Landen loves pretending he's a superhero. I picked up a few costumes (Superman, Batman & Spiderman) at a garage sale a couple of years back and he has put them to good use, to say the least. He also likes to make up his own superheros. Today, he's wearing his swim goggles and pretending he's "Waterman," saving all ocean dwellers from water monsters.
I told him a few minutes ago that I was going upstairs to finish getting ready for work and that he could stay downstairs to play. His reply? "I'm Waterman. Waterman doesn't play."
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Missing my Cuddle Buddy
For the first three years of his life, Landen was a "momma's boy" to the extreme. Whether he was tired, just waking up, going to bed, hurt or just watching TV, he wanted his mommy nearby. I knew Landen was my last baby and I was happy to be the center of his universe for awhile. I especially enjoyed our quiet moments, the cuddle time after he first woke up and before going to bed. But, I knew it wouldn't last forever. From the minimal reading I've done on child development, I also knew that around the age of three or four, it would be important for Landen to pull away from me and start identifying more with Daddy. And that's exactly what has happened over the past six months.
The day he turned four, Landen decided he was a "big boy" and wanted to be just like his daddy. He went from wanting Mommy near him every minute to asking to be tucked in by Daddy once in awhile. When he draws pictures for the fridge, sometimes he starts with Daddy's picture. He likes to help Jim with projects and run errands with him. He's busy and "on the go" just like every other four-year-old boy you know.
It's been fun to see Landen mature into an independent preschooler who insists on walking himself to his classroom at school. And I'm joyful that our only son is "Daddy's little buddy." Yet, some days I miss my little baby boy, who always insisted that I take time to cuddle with him in the morning and before bed. So, last night, when my "big boy" got out of bed and asked me to read him a Little Critter book--again--I couldn't resist. He laid down next to me on the couch and we read together, cuddling all the while.
The day he turned four, Landen decided he was a "big boy" and wanted to be just like his daddy. He went from wanting Mommy near him every minute to asking to be tucked in by Daddy once in awhile. When he draws pictures for the fridge, sometimes he starts with Daddy's picture. He likes to help Jim with projects and run errands with him. He's busy and "on the go" just like every other four-year-old boy you know.
It's been fun to see Landen mature into an independent preschooler who insists on walking himself to his classroom at school. And I'm joyful that our only son is "Daddy's little buddy." Yet, some days I miss my little baby boy, who always insisted that I take time to cuddle with him in the morning and before bed. So, last night, when my "big boy" got out of bed and asked me to read him a Little Critter book--again--I couldn't resist. He laid down next to me on the couch and we read together, cuddling all the while.
Friday, February 13, 2009
What Do You Think?
One day several years ago, when Lauren was just a preschooler, I asked her what she was thinking. I was probing for the quiet innermost thoughts of a preschooler. You know, the "penny for your thoughts" kind of question. Only Lauren was too young to understand that. Trying to please her mommy, she replied, "I think I love you...and I do."
So, for years now, every time I ask Lauren what she's thinking, I get that same reply. The amazing thing is that it's always a surprise to me! I probably ask the question once a week or so, almost subconciously, trying to make conversation. And I always expect a real answer. Instead, I get a wonderful little day brightener. "I think I love you...and I do."
So, for years now, every time I ask Lauren what she's thinking, I get that same reply. The amazing thing is that it's always a surprise to me! I probably ask the question once a week or so, almost subconciously, trying to make conversation. And I always expect a real answer. Instead, I get a wonderful little day brightener. "I think I love you...and I do."
Monday, February 2, 2009
Chatter Time
One of my favorite parts of the day is after Jim and I have tucked the kids in and I sneak back into Lauren's room to "chat." We talk about anything she wants...something that happened at school that day, a question she might have, or an activity we are looking forward to in the coming days.
Back when we started this nightly ritual, Lauren would ask, "Mommy, do we get to chatter tonight?" Thus, the name for our special time together. I look forward to a lifetime of "chatter time" memories with my beautiful daughter.
Back when we started this nightly ritual, Lauren would ask, "Mommy, do we get to chatter tonight?" Thus, the name for our special time together. I look forward to a lifetime of "chatter time" memories with my beautiful daughter.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Cow Logic
This morning, Landen went downstairs to play after finishing his breakfast. I hollered down to tell him he needed to come back upstairs to drink his milk to which he replied, "I have milk down here."
He was referring to the pretend plastic bottles of milk he and Lauren have in their toy kitchen. A few seconds later, he said, "See, Mom." I looked down the stairs to see him displaying a miniature bottle of milk with a picture of cows on the front. "It comes from cows," he said. "Yep," I replied.
A few minutes later, he hollered to me again. "See, Mom. I have chocolate milk, too." I looked down so that he could show me the miniature bottle of chocolate milk with a picture of cows on the front. "It comes from chocolate cows."
I love my son.
He was referring to the pretend plastic bottles of milk he and Lauren have in their toy kitchen. A few seconds later, he said, "See, Mom." I looked down the stairs to see him displaying a miniature bottle of milk with a picture of cows on the front. "It comes from cows," he said. "Yep," I replied.
A few minutes later, he hollered to me again. "See, Mom. I have chocolate milk, too." I looked down so that he could show me the miniature bottle of chocolate milk with a picture of cows on the front. "It comes from chocolate cows."
I love my son.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
34 Random Things About Me
I recently compiled this list for my Facebook friends and thought I would post it here as well. Enjoy!
1. Being organized comes naturally to me. I first realized I was organized in 6th grade when my teacher, Mrs. Cupp, complemented me on how organized my loose leaf folder was. :)
2. My dream vacation is France and Italy with Jim. Someday!
3. My parents are the wisest people I know--and they keep getting smarter as I get older. Go figure!
4. I never longed for a sister. Having two brothers was great…they protected me and I didn’t have to share a room or clothes!
5. I'm related to many people in my hometown of Scott City. Out of my graduating class of 80 students, four of us were second cousins.
6. I was student council president in high school and tried to play tennis and basketball. My brothers got all of the athletic genes.
7. I’ve had eight fender benders (don't worry--all but one were before I got married), but have never been in a serious wreck and have never been injured or injured anyone. Unless you count parked cars as victims!
8. I had the most wonderful college experience imaginable and still treasure the friendships I made while at Ottawa University.
9. I started out as an art major in college, but graduated with a degree in communication. It has served me well.
10. I went to church camp in elementary school (Camp Christy) with the girl who would later become my college roommate. While we were in college, her sister found an undeveloped roll of film with our picture on it...from Camp Christy!
11. I had never been on an airplane until I went to college. By the time I graduated, I had been to 7 different countries (thanks mostly to the music program).
12. I loved working at Ottawa University, but Ottawa never felt like home. Until we moved to Salina, I got teary nearly every time we left Scott City…seriously. I will always love going “home” to Scott City and my family.
13. I can’t imagine leaving Salina because Jim’s wonderful family is here, we love our church and the kids’ school, and we have made some amazing friends. Not to mention that we’re getting Kohl’s & Freddie’s Frozen Custard—woo hoo!!
14. I’ve never lost anyone that I was extremely close to…if only that could last forever.
15. I told my dad after meeting and becoming friends with Jim that I knew I was going to marry him. We started dating a few months later, were engaged after a month, and married one year (to the day) after we met.
16. My husband is my favorite thing about this life. I can’t believe how blessed I am to be married to a man who is also my best friend and true helpmate.
17. Jim is five years older than me, so I figure I'll probably be a widow someday. I just hope it's when I'm really old. If this happens, I'll miss everything about being married and already have plans to buy an electric blanket.
18. Jim and I lived in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, during our first year of marriage. Jim still sounds like he’s auditioning for a part in Fargo when he pronounces the word “home.”
19. I completed my master’s from KU in higher education administration while working full time at Ottawa University. The second year I was pregnant, too. I graduated three weeks before Lauren was born.
20. I love my children more than life and enjoy each new stage so much. I wish I could make time stand still.
21. I like to scrapbook, blog and journal so I don’t forget the little things. The best part is that the kids absolutely LOVE looking at their albums. It makes it worth every minute and every cent!
22. God captured my heart at a young age and I pray the same for my children. I alslo pray for loved ones who don’t know Jesus as their Savior and Lord because I know what they are missing out on.
23. I can't imagine life without my amazing girlfriends! Having friends that really know me and love me anyway has been one of the greatest blessings in my life.
24. I’ve been offered every job I’ve interviewed for...so far, anyway. What this boils down to is that I know what I’m qualified for and have really great references. :)
25. I’ve enjoyed all of my jobs, but was most surprised at how much I enjoyed being Resident Director of a men’s hall during our early years of marriage. We had the best RA staff imaginable—and they have grown into amazing men. You know who you are!
26. I like to walk on the treadmill while watching Friends reruns and like walking with real friends even better!
27. I love music. I grew up playing piano and trumpet as well as singing in various choirs.
28. Church choir is one of the highlights of my week.
29. I like to read and wish I had more time in the day to do it.
30. My favorite gift ever was a framed quotation Quinten gave me when we were younger that starts out "I love you for seeing me as I wish I were" and ends with "and helping me to grow." It's still on display in my office/scrapbook room.
31. I love to eat out.
32. I don't like to cook, but I like to bake (usually with a little help from one or both kids).
33. I once set a roll of paper towels on fire while cooking macaroni and cheese. Ask Brady if he remembers it.
34. This was only supposed to be 25 random things, but it's appropriate that I end at 34 b/c I'm 34 years old. Man, that sounds old!!
1. Being organized comes naturally to me. I first realized I was organized in 6th grade when my teacher, Mrs. Cupp, complemented me on how organized my loose leaf folder was. :)
2. My dream vacation is France and Italy with Jim. Someday!
3. My parents are the wisest people I know--and they keep getting smarter as I get older. Go figure!
4. I never longed for a sister. Having two brothers was great…they protected me and I didn’t have to share a room or clothes!
5. I'm related to many people in my hometown of Scott City. Out of my graduating class of 80 students, four of us were second cousins.
6. I was student council president in high school and tried to play tennis and basketball. My brothers got all of the athletic genes.
7. I’ve had eight fender benders (don't worry--all but one were before I got married), but have never been in a serious wreck and have never been injured or injured anyone. Unless you count parked cars as victims!
8. I had the most wonderful college experience imaginable and still treasure the friendships I made while at Ottawa University.
9. I started out as an art major in college, but graduated with a degree in communication. It has served me well.
10. I went to church camp in elementary school (Camp Christy) with the girl who would later become my college roommate. While we were in college, her sister found an undeveloped roll of film with our picture on it...from Camp Christy!
11. I had never been on an airplane until I went to college. By the time I graduated, I had been to 7 different countries (thanks mostly to the music program).
12. I loved working at Ottawa University, but Ottawa never felt like home. Until we moved to Salina, I got teary nearly every time we left Scott City…seriously. I will always love going “home” to Scott City and my family.
13. I can’t imagine leaving Salina because Jim’s wonderful family is here, we love our church and the kids’ school, and we have made some amazing friends. Not to mention that we’re getting Kohl’s & Freddie’s Frozen Custard—woo hoo!!
14. I’ve never lost anyone that I was extremely close to…if only that could last forever.
15. I told my dad after meeting and becoming friends with Jim that I knew I was going to marry him. We started dating a few months later, were engaged after a month, and married one year (to the day) after we met.
16. My husband is my favorite thing about this life. I can’t believe how blessed I am to be married to a man who is also my best friend and true helpmate.
17. Jim is five years older than me, so I figure I'll probably be a widow someday. I just hope it's when I'm really old. If this happens, I'll miss everything about being married and already have plans to buy an electric blanket.
18. Jim and I lived in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, during our first year of marriage. Jim still sounds like he’s auditioning for a part in Fargo when he pronounces the word “home.”
19. I completed my master’s from KU in higher education administration while working full time at Ottawa University. The second year I was pregnant, too. I graduated three weeks before Lauren was born.
20. I love my children more than life and enjoy each new stage so much. I wish I could make time stand still.
21. I like to scrapbook, blog and journal so I don’t forget the little things. The best part is that the kids absolutely LOVE looking at their albums. It makes it worth every minute and every cent!
22. God captured my heart at a young age and I pray the same for my children. I alslo pray for loved ones who don’t know Jesus as their Savior and Lord because I know what they are missing out on.
23. I can't imagine life without my amazing girlfriends! Having friends that really know me and love me anyway has been one of the greatest blessings in my life.
24. I’ve been offered every job I’ve interviewed for...so far, anyway. What this boils down to is that I know what I’m qualified for and have really great references. :)
25. I’ve enjoyed all of my jobs, but was most surprised at how much I enjoyed being Resident Director of a men’s hall during our early years of marriage. We had the best RA staff imaginable—and they have grown into amazing men. You know who you are!
26. I like to walk on the treadmill while watching Friends reruns and like walking with real friends even better!
27. I love music. I grew up playing piano and trumpet as well as singing in various choirs.
28. Church choir is one of the highlights of my week.
29. I like to read and wish I had more time in the day to do it.
30. My favorite gift ever was a framed quotation Quinten gave me when we were younger that starts out "I love you for seeing me as I wish I were" and ends with "and helping me to grow." It's still on display in my office/scrapbook room.
31. I love to eat out.
32. I don't like to cook, but I like to bake (usually with a little help from one or both kids).
33. I once set a roll of paper towels on fire while cooking macaroni and cheese. Ask Brady if he remembers it.
34. This was only supposed to be 25 random things, but it's appropriate that I end at 34 b/c I'm 34 years old. Man, that sounds old!!
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Happy New Year!
For the first time in many years, we decided to stay home on New Year's Eve. We played games with the kids, watched a movie, and toasted the new year (way early) with some sparkling white grape juice. It was wonderful way to bring in the new year!
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