You complete me

I know I have had similar themed blogs in the past, but I am fascinated and feel honored to watch Jared and Colton's relationship grow and strengthen. Today we were playing outside. It began with Colton being Jared's shadow. If Jared was stirring the mud soup, so was Colton. If Jared moved to the kitchen, there was Colton right by his side. Colton's eyes were glued to Jared, watching and learning.
Eventually, Colton noticed the sandbox was open, and he was off. This time Jared was right at his heels. They climbed in, and Jared worked with Colton to fill a bucket of sand. As I sat back and watched I thought how much Jared has changed because of Colton. He has learned patience (most days), he has learned compassion, he has become a teacher, and most of all a good friend. The best way I could sum up their relationship was the love line from Jerry McGuire. Colton completes Jared. Just as Jared completes Colton. I hope their relationship survives all the bumps and jolts it will get throughout life and they will always know they have each other.

Sunshine and mudpies

After what was perhaps the longest winter, this weekend finally brought the return of sunshine and warm weather. The sandbox was cracked, and the bikes were dusted off. Colton enjoyed the new wonderland of the outdoors. A year ago, he sat passively in his bouncy seat. This year he is off exploring. We try not to think about all the gross things he had in his mouth.

Jared made his own discovery, mud. Oh yes, the boyhood wonder of sand and water. His outdoor kitchen was the perfect cooking space he needed to make us "cocoa." He mixed it, stirred it, measured it, and served it In a variety of cups, bowls, and plates. He kept himself very busy, and he carried a smile the entire time he was working. It is safe to say he spent no less than 90 minutes just in the mud. It is also safe to say that both boys earned their bath time. Welcome warm weather, we missed you.

Nice to meet you

We have been working hard to get Jared to not talk to strangers. It has been a bit of a challenge, as he always has something to say. He is finally learning, but he has found a loop hole. When we are shopping, he loves talking to the manikins.

Today we entered a store and he ran right up to the manikin and shook her hand. This is what he said to the fine lady wearing a yellow dress with a belt: (shake hand) "Hi, how are you? I'm going to need to see your belly button. (Proceed to lift dress) you are going to have to take that belt off."
My response: Jared, put her clothes down.
Jared: Ok, OHhhh, someone else (as he discovers manikin #2 with a tank top and shorts on). Hi, nice to meet you (repeat hand shake). You better get a coat. It is too cold to have those clothes on.

Now you might see why I don't want him talking to strangers.

We all just want to belong

How early does the human instinct of having a sense of belonging begin? How early do we want to be part of a group?
Tonight I saw a one year old fulfill his need to belong. Jared was getting ready to sing. He got out his homemade choir stoles. He put one on, and proceeded to put one around Mark, and one around myself. All the while Colton was sitting back quietly observing. With one choir stohl left, Jared plopped it around Colton's neck. Colton's face instantly lit up. I'm sure it was not because his life long dream of being a "thing around their neck guy" was fulfilled. He spent time looking down at his stoles, looking up at mine, and over at Mark. He was happy to have what everyone else had. He smiled.

Jared started belting out a song, Colton took it off, threw it on the floor, and proceeded to play with a toy. We don't always have to be in the choir, but it's nice to know we can join in if we choose.

1st birthday party ideas

With the first birthday party behind me, I thought I would share some of the ideas I used for the party.



Printed off pictures on the computer in black and white. Then printed out party hats in color. Used ribbon to string them together.





The best decorations cost no money.



Party favors: pails filled with individualized treats. With 11 kids ranging in age from 3 weeks- 13 years old, no one gift was going to work for everyone. The favors also served as a decoration. Keeping them above the counter until the end of the party, kept the little hands away too. I hope all the mom and day's are loving the recorders! You're welcome!




We saves space inside by not having the easel. Plus, it worked out as a unique welcome sign.





Argyle cake to match theme.

The bigger the mess the bigger the fun

I have always worked hard to keep the house presentable. From an early age I taught Jared how to clean up before nap, before we leave the house, and at bedtime. As Colton is approaching his one year birthday, he soon will be expected to help, as best as he can. Despite my vigilance in our clean up efforts, there are many days when I want to pull my hair out with the gigantic mess. These messes take only a matter of minutes to develop. I usually am able to tolerate them as I see the boys having fun creating and playing. Today Jared's creative play involved turning our playroom/living room into a football field and a McDonalds. He see's a football field, I see my sanity slipping away. You be the judge...