This was a good thing... right?

On Sunday, Jake and Owen went on an adventure to bring us home a new pet.  (Since his first pet, Sharky, the goldfish, died after 2 days.)  They came home with two hermit crabs.  The painted one is named "Turnie" and the non-painted one is "Curnie".  We don't get the names either.

Owen has been very excited about this new addition to our family and proudly shows it to any visitors we have.  However this morning was another story.

Daddy and Owen were taking the water and food bowls out of the cage to clean and refill.  Owen asked to hold "Turnie", which he has on several occasions.  This time didn't go the way Owen wanted.  Maybe a minute after Daddy put the crab on his eager open hand, I saw him tense up and open his mouth to scream.  Our beloved pet decided to pinch Owen on the hand.  We quickly got the crab off his hand and back in the cage, but Owen was devastated.  It took at least 15 minutes to calm him down.  He couldn't understand why his pet would do something so mean to him.  What did he do?

So as not to leave any of you hanging, our home is calm again and the pinch mark is gone.  We still love our new family members, but we are going to be a little more cautious.

Meow!

Last week we took a trip to my mom's farm.  It was the first time either of my kids have been to a farm, besides the one at the zoo.  They rode on the gator, explored the creek, saw baby ducks, ate watermelon and best of all... played with the baby kittens!  Ever since that trip, Allison has been saying "Meow" and "Kitty".  I predict we will own a cat someday in my future.

When I grow up...

Today Owen told mommy and daddy that he wants to turn the "Ping-Pong" room into a school where he can teach kids.  He has plans to paint the walls to look like a jungle.  The kids can play on the equipment and eat their lunch and snacks upstairs at table.  He thinks he is going to be a great teacher, but school will be in mommy and daddy's basement.  Those of you who have known me since I was little will find this funny and familiar.  Those of you who know me now recognize the planner in mini-me.

Last night Allison was in full on wrestle mania with Owen and daddy.  At one point she pushed Owen over and body slammed on top of him.  I guess the WWE will need strong female role models.  So much for our delicate flower:)

All Worth It...

Night terrors, freak-outs, sleep deprivation, growing pains...I've read about them all and yet it still upsets me a little to have to go through an episode with my son in the middle of the night listening to him scream/cry at me with random bursts that make no sense.

Tonight it only lasted about 15 minutes, while I played his relaxing music he sat in the corner of his room rocking and screaming off and on.  Finally, I asked him if he wanted me to pick him up and put him back into bed.  That I would rub his legs, just like I do for daddy.  Between sighs he says that he would like that.  So I pick him up and lay him down.  He rolls with his back to me, so I start slowly rubbing one leg and then the other.  I cover him with his blanket and he slowly rolls onto his back with his eyes shut.  He looks like an angel, even though I feel like hell.  I whisper, "I love you".  Then it happens, while he is laying there with his eyes still closed, he whispers, "I love you, too."

I slowly raise myself off the floor by his bed, close his bedroom door and walk back to my room in the dark.  I will do this as many times as I need to, he is my angel, my son and I love him.

What a girl wants...

I went to Bunco last night feeling like I needed some time with my girlfriends, but not feeling totally into it.  I had to take my two angels with me and any changes to their routines irks me a little.  But I am so glad I did go!  My children were fine and didn't need me too much.  And it always feels good to have adult conversations and learn new things about friends.

When I got home and my babies were asleep, I sat and glowed in the happy thoughts of how lucky I am to have the girlfriends that I have in my life.  Each one contributes something amazing to make me who I am.  Even my sister, mother, grandmother and best friends from my past.  Whether it is a quick visit or text chats or even phone calls, my days are better having them a part of it.  So I would like to send a "Shout Out" and a thank you to each and every one of you.  Thanks!

Favorite part of the day...

Tonight I was able to capture a few moments that I am lucky to experience almost every night.  Some fortunate ones out there have been in my shoes and given my two children a bath together.  There is just something magical about their innocence while playing together.  I want them to stay this age forever.  I guess I will always have memories and these few moments I was able to capture in pictures.

SPF Cool!

On the way to dinner last night, Owen put on his sun glasses for the ride there.  I turned around and took his picture.  I told him he looked so big.  His response, "I look good and they protect my eyes from the sun."