Spiders and Snakes and Ants, Oh My!

I know where the wild things are.

Growing up, I was terrified of spiders. Maybe it came from seeing my mom scream every time she spotted one. Or maybe it came from the numerous "bad" spider experiences I had in WV - to include having a big spider come up the drain of the sink just as I was sticking my head in to wash my hair, or the time my dad let me know I had a huge spider on my back as I sat watching TV... Believe me, I could go on and on. Since I've become a mom I've done my best to disguise my fear and even though I may be shaking on the inside try to remain calm and collected on the outside.

I really never wanted my boys to fear spiders. Well - I have succeeded and then some.

Last week, Luke came home with a spider book from his school library. As you can tell from the cover, it had lots of detailed photos of big, furry spiders. Last night, I tried reading it to them - concentrating hard on the words, trying not to look at the photos. The skin on the back of my neck began to tingle and I thought I'd jump up doing the "get it off me!" dance at any minute. I calmly called Justin up and asked him to finish the book. Ugh! Gotta love boys! Every where I turn there's snakes, giant ants, scopions, you name it, they have it.

Pumpkins to Coaches

"Know what it is to be a child? It is to turn pumpkins into coaches and mice into horses." P. Shelly

Live a Life of Love

Valentine's Day is not just for lovers - but to show all those you love how much you care. It's become a Valentine's Day tradition to have a family meal by candlelight. I can't post all our pics as they were just too goofy (you might think there was more in that bottle than just sparkling grape juice - although I can promise you there wasn't!). We enjoyed chocolate covered strawberries for dessert. Yum!

We are friends with a couple who do not celebrate Valentine's Day. Their philosophy is that it's more special to celebrate love on another, random day of the year. I love ya, Tasya and JD, but I just couldn't do this! It would be like having Christmas in July for me!

Another icy day at home (I actually tried to get my car out this morning but the end of the driveway is blocked with a solid block of ice). The boys are playing with their wide array of toys. Right now, we have a GI Joe riding a horse wearing a pirate hat, some GI Joes playing in the "garage" and even another set doing a "muppet show" on the little puppet stage...

Happy Valentine's Day

Good morning and Happy Valentine's Day! The predicted ice storm finally came our way. The first part of the storm made it's way into our area last night around midnight. About 2 a.m. I jumped up after hearing a pretty loud crash. Justin - the big hero - got up and checked throughout the house but couldn't find anything unusual. This morning we found a huge branch from the neighbor's evergreen tree that had crashed into our back yard just missing the master bedroom window.

Justin was able to call off after getting up around 3:30 am and realizing he wouldn't be able to get his car out of our cul-de-sac.

Despite the frigid temperatures, we're still celebrating the "day of love". Justin has already given me a gift and card (you know he can never wait!) and I plan to give the boys their gifts tonight over dinner. I picked up a bottle of sparkling grape juice for dinner. Luke and Blake always get a big kick out of this - drinking from the "fancy" glasses and all. It's a Valentine's Day tradition for us.

Right now, they're passing the time having a "party" with their stuffed animals.

Super Sunday and More

I was afraid to post that we were rooting for the Colts after our horrible Super Bowl predictions from earlier in the year. I try not to be a fair weather fan but it's just so much more fun to cheer for a winning team! We were joined on Sunday by Uncle Rex and Aunt Julie (also cheering for Payton Manning and his team) and Mike, Yuliya and Alex (who were fans of Daa Bears... Sorry!) We broke our diet for the day and feasted on pizza, sausages with peppers, spicy chicken wings and chips with dip. Boy - were we all very sorry the next day! After eating healthy, your body certainly shows rejection to these types of foods! Also - for those of you keeping up with Justin's plan for healthy changes - he's lost 13 pounds so far!

I try to reserve the word "stupid" only for really, well, stupid things. I really don't like hearing the boys use this word. Well, while watching the opening of the game (the little acrobat show or whatever it was) Luke commented, "This is really stupid." I said, "Luke, you know I don't like you to use that word." He said, "I know, Mom, but look at this!" I couldn't argue...

We also had a lot of fun watching Alex play with Luke and Blake. Blake was really making him laugh. Those three are going to have a lot of fun in a few years!

We were home from school yesterday for snow and have a two hour delay this morning. Luke and Blake did a great job helping me clear the driveway yesterday while Justin was at work. They looked so cute with their own little snow shovels. Tuesday was a field trip to Build-A-Bear (I'll post some pics soon) and tonight Luke gets a plaque at the School Board Office. Not bad for a little fella in his first year of school! Blake is dressed in his black Power Rangers costume hoping he can wear it to Ms. Marie's...

From Son Up 'Til Son Down

My friend, Becky, posted a blog about doing 12 loads of laundry in a day! I can't say I've ever had to do that much but as soon as ol' Bessie kicks it, I told Justin we're getting one of those huge washing machines and dryer! It's been said that "Mothers of little boys work from son up 'til son down!". How true! So many kids today miss out on the fun of romping through the backyard, never having dug for worms, searched for frogs or covering themselves in head to toe mud while playing football with their brother. Even though it makes for some extra laundry - I wouldn't change it for a thing! They're only little for a little while and I have a feeling that the days they were the most dirty will some of the ones most fondly remembered...

Our Animal Friends

Sunday was a cold day for us compared to Saturday! We even had snow and a touch of sleet Sunday afternoon. It was the perfect day to curl up in a little ball and take a "cat nap". It's hard to believe Cleo is almost 12 years old.

As you can see, Skywalker is one fat little pig now. He'll be 2 in June. I have to admit that I love hearing him "whistle" for food and attention (mostly food!).

We also enjoy feeding our birds and squirrels. Unfortunately, the birds don't get much with the squirrels we have around here. Today we made three pinecone bird feeders (with peanut butter and seeds) and strung them to a tree in the front yard. Within thirty minutes, a big, fat squirrel was hanging upside down pulling them up to him, enjoying quite a feast. The birds did get some seed from the ground. Luke and Blake love watching them all.