The Fun Never Ends!

Jordan and Dominic are my little helpers. Sometimes the help is not appreciated nearly as much as other times.

One day Jordan decided to help me by taking Dominic's diaper off ... Dominic wasn't just wet either. Thankfully the mess wasn't spread all over.

Jordan has informed me he is "helping" when he comes over to the computer and starts pushing buttons or when he starts pushing down on my hands so I start pushing buttons. Dominic has decided it is funny to come and push buttons. When I tell him no ... he starts laughing and tries to push more buttons.

I let Jordan help me make stromboli. Everytime I looked he he was either eating the meat or the cheese off the dough. Other times he was spreading the flour all over his head or arms or all over the floor.

Both boys have discovered the vacuums. They love to help. I have a turn too. They just don't seem to get everything clean ... but they sure do try. They get very upset when I tell them we are done. Of course, it also makes their days when I get the vacuums out. They have also discoverd the extensions and decided to use them as swords. They quickly discovered they don't like it nearly as much when they actually get hit with them.

I heard the boys laughing the other night and went in their room only to discover Dominic on top of Jordan. They were both laughing so hard. It took Jordan a little while to get out from under Dominic (Dominic wasn't about to let him up) and get back in his own bed. This pattern repeated itself several times. I love to hear my boys laughing and playing so well together. I just wish it wasn't when they were supposed to be going to sleep.

A simple trip to the grocery store ... right. I turned my head for a minute to look at something and when I looked back I find Jordan putting hand soap on his head. He informed me he was washing himself. Of course, he also had soap all over his clothes and his legs and his arms. Needless to say he got a bath when we got home. I didn't need to add any soap ... just water.

Jordan has decided it is funny to lick me. Where does he get this from?? The other day he was standing behind me and he started to lick me and then told me "yum". When I asked him to stop ... he just busted up laughing. A couple of days later he decided it was funny to put my hair in his mouth.

Jordan is learning jumping on a bunkbed is not such a good idea. Of course, you would think one time of hitting your head on the bottom of the top bunk would do it. He seems to feel the need to do it over and over. He still gets the same results ... a sore head.

I am amazed at the ingenuity of a little guy. After I have tucked both boys in bed for the night I have gone back in to discover both boys in the crib under the pop-up tent. Jordan even had to sneak out of his room to get the tent one time. The first time I turned the light on and Jordan was under the tent ... he froze. I guess he was hoping I wouldn't notice he was there. Even though he was holding perfectly still and being very quiet ... I did notice.

After playing outside all afternoon ... Dominic decided he still wasn't dirty enough. He proceeded to rub the dirt all over himself like you would lotion. The bath water was nice and filthy after my boys were done.

Jordan has decided it isn't enough for me to just clean his hands and wipe his face after he is done eating. He likes to stick his tongue out too so I can clean it.

Jordan has started waking up before 6am the last several mornings. One morning he started playing with one of the loud toys. Another morning he climbed in bed with his little brother. Another morning he was on the couch and had turned the TV on. Yet another morning I heard him in the Living Room and had him come in my room. It was almost time for my alarm to go off so I had him climb up in bed with me and we snuggled until it was time for me to get up. I know it won't be that early when Daylight Savings Time ends ... but that is still a long way off. I really do enjoy my sleep and hope this doesn't last.

Michigan

Ready or not here we come!

The last time we went to Michigan was 2 years ago, Jordan was not quite 18 months old. During that visit, Jordan learned to walk. He got tired of not being able to keep up with Malia's twins. It was a wonderful visit, the kids had so much fun playing together. The drive home ... not so much. Jordan got a 15 minute nap here and there ... and when he wasn't sleeping (which was most of the time) he was screaming. He screamed the entire way home to TN ... about 9 hours. After that we decided we were not going to venture very far from home for a while.

Last October, we made a last minute trip to Idaho ... driving of course. (Succors for punishment!) Dominic had been added to our family and Mike's family still hadn't met Jordan. So on Constance's fall break we headed west, a little scared at how well the kids would do on such a long trip. We were pleasantly surprised.

With the successful trip to Idaho last year ... we decided we wanted to go to Michigan. I really wanted to spend more time with my sister. It was a wonderful trip. We left a little later than we had hoped, Mike had a few lawns he had to finish mowing that morning. Unfortunately I wasn't feeling well either. I wasn't about to postpone though. The kids did great. Constance remembered how much she "loves" going through Ohio ... We arrived late Friday night.

The kids had so much fun playing together. We rarely saw any of them ... they were so busy playing. Once I found Dominic going down the stairs into the basement and decided it was much better for me not to see him going up and down the stairs (thankfully he didn't have any falls -- we don't have stairs at home). The boys played with the twins ... Constance had fun with cousins.

Park
We took the kids to the park one afternoon. Of course we went during the hottest part of the day. I kept reminding myself and Constance that it could be much worse, we could be in Tennessee where the Temps were 100, with the heat index it felt like 115. We took some snacks and Mike and I went and got a couple pizzas and we had a picnic. The kids had so much fun. Dominic went down a pretty big slide for the first time ... he wasn't too sure if he liked it or not. He then decided to climb up as high as he could (which wasn't very high) and slide down and say "weeee". Jordan just ran all over. It was fun trying to keep up with him.
Divide and conquer ... I realized this was exactly why I don't take the boys to the park by myself. Constance and Sam went off with sisters, Whitney and Anna and played.

Holocaust Memorial
My sister had told me about this place before and told me I really needed to go. So we made plans. I gave Constance the option ... it is a lot to take in even for an adult. She decided to stay home with the younger cousins. Kaylin babysat for us and we went. I am so glad I went. I just wish I had had more time. There is so much information I didn't have nearly enough time. We were able to listen to a Holocaust survivor. From the numbers of lives lost to all those who had the courage to stand up and help ... It was ... heartbreaking ... inspiring ... humbling. Definitely a lot can and should be learned from the past.

Detroit Zoo
We planned carefully the day we were going to go to the zoo. It wasn't supposed to be too warm ... 84. When the day came, we got a good start and arrived shortly after the zoo opened. We headed to the back to see if the animals were up and moving about. Dominic got to see a real Tiger (his favorite animal) ... he was so excited. It ended up being the hottest day... in the 90s. We let the kids play in the water (the frogs spit water) for a little while. Jordan tried to climb a fence and Dominic tried to go under a fence once ... They weren't successful. (Thankfully) The poor prairie dogs wouldn't have been the same if they had. Jordan and Dominic were both excited when we rode the train. Jordan kept talking about the train for days after. We ended up spending 5 1/2 hours at the zoo (a record for us). We were all worn out by the end and ready to go home. It was so much fun.

Jordan learned he shouldn't put his head between the posts of the banister. He got it in ok ... getting it out ... a little bit harder. Bless his little heart he can get himself in some interesting situations.

The trip home wasn't too bad. Dominic fussed a bit more ... he was so tired and he couldn't get comfortable and was only able to sleep for 15-20 minutes at a time.

We have been blessed with a wonderful family and are so thankful for the time we have to spend with all of them.

Baptism

8 years have flown by!
My sister and I were talking and we had the idea about the girls (her daughter, Samantha and our daugther, Constance) getting baptized the same day. Of course we talked to the girls about it to see if they wanted to. It meant Constance would have to wait a few months, but she didn't mind. They were both so excited to share the day.

So we made plans. My sister and her family were coming in town July 3rd. With my parents schedule, Malia's in-laws schedule and people coming in town, we scheduled the baptisms for Wednesday, July 7th. All my family came in town for the baptism and I even had a cousin and his wife here. We really missed the family and friends who weren't able to come.

Jordan thought it was pretty cool to watch his sister in the water ... He didn't quite understand. To him she was either taking a bath or swimming in a little pool.
It was a wonderful day!

Discoveries

I gave Jordan some fruit punch ... he loved it. The next thing I know he comes running in to the kitchen to show me his tongue. He happened to look in the mirror and saw his RED tongue. After he showed me ... he ran back to the mirror to look at it some more.
It happened again when we got they boys Blue Raspberry slushes. Jordan just laughed every time he stuck his tongue out.

We were driving around town. I heard Dominic say "ball". I had no idea what he was talking about. He kept pointing out the window saying "ball". I finally noticed the moon in the sky ...

We went out to my brother's farm. Mike was helping with the roof on the dock. I was watching the kids play with the hose. We put the sprayer on to make it a little easier. They watered the fruit trees, they watered each other ... Jordan decided to get a drink from the end of the hose all by himself. He quickly learned that getting a drink at full pressure is not so much fun.

Dominic has discovered mud! He has played in it a little at home when we have had the sprinkler on. (There is a little area with no grass by one of my flower beds.) The small amount of mud at home was nothing compared to the mud we were able to find at the farm. Dominic was sat in it ... and ended up being covered from head to toe.



The kids have discovered the fun you can have on a big blanket. This summer they have gotten creative. Constance has entertained her little brothers by giving them rides on her blanket. What is really fun is when she tries to have them pull her around the house, or when the boys try to pull each other.

Dominic loves fruit. He really loves grapes and blueberries. He just doesn't call them by their name. To him they are "balls". He get really excited when he sees them and asks for "ball" to eat.

Jordan has discovered Dominic is too big to ride on his back. I have tried to tell him he shouldn't get on Dominic's back ... I have told him (not that he understood) one day Dominic would be as big or bigger than him and he better watch what he teaches him. Looks like that day is here.


Dominic has discovered "Navels" or "Bellybuttons". It has made things very interesting, especially when he tries to lift other people's shirts to find their navels. He walks around the house with his little shirt up pointing out his navel to anyone who wants to see it.

Jordan seems to find the holes in his nose fascinating ... We find his little fingers there a lot. Of course, no one is safe. He seems to think he can put his little fingers in other people's nose as well. His daddy hasn't liked that too much.

Dominic is learning life can be very frustrating. From toys not working the way you think they should ... to your brother not doing what you want him to do.

Dominic has watched his brother close ... he has learned a new game "nana-na-boo-boo". He has seen the results ... Jordan getting chased, and has decided he likes it too. It is the funniest thing to watch.

Bumper cars to Bumblebees

There are some lessons you would really like tell your children and they learn them without going through the pain. Of course, I am not sure that will happen with my curious little ones.

The kids have loved spending afternoons outside ... whether it is running through the sprinkler, playing in the little pool or just playing with their toys. Being outside is something they love and look forward to.
When I mention we are going outside to play there is a run for the toys they want to play with. Jordan and Dominic grab their bike and firetruck as well as the dump truck and tractor. With all the rocks in the driveway that "need" to be relocated to the sidewalk as well as all the sticks and mulch that just need to be moved ... What else would you do with a dump truck and tractor?
I have watched as the boys follow each other down the sidewalk as they are both riding the Bike or Firetruck. Lately they have decided to try bumper cars ... instead of following each other they have decided to run into each other ... head on ... rear-ending ... they aren't too picky. The fun is when one decides they are playing "bumper cars" and the other one isn't in agreement ... or when they decide to do it in the house.

I have watched as my boys have become more aware of nature ...
One of the days when we were outside I was sitting in the shade watching the kids play when I noticed Jordan leaning over and watching something intently. Next thing I see is his little hand reaching out trying to grab something ... Dominic is watching his big brother and decides he wants to go over with him too. That is when I notice the bumblebees ... and Jordan's little fingers reaching out to grab it. The song "I'm bringing home a baby bumblebee comes" to mind

That's my boys!

We have had thunderstorms in the afternoon for the past 3 days. Today when the thunder and lightening started ... Jordan asked me if we could turn the thunder off. I told him I was so sorry but I couldn't.

Dominic has been watching his big brother a little TOO close ... He has discovered he can take his diaper off and has. I have found him in his crib during nap time with a nice poopy diaper off and a big mess for me to clean up. He has also discovered he can reach new heights ... He has learned to climb on the couch all by himself. He can climb into his chair all by himself (it is a bar stool chair). He can climb onto Jordan's bed. He as attempted to climb onto sissy's bed (still a little too big) and tonight he attempted to climb into his crib (unsuccessfully).

The other day I heard laughter and went to see what my boys were up to ... I discovered Jordan and Dominic on Jordan's bed playing and obviously having a great time. Dominic got off the bed and then climbed right back on and then looked at me with the biggest smile on his face. He was so proud.

Another testament of the love my boys have for each other ... besides the fact if one of them is up the other has to be too ... and if they don't wake up on their own ... not to worry, brother will take care of that problem. It was bedtime. I had tucked my little stinks in and was taking care of other things when I hear laughter coming from the room. I go in to find Jordan and Dominic playing in Dominic's bed. I go to get Jordan out ... Dominic grabs his brother around the waist and holds on (laughing the entire time). When it gets to the point he can't hold on the Jordan's waist he grabs hold of Jordan's feet trying to keep him in bed with him.

A couple of days ago I had Jordan come to me and tell me Nicnic was stuck. I heard crying and went to find out what was wrong. I discovered my little guy sitting down and "stuck" by the water heater. I don't really know why he was stuck ... He had plenty of room. I reached over and helped him out.

Jordan has learned to throw fits ... and he can throw some good ones. The other day I didn't even want to hear it so I told him he could go and throw his fit in his room or he could stop and stay where he was. Next thing I know, he walks off and I hear him in his room crying. I was shocked.

Never A Dull Moment!

BORING? What's that? I don't think there is such a thing in this life, and I really believe my boys are on a mission to prove that theory right!

Today started out like any other day, ... early.
It is Mike's day to work at the Fire Department so he had to get up around 6 am to get ready. We had Stake Conference today and it started at 8 am, which meant I had to get up at 6 as well. Mike assured me he would help and we would be ready in time to head to get mom. I had already arranged with my parents so I could have help at church. I got up and got dressed. Mike got dressed and then went and got the boys up and got them dressed. I helped Constance get dressed. The kids had cereal minus the milk for breakfast and yes, they even ate it in the car on the way to Franklin.
So far ... no problems.
We got mom and headed to Franklin. We got to the Franklin Stake Center early and were able to get a nice padded seat. Everything was fine. Dominic was getting tired and he didn't want to sit still. During one of the times I was trying to entertain him I noticed one of his fingernails ... it was really short ... I mean REALLY short. I looked at a couple others as well ... Didn't take me too long to figure out Jordan had helped himself to his brother's nails. I guess he figured both his toenails and fingernails were as short as he could get them, so why not help himself to his brother's. NICE.
I ended up spending the entire meeting out in the hall with Dominic. Bless his little heart. He wouldn't let me snuggle him for anything. Yet as soon as we put him in the van he crashed. I think he was asleep before we even pulled out of the parking lot. By the time we got to Mom's house ... both boys were out. I put them to bed at mom and dad's and headed home. I had visiting teachers coming over around noon.
I got home and decided to do a quick clean up with Jordan's and Dominic's toys. I went to put some cars away in their room and noticed a dark area on the floor. I opened the blinds and saw a "BEAUTIFUL" area of reddish-pink at the foot of Jordan's bed. I felt so bad. Here my son had thrown up and I didn't even know it. I went to get the carpet cleaner (can I just tell you how much I really dislike red popsicles) and a washcloth ... when I started cleaning I notice a screw in the middle of the mess. When I picked it up I notice it too had puke on it ... this is not good. Where did Jordan get a hold of a screw? He put it in his mouth? Awwwww ... that's why he threw-up. While I am down on the floor cleaning ... I noticed some marks on the footboard of his bed. The paint has been bitten off in several places. SERIOUSLY!?! I just refinished the bed and he is already destroying it ... I did want it to look distressed ... just not THAT distressed.
All you can do sometimes is shake your head and go on.
The visit with my Visiting Teachers was nice. I enjoyed dinner at my parents house. The kids had fun playing with Grandpa for a little bit and they enjoyed the visit with Daddy at the Firehall too.
When we got home I talked to Jordan about his bed and the "chew" marks on it. I told him that was a "no-no" and we are debating about taking the bed down and just having him sleep on the mattress. I am going back and forth ... I don't want the bed ruined but where am I going to put it and he could stop, right?! ... Of course, I don't know when that will happen or how long it will take, but it is possible ...
I showed the screw to Jordan and asked him if he put it in his mouth. He told me "yes" and added "it made Dordan sick." I told him he shouldn't put stuff like that in his mouth it could really hurt him and asked him to show me where he got it from. He told me "Nicnic's bed". I don't know how ... but there was a screw missing. I had Jordan open his mouth and tried to get a good look at his throat. I could see a bit of a scratch on this right side in the back. I really don't think it went down ... I think it got caught in the back of his throat and made him gag and yack. I will call the Pediatrician tomorrow and see what they want us to do.
Bedtime has been an issue ... Jordan seems to think it means playtime and that means for him as well as Dominic. I have tried just leaving them alone and eventually they will go to sleep ... the results of that ... last night Jordan decided he was hungry. I have tried putting Jordan in bed every time he gets out of bed ... unsuccessfully. Actually, I successfully get frustrated. Tonight I tried sitting on the floor in front of their closet until they both just finally give up ... mainly due to the fact I didn't want to run the risk of Jordan getting hungry again and finding something else to put in his mouth and the possible outcome there. Nothing quite like finding out your son tried to swallow a 3/4" screw.
Tonight I can claim success to my boys in proving my life is anything but BORING.
I am just thankful the screw made Jordan throw up and that we have multi-colored Berber carpet.
I am VERY thankful for the watchful eye of a loving Father in Heaven as well.