Hibernation vs. Agoraphobia

Today we went to lunch with my Uncle Joe and Aunt Sherri. I think this was the second time this month that the kids have been out of the house. I hope that this is just a phase, since it is winter and Charlotte is only five months old. I want my children to experience life, and playing outside like I did when I was a child. Anyway we went to Fritz's and had a wonderful time. It was pure entertainment to watch Joe marvel at the trains. I almost forgot that he is in the tyrannical threes.
Does this look like the face of a dictator? Definitely the hat of a dictator!
Joe trying to suck the very last drop of David's chocolate coke.

Finally, a family snapshot where I don't look absolutely horrifying...

Aunt Sherri getting some Charlotte sugar. Poor Charlotte's hair. I admit I can't style hair, and I have no clue how to apply make-up. These were two angst's I had about reproducing a daughter. I am afraid she is on her own when it comes to beauty secrets.

Uncle Joe, we are so glad that you are home. Aunt Sherri, I am so happy and thankful that you are a part of our family. I enjoy every moment we spend together, and you just exude a vivaciousness for life. It is infectious. We love you two very much.

In Case You Didn't Know

Today I was reminded of three interesting facts about my life that I would like to share.

1. I believe my house is surrounded by a secret forcefield. Actually my house is surrounded by many, many trees. Today Joseph and I went to the grocery store. As we loaded into the car I thought to myself, boy, it doesn't feel like freezing temperatures outside. But as we braved the grocery store parking lot we were blasted with a bone chilling wind, and I thought to myself, boy, the temperature sure has dropped. Then after returning home and hustling out of the car, I held my breath as I stepped out of the car, only to find it dare I say, mildly warm outside. No matter what the circumstances, the weather surrounding my house is always more pleasant than anywhere I go. In the winter our yard is always warmer. In the summer it is always cooler. I love my house.
2. My daughter has my feet. My feet and Charlotte's are the only feet I have seen where the big toe is the longest toe on the foot. I always see feet where the second toe is the longest toe. Hmmmmm?

3. My son knows proper bar/drinking etiquette. Joseph knows that when you say CHEERS and tap glasses, that that CHEERS must be followed by a drink. 100% of the time he corrects me when I forget to take my swig. Hmmmmmm?

On This Day in History...

On this day in history I was motivated to get off my butt and take some long overdue pics of the kids. Here we are in the living room watching the inauguration festivities. At least I was trying to watch, and keep them apeased at the same time. Joe loves his little sister so much. I love that when he talks about our family, he always includes "baby char-wet" or baby Mae. I like to call her Mae.
Too stinking sweet. I also wanted the kids to know what they were doing and what they looked like on this day in history. It is absolutely crazy, to think this will be a major subject in history classes one day, and we are living it now!

I bet Charlotte is thinking, "how can I chew on my foot from this position?".

What am I going to do about the thumb sucking. Initially, we had a rule that the blanket (B) had to stay in his bed, that way we could limit the thumb sucking. You can see how well that worked.

Here Joe is saying, "guacamole". Instead of saying "cheese" for picture taking, we say "guacamole". It usually works, and I get a smile.

GUACAMOLE

GUACAMOLE- I am running out of things to say...

Charlotte intently reading her "Peek-A-Boo" book. If you are nauseated or easily grossed out, DO NOT PROCEED!

UM, yah, it hurts like H-E double L.

Burn, Baby, Burn

Alright maybe not the most appropriate title. But just thought I would spice things up a little. Oops, there I go again. Get it spice, spices can be hot. Oh, nevermind... Sorry if this totally grosses you out.

Poor Me

January is just not a good month for me. Last year at this time I was recovering from kidney stones, and in my first trimester of a pregnancy. Well, tonight, little Miss Betty Crocker here bought herself a nice sized second degree burn to her inner forearm with some yummy bacon grease. Yes, yes it is all part of my graceful nature. Besides the fact that the little bastard hurts like hell, I had all these plans for tomorrow, and well I am not quite up to them now. Plus I need to go to the doctor for that there Silvadene cream.
Well enough wallowing in misery. I am sorry I haven't posted in like forever. But literally, we haven't gone anywhere for two weeks. The last time we took the kids out was when we all ventured to Charlotte's four month appointment on December 29th. I am not going to type much, although there is a lot to say about the nature of my children and about how much I love them, the pain in my arm only subsides with an ice pack plastered to it. I will leave you with a list of funny things that Joe says, just so you can derive some pleasure from this post.
FUNNY THINGS authored by Joseph Toland
1. "It's gettin' pretty light-y outside" - Joe says this every morning when he wakes up and the sun is out. I am not sure where he got light-y
2. "Mom, you my best friend."
3. As he is trying to hide "Mom, where are me?"
4. "Wait, I got a super big idea..."
5. As I say "Joe, you are so funny.." he replies "NO, I Joseph!"
Hope these made you smile. But you never appreciate the full humor until you can hear the inflection in his voice. It is pure magic!

SAVE HANDMADE

Alright girls, I know there are not very many who read this blog, so the few of us who do read need/must get the word out. In 34 days the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) will pass, placing astronomically expensive testing guidelines on childrens' toys. Of course I am all for safe childrens toys, but this act will wipe out all of the independent artists who create magical, nostalgic childrens toys. Simply stated, the many artists who create handmade items for children cannot afford the expensive testing required to sell their products to consumers. This act was created to make toys from China safer, but now will be wiping out many small businesses, and independent creators who have made and sold quality, safe and trustworthy toys for years and generations. Hillary, the CPSIA will even place these testing guidleines on stay at home moms who sew cloth diapers and sell them online. Josie, I am sure theswe guidelines will effect Cuppie Cake carriers, from whom we bought mei tais. I bought the kids several gifts from ETSY this year, and took such pride in giving individual, one of a kind gifts. I have already contacted my state represenative, which I have never, ever attempted to do in my life. I also went to change.org and voted for the ammending of CPSIA to be presented to the Obama administration. I promise to do all I can to SAVE the handmade toys that I not only love to buy and give to my children, but that inspire me to create things with and for my children.