1.31.11 - Two more feet

Why, when it's only two more feet to the locker? 

1.30.11 - When will it be summer?

Yup, he asked it...he got soccer cleats for Christmas and can't wait to use them.  Just the other day Jalen asked when will I see the grass, when will it be summer.  It really hasn't been too bad of a winter but two boys cooped up in a house can make for a long winter.  This picture brings back summer memories because one thing we never run out of in the summer time is Flavor Ice.

1.29.11 - For the love of Batman

He may be a little OCD but it is so darn cute.

1.28.11 - Jamestown v. Alward Staff B-Ball Game

One night where they go back and live their high school days.

1.27.11 - Onna Ush Eeth

About a month ago Tyler told us out of the clear blue "onna ush eeth".  I don't remember Jalen ever asking us, we just started one day.  I guess that's what having a big brother does for you.  The boys love this time of night.  For Tyler, it is all about being a "big boy" and for Jalen it's all about using his battery powered tooth brush that he got for Christmas from his Aunt and Uncle.  On a side note, this picture has so many dimensions - my eyes bounce between two focal points...the image in the mirror and Ty looking at the camera.  Where is your eye drawn?

1.26.11 - Be STILL and know I AM

I bought this sign during a time in my life when I needed a constant reminder of who was in control, not me but my Lord, Savior, Jesus Christ.  Some days this sign blends into it surroundings but other days I pause and think of all that lays on my heart and / or the hearts of those around me.  Today I pause and think of the ache and worry that a few friends have for the health of their children...I pray that they feel the embrace of God's peace and rest in the fact that He is in control.

1.25.11 - Skins v. Fur

 Lucy's defense is unbelievable!

Ty picks up the football starts walking around the house yelling "ut-own, ut-own, ut-own".  He is clearly a football coaches son.

1.24.11 - Sweet Dreams

My heart aches when I have to work late and the boys are
sleeping before I get home.  I just want to pick them up,
hold them and snuggle my nose next to their soft
skin that has that sense that only a mother knows.

1.23.11 - X-Country Skiing

 

We started week 8 of our workout challenge with an afternoon of skiing.

The temp in the car on the way to church read -10...making me think twice about this planned activity.  I'm so glad I went, it was absolutely beautiful and we all got a great workout.

1.22.11 - Phew-ee

Ty grasped the concept of his stinky diapers - "Phew-ee"

1.21.11 - Elmo Love

 

Ty absolutely loves his Tickle Me Elmo.  When Elmo starts to shake, Ty gives him a big huge and lays on top of him.  Jalen on the other hand likes Elmo when he can get a rise out of his brother by taking Elmo away.  These pictures capture both moments in addition to a little big brother jealousy.  

1.20.11 - Love or War?

 

These two are the oldest, first born boys in their family.

They love each other like brothers - anything 

that remotely invites competition brings on war.

Why did we let them play this, I simply do not know.

Now, this on the other hand invited love...they're watching 

Batman and whenever the music came on they broke 

into crazy action figure moves.

 

1.19.11 - Whale's Belly

The boys were pretending they were in a whale's 

belly...interesting and weird.

1.18.11 - Who Needs a Doorman?

 

It's cold out here...if you'd stop locking the door I could let myself in.

1.17.11 - Goodbye Ear Infections

 

Simple surgery but it still required a deep breath to hold back tears as I walked out of the operating room once he was under.

1.16.11 - Protection

 

Are you allowing the worries of today affect your spirit?  May God's grace and peace protect your light from the wind in all the earthly moments and keep you laser focused on what really matters.

1.15.11 - Happy Birthday Corbin

Corbin celebrates his 5th birthday at Chuck E. Cheese's

1.14.10 - Relaxing

 

Just relaxing on a Friday afternoon...they thought they were hot stuff.

1.13.11 - Determined

 This is probably a mom moment but I capture Ty propped up on the step stool trying so hard to get that sock on his foot.  I had to snap a picture.

1.12.11 - Comfort

 

There is something about the comfort of the blanket's soft edge.  

1.11.11 - 'Look' Out...

...we're watching you!

1.10.11 - Ty's All Geared Up

 

I think Ty wants to go sledding again!

1.9.11 - Sledding, Day 2

1.8.11 - And Away We GO!

1.7.11 - Basketball Game or Dance Team?

The boys were more into the dance team than the basketball game.  I'm not entirely sure how I feel about that.

1.6.11 - Wheels on the Bus

I've been waiting for Ty to find a "favorite" book.  Jalen's was an opposite book about dogs...he loved to read it over and over while sitting on my lap.

I don't think any of you will be surprised to hear that Ty's is a "song" book...'The Wheels on The Bus'?  He gets so excited when we say lets go read a book.  He'll even read the book on his own if he finds it.  It is the cutest thing.  This pictures captures him reading it on his own tonight and the video below captures him reading his favorite part of the book with Daddy.  If this doesn't make you smile, I'm not sure anything will.

1.5.10 - Ty's View of 'Time Out'

Yup, this is a picture of our 'Time Out' spot.  It's our back stairwell and it absolutely kills Jalen to spend time there since he is such a people person.  He hates having to leave the party.  Many times he screams and cries the whole way there until we threaten with a more severe punishment.

The tables turned a little tonight and Ty reinforced what he sees happen.  Tonight Ty pinched his finger in the cabinet and started to cry.  Derk went over to see what had happen but Ty was already on his way to 'Time Out'...crying the whole way.  Derk stood back a little and then approach Ty sitting on the bottom stair.  When he asked Ty what happen, Ty unloaded with a whole story of Ty language.  The situation was a hoot.  Ty mimicked how 'Time Out' goes with Jalen.  Too bad it's a Time Out for when you're naughty and not when you simply need to cry.

1.4.11 - Breathtaking

A picture from the back deck of our house.

1.3.11 - Ones Junk is Anothers Treasure

Today we sold our 1st item on craiglists.  It was a wedding present 9.5 years ago from my Grandpa.  I was happy to see if go as it sat in our garage collecting dust for 2 months.  The guy who bought it was happy as a duck as he needed the parts, I was happy as a duck to get the $30, did I mention it was broken?  There were a few trailing thoughts as he pulled away thinking about the fact that it was a wedding present but in the end it's out of my garage and I have 30 bones in my pocket.  Definitely worth more to him then me.

1.2.11 - Week 5 Begins

Week 5 starts today! Everyone is still in and feeling better than
ever.  I guess a little competition, money on the line and friends
with similar goals goes a long way to sticking it out with a work
out regimen.  A new workout video is sure to help to!

1.1.11 - Rear View Mirror + 3 Months

I took this same pictures only a few days after we had gotten
Lucy...what a difference 3 months is.  Below is my post
from 10.1.10