For This Season

{saturday morning comics}

this morning as we were rounding the boys up for breakfast evan asked if we were having pepperoni?  (the child LOVES turkey pepperoni) when explained no, we were having eggs and bacon.  Evan screamed "TOGETHER?!?"  "dat is gross!"  "ewwwwwwwww".  hmmmm.....not certain as he has it pretty much every weekend?     

yesterday, noah received his first bad grade ever.  initially, i thought he had just missed the questions, both containing 5 answers each leading to a very, very low score.  after calming him down after his tears and attempts to explain, i finally heard what he was saying.   the questions that he missed stated "count by 5's starting at 20 and go to 90".   His answers were left blank because he did count by fives as instructed.  however, he counted in his head.  did not write the answers.  because, it did not instruct him to write the answers.  My literal child!!  every other question on his math page stated to "write _______" and these two stated "count by _____".  and, boy did he ever!!  

{happies}

Some things the boys have said over the last few days that made me smile......

Evan requested some yummy "roasted eggs"  - aka boiled eggs in Evanese. 

Noah has decided that despite how ornery his little brother can be - he'll keep him "for now."

Today in Wally World - I was checking out and Evan is in a phase where if anyone is near - he will ask their name.  He asked the cashier, she responded, he informed her of his entire name, she made some remarks, he launched into his "baby years" when he did not know his name, etc, etc, etc.  Finally, she asked if he went to preschool.  He replied no. (well, at least not for the summer), she asked how old he was......"free"  she replied, "wow, you are really smart for three"  Very seriously he stated...."how did you know dat! Who dold you???"

This came up a couple months ago, but has been the subject lately also - but Noah has requested a summer home.  In Greenwood.  With a pool. 

Evan introduced me to Devin today in Wal-mart.  He asked him his name.  A relationship with Devin was formed without his knowledge.  Evan was very excited with his new friend.  Devin disappeared down the aisle pretty quickly.

{falling on deaf ears}

I thought I heard it the day prior, but ignored it.  After a week of playing with bigger cousins, bigger friends, etc and of course THE big brother - it was inevitable.  I heard a knock, knock, knock on the bathroom door this morning as I was getting ready......."MOM, are you in dere?"  Surely, my 3 year old (okay, only 29 days left until 4, but, no one is counting)  Mom, not the endearing mommy.  I ignored it again.  And, then while we were out on errands we had a heart to heart.  I explained he was waaaayy too young to use that word.  He HAD to continue to say Mommy for at least a while longer. It was basically a naughty word for a 3,4, or 5 year old.  We would not want to resort to soap.  (JK!)  Noah lasted until he was almost six and then that pesky big-boy, first year of school thing interfered.   I knew it would not last as long this time.  But, this heart can't handle it yet.  I'm actually embracing the turning 4 saga.  It's such a fun stage.  The independence is quite the nice byproduct. But, not ready for my name to be changed just yet.  And, THE topper.  That 7-year-old of mine...what does he call his dad...........Daddy.  Now, how fair is that? 

{overheard)

This is exactly what I heard from the front seat today after picking Noah up from school.

E:  "Noah, hey, Noah guess what dot today?   I dot a new painting set for cleaning up the WHOOOOOLE house. Am I'm donna share it wif you!"

N:  "Wow, Evan, that's great!  I love that idea!"

E:  "See!  Noah!  You need to tart cleaning the house and no laying around all the time".

N:  "Whaaaaaaaaat!  I'll have you know that I was getting educational time today.  That is MUCH more important that cleaning.  I had to listen at board time, play at recess, do fun IMPORTANT paperwork.  I've been getting educated EVAN!  That is MUCH more important that silly ol' cleaning"

I KID YOU NOT ON THE NEXT ONE.

E: "Blah.Blah.Blah.Blah."

N: "WHAT! I'm telling you Evan, when you get to school you will KNOW how hard it is to work.  It is much more difficult that cleaning a room.  MUCH more!

E:  "Watch. And, learn Noah."

N:  "Ahhhhh! You're driving me NUTS!  Mom tell him that it is much more important to become educated that to learn how to clean.  Tell him!"

E:  "Well, I've got the muscles, see my muscles"

N:  "that's not funny Evan, you know you have the muscles and we both know I had the brains"

Temporarily interrupted because Daddy could not contain it any longer, dialed MiMi Mouse, put the kids on speaker and wouldn't you know it - it all ceased.   I think I may have run over a few sidewalks on that one!  Good grief!

{questions}

Out of nowhere.  Well, actually as he sat watching me mop the floor.  Evan asked... "does Jesus have lungs?"  It must be in the air, pardon the pun because I have another friend who has a daughter in Evan's MDO class - Sharon is being hit with questions too.  Time to dust the 800 Questions Kids Ask About God off.   It's whatever the next question may be that scares me. ;)  It could be anything, with the Evan-twist.  Scary.

But, he has been on a little "journey" lately.  EVERYTHING is about Jesus and God, and power (of course), and good versus evil, and keeping his heart clean, etc, etc.  It's hard to balance as his three-year-old view is a 'little out there' - but, I'm resting assured that it should be.  Remember, I should approach it more like him - without all of the things we adults add to the mix.  He needs a little guidance and simplicity.   But, it is exciting to see this new found adventure he is taking.  I'm sure the ride (and the questions) will be pretty fascinating!

The ride to school is quite entertaining, because it is nonstop chatter about the above from Evan. Then, there is my little theologian Noah.   If you see us riding around with ducktape on Noah's mouth, no worries, I'm just attempting to squelch some of his adult-like input.  Remember the ride to school involving the flames of hell?  Enough said.   Noah is such an old man's soul in a little body.  I learn alot from him too. 

What would I have ever done without them.  Okay, enough, I'm heading down a different rabbit trail.  But, wow, I am so utterly thankful.  ;)

{mockingbird}

Evan came running to me tonight very angry with his brother.  "He's following my words, Mommy!"  Not a happy camper!

{seriously}

can boys not stay planted on the ground?  Is it all boys or just my boys?  I'm worried.  Noah is a tad better than Evan, but not by much.  If there is a straight line and furniture is on either side of that straight line - to get from Point A to Point B, it is physically impossible for them to walk the straight line, or so it seems.  They have to jump, climb over, walk on the back of the couch, trampoline off in order to get from that Point A to Point B.  What's up with that?  All I can say is that it was a very wise investment to buy good furniture when we moved into this house in the pre-children era.  How it is holding up, I haven't the slightest?  But, once again, as Noah and I just now walked to the laundry room to find his DS - instead of walking ahead of me, he had to get a run and sliiiiiiide across the ottoman landing on his feet prior to crashing into the wall on the other side of the hall.  I held my breath.  I almost lectured him again.........but, I'm beginning to seriously consider it may just be a boy thing.  Of course, a boy thing I want to curtail, but, if I can have some insight to it - maybe I won't be quite as harsh with them?  Thoughts anyone?

{tuesday comics}

as everyday is pretty comical around here!  This afternoon, Evan discovered my stash of the pretty little rock candy suckers (with the wooden handles) that I use for some of my photo sessions.  Well, who could resist - I gave in and let him have one.  Immediately, I heard a chomp and reminded him he could not bite it, but would have to suck on it to protect those teeth.  He complied, shockingly.

Then, we pick up big brother from school.  He quickly noted that his brother's mouth was blue - no concern of hypoxia - but, asked for a sucker like the one he spied.  Of course, Noah would finish this treat with NO evidence on him.  Clean as a whistle as always! Evan on the other hand, ugh!  At one time I thought I was driving around a little smurf!! 

Then, Noah chomped.  I quickly gave Noah my instructions on protection of those pearly whites.  Then, little Mr. Know-It-All quickly and very authoritatively added:  [and I so hope this does not offend anyone!] "Yah, Noah, look I'm a professional.  I don't chomp!"  I couldn't resist.... "a professional what, Evan?"

"a professional sucker!"  Noah thought it was pretty funny too!  Evan, not so much.

Then, after a while (a short while) Evan fell asleep (yes, I tried to block out the fact that all of those cavity-bugs were drilling with each mile I drove home).  So, I asked Noah the usual, how was his day, what did he do, etc. etc.  Then I broached the touchy topic.....the big break-up of he and Daira.  I asked him if he had seen her?  He said no, he never does.  I asked him how he was doing with it?  If it was getting any better?  "Oh, yeah mom, I'm hardly thinking about it anymore.  THEN...you know what mom?!?!  I have alllllllll these girls chasing me at recess. Well, actually, today alot of them hired me to chase them."  I quickly asked how did they hire him to chase them?  Well, you know, they begged me to chase them.  I explained there is a difference between asking and hiring.  No money or goods were exchanged.  Did he comply?  "No" was his answer, but, he may have to tomorrow because "mom, they.will.not.leave.me.alone!"  Yes, that he said with a twinkle. ;)  Poor guy!    

{a work in progress}

The boys have been working on their Christmas lists - funny, funny, funny!! Noah was in tears last night because he could not fill his list of ten items.  They get three from Santa and three from us. ;)

So far here they are as written or dictated.........

1)  spiderman figures

2) puppy dog (yikes)

3) more spiderman men "adain"

4) fake bear (aka teddy bear)

5) hand that blows up (aka a rubber glove from Aunt Angie's office blown up)

6) fire hat like

to be continued.......

Noah's List

1)  blank

2)  Star Wars action figures

3)  Shriek 3 DS game

4)  car set

5)  my own tv (nadda)

6)  Brain Age II (so sweet, he wants to give this to his Daddy for his increased brain function as he works with Brain Age I per MD - Noah wants him to have the latest one - so, so sweet)

There are a lot of mark throughs and blanks believe it or not!! The list will be completed tonight. :)

Addendum:  clarification as I truly can add - I explained they list ten items, but only get six.  That is because because Santa is such a wise fella - that if a choice is not in the best interest of said recipient (or the wallet) - this allows more flexibility when used in conjunction with his discretionary wisdom. ;)

Fun Facts

A little known fact about Evan is that he LOVES, LOVES, LOVES lids.  Not just any lid.  But, small lids from soda bottles, medicine bottles, etc.  He will literally spend hours playing with them. He stashes them in the bathtub, the sandbox, the vehicle, whereever.  Just goes to show you it's not always about that latest, coolest toy! :)  Note to self:  remember that with Christmas quickly approaching.

Noah loves to organize.  Well, that one is probably known by anyone who slightly knows Noah.  But, it's funny because he has been like that since he was so little.  He would first organize his toys in the one-year-old kind-of way and it has progressed to the point he scoulds me for being a Messy Marvin!  His world just turns a little better when everything is in it's place.  But, really doesn't it for all of us?  Mine is so rocky and bumpy right now I might just go sailing of this planet with the next turn!