Look who's on the move

My baby boy has decided that it's finally time to crawl. I use the word "finally" loosely as I was really in no hurry for him to crawl, and was actually a little bit grateful that he was taking his sweet time, but knew that it was about that time (and I didn't want to get chewed out by the pediatrician for him being late)so I'm proud of him for figuring it out. Now I just have to figure out what to do with the slightly larger boy in the background of this picture (aka Jack) who is a little frustrated with Bradley's new found freedom.

Bradley has been awfully cranky the last couple of weeks (which is TOTALLY not like him) due to his frustration of not being able to move. So, even though this means I will have to make sure all ingestible items are picked up off the floor, I am happy for him (and me) that he is back to his normal cheery self. He is such a delightful little fellow but doesn't get much blog time so here's another cute picture of him just for fun.

10 months old

A trip to the Fire Station

I was able to go on a field trip to the fire station with Brooklyn's school. We walked all the way from the school. My jab was to stand in front of the mailboxes so that 22 oblivious 4 year olds wouldn't go home with someones address imprinted on their forehead.

The fireman had Mrs. Herman dress up in his fire gear. The kids thought that was pretty hilarious.

Sorry, this is a little blurry but here is the whole class about to be run over by a fire engine.

And of course, it wouldn't be a true field trip without a picture of Brooklyn with her buddy Logan.

We had lots of fun. Thanks to Stephanie for watching my boys so I could have a fun time with just Brooklyn. I really think that I was destined to be a preschool teacher...or maybe just a preschooler...it is so much fun being with these cute kids!

More birthday

Grandma came to town so we decided to really celebrate Jack's birthday. The measly little cupcake on his actual birthday wasn't quite celebration enough. So, as per Jack's request, we made a train cake. I debated for a long time on how I wanted to do it but finally decided to let the kids be involved and we would do a train cake gingerbread house style.

Hard at work. Each of us had our own train car to decorate...although I think more of the candy went into our bellies rather than on the cake.

Here's the birthday boy with the finished product.

Sorry, I'm too lazy to turn this picture. Just tilt your head to the right for a top view of the Birthday Express.

3 whole years

Would anyone like to know what I was doing 3 years ago today? I was cuddling my brand new baby boy! (and looking terribly pale)

Jack Timothy Bowen

7 pounds 4 ounces

This one is my all time favorite picture of Jack!

This boy is a classic. Without a doubt he is the spice in this family. I can't get enough of his charming personality. It's hard to believe that he's already 3! We love you Jack!

Rodeo Day

Well, this is a little late - but my life has gotten considerably busier lately so I do apologize to anyone that may have been concerned about my absence and welfare. I have many activities to blog about and have missed my old friend The Blog.

Anyway....

About, oh, you know, a MONTH ago Brooklyn had rodeo day at school. I LOVE that her teacher invites parents and siblings to come and enjoy the parties and fun at the school. (Confession: I am bitterly jealous that my daughters teachers get to spend so much time with her watching her learn. Ok, maybe not BITTERLY jealous, but I have LOVED the times I have volunteered.)

Ok, I'll move on. Here are a few pics from her killer Rodeo Party

Look at that girl go! She's roping a steer with the help of her awesome teacher, Mrs. Herman.

Logan and Brooklyn on their trusty steeds.

All the little cowboy's and girls chowing down on some fabulous trail mix after panning for gold.

We all had a fabulous time.

P.S. What an awesome teacher to spend all that time making those horses for the kids. She's the coolest!

Genocide

Yes, I am considering Genocide. If one more nasty, rotten little ANT dares to enter the confines of my sanctuary - we might both go up in flames.

Any tips?

My dad said to pour gasoline on them and then light it on fire. It would probably make me feel better...but I'm sure it's got to be against some city fire code...and I don't think I'd like to be featured in a newspaper article titled;

Unidentifiable woman dies when her house explodes due to ant invasion

Seriously though, I can't take it anymore.

Please help.

I want to be her friend

Brooklyn continues to amaze me. This girl absolutely has the kindest heart of anyone I know. She does anything and everything for her family, friends - anyone.

Here's a classic example.

The other day Brooklyn & Jack had some friends over for a picnic. I brought out the food and their friend (who shall remain nameless, but we adore) :) informed me that he didn't like skin on his apples.

"Well," I told him, "sorry, I don't peel apples so just eat down to the skin."

I went into the house to get my chair to join them. As I was walking back out I hear this,

"Hey Brooklyn - I don't like skin on my apples. Will you peel it off for me?"

"Sure!" she says.

And so she happily started peeling the skin off of his apples with her fingers.

Piece by piece. Apple slice after slice.

This kind of thing is not uncommon for this girl. She LOVES to serve, nurture, and take care of everyone around her. She will always give up a toy or do what she can to make people happy. She tells me all the time that it makes her feel so good to make people happy. She loves giving gifts (I have to watch her sometimes - she might give away my car), and she is genuinely concerned about others before herself. I couldn't help but think about this today - being Mother's Day. As a mother, I honestly think that if I could pick a trait for my child to be wonderful at, this would be it. I see no selfishness in her. She is a really good example and reminder to me of how I should and want to be. She is the absolute best friend, big sister, and daughter. Keep it up Brooklyn - you are quite a girl!

Small disclaimer - just in case you think she is perfect - her and Jack certainly have their moments. This is certainly not a sibling-fight-free home. Hmmm...that would be nice.