"Naked Boy" Super Heroes

Connor and Dylan like nothing more than pretending they're super heroes. It started out that they would pretend they were Spiderman, or Batman, or a Power Ranger... etc.  One day Connor put on a black, zip-up hoodie over his clothes and said he was the black spiderman (from Spiderman 3).  Then, a few days later he put it on without any clothes on underneath and ran around telling us all that he was naked under there! Dylan started calling him "Naked Boy" and so... a new super hero was born!  They came across another zip-up hoodie... so now they are BOTH "Naked Boy."

Tonight, we went outside to play on the tramploline and they asked to wear their "costumes." I agreed...

Yep... naked under there! Although, I do insist they wear underwear. I know, party pooper.

So here is what I know about "Naked Boy" from listening to them play... He spins a lot, he has an invisible forcefield (but it's powerless against other "Naked Boys"), he tackles... and when he does, he says, "whack!"

Here's to hoping they find a new favorite super hero before Halloween.

Connor and Dylan's favorite poem

I have a friend named Larry.
He's eight years old, but hairy.
There's hair on his back.
There's hair up his nose.
Why, he even has hair
Between all his toes.
But he never complains,
or whines or cries.
He can't. There's hair
In his mouth and his eyes.

From Todd and the Talking Pinata Talk Courage
by RH Fuller

Interview with a 5 year old! (Connor)

I'm a little late posting this blog; it's been a little crazy around here!! I found the idea to interview the birthday boy from another friend's blog (and she had some great questions so I used a few of hers - thanks Amber!!) so we can remember this age from his perspective... love it!

Connor - I cannot believe you are 5! You are growing up so fast!! You are such a kind, loving, smart boy and I am so excited to see what God has in store for you this year!

Here is your 5 year old interview:

Mama: What is your favorite color?
Connor: Red and green.

M: What is your favorite toy?
C: Legos

M: What do you want to do when you grow up?
C: Put fires out.

M: Why don't you want to be a policeman anymore?
C: Because I know it's a dangerous job because the bad guys might disobey me.

M: What is your favorite movie?
C: Ice Age Dawn of the Dinosaurs

M: What is your favorite book?
C: Transformers and The Gruffalo

M: Favorite indoor activity?
C: Play and not clean up.

M: Favorite outdoor activity?
C: I don't like to play outside.

M: Don't you like to play on playgrounds?
C: Yes, but only ones that are inside.

M: Favorite food?
C: Chicken casserole and squash casserole.

M: Something you don't like to eat?
C: Green bean casserole. (M: (disclaimer) I promise I make other things besides casseroles!)

M: Favorite game?
C: Battleship.

M: Favorite thing God made?
C: Legos

M: What are you excited about turning 5?
C: Getting new legos.

M: Favorite thing to wear?
C: My tie.

M: Who is your best friend?
C: Daniel.

M: What is your favorite thing to do with me?
C: Play with you.

M: What is your favorite thing to do with daddy?
C: Tickle fight!

M: Where is your favorite place to go?
C: Hot wings. And Walmart to buy legos... because I love legos.

M: What is your favorite thing about Dylan?
C: Playing lego fighters with him.

M: What is your favorite thing about Sam?
C: Tickling him and making him laugh.

M:What does daddy do all day?
C: He works.

M: What does mommy do all day?
C: Stay home and watch after us and help us with school and have fun.

M: What is the best thing about getting older?
C: I get taller than I was before.

M: What about when you stop getting taller?
C: Then I'll be really sad.

M: What else makes you sad?
C: You not letting me buy legos.

M: Do you think you're a little obsessed with legos?
C: What is obsessed?
M: It means you like it so much it's all you think and talk about.
C: Then yes, I'm obsessed.

M: What is your favorite Bible story?
C: About Jesus growing up and loving us.

We love you so much, buddy! You are one. funny. kid!  You are a blessing and we cannot even tell you how much fun you are to be around! We enjoy every moment with you and are excited to see how much you will learn and grow over the next year. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Sam's 1st birthday!

Happy birthday, Sam... you are 1 year old today! YAY!!!

Oh my... how time flies. I can't believe you are 1 already. It seems like yesterday I was holding your small, newborn body in my arms for the first time. You have blossomed before my very eyes and you continue to change every day! It's hard to keep up!

I wanted to take a minute just to write a little bit about your first year and what you are up to these days. First of all... you adore your mama! I'm not just saying that because I AM your mama... honestly, you really are quite attached. I can hardly leave the room. If I do sneak out, it doesn't take long for you to notice and start showing your discontent. It may sound like I'm complaining... but, I'm not. I love the way you love me, baby!

Let's not leave Daddy out... you rather adore him as well. As soon as he walks in the door you start squeeling and kicking your legs and cannot wait to get in his arms! Then, you just look at me like, "Ha, ha! I've got my daddy now!" He has started taking you out on the front porch swing in the evenings because you LOVE to swing. So, now, as soon as he gets home and picks you up, your sweet, little finger points to the door.

You have 4 teeth - 2 on bottom and 2 on top. You eat regular food with us, but you also still eat some baby food. Your favorite is yogurt. You still nurse quite a bit, so I guess it's time to start cutting back. You want to nurse when you first wake up, when you're tired, when you're hungry, when you're thirsty, when you're hurt, etc., etc., etc.! Soooo... definitely need to find a way to distract you with something else some of those times. It's not going to be easy, but I know we can do it. ;)

You smile a lot... but hardly ever for the camera! I act like a crazy person when I take your picture trying to get you to laugh, but mostly I just get what we call, "the elvis lip." Your top lip just comes up enough to show your teeth, but it's not really a smile. It's still cute, though.

You LOVE to play with your brothers. They are very good playmates and they love to play with you, too. They love to make you smile and laugh so they are constantly tickling you. They always want to kiss you and hug you, especially before you go to bed. They try to teach you about legos and transformers and race cars... and they've been pretty successful. You already push around your tonka truck and make a car vroom sound.

Oh, and you are into everything! You love to explore. You are not walking yet, but it won't be long! You crawl very fast and you walk along the furniture. You can stand on your own and you take 1 or 2 steps before sitting. I have to keep a constant eye on you, which is not an easy task, and one I must say I have failed a time or two... like the time I caught you eating dog bones. (Sorry, Sam, had to post it!)

You can say a few words. Your first one was "Dada" and it's still one of your favorites. You say "Baba" for Mama. You also say Uh-oh, hey there, and thank you - which sounds more like, um, dane doo.  You squeel VERY loudly when you want something... mostly another bite. You love to make funny noises brushing your finger across your lips. It's very funny to watch, you crack yourself up!



We are so thankful for you, sweet boy. We love you so very much and you are such an amazing blessing. You are so much fun to be around and I am looking forward to seeing you flourish even more in your 2nd year! HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY!!

Sam's first haircut

I broke down... after many requests from the man of the house... to get Sam's hair cut. I believe the words he used were, "It's outrageous." Ha! He cracks me up!! Although I didn't necessarily agree with Sam's hair being outrageous... I could tell it was bothering him, so I was happy to oblige. :)

So here are some pics...

Before:

During:

After:

Sam - I can't believe you've already had your first haircut! You're growing up too fast!! Love you, sweet boy!!

Thank you, Mrs. Joni!! You were very patient with our little wiggle worm! :)

THIS is what's for dinner tonight!

Just pulled the spare ribs out of the oven!  My first time making them, but I need to remember this because it smells (and more importantly - tastes) amazing! I first put on a rub and let sit until they were close to room temp... I didn't use a recipe for it... just put what "looked" right. Here's what I used:

Dark brown sugar (this was the majority)
Salt
Pepper
Garlic
Paprika

Placed ribs up on a cooling rack set in a foil lined cookie sheet.

Cooked them on 250 for 3 hours (internal temperature needs to be a minimum of 145). Basted them with Hickory and Brown Sugar barbecue sauce about 20 minutes before pulling them out.

Serving with corn, baked beans and new potatoes.

So... move over Rachael Ray, because THIS is what's for dinner tonight! ;)

Picture fun!

The other morning I was camera happy and just took some fun pictures of the boys throughout the day as they played. They love making silly faces and running to see themselves on the camera. Such fun!

Sam is 11 months now! 

This boy LOVES granola bars... and making messes!

Play time with the giant bean bags.

Silly faces.

This was supposed to be a "mad face", but Connor said, "Well, I'm not mad so I'll just smile."

Happy face!

 Cletus

Bubba

Brotherly love!

Okay, that's enough love - get off.