Gone Fishin'

Zack just needed to wake up a bit-- he told me in the car to VBS- Mom, I'm just tired I need a nap.



His classroom bulletin board

Zack's favorite teachers

After VBS today, I asked Zack who his favorite teacher was (there are at least 4 in his class) he promptly replied Grandma. (He went to school with her a couple of times). Then he looked at me and said are you a teacher mama? I told him yes and asked again who his favorite teacher was and he said Mama.

Sammy's new words

Cook, cook, cook-- Food is cooking
Ka- car
Hi dada- he has just started putting two words together
ni ni- night night
ba ba -bye bye
thank you-sing song sounds
yu mam- yes ma'm
ha- hat

Sammy cry for Daddy

I discovered on our ride home from VBS that Sammy has learned to cry on demand... Zack was in the backseat saying Sammy cry for Momma... and Sammy would start to whine and poke out his lip and whimper... funny thing I've heard that "cry " now a few times. It's seemed to work quite well for him in the past.
Once T came in from work, I surprised him with a "Sammy, cry for Daddy"
He looked right up to T and squinted his eyes and gave his a nice cry... Boy do we have our hands full!

VBS

We have been busy with vacation Bible School this week.
Zack had a hard seperation on Monday, Tues started with just a few tears, so we will see what is in store for us tomorrow.
He says his favorite part is the race cars, apparently they have a cool set of cars and a mountain they can drive on in their classroom. He has been learning his Bible verses and likes the singing and crafts. He keeps telling me he doesn't have snack- and he likes to play on the see saw.
Sammy is the only nursery age kid and has sort of become the mascot! He shows up everywhere, I have to be careful or I run into him like today on the stairs! He and Ann Marie run errands and hang out with the youth group. She told me today, that Sammy would not go to any of the girls but if the boys try to hold him he goes right to them! I guess he's tired of the girls pestering him (look at Flicker picts).

I'll try to get some picts once the mornings aren't so tramatic!!!

Best Buddies

Sammy and Zack really love each other. They have really started playing and fighting together. I guess that's what brothers do best!

Let's play ball

Zack is the pitcher, he doesn't like to hit the ball (since he's still learning how) but he loves to pitch, so he'll play if you hit. Oh, and he will critique your stance.

He told Rebecca, the babysitter, to put her hands up higher on the bat. Zack loves to tell you how to hold the bat. Come play and you'll see...

Independence

Sammy is becoming a little person and sees all of us eating with our utensils so he refuses for us to feed him and he wants his own utensils. So it's usually a pretty messy but happy occasion. Please note the toddler spoon left in the bowl, he wants the one I had.

I think I'll ride back here

I know he's here

Peekaboo!

So what we did

Over the reprive of having only sammy, we decided to paint the exterior of the house. We still have some window trimming to finish, but it is a huge improvement. We will post some pictures when I get a chance.

In the process it seems that we have some chigger beds around the house... We thought we had gotten rid of them, until I picked some blueberries and let's say, I am going crazy with them. Both of the boys have them and poor Zack is having a rough time. Sammy doesn't itch them, I don't know if his senses are still developing or what but thankfully they are not bothering him . We went to Rite Aid today and bought anyting and everything that might help. The only thing that really helps is to release the histamine in the skin by turning on the hottest water I can stand and itch. It seems to be the most effective.

We have to figure out what to do about the blueberries, I'm not going near them until we can get rid of the chiggers...

special times

Zack was so happy to see me, and I him, he jumped into my arms and hugged me and he kept saying, Momma I love you.
We had a nice lunch with Grandma and Grandpa and after gathering all the contraband-just kidding grandma-we spent some special time together. We decided to go to the mall, since we were in Tupelo and there isn't much shopping here. We found some great underwear for him that he picked out, and we rode the horses- carousel.
Z: Momma your my favorite friend

Once we got home and seeing daddy
Z: Daddy your my favorite friend

He even let sammy try and shoot his pop gun that Grandma got him. He is still talking about his fun, and I don't think he is going to be able to wait for next summer's Grandma camp!

Father's day

On T's special day we got him a book he has been wanting and I left him and Sammy to pick up Zachary in Tupelo. Zack spent most of the week at Grandma camp in AL.
T and Sam had a very fun moring of going to church, having lunch and the best part, putting Sammy down for a nap and thumbing through his book.
Sat night when Grandma asked Zack if he was ready to go home,
Z: No, I think I'll stay a little longer.
G: I think your mom and dad miss you.
Z: Are they sad? Did they cry for me?
G: I don't know if they cried, but I know they want to see you.
Z: I don't want them to be sad.
G: You know you can come back and stay at my house.
Z: ok grandma, Will you read all my books three times since it's my last night?

Way to go!

Zack decided about two weeks ago that he no longer wanted to wear diapers and from that point on it has been underwear only! He has really done well at keeping his underwear clean and dry. We are so proud of his big accomplishment and are happy to report some really neat underwear-- complete with dianosaurs, sharks, sea creatures, & jeeps.

I need a new one.

Zack told me before his nap that he needed a new leg. A "quito" bite and a scratch had ruined his leg and he needed a new one.

Could there be curls?

Cinco de Mayo

We went to have lunch in Starkville today. Saw Ama Pop and Aunt Christy (and Jessie)

Come on over for some Pizza and Ice Cream

How about a slice?


Or maybe just strawberry ice cream cone?

Clean

the car anyway!

We decided to wash the car. No I didn't use the boys, we did use rags, but how can you resist the hose and mud? They do look like they worked hard. Anyone interested in a preschooler and toddler car wash? Anyone?

two more teeth

Sammy has new teeth to report- one was his first top canine. The two came in last week together. He has his 12 month appt on Friday, so hopefully he'll not have any adverse reactions to his shots!

And he speaks

Sammy finally said Zack's name, of course without the hard k at the end. Zack was so excited...his eyes just sparkled and he had a sweet little smile. Sammy was just as proud!
He also says shu-shoe, dada,mama, tar-star, sa-zack, doo-droodle, pop, nana-grandma

Happy Easter

Our Easter flower

Never a dull moment

Here are some cute things Zack has said over the past week on our trip to ATL

So, what was the plane ride like?
Z: Loud and bumpy

Did you thank XXXXX for the dinner?
Z: But I didn't like it.

I'd love to have you come but it's a mess.
Z: I want to see the mess!
upon entering...
Z: Where's the mess?

Z:Daddy, I want to watch TV all day.
D: Zack you want to help cut the grass?
Z: I wanna ride the lawnmower.

Trees

are good for climbing!

What a beautiful day

Sunday

We went fishing today.


  

Zack and girls

This is my first picture with both girls...Sammy and I are not going to cooperate, while those grown-ups try to shoot "lightning" at us.

A first and third

That's right, I got a third birthday song, although I think the cake said Happy 1st Birthday Sammy...We are going to have to beg for some pictures of the cake and party...we do have it on video... not good for posting...


We do have one of the 2005 "babies".

Hat boy

Shhh! Zack doesn't know his hat is missing!

  

Birthday Boy

  

Second Third Birthday

My Grandma and Grandpa came and brought a party in the trunk: balloons, cake and presents. So, this is my second birthday cake! Logan helped me blow out the candles this time! Oh, Like my new digs, I'm a train conductor! All Aboard!
Yes,it's Sammy Boy's birthday, but we'll celebrate his tomorrow. Although, I think I'll get another rendition of the Happy Birthday song! Let's see!

Birthday excitement

Zack and Sammy are excited to have company for their birthday celebration! I think we'll probably just celebrate their birthdays together from here on out. Too many sicknesses and germs floating around to try to schedule two weekends during March to get everyone together. We are looking forward to seeing those that will be here this weekend!

Lil clapper

Sammy has started clapping his hands! He loves to clap to the music and he seems to hit the beat of the music pretty well. He had fun today at Zack's music class, Kindermusic, and I may be getting 2 for the price of 1! Sammy tried to hold onto three bells and then he realized he could--if one was in his mouth.

That Zack

Zack discovered the airpump. Not the kind with the point on the end but one that you inflate balls,etc with a rounded end. He was blowing air all over everything and anything he could find. Holes,furniture,floors,toys,etc.. He came to me sitting on the couch and said, "Mamma, can I blow your hair?" I said, " I don't know Zack." He replied," Oh,no,Mamma, it won't hurt,it will just wind you."

first third bithday

I had an airplane cake all to myself, it seems that we are all sick, so no one could come today... We'll try again next weekend.

I'm gonna be three!

The chef is in the kitchen

shhh! Don't tell mom but you should see the living room!



I have to pull everything out before I can pick out the ones I need.

That flu bug

Uncle Jesse and Logan have the flu. Jesse's has turned into pneumonia. We got a flu shot, so hopefully we will be protected. Sammy got his first shot, unfortunately we dropped the ball on the second shot, so we will have to be protective of our Sam-baby.

Third tooth

Sammy has a new tooth that is breaking through his gums, he's been a little fussy.

11 months!

Sammy is 11 months today. He knows what he wants and gets upset if you don't comply with his desires. The other day he had a fork and we replaced it with a spoon. He looked at the spoon and held it in the air and cried! He also knows that whatever Zack has must be great which brings both boys to tears. Now I have a role as referee.

Spring

 

The boys have been cooped up a good bit lately, so today we went out to play. It was a little cool, but the sun is shining and look a little bit of life is springing up from the ground. 

Can you guess

who needs a nap?
a. Sammy
b. Zack
c. Logan
d. all of the above



  

Spaghetti

Sammy really enjoyed his first taste of spaghetti! He has had the noodles before in smaller bite size. But I gave him the long spaghetti noodles with the sauce and he is a champion noodle sucker right off the bat! Maybe I can figure out how to add a video clip... It's pretty funny!

Valentine's Day

Here is Zack getting ready for Valentine's day... Sprinkles are perfect for gluing to hearts and the best part is eating them!

  

Encouragement

Zack has been so excited to see his little brother start walking. Sammy was walking to his intended destination and was able to control his stop instead of his usual touchdown celebration. After that Zack and I cheered Sammy and Zack told Sammy, "Good job, Sam-baby." Zack gets so excited to watch Sam walk. It is so nice to see his love and delight of his little brother's progress. It seems that most of the time I'm trying to correct bad behavior, I think sometimes I may get a little too bogged down to see the good things. Anyway, it was a nice moment and I thought I'd share it with you.

Which way did he go?

See I can walk

Here we are at Aunt Bonnie and Uncle Josh's pier at their new house.

Little Oarsman

He's not intimidated with the size of this!

Maddie

Zack made a new friend this week. He was so happy to meet a little girl about his age. They played so well together and were excited to finally meet. (Their mothers had been playing up this first meeting.) Hey it got some toys picked up and veggies down a little easier! After Maddie left, Zack went and sat next to T and said "Daddy, I love my Maddie." Maybe we can get a few pictures before Maddie and her family go back to TX.

What does Drudle need?

If you ask Zack he'll say a house. So that's another project T has dabbled with...
Zack and Drudle are checking out his craftmanship. We will post the news of a dog house or a play house for Zack and Sammy,of course depending on Drudle's appreciation of a home!

Sheet rocking

Done...

Projects

Here is a picture of some of the progress we've been making on the newly enclosed back porch.

Little/Big Things

It's too cold today to water any trees. Zack spent the whole day yesterday telling me when he had to go and then after nap, it was too cold. So, today he's back in diapers. We will see how this plays out. I'm not going to make this a battle--when he's ready, so will I! I know he can control his bodily functions, so now it's a matter of his being finished with diapers. I'm not into scolding or humiliating him because he isn't ready to move out of his safety zone. I don't think there is any support for that in scripture. Jesus didn't try to manipulate the situation to prove his point. So I think a few (???) more diapers will not kill me.

Also when you think about it, this is just another area that parents are all too eager to be finished. Zack is already becoming more and more independent, I must say that I will be glad when he can flush for himself, but he is growing up and these childish duties will end. He is becoming a boy all too quickly.

I'll keep you updated on his progress!

Watering trees

That's Zack's news. He's been dropping his drawers to water them! I'm so happy! Thank you Lord for some nice weather so we can be outside.

10 months

Sammy is doing well and has news of taking 4-6 steps at a time before losing his balance. He is getting the hang of walking on 2 instead of 4!
He had a very low grade fever off and on for the last couple of days. Of course the only thing I can think of is teething, he was up a few more times last night and has not been his cheerful self, but the docs will tell you that teething doesn't cause a fever... It could be anything so we've been home and are trying to get caught up from being gone to Grandma's last weekend.

Electricity

Thankfully, we are all doing well. No sickness from the flu shot! We had a very busy weekend, lots of yard work, T's been doing some electrical wiring on the new enclosed back porch with some guidance from Pop. Today, Pop came and hooked up the wires to the breaker and everything is working great! We need to get some insulation and interior walls up (not to mention flooring) and then we can start living out there!

Clinic

Thankfully Tim was able to scoot out of the office to escourt us to the clinic before his flight. Sammy had his 9 month weigh in and then we all got a flu shot.
Sammy weighed 17.4 lbs and was 27 inches.

Zack was very upset by the shot and Sammy was very hurt that we would take him there. Sammy still has to get another flu shot in a month since this is his first shot. Then no more shots until he is one!

After our tramatic experience with shots, we took Dad back to work and then returned to bring him some lunch. Then we went to the park and came home for a nap! All the tears are forgotten!

We're back !

Just wanted to let you know that I have backdated stories and pictures. Lots of new stuff in Dec folder if it doesn't come up! Hopefully I can keep this blog going better than I have recently!

Another tooth

Sammy has had tooth number two poke through those tender gums! Poor thing has been a little grumpy the last couple of days! Thank goodness for the ability to tromp outside for a little distraction from teething pain for all of us!

What weather!

We have had incredible weather and I have used it to take advantage of some badly needed pruning of various plants/trees. It's such a wonderful time to thin and clean out the blueberry bushes and azalea bushes. I know that the fruit/flowers grow on the 2nd year growth, but next year they will be healthier and fuller!

The boys are doing great. Zack's newest favorite song is the "Hallelujah" chorus.

teething pains

Sammy has been trying everything he can get his hands on to relieve those gums. I guess he's looking for some relief! Those teeth need to come in soon! (I did remove him from the light bulb-- I just clicked the picture when he put it in his mouth!)

Look at me go!

Bonfire

For New Year's Eve we celebrated at our home with a big bonfire! We had some friends from Dad's work come over(they had some boys my age) and Logan came too! We roasted marshmellows on sticks over the hot coals. It was a very yummy time. The only problem is that once you touch the marshmellows everything sticks to you!