Boys!

I left Eli naked for 5 minutes after his bath tonight and he peed all over Hannah's bed!!! I don't even know what to say to that!!! Of course he laughed and ran off. Wish I could post pictures of his hinney so I can say "Gotcha Back!!" in about 10 years!

Getting Too Smart For His Own Good

Tuesday evening Hannah had soccer practice. Around 4:45pm I turned off all the televisions in order to give all present the hint that it was time to get ready to go. I was in the kitchen getting water bottles and snacks into the bag and talking with Hannah when I heard the living room television come on. "What in the world?" I thought. Hannah knows how to turn on the sound, but she was in the kitchen with me!! So I headed around the corner and found this:

Apparently Eli wasn't finished watching TV so he carried his time out chair from across the other side of the living room (we're talking a good 20 feet), and around the couches in order to place it smack dab in front of the entertainment center. He then proceeded to press the right button to turn on the sound. By the time I was able to grab the camera to get this shot he was turning around pointing at me, pointing at the TV, and saying watch. You see, the surround sound doesn't turn on the TV, just the sound. I'm screwed when he figures out you have to push the button on the side of the TV to turn it on. Ben, we do have insurance on the TV, right?

Too Cute Not To Post

Monday night I headed to Hannah's book bag to put her homework in her folder and found Sky asleep inside her book bag. This was just too cute not to post!

Ming Would Be So Proud

The cold weather finally kicked in down south for about a 3 day stint. Thursday we were all wearing shorts and tank tops only to wake up Saturday needing pants and a jacket. That's Louisiana for you! Anyway, realizing that if the cold decided to stick around Hannah would need some uniform pants for school (since she didn't own any) so we headed to Target. Of course, as usual, they only had two pairs of pants in her size. Luckily my brain was working that morning and we headed over to the socks area to find some tights that she could wear with her skirts. Then we went and shopped for some new shoes because you can't wear New Balance Tennis Shoes with tights!!! Hannah's Ming would be so proud of me!! (For those of you who don't know, Hannah calls my best friend Chanara "Ming." That is Cami for Aunt. (Cambodian)) Anyway, I know it doesn't look like it in the picture, but Hannah was very excited to wear the tights and mary jane shoes come Monday morning. I was very proud of my ability to go outside my norm. Hopefully one day Hannah will catch the fashion bug from Ming, or Amy, or Andrea and keep up with the trends, but for now she'll have to settle for Mom's half attempts at keeping her "in the now."

15 years ago today

Fifteen years ago today Ben and I were sitting on a bench in a park in my old neighborhood after playing a game of basketball. We were talking about things I don't even remember now, probably random, trivial teenage stuff and gazing at the stars. (I'm a star gazer. I love the night sky especially with a full moon.) We were just sitting there chit chatting when Ben asked, "Do you want to go out?" and I said, "Sure, where do you want to go?" He smiled and laughed a laugh I will come to know so well over the years. It is a smile that reaches all the way to his eyes and a small chuckle that you can barely hear. It is a laugh that says you are so sweet and naive, but I love you anyway. And he said, "No, I mean do you want to go steady." Well, fifteen years together, nearly ten years of marriage, two kids, and as many downs as ups and we are still "going steady." My love for him has changed many times over the years. Growing and maturing into something I can't even find words to explain. It is not the same adoration it was when I was fourteen. It is something more. Something stronger. Something beyond words. He's the love of my life, my best friend, my rock, and the man who is stuck with me for the rest of his life.

Happy Anniversary, I love you.

A Trip to the Park

The weather today was so beautiful that I just could not stay inside any longer. We decided to head to the "train park." Better known as Heritage Park. The kids had a great time even though we didn't stay long because Eli kept trying to sneak over to the water fountains. It barely hit 63 degrees today Boy...I don't think so!!!!

Eli is getting so close to being able to keep up with Hannah.

Hannah in her "rocket ship" for a trip to the moon.
Eli trying out the tractor.
"Blast Off!"

Don't know what he was doing, but a funny picture.

Hannah and Eli actually working together to build something.

Farmer Day

I have been waiting for the day to dress Eli in overalls for nearly 18 months. We had these overalls last year but they were too big. The first cold day of the Fall Season was today. This morning I was nearly excited enough to wake Eli up early just to see him in his overalls. Nearly, but not quite. After dressing him I headed into Hannah's room to get her ready. She was watching Max and Ruby. She took one look at Eli and said "Max wears overalls too. Can I wear overalls?" YES!! I have twinsy kids!! Too funny! They were even willing to pose politely together for a picture. Must have been my lucky morning!

Two Peas on a Horse

One of Hannah's friends from her Pre-K class, Ainsley, and Ainsley's family came over for dinner Friday evening. These two are quickly becoming best pals. I can't decide if that is a good thing or a bad thing. Good because Hannah really needs a close friend that lives close to home. (We love you Xander and Aiden but you live SO far away!) Also good that I love Ainsley's Mom Jennifer. She is quickly becoming a very close friend of mine. Bad because these two girls are VERY smart and I am sure they will shortly take over the world if not by sheer force of stubbornness then by out whiting all of the adults present. It is intriguing to watch them interact because once is always trying to over power the other. It's subtle, but present. Once they start learning to bring their genius together Lord help us all. I am interested to see how things work out between them because I think they will be in classes together often in the future. (Plus Ainsley only lives about 2 minutes from our house.)

Wiggle Room

My friend Jennifer and I headed to the newest kiddie spot in Slidell, The Wiggle Room Friday morning for some indoor and dry fun. The place is just awesome!! The owner really went all out. Not pinching pennies anywhere. Although I will say that after about an hour Eli had rooted his way through pretty much the entire place and was getting bored. The Wiggle Room is definitely more of artsy place than a rough and tumble place. They had a wonderful play kitchen area, and a store to go grocery shopping. A large area for dress up and pretend. Blocks and art supplies galore. But not a lot of riding toys or balls or climbing. I can't wait to take Hannah. She will have a blast. And I will bring Eli back. He'll just have to adjust his total "All Boy" persona for a little "girly" time!!!!

My friend Jennifer took these pictures (I forgot my camera yet again). They take a very long time to load, so I plan to upload the rest to our shutterfly site and then add a link here to the shutterfly site later.

So Grown Up

I think Hannah's friend Ainsley is starting to rub off on her. She wore a head band in her hair twice this past week. I've been trying to get her to wear them for two years!! Anyway, look how grown up she looks in this picture!! Where has the time gone? She is so beautiful!

Evening Painting

Wednesday night we decided to bust out the water paints and have a little fun. Eventually, Eli decided that paint brushes were for wimps and chose his pointer finger instead. The mess wasn't too bad...I guess! :-) (Oh, and the bump above his left eye is from the tray under our coffee table.)

Grandpa Needs to Pick up His Stuff

I just hung up the phone with my Dad. I had called to tell him to check out the video I posted earlier of Hannah "reading." While on the phone with him I mentioned to Hannah that Grandpa had taken Delilah (his dog) to the vet this morning because she cut her paw. Hannah asked if she was ok. I told her that yes she was fine because the vet put a band aid on it. Hannah asked how she hurt her paw. In my ear my Dad was explaining that Delilah had done something to the base of her nail and it was infected. Well, I didn't think Hannah would understand that so I told Hannah that we weren't sure what Delilah stepped on to hurt her paw. Hannah's response, "She must have stepped on something sharp and pointy. Grandpa needs to pick up his stuff!! I pick up my room."

Hearing this response my Dad says into the phone, "I'm in trouble aren't I? You didn't throw me under the bus, you just allowed me to stay there." I couldn't help but laugh!!!

Hannah Reading (well sort of)

Amazing isn't it?? Too bad she isn't really reading! Actually she has the entire book memorized nearly word for word. This is one of four that she can "read." Her brain astounds me!!

An Alter Ego Emerges

I have mentioned a few times on the blog as of late that my sweet, loving, little, angel boy has run full throttle into his terrible twos at only 22 months. It is a thing of marvel really. Over the past maybe two months I have seen such a change in his personality. I can remember just a few months ago introducing him to a new member of my Mom's group as "a near perfect child if he would just sleep all night." How funny that statement seems now!

My sweet baby boy was born Elijah Benjamin Kreemer, but we decided that Elijah just didn't fit. He was too cute and sweet. No, he just wasn't Elijah so we called him Eli. I LOVE the name Eli, and it fit him so perfectly. He was laid back, pretty quiet, and tolerable of almost anything.

Now enter Elijah, the alter ego!! I noticed a few days ago that the name Elijah is leaving my lips more and more. (Eli is referred to as Elijah whenever he is misbehaving.) It was at that moment that I realized that his alter ego, Elijah, has taken over for my sweet Eli for a time. Elijah throws fits. A LOT. If I try to take him somewhere he does not wish to go he goes limp and lays on the floor. (No big deal you say. Pick him up and take him anyway you say!! The Boy weighs 35 pounds!! I only weigh 115 pounds!! He is going to out weigh me by the time he is six if he keeps this up!!) If I tell him no and he is holding something in his hand he throws it at me. If I am holding him and I tell him no HE SLAPS ME IN THE FACE. If I tell him no and I am not close enough for either of these things to happen he will throw whatever he is holding or he will find something to throw. Elijah is extremely strong. He can already do a pull up. Seriously. He doesn't turn two until December. If he has something, and you want to take it from him, you better be ready for a struggle. Terrible Twos SUCK!

Am I over stating things a bit? Um...well...probably. BUT the statements above are all true. They just may not be happening all at the same time. I miss Eli. I miss The Boy who didn't fight when I try to put him in his car seat. I miss the boy who was content for Mommy to hold him and wasn't fighting to get down to terrorize something or someone. YES, I know I need to accept the change and move on, but can't a Mom dream a little!!??!! I was expecting another year of the sweet little guy....now I wonder how many years Elijah is going to be in charge.

Circus Fun

Sometime after lunch yesterday my friend Jennifer sent me an email asking if I planned to take the kids to the circus. (Cole Bros. Circus is in town this week.) I asked, "Are you nuts??" (Just kidding.) I explained that Ben is out of town and there was NO WAY I was going to the circus with both of my children by myself. Well, correction, there was NO WAY I was taking Eli to the circus. (He has jumped into his terrible twos at full speed these past few weeks.) Well some how Jennifer convinced her husband to leave work early to watch both Eli and their baby girl Evelyn. Jennifer must have great powers of persuasion because Ben would have laughed in my ear if I had called him with that request!!

Honestly I was quite nervous to leave Eli with Ray. Eli is such a handful especially in a new place where he feels the need to climb on everything and discover every nook and cranny. BUT, I NEVER get to do anything with just me and Hannah, so I accepted the gracious offer and we made our plans.

The early Circus show started at 4:30pm. Hannah and Ainsley don't get off the bus until 3:30pm. It was a race to get Hannah off the bus, into the car, over to Jennifer's house, drop Eli off with quick instructions to Ray, switch cars, and head over to the Circus. But we did it!!

And $34 later I was beginning to think it was for no reason. This Cirucs was very...um....well...unimpressive upon first inspection. I was nervous that we went through all the rushing and money for nothing...BUT..as usual my negativity was for nothing because the show was wonderful. It lasted about 2 hours and the kids had a blast!! I enjoyed it as well. The smile on Hannah's face and the light in her awes was incredible. A lot of the stunts they were doing REALLY scared me, but Hannah would just say, "Mommy, he'll be fine. It's ok." She is so old for her age sometimes.

I do regret that we didn't have more money. There were elephant rides, camel rides, pony rides, face painting, etc., etc. And Hannah asked over and over again, but I just didn't have the money to add to the already expensive adventure. She still had a great time, but what an opportunity to ride an elephant??

One Sick Boy

Eli has been sort of sick all week. I say sort of because it's not a normal sickness. He has diarrhea, stuffy nose, cough, he sounds like he needs to spit a lugy out of his chest, a small, low grade fever that comes and goes, and he goes from whiny and clingy to fine from one moment to the next. And strangest of all...he's sleeping. I called the doctor on Thursday, explained the symptoms, and she said that as long as he is drinking, peeing, and playing let's see how he does over the next few days. Well, that's fine, but she's not the one changing a nasty diaper and clothes several times a day. I hate not knowing what is wrong with my baby. I thought maybe teething, but he has all of his teeth. Maybe 2 year molers? I don't know, but I will probably be calling the doctor again on Monday to discuss this again. Hopefully she'll see us.....and I will probably be bringing one of his nasty diapers, cause you know they never act sick in front of the doctor!!!!! (I'm kidding....maybe.)

So Much Love

Hannah was in no mood for soccer this morning, and the game started at 9am. Do you know what you get when you combine a grumpy 4-year-old, a stressed out Mom, and a 9am soccer game?? DRAMA!!! Once we finally arrived at the game after many spits and spats I realized I dressed her in the wrong color jersey and I didn't have the white one with me. Luckily another team member had a white jersey handy for one of their older kids. Once we got all of that settled, Hannah began with the "I'm tired." "I want to quit." drama. My response, "You wanted to play soccer, so go play." After a few minutes she got into the spirit and started having fun. One of the best moments ever happened during the 3rd quarter in the middle of a short stop in play she yelled, "I LOVE YOU!" Just awesome. I am so happy that she is finally enjoying soccer. I just want her to have fun.

Zoo Day

Hannah was off of school on Friday for the end of the nine weeks, so we decided to head to the zoo. My mother in law had asked me to watch Hannah's cousins, Noah, Sara, and Jennifer, so I borrowed the van and we all went!! Yep, I'm nuts!!! Me and 5 kids at the zoo on a Friday!!!

It was VERY hot (strange considering it was October 9th!!!!), but all the kids were well behaved with the exception of Hannah. She did everything she could do to misbehave from whining to disappearing at one point. We couldn't find her for nearly 7 minutes, and I have to tell you that when I found her I didn't know if I should hug her or beat her. We have a new rule at our house that when ever Hannah doesn't listen or misbehaves she owes me a toy. Yesterday evening she gave me 15 toys. Nough said.

My wonderful friend Amy took some great pictures with her new camera lens that her Hubby bought her for their anniversary. Here are a few of the pictures:

Eli's Computer Skills

Yesterday morning I was cleaning the bathroom and walked back toward the kitchen to put the cleaners away and found this:

I put the computer up on the highest point of the desk hoping that Eli won't bang on it. I also ALWAYS close it since his last little computer adventure where he turned the display side ways and I had to google how to fix it. (I'm still not sure why Windows Vista has that option.) AND, the computer was turned off since I had finished what I need to do earlier. Unfortunately my not even two year old has figured out how to turn the *#$% thing on. I know it's not showing in the picture, but the display is at the screen asking you to select an operating system!!! Thank goodness I arrived before any damage was done. (Also notice that he is using the mouse!!!) Guess I'm going to have to start locking the computer up with the glue, crayons, scissors, markers, play dough, paper,......well, just about everything.

Letter to Santa

Ben has started harassing Hannah about what she wants for Christmas. The list was interesting. A clock that runs so the cats could chase it. A rat that runs so the cats can chase it. A car, just like hers, but painted like spider man for Eli so that they could race. A ball that bounces "all by itself." We decided she need to write all of these things down so we could send the list to Santa Claus. Below is her note.

Snow Dream

Hannah woke up this morning in a mood as usual. (She and I are not morning people, where Eli wakes up with a freakin smile on his face.) But after a few moments a light started sparkling in her eyes (really). She said, "Mommy, I dreamed of snow last night. It was so beautiful and soft." Me, "Did you make snow angels?" Hannah, "Yep, and I made snow balls and through them over Eli's head and he was like (she moved her head with her eyes looking upward)." Me, "Well, I guess we'll have to talk to Daddy about taking you to see some snow." Hannah, "Yep." With a far off dreamy look in her eyes.

Monsters vs. Aliens

The movie "Monsters vs. Aliens" came out this past Tuesday, and Ben asked me to purchase it. I was excited and hopeful that maybe I could possibly get to stop watching "Bolt" over and over and over. Now, nearly 5 days later, I'm sick of "Monsters vs. Aliens" over and over and over. By the time Ben arrived home from his trip I had already seen the movie about 20 times. Of course, Ben had not yet seen it, so I was forced to endure it again. At least the kids were able to spend some time with Daddy, right?

Brown or Gray

Hannah was "doing" Ben's hair this morning (where she basically sprays his hair with water and combs it), when I heard the following:

Hannah: Rubbing both hands all over Ben's head as if she were rubbing shampoo in it. "I'm making your hair brown Daddy."

Ben: "My hair is brown baby."

Hannah: "No it's not, it's gray."

Lazy Friday

Hannah had the day off of school today for the Parish Fair Holiday. Yep....only in Louisiana! Our initial plan was to meet a few friends at the Zoo and spend the day checking out animals, but the weather did not support these plans. We woke up to a rainy, cloudy morning. Normally, I probably would have headed out anyway because the rain was supposed to clear up after lunch, but today I just didn't have the energy to deal with Eli in open spaces with countless rain puddles. Some days I just can't go there. So we decided to hang out at home instead.

The morning was filled with cleaning up Hannah's ridiculously chaotic room. After her room was at least safe to walk through I sorted through her clothes. (The amount of clothing this child has is incredible....all hand me downs, but still over abundant!) Then we completed a few other minor cleaning jobs throughout the house, ate lunch, and put Eli down for a nap (which he desperately needed).

All the fun started after Eli's nap. We decided to play hide and seek. One of my favorite games. And both kids were really getting into it. Hannah is finally at an age where she doesn't hide in the same spot over and over and over....and she is capable of finding her own hiding spots. So the game is finally great fun for me too! Eli was adorable. After a few rounds he caught on to what we were doing and actually started to stay quiet whenever Hannah or I would hide him somewhere. But, as with everything, eventually their attention spans wavered and it was time for something else. I decided to brave play dough. Don't get me wrong. Play dough is wonderful, but a questionable play time for Eli. I sat him on the table to hopefully reduce the mess on the floor and put Hannah in charge of making sure he didn't eat any. All in all, things went well. Eli spent the entire thirty minutes or so torturing his sister as much as possible while Hannah spent the time screaming at the top of her lungs at Eli. You know, normal brother-sister stuff. Honestly it wasn't all that bad, but I did have to intervene a few times.

After play dough was cleaned up we headed out back for a few minutes where the fighting escalated into beating each with bats. I lost my patience and we headed back in where Hannah was parked in front of the computer, and Eli was parked in front of the TV. Mommy was hiding in the bathroom.

A few moments of quiet time for all seem to settle us all down and we are now eating popcorn (Hannah) and goldfish (Eli), drinking our milk, and watching Horton Hears a Who. I love times like these. Real family times where everyone is just enjoying each other's company...now if we could just get Ben home long enough to enjoy it along with us!!

Morning at the Park

This morning Eli and I headed to a park in Pearl River to meet with our Superkids of Slidell Mom's group. The park was very nice, with lots of shade, and an amazing array of play ground items. It had a little bit of everything and Eli truly enjoyed it. We will definitely be going back!