I've been meaning to write a post about the Master Cleanse, but I have too much to say about it, so it will have to wait.

We are planning a long road trip for spring break, so, inspired by the crayon rolls at Skip to My Lou and Make it and Love it (man those gals are crazy crafty!), I made a colored pencil holder for Nathaniel tonight.



He picked out the fabric at JoAnn's a few days ago.



I noticed that the pocket was upside down AFTER sewing in all the seams. He said, "Its OK, Mommy, it's funny that they're upside down. I like it". Sweetheart.



I decided to use pencils instead of crayons because crayons always melt in the car in the summer. I couldn't find short pencils so I got out the pruning shears and cut them all in half. Viola, a set for Abby.



I made the extra pocket to hold a pencil sharpener and an eraser. A small notebook slides in the big pocket.







I haven't sewn it in yet, but there is Velcro pinned in place to fasten it.

It's not as sleek and cute as the crayon rolls I've seen online, but I'm hoping in this case that function outweighs form. Fun fun!

Nathaniel's birthday present

Happy Birthday, Nathaniel!

After our family birthday party last night, you looked at me and asked, "Can you believe I'm four years old, Mommy? I don't feel like I'm four years old....I still feel like I'm three years old." What a wise little man. And what a year it's been! You've learned to ride a two-wheeler, write all the letters in your name (with help), help look after your sister in the store, make microwave popcorn all by yourself (!), feed the fish, dress yourself, and so much more. We love you so much!

Like most parents (I hope!), I usually bend the "No Playing With Our Nice Digital Camera" Rule when the benefit of a few minutes of distraction outweigh the risk of damage to said equipment (hey, it's supposed to be shock-proof from 5 feet). After reclaiming the camera, there's usually about 20 of these pictures that get deleted:

Imagine my surprise when I saw that Nathaniel had posed Autobot Jazz Transformer on the couch and done a photo shoot. I know I'm biased, but 1. This is so cute! and 2. The boy has talent. =)

Let it snow!

The Powderhorn ski swap was last weekend, and while Ben and I didn't find anything for ourselves, Nathaniel made out like a bandit. We can hardly wait!

Happy Birthday Nathaniel!

Nathaniel got stitches just in time for his 3rd birthday.

Grandpa Jim

Ice cream cones and cupcakes



Abby in the mei tai (thanks, Jessica, for the link!)

Toys!

Abby

Teleconference with cousin Dylan in Boston.

Abby and Grandpa Darrel

Easter eggs

Bubbles!

A fun addition to any bath--and great for rainy/snowy days.

Plus big brother....

Let's go fly a kite!

A few days ago we went to the park to enjoy the breezy spring weather--good thing, because it snowed today. Want to know how hard it is to launch a kite, take a toddler's picture, keep an eye on an infant, and dodge a diving speedbomber kite? Just ask.....

The Day When Nothing Worked

Poor Nathaniel has been sick with a stomach bug since Friday night (where he upchucked at IHOP--at least it wasn't on MY carpet!), so that just sets the tone for today.

Nathaniel: "I want to watch a movie"
Mommy (thinking "Great! He can rest, I can unload the dishes, start some laundry, get dressed..."): "Sounds good."
We start a Veggie Tales video.
Abby: "Waaahhh!"
Mommy feeds Abby instead of doing chores and we all watch the video.

Nathaniel: "Let's go to the park"
Mommy (thinking "Great! The kids can get some fresh air, I can get some exercise pushing the stroller to the park"): "Sounds good!"
--Mommy spends an hour feeding, clothing, changing, and arranging three participants for said expedition.--
We're off! Abby is sleeping, Nathaniel clutches his car in anticipation of sending it down the slide at the park....
Ring, ring!
Ben (via cell phone): "I have a long break for lunch. Should I come home?"
Mommy: "Sounds great!" --turns stroller around to head home--
Nathaniel: "Waaaaaahhhh! I wanna go to the paaaaaaark!"


--We have a lovely lunch with Daddy--

Nathaniel "I wanna go to the park."
Mommy (thinking, "Oy vey, I don't have the energy for this--maybe we should watch another movie"): "Let me finish feeding Abby and then we'll decide."
Mommy gets a burst of energy, decides to go for it, and once again changes Abby to get ready for the park.
Abby: --spit up--
Mommy: "Grrr!"
Nathaniel: "I wanna watch a movie. I wanna watch a movie. I wanna watch a movie! I WANNA WATCH A MOVIE!!! Waaaaaahh!"
--Nathaniel immediately falls asleep on his bed--
Mommy changes Abby, puts her in the swing for a nap, decides that exercise and chores can wait, and takes a little break.

The End.

Fun with Grandpa Darrel
Grandpa Darrel treated us to lunch, an afternoon at the Dinosaur museum (where Daddy buried Nathaniel in the dig exhibit--great fun), and a nifty book and model dinosaur. And, a few days later, a new tricycle! Thanks, Grandpa!

Chariot, take two.

With part of our Christmas money we purchased the infant sling for the Chariot--marvelous! Now mommy can go for a walk with both kids (in this pic, Nathaniel was out throwing popcorn at the ducks) without back strain! Lovely.