Seeing Santa 2007

Sunday we journeyed on out to the Gaylord Texan for our annual visit with Santa (yes, a tad bit late, but better late than never, right?). We went last year and really had a fun time, without the large crowds of a mall, seeing Santa and many other fun sights! Here's a little recap from this year's trip:

We opted for the family photo with Santa because if we hadn't, there would be NO photo! And, as you can see, even though we all snuggled up to Santa, Garrett STILL was unsure it was a good idea. Bless his little heart!

But lo and behold, after our family photo and about 3 feet between him and the big guy, Garrett warmed up and expressively gave Santa his wish list: plastic cars and a camera.

The train displays at the Gaylord are amazing! And, since Garrett is VERY much into trains this year, it was hit! This is one of my favorite photos of my boys....I just love pictures that capture their shared moments of discovering things together!

"Just takin' a wittle bweak"....I think we sat on every bench that Garrett saw. The boy loves him some benches!

And, last but not least, this was my attempt to capture a photo similar to the one we took of Garrett last year in an effort to show his growth....the one on top is 2006 and the bottom is 2007.

Markle

Last Saturday afternoon, our door bell rang with a package straight from the North Pole. Apparently, some very special people called Santa for us and told him that our house needed an extra set of eyes to watch Garrett and report daily back to Santa. So, inside our package came our very own elf and book. We read the book and immediately followed the instructions:

1. Name your elf. Garrett chose "Markle". Hmm.

2. Only Mommies and Daddies can touch the elf. If kids touch Markle, he will lose his special powers to report back to Santa all of the good (and bad) choices that the children make. And therefore, causing Santa not to know whether or not he should bring us treats.

3. Each morning, look for Markle in a new spot. Every night after Garrett goes to sleep, Markle flies back to the North Pole, reporting to Santa Garrett's behavior for that day, and then flies back to our house, landing in a new, prime watching spot. And, for your entertainment purposes, here are just a few places we've spotted Markle this season:

It has been really fun to start a new tradition in our home this year! We would highly recommend that if your home is without an elf this year, get one for next year!!

Celebrating Christmas: Round One

Last Saturday night we had our first night of celebrating Christmas with Brandon, Jess and Jordyn! They braved the cold weather and traveled to our house for dinner, presents and an attempt at making a gingerbread house. I'm finding it's much easier to tell stories through pictures, so here we go.....

This was one of Garrett's presents from Jess...his very own "buggy" like "the ones at Taw-get stuh"! He loved it so much and immediately took off into the playroom to stock up.

Ms. Jordyn opening her present....check out those pigtails! Could she be any cuter? And, I am so bummed that I did not get a picture of her feet - she had on the spunkiest pair of Ugg-looking boots that perfectly matched her lavender outfit. I oohed and ahhed over them all night!

I call this one "Three Kids in a Candy Shop"..... all three were trying to maneuver a candy-grabber machine from Granny Opal.

And this, my friends, was the saddest attempt ever at decorating a gingerbread house. I, in my naivety, bought one of the kits at a local store that literally read "Includes Everything You Need" on the box. Except mortar to hold the house together, patience for the parents and a sleeping pill to get the kiddos to sleep after eating the candy instead of decorating. And really, because someones counting, the candy wouldn't have stuck to the house even if the rock hard insta-icing would have kept the house stuck together. But it didn't and so no harm done. Other than the fact that the blue candies left G's teeth blue and green all through the next day and into our Christmas card picture session. If you got our card, you'll notice we didn't chose color - just black and white to soften the oh-so-fabulous look of colored toothies.

Any-who, it was so much fun to celebrate in a special way with our first round of family! And, let's hope that next year I will be a better prepared hostess and have our gingerbread house assembled and ready to go!

Where Ya Been, Watcha Been Doin?

No, no. We have not moved. Not been on an exotic vacation. We have not been in hiding. Just busy celebrating Thanksgiving and preparing for Christmas. In good ole Jill-fashion style blogging, this post will be in picture/caption style in an effort to catch up:

1. Thanksgiving: We had a really great series of Thanksgiving celebrations....3 in all! I think my favorite or most memorable thing from this Thanksgiving was making our "Thankful Tree" with Garrett and adding a leaf each day with what he was thankful for...it was quite comical!

(Garrett was thankful for: Ms. Stephanie, plastic cars, a snowflake, Prestyn, a tree, the mail, the garage and Anthony)

Round One: The Wade's...we missed you soon-to-be Aunt Haley!

Round Two: The Freeman's...we missed you Stephanie!

Round Three: The Mayfield's (I never got a group picture so you get one that represents all of the commotion that typically takes place at Mimi and Poppy's house. That's G opening his 1st gift for Christmas.)

2. After stuffing ourselves at Thanksgiving, Santa brought us a little present early....ear infections and bronchitis. Actually, Daddy brought home the love from work, shared it oh-so-kindly with little man (who, had the most difficult time with it) and somehow, I only managed to be knocked down for a day or two. Because, after all, Momma's can't be sick.

This was the look on G's face EVERY time we wrestled him down to the ground, I mean, kindly asked him to sit, for his breathing treatments. Let's just say this: we here at the Wade household are praising Jesus for healing our little one and sparing us the drama these treatments brought on!

3. Christmas Preparation: We always get so giddy at our house to pull down the deco's, put them up and yet somewhere about 2/3 of the way in, Kenny and I both look at each other in wonderment of WHY, OH WHY, do we do this each year? Which leads to a quick finish with what's in progress and x'ing out whatever hasn't been unpacked. Like the snow villages. Or the manager. Or the outdoor lights. It seems like something gets left out each year.

Decorating the Big Family Tree

Garrett Decorating His Little Tree

Garrett-the-Red-Nose-Reindeer...thanks, Jess, for the fun treat!

And, since I really don't want to over-tire my out-of-practice typing fingers, I will return tomorrow for round one of Christmas celebrations....to be continued!

Fall Whereabouts

Here's a recap - in a list version - of some of our fall whereabouts:

1. Pumpkin Patch: Usually, we visit 2-3 Pumpkin Patches each fall but this year we only managed one. We met up with Jess and Jordyn one weekday in October. We had visited this one in Flower Mound last year and it was amazing to see how different Garrett interacted with everything as a 3 year old vs. a 2 year old - little man is growing up!

2. In Touch with His Sole: Long gone are the days of multiple pairs of Crocs in our home. Crocs have been replaced by these shoes. Garrett now owns a pair in black and brown and cherishes them dearly. He even slept in one brown and one black during his nap a few weeks back. And I couldn't resist snapping a picture.

3. Trick or Treating at Daddy's Work: Garrett had a blast going Trick or Treating at Kenny's work this fall. I was so impressed that those people who sit in cubes all day long mulling over a square monitor and rarely interact with society and real issues took the time to spread the love Halloween style. AND, if you cannot read my tone in the last sentence, please know it was full of sarcasm and jest. I love to kid those computer nerds. Mainly because they have more knowledge in their little pinky toe than I have all together. At least computer knowledge. Because, you know, girlfriend IS street smart. I digress. Sorry.

4. Halloween Night: Garrett was SO excited about dressing up as a Spider. Not to be confused with Spider Man. I cannot recall how many times he bodly corrected people that he was "Ga-wet the Spid-uh" and "NOT Spid-uh Man". Kenny and I had so much fun watching him run from house to house and giggling with glee that people would actually give him candy. And he didn't even have to go potty for it. My favorite part of the night was when Garrett went up to a front door, knocked twice and then, when no one answered he delivered a monologue that went like this:

"Oh, I guess they won't answer. I must sing vem a song.

We aw he-uh to Twick or Tweat, Twick or Tweat

We aw he-uh to Twick or Tweat

Oh Happy Ha-wo-ween!"

All while swaying back and forth. Apparently the Little Einstein's taught my child this. And, I guess I am no longer above letting tv teach my child. Because it was the darndest, cutest, most innocent thing I've ever seen. At least on Halloween night.

And, that's all folks. This concludes the Fall/Halloween portion of said blog. Too bad it's 5 days into November before I gave the report. I have high hopes of being a better bloggy citizen in the next two holiday months to come.

Joy

You have filled my heart with greater joy....

Psalm 4:7

Yay Three!

Did ya'll ever watch the Cosby Show episode where Rudy was five years old and felt left out of the family, so Claire Huxtable (sp??) ends up in a tent in the back yard with her, convincing her that being five years old is really great? And, at the end Claire and Rudy are saying things like "Five year olds can (you fill in the blank). Yay Five!"

Well, I am convinced Claire had her timing all wrong. She was supposed to say "Yay Three" because 3 is the age (at least at our house) in which little ones go potty. All. By. Themselves.

YAY THREE!!!

I have been holding off sharing the good news for one week now so as not to jinx the luck we're having. Apparently, all of you wise mommas out there were right when you told me to 1)Wait until he's three and 2)He'll tell you when he's ready. The first one sounded dreadfully okay but the second one seemed unbelievable.

Until last Tuesday when Garrett announced that he was ready to wear big-boy undies and use the potty. And get a fish. Because I had promised him a while back a fish for his bathroom (to look at while going potty) if he chose to use the potty. The enticement fizzled for many weeks. But, after seeing a fish tank at a doctors appointment, he pulled that thought from about 2 months ago out of his memory and badgered me with it all morning long.

So, I did what I had to do. We bought the fish. We bought MORE big boy undies and these magical "protectors" that have allowed ME to not worry as much about accidents - thank you lovely lady at church for the recommendation - genius! (And in case you are wanting or looking for them, we actually ended up finding them at Wal-Mart)

I really thought that potty training would entail loads of laundry, tantrums and staying home all of the time. But, I was wrong. We've been on the go from day one and no problems. REALLY? REALLY? I keep thinking Garrett will change his mind. But, I called his Daddy at work today to say, due to a series of lovely pottying accomplishments this morning, that there's no turning back. This kiddo is serious about his potty. I hope I don't have to eat those words anytime in the near future.

Until then.......YAY THREE!

Stick 'Em Up, Line 'Em Up!

Look closely and you will see that Garrett is lining up tiny reward type stickers all across the back of my shirt. Two things the boy adores most in life: stickers and lining things up!

Still Alive, Well and Now Whining

Well, peeps. It is true. I am still alive, well and my preschooler is now into whining (even though via this blog you might just think I was on another planet without a connection to the Internet and hence the lack of entries).

A wise momma friend of mine said that right around age three this might happen again. I chose not to believe her because if I did that, it might come true. Dern. My disbelief didn't work. I must say that these three year old tantrums really aren't that bad. No where near like two. But, the tantrums have weaseled their way back into our lives with the added bonus of whining and persuasion and three year old reasoning. Here's a mild sampling of my son's reasoning:

Momma, I do not HAVE to do any-fing. It is MY choice, Momma. I chose to not do ANY-FING. That is a good choice, Momma. Because I am the boss. Not you, Momma.

On a much brighter note, it is October and our "new" life is set to begin. By "new" I mean that G's preschool was set to open and his Kindermusik class was ready to begin (really the last week of September). Unfortunately we did not get to begin either last week due to viral infection number two of the season and the fact that the preschool (which is under construction) opening has been delayed. Again. To October 15th. No problem. No issue.

Until we went to turn in some additional paperwork today and the lovely (really, she is) director stated November is now the new start date. I really am in no hurry to get G into school because although tantrumitis has hit, we really have great days together. BUT, I am dreading the separation anxiety (for him, not me) that is to come and have been preparing G for the new change for about 1 1/2 months. Every time we drive by the school, he asks, "Momma, is it ready yet?" Poor kiddo. He probably thinks I'm making it all up.

We DID get to go to Kindersmusik today. We have not been to Kindermusik since G was about 20 months old. I was a little nervous about the revisiting this adventure only because it was with someone new and at her house and our last experience was smack dab in the start of the 2's. And, oh yes, Momma couldn't stay. Or isn't supposed to. But G's teacher, Ms. Lissa, was so great. She let me stay in the room and then back into the hallway this first week.

And, oh honey child. Garrett LOVED him some Kindersmusik. He ran. He sang. He squealed. He hugged on some new friends. He played instruments. If there is a Garrett version of Heaven here on Earth, this was it. I am so glad I did get to stay to see the joy that oozed from his eyes and body. Homeboy was truly in his element. While I will drop him off next time, I almost want to leave a video camera to capture his excitement. As a parent, this is the stuff I live for - seeing my child peering into what we think will be a talent of his one day and exude sheer giddiness about it.

Which got me thinking. Isn't that exactly what our Heavenly Father loves to see in us, His children? I cannot capture in words the soaring emotion I experienced watching Garrett today. My love for him is beyond words. And, because I take the Word for Truth, I know God loves me and Garrett and all of us a million times more than I can fathom. What kind of joy did He find in watching Garrett today?

I'll never forget being up late one night feeding a newborn little man and crying tears of joy over how much I love him. And that's when it hit me. As much as I love Garrett, God loves him so much more. And me so much more than my Earthly parents love me. It was as if I really got that Heavenly-Father-love-thing for the first time.

As I leave you today with probably the most unorganized thought process of writing, I challenge you to try and see how much you are loved. And to love others the way God loves them. Not as we see them. I will try and cling onto that notion today. How about you?

And PS: I cannot for the life of me, despite my college education, decide whether or not "earth" should be in caps or no caps....

A Forward Now A Post....Invisible

I received this sweet story in an e-mail about two weeks ago from a friend and then again from my future sister-in-law today. I thought it was worth posting (seeing as I am not really in the writing mood these days). As a mother of a toddler who cannot clearly define what I "accomplish" each day, this really hit home and encouraged me...

It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response,the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store. Inside I'm thinking, "Can't you see I'm on the phone?"

Obviously not. No one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all. I'm invisible.

Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more: Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Can you open this? Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a clock to ask, "What time is it?" I'm a satellite guide to answer, "What number is the Disney Channel?" I'm a car to order, "Right around 5:30, please."

I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated summa cum laude - but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again. She's going, she's going, she's gone!

One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England. Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting there,looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself as I looked down at my out-of-style dress;it was the only thing I could find that was clean. My unwashed hair was pulled up in a hair clip and I was afraid I could actually smell peanut butter in it. I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, "I brought you this." It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe. I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her inscription: "To Charlotte, with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees."

In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work: No one can say who built the great cathedrals - we have no record of their names. These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished. They made great sacrifices and expected no credit. The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything.

A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, "Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof? No one will ever see it t." And the workman replied, "Because God sees."

I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, "I see you, Charlotte. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does. No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've baked, is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become."

At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride. I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on. The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree.

When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend he's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, "My mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for three hours and presses all the linens for the table." That would mean I'd built a shrine or a monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home. And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add, "You're gonna love it there."

As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel,not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women.

Great Job, MOM

Prayers Needed

I've run across this family's blog: http://www.conorbootheandgirls.blogspot.com/

Please click on the link, read about their sweet family and precious newborn, Copeland. She will most likely be going home to Heaven soon. While I do not know them, my heart and spirit have been burdened for them over the past few days. Please join me in praying for them.

A Sign of Things to Come?

This afternoon, as I was on the ump-teenth trip into Garrett's room during his supposed nap time to answer his sweetness' requests, I was delighted to hear this request:

G: Mommy, my diap-uh hoits me. I need to take this diap-uh off, Mommy.

M: Okay, we can take your diaper off but what will you wear instead?

G: I will not wu-eh anything, Mommy. I will go sit on my potty and let the tee-tees and poo-poos come out.

So, as fast as I could, I tore that thing off and let him lead the way. Garrett actually SAT on the potty. Now, some of you may be thinking "big deal". Let me just stop you right there in your thought process. This is HUGE for our little man because he has NEVER wanted to sit on the potty or even stand near it for the purpose of putting anything in it. And NEVER has he led me to the potty himself. Back in the Great Potty Training Expedition of this Spring I always had to bribe him or convince him to at least sit on the throne.

But not today. Today, he sat on the potty and chatted about all of the things that might happen while sitting there. One might think that I was disappointed that the little man produced nothing, but that fool would be mistaken. I was so ecstatic with Garrett prompting me to go and sit on the potty. Never mind the fact that it all could have been a ploy to get himself out of nap time. Who cares? Not this momma!

I am going to be cautiously optimistic that there is a future full of potties and big boy underwear!! And I am going to pray that it will all happen and be done with by the end of this year. Seriously. Either I am over-aiming or under-shooting. I am not really sure what to do next other than encourage him and continue to allow him to take the lead. Any other ideas??

Happy Heart!

No story, no tale. Just a picture of a little man with a very happy heart.

Untitled so as to not scare or surprise or mislead anyone.....

I know that when I say I am long overdue with a post and pictures and stories of 3 year old birthdays and parties, it is an understatement. I apologize. I will catch up soon. Until then, enjoy this little story Garrett shared with his Daddy at bedtime tonight:

G: Daddy, Daddy! Come he-uh (here)!

Garrett was already in bed

D: What buddy?

G: He-uh (here) she comes, Daddy! He-uh comes my baby sist-uh out of my be-wee (belly)!

D: chuckle, chuckle

G: He-uh comes baby "G" (he used a real name of a little girl that can be found here)! She is comin' out of my be-wee!

Funny thing is, no talk of siblings or future siblings or pregnancies or ANYTHING related to babies happened today. I got a huge laugh out of this one. Hope someone else does, too!

Bath Time Chef

What's that you say? You have a chef in your bathtub? Yup, we do.

Lately G-man whips us up some very creative "meals" while lathering up in the tub. His specialty is "a wittuhl bit of onions, some pah-me-san, some spink-uhls and salt" (aka: a little bit of onions, some parmesan, some sprinkles and salt). All whisked together gracefully with his pretend spoon in his famous gallon sized OU bath cup.

It is quite a tasty treat for the bather...is that a word? Bather? You know, the parent who is getting drenched, I mean administering the bath?

I must say that seeing and hearing and watching Garrett come up with pretend scenarios is so much fun. I am loving watching his creativity. Tonight Kenny and I just laughed and laughed and laughed. And took some pictures. I know, I know. He is probably too old for bath time pics. I will learn to restrain myself soon. Until then, take a peek at the chef himself:

No Room at the Inn

Last night we took a leisurely little jaunt down to the local frozen custard place. It has become a favorite of the boys, especially if Mama has had a long, tiring day. But, every now and again I will go along for company. Not for ice cream. Yep. You read that right. I don't like ice cream.

Anywho, last night we all went down to Double Dip which has an oh-so-fabulous small town charm to it. After ordering and getting our treats, we sat on the park benches to just "be". It really is a great place to just sit and eat, usually in silence, and enjoy watching all of the other families and kiddos soaking in summer nights.

Because I was not partaking in the frozen custard happiness, I had a bit more time to talk OR speak on behalf of the rambling thoughts in my head. So, I asked Garrett, "Hey Buddy, what do you think about having a little brother or sister?" To which he answered, "NO!" And I said, "Why not, buddy?" To which he said, "Mama, the-uh is not woom in ow-uh house for a baby. Only woom for Mommy, Daddy and Gawett."

Apparently there is no room in our inn. Or at least in the measuring standards of his royal highness.

Knots...

I woke up this morning with no premonition as to what stage "we" would venture into this morning. Again, my heart - longing for the baby in my boy - received some chiseling. I am not sure WHY this act thrust my heart into my throat longing for the baby-ness of Garrett, but it did.

We met up with some friends for breakfast at McDonald's and some play time on the indoor playground, play scape thingy. Whatever it's called. You know, the slimy, germ invested place.


As Garrett tried to run over to his friend and proceed to climb up one step, he tripped and fell and hit his noggin on the plastic step. Normally he would pick himself and keep on running, but this time he cried and cried REAL crocodile tears. After several minutes of some Momma lovin' he was back playing.


A few minutes after that he ran over to tell me something....and look what had poked out to stare at me:

It's kind of hard to tell from this picture that the red spot in between his eyes is actually quite 3-D. It hasn't bothered him since. But let me just tell you. It has bothered me into quite a panic. I immediately began asking all the mommas what to do. Apparently, he'll live. Apparently, I have a boy on my hands. A big boy who gets knots on his head as he rumbles and tumbles.

Hence the heartache. He's really growing up. He's really not going to freeze and stay this way forever. And, to quote the little man himself, "Bumm-uh" (aka: bummer).

Pop, Plano and the Paper - What a Deal!

Oh, what a morning! Garrett had the best time visiting Pop at his new house this morning .... only 10 minutes from ours! We are thrilled that he and GG (who is out of town - we missed you GG) will live so close to us after almost 3 years of being so far away.

Okay. Well, we qualify 45 minutes from us being far away. I know, ridiculous to those of you who live states away from your families. Anywho. We are so excited to be able to have our weekly get together at either home - used to be that GG and Pop would drive all the way over to see us - so generous. Now we can return the favor!

Garrett enjoyed playing with his toys, finding the swing set in the backyard and reading the paper with Pop. Good thing I had my trusty camera in tow - such a sweet sight to remember!

Heartbroken

As "we" approach the big 3, I am becoming more and more heartbroken. I do this every year about one to two months prior to Garrett's birthday. I get all sappy. I start looking back through all of his baby pictures. I reminisce over all of the milestones he's met. I then become more and more aware that he is growing up.

Don't get me wrong. I am so very proud of Garrett - who is he, what he has accomplished and the fact that he is healthy and developing normally. BUT. I get sad just thinking that these years are slipping by faster and faster. I mean, wasn't he just in size 2 diapers? And wasn't he just still needing a burping after each feeding?

Now it's size 6 diapers and doing good to even get him to sit still for a meal.

My little baby has suddenly turned into a little boy. Gulp. Wipe the tears.

And today my sense of awareness about his turning three soon was heightened to a new level. I am really bitten by the reality of his growing up today because Garrett got a new haircut. Like Daddy's. Short. And it oozes little boyness.

I have made the executive decision that we are going to immediately start to grow out his precious locks. You may not be able to tell very well from this picture, but Garrett got a VERY short crew/buz cut. I am really not sure what the proper, technical, hair savvy verbage would be, so bear with me. All I know is that it is short and made a few tears slip down my cheeks.

And that smile? What, he almost turns three and he whips out the cheesy grin?

Apparently I have so much to learn. And to let go of. So that when the day comes for him to go off to college or get married, I won't totally lose it and have to be checked into a loony bin. Or something. You know what I mean.

Just About the Longest Post. Ever. Enter with Caution, Folks.

So, I'm realizing that if I stay away from posting on this said blog for more than a week, I can get so overwhelmed and can't decide which ever-so-fascinating family experience I should post about in an effort to catch up. You know. Because we're so exciting over here at the Wade house. Hence, this list:

1. The Boy and His Socks: Garrett is, might I say, obsessed with funky, different and unique socks. You want to totally flip his lid, get him a pair of crazy socks and he'll either a) play with them like puppets or b)wear them. Yuppers. He typically wears them around the house. No issue. But one day last week, he was insistent that he should wear them while we ran our errands. Again, I didn't bother to fight him on it. I'm actually growing quite fond of his quirky-ness.

2.One day last week Garrett and I had a really fun morning with two momma buddies of mine and their kiddos. We all piled into one momma's van (to which upon getting in Garrett stated "We need to buy one of these cars, Momma") and rode down to The Science Place.


Now, I for one, have not been to The Science Place since I went as a 1st grade teacher. Who was stressed to the max. Worried her 24 precious students might get lost or abducted or might break something. Or wait, I really can't remember. Maybe the last time I went was as a special ed teacher. Either way, stressed to the max. So, really, I don't have fond memories of this place.


BUT. This trip was so fun! They have set up the whole bottom floor with exhibits for younger kiddos. Like a farm where you can milk a cow, baskets to pick out fruits, veggies and eggs, tractors to ride and so on. And, there was a really cool water room set up with huge water tables and water toys.


Let me just stop right here and give some unwarranted advice: take a change of clothes if your child is highly motivated by playing in the water. Garrett walked around wet the rest of the day although it didn't seem to bother him.


Anyway, lot's of other fun exhibits and lot's of great company! Thanks Angela & Emma and Heather & Sammy for sharing your day with us. We can't wait to do it again!

Oh, and PS: it was free for 2 and under and only $4 per person - I thought that was a steal compared to some of the other indoor play places around here!

Milking the Cow

Picking the Veggies with Emma

Stealing From, I mean Picking, Veggies with Sammy

Gathering Eggs

Riding the Tractor

Water Fun

Dumpin' It All Out

Playing House

Bubble Making

3. From our little day of chatting together, the above named girls and I decided that is was unanimous. Betty, who I wrote so fondly about here, and a few other employees at our shared pediatrician's office, MUST GO! So, see. I am not crazy. The lady doesn't have it out for me. Thank goodness. Because I was really losing some sleep over it. Okay. Not really.

4. Daddy and Son Swimming: I don't' know why, but every time I see Garrett and Kenny swim and play together, my heart just melts. Or maybe I am so elated that I get to sit on the sidelines, read a book and tan. No, it must seeing these two frolic in the water. Wow. I think that word "frolic" really makes me seem old.

5. Last night we all went to "Taw-get Stuh" as a family after dinner. Needed to visit the friendly pharmacy. While we were there we picked up a few other essential groceries to get us through the week. You know, the ones that weren't on the list but somehow you ended up needing half-way through the week. So, as the buggy grew and got heavy, Garrett got behind me to help push. And as if to prevent a tornado or some other deadly disaster from happening again like this one, Kenny ran over to us and emphatically told Garrett that he would indeed push the buggy and Mommy and Garrett could walk along. No need to push on Mommy. Kenny really isn't into public humiliation. It was quite comical to see him react so quickly.

6. And finally, in the latest breaking, news from Casa de Wade, today G-man and I (along with best buddies kiddo) went to a fun little spot called Clubhouse for Kids. After getting lost (yes, it's what I'm known for) and arriving in time to play for only an hour or so, we unloaded and went in. It's the neatest little place sectioned off with different rooms for imaginary play. Garrett had the most fun pretending to grocery shop (shocker, I know), fishing from the boat and flying the airplane. I must say that I was a little bummed out because I expected the place to be quiet and not too full. But, lo and behold, there about a bizillion playgroups there. All of the kids weren't a problem but I suddenly became so sad watching all of the other mommies chat it up. I really should have invited another mommy to join us. Lesson learned.

Grocery Shopping

Fishing

Pilot Garrett in the Cockpit

7. Oh wait a minute! My most favorite piece of news this summer! I am madly in love with a TV show. And it takes a lot for me to adore TV. But this show, Jon and Kate Plus 8, is what I wait for each and every Tuesday night, baby. I can't get enough. I have sadly decided that it is because after watching, I no longer feel tired or grumpy that I am tired. For Pete's sake, if Kate can raise twin 6 year olds and sextuplet 2 year olds AND clean her house which she does AND keep her marriage strong AND feed them all AND laugh AND host birthday parties for her husband AND have time to keep her hair color/highlights maintained, then am in no way allowed to complain.

Okay, maybe a little. This mothering stuff is hard work. And heart work. And we all have those days. But man alive. I am so thankful my hard days are only filled with ONE two year old and not SIX!

I tell Kenny after every Tuesday night that we really should send these people a check. A prize. A reward. Or something. They certainly deserve it.

All for now....will try to do better at keeping up!