Thanksgiving

This year David's parents and grandparents visited us from Florida for Thanksgiving.  We had a great time with them.  Of course there was the standard over abundance of scrumptious food...but that was only a small part of what we enjoyed.  What we really loved:

 plenty of kisses to go around...can't get too many of those

 lots of time playing...nothing like Grandpa to make a girl feel like she's the only one in his world

 quiet time reading books...sweet time spent with Mimi

Jorge & Gilma T.

Abuelo y Abuela

Magdeline & David S.

Mimi & Grandpa

I'm Gonna Miss This...

I haven't posted as much over the last few weeks as I've been just enjoying these moments that are fleeting before my eyes.  Time waits for no man, my children included, and I have been in awe of them more than ever lately.  There isn't a day that goes by that I don't just gaze in wonder at these two little children I get to call mine.  Sure, sometimes I get weary, sometimes I want to pull my hair out, sometimes I want to scream at the top of my lungs because I feel overwhelmed by the commotion caused by these two; but one day I'll want to do these things because of the lack of commotion.  So...I busted out the camera this past week (surprise, surprise) and just took a few shots of the everyday happenings that make my world go round.  A few things I'm going to miss:

A shared "Super Hero" cape

Because they're each each other's super hero.  He can't live without her and she worships the ground he walks on.  (Which pretty much sums up my feelings for both of them.)  And they're both my Super Hero's!

Personal Concerts 

I'm privileged to have impromptu concerts put on for me.  It's almost always a duet.  It's beautiful music if I do say so!  

Couch Time

These two love to play on the couch.  They hide under their blanket "tent", make each other laugh, tell stories, and show off new tricks to Mom.

Play puzzle/ magnet books

They can sit for a long time working together with these books.  He tells her where to put the magnets and she does.  Those chubby fingers - oh my!  And the Towmater band aid, necessary due to a fall.  And really, there's something magic about band aids that can heal just about anything.

Sweet Dreams

I feel so privileged to get to call these two little angels mine.  I am one lucky Mom.

Halloween 2010

We had two little monkeys running around this year (which is pretty much business as usual) at Halloween.  I enjoyed watching the kids dressed alike as I know my time for being able to do this is limited - soon enough they will have stronger opinions as to what they would like to dress up like.  For now they're just happy with whatever Mom picks out (for the most part) so I'm taking full advantage of that!  I love my two adorable little chocolate eyed monkeys!

We headed out to a local fall festival.  A couple of Jacobs soccer buddies were there also so we got to hang out with them for a bit.  All the kids had a great time.

Lia gets to play a ball toss game to win some candy - SCORE!



checking out her loot

The city had one of their fire trucks there for the kids (and Dads) ;) to explore.

Mr. Jacob thought he was some kind of cool getting to get inside it.

OK kids - time to head home

Jacob adjusts his "belt and sword" from Deek the Clown

Lia gets a ride on Daddy's shoulders.

(His usual position is wrapped around her little finger!)

All in all we had a great time!

Shoot Me!: 27

Another great meme brought to us by Carin at Forever In Blue Jeans. Every Thursday post a picture of you with a child, spouse, friend or even by yourself. If you are thinking this challenge is too hard, then this is exactly the challenge you need. Do you have thousands of pictures and you are in none of them? How is that good to your children or loved ones? It’s time you got in the picture, you’ll be glad you did!

I think this photo is a bit self-explanatory! ;)  More from our Trick or Treating adventures...sometime. 

The Three Year Old

UPDATE - somehow I missed a bit of the introduction - and was horrified when I saw it up on here...I do apoligize!  I've removed it now and this should be "safe" for anyone.  I was so busy laughing at the real content, I didn't even pick up on the introduction.  Guess I'll be a little more careful next time I post something from someone else!

I found this post on Motherhood Uncensored's blog.  I find it absolutely hilarious!  I've lived through just about every one of these situations so I can totally relate - and I figure some of you can too!  Yes, yes, I love my kids as much as the next person, wouldn't want to live withouth them, yada, yada, yada...but sometimes, you just have these days!

Congrats on Your 3-Year-Old!

Included:
3-year-old child

Not included but strongly recommended:
Tequila IV
Ear plugs
Punching bag

Here are some things moms have said after receiving this product:
I'd rather have electro-shock therapy!
Since receiving my 3-year-old, I chose to run with the bulls just to get a little rest and relaxation!
Having a 3-year-old is less fulfilling than cleaning out a day's worth of runny poo diapers!
It gave me PTSD!
I've never felt so stupid in my life!

Here are 10 handy tips to get you started on parenting your 3-year-old:
1. They like nothing.
1a. Well, sometimes they like stuff, but it's only on every 4th Thursday that falls in an odd summer month when the weather is partly cloudly.
1b. Or if it's covered in chocolate.
1c. Maybe.
1d. Depends.

2. If they do happen to like something, they will never like it again.
2a. Maybe.
2b. Depends.


3. Everything can be argued.
3a. Especially when you're in public, with your hands full of groceries and other children, and tons of other people around. (Reference #4)
3b. Or when you've just gotten all the other children to sleep.
3c. But never with your spouse or babysitter.

4. They have impeccable timing. 4a. Like when you're a good 10 minutes away from a potty and they decide that they must poop.
4b. NOW.

5. They have no filter
5a. Like when you're in a dressing room trying on bras.
5b. Or when you're in a public restroom with your pants around your ankles.

6. Everything is negotiable.
6a. On their terms.
6b. Even bodily functions.

7. Hearing may be selective.
7a. Repeating yourself will only cause them to hear less.
7b. Speaking loudly at them will only make you look more crazy.
7c. Yelling at them will make them cower like a wounded animal thus sending you into a guilt-stricken state in which you will give them exactly what they wanted in the first place and then some how apologize.
7d. See #8.

8. They always win.

9. If someone else has it, they will want it.
9a. But only at their house, not at your own.
9b. But only at the store, not when you buy it.
9c. But if you don't get it, then they will throw a tantrum the size of Mount Vesuvius. (See #4)

10. They will respond to everything with "No!"
10a. Even if it's not a question.
10b. Even if they actually do want it.
10c. You're supposed to know the difference.
10d. Idiot.

Again - these are NOT my words - I got this from Motherhood Uncensored.  She *may have raised a three year old or two!!