.  Gotta clean them up again!)

*The kids - even the three-year-old - they are so great and I love them BUNCHES!! 

*Seeing the house MOSTLY painted.  For real!  Just need to touch up a few things so it will "look" better (because I am a sloppy painter).  But if I do not get to these "touch ups" I am content in knowing it is all painted and secure from the weather - and most of it looks pretty stinking good!!

Thinking About:

*The trouble in Syria.

*NFP and contraception.  (Planning to talk on this in a few days on the radio.  Praying about what to say on this delicate topic.)

Bible Verse:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  - Galatians 5:22-23

Catechism of the Catholic Church:

Do not be troubled if you do not immediately receive from God what you ask him; for he desires to do something even greater for you, while you cling to him in prayer.  (CCC # 2737)

Pictures to share:

Our neighbors were thoughtful enough to have the fire truck come park RIGHT IN FRONT OF OUR HOUSE!!  The kids were ecstatic.  (Side note: No one was hurt.  It was a case of Carbon Monoxide and they were able to vent it so all was well again shortly.)

Family Hike.  I love that our family does this.  I hope we continue this tradition for many years to come.

Thankfulness Thursday

. . . with a heart of gratitude . . .

This week I am especially thankful for:

1)  A community of love (aka my family). 

I have come across some of my friends from high school and college lately (as in the past few months).  Some are married and have kids.  Some are still single.  It was in contemplating the single ones that I realized just how grateful I am that I no longer need to be alone.  Sometimes the single life seems so wonderful.  I drool over the thought of only having to cook and clean for myself - of being able to spend my money on myself - to do what I want to do when I want to do it!  I also find myself with very little empathy for single people who complain of being "so busy" and "not having time do do anything."  But then I think back to when I was single and remember that feeling of "being alone."  I know, God is always with us and often we have roommates, etc.  But there was much time I spent "being lonely."  Sure I did stuff, or maybe I could have worked harder to find people to be with, but when push came to shove, in the evenings, or early mornings, or just on days when I had no particular place to go, I remember being lonely.  Now, in the midst of chaos, I can appreciate always having someone around -whether it be the kids or my spouse, there is always someone here with me to love and just "be" with.

2)  Samuel. 

I love all my children and they are all blessings in their own way, but this week I am thankful for my second child and oldest son, Samuel.  I have been praying especially for him the past few weeks as I felt a little out-of-touch with him.  He is getting too "big" to cuddle and his main interests now are video games (x-box or the tank game on the Kindle).  I really want to find something I can do with him that we both enjoy (as I play x-box now and again, but it is really not my thing).  I believe teaching him is the perfect answer to my prayers.  I often fretted over teaching him as I feared I would not have patience and he would not have interest.  But as it turns out he is immensely interested and he catches on so quickly, I have no time to be impatient!  We have only done "school" a few days but sitting with him while he "learns to read" has truly been the highlight of my day.  He has such a wonderful personality and I am so grateful to be able to spend time with him and learn from him.

 

"O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures for ever." - Psalm 107:1

Random Children Update

Normal OCD people give regular updates of their children (or possibly take a picture of them every week on the day of the week they were born. . . sorry, Monica, I hope we are good enough friends for me to make fun of you -even though I secretly admire your ambition) but although I might have some OCD in me, I am anything but regular.  However, I have never let this stop me before.  So, I feel like sharing some of the cute things my kids have been doing/are up to and even though it is not necessarily a "milestone" or a "half-birthday" or some such, I know that if I don't share now when I have an inkling do do so, I will most likely forget by the time it is "proper" to do such an update.  So, there you have it - my great explanation for a reason to brag about how great my kids are.  Read on if you care to find out.

MIRIAM

Miriam is only eight-weeks-old (aka two months) tomorrow, but she is growing SO FAST!!  I am already asking where my baby went as I cuddle my little "chunk" :)
*She has the most adorable snort.  Only babies can get away with making this noise in a non-rude capacity and she does it very well.  I find it one of her most endearing qualities.  (Of course, there is not much about her that I do not find endearing -as only a mother can, of course :)

*She also does this little breath in quickly, breath in quickly, breath out slowly thing.  I'm not sure what causes it.  In an adult it would be a calming thing - I often take a deep breath and let it out slowly just because I think it feels good.  I learned this habit from my dad, but EVERY time he would do when I was younger, I would cringe and he would clarify, "I'm just breathing" so I did not think he was upset with me for something or other.  In any case, back to adorable Miriam and her "instinctive" calming breathing thing.  Again, very adorable here.

*On practical matters, she has been sleeping a good six hour chunk at night for a couple nights in a row here and that is exciting.

*She is "typical" (for being one of my children) in her eating.  She nurses well and often, which could be annoying for others, but I really don't mind - or even think about it unless my companions make comments such as, "She needs to nurse AGAIN?" Which makes me stop and ponder when she last nursed - often not long ago.  She would probably nurse every hour if she did not fall asleep.  But this is the one point in her life when she can eat AS MUCH and AS OFTEN as she would like AND IT IS TOTALLY FINE, so why not let her enjoy it?!?!  Soon enough she will be an adult and have to make "responsible" eating choices and such, but now she can be carefree, why not baby her, 'eh? :)

*She gives out some smiles now, but I imagine she will be giving many more soon.  The first one she gave me ABSOLUTELY melted my heart. I am never prepared for just how much I can love my children.  I remember thinking about Rebekah sleeping in her crib (when she was our only child) and thinking of how I might BURST because I just loved her SO MUCH!  If anything happened to her, I would be ABSOLUTELY crushed.  Any parent reading this knows what I'm talking about here and maybe even some who are not parents.  But in any case, it caught me totally off-guard with Rebekah and then with each child, my love grows more than I think it possibly can!  Miriam is no exception.  Oh I LOVE this little lady! :)

PAUL

*Paul is the most inquisitive child for his age (2 years) that I have come across.  He asks about EVERYTHING.  He wants to touch it.  Turn it off and on.  Take it apart.  See how it works.  Because of this, he is "highly destructive," but I have come to realize (or at least HOPE) that it is not with malicious intent that he destroys EVERYTHING he can get his hands on.  He is really just curious.

*He is a TALKER!  He is constantly asking what things are and then repeating back the new words.  And you can almost see his little brain classifying and storing the new information.  He comments on EVERYTHING.  He talks about toys, trains, doors, people, fences, cars, food, etc.  And he is ALWAYS commenting.  If he is not talking, something is wrong, or he happens to have a mouth full of food (which does not last long).

*Paul likes to climb and is very agile for his age.  Every time I hear, "I jump!?!?" I frantically search around for where he might be and usually respond with an emphatic, "NO!"  "How about you jump on the ground?  See, down here!"  He easily climbs into his older brother's top bunk and pretty-much anywhere else in the house.  I've thought of asking him to fetch items from the top kitchen cabinets, but I hate to encourage him.  Maybe once he is older - like say, four years :)

*He is very STRONG-WILLED.  Recently Paul transferred from a playpen (the tallest "bed" we had) to a "bed" (mattress on the floor) because of the previous comment about him (he started climbing out).  Bedtime right now is a bit on the challenging side as he does not wish to stay in his room and go to sleep and no amount of anything - love or punishment - seems to get him there gracefully.  I am PRAYING PRAYING PRAYING this stage will pass already.  Just this evening I finally took the light bulb out of the lamp in the boys' room as well (the overhead bulb has been removed for a couple weeks now) since Paul INSISTED on turning the light on the minute the door was shut.

*I should also note, that despite his challenging habits at the moment, Paul has THE MOST ADORABLE blond curls and blue eyes. (I know I am his mother, but others comment on this as well - it really deserves to be noted :).  He reminds me of a doll - honestly.

JACOB

*Jacob is a gentle giant.  He came out at a tenth of a pound shy of being considered eleven pounds (10 lbs, 15.4 oz).  Now at almost four-years-old he has larger feet than his twenty-two-months older brother and weighs a tenth of a pound more than him.  (And I should note, his older brother is not small for his size.)  Fortunately, Jacob generally has a sweet temperament.  But if you make him mad enough, he will fight back and you will be very sorry as when he does kick and bite - well, lets just say it is not easily forgotten.  (Little brother Paul had a bruise for a week where Jacob bit him back - NOT ON PARENTAL SUGGESTION I must add.)

*Jacob enjoys his siblings.  We sent him to preschool this last year because he could be in the same class as his older brother.  He HATED school and by the end would generally do what he was told, but always played by himself.  However, he has ALWAYS played with his siblings here at home and when they are gone he will ask me (in a sad voice) where they are and tell me he misses them.

*He is intensely creative.  He takes random toys, or parts of toys (often those odd ones from the McDonalds' Happy Meals that Nana brings) and turns them into everything and anything from a ship to a robot or a giant.  He definitely sees things a bit differently.

*He is showing some stubborn tendencies, but we are hoping those will fade as he gets older.  With so many to keep track of, and his size, I often expect him to act more mature than is typical for his age.  Overall, though, with enough encouragement he can be helpful and follow directions most of the time.

SAMUEL

*Samuel (5-years-old) has a soft spot in his heart for his sisters.  He has often commented on how much he loves his baby sister Miriam and told me, with a smile, that we need nine more girls in our family.  Rebekah is his favorite playmate right now, definitely not by coincidence!

*Getting a straight answer out of Samuel can be difficult sometimes.  Either he does not really know what he wants or for whatever reason, just gets his words confused. We only have two cereal choices, but finally I held up both boxes and had him point to the one he wanted as he kept throwing out phrases such as, "you can just give me this one next time."  What next time?  Which one do you want NOW??  Silly boy.

*Samuel LOVES to play video games.  His great uncle got him an Atari for Christmas this past year (a new one - yes, they still make them).  The joystick handles both broke within a few weeks, but Samuel figured out how to stick his thumbs in the hole and touch the relays (totally safe, by the way) to still play the games - and play them well!!  We recently dug out the original X-box (Halo edition) that Gordie's brother gave us for our wedding.  Samuel has been beside himself with glee.  He almost took the Halo disc to bed tonight, but was afraid he might hurt it.  This boy takes his two-hours of screen time seriously every day!

*Samuel is fast!  He can run and run and run and even with his arms flailing every which way (in a manner that would slow most people down considerably) he will win the race.  Maybe we should start training him for the Olympics!  Or we could let him grow up first, I guess :)

REBEKAH

*Rebekah is really growing her own personality and I love to watch it blossom.  I know all the kids have their own personalities, but Rebekah is at the point were she can really express things and offer the reason behind her thinking.  She is truly caring and often wants to know what she "should" do (morally speaking), or what would be kind, helpful, etc.  Although she is not always eager to run around at my every whim, she is INCREDIBLY helpful when I ask her to do something.  Today alone I think she wiped Paul's nose at least eight times for me!  (I must put in, that she is not perfect ALL THE TIME - just most of it, so far :)

*She has a fun goofy side (that I would say she gets from her father) and will do some pretty crazy things, such as wear her hair a funny way, wrap a ribbon around her elbow, or tie her blanket up a like a toga. And don't even get me started on the pretend games she plays with her brothers.

*Rebekah is a lot like me in that she seems to really enjoy school book-work.  She will sit down with her math book and work through an entire chapter or two (which SHOULD take about a month).  (Of course, math is her favorite subject, but she will do the same for spelling or grammar.)

*Rebekah LOVES to read.  This she gets from both Gordie and myself.  She will carry books around.  She will read while walking or while holding Miriam's binky in.  She will read in the bathroom.  She will read over my shoulder - on the computer or in whatever book I have open.  She will read aloud to her brothers.  And one of my new favorites, she will read the messages the X-box games put up so Samuel knows what to do in his games.  I hope she never loses this love of reading.

So there's the scoop on my kiddos.  I have really enjoyed reflecting on them.  I hope some day I am able to find this list and share it with them once they are grown.  I imagine they will get quite a kick out of it :)

Sleeping Kids

We made a quick trip to Grandma and Grandpa's house this weekend.  We left for their house (2.5 hours away) at about three in the afternoon on Saturday.  We left to return to our house at about three in the afternoon on Sunday.  The amount of fun we packed into those twenty-four hours. . . well, you can tell from their exhaustion (they slept the whole way home) it was a good time.

Jacob, Rebekah, and Samuel

Paul

Miriam (sleeping with a smile on her face)

Happy Birthday, Rebekah!!

Rebekah is 7-years-old today!

*Rebekah has AMAZING "sneak skills."  We think she might be a natural ninja -seriously!  The girl can be so quiet and patient.  (Side note: Her akido teacher thinks she has great potential as well.)

*Rebekah is an avid reader. She regularly reads chapter books, joke books, really any book she can get her hands on. And now I have to watch out on the computer as she will read over my shoulder - so no more typing things I am not wanting to tell her!

*Rebekah is the most HELPFUL 7-year-old I have ever known.  Seriously, since the birth of her sister, Miriam, Rebekah has turned into a "little mamma" and I am so grateful.
--Duties include: (but not limited to)
     1) Holding in her binky
     2) Singing to her
     3) Helping snap her clothes (especially pjs with a million snaps)
     4) Giving her lots of hugs and kisses
     5) Rocking her to calm her down
    6) Putting her up on the changing table and undoing her diaper (putting a fresh one on is still a bit of a challenge as a wiggly baby makes getting the snappy right a little above her as yet)

Hopefully this will foster a great relationship between the two of them.  (If nothing else, it keeps me sane and Miriam happy while teaching Rebekah responsiblity :)

*Rebekah is good with her brothers.  She will get drinks for Paul (or keep him out of the bathroom or kitchen).  She will also help "solve disputes" between Samuel and  Jacob.  She will play with any of them, although she prefers to play with Samuel best (as she can have the most entertaining imaginary play with him).

*Rebekah's favorite meal is meatballs and she has requested brownies for dessert today, but she really likes all sweets (cookies, cake, ice cream, etc).

*Even though Mom has tried to hinder this, Rebekah still REALLY likes princesses of all shapes and sizes.  Her favorite is Cinderella, but she would not turn down anything to do with really any of them.  Despite this, she is able to understand that just because something is "princess themed" it does not mean that is the best one of whatever it happens to be and that often a non-themed (or simply colored) item is often more cost effective and long lasting.

*Despite her reading ability, Math is Rebekah's favorite subject.  She gets it easitly and she enjoys it a lot.  She is also a good teacher to her brothers - very patient!

*Rebekah always scored highest in listening on those standard tests they take in school.  When she wants to, she can be VERY perceptive. (good and bad - as she is a natural evesdropper!)

*And last and perhaps least, but what I find most entertaining:  She is completely loyal. She always sides with Mom or defends Mom in arguments - even ones she is not invited into!  Why she likes me so much is beyond me, but it does come in handy sometimes!

Ahh, my sweet little girl.  You are truly one of my greatest blessings.  May God continue to form you into a gentle, kind, and cheerful young lady!

How we spent our yesterday

It got up to eighty degrees here, so we felt obliged to spend it outside. We decided to give the roller skates a try.
Here is Jacob looking all adorable. (I did not realize his belly was hanging out when I took the picture - hehe)

Jacob was really quite proud of himself and he was perhaps the most "natural" of all the kiddos, which is really surprising as he is almost three, but still in the awkward phase of tripping and not so much balance. . . at least as far as walking. But apparently putting skates on the boy changes everything. He was quite content to gently scoot himself all around the concrete. He rarely fell.

Samuel, on the other hand, was not so into the skates. He is quite graceful (and quick) on his feet but skates left him off-balance and frustrated. He quickly asked to take his off and (as seen below) was content to run around the concrete in his "safety gear."

Rebekah required the most assistance, but this was partly due to the fact that she had "real" skates, or actually inline skates and they are quite different from little plastic wheels that barely turn. Daddy was patient with her but she is going to need several more lessons before she can do much on her own.

After all the fun, we loaded back up on the bikes to head home. Rebekah looks particularly crabby in this picture as I forgot to pack drinks and the water fountain was not working. In any case, it was quite a fun day.

Just some pics

Nana reading to her boys.

Rebekah at the park

Jacob at the park

Paul at the park

Rebekah pushing Paul

Enjoying snowballs after the park - it WAS Sunday and I only gave them about a fourth of a cup each - sheesh stop making me feel guilty! :)

S'mores :)

The kids were rather unsure about this whole event. Rebekah and Samuel have roasted marshmallows one other time at Grandma and Grandpa's but this is such a different setting, I'm not sure if they would consider the two events to be all that similar. This was the first time for Jacob and he was most puzzled, to say the least.

I finally gave up trying to nurse Paul to sleep (as it was past his bedtime) and let him sit and enjoy the family fun. Surprisingly he seemed rather interested and did not fuss much. . . until his blanket started falling off.

Mmmmm. . . .marshmallows. . .

Jacob is not so sure. I was not quick enough to capture the really good faces he was making (I was trying to hold Paul at this point and still take pictures) but he cautiously took the treat of absolute yumminess. . .

Here Jacob just got some marshmallow goo on his fingers and he looks at us as if to say, "Are you sure about this?" And I'm thinking, "You revel in making a mess of your dinner but you are sticking your nose in the air over a teeny-weeny bit of marshmallow gooey deliciousness?"

Jacob finally tried it. . . and it was very good!

Samuel only wanted the marshmallows - not the chocolate or crackers - No, I don't know whose kid he really is.

Rebekah - mmmmmmmm :)